Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (1/3/20)
The first SmackDown of 2020!
Does the Boss ‘n’ Hug Connection have a blueprint for this situation?
After weeks of Bayley & Sasha Banks talking down to the SmackDown Women’s Division, the SmackDown Women’s Division is fighting back! Who wins tonight’s massive Triple Threat Tag?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Triple Threat Tag: The Boss ‘n’ Hug Connection VS Bliss-Cross VS Lacey Evans & Dana Brooke; Evans & Brooke win.
- Chad Gable VS Dash Wilder w/ Scott Dawson; Gable wins.
- Kofi Kingston w/ Big E VS The Miz; Kingston wins.
- Otis Dozovic w/ Tucker Knight VS Drew Gulak; Otis wins.
- Braun Strowman VS Cesaro w/ Sami Zayn & Shinsuke Nakamura; Strowman wins.
- Roman Reigns & Daniel Bryan VS Baron Corbin & Dolph Ziggler; No Contest.
PLAY BY PLAY
New Year, New #1 Contender!
After a night marked by The Big Dog’s grudge with the Wolf King, the Triple Threat to determine Bray Wyatt’s Royal Rumble opponent was carried out. Baron Corbin mocked Daniel Bryan and The Miz, and had his Show-Off squire help out, but his tyranny would not stand! Roman Reigns kept Corbin out, and Bryan beat Miz fair and square! But Bray was the one who was most excited. That’s because “he” isn’t done “playing” with Bryan yet. Is Bryan willing to do whatever it takes? Is Bryan willing to #LetHimIn? The answer then was “YES!” but will Bryan come to regret it?
The MIz finds Daniel Bryan backstage.
Miz stares daggers at Bryan. “The Fiend violated my home.” There is nothing Miz wants or needs more than to avenge what Bray did to Miz’s family. Miz vows to take away everything Bray cares about, but Bryan is the one who earned that right. While Miz figures things out, he will say this: “Defeat The Fiend at Royal Rumble. Not just for me, for everyone.” Will Bryan carry Miz’s mission on his shoulders when WWE goes to Houston?
Triple Threat Tag: The Boss ‘n’ Hug Connection VS Bliss-Cross VS Lacey Evans & Dana Brooke!
Sasha Banks & Bayley claim to be “role models” and “locker room leaders,” yet they only ever talk down to the rest of the SmackDown Women’s roster. So the rest of the roster is here to shut them up! Will the uprising be successful? Or will the #Blueprint and SmackDown Women’s Champion simply make examples out of their opponents?
Before the match, Bayley has a mic and says, “We all made it to 2020. I’m sure all of you guys have been spending the last couple of days thinking about your resolutions.” The usual things, like going to the gym, eating healthy, chasing dreams, “but c’mon. Let’s not lie to ourselves. You guys aren’t going to follow through with any of that!” Change is hard, and the people in the crowd don’t have what it takes to change their “pathetic lives.” Sasha and Bayley made the tough changes by making tough decisions, and now they’re winners! They’re leaders! But you’ve got people like Lacey Evans, who- Well speak of the Sassy Southern Belle, here she comes! She and partner Dana Brooke head to the ring, mic in head. “You two just can’t keep my name out of your mouths, can you?”
Why do they love making fun of children? It is Lacey’s passion to set a real positive example! She is sick of these two using a child to get to her. But congratulations, it worked. Lacey’s resolution is to show everyone that the bad guys lose, even when they have the advantage. And that’s not all, because now Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross make their entrance! They also have mics to add on. “It’s the first SmackDown of 2020, and you ladies just want to tear each other apart.” Seeing these intense issues, do these two even belong? Of course they do! Especially if they want to get back to the Women’s Tag Team Championships. Good point, Nikki. Let’s start 2020 with a win. This huge match kicks off the New Year, after the break!
SmackDown returns as the teams sort out. Lacey goes right at Sasha with a throw! Sasha runs away to ropes, Lacey backs off, and Lacey eggs Sasha on. Sasha tags out to Nikki and bails out. Nikki runs in, crucifix to sunset flip, TWO. Lacey rolls Nikki, ONE, but Lacey cradles quick, ONE. Lacey whips Nikki to the corner, and tags to Dana. Ms. Flex Appeal scoop slams and covers, TWO. Nikki jawbreakers back then cross chops her. Nikki fires up before running for a corner splash! Tag to Alexa, and the Goddess brings Dana around for a headlock takeover. Dana headscissors but Alexa pops out. Dana gets another takeover but Alexa gets another headscissors. Dana pops out to kick low and whip, but Alexa rolls Dana and gets a cover, TWO!
Alexa wrenches but Dana SLAPS her off. Dana whips but Alexa reverses. Dana stops herself, Sasha tags in and Bayley drags Dana out! Alexa WRECKS Bayley and SLAPS Sasha! Then DECKS her with a right, and finishes with a dropkick! Alexa runs in but is put on the apron. Bayley tags in but Alexa fights them both! Alexa bounces Sasha off buckles but Bayley shoves her off the top rope! Sasha corner METEORA! Bayley covers, TWO! Bayley keeps her cool as fans boo. Bayley elbows and chokes Alexa but lets up at 4. Nikki protests but Sasha gets a cheap shot on Alexa! Bayley covers, TWO, but Bayley puts Alexa in the corner. Tag to Sasha and Sasha stomps a mudhole. Sasha snapmares and chinlocks but Alexa endures as fans rally up.
Alexa fights her way up, arm-drags Sasha off, but Sasha hits Nikki! Sasha dropkicks Alexa down then covers, TWO! Sasha grows frustrated but Alexa jawbreakers and uppercuts! Bayley runs in to intercept Dana! Alexa tilt-o-whirls Sasha into Lacey! Nikki is up top, SUPER CROSSBODY! But Sasha throws her into steel steps! The Boss ‘n’ Smug Connection have control as we go to break.
SmackDown returns again as Dana tags in off Nikki. Sasha throws Nikki off the top and meteoras, but Dana handspring boots her down! Dana eggs Sasha on, then speeds things up to run Sasha over! Fans fire up with Dana as she sends Bayley into Banks. Handspring splash sandwich! Snap suplex on Bayley! Snap suplex on Sasha! Handspring splash, cover, but Alexa breaks it. Lace runs Alexa over, but Nikki wrenches and hits her with a neckbreaker! Bayley throws Nikki out hard but Dana throws Bayley out, too. Dana kicks Sasha, Sasha fakes injury, Bayley throws Dana down by her hair! Sasha shining wizards, cover, TWO! Tag to Bayley, and the “leaders” put Dana in a corner. They crisscross whip Dana into buckles, cover, TWO!
The SmackDown Women’s Champion stomps Dana down with a scowl on her face, then taunts Lacey. Lacey tells her to focus on Dana, so Bayley stomps Dana down. Bayley taunts Dana as she brings her up. Bayley puts Dana in the corner to throw hands and stomps. Tag to Sasha, Sasha swings int to METEORA! Cover, TWO! Sasha is furious with the ref, and chokes Dana on the ropes. Sasha lets up at 4 and fans rally up. Tag to Bayley, Boss ‘n’ Hug mug Dana. Bayley rams her shoulder into Dana over and over, then rolls back to wacky waving sucker punch Lacey! Dana BOOTS back! Dana heads for Bliss-Cross but Sasha tags in first. Sasha knees Dana into Bayley’s SAIDO! Cover, TWO!! The Legit Boss is having a legit tantrum!
Sasha brings Dana up again, whips her to Bayley, but Dana decks Bayley first! Dana boots Sasha again, then hosp up, tornado snap suplex! Dana and Sasha are down and crawling for their corners. Fans rally up again, hot tag to Bayley and she stops Dana. Dana enziguris, hot tag to Lacey! Lacey rallies with lariats! Wring out and moonsault! Lacey waits for Bayley to get up, but Bayley sends her at the corner. Lacey goes up and over and snapmares Bayley down. The handkerchief comes out, Lacey wipes herself off and runs to BOOT Bayley into a corner! Fans fire up for the swinging bronco buster! Bayley is in the drop zone so Lacey climbs up. Sassiest Moonsault Ever FLOPS as Sasha saves Bayley! BAYLEY2BELLY! Cover but Dana AND Bliss-Cross break it!
All six women are down but regrouping. Nikki neckbreakers to Alexa’s STO on Dana! Sasha hits them both with knees! Sasha and Bayley whip Nikki for double hip toss BOMB! Bayley tags Sasha and they target Lacey. They double whip her, but she slips out of the double hip toss! Dana drags Bayley, Sasha rolls Lacey, ONE! Dana tags in and Lacey hits the WOMAN’S RIGHT! Dana climbs, to SWANTON! Cover, Dana & Lacey win!!
Winners: Dana Brooke & Lacey Evans, Brooke pinning
Incredible! The Model Soldier and Flex Appeal beat two former women’s tag team championship teams! Could this put them in the tag title conversation?
Otis Dozovic curls kegs to work out frustrations.
Dozer is steaming mad after Dolph Ziggler literally stepped on Mama Dozovic’s fruitcake, the gift Otis gave Mandy Rose in return for the Christmas ham! But Mandy comes by and wishes him a Happy New Year. So did Mama make anything special? Why doesn’t she ask Ziggler? Oh, that… He saw that? No, but Mama did. Mandy apologizes for Ziggler’s behavior. Tucker Knight comes by and says it’s time for their match. Is there a way for Mandy to make it up to Dozer? Can Otis focus on Heavy Machinery’s tag team match tonight?
The Miz finds The New Day backstage.
Big E and Kofi Kingston are celebrating the New Year with 2020 style pancakes and plenty of maple syzurp. Er, syrup. Happy New Year, Miz! What did he do to celebrate? He wasn’t really in the mood. Well Big E watched the balls drop. No, it’s just one big ball. What was he watching? Now he doesn’t know. Well Kofi knows Miz didn’t get to end the 2010’s the best, since he missed out on a second chance at Bray Wyatt, but it was a great decade! Miz main-evented WrestleMania, married Maryse, and had two beautiful children. Plus, he holds the records for the most titles held in that decade! But Big E says he’s just tied with his friend, brother and nnnneighbor, Kofi! Well, yes, but this is about cheering Miz up. So it’s all good. Kofi co-congratulates. And here’s to 2020 having more titles! Pound it!
Miz can’t believe they think this is about tiles. The Fiend violated the sanctity of his HOME! Do they know what that feels like? Do they want to start the new decade off right? Miz SLAPS the pancake platter down. Big E is mad but Kofi keeps the peace. The Fiend has scrambled Miz’s brain, but Kofi’s got him. Challenge accepted. Miz VS Kofi is coming, who will have the better New Year?
Ladies and Gentlemen: Elias.
The Drifter is in Memphis and asks them, “Do you feel Elias tonight?” Well let’s see what they’ve got. Elias plays and fans clap. “New Year, new me. I had so many hopes for 2020~. I hope Sami Zayn gets punched int he jaw. And if Shane McMahon returns, please send his ass to Raw. Revival needs to change, oh that’s a fact. They’re harder to watch than Ziggler’s comedy act.” If Corbin went missing, Elias wouldn’t complain. That guy’s like an STD: he just wont’ go away. That gut knows. “But not all hope is lost, and you will see~ at Royal Rumble when everyone walks… with~ meee~!” Elias musically declares for the Men’s Royal Rumble match, but will he be singing his own praises or the blues in Houston?
The Revival was still treating Dawson’s LEGO bruises from Christmas.
Dawson felt a real big one under the shoulder. So much for Happy Holidays, all because of that Christmas Street Fight. How dumb is that? Dash is at a loss for words about being made into bad jokes. SmackDown’s #1 resolution should be to #RESPECK the Revival! They work too damn hard to be clowns. Don’t forget Elias making fun of them. But Shorty G Chad Gable overhears the complaining. He says they shouldn’t let anyone’s words affect them. Gable embraced who he is, and it was the best decision of his entire career. Dash & Dawson hear what he’s saying, and never thought of it that way. They didn’t realize Gable changed fromb eing New Year’s Baby to being a motivational speaker. Did he get to stay up to watch the ball drop?
Haha those bad jokes don’t bother Gable anymore. But his new motto is to rise over size. When you’re comfortable in your own skin, you can do anything. Oh anything? Anything? Wow. Except maybe beat the #TopGuys. Is Dash sure about that? There’s been a lot of tag team history between him and them, but what about a 1v1? Challenge accepted! See you out there, “squirt.”
Chad Gable VS Dash Wilder w/ Scott Dawson!
And here we are! Will Shorty G show that size doesn’t matter? Or will Dash be a #TopGuy even without Dawson to tag to?
SmackDown returns as the match begins with the bell. Dash and Gable tie up and Gable wrenches. Dawson is on commentary as Dash hits hard. Dash whips but Gable goes up and over and speeds things up. Gable hops up to headscissor Dash! Gable then butterfly suplexes! Cover, TWO! Dash and Gable tie up as Dawson addresses Michael Cole’s comments of the Revival being “hypocritical.” How can they complain about being the butt of jokes when they make fun of Gable? Gable meanwhile climbs up top but Dash pushes him forward onto the post! Dawson says that Gable asked for it. Dash climbs up to SUPER BACK SUPLEX Gable down! Cover, TWO! Dash is upset but Dawson reminds everyone that the Revival are the only WWE Triple Crown tag team champions.
Dash puts Gable in a modified camel clutch, but Gable fights out as fans rally up. Dash knees low, back suplexes but Gable slips out to throw hands. Gable knees, uppercuts, bobs ‘n’ weaves to mule kick and EXPLODER! Dash flounders up, Gable crossbodies himself and Dash out! Gable fires up and puts Dash back in. Gable climbs up top again to crossbody again, but Dash rolls through to cover! TWO, fireman’s carry but Gable slips out. Gable trips Dash, ANKLE LOCK! Dash rolls to send Gable into buckles then rolls him up again, and with tights! TWO, but Dash keeps his focus. Dash whips Gable to a corner but Gable goes up and over to sunset flip! Cover, TWO, Dash runs and gets on Dash’s shoulders. Dash sends Gable into ropes, then waistlocks. But Gable victory rolls to ANKLE LOCK again! Dash taps, Gable wins!
Winner: Chad Gable, by submission
But Dawson goes after Gable! The Revival are sore losers as they beat down Gable! They whip Gable, SHATTER MACHINE! Shorty G is down but the #TopGuys drag him up again. But wait, is that… SHEAMUS!? The Celtic Warrior returns on the first SmackDown of 2020! And he storms his way to the ring to chase the Revival off. Fans cheer Sheamus, but he BROGUES Gable in the face! Fans boo Sheamus now but the Celtic Warrior said all along he wants to clear out SmackDown of “lesser men.” Who won’t be on the Fella’s hit list?
