Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Royal Rumble Results & Report! (1/26/2020)
Houston, we have a Rumble.
Can the Beast run the gauntlet?
Royal Rumble 2020 looks to make history! Not because it is WWE’s first PPV of the new decade, but because the Rumbles STARTS with Lesnar!! Will the reigning, defending, undisputed WWE Heavyweight Champion of the World conquer the Royal Rumble?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kickoff Show: Sheamus VS Chad Gable; Sheamus wins.
- Kickoff Show: WWE United States Championship: Andrade Almas w/ Zelina Vega VS Humberto Carrillo; Almas wins and retains the WWE United States Championship.
- Falls Count Anywhere Match: Roman Reigns VS Baron Corbin; Reigns wins.
- Women’s Royal Rumble: Charlotte Flair wins and will challenge for a Women’s Championship.
- SmackDown Women’s Championship: Bayley VS Lacey Evans; Bayley wins and retains the SmackDown Women’s Championship.
- WWE Universal Championship Strap Match: The Fiend, Bray Wyatt VS Daniel Bryan; The Fiend wins and retains the WWE Universal Championship.
- Raw Women’s Championship: Becky Lynch VS Asuka w/ Kairi Sane; Lynch wins and retains the Raw Women’s Championship.
- Men’s Royal Rumble: Drew McIntyre wins and will challenge for a world championship.
PLAY BY PLAY
It’s the Royal Rumble Kickoff Show!
The Road to WrestleMania officially begins as we join Jonathan Coachman, Charly Caruso, David Otunga and Captain Charisma, Christian, recap and predict everything here in Houston! At the same time, Sam Roberts is with Renee Young and Booker T along the ramp. Everyone is feeling the energy, but will Houston’s own return to the ring in the Royal Rumble itself?
Backstage interview with Bayley!
The not-so-huggable SmackDown Women’s Champion is in no mood. Adorable corn dog commercials aside, Lacey Evans just doesn’t stop getting up when Bayley knocks her down. Is she concerned at all? What? Is everyone buying into the facade? Lacey’s trying to inspire someone sounds familiar, doesn’t it? Bayley’s been there, done that, but life doesn’t work that way. Bayley will show Lacey that dreams don’t come true. And her little brat, Summer, will get to see it for herself! Will Bayley trample all over the dreams of a hard-working mother and Marine?
Kickoff Show: Sheamus VS Chad Gable!
The Celtic Warrior has returned! And he doesn’t look to just kick off the in-ring action, but he looks to kick the heads off of any man that doesn’t measure up to his standards. Will Shorty G show him that there’s nothing Sheamus can do to crush his larger than life spirit?
The bell rings and Sheamus circles with Gable. They tie up, Gable gets a leg but Sheamus throws him off with ease. Gable gets back up and has Houston on his side as he gets a waistlock. Sheamus throws Gable off again, but Gable gets back up. Another circle, Gable wrenches to a wristlock, but Sheamus grabs at hair. Sheamus throws big forearms and wrenches Gable back. Gable endures the wristlock, rolls, bridges, handsprings, but Sheamus just throws him down by his hair! Sheamus gets a headlock takeover but Gable headscissors out. Sheamus tries again but Gable again headscissors. Gable headlocks to reverse roles, but Sheamus denies the takeover to then run Gable over! Sheamus clubs Gable but Gable waistlocks. They end up on the ropes and the ref calls for a break, but Sheamus elbows out hard.
Sheamus throws uppercuts and whips Gable corner to corner. Gable goes up and over then dodges to crossbody Sheamus and himself out of the ring! Fans fire up as Gable throws hands on Sheamus. Sheamus hits back and they brawl outside the ring. Sheamus knees and clubs Gable then puts him in the ring. Gable gets around Sheamus, O’Conner roll, TWO! Gable trips Sheamus and has the leg! Sheamus kicks Gable away to a corner, then rams him into the post! Gable staggers into Sheamus’ scoop, shoulder breaker! Gable’s ear is also bleeding, so he’ll be showing the marks from this match sure enough. Sheamus gets Gable to the ropes, and stomps away on Gable’s arms! Gable goes to a corner but Sheamus pulls his arm against the ropes. Sheamus stops at the ref’s count of 4 but he’s right back on the arms.
Gable still throws punches and CHOPS to back Sheamus down. Gable run but into a big elbow! Sheamus grabs the arm for a mounted key lock, torturing the arm of Gable. Royal Rumble goes picture in picture as Gable endures the armlock. Sheamus keeps pulling back on the arm but Gable fights his way up. Gable throws body shots but Sheamus throws him back down. Gable endures as Sheamus pulls on the fingers as hard as he can! We return to single picture as Sheamus shifts back to the keylock. Fans rally up as Gable fights to his feet. Gable throws hands and stomps and gets free, only for Sheamus to jam his arm! Sheamus clobbers Gable down then soaks up the heat in Houston. Sheamus drags Gable around to stomp those arms again. Sheamus stands over Gable to torture the arm more! The fingers are bending back so far and Gable can’t get free.
Sheamus keeps on the hand but fans rally behind Gable. Gable CHOPS and forearms and stomps to get free! Gable gets the leg, but Sheamus throws him out of the ring! Gable is right back but Gable kicks the arm! Sheamus turns Gable around on the ropes to stop beating Gable’s chest like a drum! Sheamus goes all the way to 10 and then past that! Sheamus lets Gable go and Gable flops to the floor. Sheamus keeps beating Gable in the chest on the outside! Sheamus drags Gable into the ring and shouts, “Are you not entertained?!” Houston is actually fairly entertained. Sheamus kicks Gable around on the ground and tells Gable, “You’re a rat! You don’t belong in this ring!” Sheamus sees Shorty G as a disease, but Gable CHOPS him back! And SLAPS him in the face! And again!
Gable throws big forearms, Sheamus shoves but Gable kicks him back! Sheamus reels Gable in, Gable lands on his feet out of the suplex, and dropkicks Sheamus’ legs out! Sheamus is frustrated that Gable is giving him this much of a fight. Gable CHOPS and CHOPS again! Gable backs Sheamus into a corner and fires off, then hits a rolling heel kick! And another! Gable sits Sheamus down and stomps away on his leg! Gable is getting back on Sheamus for all the arm torture! Gable fires up and fans fire up with him. Gable goes corner to corner, for another rolling kick! Gable climbs up top but Sheamus rises, and catches the moonsault! But Gable turns it into a tornado DDT! Gable hurries back up with Sheamus down, MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO!! Sheamus still lives and Gable can’t believe it.
Gable stalks up behind Sheamus but Sheamus elbows the waistlock away. Sheamus knees Gable in that bad ear, but Gable dodges the boot to waistlock, roll and CHAOS THEORY!! Cover, TWO!?! Sheamus survives but Gable is after that leg! Gable tweaks the knee over and over, but Sheamus grabs ropes. Sheamus crawls to the apron, hotshots an arm, then hotshots Gable! Gable flings off the ropes and Sheamus hobbles up top. Sheamus leaps, into an ANKLE LOCK! Gable pulls on the leg but Sheamus kicks with the other. Gable lets go but then runs corner to corner, and drops under the Brogue to get the leg again! Gable has the Ankle Lock again but Sheamus still uses the free leg. It’s not enough as Gable holds on! Gable wrenches the foot but Sheamus gets the ROPEBREAK!
Gable stomps and punches Sheamus in the ring, then brings him up. The ref tells them to break but Sheamus kicks the bad arm! And hoists Gable up, but Gable swings to crucifix pin! TWO, BROGUE!! Sheamus covers, Sheamus wins!
Winner: Sheamus, by pinfall
The Fella is back! Gable put up a fight that was pound for pound bigger, but that still wasn’t enough to stop Sheamus. Will Sheamus continue to kick heads off as he continues his return?
Kickoff Show: WWE United States Championship: Andrade Almas w/ Zelina Vega VS Humberto Carrillo!
El Idolo looked to destroy the legacy of Rey Mysterio once and for all, but Ultimo Ninja put a stop to that! Now, Carrillo has a shot at El Campeon for the title. Will we have un campeon nuevo? Or will Almas and Zelina find a way to come away with the gold again?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and this heated title match in Houston begins!
Almas shoves Carrillo, Carrillo shoves Almas, and then they tie up. Almas waistlocks and throws Carrillo down, but Carrillo slips out to switch. Almas switches back, Carrillo escapes a headlock but so does Almas. Carrillo sweeps and covers, ONE, Almas knocks Carrillo down but Carrillo avoids the stomp! Fans fire up after seeing that fast and furious exchange but the two fire off again! Almas kicks and haymakers but Carrillo dodges in the corner. Carrillo comes back, handsprings off the ropes and arm-drags Almas away! Carrillo hurries after Almas and handsprings again for another arm-drag! Almas bails out but Carrillo builds speed, and slides over the top of Almas. Almas puts Carrillo on the apron and sweeps the legs! Carrillo lands hard, but he ducks a clothesline to kick Almas back!
Carrillo gets in the ring, swings a dropkick back out, then goes to the corner. Almas hurries after and shoves Carrillo right off! Houston boos but Zelina cheers as Almas goes after Carrillo. Almas brings Carrillo up to CHOP as we go picture in picture again. Almas puts Carrillo in the ring to stomp around. Almas throws forearms but Carrillo kicks back. Almas climbs up and brings Carrillo in with a dragon sleeper, for an inverted tornado DDT! Cover, TWO, and Zelina argues with the ref. Almas shouts he es El Campeon, then he stomps Carrillo more. Almas runs and basement dropkicks Carrillo back down! Carrillo crawls to ropes but Almas brings him up for a draping armbar! The ref counts and Almas lets go at 4, to then stomp Carrillo down more.
Almas wrenches Carrillo’s arm and grinds him into the mat, but fans rally up. Carrillo fights up and out but Almas just wrangles him abck down for another armlock. Carrillo endures and fans rally up, even as Almas leans back. Carrillo fights up again and throws body shots until he’s free. Carrillo runs, wheelbarrows and arm-drags Almas, but Almas comes back with a hard elbow! Almas catches his breath while fans boo. Almas drags Carrillo up for big forearms and a CHOP! Carrillo CHOPS back so Almas knees low. Almas whps but Carrillo kicks back and springboards high, only for Almas to throw him onto the mat! Almas wraps up the legs and rolls for a modified surfboard cover, TWO! Almas tries again, TWO!
Carrillo bridges out of this move, but Almas uses the arms to hoist him up! Carrillo sunset flips, TWO, and Almas kicks low. Almas wants to be Latino Heat but Carrillo slips out. Carrillo elbows and runs, and handsprings out of the back drop to crossbody! Carrillo rolls, kicks and enziguris! Almas is down and fans fire up! Fans rally as Carrillo somersault moonsaults, but onto knees! Almas has Carrillo in a corner, stomps a mudhole into Carrillo, then runs corner to corner. Fans boo but Carrillo follows! Almas puts Carrillo on the apron, blocks a kick and forearms back, but then Carrillo jumps up and over the baseball slide to ASAI MOONSAULT! Direct hit wipes both men out and Zelina is panicking!
Both men are down as the ring count begins, but Carrillo gets Almas up and in at 5. Carrillo aims, springboards, and cradlse to a cover! ONE, crucifix, TWO! Almas kicks low again and insists he’ll hit the hat trick. Uno amigo! Dos amigos! But Almas brags for too long, Carrillo gets the third amigo! Carrillo heads up top, MOONSAULT, but sees the boots coming! Almas ducks his counter kick to school boy Carrillo into buckles! Zelina fires up and fans rally as Almas runs corner to corner. CIEN SHADOWS! Cover, TWO!! Carrillo survives but Almas just grins. Zelina is upset but Almas gets to his feet. Zelina coaches Almas as he drags Carrill up. Hammerlock but cradle counter! TWO, and Almas ROCKS Carrillo with rights! But Carrillo gives them back!
Almas forearms, Carrillo wobbles, but Carrillo hits back! Almas CHOPS, Carrillo CHOPS back! And again! Almas throws forearms, runs but into a SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO!! Almas survives and Carrillo can’t believe it! Carrillo gets up, somersaults and moonsaults! Cover, TWO! Carrillo keeps his focus as he drags Almas up. Carrillo throws a forearm as they’re both on their knees. Almas CHOPS back! Carrillo and Almas continue to brawl, and Almas throws elbows from all sides. Almas runs, ducks a kick, but Carrillo sees the boot and elbow coming. Almas ducks the kick and the enziguri but Carrillo whips, only for Almas to reverse. Carrillo goes up and out to the apron, elbows Almas back, then climbs up top! Almas ROCKS Carrillo with an enziguri first!
Almas climbs up now, drags Carrillo up to join him, and fans anticipate something crazy as both men CHOP each other. Carrillo stands up, and SUPER STEINERS Almas down! Carrillo crawls to a cover, TWO!! Almas survives and Zelina is stressed but relieved. Fans rally up as Carrillo crawls after Almas. Carrillo brings Almas up and around, but Almas jawbreakers! Carrillo kicks and fireman’s carries, but Almas slips out. Carrillo lands on his feet out of the back suplex, then huricanranas for a cover, but Almas sunset flips through! Almas wins!!
Winner: Andrade Almas, by pinfall; still WWE United States Champion
Even Zelina is shocked! El Idolo stays El Campeon, and Carrillo is beside himself! Will Carrillo ever get even with Almas? Will Almas be stopped on the Road to WrestleMania?
R-Truth heads to the ring!
But Booker, Renee and Roberts stop him. Where is he going? The ring. For what? The Rumble! But it’s not even happening yet, this is the kickoff show. And didn’t Truth say he’d stay out because of Brock? Wait is Booker and them not in the Rumble? No! But Truth says Lesnar may have taken him to Sioux Falls, but here’s a spoiler: Paul Heyman talks the whole match. But Truth, you said you weren’t going to compete. Maybe 2021 but not this year. The affidavits he gets confuse him. What affidavits? Well first they say Truth is in but then he’s not, and then there’s “stigmulations” of Truth, Heyman and Lesnar.
Well Truth knows what Lesnar can do, so why would he want back in? Truth ain’t going nowhere with Lesnar. Sioux Falls- NO this is Houston. H-Town! But Truth is sure it’ll go different this time. He’s reppin’ his childhood hero, John Cena. You Can’t See Me! Um… How is…? Well, Truth did his campaigning for the Rumble, but whether or not he’s in it, let’s wait and see who can stand up to The Beast.
Backstage interview with Charlotte Flair!
The Queen was in the previous Women’s Royal Rumble, only to be surprised just like everyone else by Becky Lynch jumping in and winning it all. “Last year, I think I let my emotions get the better of me.” Charlotte obsessed over that match and that WrestleManai sign moment. She could feel it, until she couldn’t. This year, she sees differently. She doesn’t see 29 competitors, just numbers. When they look at Charlotte, they will only see the Queen. Will Charlotte get back on the Road to WrestleMania here tonight?
Backstage interview with Kofi Kingston!
He’s back in the Men’s Royal Rumble match! The Royal Rumble is so exciting because it is the one-way ticket to WrestleMania! Kofimania got going around this time last year, but that’s the past. What matters tonight is the Rumble! Does Kofi have his number? He doesn’t! That’s okay because that’s the excitement of this match! Kofi stays ready, he wants back into WrestleMania. Does the New Day have a strategy? Of course, it’s being a team! And everyone always wonders, “What if it’s just you two?” Then ring the bell, because when one wins, we all win! Woods doesn’t need to even be in the Rumble to win it with his boys. Tonight is a big night, but will Kofi and/or Big E punch their ticket to the main event?
Let the countdown begin!
“Hear that? Time’s up.” The Royal Rumble match “ain’t no walk in the park.” Whether you’re first, last, man, woman, big, small, “Beast or Queen,” this is the biggest opportunity you’ll ever have. And even if you’re on top as a champion now, there are so many people coming after you, that could all change in one night. The Man VS The Empress. The Fiend VS The Movement. History and glory come with victory as you “show them other sum-bishes” what you’re made off. This is Texas, where everything is bigger and badder. So what are you here for? Because we’re here to Rumble. “Now gimme a hell yeah.”
Falls Count Anywhere Match: Roman Reigns VS Baron Corbin!
Even before attempting the grueling 30-Man Royal Rumble, The Big Dog and the Wolf King look to settle things! In a match that can go anywhere and everywhere in Minute Maid Park, where will Roman and Corbin find themselves after everything is said and done?
Before a bell ever rings, Roman rushes Corbin’s palanquin and goes after the King’s men! Corbin goes after Roman and the bell rings! Corbin throws Roman but Roman throws Corbin into the steel steps! Fans are fired up already as Roman seethes over Corbin. Roman drags Corbin up and into the ring and gives him punches in the corner. Roman gets all the way to 10 then scoops but Corbin bails out. Roman hurries over but Corbin throws a big right hand to rock Roman! Corbin starts to retreat to the fans, but Roman headbutts him down first! Roman throws BIG uppercuts and rocks Corbin in return. Roman stalks Corbin and gives him another uppercut! Roman puts Corbin in the ring, back suplexes high and hard! Cover, TWO, but Roman keeps his cool.
Roman watches Corbin writhe as fans fire up. Roman already locks ‘n’ loads as Corbin rises! But Corbin dodges the punch to DEEP SIX! Cover, TWO! It won’t be that easy for King Corbin tonight! Corbin snarls as he drags Roman up and out of the ring. Corbin throws Roman into barriers! Fans are rowdy as Corbin grabs steel steps and comes around to RAM them into Roman’s head! Fans boo Corbin as he mocks Roman’s pose. Corbin clears the Spanish announce table before going back after Roman. Corbin brings Roman over but Roman blocks the desk bump to give it to Corbin! Roman throws big hands and Corbin stumbles all the way into the crowd. Roman stalks after Corbin and throws hands right in front of the fans!
Roman bounces Corbin off railing and keeps punching his way deeper into Houston. Fans love the up close experience they’re getting as Corbin staggers away. Roman throws more hands and even headbutts. Corbin staggers his way around the way but Roman throws more hands. They loop back to ringside and Corbin uses the RING BELL! Corbin has control back as he CHOKE SLAMS Roman onto the German desk! The desk stays up but Corbin clears chairs out to cover! TWO and Corbin is furious! Fans rally up as Corbin throws a tantrum! Corbin shouts at the German commentary team before bringing Roman up and around to the Spanish desk. Roman uppercuts Corbin and rocks him! Roman reloads, but no Superman Punch! CHOKE SLAM THROUGH the desk!! Cover, TWO!! Roman survives and Corbin is furious again!
Corbin calms down as he looms over Roman. Corbin has an idea and brings Roman over. Corbin dumps Roman into the crowd and then drags him further along. Corbin’s aim seems to be something in the distance, and he punches Roman along the way. Corbin throws haymaker after haymaker as they seem to be heading to the technical area. Fans cheer for Roman but Corbin just keeps throwing forearms and right hands. Fans boo Corbin as he continues to mock Roman’s poses. Corbin continues bringing Roman on the journey to the technical area, throwing him into big equipment trunks! Corbin clears out the international commentary and fans are fired up as tables are about to be reintroduced. But it’s Roman who fireman’s carries Corbin for a Samoan Drop through a table! You can hear the Chinese announce team freaking out as much as the fans after that one! Mostly because that was their table.
Both men rise from the wreckage, and Roman fireman’s carries again! ANOTHER Samoan Drop through a table!! Cover, TWO!! Corbin survives but that just means Roman won’t stop. Chinese and French tables are gone, but the rest are spared as Corbin RAMS Roman into trunks! Corbin staggers away in retreat and goes up to the main production hub. Roman stalks after him and borrows a chair. But wait, the King’s knights appear! The GLORIOUS Robert Roode and Dolph Ziggler attack! There are no disqualifications but there is such a thing as playing fair! Fans boo as Roode and Ziggler have cuffs! But here come the USOS! NOW it’s fair as the Bloodline supports itself!
Jimmy and Jey throw hands with Roode-Dolph, only for Roode-Dolph to throw them over trunks! But Jey throws hands back on Roode! Ziggler SUPERKICKS Jey down! Fans boo as Roode-Dolph drag Jey up and over to throw into a stack of boxes! Whatever was in those boxes topples over and is probably damaged but that’s still not enough for Corbin’s court (jesters). Ziggler uses a trash can and its lid to beat Jey down, then Roode stomps him. Roode sets up railing as a bridge, and with Ziggler’s help, they bring him over, only for JIMMY to fly in outta nowhere!! Jimmy wipes all three men out, but then Corbin back suplexes Jimmy onto the railing bridge! SUPERMAN PUNCH outta nowhere! Corbin staggers and fans fire up for Roman as he reloads, SUPERMAN PUNCH! Roman stalks Corbin towards another clearing. Are those porta-potties? Roman throws Corbin into one! And again!
Fans are thunderous for The Big Dog as he gets an idea. Roman opens one! Luckily it was vacant. Roman puts Corbin in, and slams the door closed! The “throne” is now occupied, and Roman brings the potty around the way. Roman gives it a spin before pushing it over! Not quite how anyone expected Corbin to be dethroned, but it was appropriate. Fans lose their minds as Corbin flops out of the potty. Roman rocks Corbin with more uppercuts! Hopefully Corbin washed his hands before passing through the crowd. Roman rocks Corbin again! They keep going, uppercut after uppercut forcing Corbin down the way. Corbin manages to stay standing, and now we end up by the dugout! Roman rains down rights as Houston gets hot!
Corbin stumbles around, but uses a chair to jab and SMACK Roman on the back! They end up on top of the dugout, and fans boo as Corbin gives Roman another chair shot! And then another! Corbin is satisfied with the double as he drags Roman up. But Roman throws a forearm first! And a third SUPERMAN PUNCH! Roman lets out the battle cry, and SPEARS Corbin down! Cover, Roman wins!
Winner: Roman Reigns, by pinfall
The Big Dog strikes Corbin out and has conquered the King! But after going this hard in their match, will either man make it through the Royal Rumble match itself?
Kevin Owens talks with Samoa Joe backstage.