Kofi Kingston w/ Big E VS The Miz!
AWWW~ MEMPHIS~! Clap for your 7-time champs and FEEL~ the POWER~! Two long-time WWE superstars meet again to kick off their 2020. Will Miz be able to vent his frustrations over The Fiend here tonight?
The bell rings and Kofi offers a pancake. Miz doesn’t want it so they tie up. Miz wrenches to a wristlock but Kofi rolls and handsprings to wrench back. Kofi trips Miz and splashes down, TWO. Kofi is in a good mood but Miz is still frustrated. They tie up, Kofi headlocks but Miz powers out. Kofi runs Miz over, things speed up, and Miz hurdles to pop Kofi up. Kofi uses that to monkey flip Miz! Even Kofi is shocked by how much air Miz got! Miz gets up as fans chant “New! Day Rocks!” Kofi wants to shake hands but Miz slaps it away! O’Conner roll, TWO and Kofi has it. TWO, Miz headlocks but Kofi powers out. Miz runs Kofi over now, and things speed up again. Kofi hurdles, and again, then back elbows!
Kofi keeps moving, but Miz sends him out. Kofi lands on his feet but Miz runs. Kofi dodges the wrecking ball dropkick and then fakes Miz out on that dive. Fans cheer but Miz grows further annoyed. The cheers keep coming for the New Day as Miz takes his time to return. Miz “applauds” but then kicks low. Miz stomps Kofi down and then drags him up to drive elbows into the shoulders. Miz pushes Kofi but Kofi spins him, no Trouble in Paradise! Miz goes to Figure Four but is denied. Miz dodges in the corner to give It Kicks to Kofi! And again, and again, and again! Miz runs corner to corner, to hit a big knee! Then another! Miz keeps going, but Kofi slips out to kick Miz back! Kofi climbs up, leaps and ax handles Miz down!
Kofi fires up and hits the NEW~ DAY~ Boom Drop! Kofi says it’s over and takes aim from the corner. Fans clap along as Miz rises. Kofi spins, but Miz ducks again! A-List Combination stopped part way, Miz stops the SOS. Miz full nelsons but Kofi drops down to victory roll, Kofi wins!
Winner: Kofi Kingston, by pinfall
Miz is in shock! This isn’t going to diffuse anything, and Miz ATTACKS! Miz throws hands but Big E gets in to run him off! Miz storms off and Memphis chants, “You Suck! You Suck!” Miz thinks THEY suck! “After everything I’ve been through!? How dare you?! I’ve given you everything! EVERYTHING!” Has Miz just lost more than a match tonight?
Backstage interview with Daniel Bryan and Roman Reigns!
The Goat and the Big Dog will once again work together tonight. Bryan is the new #1 Contender, what is his biggest challenge against Bray Wyatt? Miz’s breakdown is happening because of The Fiend. The Fiend changes you. It happened to Finn Balor, it happened to Seth Rollins. But it hasn’t happened to Daniel Bryan. “Good ol’ DB is unbreakable.” Bryan will prove it when he wins at the Royal Rumble. Roman says that means he’s going to go to WrestleMania as Universal Champion. Which means they’ll be facing each other because Roman vows to win the Royal Rumble match. So understand that Roman has been waiting for this chance. No one took the title from Roman, so Bryan better be ready.
Is Roman trying to fire Bryan up? Bryan is ready any place, any time. But he’ll be even more ready at Mania. So be ready for tonight’s match. The only ones not ready are their opponents, Corbin and Ziggler. Will Roman and Bryan still work together well when they both plan on seeing the other at WrestleMania 36?
Backstage interview with The Miz.
Cathy Kelly knocks on his door, but it’s JOHN MORRISON who answers!? The Guru of Greatness was back with the WWE, but to think he’d show up here! Surprise aside, Morrison says Miz is done talking. Well, are we seeing the reunion of the classic duo of Miz and Morrison starting already?
Otis Dozovic w/ Tucker Knight VS ???
Otis feels pretty down in the dumps after what Dolph did to Mama Dozovic’s fruitcake. But can he get back on track on the first Friday night of 2020?
SmackDown returns as Drew Gulak makes his entrance. Gulak has a mic to introduce himself as the “foremost expert on the grappling arts,” and assures Dozer he is a master of matters of the heart. But with that expertise, Gulak is confident in his assessment that Mandy Rose would never go out with a guy like Otis. Gulak says Mandy wants a man with a physique and a mind, like Ziggler or even Gulak himself. As for Otis, he looks like he’s leaking butter. Otis isn’t too bright so Gulak has a special 372-slide… POWERPOINT!! PRESENTATION!! YES! Please pay attention to the titantron as Drew Gulak Presents: Reasons Why Mandy Rose Would NEVER Date Otis. Look at cartoon Otis. Or is that Tucker?
Otis DRAGS Gulak into the ring! The bell rings and Otis throws haymakers! Gulak throws hands, too, but Otis sumo palms him to a corner, then TOSSES him across the way! Fans fire up for Dozer while Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville are both watching this backstage. Mandy seems to try and explain her side of this while Gulak clubs Otis. Gulak tries to cradle package but Otis powers out to suplex Gulak down! Otis then trophy lifts Gulak high and carry him around! To then TOSS him again! “Oh yeah, mama!” But wait, Ziggler is backstage trying to talk to Mandy, too. Ziggler says Mandy doesn’t need to be nervous, but Mandy says she’s not.
Back in the ring, Otis runs in at Gulak in the corner, but Gulak dodges and dropkicks a leg out! Gulak taunts Otis and says Mandy would never date him! “Wise up, kid. “But Otis powers up instead! Otis throws off the shirt! Fans fire up as Otis continues to absorb kicks. Otis scoop slams Gulak, and then again! Otis runs into the corner to splash Gulak, and Gulak falls down. Fans know Otis has his opening! Otis pumps it up and hits the CATERPILLAR ELBOW! Otis keeps Gulak down to climb up, VADER BOMB! Cover, Otis wins!
Winner: Otis Dozovic, by pinfall
The Dozer wins! But will Otis win the heart of the Golden Goddess?
Braun Strowman VS Cesaro w/ Sami Zayn & Shinsuke Nakamura!
The Monster Among Men wants to #GetTheseHands on the WWE Intercontinental Championship, but the King of Strong Style and his “Great Liberator” keep dancing around the issue. Will a win over the Swiss Cyborg prove something to them? Or at least to WWE management?
The referee tells Sami and Shinsuke to stay back as the bell rings. Cesaro circles with Strowman then tie up. Strowman shoves Cesaro but Cesaro comes back. So Strowman puts Cesaro in a corner, but they tie up again. Cesaro manages to put Strowman in a corner and gives him a shove. Strowman shrugs that off, so Cesaro gets around to headlock. Strowman powers out and bumps Cesaro’s shoulders. Cesaro kicks low and throws European Uppercuts and big hands! Cesaro runs, dodges and shoulders Strowman, but Strowman shoulders back! Cesaro flounders up to his feet but Strowman TOSSES him across the ring! Strowman throws hands and blocks a boot to shoulder and headbutt Cesaro in the corner. Strowman goes corner to corner to splash!
Cesaro gets to the apron and hotshots Strowman! Strowman still DECKS Cesaro with a right! Strowman runs side to side to BLAST Cesaro off the apron and onto barriers! Shinsuke and Sami distract Strowman, but the Monster Among Men scares them off. Fans fire up with the Monster Among Men as we go to break.
SmackDown returns and Cesaro has a chinlock on Strowman. But Strowman powers up to ram him into buckles! Strowman is free and Sami is worried, but Cesaro BOOTS back! And dropkicks a leg out! Cesaro chokes Strowman on ropes but backs off at 4. Sami distracts and Shinsuke gets a cheap shot KICK in! Cesaro EuroUpper BLASTS Strowman! Cover, TWO! Cesaro climbs up as Sami coaches him, but leaps into Strowman’s hand! Strowman scoops but Cesaro shifts to a sleeper hold! Strowman falls to a knee fast as Cesaro thrashes him around. Cesaro squeezes tight but fans rally up. Strowman fights back up for a sidewalk slam! Strowman feeds off the energy as fans rally again. Cesaro and Strowman rise, Strowman runs Cesaro over! And again!
Cesaro flounders but Strowman corner splashes again! Fans fire up but Shinsuke hops onto the apron. Shinsuke ducks Strowman’s right hand but not the left! Shinsuke falls down but Cesaro stands up to EuroUpper! Cesaro fires off in the corner then runs, only to get run over again! Strowman sees Cesaro go out, and fans fire up as he decides to take a lap! Strowman builds speed to RAM Cesaro and RAM Shinsuke! Strowman wants the hat trick but Sami hides under the ring! Strowman goes around to RAM Cesaro again in Sami’s place. Strowman puts Cesaro in and scoops him up. Sami gets in but Strowman scares him off! Cesaro sends Strowman into a post! And brings him in, Gotch hold, but Strowman scoops! MONSTER SLAM! Cover, Strowman wins!
Winner: Braun Strowman, by pinfall
KINSHASA outta nowhere! The King of Strong Style won’t stand for Strowman winning, and now Strowman isn’t standing at all! Sami says that’s good enough for now, but will Strowman #GetTheseHands on them all soon enough?
Roman Reigns & Daniel Bryan VS Baron Corbin & Dolph Ziggler!
Things have been heated between The Big Dog and the Wolf King for a long time. But things have escalated ever since Corbin won the King of the Ring and has been trying to establish an iron rule over SmackDown. The warring has dragged even the Yes Movement into this, and now the New Year continues this old feud. Who gains the momentum on the Road to the Royal Rumble?
SmackDown returns as Daniel Bryan makes his entrance, followed by the Show-Off and Corbin. The teams sort out and Corbin goes right after Roman! Corbin puts Roman in a corner to stomp away, but the ref backs him off. Corbin dares Memphis to boo, so they do. Corbin throws hands but Roman dodges to uppercut! Roman climbs up to rain down fists! Roman gets all the way to 8 but Corbin shoves him off, only to get a Samoan Drop! Corbin bails out but Roman goes out. Roman runs to Drive-By Dropkick! Roman keeps his eyes on Ziggler as Corbin gets back in the ring. Corbin catches Roman low with a knee then tags in Ziggler. Ziggler stomps away and throws hands, then turns Roman, only for Roman to shove and BOOT him down!
Roman tags in Bryan! Bryan gives Ziggler EuroUppers and a whip. Ziggler reverses, Bryan dodges to wreck Corbin! Bryan tosses Ziggler out to join Corbin! Fans join in the “YES! YES!” but Bray Wyatt’s laughter interrupts that. Bray plays with the lights to play mind games with Bryan, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns once more as Roman gives Corbin the point-blank corner clotheslines! Roman gets all 10 of these then runs to BOOT Corbin down! Fans fire up as Roman grins, and Roman locks ‘n’ loads. Roman has to uppercut Ziggler first, then he dodges Corbin, only to run into a DEEP SIX! Cover, TWO!! Bryan returns to the corner as Corbin brings Roman to ropes. Corbin scrapes Roman out to then throw him into steel steps! Bryan protests but the ref has him return to the corner while Corbin drags Roman up again,. Corbin bounces Roman off the announce desk, then puts him back in the corner. Tag to Ziggler, and Ziggler taunts Roman. “You’ve gotta have somewhere to go!” Ziggler taunts Roman that he won’t make the tag. “Do you hear me?” Roman uppercuts Ziggler first!
Roman throws more hands but Ziggler kicks low. Ziggler turns Roman for the neckbreaker! Tag to Corbin and Ziggler anchors Roman for Corbin to stomp! Corbin drags Ziggler up as fans rally. Corbin throws Roman into the post hard! Corbin applauds himself before dragging Roman up. Corbin throws Roman into the post again! The ref reprimands Corbin but he takes Roman out to throw into the post a third time! Fans rally for Roman as he dodges Corbin. Corbin slides out, in, but into a SUPERMAN PUNCH! Fans fire up as Ziggler coaches Corbin. Roman and Corbin crawl to their corners, hot tags to Ziggler and Bryan! Bryan counter punches Ziggler and then throws haymakers. Bryan whips, Ziggler reverses, Bryan goes up and over to run, dodge and leaping lariat!
Fans fire up with Bryan and he aims from the corner. He corner to corner dropkicks Ziggler, then fires off Yes Kicks! Kick after kick after kick, then he hoists Ziggler up top. Bryan climbs to join Ziggler, and SUPER STEINERS! Fans are thunderous for Bryan as he waits for Ziggler to rise. Bryan gives more Yes Kicks! The buzzard misses, Ziggler rolls Bryan, TWO, into the LeBelle Lock!! Ziggler flails, Corbin clobbers Bryan! Fans boo as Corbin rings Bryan up, Choke Slam but SPEAR! Roman takes out Corbin, Ziggler SUPERKICKS Roman down! Ziggler goes at Bryan but no ZigZag. Bryan dodges, KNEE PLUS!! Cover, but the lights start going down!! THE FIEND IS HERE! Red light and all! Bryan can’t take his eyes off The Fiend, but that’s so he can DIVE! Direct hit!
But the Fiend is up and he throws Bryan into the post! Bryan dodges and sends The Fiend into the post, but leaps into the MANDIBLE CLAW!! The Fiend rams Bryan through the timekeeper’s barriers!! The Fiend laughs as he pushes the wreckage aside to again clamp on the claw! Bryan is smothered and the lights are flashing. Is this only foreshadowing their rematch at the Royal Rumble? The Fiend disappears and security hurries out to check on Bryan. Roman comes over, concerned for him, too, but Ziggler attacks! And Corbin! The King’s Court beats down Roman and puts him in the ring! Corbin rains down right hands while Ziggler gets the cuffs! Corbin cuffs Roman and Ziggler brings out cans of dog food! They want to humiliate Roman again!
Ziggler pops open cans as Corbin cuffs Roman to the bottom rope! But here come the USOS! Roman’s cousins have returned! And they DOUBLE SUPERKICK Ziggler down! Then they go after Corbin, DOUBLE SUPERKICKS! Corbin bails out, the Usos build speed to DOUBLE FLY! They take out both Corbin and Ziggler! Roman is freed and the Bloodline is reunited! Will this be what turns the tide against Corbin and his court?
My Thoughts:
What a great episode to start the New Year and new decade! I really like how the change brought on by the Fiend isn’t in Bryan but in Miz. Miz is headed back to be a Heel, he has a great match with Kofi, and losing gives him the opportunity to “snap” and go after Kofi. Then what a great surprise to see that John Morrison returns tonight, though it was a rather anti-climactic return. Morrison and Miz were a real good tag team, but that was in the late 2000’s to very early 2010’s. If they reunite here in the 2020’s, that will definitely revitalize the SmackDown Tag Team Division and be a great way to get Morrison back into things. Dash VS Gable was a really good singles match, too, but the production crew needs to realize we don’t need to SEE Dawson to HEAR Dawson, let us watch Gable and Dash. Also real clever of someone to have Michael Cole say “Revival” and “elite” in the same sentence.
Sheamus’ return happened tonight, too, that was a nice treat. But of course he returns as Heel and against Shorty G. Sheamus’ promos definitely sounded more Heel give how usually it is Heels that talk down the roster. Gable VS Sheamus will be a great program for the both of them, and Gable will look great no matter the end results. Speaking of talking down, naturally that meant Boss & Hug/Smug were going to lose tonight in that Triple Threat Tag. It was a great match, especially as the opener, and surprisingly, Bliss-Cross wasn’t in there to take the fall. Lacey & Dana winning was actually the bigger surprise to me, and now we’ll be getting Lacey VS Sasha. I really hope they add the stipulation that if Lacey wins, she gets her title shot at the Royal Rumble, it just makes sense. And while it isn’t likely Lacey will win the SmackDown Women’s Championship, Lacey & Dana can at least get into this year’s Women’s Elimination Chamber match for the Women’s Tag Titles.
While it’s a bit sad Gulak is being used to facilitate other feuds, bringing back Powerpoint Presentations is pretty fun. Also, the story of Otis, Mandy and Ziggler is growing stronger, so I’m really hoping Valentine’s Friday Night SmackDown is the blow-off for that. And for that matter, that Otis gets the girl. Fans love Otis, we should be able to cheer for him in getting the girl. Strowman VS Cesaro was a great match, and naturally Strowman wins. While making the decision between Strowman and Shinsuke in the Intercontinental Championship match is hard, it is feeling like things lean in Strowman’s favor. Then the main event tag was really good, and it was also great to have The Fiend mess with Bryan just so he doesn’t get any real momentum from this match.
And it’s just as great that The Usos return to even things out for Roman VS Corbin. If only Roode wasn’t suspended, we’d be getting a Six Man Tag next. But even then, Usos can certainly have a match of their own with Ziggler and Corbin to keep things going. But seeing that Corbin keeps bringing out dog food, that rumored Loser Eats Dog Food match is clearly more than just rumored. Which means Roman is going to win and Corbin is forced to eat dog food. This story between them has been good so far, so a dog food blow-off is very disappointing. Maybe if it was a Dog Food Match, where there were kiddie pools of dog food all around for them to fall into, fine. But not this gross dog food version of a Hair VS Hair or whatever. Can Vince just go focus on XFL already?
My Score: 8.5/10
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Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW Battle in the Valley Results & Report! (1/11/25)
There’s a lot of gold in the Golden State!
Who is truly the Best of the Super Juniors?
NJPW returns to San Jose, and they’re bringing gold! But will El Desperado keep his newly won IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship? Or will Taiji Ishimori make sure #ItsReborn?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kickoff – Strong Survivor: Zane Jay VS Viento; Zane wins.
- Kickoff – Shane Haste & Bad Dude Tito VS Fred Rosser & Matt Vandagriff; Shane & Tito win.
- NJPW Strong Openweight Championship: Gabe Kidd VS Tomohiro Ishii; Time Limit Draw, Gabe retains the title.
- NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Championships: West Coast Wrecking Crew VS Rocky Romero & YOH; WCWC wins and retains the titles.
- 8 Woman Elimination Tag Match: Viva Van, HANAKO, Maika & Mina Shirakawa VS Johnnie Robbie, Trish Adora, Anna Jay & AZM; Viva, Hanako, Maika & Mina win.
- NJPW World Television Championship: El Phantasmo VS Jeff Cobb; Double Count-Out Draw, ELP retains the title.
- Sumie Sakai Retirement Mixed Six Tag: Sumie Sakai, EVIL & SHO VS Hiromu Takahashi, Mayu Iwatani & Yuka Sakazaki; Hiromu, Mayu & Yuka win.
- NEVER Openweight Championship: Konosuke Takeshita VS KUSHIDA; Konosuke wins and retains the title.
- Zack Sabre Jr. VS Hechicero; ZSJ wins.
- IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: El Desperado VS Taiji Ishimori; Desperado wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
NJPW Strong Openweight Championship: Gabe Kidd VS Tomohiro Ishii!
WrestleDynasty did not go the way either man wanted. The Mad Man could not best the Best Bout Machine, and the Stone Pitbull could not grab up Konosuke Takeshita’s gold. But will Ishii be able to take a bite out of Gabe? Or will Gabe prove he’s got that dog in him?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who’s really #WarReady!
The bell rings and the fans rally up. Gabe and Ishii stare down, the fans rally a bit more, then both men back up. Ishii and Gabe run up to lock up! The fans cheer as they’re in a deadlock! Gabe pushes Ishii back, but Ishii pushes Gabe back. They end up on ropes, the ref calls the break, but Gabe lets off slowly. Gabe CHOPS! Ishii doesn’t even flinch! Gabe fires a forearm, then clamps on a headlock. Ishii powers up to pry at the hold, but Gabe squeezes tight. Ishii fires body shots, powers up and out, but Gbe RAMS him! And RAMS him! And RAMS him! The fans fire up, Ishii runs, and he RAMS Gabe!
Gabe runs and he RAMS Ishii! Both men run, and they RAM in again! And again! And again! The fans fire up as the shoulders continue to RAM! Gabe pushes Ishii, the two reset, and they RAM! Ishii ducks the lariat, but the SOUTHPAW lands! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer while Gabe snarls. Gabe shakes out the arm, stands over Ishii, and the fans rally up. Gabe scuffs Ishii, the fans boo, but Gabe soaks up the heat. Gabe pretends not to understand why they boo, then he tells Ishii to get up. Ishii stands, Gabe tells off the fans, then runs corner to corner to LARIAT Ishii down! Gabe scuffs Ishii again while the fans boo more.
Ishii stirs, but Gabe does jumping jacks to show off. Gabe puts Ishii on ropes to CHOP, CHOP, and LARIAT! Gabe runs, and he RUNS Ishii over! Cover, TWO! Ishii’s tougher than that but Gabe mockingly applauds. Gabe steps on Ishii’s face, kicks him around, but Ishii stands. Ishii CHOPS, then CHOPS, then CHOPS again! Gabe CHOPS and Ishii staggers back! Ishii flops against the ropes, Gabe flexes, but the fans boo. Gabe tells the fans off again while he flexes more. Gabe goes back to Ishii, and he plays along as fans chant “Gabe Kidd Sucks!” Ishii stands to fire forearm after forearm, but Gabe eggs him on.
Ishii fires more shots, but then Gabe ROCKS him and UPPERCUTS him! Ishii falls to the mat, Gabe talks trash, and Gabe drags Ishii up. Gabe ROCKS Ishii, ROCKS him again, and again! But now Ishii wakes up! The fans fire up as Ishii just takes the forearm shots! Ishii leans into the shots! Then he DECKS Gabe! The fans fire up as Gabe sputters around. Ishii whips Gabe, Gabe reverses, but Ishii bounces off buckles to CLOBBER Gabe! The fans fire up again and rally behind “I-SHI-I!” as he stalks Gabe to a corner. Ishii CHOPS, ROCKS, and repeat! Ishii stands Gabe back up for more CHOPS and forearms!
The ref counts, Ishii lets off, and the fans cheer again. Ishii storms back over to Gabe, kicks him around, but now Gabe gets mad. Ishii slaps Gabe around! Gabe stands and fires a forearm, but Ishii CHOPS! Ishii whips corner to corner, but Gabe comes back, only for Ishii to SNAP POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Gabe stays in this but Ishii stands on him. Ishii sits Gabe up to KICK him in the back! Gabe stands right up, and he gets in Ishii’s face. Gabe UPPERCUTS and Ishii staggers back! Gabe CHOPS Ishii in the corner, CHOPS again, and CHOPS again! Ishii gets in Gabe’s face, then puts him in the corner to CHOP, CHOP, and CHOP!
Ishii eggs Gabe on, so Gabe turns things around and CHOPS! Gabe talks trash on Ishii, daring him to bring the NJPW fighting spirit! Gabe waits at center, and Ishii storms up to CHOP! Gabe flips Ishii off and CHOPS! Ishii CHOPS again! Gabe CHOPS again! The CHOPS keep going back and forth, the fans cheering Ishii and booing Gabe. “YAY! BOO! YAY! BOO!” Ishii wobbles but he CHOPS! Gabe CHOPS again, and Ishii grits his teeth to stay standing! The CHOPS continue! The fans fire up as these CHOPS just keep going! Ishii gets the edge, but then Gabe bails out! Gabe dares Ishii to fight him on the outside now!
The fans boo but Ishii says get in the ring! Gabe gets in the ring, and he CHOPS! Ishii CHOPS! The CHOPS continue! Both men huff ‘n’ puff but they stay standing! The fans fire up as Ishii CHOPS again! Gabe CHOPS again! The CHOPS just keep going! They might never stop, and the fans are loving it! Gabe finally staggers, and Ishii winds up to CHOP again! Gabe CHOPS, but Ishii CHOPS again! The fans hope they “CHOP FOREVER!” The CHOPS do continue, and Ishii gets the edge! Gabe snarls and CHOPS high! The fans boo but Gabe runs, but into a CHOP! Ishii reels Gabe in, but suplexes first!
But Ishii’s right up! He catches Gabe, spins him, and suplexes back! The fans fire up but Gabe GERMAN SUPLEXES! Ishii GERMAN SUPLEXES! Both men stagger, stagger around, and fall! The fans are thunderous, “This is Awesome!” Gabe and Ishii stir, and Gabe crawls to a corner. Ishii staggers and falls again, but Gabe struggles to stand. Ishii shouts at Gabe from afar, the fans rally up, and Ishii rolls his way back to center. Gabe manages to stand in the corner, so Ishii runs in and LARIATS! Ishii fires up and puts Gabe on the top rope. The fans rally again as Ishii climbs. Ishii tries but Gabe fights the superplex!
Gabe fires body shots, then he BITES Ishii’s ear! The fans boo, but Gabe brings Ishii up for a HANGING NECKLOCK! Gabe drops Ishii, soaks up the heat, then flips everyone off. Gabe dares Ishii to stand, talks trash, then reels Ishii in. But Ishii RISING HEADBUTTS! Gabe is stunned on the top rope, and Ishii climbs up after him! The fans rally up but Gabe again resists! Gabe fires HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT, but Ishii HEADBUTTS in return! Ishii then stalling SUPERPLEXES! The fans are thunderous and Ishii storms over to Gabe. Ishii sits Gabe up, runs, and SLIDING- NO, Gabe ducks the lariat!
Gabe swings but Ishii blocks! Ishii swings but Gabe blocks! Ishii SOUTHPAW DISCUS LARIATS! Cover, TWO!! Gabe survives, the fans rally up again, and Ishii drags Gabe up for a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Gabe survives again but the fans rally behind Ishii. Ishii powers up, runs, but Gabe ducks the lariat! Ishii fights the German Suplex, ROCKS Gabe, but Gabe UPPERCUTS and LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Ishii survives but now Gabe hauls him up, SAIDO! Cover, TWO! Ishii survives again and both men are down. The fans rally up, and Gabe sits up first. Gabe shakes out the stars and storms over to Ishii.
Gabe flips off the fans again, then drags Ishii up. Gabe reels Ishii in, but Ishii backdrops free! The fans fire up but Gabe stands. DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Ishii falls to his knees, but rises again. Gabe LARIATS, but Ishii stays up! Ishii LARIATS, Gabe rebounds off ropes, and he LARIATS! The fans rally as Ishii rebounds to LARIAT! Gabe LARIATS from all sides! Gabe runs, but Ishii LARIATS him down! Gabe’s right up to LARIAT Ishii! Ishii’s right up, but Gabe LARIATS again! Gabe brings down the kneepad, and he runs up, but Ishii blocks the knee! Gabe ROCKS Ishii, and O-KNEE!! Cover, ONE?!?!
The fans go nuts and Gabe is shocked! Gabe gets mad, he runs up again, but Ishii dodges to DRAGON SUPLEX! Gabe rises, Ishii ROCKS him! Gabe rebounds, into Ishii’s LARIAT! Cover, ONE!?!? Gabe rises, the fans boo, but he UPPERCUTS! Ishii HEADBUTTS, then LARIATS! The fans are thunderous as Ishii brings Gabe up, but Gabe suplexes! BRAINBUSTER!! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! The ref checks both men, they’re both okay to continue, and the fans rally up. A down count begins, but both Gabe and Ishii stir at 4 of 10. The fans rally up again, Ishii goes to ropes at 6, but Gabe is the one that stands at 8!
Gabe has the ref stop the count, he wants to finish this with Ishii. The fans fire up and Ishii storms up to Gabe at center. Ishii SLAPS Gabe, but Gabe CHOPS back! Ishii CHOPS again, so Gabe CHOPS again! The CHOP fight returns, but then Gabe winds up to ROCK Ishii! Or not, as Ishii comes back to ROCK Gabe! Gabe eggs Ishii up and he fires another forearm! Ishii ROCKS Gabe back! Gabe snarls and CHOPS! Ishii staggers back to ropes, the fans rally, and Ishii CHOPS! Gabe CHOPS! Ishii staggers, leans on Gabe, but then Gabe DOUBLE CHOPS! Gabe fires CHOP after CHOP and Ishii staggers around!
Gabe CHOPS again! And again! Ishii HEADBUTTS, Gabe HEADBUTTS, they HEADBUTT again and again! Then they both fall back! Fans hope these two “FIGHT FOREVER!” but the show’s only just started! Both men sit up, and they junkyard dog headbutt! The five minute warning hits, but Gabe HEADBUTTS Ishii. Ishii HEADBUTTS Gabe! Gabe SLAPS Ishii, so Ishii SLAPS Gabe! Now it’s a SLAP fight! Both men bob ‘n’ weave, then SLAP! SLAP! SLAP! They both roar, and the SLAPS fire off! Ishii ENZIGIRIS! Both men fall again and the fans fire up! San Jose shows respect for “Both These Guys!”