They’re both very excited for tonight. Houston is a good place for Kevin, as he’s won titles here. He’ll keep that string going when he eliminates Seth Rollins and wins the Rumble. Well that strikes a nerve. But Joe wants to focus on the positive: getting rid of Rollins. The only negative: if Kevin gets in Joe’s way of winning the Rumble, Joe won’t hesitate to throw him out. Yes, every man for himself. Kevin remembers when Joe warned him last week. But will they be able to keep priorities straight of denying the Monday Night Messiah his destiny?
Backstage interview with Fire & Desire!
Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville are both ready to compete in the Women’s Rumble. A tag team like them aren’t like Kevin and Joe. If it comes down to the two of them, Sonya will sacrifice herself for her best friend. Mandy seems a big surprised to hear that. Will that come to happen?
WWE mourns the loss of Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna “Gigi” Bryant.
In a shocking helicopter crash, the basketball legend, his second oldest daughter, and half a dozen more people were lost today. The WWE, and even us here at the Chairshot, offer condolences to the Bryant family and all the families of those lost today.
The 2020 Women’s Royal Rumble Match!
30 women compete for the golden ticket that will lead to a golden opportunity at WrestleMania 36! Will the Queen claim her throne? Or will another take it from her just like in 2019?
First out, it’s Alexa Bliss! And joining the Goddess is NXT’s EST, Bianca Belair! Will either of these women make it to the very end of the match?
Alexa and Bianca circle and tie up. Bianca scoops and heads for ropes but Alexa slips out. Alexa tries to lift Bianca but Bianca forearms out. Bianca whips, Alexa reverses, but Bianca goes up, over, handsprings and runs back in to RAM Alexa into the corner! Bianca grinds in harder then puts Alexa up top. Bianca climbs to join Alexa and DECKS her with a right! And another! Alexa SLAPS Bianca back! Alexa SLAPS, rocks and dropkicks Bianca down! Fans fire up as Alexa sees Bianca get right back up. “Girl, uh-uh.” Things speed up, Bianca blocks the tilt-o-whirl, but Alexa fights! Bianca drops her with a backbreaker! Then handsprings to splash! Bianca kips up as the countdown hits zero to bring out #3: MIGHTY MOLLY HOLLY!
Molly Holly was here last year, but she’s back as her superhero self! The Hurricane would be proud. Molly fires off on both women, and throws Bianca! Bianca stays on the apron and comes after Molly again. Alexa and Bianca work together but Molly dodges to double clothesline! Molly climbs up top but Alexa goes after her. Molly kicks her away then adjusts, to DOUBLE crossobody! Fans cheer as Molly shows that she’s still got it. But the countdown returns already and we get #4: Nikki Cross! Lexi’s bestie is here! The Loony Lass rushes the ring to go after Molly and Bianca! Fans fire up as Bliss-Cross takes over, double corner attacks! And again, for CHOPS! Molly and Bianca try to turn the tables but are both put on the aprons. Nikki celebrates as if they’ve won, but not quite yet.
Bianca and Molly return, a scoop slam for Alexa, and a Kiss of Death sends Nikki ONTO Alexa! Bianca and Molly push Nikki but Alexa saves her friend. Bliss-Cross keep each other safe as they brawl with Molly and Bianca. Nikki dropkicks Molly but Bianca SPEARS Nikki! Alexa gives Bianca a Sunset Flip BOMB but Molly blockbusters Alexa! All four women are down, and here comes #5! It’s… Lana!? The Ravishing Russian soaks up all the heat as she has a mic. Lana tells Houston that they are welcoming the greatest woman in WWE history! A new year and a newlywed Lana is confident she will win this for her “hawt, hawt husband,” Bobby Lashley! Lana gets in to BOOT Alexa and facebuster Nikki! Lana takes advantage of Molly with a scoop but Molly holds on tight. We get another countdown and #6: Mercedes Martinez! NXT has another representative as Mean Ms. Martinez makes her way to the ring.
Bianca and Lana fight in one corner as Mercedes KNEES Molly down! SPINE BUSTER for Nikki! Wheelbarrow slam for Alexa! Bianca swings on Mercedes but into a German Suplex! Lana clobbers Mercedes from behind but Mercedes hits her back! Butterfly suplex! Mercedes hoists Lana up and over the rope, but Lana hits back. Mercedes throws forearm after forearm, sweeps and pushes! Lana holds on for her life as we get #7: LIV MORGAN! Karma is a bitch, and Liv has one target in mind! Liv SPEARS Lana and ELIMINATES her! If nothing else, Liv screwed over the Ravishing One. But Liv turns around for Mercedes to scoop and put her outside! Liv ROCKS Mercedes with a right, but Lana pulls Liv off! Lana ELIMINATES Liv! Fans boo but the cat fight is on!
Liv throws furious right hands down on Lana and the referees hurry to stop this! Nothing has been settled between them, but we have to worry about entrant #8! It’s… Mandy Rose! The Golden Goddess, the Desire in Fire & Desire, heats things up as she heads right for the ring. Molly goes after Mercedes and Alexa struggles against Bianca. Mandy gets in to see what’s what, but Nikki has beef with her still. Nikki fires up and runs but Mandy just knocks her over! Mandy gives Nikki a Knee from a Rose! Mandy SLAPS Nikki around and even dead lifts Nikki up and out! But Nikki holds on to counter punch and shoulder in. Nikki dropkicks and gets back in, taking off the vest! Fans fire up with Nikki as she crossbodies Mandy! The countdown hits and we get #9: Candice LeRae!
Candice heads right to the top of the corner to fly and dropkick Mercedes! And boot Nikki to dropkick her down! LIONSAULT! Mandy clubs Molly and Bianca while Alexa stomps Mercedes. Nikki resists but Bianca ELIMINATES Mighty Molly! Mandy grabs Alexa but Alexa whips her out! Mandy flops off the apron, but OTIS is there?! When did he show up!? But either way, he is Mandy’s living life raft and she stands on Otis’ belly to get back in! Fans love the love story as Mandy gets back at Alexa with right hands! The countdown returns and we get #10: Sonya Deville! Fire joins Desire as we’re now one-third of the way into the match. Sonya throws hands on Candice and Bianca, and Nikki gets knees! Nikki ends up on the apron but is not eliminated.
Mercedes keeps on Nikki while Fire & Desire work on Candice! Candice holds on and Nikki gets back in. Bianca is on Alexa by default. Mercedes and Sonya brawl with big hands! Mercedes CHOPS Sonya but Sonya fires off kicks. Mercedes trips and rolls Sonya to suplex, but Sonya slips out. Sonya kicks low, and works with Mandy to go after Mercedes. Fire & Desire double team, the high low attack! They drag Mercedes up and throw her out, they ELIMINATE Mercedes together! But now we get #11: Kairi Sane! The Pirate Princess sets sail in hopes of giving the Kabuki Warriors a back-up plan. Kairi climbs up top to simply hop in and hypnotize Bliss-Cross with her umbrella. Kairi dodges and DOUBLE SPEARS them down!
Sonya kicks low but Kairi comes back to headscissor! Mandy throws hands but gets hands and an ax kick! BLOCKBUSTER! Bianca is up and kicks Kairi, they’re no strangers from their NXT days. Kairi counters the suplex to a DDT! Otis checks on Mandy as Kairi and Candice go after each other. Kairi ALABAMA SLAMS Candice while we get the countdown. #12 is… The HBIC! InSANE Elbow hits as Mia Yim heads to the ring! And Mia goes right at Kairi with a neckbreaker! Nikki better Protect Ya Neck! Mia hauls Nikki up but can’t get her out before Alexa saves Nikki. Bianca has Alexa, scoops her, but Nikki saves Alexa from the strength of EST! Nikki hops on for a wild sleeper, but Bianca puts her outside. Otis even coaches Bianca on as Bianca uses Alexa to ELIMINATE Nikki!
Alexa grabs Bianca’s hair! Alexa ROCKS Bianca and gets in the ring. Alexa SLAPS, ROCKS and whips Mandy, but Otis is there again. Sonya hits Mandy by accident! But Otis saves her again! Bianca throws Sonya out ONTO Otis, and ELIMINATES Fire & Desire at the same time! The countdown returns and we get lucky #13: Dana Brooke! This match just got some #FlexAppeal as Dana rushes the ring. Dana hotshots Mia then decks Candice. Dana climbs up top and SWANTONS onto Mia, before handspring splashing Bianca. Enziguri for Mia and then a clothesline for Candice, Dana is not slowing down. Mia avoids the fireman’s carry to fire off strikes and a PELE! Candice boots Bianca but Bianca hits back.
Kairi helps Dana go after Mia, but then Dana goes after Kairi. Bianca trophy lifts Candice and throws her out to ELIMINATE her! And that is why she is the EST, with FIVE eliminations. Kairi climbs up top from the inside but Alexa is after her! It is a big smol fight up top and Kairi trips Alexa up. But Alexa slips out to ROCK Kairi! Kairi falls down and that means Alexa ELIMINATES Kairi! The countdown returns and we get #14: TAMINA! The Daughter of Superfly SUPERKICKS Dana! Then rocks Mia and SUPERKICKS Alexa! Bianca is too fast for that, and now the two strongest women in this match stare down. And throw hands! Tamina rocks Bianca then runs in, but Bianca throws and ELIMINATES Tamina! But then Alexa KICKS Bianca from behind! The countdown gives us #15, the halfway point… Dakota Kai! Things just kicked up a notch as the evil Kiwi gets in the ring.
Dana is after her right away but Dakota throws hands and feet. Dakota trips Dana and ax kicks her down! Mia is after Alexa as Dakota whips Dana. Dakota goes Around the World to BOOT Dana down! Mia runs in but Alexa puts her on the apron, and ROCKS Mia to ELIMINATE her! The Goddess and Bianca are running the gauntlet as the first two still in this match. As such, they go after each other as we get #16: Chelsea Green! Robert Stone Brand worked out a HUGE moment for her to return to in-ring action! The Hot Mess slides in to grab Dakota and Dana! Chelsea ELIMINATES Dakota, but then Alexa ELIMINATES Chelsea! Robert Stone should’ve come up with a better business plan than this. Dana hits Alexa and lifts her up, but Alexa fights free!
Alexa ducks Dana, and Bianca SPEARS Dana, they ELIMINATE Dana! The first two are still here and fans are loving this! Alexa and Bianca go after each other again, Bianca fireman’s carries but Alexa flails free. STO and then Alexa takes her time going up top. She was smart to go through the ropes, before the Twisted Bliss! But onto KNEES! Bianca lifts Alexa but Alexa headscissors! They’re both on the apron! They’re brawling with big hands and stomps. The hair comes into play again! Tug-o-war results in Alexa being SMACKED into the post, and falling to the floor! Bianca ELIMINATES Alexa!! Houston cannot believe that The EST is still in this match! But now we start fresh with #17: CHARLOTTE FLAIR! The Queen appears at just the right time as Bianca has already been through so much.
Charlotte runs in but Bianca dodges, only for Bianca to run into a backbreaker and CHOPS! Charlotte fires off those Flair Chops to stagger Bianca again and again! Exploder and a kip up, Charlotte’s showing off already. Bianca manages to get up and dodge again, sending Charlotte into buckles! Things might be even already, but now we get #18: NAOMI! The Glow returns and Houston is feeling it! Naomi makes her in-ring return in the biggest moment possible, and she dodges Charlotte to headscissor Bianca! Naomi slides to duck the boot and slips out of the back suplex, but dropkicks cancel out. Double kip ups and Charlotte has to respect Naomi for that. The two veterans go after Bianca and double suplex her up and down. Then Charlotte CHOPS Naomi to take the spotlight for herself.
Charlotte grinds a boot into Naomi but here comes #19: BETH PHOENIX! Another amazing in-ring return as the Glamazon has just shook The Queen. Charlotte has to keep on Naomi but she turns around for Beth to go after! Beth runs Naomi over then bumps Charlotte off buckles. Beth blocks punches to scoop Naomi and bring her to ropes. Naomi holds on and fights them both off, to springboard double crossbody! Bianca hangs back to catch her breath but fans fire up for Naomi. Beth stomps Bianca and Naomi puts Charlotte in the corner to grind a boot in. Bianca puts Beth up top and clubs her against the post. Charlotte fights Naomi off but Naomi is right back on her with kicks. Charlotte buckle bumps Naomi but here comes #20: TONI STORM!
The Lightning From Down Under may not be NXT Women’s Champion here, but she’s looking for another shot. Toni gets in and rallies with big forearms on Naomi, then throws forearms and stomps on Charlotte! Beth and Bianca struggle against each other as Charlotte CHOPS Toni back! Charlotte bumps Toni off buckles but Naomi kicks away on Charlotte. Charlotte stacks Naomi in with Toni and double corner clotheslines them! Bianca is up top and Charlotte takes advantage, and ELIMINATES her with a BOOT! Fans are even more shocked than when Bianca eliminated Alexa! Bianca sets records for the Women’s Rumble but now Beth brawls with Charlotte. The count begins again and we get #21: Kelly Kelly! Another classic returns while Charlotte keeps on Beth.
Kelly watches the others very closely, and she Thesz Presses Naomi! Toni is on her with a whip but Kelly headscissors and goes around and around before throwing her down! Fans fire up as Kelly gives Toni some booty! But then Charlotte CLOBBERS Kelly, only for Beth to be on her right away! Beth throws Charlotte over and stomps away but Charlotte holds on for dear life! Not even biting at the fingers does it yet. Beth keeps trying while Kelly has Toni and Naomi hangs back. We get #22 already with Sarah Logan! The Kentucky Viking sees her prey and heads for the ring! Charlotte gives Beth an Exploder, but Sarah SPEARS Charlotte into a corner! Sarah throws hands and scraps with Charlotte. Charlotte fights her off and Beth is after Sarah with Toni’s help. Sarah fights them both off but Charlotte BOOTS and ELIMINATES Sarah!
But then Kelly goes after Charlotte! The Queen will NOT let Barbie Blank beat her! Charlotte throws Kelly out but Kelly SLAPS Charlotte. Charlotte’s pissed now, and DECKS Kelly! Charlotte ELIMINATES Kelly Kelly, and glares at everyone else in the ring. Beth finds herself in 3v1 but now #23 enters. It’s… NATALYA! Beth’s best bud is here, but will the catty Queen of Harts help her out? DISCUS for Charlotte! Lariat for Toni and Naomi! Beth helps Natty as they go after Charlotte. Charlotte throws big forearms and Beth has a bleeding spot somewhere on her head. But Beth still helps Natty grab Charlotte for a DOUBLE BOMB! Natty then goes after Naomi with help from Toni! Naomi is stuck up top and holding on tight but Beth helps out, too. Fans rally as the countdown begins again. #24 is… Xia Li!
NXT’s spicy martial artist is fired up already as she rushes the ring. Xia BOOTS Natty down, back kicks and counter kicks Beth down! Toni avoids the sweep but not the heel kick! Charlotte kicks Xia and then fires herself up. Xia slips out of the exploder to dynamic dropkick Charlotte down! Fans fire up with the spicy style as Xia scoops Charlotte. Charlotte holds on and pushes Xia into buckles. Charlotte scoops Xia and puts her up top, but Xia holds on for her life. Natty has Naomi and Beth has Toni but everyone is fighting back. The countdown gives us #25: Zelina Vega! La Muneca shifts gears, and changes clothes from earlier, to see if she can find success for herself. Zelina dodges Naomi and hits a tilt-o-whirl DDT! Zelina gives Beth forearms but her code breaker is blocked! Beth puts Zelina up top but Zelina leaps back for a flying headscisosrs! Zelina block kicks Toni then hits a basement DDT!
Zelina has Toni in the corner while Charlotte is in trouble! Beth helps Xia and Natty to drag Charlotte over! Charlotte holds on for dear life and Naomi goes after the other three. The countdown returns and we get #26: Shotzi Blackheart! The newest face in NXT is already going to make a big impression as she’s in the Rumble! Shotzi throws Toni but Toni throws her, only for Shotzi to enziguri! Natty and Beth lift Naomi together, but Naomi lands on the apron safely to ROUNDHOUSE Beth back! Natty SLAPS Naomi, but Naomi manages to walk down the steel steps and LEAP to the barriers! Naomi’s safe! Naomi climbs inch by inch to keep her feet off the floor, and have a seat! Fans are loving this! Meanwhile, Shotzi fights with Xia while Zelina holds on against Beth and Toni.
Naomi scoots her way from barrier to commentary as Charlotte has Natty. The countdown returns as Naomi jumps to the announce desk for a breather. #27 is the FABULOUS Carmella! The Princess of Staten Island moonwalks her way to the ring while Naomi assesses her own situation. Carmella dodges and headscissors Natty! Kelly Kelly would be proud of how Mella has improved upon that move! Carmella throws Natty into Beth and gives them both a Fabulous mudhole stomping! Naomi transfers announce desks as Carmella hits the Fabulous Bronco Buster! But then Charlotte gives Carmella NATURAL SELECTION! But Natty is after Charlotte and feeds her to Beth’s chicken wings. GLAM SLAM! Natty basement dropkicks to add on as Naomi again transfers desk.
Charlotte is throw into the post and falls out, but through the ropes! Charlotte is NOT out of the match. The countdown returns and now we get #28: Tegan Nox! The Shiniest Wizard doesn’t have Dakota to go after, so she’ll just go after glory instead. Tegan rallies on whoever comes close, and manages to CANNONBALL onto Beth. Tegan gives Zelina a Choke Slam and she uppdercuts Toni. Beth gets Tegan for a GLAM SLAM! Toni HEADBUTTS Natty but falls down, too. Beth gets up, and doesn’t even care that her hair is half crimson as she goes after Toni herself. The countdown begins and we get #29: Santina?! Santino’s “twin sister” is back! Beth can’t believe it any more than we can.
Santina wants a high-five from Beth but Beth is in no mood. Back in the day, Santina eliminated Beth to become Ms. WrestleMania, among other things. But while Santina mouths off on Beth, Natty gets up. Santina is surrounded, so Santina takes out MRS. Cobra! The stares scare Santina and Cobra so bad, Cobra bites Santina! Santina tumbles over and out and ELIMINATES herself! Beth and Natty leave Santina be and go after Shotzi and Xia. But finally, we get #30… SHAYNA BASZLER! The Queen of Spades and two-time NXT Women’s Champion looks to add on to her already amazing career! Shayna sees Charlotte and throws her into steel steps! Tegan fights off Beth while Shotzi holds on. Shayna decks Natty, Beth and throws Xia out to ELIMINATE Xia! No more spice as Shayna gut wrenches and ELIMINATES Tegan!
Zelina runs in, but gets the KIRAFUDA! Shaynan makes Zelina take a nap but Shotzi gets Shayna again! But Shayna is ready this time, and headscissors Shotzi out to ELIMINATE her first! Now the Queen and the new kid are even from NXT. Oh and Naomi has figure out how to get back to the ring! She’s using a desk cover as a bridge! Naomi carefully steps on the cover while Carmella talks trash to Shayna. Naomi hurries to walk the tight rope, and she’s back! Shayna blocks the Fabulous kick to lift and ELIMINATE Carmella! Toni runs into Shayna’s grip and gets thrown, Shayna ELIMINATES Toni! But Naomi is up top and LEAPS in! Shayna gets under and blocks the Rear View, to throw and ELIMINATE Naomi! Shayna has SEVEN eliminations already!
But now Shayna comes face to face with Beth and Natty. They go hand for hand, then Shayna whips Beth to kick low. Shayna runs, into a lift! HART ATTACK! Fans fire up for the classic, but then Beth throws and ELIMINATES Natty!! The Glamazon is finally going every woman for themselves! Beth and Shayna fight, Shayna manages to get Beth upside-down, but Charlotte returns! Charlotte dumps Shayna out but no one falls! And now Queen of Spades meets Queen of Queens! Fans are dueling but it’s clear Shayna is a favorite. Beth grabs at Charlotte and almost throws her out! Shayna runs at Beth, Beth ducks and whips but Shayna whips and ELIMINATES Beth! Charlotte skins the cat to headscissor but Shayna blocks! Shayna and Charlotte struggle, but Charlotte keeps hold! Shayna comes back again, another skin the cat, to headscissor and ELIMINATE Shayna!! Charlotte wins!!
Winner: Charlotte Flair at #17; will go to WrestleMania to challenge a Women’s Champion of her choosing
The Queen of Queens indeed! Charlotte Flair vowed to win it all, and now she has! Charly Caruso interviews Charlotte in the ring, and now she has her shot at a title of her choice. Any plans yet for who she’ll challenge? “I can tell you this: since day one, I have been a diamond cut to last! And whether any of you wanted me to win, or wanted me to lose, tonight, I reminded all of you that this is MY division. WOO~!” A strong message sent but Charlotte is playing this one close to the vest. But which title will she go after? And who will even be the champions by then?
Backstage interview with Baron Corbin.
The Wolf King complains about his match with Roman Reigns. Roman relied on his Bloodline and made a mockery of their match! Roman is so scared of Corbin, he had to go and get his cousins to “get the job done.” Corbin promises that in the Rumble, he’ll take Roman and throw him out to win and main event Mania! Hypocrisy aside, will Corbin find a way to avenge his defeat? Or will he just lose to the Big Dog twice in the same night?
SmackDown Women’s Championship: Bayley VS Lacey Evans!
Bayley has been a bad, bad influence on the Women’s Division, and now the Model Soldier wants to show her what a real role model is like. But will the combined powers of being a mother and a Marine make Lacey a champion? Or will #NoMoreHugs Bayley only hug that title tighter after tonight?
Introductions are made, the belt is raised, and this grudge match of sassy and smug begins!
Bayley and Lacey circle and tie up and Lacey puts Bayley in the corner. Lacey throws Bayley across the ring then bumps her off the buckles over and over, before throwing her again! Cover, ONE, but Lacey keeps on Bayley with knee drops! Lacey tries another cover, ONE! Bayley scrambles to ropes to yank Lacey into them! Lacey backs away as she gasps for air but Bayley goes to expose a buckle! The ref reprimands Bayley before Lacey runs in. Bayley puts Lacey on the apron but Lacey sweeps the legs! Lacey slingshots to drop the elbow! Bayley ducks the knee and speeds up, but her leg gets clipped. Lacey thinks Bayley is playing possum or something, but Bayley backs away to a corner.
The ref checks on Bayley, and Lacey shows some compassion, only for Bayley to DECK her! Seems Lacey was right all along. Bayley laughs as she baits Lacey back in for a buckle flapjack! Bayley heads up top fast, Macho Elbow! Cover, TWO! Bayley blames little Summer Evans for what’s next. That is to say, Bayley raining down rights all over Lacey’s head! Bayley then stomps Lacey around and even jumps on her back to knock her down. Cover, ONE, but Bayley drags Lacey into the corner. Bayley puts Lacey on the ropes and chokes her! The ref counts, Bayley lets up at 4, and then wraps on with a sleeper hold. Lacey endures and fans rally up, but Bayley throws Lacey into a corner. Bayley brings Lacey out and snap suplexes! Cover, ONE, but Bayley keeps her focus.
Bayley chinlocks and Lacey endures again. Fans rally again but Bayley mocks that she can’t hear the “idiots.” Lacey fights up but Bayley shoves her to ropes, only for Lacey to headscissor her away! Bayley comes back and clamps on with another chinlock, and she grinds Lacey back down. Lacey fights her way back up as fans rally again. Lacey backs Bayley into buckles and is free to give a corner clothesline. But Bayley comes back with a lariat of her own! Cover, TWO! Now Bayley grows frustrated as she stalks behind the Sassy Southern Belle. Bayley mocks Lacey, “C’mon, Mommy!” Fans rally for Lacey but Bayley mocks them, too. Lacey hits back with forearms and runs, but Bayley runs her over! Bayley covers, TWO!
Bayley rains down right hands to keep Lacey down, but lets up at the ref’s count. Bayley wraps on a new chinlock but Lacey fights up again, only for Bayley to throw her back into a corner. Bayley runs in, Lacey drop toeholds Bayley into buckles! Bayley puts Lacey on the apron but Lacey pulls hair! Lacey dodges the shoulder to knee back, then slingshot school girl, TWO! Bayley elbows back then climbs up top, to mock the salute. Bayley crossbodies but FLOPS! Lacey catches her breath as Bayley flounders around, and Lacey rallies with big lariats! Lacey kicks, wrenches and wrings Bayley out! Then hits a Penalty Kick! Fans fire up with Lacey as she runs in and hits the swinging bronco buster! Lacey keeps going, slingshot wrecking ball dropkick!
Lacey catches herself before falling to the floor, and gets back up top. Lacey slingshots in but collides with Bayley! Bayley scrambles out of the way and laughs, but then Lacey slingshots out! Bayley gets clear to throw Lacey into barriers! Bayley keeps one step ahead of Lacey as they come near the Evans family. Summer checks on Mama Lacey but Bayley is throwing hands! Bayley throws Lacey back into barriers then into the ring. Bayley clamps on but Lacey blocks the suplex. Bayley clubs away but Lacey fights out. Lacey kicks, spins Bayley around and drops her with a neckbreaker! Lacey standing moonsaults, then transitions to the corner! Salute to the Sassiest Moonsault Ever ONTO BOOTS! Bayley covers fast, Bayley grabs tights! Bayley wins!!
Winner: Bayley, by pinfall; still SmackDown Women’s Champion
Snatching victory from jaws of defeat, Bayley survives to extend the reign! Will Charlotte choose to come back over to SmackDown for that belt? Or will Bayley be able to coast on the Road to WrestleMania?
WWE Universal Championship Strap Match: The Fiend, Bray Wyatt VS Daniel Bryan!
The living nightmare is back again, but the Yes Movement won’t let him slip away so easily. The leather strap will keep these two connected to each other physically, like a manifestation of whatever force has kept them connected to each other in their careers. But will the connection finally be broken when one wins to have the title strapped around their waist?
The introductions are made, the Fiend’s custom championship is raised, and the strap is on to begin this brutal rematch!
Fans are already fired up as Bryan and Fiend stare down. They circle, tugging at the strap. Bryan lets himself be reeled in so he can throw forearms. The Fiend puts Bryan in a corner but Bryan hits back and throws Yes Kicks in the corner! Bryan climbs up to rain down punches, but Fiend stops it at 5 to BOMB Bryan down! The Fiend grabs himself a length of the strap to LASH Bryan on the back! And on the shoulders! This was Bryan’s decision and now it’s coming back to haunt him. The Fiend slaps and lashes Bryan more against the ropes, then brings him up for a headbutt. Bryan steadies himself but The Fiend grabs him by the nape of the neck. The Fiend whips but Bryan kicks back. Bryan sends The Fiend through the ropes and dropkicks him, to then use the strap as a slingshot, only for his dive to be sent into the barriers!
The Fiend uses the strap to whip Bryan into a post! The Fiend LASHES Bryan again and appreciates fans cheering, “YOWIE WOWIE!” The Fiend lashes Bryan against the apron and fans are freaking out as Bryan is lashed to the floor. The Fiend puts Bryan in the ring and follows after. The Fiend LASHES Bryan while he’s down, then drags him up. The Fiend hoists Bryan onto the top rope backwards to LASH him again! Bryan barely holds onto the top but The Fiend keeps lashing him. Bryan is put in a Tree of Woe, and The Fiend LASHES his stomach! And then his back as Bryan climbs up! Bryan flops out of the Tree and The Fiend revels in this moment. The Fiend laughs as he brings Bryan up for a BIG Urenage! And the neck crank! And more lashing! Bryan’s body is so red already but The Fiend isn’t done with him.
The Fiend gets the fans to get louder as he spider walks, laughing all the way. But Bryan kicks back from the floor! The Fiend headbutts and has Bryan in position, but no Sister Abigail as Bryan ROUNDHOUSES! And then hits a KNEE PLUS! Cover, TWO!! The Fiend survives but both men are down. The Fiend springs right up but Bryan sends him right out! Bryan heads up top and LEAPS to clobber The Fiend! Bryan fires off more hands on The Fiend until The Fiend shoves him away. The Fiend throws Bryan into steel steps! And then at the corner, but Bryan slides through! Bryan uses the strap to YANK The Fiend into the post! And again! And again! It’s like a painful paddle ball! Bryan crawls back through to the other side for a flying knee off the apron! But the Fiend comes back right away to LARIAT Bryan down! The Fiend again lashes Bryan over and over, and over, and over!
The Fiend clears off the German announce desk and puts Bryan on the desk. The Fiend hops up to join Bryan, but Bryan LOW BLOWS! No disqualifications, after all! Bryan keeps kicking and then gives The Fiend a DDT onto the table! The table stays solid, but Bryan is able to sit up. Bryan finally measures a length of leather for himself, and LASHES The Fiend on the back! Over and over, in return for everything The Fiend has done! Again and again and again and again, until Bryan has to catch his breath, and even more after! The Fiend flops off the desk but Bryan stays close. Fans rally up as Bryan puts The Fiend back in the ring. Bryan has to climb in from the inside, and then leaps for a big missile dropkick! And a kip up! Fans cheer as Bryan gives The Fiend more Yes Kicks, alternating with strap lashes! Kick, lash, kick, lash, repeat! Then just lashing before the BUZZSAW!
The Fiend is down but then right back up! And he’s egging Bryan on! Bryan LASHES and BUZZSAWS! Then he gives The Fiend a string of Danielson Stomps! Fans are thunderous as Bryan aims from the corner. “YES! YES! YES!” The Fiend rises, but he catches the Knee Plus into SISTER ABIGAIL! Cover, TWO!! Houston cannot believe what they just saw! Even The Fiend needs a moment to think about that one. The Fiend slaps himself for being too sloppy. The Fiend gets up to lash Bryan more, then drags Bryan up. Bryan SLAPS The Fiend, the Fiend SLAPS back! Then uses the strap to stand Bryan up, only for Bryan to boot him back! Bryan hops up, MANDIBLE CLAW! But Bryan endures it enough for a draping armbar!! No ropebreaks so now The Fiend just has to endure.
The Fiend drags Bryan up by his jaw, then smother him in the middle of the ring! Bryan reaches, wraps around, and drags The Fiend down into the LeBelle Lock!! WITH THE STRAP!! The Fiend is bent way, way back and Houston is thunderous again! The Fiend shifts his weight to throw hands on Bryan! Bryan endures and guards as best he can, but The Fiend uses headbutts, too. The Fiend gets up to lash Bryan more and more, but the fans haven’t given up hope. They duel, “Let’s Go, Bryan!” “Let Him In!” as The Fiend laughs and brings Bryan back up. Sister- NO! Roll-up!! TWO, Bryan dodges the Fiend to KNEE PLUS! Cover, TWO!! The Fiend still survives and Houston can’t believe it!
But Bryan keeps his focus and fires himself up again. The fans are with him, but The Fiend gets up right away! Bryan and The Fiend stare down, and Bryan lashes away! The Fiend doesn’t feel any of it, he just clamps onto the mandible! Bryan fights back, but Mandible SLAM! Cover, The Fiend wins!!
Winner: The Fiend, Bray Wyatt, by pinfall; still WWE Universal Champion
The nightmare is not over! Bryan put up the best fight anyone has yet, but it still wasn’t enough. What will it take for anyone to overcome this bottomless pit of darkness?
As for Bryan, the Fiend leaves him be, and referees come out to check on him. Bryan stands on his own power, and fans cheer him on. Bryan survives another encounter with The Fiend, and his body shows the marks left by that strap. But will Bryan be able to remain unchanged in spirit?
Raw Women’s Championship: Becky Lynch VS Asuka w/ Kairi Sane!
The Man remembers when The Empress of Tomorrow beat her last year for the SmackDown Women’s Championship. And yet, one year hence, it is Becky as the Raw Women’s Champion and Asuka challenging her again. Will things go the same way as before? Or will Becky finally settle the score and get a win over her biggest obstacle?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and this epic rematch from Royal Rumble 2019 begins!
Fans duel already, “Let’s Go, Becky!” “Asuka Two Belts!” as Becky and Asuka circle. They approach then back away then tie up. Becky facelocks, Asuka slips out to wristlock but Becky moves around to get the arm. Asuka gets away before Becky could put on her submission hold, and the two go again. Asuka wants them arm and then waistlocks, but Bekcy headlocks and hits the takeover. Asuka headscissors but Becky pops out. Becky dodges the boot but not the roll up, TWO! Becky does avoid the buzzsaw, and fans cheer this stand off. Asuka and Becky circle again, and Asuka waistlocks to O’Conner roll. TWO, Asuka dodges Becky’s sweep and things speed up. Becky dodges a dropkick to run Asuka over! Asuka bails out as fans fire up but Kairi comes over to check on Asuka.
Becky runs but the baseball slide is spun around for a kick! Asuka hops into the ring and soaks up the cheers and jeers, but Becky dodges the hip attack for a rope-assisted Disarm-Her! Becky lets up at 4 to climb up top and missile dropkick Asuka down! Cover, TWO! Becky keeps her cool while Kairi coaches Asuka. Each woman has an arm to worry about but Becky focuses. Asuka shoves Becky away but Becky sends her out. Becky shoulders out but into Asuka’s headlock and neckbreaker! The ropes fling Becky all around, Asuka ROUNDHOUSES Becky back in! Kairi cheers Asuka-nee as Asuka goes in the ring. Asuka grabs Becky’s arm and drags her up. Asuka toys with Becky as she scuffs her head with her foot. Becky grabs the leg to throw hands!
Becky whips Asuka but Asuka goes up and dropkicks back! Cover, TWO! Asuka grows frustrated but Kairi coaches her own. Asuka waistlocks but Becky grabs the ropes. Asuka throws forearms and then throws Becky down, Shining Wizard! Cover, TWO! Asuka grows more frustrated but she grabs at Becky’s arm. Becky knows the Asuka Lock is coming and she works to avoid the sleeper part. Fans rally and duel as Becky fights her way up. Becky bumps free and throws hands. Becky whips but Asuka reverses, only for Becky to elbow her away. Asuka blocks the boot but not the forearm! Asuka runs back in but gets knees to her back! And a bulldog! Becky keeps moving, basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! Becky glares at Kairi as Kairi continues to coach Asuka.
Becky runs in at Asuka and throws big forearms. Becky bumps Asuka off buckles then runs in again, but is put on the apron. Asuka throws a forearm but gets a kick! Becky drags Asuka out and glares at Kairi again. Asuka holds on against the Becksploder, then manages a standing switch. Becky holds on now to resist the German Suplex. Becky turns things aruond again, SUPER GOURD BUSTER to the floor! Kairi checks on Asuka as fans rally and cheer. Becky aims from the apron as Asuka rises, running missile dropkick! Becky drags Asuka up and gives her BECKSPLODER into the barriers! The Lass Kicker is making sure Asuka pays for everything up to this point. Becky climbs up top and drops The Man’s Leg! Cover, TWO!! Asuka survives but barely!
Becky is beside herself but Kairi is also worried. Asuka clutches her bad arm but Becky won’t show mercy. Becky throws forearms and Asuka shakes her head. Asuka flounders but she’s still standing back up. Becky fires uppercuts, but Asuka back slides! TWO, buzzsaw misses, pop-up knee doesn’t! Becky flounders now and Asuka fires up to waistlock. Becky elbows out of the waistlock but Asuka fires off palm strikes! The kick is blocked but so is the Becksploder. Becky tries a normal suplex, but Asuka blocks to also fisherman. Fisherman’s DROP! Cover, TWO!! Becky lives but Asuka is too exhausted to be angry. Kairi is concerned enough for the two of them as Asuka crawls after Becky.
Becky is under the bottom rope but Asuka won’t let her be safe out there. Asuka drags Becky up, scoops but Becky slips out to shove her. Asuka stops herself and fires off mule kicks. Asuka runs post to post to hip attack Becky into one! Becky is down but Asuka won’t let up. Asuka climbs and drags Becky to the top rope, only for Becky to fight back! The two brawl, Asuka bumps Becky off buckles. Asuka tries again, and gets Becky up. Becky fights back and hotshots Asuka, for the jump kick! And then Becky slides in and jumps up to give Asuka a SUPER MAN HANDLE SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Kairi is relieved and Becky is frustrated that Asuka survived! Becky drags herself back up top but Asuka counters her leap with a CODE BREAKER! Cover, TWO! Into an ARMBAR!
Becky flails and reaches but Asuka pulls harder. Becky rolls, TWO, into the ASUKA LOCK! Becky won’t let history repeat itself, she reaches out with a foot for the ROPEBREAK! Asuka drags Becky back up, German Suplex! Asuka gives fast kicks to Becky’s face! Then a PUNT! The ref stops Asuka to check on Becky but fans are as upset as Asuka. If Becky is knocked out, shouldn’t Asuka win? Becky revives in time to tell the ref not to end this match! Asuka sits Becky up to kick away! Becky just eggs her on! BUZZSAW! Cover, TWO!?! Becky survives and Asuka is getting angry. But then Asuka grins as she drags Becky back up. Fans rally and duel as Asuka clamps on, but Becky slips out of the Asuka Lock to DISARM-HER! No, Asuka resists, rolls, covers, TWO!
Becky ducks a kick to get an arm, but has to settle for an inverted DDT! Cover, TWO! Both women are down and Kairi grows more and more concerned. Becky and Asuka stir as the standing count begins. The count rises as the fans rally up. Becky and Asuka head for each other at 5 and use each other to stand up at 6. Becky throws hands but Asuka throws many. Asuka’s back hand misses but she denies Becky the armbar by shoving her at the ref! But Becky sees what’s coming and mule kicks Asuka! The green mist flies into the air! DISARM-HER!!! Asuka flails, reaches, but TAPS! Becky WINS!!
Winner: Becky Lynch, by submission; still Raw Women’s Champion
The debt has been settled, and the Straight Fire still burns! Becky truly was ready for Asuka! But now, will she be ready for The Queen? Or will she be able to start fresh on this new Road to WrestleMania?
The Street Profits are hyped!
Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins are loving WrestleMania season! Roman reigned supreme, Montez’s lady did her thang, the women have been going hard all night and The Fiend is still- Pause button, fam. Slow it down. Right, there is still the Men’s Royal Rumble to close out. And Ford is ready to see who out of the 30 wins. Will it be the Beast, BRROCK, LESNARR?! Maybe someone surprises us, such as… Shinsuke Nakamura? Samoa Joe? The One and Only, Ricochet? Wait, one and only? After that kick Lesnar gave him, that name might refer to something else. But one way or another, only one will be immortalized forever by this match!
Booker T heads to the ring!
Houston explodes for their hometown hero! Booker T joins commentary for this very special occasion, but does that mean he still isn’t joining the Rumble match?
BREAKING NEWS!
Bobby Lashley and Rusev encountered each other in the parking lot and could not help themselves! They brawled, and while no one was seriously injured, they are suspended from tonight’s Rumble match. That means there are two huge spots open in tonight’s match, who takes their place?
The 2020 Men’s Royal Rumble Match!
This 30-man battle royal always makes history, but tonight is even more historic! That’s because the reigning, defending, undisputed WWE World Heavyweight Champion, BRRROCK! LESNARRR! Will start us off! He and Heyman make their way out to the ring, bringing into question: If Brock somehow, someway wins this match, what does the WrestleMania main event scene look like?
But first, we learn who #2 is. And ladies and gentlemen, it’s ELIAS! The Drifter makes his way out, playing his guitar, and says “Houston, we have a problem.” Elias says there is a brain-dead gorilla and his fat zookeeper walking around. But there is an undeniable truth that everyone surely knows. And that is WWE really stands for Walk With Elias! Elias hears the fans singing for him Seven Nation Army style, and Elias wants Lesnar to hear it all. Elias sings for Lesnar a little song, “Sacrificial Lamb.” Please, clap along. Houston does and Elias begins. “The sacrificial lamb is headed to the ring. But before I do, I’ve got one more song to sing. Brock Lesnar’s pacing, he’s ready to attack. Heyman, keep your damn mouth shut or I’ll smash a guitar on your back.”
Lesnar is annoyed and goes after Elias! There is a brawl before the Rumble, and then things end up in the ring! Lesnar gets Elias down and hammers away! He gets Elias in a corner and rams his shoulder in! Elias tries to fight back but Lesnar waistlocks for a German Suplex! Suplex City is already here! Elias sits up but Lesnar looms over him. Heyman hands Lesnar the guitar and Lesnar SMASHES it on Elias! Lesnar drags Elias up and throw shim out, Lesnar ELIMINATES Elias! That’s one for one, and Heyman rubs it in by holding up the world title. Lesnar just rests as the countdown begins. Entrant #3: Erick Rowan! Big Red has been on a rampage of sorts, and he puts his pet on the ring steps. Lesnar is ready and Rowan rushes the ring.
Rowan denies the suplex once, but then Lesnar clotheslines Rowan out and ELIMINATES him! Fans can’t believe how easily The Beast dealt with Big Red! It almost doesn’t seem fair to Rowan, but he takes his pet and leaves. Lesnar encourages fans to make nose as we get #4: the GLORIOUS Robert Roode! Roode did a lot of work tonight already in trying to help King Corbin, but there doesn’t look to be an help in return. Roode takes his time preparing for Lesnar, then runs in and dodgse to throw hands. Lesnar kicks and whips but Roode boots back. Roode runs into a LARIAT! Lesnar gets annoyed now and he hoists Roode up, F5! Lesnar drags Roode up to throw him out and ELIMINATE him! Three already, and he waits for the countdown.
Entrant #5 is JOHN MORRISON! The Guru of Greatness is back in the Rumble, but he and Lesnar are throwing boots already! Lesnar grabs Morrison to OVERHEAD SUPLEX and ELIMINATE Morrison already! Lesnar holds up his title for himself just to gloat. The countdown returns and gives us #6: The New Day’s Kofi Kingston! Kingston lost in less than 10 seconds for Lesnar to become world champion. Can Kofi last longer in this match? Kofi runs in, dodges and mule kicks! And throws fast hands! Fans are fired up but Lesnar puts Kofi in a corner! And then throws him around! Kofi gets to another corner but Lesnar is on him with a German Suplex! To think that’s only the second one of those in this match. Lesnar takes his time with Kofi now, grinning as he brings Kofi up.
Lesnar rams Kofi into a corner but the countdown brings us #7: Rey Mysterio! And given the Batman inspired gear, you know Mysterio is here for vengeance of his own! Lesnar keeps an eye on Kofi as Mysterio marches to the ring. Mysterio hops in, throws kicks and forearms, then runs to slide under and dropkick low! Lesnar stays up to shove Mysterio down hard! Lesnar whips Mysterio into Kofi and then brings them both up. Lesnar double whips them to double clothesline! Lesnar catches his breath while smiling. Lesnar lifts and German Suplexes Mysterio! That’s the third one. Lesnar stalks Kofi and brings him, the fourth German Suplex! Lesnar doesn’t even seem to care that the countdown brings out #8: Big E!
Kofi and Mysterio flop out of the ring but under the ropes, so they’re safe. Big E hurries out to help both men up. The three of them decide to unite against their common enemy! Fans are fired up for that, too! Lesnar fights but that’s 3v1! They throw hands, he shoves them away, TROUBLE IN PARADISE! Big E scoops Lesnar, for the BIG ENDING! And Lesnar’s on the ropes, 619!! Lesnar is still in the ring, Big E rams him! Mysterio uses Big E for Poetry in Motion, but he gets caught and tossed! Lesnar ELIMINATES Mysterio! Lesnar uses Big E as a step, BEAST in Motion to clobber Kofi! Big E gets up, but Lesnar dodges to clothesline and ELIMINATE him! Houston is shocked and even disgusted that Lesnar is doing all this.
Lesnar looms over Kofi, drags him up, and gives him an F5 to ELIMINATE him! No miracle saves here as the countdown brings out #9: Cesaro! The Swiss Cyborg shows no hesitation and Lesnar likes that. Cesaro dodges, throws European Uppercut after uppercut! Lesnar knees low then throws more knees to standard suplex Cesaro. Clothesline, Lesnar ELIMINATES Cesaro! Lesnar gets to gloat again as we wait for the countdown. We’re one-third of the way with #10: Shelton Benjamin! An old friend, oddly enough. Heyman even shakes hands and hugs Benjamin to celebrate this reunion. Benjamin and Lesnar do shake hands and hug it out, because Benjamin is going to be Team Heyman! But then Lesnar GERMAN SUPLEXES and CLOTHESLINES Benjamin to ELIMINATE him! There are no friends in the Rumble!