Ishii SLIDING LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Ishii roars and powers up! The fans fire up as Ishii brings Gabe in, but Gabe wrenches to LARIAT! Ishii stays up to RUNNING HEADBUTT! Ishii then gets moving, to LARIAT Gabe inside-out! Cover, TWO!! Gabe survives and the fans fire up! Ishii rises again, vows to end this, and he drags Gabe up. The fans rally as hard as they can, and Ishii suplexes. Gabe slips free, and has the COBRA TWIST! GROUND COBRA CRADLE! Ishii is stuck, but Gabe pushes him to the cover, TWO!! SLAP! PILEDRIVER!! Cover, TWO?!? The fans fire up and Gabe can’t believe it!
Gabe rises, he runs, and COMEBACKER LARIATS! Cover, TWO!??! Ishii survives again and we hit the two minute warning! Gabe drags Ishii around, stomps him, and the fans boo again. Gabe mockingly asks what’s wrong, but Ishii ROCKS him! Gabe ROCKS Ishii back! But Ishii fights the driver to spin and suplex! Gabe fights free, has Ishii again, PILEDRIVER!!! But Gabe clutches his knee, he can’t make the cover! Gabe crawls, but Ishii crawls away, and we’re literally at the last minute! Ishii goes to ropes, but he kicks at Gabe! Gabe rains down fists, then he hauls Ishii up! But Ishii fights the driver! THIRTY SECONDS!
Gabe CLUBS Ishii, DOUBLE CHOPS him, then fires PALM STRIKES! Ishii DECKS Gabe!! TWENTY SECONDS! Ishii hauls Gabe up but Gabe’s a ragdoll! TEN SECONDS!! Ishii suplexes for the BRAINBUSTER!!! But Gabe flounders away! TIME’S UP!!!
Time Limit Draw; Gabe retains the NJPW Strong Openweight Championship
The fans give a standing ovation for these two pushing the opener to its 30 minute limit! Gabe survives, and he grabs a mic to ask Ishii, “What happened?” Gabe wants to keep fighting! If Ishii wants to take Gabe to the limit, then in Chicago, April whenever the F (April 11th), 30 MINUTE IRONMAN MATCH!! BRING IT! They give junkyard dog headbutts and SLAPS even now! Young Lions separate them, and now both men have three months to prepare. Will it truly be a Windy City Riot when these two have one more dogfight?
NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Championships: West Coast Wrecking Crew VS Rocky Romero & YOH!
Royce Isaacs & Jorel Nelson took these titles off the Grizzled Young Veterans at Strong Style Evolved, but now they battle Azucar & Direct Drive! Will the WCWC stay NJPW Strong? Or will Roppongi Revise rewrite this story?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and let’s see who gets wrecked!
The teams sort out and the fans rally behind Rocky. Yoh starts against Jorel and the fans rally behind Yoh now. The two circle, tie up, and Jorel waistlocks, SLAMS, and floats all over Yoh! Jorel slaps Yoh around, drags him up and wrenches, but Yoh drop toeholds. Yoh straddles Jorel to slap him around! Jorel gets away, Yoh says kiss this. Jorel storms up and he puts Yoh on ropes. The ref counts, Jorel lets off, but then he wrenches Yoh’s arm! Jorel hits an ELBOW BREAKER, then a wristlock. Yoh rolls, kips up and wrenches back. Rocky tags in, Yoh hands Jorel off to a wrench! Rocky wrenches, then tags Yoh for another handoff!
Yoh wrenches and wrenches and wrenches, then he tags Rocky. Rocky climbs and drops AX HANDLES on the arm! Jorel clutches the elbow but Rocky & Yoh double whip. They bypass then drop toehold to basement DROPKICK! Royce runs in but into DOUBLE DROPKICKS! The fans fire up as WCWC bails out, and Yoh aims. Rocky builds speed, DIVE onto Jorel and PLANCHA onto Royce! But WCWC catch them both! Stereo stalling suplexes to the floor! The fans boo but Jorel puts Rocky in the ring. Jorel runs and dropkicks the legs out, Royce follows up with a knee to the side! Jorel comes back to cover, TWO!
The fans rally for Rocky but Jorel tags Royce. WCWC stomp Rocky in the corner, then Royce digs his boots in. The ref counts but Royce tags Jorel. Jorel steps in to stand on Rocky! The fans boo and the ref counts, but Jorel steps off at 4. Jorel brings Rocky up but Rocky CHOPS! Jorel UPPERCUTS Rocky, tags Royce, and then runs in, only for Rocky to BOOT him! Rocky BOOTS Royce, cravats, and he kicks off Jorel, only for Royce to block Sliced Bread! Royce flips Rocky around, Jorel runs in, CANADIAN HAMMER CUTTER COMBO! Cover, Yoh breaks it! The fans fire up but Royce TOSSES Yoh!
Royce stalks Rocky, drags him up, but Rocky CHOPS! Royce ROCKS Rocky, then CHOPS! Rocky ends up in a corner, Royce tags Jorel, and then Royce stands Rocky up. Royce feeds Rocky to Jorel’s POP-UP- NO, Rocky DDTS out of the bomb! Rocky dodges Royce, tilt-o-whirls, and DDTS! The fans fire up while WCWC is down! Rocky crawls, Yoh reaches out, hot tag to Yoh! Yoh climbs up to DOUBLE CANNONBALL! The fans fire up as Yoh fires forearms on WCWC! But Royce kicks low! Jorel runs in, Yoh BOOTS him! Yoh sends Royce into Jorel, then he DUMPS Royce! Royce stays on the apron, but Yoh pokes him in the eyes!
Jorel runs up, but Yoh RAMS into Jorel low! Yoh runs to FLYING FOREARM, and then he scoops SLAMS Jorel! The fans fire up for Yoh’s ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! KNEE DROP! Cover, TWO! SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Yoh wants a faster count but the ref says those were all fair. Jorel sputters but Yoh drags him up. Yoh reels Jorel in, suplexes, but Jorel fights it! Jorel suplexes but Yoh fights it! Yoh suplexes, Jorel slips free! Yoh RAMS Jorel into a corner, tags Rocky, and Rocky BLASTS Royce! Rocky comes back to ELBOW Jorel, then Rocky sets up for Yoh. POETRY IN MOTION! Yoh then suplexes Jorel to drape him on the ropes!
Rocky climbs a corner, and hits DRAPING DOUBLE STOMPS! Yoh runs to basement DROPKICK! Rocky covers, TWO! Royce returns to TOSS Yoh! Royce kicks Rocky, whips him to a corner, then runs up, but Rocky dodges! LARIT for Jorel in a corner! LARIAT for Royce in a corner! Rocky keeps going, that’s TWO-EVER! But then Jorel hits a FLYING CUTTER! #PopTheTank! And then CROSSFACE! Royce intercepts Yoh for a TEXAS CLOVERHOLD! RPG Revise endures submissions while the fans rally! Rocky crawls his way over with one arm, but Jorel switches to legs! ANKLE LOCK! But Rocky rolls to send Jorel into Royce!
Royce runs up but Rocky BOOTS him! SLICED ROCKY! Jorel runs up, Rocky catches him, and Rocky sends Jorel to ropes. Jorel rebounds, Yoh is there for 3- NO! Jorel ELBOWS Yoh away! Then he BOOTS Rocky! Jorel CHOPS Yoh, CHOPS Rocky, then says WCWC mother effers! Jorel runs, but into DOUBLE JUMP KNEES! Rocky hits a BACKSTABBER, Yoh reels Jorel in for a FALCON ARROW BOMB! Rocky high stack covers, but Royce breaks it! The fans fire up while all four men are down! Royce and Yoh stand first, and they fire forearms back and forth! Royce fires a flurry, then a ROLLING ELBOW!
Royce runs, but Yoh DROPKICKS him! Rocky gets Royce, whips him, but Royce reverses! Yoh’s SUPERKICK hits Rocky! Yoh panics, but then Royce sends Yoh into Jorel’s BOOT! Royce GERMAN SUPLEXES! Jorel goes to the corner while Royce stands Yoh up. Jorel goes up, and up, and Yoh moves, POP THE TANK hits Royce! Yoh SUPERKICKS Jorel! Rocky shoves Jorel, rebound and 3K!! Cover, TWO!! Jorel survives and RPG Revise can’t believe it! The fans fire up with Yoh & Rocky, and Rocky goes to a corner. Yoh drags Jorel up, Alabama Lifts him, but Royce slips a belt in! The ref grabs the belt from Jorel!
Jorel and the ref fight over the belt, as does Yoh, but then Royce full nelsons and pops Yoh up! HUSH MONEY PLEX! Rocky leaps, but into more HUSH- NO Rocky pops free and DROPKICKS Royce out! Jorel waistlocks, Rocky switches, repeat! Rocky O’Conner Rolls, TWO! Royce BELT SHOTS Rocky with the other belt! Jorel whips and POP-UP POWERBOMBS Rocky, to then CATAPULT him into Royce’s fireman’s carry! DEATH VALLEY BACKBREAKER COMBO! Double cover, WCWC wins!!
Winners: West Coast Wrecking Crew, by pinfall (still NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Champions)
It took some trickery, but Royce & Jorel keep these belts around their waists!
8 Woman Elimination Tag Match: Viva Van, HANAKO, Maika & Mina Shirakawa VS Johnnie Robbie, Trish Adora, Anna Jay & AZM!
As WrestleDynasty’s International Women’s Cup proved, women’s wrestling is strong all around the world! And so, eight rising stars from Stardom and AEW align in San Jose! The Hellbent Vixen, the 181cm Wonder Tower, the Crimson Cannon Empress and the Fighting Gravure Idol face Robbie Rocket, The AfroPunk, The Star of the Show & The High Speed Superstar, will it come down to the last woman standing?
The teams sort out and the fans all love Mina. But in the end, Hanako steps to Adora. The fans fire up and the bell rings. The tallest RAM each other again and again, and again, and again! They both roar, both run, and then RAM in again! The fans fire up as Adora runs, but Hanako follows! But all according to plan as Adora LARIATS her at the ropes! Adora then calls in the team and they go to lift Hanako! NJPW Elimination Tag Matches do allow for over-the-top-rope eliminations! But Mina and team hurry to save Hanako! The fans fire up as Mina’s team throw Anna, Robbie and AZM out! Viva & Maika then double whip to DOUBLE TACKLE Adora!
Hanako scoops Mina and stands over Adora for a FLIPPING SPLASH COMBO! Viva joins in, she and Mina run to slide and shimmy! Maika joins in on that last part, and Hanako kinda does, but she feels a bit awkward about it. The fans cheer all the same, and Hanako stands Adora up. Hanako suplexes but Adora resists it! Adora suplexes but Hanako resists! They fight for suplex control, then Adora kicks low. Adora runs but Hanako follows again, and she BOOTS Adora! Hanako runs, Adora tries to get away but she slumps against ropes. Hanako stomps Adora but the ref checks on Adora. The ref calls for a medic to check.
Robbie also checks on Adora, and helps her to the corner. Robbie tags in, but then sees Hanako so she tags Anna. Anna calls out Viva, and Hanako tags Viva in. The fans fire up as these AEW rivals meet again, and they run up! Anna dodges, takes a bow, and fans cheer. Anna dodges, Viva dodges, then Viva rolls and shimmies! But Anna SHOTGUNS Viva down! Anna whips Viva, Viva redirects and redirects, WHEEL KICK! The fans cheer and Viva takes a bow. Viva tags Hanako back in, and Hanako scoops Anna to SLAM! The fans rally as Hanako scoops again, but Anna fights free! Anna shoves Hanako away, tag to Robbie!
Robbie runs in, tilt-o-whirl crucifix takedown! Cover, TWO! Hanako whips Robbie to ropes, but Robbie victory rolls through! TWO! Robbie ducks Hanako’s boot, blocks the heel kick, and she trips Hanako up! Robbie runs and BOOTS Hanako down! The fans fire up and Robbie brings Hanako around. Hanako breaks free to ROCK Robbie! Robbie ROCKS Hanako! Then she backslides Hanako, TWO! Hanako escapes but Robbie KNEES her down! Cover, TWO! Hanako stays in this but the fans rally up. Robbie runs, but Hanako fireman’s carries! SAMOAN DROP! Robbie goes to a corner, Hanako runs up to SPLASH!
Hanako whips corner to corner, Robbie goes up and up, but Hanako catches her Code Breaker! And she turns it into a BIG suplex! The fans fire up and Hanako brings Robbie around. Torture rack and JP COASTER! Cover, Hanako ELIMINATES Robbie! And with Adora getting checked by medics, could Team AZM already be down 4v2? Speaking of AZM, she goes up, up and MISSILE DROPKICKS Hanako! The fans fire up as AZM kips up! AZM runs, tilt-o-whirls, but Hanako throws her away! AZM kicks low, but Maika steps in and snapmares AZM! Hanako drops a KNEE, then she and Maika run to DOUBLE BOOT! Cover, TWO!!
The fans fire up as AZM survives, and Adora’s back! The team still has three! Hanako torture racks, AZM slips free and comes back, LA MYSTICA into AZM SUSHI! AZM ELIMINATES HANAKO! The numbers are even but Viva Van CROSSBODIES from the top! Cover, TWO! AZM goes to a corner, Viva runs in, but AZM slips out! Anna joins in, DOUBLE LEG LARIAT int he corner! Then they run to DOUBLE SHOTGUN! Viva flounders, AZM tags Anna, and Anna runs up, but Viva goes up and over! UP KICK! Viva then hoists Anna up to an Electric Chair Lift! But Anna victory rolls it! ONE!! Anna has the QUEENSLAYER!!
Viva flails but she is caught! Viva TAPS, Anna ELIMINATES her! Team AZM has the lead, and AZM joins Anna. They intercept Mina with kicks, then double whip. Mina reverses to send Anna away, then she kicks AZM! Mina ELBOWS Anna, victory rolls AZM, and has the legs tied up! Anna runs up, but Mina catches her, DDT SNAP LOCK COMBO! The fans are thunderous for Mina, and Mina dares someone to bring it. Adora tags in, Mina kicks her and puts her on the apron. Adora went through the middle rope so she’s safe. Mina fires shots, drags Adora back in, but Adora fires more shots! They go back and forth and the fans fire up!
The shots go fast and furious, Mina ROCKS her! Maika joins in, they work to TOSS Adora! Adora goes up, over, lands on the apron, but DOUBLE SHOTGUNS knock her to the floor! Mina & Maika ELIMINATE Adora! Things are tied again at 2v2, but AZM runs up to ROCK Mina! Mina fights the suplex, so AZM shifts to roll Mina up! TWO, but AZM tries AZM SUSHI! Maika breaks it! Anna CLUBS Maika, whips her, and AZM whips Mina. AZM slides to trip both Mina & Maika, and then Anna DOUBLE BLOCKBUSTERS! Cover on Mina, TWO! AZM drags Mina up, whips her corner to corner, but Mina goes up, only for AZM to SHOVE her over!
Mina lands safe on the apron, fights AZM off, and hurries in to FLYING CHUCK! The fans fire up while Mina has AZM down! Mina goes up the corner, Anna and Maika scrap on the outside, and AZM stands. FLYING SLINGBLADE! Cover, Anna breaks it! Maika TOSSES Anna, and the fans fire up as Mina has AZM. GLAMOROUS- NO, AZM slips free, shoves Mina, but Mina DUMPS AZM to the apron! Mina sweeps the legs, but Anna SHOVES Mina! Mina and AZM fight on the apron edge while Maika goes after Anna! AZM BUZZSAWS Mina, but Mina ducks the Penalty Kick! AZM fights the roll-up!
AZM goes up the ropes but Mina avoids the double stomps! Mina uses a victory roll, but they BOTH fall to the floor! DOUBLE ELIMINATION! Now it comes down to Anna and Maika! The fans fire up as Anna kicks and whips Maika! Anna LEG LARIATS, then runs side to side for another LEG LARIAT! Anna goes the other way, LEG LARIAT! Anna finishes the hattrick and she puts Maika up top. Maika fights back, BOOTS Anna away, then hops in. Maika dodges Anna, runs back in, but into a BUCKLE SHOT! Cover, TWO! Maika survives, Anna grows frustrated, but she runs, into a POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO!
The fans fire up as Anna stays in this. Maika fires up and the fans rally. Maika brings Anna up, suplexes, but Anna fights free! Anna wrenches to DANGEROUS HOOK KICK, then BACKSTABBER! Anna goes up and the fans fire up! But Maika hurries to ROCK Anna first! Maika climbs up, fires more shots, then brings Anna up! Stalling SUPERPLEX! The fans are thunderous, Maika covers, TWO!! Anna survives and the fans fire up! Maika vows to end this, and she scoops Anna. Anna slips free, for the QUEENSLAYER!! Maika reaches out, but Anna becomes a backpack! Maika still makes it to ropes, and works ot throw Anna over!
Anna is on the apron, and Maika runs up to LARIAT! Anna holds on so Maika tries again! ROLLING ELBOW! Anna FALLS, Team Mina wins!
Winners: Viva Van, HANAKO, Maika & Mina Shirakawa, by ring-out
Empress Nexus Venus stands tall, along with their honorary member in Viva. Will Stardom, NJPW and maybe even AEW soon belong to #ENexusV?
NJPW World Television Championship: El Phantasmo VS Jeff Cobb!
The Headbanga’s 2024 was quite the roller coaster: exiled from Bullet Club; teaming with the Guerrillas of Destiny; being left behind by the Guerrillas of Destiny; and being diagnosed with cancer. But ELP overcame that dreaded disease, and he overcame three opponents at once at WrestleKingdom 19! Will ELP continue to be the star of NJPW World? Or will the Imperial Unit take this title back?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and it’s time for the “season premiere” of the ELP Show!
The bell rings and we’re on the clock. ELP and Cobb circle, tie up, and ELP headlocks. Cobb powers up and out, then he RAMS ELP! ELP stays up, sighs, then runs. ELP RAMS Cobb, but Cobb stays put. The fans fire up and ELP goes again, to RAM Cobb! Cobb isn’t impressed so ELP offers him a go. Cobb runs and he CLOBBERS ELP! But ELP kips up! ELP mule kicks, runs, and he RUSN Cobb over! But then Cobb kips up!? The fans fire up, Cobb dodges a superkick to scoop! ELP slips free, kicks and reels Cob in! Cobb fights free, ELP avoids the lariat, and then handsprings up! The fans cheer this opening exchange.
ELP and Cobb reset, then step up to each other. They bump shoulders, then ELP fires a forearm. Cobb doesn’t budge so ELP fires another. And then another! Cobb winds up to DECK ELP! The fans fire up as Cobb drags ELP back up, and TOSSES him across the way! The fans fire up and Cobb says touchdown! Cobb then deadlifts ELP into a suplex! ELP fires knees, drops down, but Cobb holds onto him! Cobb brings ELP back up, and then THROWS him away! The fans fire up and ELP almost cries in pain. Cobb stalks ELP, and drags him back to center. Cobb stomps on ELP, then stands on him! Cobb hangs ten on ELP!
Cobb mocks the ELP rocker fingers, but makes ’em hang loose. Cobb then steps off, and he “apologizes.” Cobb sits ELP up, but ELP CHOPS! And CHOPS! ELP fires forearm after forearm, and he brings Cobb to his knees! ELP winds up to ROCK Cobb again! ELP runs, but Cobb LARIATS ELP inside-out! Cobb drags ELP up, whips him to ropes, then scoops for a TOUR- DDT!! ELP turns things around on Cobb and the fans fire up! ELP and Cobb are both down, but ELP works his way up into a kip up! Cobb goes to a corner, ELP runs up to spin and CHOP! ELP knuckle locks, CHOPS, then goes up, up, jumps around, and around, then FLYING RANAS!
The fans fire up and ELP handsprings again. Then he LIONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! Cobb has power to spare but ELP stays cool. ELP brings Cobb up, straitjackets and torture racks, but that’s a lot to lift! We’re past five minutes, and ELP’s back gives up! Cobb RIPCORDS ELP into the ATHLETIC PLEX! Cover, TWO! ELP stays in this and the fans rally up. Cobb tells ELP to get up, then brings him around. Cobb whips, ELP grabs ropes! Cobb runs up, but into a BOOT! ELP runs up, but Cobb URENAGES, and FALLING HAMMERS! Cover, TWO! GACHIMUCHI onto KNEES! Inside cradle, TWO! ELP runs to PUNT, and BUZZSAW!
ELP STOMPS Cobb’s hands! ELP stands Cobb up, straitjackets, and then he fires forearms to the back! ELP torture racks, but Cobb’s still a lot to lift! ELP still gets Cobb up! SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, ONE?!?! Cobb rises, into SUDDEN DEATH!! ELP goes to the apron, springboards, THUNDERKISS 86!! Cover, TWO!??! ELP hurries to haul Cobb up, but then Cobb jumps up to DROPKICK! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! The fans rally and duel while a standing count starts. Cobb is in one corner, ELP is in the other. Cobb snarls, runs corner to corner, but ELP goes up and over! ELP then ducks ‘n’ dodges to CROSSBODY!
ELP rolls, LIONS- NO, Cobb bails out, but ELP lands on his feet! ELP DIVES onto Cobb, and Cobb goes over the railing! The fans lose their minds and a ring count begins. ELP hurries into the ring at 6 of 20, but then he aims from the ropes! Cobb stands, but he hurries away! The fans boo, but ELP just changes to the corner! ELP uses the post to SUPER THUNDERKISS out into the crowd! The fans lose their minds as ELP wipes out Cobb and Young Lions! A new ring count begins, and both ELP and Cobb slowly stir. ELP borrows a fan’s water to take a drink. Cobb CLUBS ELP at the railing! The count is 10 of 20 as both men try to get over the railing while fighting.
ELP hops the railing, but Cobb reaches under to trip him! ELP SUPERKICKS Cobb away! ELP hurries but then Cobb TOSSSES Zane Jay at ELP!! The count hits TWENTY, it’s a DRAW!!
Double Count Out Draw; ELP retains the title
The fans are going wild, but “episode one” ends on controversy! The fans want overtime, and ELP and Cobb both get in the ring. They clearly want to keep going! The ref says the rules are the rules, 15 minutes is 15 minutes. The fans say “LET THEM FIGHT! LET THEM FIGHT!” but this will just have to be a cliffhanger. ELP tosses the belt aside and shoves Cobb! Cobb shoves him back, but the two stand down. Will they just have to wait for somewhere down the line to settle this plotline?
Sumie Sakai Retirement Mixed Six Tag: Sumie Sakai, EVIL & SHO VS Hiromu Takahashi, Mayu Iwatani & Yuka Sakazaki!
The living legend, the Ray of Sunshine, now reaches her sunset. And to honor the woman who helped build the Women of Honor Division in ROH, and who has held 13 different titles across the world, NJPW has built this star-studded crossover match! Though, why would Sumie Sakai team with the House of Torture? Sumie has known Evil & Sho since they were just Young Lions on excursion, and is hoping to show them the light! Will Sumie’s last match redeem The King of Darkness & Murder Machine? Or will the Ticking Timebomb, the Roaring Icon of Stardom & the Wrestling Magical Girl not even give them that chance?
Wait, who is this supposed Kamaitachi? That was Hiromu’s old persona while on excursion, is this House of Torture poking fun at him? And wait, where’s Evil? This is a Six Person Tag, but Sumie’s team is missing the third person! Hiromu’s entire team makes their entrances first, and still no King of Darkness. Hiromu poses with Mayu & Yuka for a photo op, and NOW Evil runs out here! Even Sumie is shocked as Evil attacks Hiromu from behind! And Sho even kicks the IWGP Women’s Champion! Then they mug Yuka! The fans boo but Evil & Sho soak it up. Sumie tries to reason with them, but Evil grabs a mic.
Evil tells Hiromu that he’s gonna pay for that stunt he pulled in Karatsu, and for thinking he could avoid The House of Torture by taking this tag match! They stand Hiromu up, Sho runs and BOOTS Hiromu down! Evil stands Hiromu up and wants Sumie to join in? Sumie didn’t sign up for this kind of match! Hiromu fights free, but Evil & Sho mug him. They double whip, the bell rings, and Hiromu ducks the double lariats to CROSSBODY Evil & Sho! The fans fire up, Sumie and Mayu run in to brawl, but Yuka joins in! Yuka waistlocks Sumie but Sumie kicks Mayu away. Mayu rebounds, both Sumie and Yuka duck the lariat, so Mayu keeps going to DIVE out onto Sho!
The fans fire up as Yuka goes up and up and CROSSBODIES Evil! The fans fire up as #MaYuKa high-ten. And now Sumie and Hiromu are in the ring! The fans rally up, Sumie is conflicted, but Hiromu gets the fans to cheer even louder. Sumie offers a handshake, Hiromu accepts, and they even hug! But then Sumie stomps Hiromu’s foot! Sumie is still willing to play dirty! Sumie wrenches, Hiromu wrenches, but Sumie rolls, kips up, and wrenches back. Hiromu asks if it’s okay, and Sumie says yes. He rolls, but then she covers! TWO! Hiromu is upset but Sumie rolls him up! TWO! Sumie runs, victory rolls, TWO!!
Hiromu swings, but into a SAYANAGI! ARMBAR! Hiromu flails, hurries to high stack, TWO but Hiromu deadlifts! Sumie slips free, but Hiromu CHOPS! The fans boo but Hiromu is confused. Hiromu CHOPS Sumie again, then whisp. Sumie blocks but Hiromu ROCKS her, puts her on ropes and KICKS the ropes! Hiromu runs but Evil trips him! The fans are torn, but then Sho distracts the ref so that Evil can JAM Hiromu up with a chair! Okay, now the fans boo because this is still not right. Evil puts Hiromu in, and he slides the chair to Sumie! Sho says do it, but the fans say “NO! NO! NO!” Sumie grabs the chair, to throw it away!
Sumie says neener neener to Evil, then stomps away on Hiromu in the corner! The ref counts, Sumie hops up, but Sho brings her down? Sho says this is how you do it! He digs his boots into Hiromu, then scoops to SLAM! Sho then picks Sumie up to SLAM her onto Hiromu! The fans boo but Sho & Evil soak up the heat. They also split the wishbone on Hiromu! The ref reprimands, but Evil throws his shirt at Yuka! Evil insults Yuka, but she throws the shirt back. So Evil KICKS Yuka down! Mayu storms in and throws hands, but Evil kicks her down, too! The ref reprimands Evil, but Hiromu CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS!
Evil CLAWS Hiromu’s eyes! Evil whips Hiromu to the corner, and surprise! Sho takes the blue buckle pad away! The House Special has been served! The fans boo more but Evil hauls Hiromu up for a COBRA TWIST! Sho reaches out, but Hiromu switches with Evil! Sho steps back as Hiromu now uses the rope for leverage! The ref argues with Sho now, as he still has the buckle pad in his possession, and this allows MaYuKa to reach out and link with Hiromu! The fans cheer as Evil tastes his own medicine! Wait, Kamaitachi and Sumie help out! And the fans, too! Evil gets an extra large helping of his medicine!
The fans cheer as Hiromu and everyone else get away with this, “This is Wrestling!” But then Sho kicks Hiromu down! The fans boo but Sho drags Hiromu up and whips him into the bare buckles! Hiromu flounders, Yuka runs in, but Sho kicks her! Sho whips Yuka into the bare buckles! Mayu runs in, Sho kicks her and whips her into the bare buckles! The fans boo more but Sho & Evil regroup. They bully Hiromu in a corner, then whip him corner to corner. They want Sumie to join in, and she tentatively walks over, but then they just kick her! They double whip Sumie at Hiromu, but Hiromu dodges!
Hiromu CROSSBODIES, but is caught! The House throws him back but Hiromu rebounds to DOUBLE SHOTGUN! Evil & Sho stagger, into DOUBLE MISSILE DROPKICKS from MaYuKa! Sumie still attacks Yuka, reels her in, but Yuka fights the suplex to cradle! ROLLING CRADLE! ONE! ONE! ONE! ONE! Yuka finally stops, deadlifts, and FISHERMAN BUSTERS! Cover, TWO! Sumie survives but Yuka sits her up. Yuka runs to SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Sumie survives again and the fans rally up. Yuka drags Sumie up, cravats, snapmare roll, but Sumie ducks the basement kick! CROSSFACE! Yuka rolls free, but into TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT!
Sumie fires up but Mayu kicks her! Sumie hits back, but Mayu ROCKS her! Mayu goes to run, but Sumie snatches Mayu’s lucky fox tail! The fans fire up, Sumie taunts Mayu with the tail, but Mayu SOBATS! Mayu whips, Sumie reverses, but Mayu slips out, in, and rolls Sumie for a SHOTGUN! The fans fire up with Mayu while Sumie goes to ropes. Mayu runs and DROPKICKS Sumie against ropes! Cover, TWO! Sumie survives yet again, but Mayu drags her up. The fans rally, Sumie breaks free and dragon sleepers. Yuka CLUBS Sumie into Mayu’s victory roll, TWO! MaYuKa DOUBLE SUPERKICK!