Lesnar relaxes as the countdown starts again. We get #11: Shinsuke Nakamura! The Intercontinental Champion has won a Rumble already, but will he even get close this time? Nakamura gets in, dodges Lesnar and fires off a strike fest! The knees and the roundhouse rock Lesnar! But no Kinshasa, Lesnar lifts, throws and ELIMINATES Nakamura! Even the King of Strong Style was apparently “too easy” for The Beast. The countdown returns and brings #12: MVP! Montel Vontavius Porter is back in a shout out to Black Panther, but is his return to the WWE going to go well? MVP chases Heyman for some reason, but Lesnar grabs MVP first! MVP hotshots Lesnar and throws hands! And a throat chop! But Lesnar kicks, lifts, and hits another F5!
Lesnar was having fun but no more, as he throws out and ELIMINATES MVP! An astounding and upsetting ELEVEN eliminations as we get to #13: KEITH LEE!! The Limitless One and NXT North American Champion looks to make all of Houston #BaskInHisGlory! Fans are thunderous and even Lesnar has to take a step back. Lesnar and Lee stare down, but then Lesnar throws big knees. Lesnar whips, Lee reverses and they collide. Lee runs to run Lesnar over! Lesnar is shocked! Lee corner splashes, rolls and forearms Lesnar! Lee whips Lesnar corner to corner but Lesnar comes back, double clotheslines collide! Lee is the first man to get Lesnar down, and fans are thunderous as we get #14: BRAUN!! The Monster Among Men looks to capitalize as he finally gets after Lesnar again!
Lesnar is gasping as Strowman runs in to corner splash! But Strowman hits Lee, too, then comes back for Lesnar! Strowman SHOTGUN DROPKICKS Lee! Lee falls out under the bottom rope so he is safe, but then fans want to see Strowman take a lap! Strowman pleases his fans as he goes out the bottom rope to run Lee over! And then he gets in to still run Lesnar over! Strowman drags Lesnar up and scoops, but Lesnar slips out to German Suplex! Five suplexes, and now a sixth for Lee! Seventh for Strowman! Eighth for Lee! Lesnar gets back at them both, but he tires himself out for it. Strowman and Lee stand first, being fresher, but they encounter each other. They stare down and start throwing hands! Lesnar ELIMINATES them both!! Lesnar is sneaky as he is strong, and now he reaches the halfway point of this match with #15: Ricochet!
The One and Only is the Red Robin as he runs into the ring and springboards! Crossbody, but he’s caught! Lesnar gives Ricochet a backbreaker, only because he didn’t have the energy for an F5. Lesnar reminds Ricochet that he’s still not scared, and uses a German Suplex to do it! That’s nine, and Lesnar grins again. But the countdown returns and brings #16: DREW MCINTYRE! The Scottish Stud has wanted after a world championship, and he gets his chance to make his case. Lesnar stares down with McIntyre, no longer considering Ricochet a factor. McIntyre calls out the “Son of a b*tch” and dares him to fight. Lesnar takes off the gloves because a fight is what we’re getting. Ricochet LOW BLOWS and then McIntyre CLAYMORES Lesnar! They ELIMINATE LESNAR!! Houston is ELECTRIC as Lesnar finally pays for the crap he’s given everyone else!
Now it’s McIntyre who grins as he’s the one looking down on The Beast. But then Ricochet missile dropkicks McIntyre! Standing shooting star! But McIntyre catches Ricochet! To throw and ELIMINATE Ricochet! And then McIntyre goes back to staring at Lesnar. The countdown returns and we get #17: The Miz! The Rumble gets even more Awesome now, and hopes to sneak in while McIntyre is staring at Lesnar. McIntyre dodges and Future Shocks Miz! McIntyre stares at Lesnar again before giving us his own countdown. Miz rises to get a CLAYMORE! McIntyre throws and ELIMINATES Miz! Lesnar finally stands up and McIntyre just stares at him. Houston mocks Lesnar with “Hey~ hey~ hey~! Good-bye~!” Lesnar tells McIntyre this isn’t over, and now we get #18: AJ Styles!
The Phenomenal One also has a bone to pick with McIntyre as he returns to the Rumble. Styles and McIntyre start throwing hands, and then McIntyre puts Styles in a corner. Styles dodges, McIntyre puts him on the apron but Styles hits back. Styles springboards but McIntyre gets under. Styles kicks away on McIntyre’s leg then runs, into a big shoulder! McIntyre drags Styles up to dead lift suplex! Styles fights free, goes after the leg, Calf Crusher! The countdown brings #19: Dolph Ziggler! The Show-Off hurries to take advantage now that McIntyre isn’t alone. These two also have beef, Styles chop blocks McIntyre! Ziggler scrapes laces on McIntyre’s face, and he mugs McIntyre with Styles’ help. But then Ziggler DECKS Styles! McIntyre THROWS Ziggler across the ring!
McIntyre is mad now as he brings Ziggler up to CHOP! McIntyre CHOPS Styles, too! The countdown brings #20: Karl Anderson! The OC goes after McIntyre with big hands! Ziggler hangs back as Styles and Anderson both get caught! SUPERKICK takes McIntyre down! Ziggler tries to get McIntyre over, and the OC help out. But then they go after Ziggler as payback for a moment ago, SPINE BUSTER! The OC go after the Show-Off and McIntyre but that’s easier said than down. Ziggler skins the cat but Anderson is on him with stomps. The countdown brings #21: EDGE!?! The Royal Rumble just got Rated R! Even Edge seems shocked he’s back in action, and he’s not going to let this moment slip away. Edge gets in to SPEAR Ziggler! And SPEAR Anderson!
Edge whips McIntyre to a corner to then hit a running knee smash and a SPEAR! Edge and Styles stare down, and Houston is losing its mind over a moment we thought we’d never get. Styles fires off a Phenomenal Blitz but Edge kicks low. Styles PELES and Edge goes to a corner. Styles whips corner to corner but Edge stops himself to SPEAR Styles! The countdown brings us #22: Baron Corbin! The Wolf King comes back to redeem himself, and Ziggler is already after Edge. Corbin and his court (jester) go after Edge while Anderson goes after McIntyre. Anderson goes after Corbin but gets the Choke Slam Backbreaker! Corbin throws Anderson but Anderson stays on the apron. Corbin throws hands on Styles while McIntyre CHOPS Ziggler!
Edge has Anderson but Corbin goes after Edge. Ziggler holds on for his life and Corbin saves him. Anderson uppercuts McIntyre, Edge throws and ELIMINATES Styles! Again, even Edge seems a bit surprised, but he hangs back as we get #23: “Bro…” Matt Riddle is here! And Riddle takes his time getting in and kicking off the flip-flops. Riddle kicks Corbin then McIntyre then Anderson! McIntyre focuses on McIntyre with Bro Kicks! Then the Bro-Saw! Edge runs in, but gets a Final Flash! But Corbin throws and ELIMINATES Riddle! Corbin mocks the Bro special, but then goes after Edge. We already get #24: Luke Gallows! The Good Brothers are united in this match against Corbin! Big boots all around and then Gallows rains hands on Ziggler!
Corbin drags Edge up but Edge throws hands, too! Edge runs into a DEEP SIX! But McIntyre throws and ELIMINATES Corbin! The King is shocked but the OC go after McIntyre! They mug McIntyre before going after Edge. Nostalgia gets MAGIC KILLER! But now we have #25: Randy Orton! The Viper is another enemy of the OC, but there’s a certain something else that could be happening here… Orton gets in and gives Gallows and RKO! Then an RKO for Anderson! It’s RATED RKO, for that matter, as they both ELIMINATE the OC! Orton still can’t believe Edge is back, even seeing it in person. They go after McIntyre and Ziggler as we get #26: Roman Reigns! The Big Dog is back, not having to worry about Corbin now.
McIntyre fights off Edge but Roman is right on him with uppercuts! Uppercut for Orton, uppercut for Ziggler, SPEAR! Roman throws Ziggler out and ELIMINATES him! The King’s Court is completely cleared out, and Roman gives McIntyre a buckle bump. McIntyre blocks the next one to give it to Roman, and then more and more! McIntyre CHOPS Roman, but Roman shrugs it off. Roman ROCKS McIntyre with the uppercut, and we get #27: Kevin Owens! The Prizefighter rushes the ring to go after McIntyre with fast hands, then a clothesline for Orton! Kevin skips Edge to CANNONBALL Roman! Then he CANNONBALLS Edge anyway. McIntyre runs in, into a POP-UP BOMB! Roman is up to get a SUPERKICK and thrown. Roman avoids the bomb but not the STUNNER!
But Kevin forgets Orton, or does he? STUNNER for Orton! Kevin is on Edge as we get #28: Aleister Black! Could the Embodiment of the End come out headed for Gold? Aleister picks a fight with Kevin and throws hands, but Kevin CHOPS him back. Kevin whips, Aleister moonsaults but Kevin ducks, only to get a boot! Edge waistlocks, Aleister standing switches and shoves Edge to knee him down. McIntyre is on Aleister with a Glasgow Kiss headbutt! McIntyre aims from a corner, but runs into a BLACK MASS! Aleister goes after Kevin in a corner, but Kevin fights back. Roman hobbles over to Kevin but gets hands. Orton stomps McIntyre as we get #29: Samoa Joe! The understanding between Joe and Kevin is going to be put to the test, but Joe puts Aleister to the test with fists and kicks! Aleister BOOTS back!
Aleister runs in, Joe dodges, Aleister elbows back but Joe PELES! McIntyre lifts Orton but Orton slips out. Kevin CANNONBALLS Aleister to help Joe. But then the two allies mutually decide to throw hands with each other! Kevin runs, into an atomic drop! Joe BOOTS Kevin down, but here comes #30: SETH ROLLINS! The Monday Night Messiah doesn’t come alone, either, as he has Buddy Murphy and the Authors of Pain! Joe and Kevin see them coming and decide to handle business. They go out under the ropes to go after all four! That’s a bit too much, and they get beat down. Rollins makes sure the AOP and Murphy are focused on the other men in the rumble. They drag Edge and Orton out from under to throw into barriers! And the announce desks!
Rollins gives McIntyre a CURB STOMP! Rollins throws hands on Aleister, then looks at Roman. Old friendships mean nothing, mule kick to CURB STOMP! Rollins drags Roman up but Aleister kicks Rollins in the back! Aleister fires off hands but Rollins knees low. Aleister roundhouses Rollins then springboards, but Murphy trips him up! Murphy gets revenge on Aleister, and Rollins gives Aleister a mule kick! Rollins throws out and ELIMINATES Aleister! Rollins drags Kevin up but Kevin hits a STUNNER! Kevin throws Rollins but the AOP catch him! Rollins is put in so Kevin goes after AOP! Akam and Rezar hold Kevin, Rollins throws and ELIMINATES Kevin! Joe gets the COQUINA CLUTCH! Rollins flails but Murphy enziguris! Joe gets mad and DECKS Murphy, but Rollins ELIMINATES Joe!
The AOP add on but Aleister helps out. Kevin leaps in and now these six brawl to the ramp! Rollins shouts at his disciples but they’ve left. Now it’s just Rollins, Roman, McIntyre, Edge and Orton. And by that, we should say it’s Rollins VS Roman, McIntyre, Edge and Orton. Rollins tries to get Roman back on his side, showing the Shield fist bump. Roman gives Rollins a SUPERMAN PUNCH! Then Edge drags Rollins up to whip into Orton’s spinning powerslam! McIntyre aims at Rollins, CLAYMORE! McIntyre takes Rollins to throw out and ELIMINATE! And now, we have our final four. Only McIntyre has yet to win a Royal Rumble, could this be his moment? Rated RKO coordinates, and they go after Roman and McIntyre with fists!
McIntyre turns things around while Orton rams Roman into a post! Back2back backbreaker, and then Orton helps Edge with McIntyre. Fans chant “This is Awesome!” as McIntyre headbutts Orton. RKO OUTTA NOWHERE! Edge aims from the corner as McIntyre rises, SPEAR! Rated RKO coordinate again as they drag McIntyre up. They give McIntyre the DOUBLE RKO for old times’ sake. But then Orton coils and stalks Edge. Edge sees it just in time, so Orton just shrugs that he was just joking. But then Edge throws out and ELIMINATES Orton! The ultimate opportunist returns! Orton lets it slide, and now we have our final three. “You Still Got It,” Edge! Edge and Roman stare down as two masters of the Spear, and they start throwing hands! Big uppercut and a SUPERMAN PUNCH from Roman!
And speaking of Spears, Roman aims from the corner. Edge slowly rises, lets out the battle cry, but Edge jumps over the spear to GIVE the SPEAR! Edge brings Roman up and throws him out, but Roman hangs on! Edge builds speed but Roman avoids the shoulder to kick back. Roman drags Edge over the top and they’re both on the apron. They brawl on the edge, and even wobble. Roman uppercuts and ELIMINATES Edge! Fans boo, but McIntyre runs over. Roman punches back, then SUPERMAN PUNCHES! Roman throws McIntyre but McIntyre blocks! McIntyre elbows Roman away, CLAYMORE!! McIntyre throws Roman out, and WINS!!
Winner: Drew McIntyre, at #16; will go to WrestleMania to challenge for a world championship
Finally! The unstoppable Scottish stallion has won the race! He has won the Royal Rumble! He has won a chance to go after a world championship! Lesnar did so much as #1, but it was Sweet Sixteen that shut him down. Will McIntyre come back for more and take that title from The Beast?
My Thoughts:
WOW! What a great Royal Rumble PPV! Honestly, nothing disappointed me. The status quo for titles may have been kept, but it was all done in the best ways possible. Namely, all the matches were great so that you can’t really complain. Almas VS Carrillo was a lot of fun, and Almas wins clean so that it doesn’t really hurt anything. And while Carrillo is great, I wasn’t confident he’d win anyway. The same goes for Lacey Evans against Bayley. Another really good match, and obviously WWE is giving Lacey a solid push with her getting a full-on corn dog commercial. Lacey will be champion someday, but once the Four Horsewomen are all done with the belts. Becky VS Asuka was a great match, no less than equal to their first match last year. But naturally, Becky wins to finally get that very important win over Asuka. Now Becky can start fresh (maybe) for this year’s Mania and thereafter.
The strap match for the Universal Championship was some great stuff, too. While the Rollins VS Fiend matches went a bit above and beyond on how believable a horror move match could go, this one did it right. For one, no more red lights! We could actually see things as we should! And Bryan wasn’t doling out Knee Plus after Knee Plus or even as many Danielson Stomps as I expected, and that was fine. Bryan does technically endure the Mandible Claw for a bit longer than expected, and that was actually good, too. In the end, The Fiend retains so that the custom Fiend face belt is worth the money they spent. But also, there has to be something bigger coming down the line for Bray at Mania, so hopefully Elimination Chamber and Super Showdown, which are both surprisingly in February, can set something up.
Sheamus VS Gable was alright, but that’s why it was a kickoff show match. Not really sure we needed that over some other match, but the kickoff show needed two matches so there it is. Roman VS Corbin as a Falls Count Anywhere was WAY better than I would’ve expected. Obviously their allies get involved, but it was to great effect. Naturally Roman wins, though both men also have their parts in the Men’s Rumble. Hopefully this ends this rivalry, because I do NOT want that Dog Food Match to somehow come back around.
The Women’s Rumble was great, and I loved that Bianca Belair got to do as much as she did. Beth Phoenix was another great part, especially since she powered through a pretty good cut in the back of her head. But when Charlotte was the one to get rid of Bianca and quickly deal with Sarah Logan, it should’ve been clear she would win. Charlotte has a big choice that will rightfully hype up Raw tomorrow night, but I just hope we don’t get redundant and have her face Becky again. I’m sure Fox will like having Charlotte on SmackDown for the Mania build and will put up big money for that. That way, Becky really can start fresh, as I’ve said. Honestly, I wonder if there’s anything planned in the Elimination Chamber this year.
Then the Men’s Rumble, it really was a “tale of two matches” as Michael Cole was told to say. Lesnar’s half was frustrating, but for the purpose of a perfect pay off. I didn’t like that he dealt with some legit big names, and big bodies, so quickly. As I watched, I wondered why no one just kicked Lesnar in the balls, and then I realized that it was so Ricochet could get that spot. And I am riding very high after I got my wish of Drew Freakin’ McIntyre using a Claymore to launch Lesnar out of the ring! And much like Charlotte getting rid of Bianca, it should’ve been clear that the one to eliminate Lesnar would go on to win. But we got some amazing moments along the way, namely EDGE! I don’t think he was meant to eliminate Styles the way Edge himself reacted, but things happen. Rated RKO reuniting and the story of the Raw Civil War getting their time was good, too. I think Aleister is joining the fight on the side of Joe and Kevin given what we saw tonight. A lot of great stuff, I just hope someone convinces Vince not to screw McIntyre over.
My Score: 9.5/10
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Is Orange Cassidy coldblooded? Or just in control?
Before their AEW World Championship match at Full Gear, Jon Moxley puts Wheeler Yuta in Orange Cassidy’s way! Will Cassidy destroy The Decoder before going for The Maniac?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- 8 Man Tag: Will Ospreay, Mark Davis, Ricochet & “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs VS The Don Callis Family; The Don Callis Family wins.
- Kris Statlander VS Hikaru Shida; Kris wins.
- 2v1 Handicap: Bobby Lashley w/ The Hurt Syndicate VS Joe Keys & Cheeseburger; Lashley wins.
- Darby Allin VS Claudio Castagnoli; Claudio wins.
- Orange Cassidy VS Wheeler Yuta w/ The Death Riders; Cassidy wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
8 Man Tag: Will Ospreay, Mark Davis, Ricochet & “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs VS The Don Callis Family!
This All-Star 8 Man is going to make for a massive match! The Aerial Assassin, Dunk Zilla, The One & Only and the man the family foolishly forgot are now teamed together against Konosuke Takeshita, Kyle Fletcher, Brian Cage & Lance Archer! Will Ospreay lead this team to victory ahead of the grudge matches at Full Gear? Or will Callis’ Alpha, Aussie Arrow, Machine & Murderhawk Monster make sure #EverybodyDies?
Well forget sorting out, Ospreay leads his team in attacking the Callis Family right on the ramp! The fans fire up as Hobbs is after Archer, Davis is after Cage, and of course Ricochet is after Konosuke while Ospreay is after Kyle! Hobbs smacks Archer off railing, Kyle CLUBS Ospreay on the back, but Ospreay kicks low. Ospreay sends Kyle into railing, rips the tearaway pants right off him, and then LASHES him with them! Davis sends Cage into railing while Ospreay uses those pants to SLING Kyle into more railing! Davis CLUBS away on Cage, Ospreay blows snot on Kyle’s pants, and Davis sends Cage into more railing.
Kyle turns things around to send Ospreay into railing! Konosuke helps Cage against Davis but Hobbs still throws hands on Archer. Kyle CLUBS Ospreay, CLUBS Ricochet, but Konosuke puts Davis in the ring. The bell rings and this is finally a match. Konosuke headlocks Davis but Davis fires body shots. Davis powers up and out, but Konosuke RAMS him! The fans fire up as Davis stays up. Davis runs to RAM Konosuke! Konosuke stays up and the fans rally. Konosuke runs to RAM Davis, but Davis runs. Konosuke bypasses, leaps, but Davis catches him for a TOSS! And a SENTON! The fans fire up with Davis, and Ricochet reaches out.
Davis tags Ricochet in , then holds the way open, for Ricochet to FOSBURY FLOP onto Konosuke! But Cage CLOBBERS Davis! Cage then RAMS Ricochet into the apron, POSTS him, but Ospreay PENALTY KICKS Cage! The fans fire up as Ospreay goes up, but Kyle UPPERCUTS him! The fans boo as Kyle goes up, CLUBS away on Ospreay, and Ospreay falls to the floor. But now Hobbs is up! Kyle says wait! Then he fires hands! Hobbs just CHOPS Kyle! Hobbs climbs up to get Kyle, but Archer CLUBS Hobbs! Archer drags Hobbs down, throws hands, then puts Hobbs in between steps and post! Hobbs fights back, but Cage sends Ospreay into the steps!
The fans boo as Hobbs’ leg is crushed between steps and post! Archer puts Ricochet in the ring while a medic checks Hobbs. Archer brings Ricochet up but Ricochet slips free to fire off fast strikes! Hobbs is being helped to the back and Ospreay is concerned that this is now 4v3. Ricochet still fires strikes on Archer, but Archer grabs Ricochet by the neck! CHOKE- NO, Ricochet RANAS Archer first! Archer tumbles, stands up, and Ricochet springboards, but Archer CLOBBERS Him out of the sky! Archer BLASTS Davis, then catches Ospreay out of the air! Archer TOSSES Ospreay away and fans boo. But Ricochet springboards back in!
Archer catches Ricochet, and he CHOKE SLAMS Ricochet out onto Ospreay and Davis! The fans boo as the Don Callis Family is in control, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Cage & Kyle flex to soak up the heat, then Archer goes out after Ospreay and the rest. Konosuke fetches Ricochet into the ring, waistlocks, and then brings him away from the corner. Archer beats up on Ospreay while Konosuke fires knees into Ricochet. Ricochet tumbles to ropes but Konosuke is on him. Davis fires hands on Archer, then sends him into railing! Davis fires more hands, but Konosuke CHOKES Ricochet at the ropes! The ref counts, Konosuke steps off and tags Kyle. Kyle stays between Ricochet and his corner. Kyle taunts Ricochet, stomps him around, then whips him to ropes. Kyle ELBOWS Ricochet down, then stalks him to a corner.
Kyle stomps away on Ricochet while Archer intimidates commentary. Kyle shouts at the camera while the ref counts, and Kyle steps off of Ricochet’s neck. Kyle bumps Ricochet off buckles, tags Cage, and Cage stands Ricochet up. Cage CHOPS Ricochet, then whips him to ropes for an ELBOW! Cage flexes while he taunts Ospreay & Davis. Cage drags Ricochet up but Ricochet RAMS him! And RAMS him! And fires forearms! Cage ROCKS Ricochet, then runs, but into a tiger wall kick and ENZIGIRI! Konosuke tags in and storms after Ricochet. Konosuke stomps Ricochet, then rains down fists! The ref reprimands while Dynamite returns to single picture.
Konosuke argues with the ref while Ospreay rallies the fans. Konosuke stays between Ricochet and his team, but Ricochet SLAPS Konosuke! Konosuke ROCKS Ricochet for it! Ricochet fires forearms and an UPPERCUT! Konosuke keeps Ricochet from his corner, reels Ricochet in, but Ricochet victory rolls! TWO, and Ricochet ducks a chop to handspring BACK ELBOW! The fans fire up while both men are down! Ricochet and Konosuke crawl, hot tags to Kyle and Ospreay! The fans fire up as these two fire fists and forearms! Kyle kicks and whips but Ospreay ducks ‘n’ dodges to CLOBBER Kyle!
Ospreay whips, Kyle reverses, Ospreay handsprings to NEURALIZER KICK! Kyle staggers, Konosuke tags back in! Ospreay dodges Konosuke to BLAST Cage & Archer! Ospreay fires fists on Konosuke, but Konosuke CLAWS Ospreay’s face! Konosuke runs, but Davis intercepts with a fireman’s carry! AUSSIE DENTAL PLAN! Or maybe in this case, just a United Empire Dental Plan! But in any case, Davis scoops Konosuke, for the LAWN DART CUTTER! Cover, TWO!! Konosuke survives but the fans fire up. Ospreay & Davis bring Konosuke up, double pump handle, but the #MurderMachines make the save!
Archer puts Davis in a corner, Cage ducks Ospreay’s haymaker to waistlock. Archer runs up, BOOT GERMAN SUPLEX COMBO! Davis fires hands on Archer but Cage waistlocks, ripcords, and ROCKS Davis! Then fireman’s carry into the ASSISTED NECKBREAKER! The fans boo but the Murder Machines DOUBLE RIPCORD Ospreay up for Konosuke’s BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay survives and shocks everyone! Archer argues with the ref but the count was fair. Konosuke tags Kyle while fans rally up behind Ospreay. Kyle smirks as he stalks Ospreay. Kyle BOOTS Ricochet off the apron for good measure!
Kyle tells Ospreay that this is how he wants it, right? All about Ospreay! Kyle stomps away on Ospreay in the corner, then digs his boots in! The ref counts but wait! Here comes Hobbs! Hobbs hobbles but Kyle hurries to send Ospreay to the Callis corner. Tag to Konosuke and then Kyle slides out. Kyle runs up on Hobbs, but Hobbs CLOBBERS him! The fans fire up as Hobbs makes his way to the corner. Ospreay fights free of the corner but Konosuke holds him back! Ospreay fires forearms, reaches out, repeat! The fans rally as hard as they can, but Konosuke reels Ospreay in! Konosuke hits a back suplex, but Ospreay lands out!
Ospreay dodges Konosuke, hot tag to Hobbs! The Powerhouse powers up to rally on Konosuke! The fans fire up as Hobbs TOSSES Kyle, but the Murder Machines attack! They reel Hobbs in, but Hobbs fights the double suplex! The fans fire up but the Murder Machines double whip. Hobbs DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up as Hobbs has targets in all corners! SPLASH for Konosuke! SPLASH for Cage! SPLASH for Kyle! SPLASH for Archer! The fans are thunderous and Hobbs brings the straps down. Archer kicks low, then runs, but Hobbs dodges, to SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up again, and Hobbs tags Davis!
Davis runs up to BOOT Konosuke, BOOT him again, but Konosuke just fires up! Ospreay CANNONBALLS onto Kyle while Konosuke fires hands! Konosuke spins, but Davis DECKS him! Davis roars, stands Konosuke up, but Konosuke backdrops back! POWER- NO, Davis stops the knee to ENZIGIRI! Davis gut wrenches Konosuke, for a PILEDRIVER!! Cover, KYLE BREAKS IT! The fans boo but now Aussie Open is face to face! Kyle pie faces Davis, talks trash, but Davis glares at him. Kyle SLAPS Davis, so Davis TACKLES Kyle! Davis throws hands, Kyle gets up, and Davis runs up! Kyle dodges and Konosuke DECKS Davis!
Ricochet springboards, FLYING LARIAT on Konosuke! But Cage POP-UP POWERBOMBS Ricochet! Hobbs SPINEBUSTERS Cage! Archer CHOKE SLAMS Hobbs! Ospreay hits the PIP PIP CHEERIO FOREARM on Archer! Ospreay dares Kyle to man up and fight him! Kyle snarls, gets in, and they fire forearms again! Kyle swings, Ospreay catches him, but Kyle breaks the full nelson with an elbow! Ospreay HOOK KICKS Kyle! Ospreay runs, Kyle dodges, but then Ospreay slips through the lariat! Kyle slips through the bomb, hoists Ospreay up, but Ospreay slips free! Kyle ducks the hook kick to SUPERKICK! Kyle runs, into the SPANISH FLY!!
The fans are thunderous as Ospreay takes aim from a corner! Kyle rises, so does Davis, and Ospreay runs up, Kyle uses Davis as a shield from the HIDDEN BLADE!! Ospreay freaks out, Kyle SUPERKICKS Ospreay out of the ring! Then Kyle DIVES onto Ospreay! Konosuke brings down his kneepad, aims at Davis, POWER DRIVE KNEE!!! Cover, Don Callis Family wins!!
Winners: The Don Callis Family, by pinfall
The Alpha stands tall over Davis as friendly fire takes out Ospreay’s team. But what happens when things divide into 1v1 matches? Will Konosuke still be International Champion after he and Ricochet go #OuttaThisWorld? Will Kyle prove that he IS The Protostar after tearing down Will Ospreay?
Jon Moxley & The Death Riders speak.
“Despite recent discoveries that Orange Cassidy is a snake, coldblooded, uncaring, unmoving, a serpent lurking in the darkest corners of the battlefield, my objective remains the same, my job on Saturday night remains the same. You may be this borderline sociopath, you may be a great guy just like everybody thinks. I don’t care if you’re a great guy. I don’t care what kind of person you are. When the bell rings on Saturday night, and the AEW World Championship hangs in the balance, you are a threat to my people. And I will destroy you.
“There’s so much more going on behind Orange Cassidy’s eyes than any of us could’ve imagined. You may make it to Full Gear with your mind in tact, but your body… For that matter, Darby Allin’s body… Still up for grabs.” Claudio jumps in, speaking in German about what he’ll do to Darby. Then in English, he says, “Tonight, I’m gonna end you.” Moxley pats Claudio on the shoulder. Will The Maniac’s top henchmen do his dirty work for him when they dismantle Cassidy & Darby? Or will it just be fuel on the fire for Freshly Squeezed & The Relentless One? Speaking of…
Darby Allin speaks.
“Claudio, I’m gonna keep this really short. Let’s not forget you’re the one who put the chair around Bryan’s neck and pulled the trigger on his career. Every single one of you Death Riders will have your day. And Claudio, today’s your day.” Will Moxley’s men be dealt with in brutal fashion before he suffers the same?
The Hurt Syndicate arrive.
Renee Paquette waits in the parking lot as an SUV pulls up, and she welcomes Montel Vontavious Porter, Shelton Benjamin & Bobby Lashley to the show. She heard MVP has a surprise in store, what’s he got planned? MVP says yes, there is a special treat for the AEW audience, and that is this announcement: The All Mighty Bobby Lashley will be in action here tonight on Dynamite in Reading, Pennsylvania, prior to his PPV debut on Saturday! Renee asks if MVP is at all concerned to put Lashley in a match- OH NO, Swerve attacks!! Swerve knocks Lashley over, then laughs as he gets away!
Shelton helps Lashley up but that ambush might’ve been with Swerve’s own silver chain. Will Lashley elect not to compete tonight after all? Or is he about to make an example out of whatever poor soul is put in front of him?
Adam Cole is here!
Reading fires up as the Panama City Playboy makes his way to the ring. They join in with the “BOOM!” and “ADAM COLE, BAYBAY!” Cole grabs a mic to ask, “Who’s ready for Storytime with Adam Cole, Baybay?” Reading sure is ready! Cole wishes so so badly that he could get his hands on MJF this Saturday, but he’s not. MJF did everything in his power to make sure he and Cole didn’t fight on Saturday, and he succeeded. But do you know who else succeeded last week? Roderick Strong did! The fans cheer as Cole says he and Roddy have the exact same goal: Give MJF the ass whooping of a lifetime! And that is exactly what happens at Full Gear!
The fans cheer, and wait, Kyle O’Reilly makes his way out here. The longtime friend of Cole & Roddy makes his way out here, and already has a mic. Kyle isn’t sure if Cole remembers, but 14 years ago, right here in Reading, PA, Cole and Kyle had their second match ever against each other. They’ve come a long way. Being associated with Cole has given Kyle some incredible highs, and some serious lows. And through those lows, Kyle knows Cole better than anyone. Which makes Kyle the only one willing to tell Cole the truth. The truth is, this crusade against MJF has got to end before someone gets hurt.
This obsession, Cole needs to wash his hands of it. His ankle has already been reconstructed, what’s next? Cole has friends willing to take a bullet for him, Kyle included, but Cole has got to stop having his friends fight his battles. Roddy barely makes it out alive last week, and now he wants to fight MJF! He wants to END MJF, all because of Cole. Kyle just doesn’t have a good feeling about any of this. Cole asks Kyle what he’s trying to say here. Kyle doesn’t think Roddy can handle MJF? Kyle asks Cole if he really thinks MJF isn’t already three steps ahead. MJF hasn’t been here for weeks but he’s pulling all the strings.
Cole should know that dealing with MJF is like playing with fire, and Kyle doesn’t wanna see his friends get burned. Cole needs to realize why so many of his friends are willing to go to war for him, and it’s because he is a great leader, an elite pro-wrestler, and a great friend, who doesn’t wanna see his friends get hurt. At least, so Kyle thinks. But Cole has to face facts: MJF is more of an evil bastard than Cole will ever be, and that is a good thing. Kyle drops his mic and walks away. Cole drops his mic, and has a lot to think about. Does Kyle have a point? Can Cole just let Roddy handle MJF and then move on?
Orange Cassidy speaks.
“A little later tonight, I’m gonna make an example out of you, Wheeler Yuta. And I’m gonna show everybody exactly what I’m gonna do this Saturday to you, Jon Moxley. And that’s walk down to that ring and beat you, alone.” But The Conglomeration steps in. Mark Briscoe has Rocky Romero & Tomohiro Ishii with him as he asks Cassidy, “What sense does that make, man?” Moxley said himself, there’s five Death Riders, one Cassidy. Conglomeration has his back, they are here for him. Cassidy says no, no one else needs to get hurt. Get hurt? What’s Cassidy talking about? The Conglomeration are ready to scrap!
PLEASE!! Cassidy is asking them… They don’t have to believe him or even understand him. But just promises him they’ll stay back here. If Cassidy insists, then so be it. Cassidy says there you have it, Jon. Five of you, one of him. Do what you’re gonna do. Because at Full Gear, Moxley’s gonna need all the help he can get. Cassidy is himself wanting the best for his friends, but will that work out for the betterment of AEW? Or is he just playing into Moxley’s hands?
Kris Statlander VS Hikaru Shida!
The #BornAgainKristen bodied the bullies that are Mercedes Mone & Kamille the last time she saw them, but she still needs to tune up for Full Gear. However, taking on the THREE-TIME AEW Women’s World Champion might be more than just a workout. Win, lose or draw, will the Shining Samurai get Kris ready for The CEO?
The bell rings, Kris and Shida shake hands and the fans applaud. The two circle, tie up, and Kris wrenches to a wristlock. Shida handsprings and wrenches back, then hammerlocks. Kris reaches back, hits a headlock takeover, but Shida headscissors. Kris kips free and the fans cheer while the two reset. Shida and Kris circle again while the fans fire up. The two tie up, Shida wrenches and hammerlocks, then CLUBS Kris on the back. Shida CLUBS Kris again, then waistlocks. Kris fights the lift with elbows, then switches. Kris SLAMS Shida, then flips her over. Shida kips up to arm-drag Kris! Kris ends up in a corner, and Shida runs up to KNEE her!
Shida climbs up and the fans cheer as she rains down fists! But Kris stops Shida at 5 and carries her out of the corner! Shida slips free, Kris blocks a lariat to SWEEP the leg! STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Shida is tough and she goes to ropes, but Kris whips her to a corner. Kris runs up but into a RANA! Kris cartwheels through! Then she CLOBBERS Shida! The fans fire up while Kris flexes. Kris drags Shida into a motorcycle stretch but Shida endures. The fans rally up and Shida fights to her feet. Shida arm-drags Kris down, and wraps her in a straitjacket stretch! Kris fights up with a bridge, but Shida hops on!
The fans rally while Kris RAMS Shida into a corner! Shida holds onto the straitjacket and pulls! The ref counts, Shida lets go at 4, and then MISSILE DROPKICKS! Kris tumbles and the fans duel as Shida fires up! Shida goes outside, drags Kris to the apron, and CLUBS her! Shida runs to KNEE LIFT! Kris flops to the floor and fans cheer while Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Shida brings Kris up again, and whips her into railing hard! Kris writhes, Shida drags her up, and then Shida whips Kris into more railing! Kris writhes again and Shida refreshes the ring count. Shida sits Kris in a corner to rain down fists! The fans fire up but the ref reprimands, so Shida stops. Shida brings Kris around, pushes her into the ring, and then stalks her. Shida stomps Kris around, brings her up, and snap suplexes! Kris writhes but Shida brings her up again. Shida then snap suplexes Kris into a corner! Shida drags Kris to a cover, TWO! Kris stays in this but Shida stays on her with a chinlock stretch!
Kris endures being bent back, and she reaches out with her free arm. Shida pulls back more but Kris rises up! Shida is again a backpack, but then she slips down. Kris fires body shots, slips around and lifts for a BIG back suplex! Kris huffs ‘n’ puffs as she rises up, but then Shida dodges the sliding forearm! Ghost pin! TWO, and Kris has a cradle! TWO! Shida ROCKS Kris, but Kris PELES! Shida staggers, but she comes back to ENZIGIRI! Both women are down and the fans fire up! The ref checks both women and they’re okay to continue, so a standing count begins. Shida and Kris stir at about 4 of 10, then rise up at 6.
Kris grabs Shida, but Shida fires a forearm! Dynamite returns to single picture as the shots go back and forth. Shida fires a flurry, then whips Kris to ropes. Kris ducks ‘n’ dodges, then dodges a knee! SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up with Kris as she whips Shida to a corner. Kris runs up to UPPERCUT, then she goes side to side for a KNEE LIFT! Shida ends up in ropes but Kris reels her in. Fisherman BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Shida survives and the fans fire up again! Kris hoists Shida up, gut wrenches, but Shida slips free! DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Shida eggs Kris on, then dodges her to fire forearms! Kris just shakes her head!
Shida fires more shots, but Kris fireman’s carries! But Shida slips free, straitjacket roll-up! TWO!! KNEE STRIKE! And then short arm LARIAT! Shida takes aim, but she starts to doubt the Katana! Shida runs up but Kris dodges the boot to then scoop and INVERTED SLAM! Then Kris aims, DISCUS- NO, Shida backslides her! TWO!! Shida reels Kris in, suplexes, FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO?!? Kris survives and Shida is shocked! Shida brings Kris up but Kris fires body shots and forearms! Shida ROCKS Kris, but Kris wrenches to kick! Kris runs, but into the JUMP KNEE! Shida hurries to suplex, but Kris turns it around!
Shida slips out of Kris’ suplex to slip around, GERMAN SUPLEX! Shida roars, aims, KATA- NO, Kris gut wrenches! Tuck and STATURDAY NIGHT FEVER!! Cover, Kris wins!!
Winner: Kris Statlander, by pinfall
Shida gave Kris a powerful match, but clearly Shida has to iron out her own crisis of confidence. Kris still shows Shida respect by helping her up. But wait, here comes Mercedes Mone & Kamille! The fans boo The CEO & Brickhouse but Mone has a mic. “Readiiiiing~! Say hello to your C E O!” The fans boo instead. Mone asks Kamille if she wants to hear a fun fact about Pennsylvania. The 76ers have had yet another terrible season! Embarrassing~! But shoutouts to Mone’s Celtics for another incredible victory. The fans boo Boston but Mone says another person with an incredible win was Kris Statlander. Mone is rarely impressed by her competition.
Does anyone else want to hear another fun fact? “NO!!” Well, Mone has held the TBS Championship longer than Kris! So at Full Gear, Mone will NOT lose, because she is The CEO, the greatest TBS Champion of all time! And she will NEVER lose this title! Fans tell The CEO to STFU, but Mone tells Kamille go get the job done! She is so pissed off! GO! NOW! Kamille walks up the steps past Mone, but with only one good arm! Mone says hurry up, but Kamille looks at both Shida and Kris. Kamille takes as swing, but Kris blocks to ROCK her! Shida QUESTION MARK KICKS Kamille! Then Kris & Shida TOSS The Brickhouse!
Shida goes out after Kamille, but then Mone goes after Kris! Mone goes for the backstabber, but Kris holds onto ropes! Mone is almost stuck up there, but Kris pops her around! STATURDAY NIGHT FEVER!! The fans fire up as Kris stands tall over The CEO! Will Kris once again become the Face of TBS? Or will Mone find a way to win even without her insurance policy?
The Hurt Syndicate has a cameraman with them.
MVP says hold on, he and Shelton have found Swerve. They go after the man in the big fur jacket, but that’s not Swerve! Swerve gave his jacket to the guy, but MVP & Shelton still beat this guy up for helping Swerve. MVP says they’ll find Swerve later, Lashley has his match up next. And it’ll be a 2-on-1 Handicap?! The All Mighty really IS mad, what poor duo is about to be destroyed?
AEW hears from Jay White and Hangman Adam Page.
“Hangman. You and I are on that same path to that same destination, trying to grasp at that same prize. 2024 still has some time left for The Switchblade to share the spotlight with Hangman once more!” But the Blackhat Cowboy asks White if he knows “Who the hell I am?! I am the Hangman! I am THE man! They named this whole godforsaken PPV after ME!” White says when he makes Hangman TAP, it will be a public declaration! But Hangman says White can’t make him tap, even if his life depended on it! These two vicious gunslingers will write one more chapter in their storied rivalry, but who comes out riding off into the sunset?
2v1 Handicap: Bobby Lashley w/ The Hurt Syndicate VS Joe Keys & Cheeseburger!
The All Mighty thought he’d have an easy night getting in a little warm-up, but The Realest quickly reminded him why he’s the most dangerous man in AEW! Lashley’s now doubling down to make a point, will there be nothing left of Keys & Cheese after tonight?
The bell rings and while the fans rally for Cheeseburger, he and Keys each argue the other should start. Lashley runs up and TOSSES Burger across the ring! Keys runs away, Lashley runs to RAM into Burger! Lashley brings Burger up, Keys runs in, but Lashley catches him for a COMPLETE SHOT DDT COMBO! Lashley drags Keys up and TOSSES him out! Lashley then turns to look at Burger in the corner. The fans rally for Burger, but Lashley CLOBBERS him! The fans boo but MVP & Shelton high-five Lashley. Lashley drags Burger up to gut wrench, Canadian Rack, and DOMINATOR! Keys runs in to break the cover!
The fans cheer Keys as he fires hands, but Lashley just gets angrier! Keys short arm LARIATS, but Lashley stays up! Keys runs, into a MILE HIGH SPINEBUSTER! Lashley storms around, then aims at Keys. Keys staggers into the SPEAR! Lashley isn’t done there, and he clamps on the HURT LOCK! Keys can’t open that lock, he is OUT! Lashley wins!
Winner: Bobby Lashley, by submission
MVP & Shelton join Lashley in the ring to celebrate, but then “Whose House?” “SWERVE’S HOUSE!” The fans fire up, and here comes Prince Nana with a chair! Nana eggs the Hurt Syndicate on so Shelton storms out after Nana. MVP watches the rest of ringside for Swerve, but Swerve slides out from under the ring! The fans fire up as Swerve slips in to CHAIN PUNCH Lashley!! MVP gets on the apron but Swerve DECKS MVP with a chain punch! And then Shelton eats a chain punch! The fans are thunderous as Swerve aims, and hits a HOUSE CALL on Lashley! Swerve hurries to the top rope, and he gives Lashley a KILL STOMP!!
The fans are thunderous as Swerve stands over Lashley! MVP & Shelton get up and get in, but Swerve escapes, chain draped on his neck! Will AEW then, now and forever be whose house? “SWERVE’S HOUSE!”
Backstage interview with Mariah May & Mina Shirakawa.
Renee is now with the AEW Women’s World Champion and her best friend, the Rev-Pro Undisputed British Women’s Champion. They are planning their Championship Champagne Celebration for Full Gear, BUT Friday Night Rampage will feature the two of them teaming up for the first time in just over a year. Mariah says no champion deserves a celebration more than her. Her rise to the top was meteoric, and her reign will be historic. She takes ish and makes it shine, any time and any show, against anyone. In Mariah’s division, you hold this title, or you die.
Mina says yes, Mariah has been working so hard. She came back to tell her she is so very proud. And Mina will give Mariah a celebration she’ll never forget! Mariah says the “H Cup Angel” (Mina) and the “Woman from Hell” (Mariah herself) are going to make Rampage into Glampage. Everyone wants Mina, but Mina wants Mariah. And then… They’ll dance! These two shimmy and shake their way out, will they finally be toasting their victories at Full Gear?
Darby Allin VS Claudio Castagnoli w/ The Death Riders!
The Relentless One told The Swiss Superman that revenge was coming, and here is Darby’s chance! Will Darby avenge Bryan Danielson? Or will he just be the next to fall?