Sumie tumbles out, Sho runs in, but he gets pinballed around by MaYuKa! Sho gets fed up with it and he DOUBLE BODY BLOWS! Sho runs, into DOUBLE ELBOWS! Double snapmare, DOUBLE BASEMENT DROPKICK! Sho tumbles out, Evil is in, but he gets a DOUBLE SUPERKICK! He stays up, but gets double kicks down low! The fans fire up as MaYuKa DOUBLE- NO, Evil pulls hair to stop the suplex! So Hiromu SUPERKICKS! And now DOUBLE SUPLEX! The fans fire up for Hiromu’s team, and he helps Sumie up. “This is Awesome!” Hiromu says it’s time, and he fireman’s carries! But Sumie slips out to SMASH MOUSE!! Cover, SHO YANKS THE REF OUT!
The fans boo but Sho “apologizes,” since that ruined Sumie’s win. Then why do it? Evil CHOKES Sumie with a shirt!! The fans boo as The House of Torture turns on Sumie! They also beat down Hiromu, the fans tell Evil off, but Evil & Sho put one out on Hiromu. But then Yuka snatches Sho’s “Torture Tool,” and SMACKS him with it! Mayu CLAWS Evil’s eyes! Yuka scoops and hits the TEA TIME DRIVER! Evil pushes Mayu, then whips her at the corner. Mayu avoids the bare buckles, then dodges Evil! Evil hits bare buckles, and Mayu GERMAN SUPLEXES! Hiromu steals EVERYTHING IS EVIL! The fans fire up as Team Hiromu stands tall again!
Hiromu sees Sumie and tells her to rise. The fans rally up for “SU-MI! SU-MI!” but Hiromu helps her. Sumie ROCKS Hiromu! And ROCKS Mayu! And ROCKS Yuka! Repeat! Sumie keeps throwing shots so the new generation eggs her on! Sumie fires more and more shots, but she’s slowing down! The fans fire up as Sumie finds the strength to keep going! Even Kamaitachi is cheering her on! Sumie fires shot after shot after shot, and even some CHOPS, but she finally tires out! The fans cheer the legend on, but now Hiromu brings her around. Yuka hits a ROLLING ELBOW! Mayu hits a SUPERKICK! And Hiromu thanks Sumie, before hitting a HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER!
Hiromu brings Sumie around, TRIPLE cover, TWO?!?! Sumie still lives!! The fans are thunderous and Hiromu is all smiles. Nothing less from this absolute legend! Even the ref pounds the mat to rally behind Sumie! Yuka drags Sumie up, wrenches and hammerlocks to then lift her. Yuka spins for the MAGICAL MERRY-GO-ROUND! Sumie is in the drop zone and Mayu goes up! MOONSAULT! Hiromu drags Sumie back up, fireman’s carries, and swings Sumie for the TIMEBOMB 1.0!!! TRIPLE cover, Team Hiromu wins!
Winners: Hiromu Takahashi, Mayu Iwatani & Yuka Sakazaki, by pinfall
It’s a standing ovation as everyone shows their love, respect, and gratitude to Sumie Sakai! Sumie stirs, and she takes a moment to let the moment soak in. The fans chant, “Thank You, Sumi!” Sumie sits up in the corner, and she wants to thank her opponents for this match. Hiromu helps Sumie stand, as does Mayu, and the fans cheer some more. Sumie sits back down, but the others say she can’t go just yet. The ring announcer returns to say that Sumie has finished her last match. The fans cheer and give another standing ovation as Rocky Romero, Yoh, and more come out. The mic is then handed to Yuka.
Yuka tells Sumie, “Our history together may have been short, but it’s thanks to your presence that I can see these wonders. From the bottom of my heart, thank you very much! I look forward to learning from you from here on.” Yuka bows in deep respect and Sumie returns that bow. The mic is handed to Mayu, and she loudly says, “KONBONWA~! <GOOD EVENING~!>” Is this why she’s the Roaring Icon? Mayu admits, “I didn’t think I’d be here with a mic in hand, so I didn’t have anything prepared. Sumie-san, you’ve always put everyone else’s happiness ahead of your own. From now on, put your own happiness first and foremost.”
Mayu continues to say, “Sumie-san’s smile makes me so happy! Seeing your smile is number one!” Mayu says in both English and Japanese, “Thank you so much!” The fans cheer as Mayu bows and Sumie returns it, and then Mayu hugs her. Hiromu has the mic now, and he says he doesn’t have much to add to what Mayu & Yuka “expressed so beautifully.” Hiromu simply thanks her and says he looks forward to working with her in the future. Also, does she remember this jacket of his? “Meeting you, Devitt, Yuki & Princess have been the treasures of my life.” The fans cheer while Sumie tears up a bit.
Hiromu says the memory of those four people is in this jacket, and now he wants her to have it. The fans cheer as Hiromu adorns Sumie with the denim jacket covered in art, and they again chant, “Thank You, Sumie!” Sumie is then given a bouquet of flowers, and she stands so that she may speak. Sumie says that life can be hard, but it can also be good, and bad. She was crying so much, but today, she is the happiest wrestler in the world! The fans cheer that! Sumie says that is because everyone made her that happy. She thanks them all, and she loves them all! And with that, she drops the mic, and she welcomes the others back into the ring!
The fans again chant “Thank You, Sumi!” as she, Hiromu, Mayu, Yuka, Kamaitachi-chan, Rocky, ELP, Fred Rosser, Jeff Cobb, Yoh, TMDK, Team Mina and Team AZM, former ROH timekeeper Amy Rose, and even the Young Lions and the ref, all join in for a grand photo-op! Then they say hip, hip, HOORAY as they throw Sumie up in the air! Sumie then bows to all of them in thanks. And to wrap the retirement ceremony, the ring bell sounds ten times. Truly, #ThankYouSumie for everything!
Sho and Evil complain backstage.
The Murder Machine grumbles, “Why did they team us with that country bumpkin? I only did this because I wanted a shot at Hiromu! The ring was rampant with no-good country losers! Why’d you bring me to such a place?” Sho crawls away, and the King of Darkness says, “That punk (Hiromu) is on a roll now. Whatever. Either way, I’m not going back to Japan. Goodbye, New Japan! Got it? Remember it!” Wait, is Evil telling the truth? Is he effectively quitting NJPW? To do what?
NEVER Openweight Championship: Konosuke Takeshita VS KUSHIDA!
The Don Callis Family’s Alpha became a double champion and stayed a double champion through the big Tokyo Dome weekend, but now he’s being called out by the Time Splitter. Kushida has done all he can as a Junior Heavyweight, can he prove he’s ready for more? Or is Don Callis right in saying Konosuke is the best bell-to-bell wrestler today?
The introductions are made, the NEVER belt is raised, and we see who never gives up!
The bell rings and the fans rally up already. Konosuke and Kushida circle slowly, feel things out, then tie up. Kushida waistlocks, Konosuke turns around for a facelock, and they end up in a corner. The ref counts the break, Kushida lets off with a pat on the side, and the fans applaud. The two reset, circle again, and Kushida rolls. Konosuke keeps his distance, Kushida has a leg guard, but Konosuke still grabs a foot. Konosuke steps over as Kushida turns over, but Kushida slips out the back. They clinch, Kushida slips around to a waisltock, but Konosuke’s height helps him fight the drop toehold. Kushida still grapevines the leg to bring Konosuke down.
Kushida floats to a headlock, Konosuke fights up, but Kushida hits a takeover. Konosuke headscissors, Kushida kips free, and roles reverse as Konosuke hits the headlock takeover but Kushida headscissors. Konosuke kips free, the two stand off, and the fans cheer the exchange. Kushida and Konosuke reset and the fans duel. Konosuke offers a handshake, but Kushida isn’t so sure. How much has Callis influenced Konosuke? Kushida steps up and takes the handshake. But then Konosuke kicks low! Very much, it seems. Kushida fights the waistlock with elbows, then headlocks, only for Konosuke to power him to ropes.
Konosuke powers up and out, Kushida RAMS him, but Konosuke RUNS Kushida over! The fans fire up and Konosuke runs, but Kushida KICKS the leg! And KICKS it again! Kushida runs, but into a BOOT! Konosuke whips, Kushida reverses, but Konosuke TAKESHITA LINES! The fans fire up while Kushida bails out, and Konosuke pursues. Konosuke wrenches Kushida and whips him into the railing! The ring count starts but Konosuke CLUBS Kushida on the back. Konosuke then CHOKES Kushida on the railing! The ref reprimands, Konosuke stops, and the ring count is 10 of 20. Konosuke says be patient, but Kushida RAMS him into the apron!
Kushida hops up to MOUNTED ARMBAR, and he falls back to YANK Konosuke into a standard ARMBAR! The ref reprimands all the same, then counts, but Kushida lets go at 4. Konosuke hobbles away, the fans fire up with Kushida, and Kushida pushes Konosuke into the ring. Kushida then grabs the arm and wrenches it. Kushida puts Konosuke in a corner, and he grinds the hand against the ropes! The ref reprimands, Kushida lets go and Konosuke falls over. Kushida stands on the bad hand, then stomps it! The fans are torn while Konosuke goes to ropes. Kushida grabs Konosuke’s arm to wrangle him again!
Kushida traps the bad arm, then has the good arm, and he pushes down on them both. The fans rally as Konosuke endures, and Kushida falls back to DOUBLE SNAP LOCK! Konosuke hobbles to a corner, but Kushida goes up and has the arm! TORNADO ARMBAR DDT! Then a BRIDGING HAMMERLOCK! Konosuke endures but Kushida moves around and around. Kushida drags Konosuke by that bad arm, for another BRIDGING HAMMERLOCK! Konosuke endures, Kushida turns him, but Konosuke CLAWS Kushida’s eyes! Kushida lets Konosuke go and Konosuke goes back to the corner.
Kushida runs up, Konosuke puts him on the apron, and Konosuke bumps Kushida off the buckles! The fans rally, but Kushida climbs the corner! Kushida aims, and he FLYING KNEES the bad arm! Konosuke clutches the elbow and triceps, but the fans fire up as Kushida has the arm again. Kushida RAMS the shoulder, wrenches the arm, and hits an ELBOW BREAKER! Kushida wants the Kimura but Konosuke scoops him! And SLAMS him! The fans fire up, but Kushida KICKS away on Konosuke’s leg! That just pisses Konosuke off! He STOMPS Kushida right down! The fans fire up and Konosuke shakes the bad arm.
Konosuke aims from a corner, Kushida sits up, and Konosuke runs in, but Kushida blocks the knee! ANKLE LOCK! Konosuke endures, crawls, and he reels Kushida in, to LARIAT from below! Both men stand, Konosuke LARIATS Kushida from above! The fans fire up while both men are down! Konosuke rises, he drags Kushida up and reels him in, but Kushida fights the Blue Thunder! Kushida KICKS away on the bad arm! Konosuke CHOPS in return! Kushida fire sup to KICK the leg! And then KICK the leg! And then another KICK to the leg! Konosuke sits down, Kushida runs, but Konosuke avoids the Penalty Kick!
Konosuke rolls Kushida, Kushida rolls through, TANAKA FASTBALL! Konosuke swings back, but Kushida ducks to PELE! The fans fire up while Konosuke leans on ropes. Kushida whips, Konosuke reverses, but Kushida handsprings! But into the BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Kushida survives as Konosuke couldn’t use his bad arm to push Kushida down! The fans rally up, Konosuke goes to the corner, and he climbs! SUPER SENTON FLOPS and Kushida has the ARMBAR! Konosuke clasps hands, Kushida CLUBS away at those hands, and Kushida breaks the grip! Konosuke hurries to stack Kushida! TWO, and Konosuke deadlifts Kushida!
The fans fire up and Konosuke powers through to a fireman’s carry! And he pops Kushida into the tuck, BASTARD DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!! Kushida survives and the fans fire up again! The fans rally and duel while Kushida flounders to the apron. Konosuke slashes his throat, vowing to END Kushida! Konosuke drags Kushida up, scoops him, but Kushida fights with elbows! Kushida is free, but Konosuke runs up! Kushida hops down, Konosuke hits POST! Kushida then SWEEPS the legs and Konosuke lands on the apron! Kushida hops up, APRON KNEE SMASH! Then KNEE SMASH from apron to the floor!
The fans lose their minds and the ring count starts. Kushida refreshes the count so he can step through, and he has a FIGURE FOUR! Konosuke endures, the ref reprimands, but Kushida is letting the ring count climb! Konosuke grabs at the apron skirt but he can’t get a good grip. The count is 10 of 20, the fans rally as hard as they can, and Kushida puts on as much pressure as he can! We’re at 15! 16! 17! Kushida lets go at 18! Konosuke scrambles, he slides in at 19.999!!! PENALTY KICK!! PENALTY KICK to the arm! Kushida then goes up a corner and leaps, FLYING SPIKE-RANA!! Cover, TWO!!! The fans fire up and Kushida brings Konosuke up!
Kushida hooks a leg, BACK TO THE FUTURE!! Cover, TWO?!?! Konosuke survives and the fans are thunderous! Kushida grows frustrated but “This is Awesome!” The fans duel while Konosuke shakes out his bad arm. Kushida rises, waits on Konosuke, and then runs up to jump on! HOVERBOARD KIMURA!! But Konosuke powers through!? RAGING- NO, Kushida slips free, TANAKA- ALPHA ELBOW!! Konosuke’s fastball hits first, and he reels Kushida in! POWER- NO, Kushida sunset flips, just to get the ANKLE LOCK!! Konosuke gets the ROPEBREAK, but Kushida PENALTY KICKS th earm! And then SHOTEI!
Konosuke roars, so Kushida runs again! Konosuke blocks the Shotei, but Kushida SOUTHPAW SHOTEIS!! And then RIGHT-HAND SHOTEIS!! Konosuke is right up?! LARIAT!! Cover, ONE?!?!? Kushida shakes his head and Konosuke is shocked! The fans are thunderous as Konosuke rises! Konosuke drags Kushida up, powers up, and- SHOTEI from Kushida! Konosuke winds up again to ALPHA ELBOW!! Konosuke drags Kushida up, reels him in, and RAGING FIRE!! Cover, Konosuke wins!