The bell rings and Darby stares Claudio down. Darby takes some deep breaths then circles with Claudio. Darby slips around to waistlock but Claudio flings him off, only for Darby to roll to his feet. They circle again, and the fans rally behind Darby. Darby and Claudio feel things out, tie up, and Darby headlocks. Claudio lifts Darby but Darby thrashes the hold. Claudio throws Darby off, runs up, but Darby uses that to get around and springboard arm-drag! The fans fire up while Claudio bails out, and Darby taunts Claudio with some drop steps. Claudio snarls, but then Darby fakes him out with a slingshot!
Claudio is annoyed and takes a swing but Darby slingshots up and over! Darby taunts Claudio again while the fans rally up. Claudio cools off before he storms up the steel steps. Claudio pops Darby up but Darby keeps from hitting buckles! Darby ELBOWS Claudio away, goes up, then leaps, but Claudio catches him! Claudio SLAMS Darby down, flips him back to his feet, but Darby slips around to waistlock. O’Conner Roll, TWO! Darby springboards to SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Claudio bails out but the fans fire up. Darby goes up a corner, and he SUPER COFFIN SPLASHES into a waistlock! Claudio swings and THROWS Darby away!
Darby staggers to his feet but Claudio runs up, to POUNCE Darby into railing! Darby writhes against the railing, but Claudio runs up to UPPERCUT Darby up and over! Fans freak out as Darby hits the floor! Claudio leaves Darby behind while the ring count climbs, but Darby drags himself up at 7. Claudio goes back out after Darby to suplex! Claudio holds Darby up while he marches up the steps! The fans fire up for this feat of strength and balance, and then Claudio TOSSES Darby back into the ring! Darby writhes again while Claudio steps back in. Claudio stalks Darby, talks some trash, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Claudio looms over Darby, then deadlift gut wrenches for a GUTBUSTER! And then another GUTBUSTER! And then another GUTBUSTER! Darby writhes while Claudio stands over him again. Claudio watches Darby crawl towards a corner and stalks him. Claudio drags Darby up, brings him around, and ROCKS Darby with a forearm! Darby pushes Claudio, then CHOPS! Claudio DECKS Darby! Darby tumbles out of the ring! The ref wants Claudio to stay back while Darby drags himself up. Darby is back in before the count starts, but then Claudio DOUBLE STOMPS him! Claudio kicks Darby around, then clamps on with a neck wrench!
Darby endures, fights up, but Claudio powers him down. Darby BITES Claudio’s hand! The ref reprimands but Darby fires off forearms on Claudio. Claudio HIP TOSSES Darby up and out of the ring! Darby hits the floor and flounders around while the ref reprimands Claudio. Claudio again waits on Darby, and then he DOUBLE STOMPS Darby the moment he’s in! The ref counts as Claudio stands on Darby at the ropes. Claudio steps off at 4, brings him around, and clamps on an armlock and chinbar. Darby endures, fights around, and manages to fireman’s carry Claudio! But Claudio rains down elbows! HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL even!
Claudio clamps on with a double wristlock and he grinds Darby down. Darby still endures and the fans rally up again. Darby fights around and Dynamite returns to single picture. Darby fires body shots but Claudio knees low! Claudio then HIP TOSSES Darby into a corner! Darby tumbles out of the ring but Claudio pursues! Claudio SWINGS Darby into railing! Then Claudio fireman’s carries, to TOSS Darby back in the ring! Claudio storms in while Darby flounders away. Darby flops back out of the ring but Claudio pursues him again. Darby trips Claudio up and traps him in the apron skirt! Darby then fires forearms, and BITES Claudio’s ear!
The fans fire up but Claudio shoves Darby away. Darby slides into the ring then DIVES onto Claudio! And then runs to DIVE again! Down goes Claudio and the fans fire up! Darby crawls over to bring Claudio up and into the ring. The fans fire up as Darby climbs up a corner, though slowly given all the damage to his back. That lets Claudio trip Darby up! Darby is stuck up top, and Claudio climbs up after him. Claudio gut wrenches for a SUPER GUT WRENCH PLEX!! Cover, TWO!! Darby survives and Claudio can’t believe it! The fans fire up but Claudio calls for the swing! Claudio grabs the legs, but Darby twists to a victory roll! TWO!!
Claudio escapes and runs up, but Darby ducks ‘n’ dodges, roll and- WHOA, Claudio has to fight to stay up, and then he deadlifts Darby! Darby pops through to CODE RED!! Cover, TWO!! Claudio survives and the fans fire up again! “This is Awesome!” as Darby and Claudio crawl for ropes. Claudio runs up to UPPERCUT! And UPPERCUT again and again and again! The ref backs Claudio off, but then Claudio fires off body shots! Darby flops over but Claudio has the legs. Claudio FLIPS Darby up and over the ropes, but Darby lands on the apron! Claudio BOOTS Darby down! The ref wants Claudio to hold on but Claudio goes out after Darby.
Claudio drags Darby by his legs, then SWINGS him around! Into steel steps!! The fans lose their minds, the ref reprimands Claudio, but Claudio doesn’t care. The fans tell Claudio he is sick, but Claudio TOSSES Darby over the announce desk!! Schiavone, Excalibur & Matt Menard narrowly avoid becoming collateral damage! But Claudio clears the desk and brings Darby up. Claudio puts Darby on the desk, then stands over him. The ref reprimands but Claudio just ignores him. Claudio drags Darby up, and gorilla presses him! SUPER DUPER TOSS onto the timekeeper’s table!! The fans lose their minds as Darby is down but that table’s somehow still standing!
The ref checks on Darby but Claudio storms right over! The ref tells Claudio to stop so they go to the ring. Claudio lets the ring count start, and yet Darby somehow stirs at 4 of 10! The fans rally as hard as they can and Darby crawls his way over! Darby is still far away at 7! But then he powers up and LEAPS in at 9!! But Claudio LARIATS Darby inside-out!! Cover, Claudio wins!
Winner: Claudio Castagnoli, by pinfall
Darby truly is relentless, with durability like no other, but it just wasn’t enough against the strength and brutality of Claudio! Will no one stop The Death Riders from running roughshod over AEW?
Backstage interview with Private Party.
Renee is with Marq Quen & Isiah Kassidy and brings up that at Full Gear, the AEW World Tag Team Championships are on the line in a Fatal 4 Way. Private Party takes on The Acclaimed, The Outrunners and The Kings of the Black Throne. In such a match, the champs do NOT have to be pinned or submitted to lose their titles, so what is their strategy? Brother Zay says they obviously can’t tell her that, the other teams are watching. But it seems like the odds are against them. Fortunately, the odds have been against them their whole lives, their whole careers, just like against The Young Bucks.
But look what happened: Private Party defied the odds, beat The Bucks, and are your AEW World Tag Team Champions. That is the same thing that happens on Saturday. They leave Newark, New Jersey still your tag team champions. Because there ain’t no party like a Private Party, that’s a flex. Oh, speaking of! It’s AJ & Big Justice! They’re fired up to be here, but Justice wants to know what that face Zay made was last week. Oh, right, this one, with the chin scratching. And AJ says they’ve got a BIG announcement coming up after this! Maybe some double chunk chocolate cookies? BOOM!!
A green Porsche Taycan pulls up to the middle of nowhere.
And out steps MJF. The Wolf of Wrestling tells the hobo to “go get it” as he throws spare change off to the side like birdseed. MVP then sits back and tells Roderick Strong, “You’ve been through so much. The kid who grew up trailer park trash with two abusive alcoholic parents. For crying out loud! Your own mother shot your father right in front of you. That’s traumatizing. And as you know, Roddy, trauma is the result of an overwhelming sense of danger, powerlessness and fear. However, healing is a result of feeling safe, empowered and supported. That’s why you’d do anything for Cole. He makes you feel all those positive things that you lacked.
“It’s why I was no different than you. It’s why I trusted him. Unfortunately, the difference between you and I: Cole for me was a mirage of what I wanted him to be. A fraud, a liar. And whilst Cole is a fraud, I do actually believe deep down, in his narcissistic, sociopathic, frail, feeble frame, is a man who cares about Roderick Strong. This is precisely why upon further contemplation, I am happy you won, Roddy. Because I want Adam Cole to watch a person he cares about suffer! And because of your White trash upbringing, you aren’t intelligent enough to realize that you don’t have a prayer. And I’m sending you back to where you belong. To your grimy little trailer park.
“And after the match, you’ll be in so much physical anguish, you’ll wish your mother hadn’t shot your father, but instead shot you.” As if this scumbag couldn’t stoop any lower, he brings up Roddy’s past to hurt him. But will Roddy make sure MJF’s future is the one full of pain and suffering?
Backstage interview with AJ & Big Justice.
Renee is with the Costco Tiktok sensations and says that in the Full Gear Zero Hour, we will see #BigBoomAJ take on QT Marshall in a match 20 YEARS in the making. AJ says it may have been 20 years in the making for QT, this all started for AJ when QT threw the double chunk chocolate cookies down! Renee says AJ has not been in the ring in those 20 years, is he concerned about how his body will hold up? AJ isn’t worried about that, because he just has one strategy, and that’s the strategy they use each and every day. That strategy is to bring the BOOM~! But hey, there’s another special announcement.
Because when AJ rings QT’s bell, and he Power-Booms QT right in the middle of that ring, there is only one guy they want ringing the bell: Big Justice’s best friend, THE RIZZLER! Time to bring the BOOM~! Will QT be sleeping on the mat for The Rizzler? Will he be skibidi? Fanum Tax? Why are those even words?
Tony Schiavone is on stage.
And he welcomes out The Undisputed Kingdom! The fans cheer as Roderick Strong makes his way out, accompanied by Matt Taven & Mike Bennett. Schiavone brings up Roddy VS MJF at Full Gear, and we just heard all that disgusting stuff MJF had to say. Roddy’s response is that to be honest, he has not slept a wink since last week. IT is finally happening! Roddy feels like a kid on Christmas morning. He finally gets his hands on “MAAAAAX~!” The fans echo that, and Roddy says if MJF was here tonight, and not hiding out there, Roddy would ask him: Is Roddy supposed to be ashamed of his childhood?
Is Roddy supposed to be ashamed of his parents? You don’t think Roddy’s heard that stuff before? His whole LIFE, that is what people brought up! His mom’s an addict, his dad’s an addict, mom shot dad. Good job, Max, you made Roddy feel like he was in elementary school again. And people may look at Roddy’s past and feel sorry for him, but Roddy asks us not to. Because looking at MJF, Roddy feels sorry for him. Understand this, Max. With Roddy’s life, he learned that to get the most out of life, you have to earn it. If you wanna break the cycle, you have to earn it. And that is what Roddy’s done ever since he was a kid!
And now looking at MJF, he’s been spoon-fed everything. And when something doesn’t go his way or something happens and he doesn’t like it, MJF throws a temper tantrum like a baby until that changes. So Roddy wants MJF to do something for him: Look in the mirror and think about all the things that MJF has done to people. The manipulating, the backstabbing, the using. MJF needs to realize, when the bell rings at Full Gear, MJF will pay for all those sins. With every chop, with every punch, with every elbow, with every backbreaker! And when it is all over, Roddy walks to his hotel room for the best night of sleep in his life because he earned it.
Especially because Roddy will know he has broken MJF’s back, and left him humbled! Roddy is all fired up, and the fans are with him! Will MJF finally get what’s coming to him? Or will he give Roddy nightmares for the rest of his life?
AEW shares footage taken from last Saturday night.
First, a recap video of Daniel Garcia thwarting Jack Perry’s attempts to abduct and torture Matthew Menard, as well as the joyride they took in the Scapegoat bus, with Perry as the hood ornament. And now, they have Perry strapped into a chair, the bus headlights as the only source of light. Menard is behind the camera as he asks Perry how he’s feeling. How’d that work out for him, huh? Garcia splashes Perry with water to wake him up, and says “Let’s have a conversation. I’m all ears.” Perry chuckles and says Garcia thinks he’s so much better than him. Look at where they are! Garcia shouts back that he doesn’t wanna be here!
Garcia just wants to wrestle, but AEW is full of savages! Perry tried to take Daddy Magic’s life! And those in power just sit back and watch, pretending that nothing’s going on. So what do they do? Gotta take the power back, right? Perry counters with, “Everybody’s got a code. Everybody cares about right and wrong until it costs them something. Until they have to SACRIFICE!” Garcia gets in Perry’s face, grabs him by the mouth, and says Perry’s always going on about sacrifice but Perry has no idea what Garcia’s had to go through! Perry has NO idea what Garcia’s had to sacrifice to be here!
Garcia knows where Perry wants him to go, but Garcia promises that he’s never gonna go there. Perry smirks, then SPITS in Garcia’s face. Garcia wipes that off his face and says bet. Garcia’s got something for Perry, so just wait right there. Garcia goes to the bus while Perry mockingly asks what he’s gonna do. Menard tells shut up, Jack! Life must be so hard for him! What’s Jack got to be sad about?! Garcia comes back and he has a crowbar! Perry dares him to go ahead. Garcia raises the bar, but he SMASHES up the bus! Garcia throws the crowbar away and Perry laughs. Is that it? Garcia tells Menard they’ll get out of here. What? Where’s Garcia going?
Perry says yeah, walk away. Menard tells Perry that Garcia’s gonna whoop his ass! Just wait! Menard leaves, Perry shouts into the night, but will The Face of TNT soon be the one sacrificed for the greater good?
Renee Paquette presides over the ROH World Championship contract signing.
She welcomes us backstage to the signing for this match, which will happen next week, Dynamite: Thanksgiving Eve, in Chicago. The challenger, Tomohiro Ishii, is on her left, and the champion, Chris Jericho, is on her right. Jericho, as champion, you have the honors to sign first. Jericho smiles and waves as he says, “Hi, guys.” But Renee, you should know better. A champion of Jericho’s caliber does not just sign a contract thrust at his face randomly. He has a whole legal team that needs to approve this contract. Renee says it was sent to said legal team last week. Oh, really? What about today? The now! Jericho lives in the now!
Jericho says he’ll get this checked by his legal eagles one more time. But for now, wait here. Choto matte kudesai. Jericho steps around the corner and then down the hall. He smiles at his own picture on the wall. What a good looking guy. But wait, Ishii has followed Jericho to the hall. Jericho is a bit worried as he keeps moving. Jericho tries to block Ishii’s path but a trash can isn’t enough. Jericho tells staffers that Ishii wants to talk to them. They step in the way but Ishii pushes them aside. Jericho moves faster, pushes more people in the way, but Ishii pushes them aside. Was that RJ City?
Jericho goes up some stairs but Ishii follows. Ishii’s even gaining ground! Jericho goes through a doorway and ends up in the concourse! Fans cheer as Jericho and Ishii keep up their cat ‘n’ mouse game. Jericho decides to go into the stands! Ishii follows, and they head down the bleachers towards ringside! Jericho hurries over railing but so does Ishii. They go into the ring, and now Jericho tells Ishii to stop following him! Jericho wants a mic, a mic is brought, and Jericho says hey, listen, Ishii. Jericho would sign this contract, but he doesn’t have a pen. Ishii has a pen! Oh. Ishii clicks it for Jericho, and pushes it into him.
Jericho takes the pen, looks at the contract again, and still hesitates. Jericho signs his part, and then hands things over to Ishii. But then BRYAN KEITH & BIG BILL ATTACK! It was all a massive set-up! Bad Apple & Redwood beat down Stone Pitbull, and then sit him up! Jericho has the pen ready, but here comes The Conglomeration! Mark Briscoe & Rocky Romero rush in, and Mark TACKLES Jericho! Rocky fires off on Bill while Mark CHOKES Jericho! Keith saves Jericho from Mark but Mark fires hands on Keith! The fans fire up, but then Bill SKYSCRAPER- NO, Mark UPPERCUTS Bill first! Rocky adds on!
The fans fire up as The Conglomeration pinballs Bill, and then Ishii CLOBBERS him! Bill tumbles out, but Rocky DIVES! Bill is sent into railing! Keith stands up, into a kick and underhooks! JAY DRILLER! Jericho stands up, Ishii has him, and hits a BRAINBUSTER!! Conglomeration stands tall over The Learning Tree and his Branches, and now Ishii signs his part! The match is now official, and Ishii is looking to take a bite out of Jericho! Will The Conglomeration have the ROH World Championship to be thankful for this year?
Backstage interview with Jamie Hayter.
Renee is with the former AEW Women’s World Champion and notes that last time, we were going to hear from her, only for her to be interrupted by Julia Hart. What is Hayter’s reaction to that? Well, yeah, she isn’t angry, but she is baffled why Julia chose to interrupt Hayter. They’ve never really spoken or interacted, or even wrestled each other. Hayter is just curious as to why Julia felt it was okay to do that. Granted, Julia can do whatever she wants, Hayter moves to the beat of her own drum just as much as Julia. But… if Julia wants to have a chat-
Uh oh, something is happening to the video! Brody King’s message echoes, “It’s time to come home.” Julia Hart walks through the woods. Brody says The House is her foundation. She has seen her rebirth. Now it is time to rebuild. She has woken up stronger, more determined, and more dangerous than ever. Julia aims her arrow to shoot down a target: her past self. Her obstacles are just bull’s eyes. She is the Princess of the Black Throne, and the Keeper of Secrets. She is Julia Hart, and her heart grows harder. She hits her mark, but will she find Hayter Hits Hard?
Orange Cassidy VS Wheeler Yuta!
Freshly Squeezed has been accused of being coldblooded and uncaring, but he got pretty heated as he told The Conglomeration to keep themselves safe tonight. He goes 1v1 with The Decoder, a young man who was once Cassidy’s student, and who left him behind to join the then Blackpool Combat Club. If anyone is uncaring, it is Yuta with how he would then follow Jon Moxley’s lead in the destruction of Bryan Danielson and Chuck Taylor. Who will be the more ferocious fighter tonight, this close to Full Gear?
The bell rings and Yuta SHOTGUNS Cassidy! Yuta follows Cassidy to a corner to CHOP, then ROCK, then CHOP again! Yuta whips corner to corner but Cassidy goes up and out. Cassidy bumps Yuta off buckles, climbs up top, but has to leap over. Yuta comes back but Cassidy catches him to a backslide! TWO, but Cassidy reels Yuta in for a cradle! TWO! Yuta pulls on an ear! But Cassidy arm-drags and wrangles Yuta into the SEATBELT! TWO!! Yuta escapes and the fans fire up as these two stand off. Yuta huffs ‘n’ puffs, but Cassidy shows he wants a grapple. They feel things out, knuckle lock, but Cassidy blocks a kick!
Cassidy reels Yuta in for a headlock, but Yuta powers up and out. Cassidy ducks ‘n’ rolls, tilt-o-whirls, but Yuta suplexes! Into STUN DOG MILLIONAIRE! Yuta tumbles out and fans fire up! Cassidy builds speed to DIVE! Down goes Yuta and the fans fire up again! Cassidy brings Yuta up, whips, but Yuta reverses to reel Cassidy in! Cassidy fights the suplex, but then Yuta fights a suplex. Yuta suplexes, to RAILING BRAINBUSTER!! Cassidy writhes and fans are stunned! Yuta stomps Cassidy, then leaves him behind for the ring count. Cassidy crawls into the ring, Yuta exposes a crossbar, and then he GRINDS Cassidy’s face into the steel!
The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but Yuta steps off at 4. Cassidy seethes as he rises up, but Yuta has him at the corner. Cassidy kicks Yuta’s legs out and Yuta falls onto a turnbuckle! Yuta falls back, Cassidy climbs, but Yuta grabs Cassidy first! Yuta drags Cassidy down but Cassidy fires hands. Yuta squeezes the facelock tight, then hits an APRON DDT! The fans boo Yuta while Cassidy writhes, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Cassidy clutches his neck while Yuta waits in the ring. A ring count starts and Yuta eggs Cassidy on. Cassidy reaches up as the count reaches 5 of 10, but he doesn’t sit up until 6. Cassidy hobbles up, stumbles and falls, but springs back to life! He slides in at 9! Only for Yuta to be right on him! Yuta reels Cassidy in, but Cassidy turns that into BEACH BREAK! Cover, TWO!! Yuta survives but Cassidy is too sore to be frustrated. They both sit up, and Yuta crawls his way over to a corner. Cassidy rises, checks his neck, then runs up, but into an ELBOW! Yuta goes up, but Cassidy JUMP FOREARMS! Cassidy positions Yuta just right before he climbs the corner.
Yuta resists but Cassidy still brings Yuta up. Yuta continues to fight the suplex, throws body shots, then shoves Cassidy down. Cassidy rolls back to his feet, runs back up the corner, but Yuta again fights the suplex! Cassidy fires hands, but Yuta fires back! They brawl up top, Cassidy HEADBUTTS Yuta! But Yuta HEADBUTTS back! They both wobble, but then Cassidy BITES Yuta! The ref reprimands, but Cassidy CLAWS Yuta’s back! This is very Moxley of him to do! And then Cassidy hits the SUPERPLEX! Both men are down and the ref checks. They’re both okay to continue, so a standing count begins!
Cassidy sits up, spots Yuta, and heads that way. Yuta sits up, they fire forearms as they stand! Dynamite returns to single picture as these shots go back and forth. The fans fire up for Cassidy but boo Yuta as the shots go faster and faster! Yuta BITES Cassidy’s forehead! Yuta spits then runs, but Cassidy dodges! BODY BLOW! SUPERKICK! Yuta sits down, Cassidy runs, PENALTY KICK! Cassidy slashes his throat, hauls Yuta up, BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Yuta survives but Cassidy seethes. Cassidy rains down fists on Yuta! The ref reprimands about closed fists and hair pulling, but Cassidy doesn’t stop until the ref counts 4.
Cassidy stands, and he throws off the elbow pad! Cassidy aims at Yuta, runs up, but Yuta ducks the punch! GERMAN SUPLEX! Yuta runs to CHOP in the corner! And then a wrench and PAIN THRILLER! The fans boo while Yuta seethes and stands over Cassidy. Yuta sits Cassidy up, for HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! But Cassidy blocks one! And bends fingers, to then SNAP them! The fans fire up as Cassidy SNAPS finger after finger! Yuta swings, Cassidy BOOTS him, then serves up SOLE FOOD! Scoop and MICHINOKU DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Cassidy is busting out all his best friends’ best moves, but he hasn’t gotten it done!
Cassidy aims, loads up, and ORANGE- NO, Yuta ducks! Orange fights the suplex, switches to O’Conner Roll! TWO, Yuta dodges Cassidy, scoops him, and CROSS LEG TOMBSTONE!! Cover, TWO?!? Cassidy survives and Yuta is furious! The fans are thunderous, but Yuta rains down HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! Cassidy grits his teeth but he’s almost a ragdoll! Yuta lets off to then hook the arms, CATTLE MUTILATION!! Cassidy endures as Yuta thrashes him around! Cassidy powers up as the fans rally, and he kicks around to the ROPEBREAK!! Yuta holds on, the ref counts, and Yuta finally lets go at 4!
The ref reprimands Yuta, but Yuta pushes past the ref to go outside the ring. Yuta grabs a chair! Yuta storms into the ring while the fans boo, and the ref says don’t do it! Cassidy dodges the chair shot! Victory roll, CASSIDY WINS!!
Winner: Orange Cassidy, by pinfall
Yuta is in disbelief! Cassidy beat him with a technical move! Yuta snarls but the ref keeps him back. Cassidy did what he promised in beating Yuta, but then he stares his former student down. Is Cassidy going to offer a handshake? WAIT, PAC ATTACKS! The Bastard BOOTS Cassidy down so we’ll never know what Cassidy was going to do! The fans boo more but Pac & Yuta stand on Cassidy. The rest of the Death Riders appear, and Marina Shafir has duct tape! The AEW World Trios Champions stomp away on Cassidy, like vultures picking the bones. Moxley steps into the ring while Marina hands the tape over to Pac.
Claudio puts Cassidy’s hands in his pockets, and then Pac tapes them in! Cassidy is physically bound, and Moxley paces around. Cassidy is pushed around by all the Death Riders, then Moxley DECKS him! Claudio hauls Cassidy back up, the Death Riders keep bullying him, and then Moxley SLAPS Cassidy down! But the bullying continues as they stand Cassidy up. Cassidy “kicks” Moxley! Defiant to the end! But Moxley DECKS him again! Moxley paces around more, then stomps Cassidy right on the face! Moxley leads The Death Riders away, and The Conglomeration finally comes out here.
Mark has scissors to cut Cassidy loose, and the fans boo as The Death Riders still retreat. Cassidy tries to stand up, but he has to use ropes to do it. Even so, Cassidy stands on his own two feet. Moxley eggs on the fans while Cassidy puts his sunglasses on. And then hands up, and then into the pockets! Try as they might, The Death Riders could not break the Freshly Squeezed fighting spirit! Will Cassidy finally become AEW World Champion? Or will Moxley find a way to break Cassidy at Full Gear?
My Thoughts:
A great go-home Dynamite here, though it felt like it contracted Go Home Syndrome. A lot of recap and other promos, but good promos all the same. Good follow-up from last week with Hayter and Hart, that will probably really get going after Full Gear. Good promo from Mariah & Mina to hype up their celebration segment for Full Gear, and with Toni Storm’s announcement of her retirement, you can bet Toni is anything but retired! Toni Storm most assuredly will return very soon, maybe even to ruin the celebration and spark another feud. I still want us to get to Mariah VS Mina but maybe Storm moves things back so that Mariah VS Mina happens in 2025.
Good promo from Private Party to also have AJ & Big Justice show up. The promos didn’t really add much to any of the matches, though. I’m very sure AJ does hit the BOOM on QT to win, and then Private Party finds a way to survive the Fatal 4. Great stuff with Perry, Garcia and Menard, that was another very action movie kind of promo, maybe even like that grittier Batman movie. But with Garcia not sinking to the same lows as Perry, that will be why Garcia loses. Honestly, why not just have Perry blatantly get himself disqualified? What great heat for Perry while keeping Garcia strong in not becoming TNT Champion.
Great promos in this MJF story. I appreciate Cole throwing his support behind Roddy was good, as well as Kyle O’Reilly wanting Cole to just leave it at this. MJF of course insults Roddy over his past while also trashing Cole at the same time, but great response from Roddy. Also I’m not a car guy so it took me a little too long to Google out what car MJF was driving. Anyway, given all these promos, I am very confident MJF wins at Full Gear and then Cole still wants after MJF, only for Kyle to have to fight Cole to make him stop. Then we’ll maybe get Cole VS MJF at Worlds End, or even some time in 2025.
Very good stuff with The Hurt Syndicate, even with them getting jumped by Swerve. Poor Cheeseburger, that’s one fan favorite that got fed to Bobby Lashley. But Swerve getting the better of the Hurt Syndicate again and again tonight, all the more reason Lashley wins at Full Gear. Very good promo vignette from White and Hangman to hype up their grudge match, which still feels it could go either way since they’re tied on the year. And Jericho and Ishii had perhaps simultaneously the most clever and most ridiculous contract signing segment ever. And of course Jericho worked out some sort of trap, only for it to go badly for him and his team. But with that, that means Ishii is losing next week, as I figured he would.
Awesome opening match with the 8 Man, and I liked that they had Hobbs do the “fighting through the pain” angle in the match. Also, great bit with Kyle Fletcher sending Davis into harm’s way so that the Callis Family can get the better of Ospreay’s team. I thought the Faces were going to win here, but the math now says Ospreay finds a way to beat Kyle, and maybe Ricochet takes the International Championship from Konosuke Takeshita. The Continental Classic is coming, and they could easily use that round robin to get Konosuke back to a feud with Kazuchika Okada and they battle for the Continental Championship at Worlds End like we should’ve gotten at WrestleDream.
Awesome match from Kris VS Shida, and I appreciate the crisis of confidence for Shida. Kris gets a great win to go into Full Gear, and then Kris and Shida get the better of Mone & Kamille, so all the more reason Mone finds a way to survive. As for Kamille, I feel like she should ditch Mone for being treated like crap by Mone, and maybe we can get a feud of Mone VS Kamille going into 2025. And of course, plenty of promos from Death Riders and “Team AEW” members. Moxley just kinda went on and on about stuff he’s already said in reference to Cassidy, but I did like Claudio going bilingual in talking trash on Darby.
Awesome matches from those stories, of course. Darby really got thrown around but he continues to show that toughness. Claudio getting the win mostly keeps Darby back so that Darby can build towards a world title match at Worlds End. Cassidy VS Yuta was great stuff, too, with great back and forth of Cassidy wanting to end it quick, having to grit it out with Yuta, and then Cassidy still finding a way to end it with a quick pin. And they did a good job muddying the math. Cassidy wins the match, but the Death Riders beat him down, only for Cassidy to literally stand tall at the end of the show. I still don’t see him taking the world title from Moxley, though, with Darby still in the wings, but this could end up Cassidy’s best match yet.
My Score: 8.9/10
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Will this be the mightiest Tag League yet?
It’s time for NJPW World Tag League 2024, and this year already looks mighty good as IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, Zack Sabre Jr, is in the A Block! Will he and Ryohei Oiwa make everyone #JustTapOut?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kickoff – Shoma Kato VS Masatora Yasuda; Kato wins.
- Six Man Tag: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Jado & Katsuya Murashima VS Taiji Ishimori & The Filip Brothers; Taiji & The Filip Brothers win.
- Six Man Tag: Toru Yano, Boltin Oleg & Tiger Mask VS The House of Torture; The House of Torture wins.
- Six Man Tag: Taichi, Douki & Taka Michinoku VS The United Empire; Taichi, Douki & Taka win.
- Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS TMDK; TMDK wins.
- World Tag League 2024 A Block: Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma VS Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman; Cobb & Callum win.
- World Tag League 2024 A Block: Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji VS Alex Zayne & Ryusuke Taguchi; Takagi & Tsuji win.
- World Tag League 2024 A Block: Bishamon VS KENTA & Chase Owens; Bishamon wins.
- World Tag League 2024 A Block: Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa VS Gabe Kidd & SANADA; ZSJ & Oiwa win.
PLAY BY PLAY
World Tag League 2024 A Block: Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma VS Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman!
The Roughneck is bringing Everyone’s Kokeshi along for the ride, but this league might already be too much to handle. Can Honma help Shota bring about his Paradigm Shift? Or will they just get conquered by the United Empire?
The teams sort out and Shota starts against The Imperial Unit. The bell rings and Shota runs up to RAM Cobb! And RAM! And RAM! Cobb stays up so Shota kicks low. Shota runs to RAM Cobb, but Cobb rebounds to CLOBBER Shota! The fans cheer while Cobb stalks Shota. Cobb brings Shota up to whip him to a corner. Shota comes back to RAM Cobb! Cobb stays up, so Shota clinches! Cobb fights free with elbows, but Shota dodges a lariat to RAM Cobb! Cobb falls over! The fans fire up with Shota, and he brings Cobb up again. Callum runs in so Shota shoves Cobb aside to catch Callum. Shota shoves Callum at Honma for a shoulder tackle!
The fans fire up as Shota keeps moving and he SOMERSAULT SENTONS Callum! Shota then sets up so he and Honma can tabletop Cobb! Cobb sits up into Shota’s SHOTGUN! The fans fire up and Shota tags Honma. The fans rally behind Honma as he CLUBS Cobb. Honma reels Cobb in, but Cobb suplexes first! Cobb SLAMS Honma down, then calls for Callum. Callum rises but Cobb says hold on. The “Cobby Cat” mocks Honma by bopping himself on the head. Cobb then runs to FALLING KOKESHIÂ FLOP! Honma winds up and runs, but Callum is in the way! Cobb runs up, Honma dodges the lariat but Callum tags in.
Cobb dodges Honma, then shoves him at Callum. They pinball Honma around, and Callum BOOTS Honma while Cobb BLASTS Shota! Then Callum & Cobb coordinate to HIGH LOW with a shoulder tackle and leg sweep! The fans cheer and Cobb says You Can’t See Him! Callum stomps Honma, then KICKS him in the back. Honma gets mad but Callum scuffs him again and again. Honma rises, CHOPS, and CHOPS again! Callum CHOPS and pretends that hurt his hand. Callum CLUBS Honma down but the fans rally up. Honma rises to CHOP! And CHOP! And CHOP! Callum kicks low, reels him in, but Honma fights the suplex!
Honma catches Callum’s lariat to spin and DDT! The fans fire up while both men are down! Callum and Honma crawl, but Honma hot tags Shota! Shota rallies on Callum with big elbows! Shota whips, Callum reverses, but SHota ducks ‘n’ dodges to CLOBBER Callum! Cobb runs up, but Shota arm-drags him, then dropkicks the legs out! Cobb bails, Shota fires up, and the fans rally again. Shota whips Callum corner to corner, runs up on him, and UPPERCUTS! Shota reels Callum in for a FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect but Shota doesn’t let that slow him down!
Shota waits on Callum, then runs, but Callum avoids Ignition to hook Shota! Shota fights the backslide so Callum whips him to a corner. Callum runs up but Shota dodges! Shota runs up but Callum goes up and over! Callum keeps moving, but Shota ROCKS him, UPPERCUTS him, and runs! Callum follows to ROCK Shota at the ropes! Callum runs, but then stops to fake out Shota’s dropkick! Shota sits up, but he ducks the Penalty Kick! Shota rolls Callum but Callum rolls through. Shota ROCKS Callum, then spins, but Callum dodges the rolling elbow! DREAMCAST KICK! Shota drops to his knees and the fans fire up!
Callum and Shota crawl, hot tag to Cobb! Cobb runs up to waistlock Shota for a deadlift! Shota fights with elbows, goes to run, but Cobb reels him in for a forearm to the back! Cobb runs, but Shota DROPKICKS him! The fans fire up again and Shota heads for his corner. Hot tag to Honma! The fans rally as Honma CHOPS Cobb, and CHOPS, and CHOPS! Honma puts Cobb in a corner, whips him corner to corner, then runs up. Honma ELBOWS Cobb and hits a BULLDOG! The fans fire up as Honma shows Cobb how it’s done! FALLING KOKESHI- NO! Now Honma FLOPS as Cobb moves! Callum runs up to SHOTGUN Shota off the apron!
The fans fire up as Cobb RAMS Honma into the corner! Callum runs up to forearm SMASH! Callum drops down and Cobb LEAPS over to ELBOW Honma! Callum comes back and Cobb pops him up to the apron! ENZIGIRI, then fireman’s carry! Callum climbs, DOUBLE STOMP ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT! PENALTY KICK and GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT! Cover, Shota breaks it! The fans fire up and Shota TOSSES Callum! Cobb kicks Shota, whips, but Shota reverses to TORNADO DDT! Shota shouts to Honma and the fans fire up again. Honma rises and he storms up on Cobb. Honma & Shota double whip corner to corner!
Honma runs up to LARIAT! Honma feeds Cobb to Shota’s UPPERCUT! Honma LARIATS, Shota clinches, EXPLODER!! The fans cheer and Honma runs, SLIDING KOKESHI! Shota keeps moving, IGNITION! Honma covers, Callum breaks it! Shota stomps Callum out of the ring and leaves the rest to Honma. Honma drags Cobb up, but Cobb fights the suplex! Cobb ROCKS Honma, whips him, but Honma grabs ropes! Honma BOOTS Cobb, and Shota joins in! DOUBLE RUNNING KOKESHI! And then they DOUBLE FALLING KOKESHI! Cover, TWO!! Cobb survives but Shota goes after Callum! CANNONBALL to the floor!
The fans fire up again as Honma climbs! FLYING- NO, Cobb catches Honma! SPINEBUSTER, and FALLING HAMMER! Cover, TWO!! Honma survives and the fans fire up again! But then Cobb reels Honma in, for a TOUR OF THE ISLAND!! Cover, United Empire wins!
Winners: Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Shota & Honma earn 0)
A powerful showing from “The Kokeshi Brothers,” but they could not bring down Callum & Cobb. With the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships already on Great-O-Khan & Henare, will The United Empire completely dominate the NJPW Heavyweight Tag Division?
World Tag League 2024 A Block: Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji VS Alex Zayne & ???
Los Ingobernables de Japon’s heavy formation is in this block, ready to rampage like twin dragons. If only The Sauce could’ve brought his own monster back. Who will be the substitute for Lance Archer? And can he help heat things up?
Zayne makes his entrance before anyone else, and asks to speak on the mic. A mic is given, and Zayne says, “Kon’nichiwa.” The fans applaud, and Zayne explains that when he was contacted this year for WTL, he was also informed that Lance Archer could not make it. Zayne knew he had to do one thing: find the most “delicious” tag partner he could find. And that man is… RYUSUKE TAGUCHI!? The fans can’t believe the Funky Weapon is joining Zayne in this tournament! And he wears a green version of Zayne’s gear! Are things about to get really spicy now?
The teams sort out, and Takagi is in disbelief. LIJ fist bumps and the fans applaud. Taguchi and Zayne bow, “Itadakimasu,” and Zayne starts against Yota. They circle, tie up, and Yota powers Zayne back. But Zayne powers Yota back! Yota powers up to power Zayne onto the ropes, but Zayne turns things around. The ref counts, Zayne lets off slowly with a pat on the shoulders, but Yota plays with Zayne’s hair. Zayne smirks and Yota grins as the two reset. They circle, tie up, and are in a deadlock. Yota headlocks, but Zayne powers up and out. Yota RAMS Zayne but neither man falls. Fans cheer as Yota grins and Zayne plays with his own hair.
Things speed up suddenly, and Zayne sidesteps. Yota bucks the O’Conner Roll, then gets around Zayne. Zayne ELBOWS Yota away to a corner. Zayne runs up to BACK ELBOW and go to the apron in one go! Then he slingshots to RANA! Yota has a rough tumble, but he stands back up. Zayne runs up again, dodges the lariat and waistlocks, only to bring Yota back and run. Yota sidesteps Zayne then drops down, only for Zayne to IMPLODER KNEE DROP! The fans fire up but Zayne keeps moving, STANDING MARIPOSA! The fans cheer more while Zayne grins at Takagi. Zayne brings Yota up, tags Taguchi, and they double whip.
“Funky Sauce” misdirects Yota to hit a BULLDOG then basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer and Taguchi stomps Yota. Taguchi brings Yota up, kicks low, then whips. Yota reverses but Taguchi RANAS! A little slippery, but then Zayne BLASTS Takagi off the apron! Funky Sauce takes aim, Taguchi PLANCHASÂ but flops as Yota moves! Zayne is on the apron but Takagi YANKS Zayne down! The fans rally but Takagi hauls Zayne up to whip him into railing! Yota drags Taguchi up and puts him in the ring. Takagi gets the fans fired up, then he stands Taguchi up. LIJ double whip Taguchi to then DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE!
The fans cheer and then Takagi SENTONS! Yota SPLASHES down! Cover, TWO! Taguchi stays in this but Yota tags Takagi. The fans rally and duel while Takagi stands Taguchi up. Takagi bumps Taguchi off buckles, RAMS into him again and again, then digs his shoulder in. The ref counts, Takagi steps back, and he snapmares Taguchi down. Tag to Yota and Yota drags Taguchi up. Yota snapmares Taguchi to ROCK him in the back! Taguchi falls back, Yota tags Takagi, and LIJ drags Taguchi up. They DOUBLE ATOMIC DROP! Taguchi hobbles in pain, falls to his knees, and Takagi BLASTS Zayne off the apron!
Takagi gets annoyed with this Funky Sauce, but Taguchi fires off CHOPS! Taguchi runs, but Takagi easily dodges the hip attack! Takagi then suplexes Taguchi high and hard! Cover, TWO! Taguchi survives and the fans fire up. Takagi hears the fans dueling as he stomps Taguchi. Takagi KNEES Taguchi against the ropes again and again, then whips, for another KNEE! Takagi runs, but into a SOMERSAULT HIP ATTACK! The fans fire up while both men are down! Taguchi and Takagi crawl, hot tag to Zayne! Zayne jumps in and DECKS Takagi, then he BLASTS Yota! Zayne swats a lariat to fire elbow after ELBOW!
Takagi blocks the superkick to CLUB the leg! Yota joins in, LIJ whips Zayne, but Zayne KICKS Takagi, mule kicks Yota, and runs, DOUBLE SOMERSAULT KICKS! The fans fire up and Zayne runs at Takagi. Takagi ELBOWS Zayne, BOOTS him, then goes up. Zayne returns to JUMPING STEINERS! The fans fire up while Zayne covers, TWO! Takagi stays in this but Zayne brings him right up. Zayne goes to scoop but Takagi fights it! Zayne CHOPS, scoops, and BAJA- NO, Takagi slips free! SLIDING- NO, Zayne dodges! Zayne mule kicks, runs, but into the ELBOW! JAB! YUKONÂ feint and DDT! Both men are down again and the fans fire back up!
Takagi pounds the mat, the fans rally behind him, and he crawls, hot tag to Yota! Yota fires up and the fans are with him. Yota brings Zayne around to whip, but Zayne stops himself. Zayne dodges Yota, Yota dodges Zayne, and both men kick low! Yota comes back to BOOT! The fans cheer and Yota brings Zayne up again. Yota fireman’s carries but Zayne fights free. Yota ROCKS Zayne first! Yota tries another fireman’s carry but Zayne sunset flips it! TWO, and both men stand! Zayne rolls Yota, BASEMENT ENZIGIRI! Zayne hurries to hot tag Taguchi! Taguchi HIP ATTACKS in a corner! Taguchi goes corner to corner, for another HIP ATTACK!
Taguchi keeps moving, but Yota runs up! Taguchi dropkicks Yota’s legs out! The fans fire up and Taguchi keeps going! Another dropkick to legs, then a LEG SWEEP! Taguchi rolls Yota into the OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Zayne BOOTS Takagi off the apron! Yota scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Taguchi lets go but he brings Yota back up. Taguchi traps Yota and Zayne runs in to ELBOW! Zayne then sets up and Taguchi runs, SHOTGUN IN MOTION! Taguchi then brings Yota out to GOURD BUSTER! The fans fire up as Zayne climbs! But Yota KICKS Taguchi away, then GAMANGIRIS Zayne off the corner!
Taguchi kicks Yota, runs, but into a scoop and BACKBREAKER! Takagi slides in, and he finds the camera, “TOKI GA KITA!” The fans fire up as the time has come, and they join in on a chant of “OI! OI! OI!” LIJ whips Taguchi to a corner, then Yota runs in to ELBOW! Takagi whips Yota back in to SPLASH! Takagi adds a LARIAT, then feeds Taguchi to a BOOT! BLINDSIDE LARIAT! SUPERKICK! Taguchi is down, Yota covers, TWO! Taguchi stays in this and the fans fire up. Takagi stands Taguchi up and throws him to Yota for a POWERBOMB! Cover, Zayne breaks it! Takagi drags Zayne up, LIJ mugs him, but he fights back with CHOPS!
The fans fire up but Yota spins Zayne around to facelock, and Takagi wheelbarrows. Yota helps Takagi swing Taguchi down, then up for a BOOSTED WHEELBARROW GERMAN!! The fans fire up and Takagi leaves it to Yota. Yota takes aim and the fans rally. Taguchi rises, Yota runs in, GENE- LEG DROP!? And then La Magistrol! TWO!! Yota escapes in time, but Taguchi spins him to a backslide! TWO!! Yota escapes again! But Taguchi ENZIGIRIS! Taguchi fires up and the fans are with him! But Takagi LARIATS! GENE TRIGGER! PUMPING BOMBER!! And now Yota loads up, for the GENE BLASTER!! Cover, LIJ wins!
Winners: Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Zayne & Taguchi earn 0)
The Funky Sauce was hot, but they’re the ones that got burned! Will they be able to spice things up in the second round? Will Takagi & Tsuji keep the tag league tranquilo?
World Tag League 2024 A Block: Bishamon VS KENTA & Chase Owens!
Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi once again clash with The Fang & The Jewel, both sides hungry for gold. Will it be Lights Out in the opening round? Or will someone just #Go2Sleep?