Winner: Konosuke Takeshita, by pinfall (still NEVER Openweight Champion)
Kushida never gave up, but Konosuke never let up! Konosuke hits the homerun and keeps the Openweight Championship! Konosuke still shows Kushida respect, then takes the mic. “Hey, to those watching back in Japan, listen up. Now that I’m part of NJPW, there’s someone I have to face!” In English, Konosuke tells everyone to listen up. “Chicago! April 11th! HIROSHI TANAHASHI!” The fans like where this is going! “OI, Tanahashi… Your last US match… I challenge you! That date marks the end of The Ace. I will show you who is The Alpha.” The fans fire up for that one! Will Konosuke ruin Tanahashi’s final time in the United States? Or will the Final Road not end so soon?
Zack Sabre Jr. VS Hechicero!
The Front Man is IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, but he looks to clear up some blemishes on his record. The Alchemist of Lucha snatched a win in CMLL’s Arena Mexico last June, but ZSJ got his payback last August under Rev-Pro’s roof. These two incredible technical geniuses finally have their tiebreaker, will Hechicero #JustTapOut? Or will he be owed a golden ticket instead?
The bell rings and the fans rally up with “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE~!” ZSJ and Hechi feel things out, then knuckle lock. ZSJ rolls to wrench the hold, but Hechi manages double cording holds and a leg trip! But ZSJ headscissors in return! Hechi rolls that to have a take on Napalm Death, but ZSJ scoots back and slips free of that. The fans cheer this opening exchange and the two go again. They feel things out, Hechi steps on ZSJ’s foot, then grabs the other leg for spinning toehold! ZSJ waistlocks but Hechi fires elbows. Hechi has a double wristlock, then shifts to an ANKLE LOCK! ZSJ fights so Hechi spinning toeholds again!
ZSJ cravats, even with his leg trapped, but Hechi pushes him down. ZSJ manages to slips his long leg up and around, and now he has Hechi’s leg for a step-over toehold! ZSJ grabs the other leg for a STRETCH MUFFLER, going for his Napalm Death! Hechi fights back by bending ZSJ’s fingers, and the fans duel between them. ZSJ rolls back, keeps on one leg, and he hits his own spinning toehold! ZSJ ties up both legs but Hechi goes for one of ZSJ’s! ZSJ resists, Hechi reaches up to get an arm! Hechi has a spladle, TWO! ZSJ rolls Hechi into an INVERTED FIGURE FOUR! Hechi scoops back, to get ZSJ in an INVERTED BOW ‘N’ ARROW!
ZSJ fights to scoot back, they knuckle lock and stand, then ZSJ trips Hechi! ARMBAR! Hechi uses his legs to get at ZSJ’s legs, but ZSJ pulls on Hechi’s leg for a toehold! They both crank on the leg locks, but ZSJ slips up and around to then trap an arm! Hechi rolls, tries to stack ZSJ, but they end up in the ropes! The ref calls the break, Hechi lets off slowly, and the fans cheer. But then Hechi stands on ZSJ’s neck! The fans boo, but Hechi steps away, letting know he could’ve if he wanted to. The two reset, the fans fire up, and they tie up again. Hechi trips ZSJ, jackknife bridges, but then rolls to headscissor and squeeze!
The fans rally while ZSJ endures. ZSJ bridges back, moves around, pops free, and has the NECK TWIST! Hechi writhes but ZSJ reels him back into a headscissors. Hechi endures, ZSJ puts on the pressure, but Hechi rolls over. Hechi pushes ZSJ down so he can pop out the back, and then Hechi ties up the legs in an INVERTED DEATHLOCK! Hechi then grabs an arm, to SNAP ZSJ into a sideways surfboard! ZSJ reaches back, and he bends Hechi’s fingers! ZSJ gets up to SNAP the fingers! ZSJ playing this like a Villain and the fans rally up. Both men back away and reset. They feel things out, but Hechi KICKS low!
Hechi wrenches, pump handles, and rolls ZSJ! Hechi ties ZSJ up in his own version of Paradise, and then rolls ZSJ into a pretzel knot! ZSJ endures, slips free, and grabs Hechi’s arm! Hechi goes for the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer as the two reset again. The fans duel again as ZSJ and Hechi circle. ZSJ rolls but Hechi avoids the leg pick. Hechi facelocks, ZSJ spins around, but Hechi goes for an arm. Hechi steps over, loops around and drags ZSJ into an INVERTED MOTORCYCLE STRETCH! Hechi bridges to put on the pressure, but ZSJ shifts around to high stack! Hechi lets go of the arms but ZSJ gets the legs, MODIFIED FIGURE FOUR!
The fans cheer while Hechi endures, and he TWISTS one of ZSJ’s feet! A simple yet effective counter, and now Hechi ties ZSJ’s legs up in a FIGURE FOUR! ZSJ SLAPS Hechi, Hechi SLAPS ZSJ, repeat! The fans fire up as these two SLAP fight while still locked up! Hechi bails on the leg lock to get in ZSJ’s face. The ref has them back up as ZSJ is in ropes, but Hechi CHOPS! The fans fire up and want “OTRA! OTRA!” Hechi kicks ZSJ, then CHOPS! ZSJ nods, and says, “Mada mada.” Hechi CHOPS, ZSJ UPPERCUTS, and then ZSJ fires more UPPERCUTS! ZSJ runs, Hechi follows, SLEEPER at the ropes!
ZSJ pries free, wrenches, but Hechi blocks the Pele! Hechi has ZSJ in the ropes, but ZSJ uses that for a DRAPING LEG LOCK NELSON! Hechi fights free, and he puts ZSJ’s leg in the rope to STOMP it! The fans fire up as both men continue to show vicious innovation! Hechi and ZSJ shake out their sore limbs while catching their breath. They then runs in, Hechi scoops to BACKBREAKER! ZSJ goes to ropes, but runs back in, only for another scoop! ZSJ slips free, and has the IRON OCTOPUS! Hechi endures and pulls on a leg! Hechi shifts ZSJ into an Alabama Lift, and swings him for BANGARANG! The fans fire up while both men are down!
Hechi drags ZSJ back by his legs, but ZSJ slips out the back to trip Hechi! ZSJ hooks the legs, grabs the arms, and goes up, up and ROMERO SPECIAL! The fans fire up, but Hechi fights free! Hechi has ZSJ’s legs for a TWIST and FIGURE FOUR! ZSJ grabs at the legs but Hechi kicks him! The fans rally as ZSJ endures, moves around, and pulls on his own leg in hopes of getting free. Hechi KICKS ZSJ down, then pulls on the leg! ZSJ sits up, Hechi KICKS him again! ZSJ fights around, grabs Hechi’s hand, but Hechi kicks him! ZSJ falls back, but he has the ROPEBREAK! The fans duel again while Hechi lets go.
Hechi sits ZSJ up against the ropes, CLUBS away on him, then runs to SPLASH against the ropes! Cover, TWO! ZSJ stays in this and the fans rally up again. Hechi clamps on a SLEEPER, and he drags ZSJ up. Hechi hooks a leg to FLIP-OVER SHIN BREAKER! ZSJ flounders to the ropes, Hechi storms over, and he wraps ZSJ’s arm around the ropes! The ref counts, Hechi lets go at 4, and then Hechi drags ZSJ up. Hechi dragon sleepers and he inverted suplexes ZSJ to the top rope! But then ZSJ has a SLEEPER on Hechi! Hechi throws hands from below, then pulls on the arm to ELBOW BREAKER!
Hechi UPPERCUTS the bad arm, then climbs up, but ZSJ has him in a TOP ROPE OCTOPUS! The fans fire up but the ref counts. ZSJ lets go at 4, but Hechi throws hands! ZSJ hits back, the fans duel again, but ZSJ ROCKS Hechi! Hechi hops down, but comes back for a SUPER STEINER!! The fans fire up while ZSJ tumbles away! Hechi runs up, sunset flips, but ZSJ rolls through to PENALTY KICK! Both men are down again and the fans rally up. ZSJ drags Hechi up, UPPERCUTS, then UPPERCUTS again! Hechi gets around to waistlock, then he wrenches to CHOP! ZSJ wobbles, Hechi wrenches and whips.
ZSJ reverses, Hechi grabs ropes and avoids the dropdown! Then he gator rolls ZSJ by a leg, for a POINT-BLANK KNEE! The fans fire up while both men crawl away. ZSJ is in the corner, Hechi roars, and the fans fire up. Hechi runs in, ZSJ dodges, but Hechi goes up and out! Hechi HOTSHOTS ZSJ, goes up and SPRINGBOARD FLYING LARIATS! Cover, TWO! ZSJ stays in this and the fans rally up again. Hechi and ZSJ both rise, and Hechi kicks ZSJ. Hechi eggs ZSJ on, kicks him, then runs. ZSJ BOOTS the lariat, wrenches an arm, and PELES! ZSJ then scoops Hechi, ZACK DRIVER!! Cover, TWO! But into an ARMBAR!!
Hechi clasps hands, fights around, but ZSJ shifts to hammerlock that arm, and he goes for the other! CLARKY CAT!! Hechi endures, reaches out, but ZSJ grabs a leg! ZSJ moves around to then shift right for a STF!! Hechi has the ROPEBREAK! ZSJ lets go but the fans are thunderous! “This is Wrestling!” ZSJ storms up on Hechi, grabs an arm, but the ref reprimands as Hechi is still in the ropes. ZSJ STOMPS the arm! Hechi writhes but ZSJ comes back to grab that arm again. ZSJ drags Hechi up, wrenches, wrenches, but Hechi slips under to HEADBUTT! Hechi runs, goes up the ropes, and MISSILE DROPKICKS!
The fans fire up as ZSJ ends up in a corner. Hechi runs in, and he STEP-UP KNEES! High stack, TWO!! ZSJ survives and the fans fire up more! Hechi drags ZSJ around, hammerlock sone arm and stands ZSJ up! CONJURO BACKBREAKER!!! The fans fire up again as Hechi crawls to the cover, TWO!! ZSJ survives but Hechi is too tired to be upset! The fans rally as hard as they can as Hechi and ZSJ slowly rise. Hechi brings ZSJ up, tucks him in, and he wants the reverse Gory Especial! The fans freak out as Hechi marches around with ZSJ on his back! VERTA- NO, ZSJ sits up with core strength!
Hechi fights the victory roll, and he ELBOW DROPS ZSJ’s lower back! Hechi hurries to hook ZSJ up, but ZSJ switches the Cobra Twist onto Hechi! Hechi fights free, hits a HIP TOSS, and then gets space. But ZSJ UP KICKS him! Hechi returns to basement DROPKICK! ZSJ basement DROPKICKS! Hechi basement DROPKICKS again! Both men are down and the fans fire back up! “This is Awesome!” as both men run in! Hechi kicks, ZSJ kicks, then both men BOOT! The two go to ropes, the fans rally up, and ZSJ runs in! ZSJ slips free of the scoop but Hechi victory rolls, to DOUBLE STOMP INVERTED MONKEY FLIP ZSJ!!
REAR NAKED CHOKE, but ZSJ slips free! EURO CLUTCH!!! TWO!!! Hechi has the ARMBAR!! ZSJ shifts, Hechi powers him down, they roll, and Hechi yanks ZSJ into an Oklahoma Roll! TWO, ZSJ steps over, LA MAGISTROL! TWO, Hechi has the arms again! ROLLING CRADLE, but ZSJ slips free to jackknife, PRAWN HOLD! ZSJ WINS!!!
Winner: Zack Sabre Jr, by pinfall
Truly, this is what they mean by “blink and you miss it!” Thankfully this is the age of streaming and being able to rewind! But in the end, ZSJ snatches away the tiebreaker win, truly establishing himself as perhaps the best today! But both ZSJ and Hechi still want more from the other, when and where will we see these two take it to a fourth round?
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: El Desperado VS Taiji Ishimori!
WrestleKingdom 19 was The Rogue Luchador’s win, but not the way he wanted it. And then he enters the Lucha Gauntlet for WrestleDynasty, and loses because of the golden bull’s eye on him! Will Desperado prove he is still the Best of the Super Juniors? Or will the Bone Soldier be victorious by God’s Grace?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and it’s time to end this Battle in the Valley!
The bell rings and the fans rally up already. Despy and Taiji stare down, circle, then feel things out. Taiji waistlocks, Despy spins around but they end up on ropes. The ref counts, Taiji lets off slowly, and he promises a clean break. Taiji pats Despy on the shoulders, then backs off. The fans cheer, and Despy says okay then. They tie up, Taiji waistlocks, but Despy wrenches free. Taiji uses ropes to flip through and he hammerlocks in return. Despy goes to ropes, steps through, then steps back in to wrap Taiji’s arm around the ropes! The fans cheer, the ref counts, but Despy shifts to a headlock.
Taiji powers up but can’t power out as Despy holds on tight! Despy hits a headlock takeover, Taiji headscissors, Despy kips free, and Taiji jumps over the sweep! Taiji headlocks, Despy powers out to headlock back. Taiji powers out, then he arm-drags Despy! Things speed up, but Taiji avoids the arm-drag! Taiji headlocks and grinds Despy down. Despy fights up but Taiji cravats for the neck wrench. Despy breaks free, but the cravat is back! Despy breaks free again, but again Taiji cravats. Despy snapmares free, then he RUNS Taiji over! The fans cheer while Despy “fixes” his neck. Despy stands Taiji up and whips corner to corner.
Taiji reverses, runs up, but Despy put shim on the apron. Taiji blocks a shot, RAMS Despy, then slingshots, into an UPPERCUT! Despy builds speed and DIVES, into a GAMANGIRI! Taiji takes Despy down and the fans are torn. Taiji drags Despy up, wrenches him to a hammerlock, then he POSTS Despy’s shoulder! The fans boo but Taiji acts like he doesn’t know why. The ref checks Despy, and Taiji removes the blue buckle pad! Taiji hides that fact while Despy rises up. The fans rally, Despy rolls into the ring, and Taiji storms up on Despy. Taiji CLUBS Despy, Despy fires forearms, but Taiji CLUBS him again.
Taiji whips Despy into the bare buckles! Now the ref sees and he reprimands Taiji! The fans boo but Taiji grins while he acts like he can’t hear them. Taiji stalks Despy, drags him up, and wrenches an arm. Taiji whips Despy just to WRING him out! Despy writhes, then he rolls away to ropes. Taiji storms over, and he wraps the bad arm around ropes! The ref counts, Taiji lets go at 4, then he has the arm again! The ref counts again, Taiji lets go at 4 again, and he backs off this time. The fans boo but Taiji drags Despy up by the bad arm. Taiji snapmares Despy, then PULLS on the arm! Despy writhes but he fights up.