The teams sort out but then Bullet Club just attacks! Chase is after Goto and Kenta is after Hashi, and they put each man in corners. The bell rings to get this on record as Kenta TOSSES Hashi. Chase CHOKES Goto in the corner, then stands on him! The ref reprimands and Chase lets off to bring Goto up. Chase ROCKS Goto, whips him, and Kenta POSTS Hashi! Chase hits a big hip toss then covers, TWO! The fans rally up while Chase stomps Goto’s leg. Chase scrapes his sole off Goto’s face, and Kenta whips Hashi again. Hashi reverses and Kenta hits railing in front of English commentary! Chase ROCKS Goto, CHOPS him, then whips.
Goto grabs ropes to stop, then he BOOTS Chase! Hashi returns and Bishamon DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! Then ZENMAI! Kenta returns but Bishamon kicks him first. “Se no!” Bishamon BEATS Kenta like a drum! The fans cheer and Bishamon flexes. Goto then goes back to Chase to stomp and CLUB him down. Goto kicks Chase, Chase shoves Goto and ROCKS him with a forearm! Goto knees Chase low, runs, but Chase TOSSES Goto out! Goto hurries back up, he counter punches Chase, and then counter punches Kenta! Chase slips out to YANK Goto down and THROW him into railing! Kenta intercepts Hashi with a kick!
Kenta whips Hashi away into railing while Chase sends Goto into other railing! The ref reprimands but Chase brings Goto through the gate. Chase has fans move out of the way, but then brings Goto back to ringside. Chase grins as he trolls the fans and pushes Goto into the ring. Kenta CLUBS away on Hashi before leaving him behind. Chase pulls on Goto’s arms then TWEAKS Goto’s neck! Not a twist, but equally painful. Chase tags Kenta while the fans rally for “GO-TO-O! GO-TO-O!” Kenta pushes Goto into the corner, Goto hits Chase, but Kenta RAMS Goto! The ref reprimands and counts as Kenta RAMS Goto more!
Kenta sits Goto down, and digs his boot in! The ref counts, Kenta stops at 4, and he tags Chase back in. They stomp Goto more, then Chase headlocks for a sucker punch! Cover, TWO! Chase drags Goto up and he bumps Goto off Kenta’s boot. Tag to Kenta and Bullet Club double whips. They DOUBLE ELBOW Goto down then Kenta covers, TWO! Kenta covers again, TWO! Kenta argues with the ref but the count was fair. Kenta drops an elbow, drops another elbow, then covers, TWO! Kenta gets mad at Hashi for no reason, but the fans rally up for Goto. Kenta CLUBS Goto, but Goto fires CHOPS in return!
Kenta knees low, whips Goto to a corner, but Goto reverses. Goto runs up but into a BOOT! Kenta runs but Goto follows! Goto avoids Chase’s cheap shot to LARIAT Kenta! The fans fire up while Goto and Kenta are down! Goto crawls, hot tag to Hashi! The fans fire up as Hahsi BLASTS Chase! Kenta kicks Hashi low then whips him to a corner. Kenta runs up but Hashi CHOPS in return! And mule kicks! And turns Kenta for a NECKBREAKER! The fans fire up and Hashi watches Kenta. Hashi waits on Kenta to rise, then runs up to CHOP! Hashi hoists Kenta up to hang him out to dry! The fans fire up as Hashi runs, and he DROPKCISK Kenta down! Cover, TWO!
The fans cheer Hashi on as he brings Kenta up. Hashi reels Kenta in, lifts, but Kenta fights with fists! Kenta slips free of the bomb, then slips around Hashi to spin and- NO, Hashi suplexes first! But Kenta slips free again, and he spins Hashi around, to SPIKE DDT! Hashi is stood up on his head before falling over, and Kenta tags in Chase. Chase brings Hashi up and fireman’s carries. Hashi fights free of that, but Chase slips around to half nelson, lift, and SWINGING FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Hashi survives but Chase says time to end this! Chase takes aim, C- NO, Hashi dodges the trigger! Chase knees low, runs, but Hashi dropkicks the legs!
The fans fire up whiel both men are down! Chase clutches his leg while Hashi crawls. Hot tag to Goto! Goto runs at Chase to LARIAT in the corner! Goto whips corner to corner, runs up again, but Chase BOOTS him! But Goto comes back! Only for Chase to BUCKLE SHOT and STO, then SENTON! Kenta steps in and Bullet Club drags Goto up. But Goto fires forearms and CHOPS! Kenta SOBATS! Chase KICKS! Kenta ROUNDHOUSES! Goto sits up into the “I HATE YOU!” PENALTY KICK! Cover, but Hashi breaks it! Kenta TOSSES Hashi then goes out after him. Chase drags Goto up and reels him in.
Chase tucks the arms but Goto fights the lift! Goto wrenches out but Chase ROCKS him first! Chase runs, Goto follows, but Chase ENZIGIRIS! Goto stays up, but the C-TRIGGER hits! Cover, TWO!! Goto survives but Chase hurries up! C-TRIGGER POINT BLANK!! And then the tuck for the PACKAGE PILE- NO, Hashi hits a BLOCKBUSTER! The fans fire up, Kenta BOOTS Hashi! Goto fireman’s carries Kenta but Kenta slips free! Kenta shoves Goto into Hashi, then waistlocks Goto. Goto fights the lift, and then ducks, HIDDEN GAP SUPERKICK for Kenta! The fans fire up as Bishamon regroups.
Hashi drags Chase up, whips him to Goto, but Chase BOOTS Goto! Chase swings on Hashi but Hashi ducks the lariat. Hashi powers Chase to ropes, Goto BLINDSIDE LARIATS, and then Hashi rolls Chase. Goto drags Chase up, Hashi has the legs! Chase BOOTS Hashi away! Chase then slips around to dragon sleeper, to steal G T- NO, Goto drops down to victory roll! Chase stands up, into a SUPERKICK! Goto drags Chase around while Hashi BLASTS Kenta! Dragon sleeper and SHOTO!! Cover, Bishamon wins!!
Winners: Bishamon, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Kenta & Chase earn 0)
Another classic in this storied rivalry, worthy of the titles themselves! Will this first win be the win that leads the Fierce Warrior & Headhunter back to the titles? Can Kenta & Chase borrow a page from Bishamon and #GetBackUp in the next round?
World Tag League 2024 A Block: Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa VS Gabe Kidd & SANADA!
TMDK has a team in each block, doubling their chances of taking this league. But perhaps burying the lead is the fact that THE IWGP World Heavyweight Champion is joining in the fun! Will The Front Man & The Mullet rock this league right from the start? Or will the Mad Man and the turncoat Cold Skull get this tournament #WarReady?
The teams sort out but Oiwa gets in Gabe’s face. Gabe pushes Oiwa, they start, and they tie up at the bell. The fans rally as Oiwa and Gabe are in a deadlock. They go around at center, then Oiwa digs his heels in to push Gabe back. Gabe turns things around to put Oiwa on ropes, but Red Shoes calls the break. Gable lets off, to then CHOP! Gabe scoops and SLAMS Oiwa, then he goes for legs. Oiwa UPKICKS Gabe, then stands up to scoop and SLAM Gabe! Gabe UPKICKS back, both men get up and go face to face. Then they go forearm for forearm! The fans rally as Oiwa gets the edge, but Gabe CHOPS!
Gabe headlocks. Oiwa powers up and out, and they RAM shoulders! Gabe eggs OIwa on and he runs to RAM Gabe! They both run now, and they RAM shoulders again, and again, and again! Gabe CHOPS then runs, but Oiwa CLOBBERS Gabe! The fans fire up while Gabe bails out. Oiwa eggs Gabe on and Gabe snarls. Gabe shakes the railing in frustration, then he paces around the outside. Gabe cools off, slides in, but then tags Sanada. Sanada steps in slowly, so Oiwa tags in ZSJ. The two rivals circle and the afns rally behind “ZAKKU! ZAKKU!” ZSJ and Sanada feel things out, knuclke lock, and ZSJ rolls to wrench.
Sanada is already frustrated so he kicks ZSJ low! Sanada TOSSES ZSJ out and then Gabe goes after Oiwa! Gabe CHOPS away on Oiwa while Sanada sends ZSJ into railing! And then more railing! Gabe does the same to Oiwa, and Sanada storms up on ZSJ. Sanada CLAWS ZSJ’s back, a definite attitude change showing. Gabe Too Sweets with Taiji Ishimori on commentary while Sanada pushes ZSJ into the ring. Sanada whips ZSJ to a corner, but ZSJ goes up, under, around, and RAMS into Sanada! ZSJ snapmares, Sanada handsprings through, but ZSJ UPPERCUTS him down! Tag to Oiwa and he BLASTS Gabe!
Oiwa goes back to Sanada and stands him up. Oiwa wrenches an arm, YANKS it, then wrenches to YANK it again. Oiwa tags ZSJ and ZSJ brings Sanada around to wrench, step over, and wrangle into a mounted armbar! Sanada endures as ZSJ bends the fingers and isolates the arm, to STOMP it! The fans cheer, ZSJ tags Oiwa, and Oiwa CLUBS Sanada’s arm. Oiwa headlocks for a takeover, then isolates the arm in an short arm scissor! The fans rally while Sanada endures and kicks around. Sanada reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Red Shoes calls it, Oiwa lets Sanada go, but then Oiwa brings Sanada up.
Oiwa whips, Sanada reverses, and Gabe trips Oiwa up! Sanda BLASTS ZSJ while Oiwa drags Oiwa out of the ring! Now things spill out into the crowd! Gabe CHOPS Oiwa, then SMACKS him off empty chairs! Sanada BOWLS ZSJ into chairs! Not quite a strike, so Sanada JAMS ZSJ up with a chair! That picks up the spare, and we can hear Gabe’s CHOPS on Oiwa echo out. Gabe stomps Oiwa while Sanada CHOKES ZSJ with a chair! Red Shoes reprimands the War Dogs, but Gabe POSTS Oiwa! Gabe says War Dogs run this, but Red Shoes starts a ring count. Gabe flexes on Oiwa, then drags him up at 7 of 20.
Gabe puts Oiwa in at 10 and Sanada covers, TWO! Oiwa stays in this and the fans rally behind him. Sanada is annoyed but he brings Oiwa up. Sanada CLUBS Oiwa, then bumps him off Gabe’s boot. Oiwa sputters while Sanada tags Gabe in. Gabe drags Oiwa up, mockingly asks where Zack-senpai went, then he UPPERCUTS Oiwa down. Gabe TOSSES Oiwa out, and he BLASTS ZSJ off the apron! Sanada whips Oiwa into railing! Gabe lifts ZSJ bu tZSJ wrenches free to KIMURA! Gabe powers through, to BITE ZSJ on the forehead! Sanada sends Oiwa into more railing, Gabe sends ZSJ through railing and into chairs!
Sanada BOWLS Oiwa into chairs now, there is the strike! Sanada continues to show his new edge as he JAMS Oiwa up with a chair. Red Shoes reprimands so Sanada brings Oiwa back to ringside. Sanada puts Oiwa in for Gabe and Gabe pushes Oiwa to a cover. Red Shoes says no, all the shenanigans were not right. Gabe gets in Red Shoes’ face about that, but Red Shoes stands his ground. Gabe storms around while the fans rally behind Oiwa. Gabe drags Oiwa up, to CHOP! Oiwa wobbles but he rises up. Oiwa CHOPS, and CHOPS, and fires forearms! Gabe DECKS Oiwa with just one! The fans still rally for Oiwa but Gabe stands on Oiwa’s face!
Gabe soaks up the heat, scuffs Oiwa and stomps him around. Oiwa sits up, Gabe runs, but Oiwa reels him in! Gabe fights the waistlock, runs, but into a SNAP GERMAN! The fans fire up while both men are down! Oiwa and Gabe crawl, hot tags to ZSJ and Sanada! The fans fire up as ZSJ dodges Sanada, full nelsons, then spins him to a headlock. Sanada powers out but ZSJ catches him to a COBRA TWIST! Sanada powers out to HIP TOSS, but ZJS UP KICKS! Sanada avoids the Penalty Kick, blocks the boot, but ZSJ steps through the dragon screw to NECK TWIST! And basment DROPKICK! The fans fire up and we’ve only hit 10 minutes!
ZSJ drags Sanada up, UPPERCUTS him, then UPPERCUTS again! Sanada blocks the next to spin and suplex, but ZSJ says no to the Magic Screw! NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! Sanada escapes but ZSJ stays focused. ZSJ stands Sanada up to scoop, but Sanada slips free. ZSJ fights the waistlock, runs, but into a dropkick to the legs! Sanada then DROPKICKS ZSJ down! Sanada fireman’s carries but ZSJ slips free, to have the IRON OCTOPUS! The fans rally while Sanada endures, and Sanada powers out to have a leg! DROPPING DRAGON SCREW! ZSJ clutches the leg and Sanada takes aim! SHINING-
NO, ZSJ ducks, but Sanada catches him to a backslide! ZSJ rolls through to NECK TWIST! Tag to Oiwa and Oiwa BLASTS Gabe off the apron! Oiwa goes back to Sanada and brings him up. Oiwa whips Sanada to ropes, ELBOWS Him down, then ZSJ PENALTY KICKS Sanada! Oiwa deadlift GUT RWENCH PLEXES! Cover, Gabe breaks it! Gabe CHOPS away on ZSJ and Oiwa, but ZSJ blocks! Oiwa DOUBLE CHOPS! ZSJ UPPERCUTS! ZSJ & Oiwa DOUBLE DROPKICK Gabe down! The fans fire up with Oiwa and he clamps onto Sanada with a SLEEPER! Sanada endures and fights up, but Oiwa thrashes him around!
Sanada still fights to his feet, slips around the back, and shoves Oiwa to ropes. Gabe trips Oiwa up! Oiwa kicks at Gabe but Sanada kicks ropes to jam Oiwa up! Sanada suplexes Oiwa into the MAGIC SCREW! Both men are down but the fans rally up again. Sanada crawls over, tag to Gabe, and Gabe storms right up on Oiwa. Gabe UPPERCUTS Oiwa right down! Gabe then puts Oiwa in a corner to fire off forearm after forearm! Red Shoes reprimands and counts, but Gabe digs his boots in while talking trash. Gabe shoves Red Shoes aside so he can keep stomping away on Oiwa! The fans rally and Red Shoes backs Gabe off.
Gabe seethes but the fans continue to rally for Oiwa. Oiwa grits his teeth as he sits up, but Gabe ROCKS him with another shot! Oiwa still looks up defiantly at Gabe, so Gabe fires shots! Gabe says Oiwa’s not worthy of being his NJPW Strong Openweight Challenger. Gabe says Oiwa’s just some “weak ass kohai!” Gabe SPITS on Oiwa, but Oiwa gets in Gabe’s face! Gabe fires slapping strikes, blocks a shot, then SLAPS Oiwa again! Oiwa spins to DOUBLE CHOP Gsbe down! Sanada runs up and kicks low! Sanada whips, Oiwa reverses, but Sanada reverses back, RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! ZSJ PENALTY KICKS Sanada!
Gabe runs up, ZSJ BOOTS him first! Gabe runs back in, slips out of the scoop, and he scoops ZSJ for EMERALD FLOWSON!! But Oiwa spins Gabe! Gabe avoids The Grip, runs, but into a LARIAT!! Cover, TWO!! Oiwa is frustrated but the fans rally behind him. Oiwa hauls Gabe up, ANACONDA PLEX!! Cover, TWO!! Gabe survives again but Oiwa roars! Oiwa drags Gabe up, reels him in, but Gabe fights the gut wrench! Gabe CLUBS Oiwa on the back, then he gut wrenches! Oiwa fights back, wrenches out, and he blocks a lariat to spin. Gabe HAYMAKERS, and SAIDOS!! Gabe crawls his way to the cover, TWO!!
The fans are thunderous as Oiwa survives! Gabe snarls and he drags Oiwa up. Gabe says this is the end. But Oiwa fights the suplex! Oiwa suplexes, but Gabe fights it! Oiwa still tries, but Gabe slips out to waistlock. Sanada DROPKCIKS Oiwa, Gabe UPPERCUTS! Gabe & Sanada work together to DOUBLE SUPLEX! Gabe suplexes again, BRAINBUSTER!! Cover, ZSJ BREAKS IT! Sanada TOSSES ZSJ out and tells Gabe to finish this! ZSJ RAMS Sanada, they brawl outside, and Gabe slashes his throat. Gabe drags Oiwa up, reels him in, but Oia slips through the gut wrench to backslide! TWO, and Gabe UPPERCUTS!
Gabe runs, but ZSJ is back! He BOOTS Gabe but Gabe SLAPS ZSJ! ZSJ KICKS the haymaker away to then ROUNDHOUSE Gabe! Sanada’s in to dragon sleeper! ZSJ arm-drags free, but Sanada comes back to SHINING WIZARD! Sanada then drags ZSJ up, but ZSJ scoops first! ZACK DRIVER!! ZSJ and Sanada flop out of the ring, leaving Oiwa and Gabe to rise up. They run at each other, to DOUBLE LARIAT! neither man falls, they DOUBLE LARIAT again! Gabe UPPERCUTS! Oiwa PALM STRIKES! Gabe PALM STRIKES, CHOPS, JABS, rebounds, into a roll-up! Hig stack, TMDK WINS!!
Winners: Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa, by pinfall
Gabe is in shock! He gets right in Red Shoes’ face but Red Shoes says it was a fair count! Gabe then goes after Oiwa to CLOBBER him! The fans boo and Young Lions rush in, but Gabe eggs Oiwa on! So Oiwa obliges and they brawl among the fans! The Young Lions rush in to separate the two, but Gabe gets loose to CLOBBER Oiwa! They scrap, ZSJ joins in, and he pulls the two apart. Gabe kicks a chair in frustration, then goes into retreat. Wait, Oiwa chases Gabe to the ramp and beats him down! Young Lions again scramble in to stop this, but it just heads to the back! Sanada shrugs it off, will the #ColdWarDogs just have to try harder in the next round?
As for the winners, well, they’re no longer ringside so there won’t be any in-ring closing words. Backstage interviews begin, Gabe promises Oiwa will be put in the ground! Will the Mad Man show The Mullet what it takes to be NJPW Strong? As for ZSJ, he gathers himself, and tells NJPW Media that he doesn’t know where The Mullet went. Actually, no, he has an idea: The Mullet must be smashing the s*it outta Gabe. “Roy The Mullet” is the next NJPW Strong Openweight Champion! Oiwa will hit Gabe so hard, his legs will turn into trombones! As for ZSJ, there is something rare happening in this year’s WTL, isn’t it?
Yes, it’s that the IWGP World EFFIN’ Heavyweight Champion is involved, as this should be! The first time the world champion’s been in this tournament in roughly a decade! ZSJ said he was gonna be a different kind of world champion for NJPW, and that he promises to take NJPW back to the top! Now obviously, a conflict of interests, as this tournament is Shane Haste’s & Mikey Nicholls’ to win, but ZSJ won’t give the boys an easy ride. ZSJ is dreaming~ of an all TMDK World Tag League finals! Then who knows, maybe Zack & Roy get the job done.
But ZSJ knows the Tokyo Dome is coming soon. And Shota Umino wants to be ZSJ’s challenger. ZSJ says he will be keeping his eyes wide open for Shota. ZSJ says he’ll have a DOUBLE main event in the Tokyo Dome, it’s in the bag. What about you, Shota? The Front Man heads out, having put the pressure on his challenger, but will all of NJPW soon belong to TMDK?
Here are the A Block standings!
Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa: 1-0, 2 points
Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman: 1-0, 2 points
Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji: 1-0, 2 points
Bishamon: 1-0, 2 points
Gabe Kidd & Sanada: 0-1, 0 points
Kenta & Chase Owens: 0-1, 0 points
Alex Zayne & Ryusuke Taguchi: 0-1, 0 points
Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma: 0-1, 0 points
My Thoughts:
A great start to World Tag League 2024, with just A Block opening things tonight. I will say those tune-up matches were interesting. Even though David Finlay is the Global Champion, it’s Taiji Ishimori that has apparently become Bullet Club’s international ambassador. Taiji brought Robbie X into the group, now he teamed with The Filip Brothers, Tome & Stevie, who knows who else Bone Soldier will recruit. Taiji’s team beating Tanahashi’s team, House of Torture cheating and beating Tanahashi’s friends, this is all putting the pressure on The Ace, meaning The Ace will win out at WrestleKingdom 19.
Shota Umino teaming with Tomoaki Honma, I wonder if this is to hold Shota back somehow. He is apparently still heading for WrestleKingdom and a world title match with ZSJ, so it’s not like Shota needs to win WTL, but I guess NJPW just wants Shota to give the fans a good time alongside a fan favorite like Honma. Also, Callum & Cobb have a fun new shirt for their team-up. I figured Zayne would need to improvise now that #MonsterSauce is no longer happening, and Taguchi was a great surprise choice. But #FunkySauce making its debut against a team as strong as Takagi & Tsuji was a shame because of course LIJ was winning that. Maybe Zayne & Taguchi can pull off a spoiler victory later on, but I don’t see Funky Sauce going that strong.
Bishamon VS Kenta & Chase really was an awesome match, and it is so surprising how Chase has grown in just the past couple years. Great win for Goto & Hashi, though, as they’re clearly the solid utility choices in the tag division. And what an awesome main event, with Sanada bringing out the most Heel stuff he’s done perhaps ever. A bit jarring really, but that’s just kinda old fashioned Heel turns for ya. Great win for TMDK, though, and definitely an unorthodox way of closing by having Oiwa and Gabe brawl all over ringside and into the back.
While ZSJ says it is big for the world champ to be in this tournament, which I do agree with on some level, it also makes some of the A Block action seem secondary. Gabe and Oiwa having their grudge was kinda the main motivator behind this match, and then it’ll be similar when Shota & Honma VS ZSJ & Oiwa happens. There is the added drama of, “What if someone pins ZSJ? Will they get a world title match before WK19?” Maybe Shota solidifies his WK title match by being the one that pins ZSJ in their match, but it all just feels like more flash than substance. No one else is going to pin ZSJ, Oiwa probably takes whatever losses their team will take, so A Block’s story suffers for it.
My Score: 8.9/10
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TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
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