Taiji stops the stack by powering Despy back down! Despy fights back up, but Taiji wrangles him again! Despy fights, rolls, but Taiji slips under to hammerlock the bad arm. Taiji half nelsons the other arm but Despy fights around to the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Taiji lets go at 4, and the fans rally up again. Taiji steps on Despy’s hand, then CLUBS Despy down. Taiji stands Despy up, hammerlocks the arm, but Despy fights the scoop! Despy fires body shots, the fans cheer him on, and he scoops, only for Taiji to hit a double wristlock takedown! Taiji has the double wristlock but Despy scrambles to the ROPEBREAK!
The ref counts, Taiji lets go, and Despy bails out. Despy leans on railing and the fans cheer him on, but Taiji fetches Despy into the ring. Despy fires forearms but Taiji KICKS the bad arm! Despy falls back, but he stands up, only for Taiji to hammerlock and POST him! The fans boo more, but Taiji just soaks it up. Taiji brings Despy around again, hammerlock and scoop, SHOULDER BUSTER! Despy writhes but Taiji aims from the corner. Taiji runs up, but into an ELBOW! Taiji BOOTS the bad arm, whips, but Despy reverses. Taiji handsprings, but into a BIG back suplex! The fans fire up for Despy while he goes to a corner.
Despy waits on Taiji, Taiji rises, and Despy runs in. Despy ELBOWS Taiji in a corner, then suplexes for a BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Taiji stays in this but the fans rally behind Despy more. Despy drags Taiji up, whips him to ropes, but Taiji reverses to RAM the arm! Taiji WRINGS Despy out, then he soaks up the heat. Despy goes to a corner, Taiji runs in, but Despy dodges! Despy blocks a kick, puts the leg in the ropes, then he dropkicks the other leg! And he DRAGON SCREWS it, too! Taiji writhes now but Despy hauls him up, SHIN BREAKER and DRAGON SCREW! Then a LEG DROP on the knee!
Despy has Taiji in the INDIAN DEATHLOCK! Taiji endures, but he also has to keep his shoulders up. Taiji CHOPS away on Despy, and Despy “falls,” putting pressure on the hold! Taiji endures, reaches out, and he drags himself closer to ropes. But Despy makes the hold part CALF KILLER! Taiji still gets the ROPEBREAK! Despy lets go, the fans fire up, and Despy brings Taiji around. Taiji throws hands but there isn’t much to them. Despy taunts Taiji, then stomps the bad leg! Despy gut wrenches, but Taiji slips free! Taiji sends Despy to a corner, then he blocks boots! Taiji puts Despy in the ropes, ENZIGIRIS, then runs side to side, SLIDING GERMAN!
The fans are torn while Despy writhe. Taiji goes to the apron and he has Despy out there with him. The fans boo but Taiji wrenches the arm, and WRINGS it onto the apron! The ref reprimands but Taiji just soaks up the heat from San Jose. Taiji walks off the pain in his legs and lets the ring count climb. Despy sits up, but his left arm just hangs there. Despy stands at 6 of 20, and uses the railing to YANK the arm back into place. Despy slides in at 12 of 20, but Taiji goes COAST2COAST! Taiji is fired up but the fans are torn as he brings Despy up. Taiji wrenches the arm but Despy fires body shots. Despy is free, but Taiji scoops him! CIPHER UTAKI!
Despy sputters, Taiji clutches his knee, but Taiji crawls to the cover, TWO! The fans rally up while Taiji slaps his leg into working. Taiji goes to the apron, then climbs a corner. Taiji aims for a 450- NO, he has to roll through as Despy moves! Then Despy CHOP BLOCKS the bad leg! STRETCH MUFFLER! Taiji endures, but Despy rolls him from the ropes! Taiji uses that roll to get the chicken wing! BONE LOCK!! Despy endures, fights around, and the fans fire up! ROPEBREAK! Taiji lets go in frustration but the fans cheer. Taiji rises, takes aim, and BANG! The fans boo but Taiji drags Despy up. But Despy fights the underhooks!
Despy fires a forearm, Taiji fires a flurry! Despy DECKS Taiji with an elbow! The fans fire up and Despy drags Taiji back up. Underhooks and- NO, Taiji wrenches out to JUMP KNEE! Despy goes down in a heap but Taiji roars! The fans boo but Taiji brings Despy back around. But Despy wrenches out, spins Taiji, and underhooks! PINCH- NO, Taiji BACKDROPS and BRIDGES! TWO as Despy bridges up! Underhooks are still in, but Taiji fights the lift! Despy just hits a FACEBUSTER! And then he rolls through to haul Taiji up, for PINCH- NO, Taiji sunset flips! TWO!! Despy escapes, but now is in the BONE LOCK!!
Despy fights around, reaches out, but Taiji rolls him away from ropes! BONE LOCK!!! Despy endures, the fans rally as hard as they can, and Despy fights around! Despy reaches out, but Taiji rolls him away again! Then underhooks, BLOODY CROSS!!! But the bad knee holds Taiji back! Taiji crawls to the cover, ROPEBREAK!! Despy survives by a literal foot and Taiji is beside himself! Taiji again says BANG, and he drags Despy back up. The fans rally, even start to duel, but Despy RAMS Taiji into the bad buckles! Taiji writhes from tasing his own medicine, and the fans rally up again! Despy and Taiji go to opposite corners, then stand.
Taiji runs up to tilt-o-whirl, but no Mystica! GUITARA DEL ANGEL! Cover, TWO!! Taiji survives but Despy fires up! The fans are with Despy as he drags Taiji back up. Despy underhooks to PINCH- LA MYSTICA!? BONE LOCK!!! Despy scrambles, Taiji rolls him away! But Despy slips through to STRETCH MUFFLER!! NUMERO DOS!! Taiji endures, reaches out, and he uses core strength to sit up! But Despy fights the Destroyer! He tucks Taiji in, for a DUDE BUSTER!! Cover, TWO!!! Taiji survives and the fans are thunderous! “This is Awesome!” as Despy drags Taiji up. Taiji pushes free, and he throws a punch, but there’s nothing to it!
Despy drags Taiji up, underhooks him, JAY DRILLER!! Despy holds on, and he drags Taiji up for the PINCHE LOCO!! Cover, DESPY WINS!
Winner: El Desperado, by pinfall (still IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion)
It was quite the Battle in the Valley, but it seems Taiji could not use grace as a cheat code to win. Will he just have to fight even harder if he wants to be champion again?
As for Desperado, he has the belt on his shoulder as he gets the mic. In English, he thanks everyone for coming to the show. But he also admits his English is not so good, sorry. Despy does not some fans were cheering Suzuki-Gun, but uh, Suzuki-Gun is over. But Despy still respects Minoru Suzuki, and no matter what, Suzuki-Gun is still number one. Okay, you guys? The fans cheer that! But again, Suzuki-Gun is done, so this time, cheer NJPW, okay? The fans also cheer that. Despy thanks them, and says NJPW is ICHIBAN!! The fans cheer again, and Despy leaves it at that. The first defense is done, who will be next for the Rogue Luchador?
My Thoughts:
An awesome Battle in the Valley, and it partly makes me feel bad I missed Strong Style Evolved, I would’ve liked to see WCWC VS GYV for those tag titles. Now, obviously these titles were all retained, but as I’ve said in the past, keeping the status quo is fine so long as it’s done in great matches. Gabe VS Ishii opening was a surprise, but seeing them go the full 30 minutes was an awesome way for Gabe to retain the title. And now Windy City Riot having a 30 minute Ironman match is going to be awesome stuff. Though something about that is interesting, because if they didn’t lose a fall in 30, there’s a chance we get like one fall with just minutes to spare and then time runs out before the other guy can tie the score.
Great openweight tag title match, getting a win over Yoh & Rocky is great for WCWC as they’re still a younger team. But at the same time, it was with a great Heel cheat spot, that’s totally fine. The 8 Woman Tag was a lot of fun, but a little scary there with Adora needing a moment. She perhaps just got the air knocked out of her from all those combo moves. But Team Mina, which was basically her faction of Empress Nexus Venus from Stardom, was a good choice for winning. Mina only just lost the Rev-Pro Women’s title, she needed a rebound. But Anna Jay got to look strong as her team’s final woman, maybe Anna can get herself to a NJPW women’s title.
ELP VS Cobb being a draw of its own kind was great stuff, mostly because Cobb threw another man to take out ELP. I’m sure they’ll have a rematch, maybe part of prime NJPW programming, and maybe ELP gets a win. The Sumie Sakai Mixed Six was such a fun match, a very unique way of doing a retirement match but also a unique Mixed Six. The House of Torture got some comeuppance while Sumie got to look superhuman, and Sumie taking all those big moves before losing is a great way in-ring to show her respect. Then we got a great retirement ceremony, this all honestly could’ve closed the show, but this is still a NJPW event so NJPW things need to main event.
Konosuke VS Kushida was great, great win for Konosuke and certainly a great first match for Kushida in an openweight division. Konosuke calling out Tanahashi for Windy City Riot is wild, and that is going to be a stellar match. ZSJ VS Hechicero was world title worthy, maybe even main event worthy, but it makes sense this was second-to-last since it wasn’t for the title. Great win for ZSJ, making him 2-1 with Hechi, and it’d be great if they could arrange the next match for Forbidden Door: London. And then a great main event from Desperado and Taiji. Great storytelling of how both men know each other given their rivalry, but then great win from Desperado. Despy making his closing promo a shoutout back to Suzuki-Gun was great, and I’m sure a prime NJPW event will be where Despy finds a new challenger.
My Score: 9/10
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It’s another Collision between #RatedFTR and The Learning Tree!
Last week’s Six Man Tag wasn’t enough to settle things, so now Adam Copeland goes 1v1 with “Big Bill” Morrissey! Can the Redwood cope with Cope?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Adam Copeland VS “Big Bill” Morrissey; Cope wins.
- PAC VS Komander w/ Alex Brahantes; Pac wins.
- The Outrunners VS Claudio Castagnoli & Wheeler Yuta; Claudio & Yuta win.
- Mariah May VS Harley Cameron; Mariah wins.
- Brody King w/ Julia Hart VS Trevor Blackwell; Brody wins.
- AEW TNT Championship: Daniel Garcia VS Katsuyori Shibata; Garcia wins and retains the title.
- Dax Harwood VS Chris Jericho; Jericho wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Harley Cameron speaks.
Or rather, sings, “Feel the Wrath!”
Mariah May speaks.
“Tonight, it’s hot girl graps. Well, for one of us.” Mariah is the Women’s World Champion, the Woman From Hell, and she’ll make it so Harley will never sing again, because Mariah’s gonna rip out those vocal cords and throw them into the third row. Mariah’s all smiles, but will she make this anything but pleasant?
The Learning Tree Speaks.
The Redwood, “Big Bill” Morrissey says that as The Learning Tree, Chris Jericho, always says, “Brevity is the soul of it.” And while “Cope” may have shortened his name, Bill’s gonna shorten Cope’s career. Chris Jericho says last week, they proved Cope is a Dope, so tonight, Jericho shows that Harwood is no good! Bryan Keith says it’ll be a clean-ass sweep! Jericho then waves and says, “Bye, guys.”
Rated FTR speaks.
Dax says Jericho’s Learning Tree gets chopped down by Dax The Ax! And Cope says he’s been called many things, from Paul Bunyan to a lumberjack, and that is apropos because he’ll chop down that Redwood right now! See ya, boys! Cope heads to gorilla, Cash has the honors of saying #TopGuysOut. Will Collision once again be Rated R?
Adam Copeland VS “Big Bill” Morrissey!
Athens, Georgia is fired up to see the Rated R Superstar, but of course Jericho joins commentary, Bryan Keith by his side. Will The Learning Tree make Cope RESPECT Chris Jericho? Or is a Redwood about to fall?
The bell rings, the two tie up, and Cope manages to push Bill back step by step! The fans rally, but Bill powers Cope all the way to a corner! Cope bounces off buckles, bails out of the ring, and Bill soaks up the heat. Cope shakes off hitting buckles but Bill storms out after him. Bill runs up, but Cope drop toeholds him into steel steps! Cope then SMACKS Bill off the apron, then off the barriers! The fans fire up as Cope bumps Bill off railing, then off the desk! The fans fire up, Jericho protests, but Cope DRIBBLES Bill more! Jericho warns Cope, but Cope lets off and the fans fire up more! Jericho tells fans to shut up but Cope leaves Bill behind.
Jericho coaches Bill up, but Cope drags Bill to the apron! Cope fires forearms, then runs, but Bill dodges! Bill CLUBS away on Cope in the ropes! The fans boo but Jericho says that’s what Cope deserves! Bill then hops down, so he can BOOT Cope! Cope tumbles to the floor, Bill soaks up more heat, and the ring count begins. Bill drags Code up, to SNAKE EYES off the desk! Jericho is okay with it when it’s Cope taking the desk to the face. The fans duel, Bill SMACKS Cope off the apron, then he SMACKS Cope off steel steps! Bill refreshes the count, taunts the fans, and he stands Cope up to scoop, SNAKE EYES to the steps!
Cope falls back, Jericho and Keith applaud, and Jericho even high-fives Keith and Bill. Bill refreshes the ring count, then he drags Cope up. Bill puts Cope against railing, and puts some stank on the CHOP! The fans are torn, Bill mocks Cope’s pain, then Bill scuffs Cope. Cope stands Bill up, to CHOP him down again! Bill refreshes the count yet again, and he gets the fans to boo him louder. Cope rolls into the ring, but Bill puts him on the apron! Bill CLUBS Cope, taunts him with the rock ‘n’ roll hands, then CLUBS Cope again! Cope slumps down, Bill stands him up! Bill hits SNAKE EYES off the barriers!
The fans boo while Bill mockingly asks if Cope is okay, and Collision goes picture in picture.
Cope reaches out in a daze but Bill leaves him behind. Bill refreshes the count, taunts Cope and the fans, then stands Cope up. Bill whips Cope hard into railing, and Cope slumps down again. Bill storms up on Cope, stands him back up, and blows a kiss to the fans. Bill puts Cope in the ring, stalks him, and soaks up more heat. Cope sits up, but Bill CLUBS him back down! Bill stands on Cope’s neck! The ref reprimands, counts, but Bill steps away at 4. Cope goes to ropes, Bill CHOKES him, but the ref counts again. Bill stops at 4, then stands on Cope’s neck! The ref counts, Bill steps off again, and Cope sputters under the ropes.
Bill soaks up more heat, then goes back to bring Cope up. Bill puts Cope in a corner, winds up, and UPPERCUTS! Bill mockingly claps for Cope, then grabs Cope’s arms. Bill traps one arm and then clamps on a neck wrench! Cope endures, Collision returns to single picture, and the fans rally up. Cope fights up, fires shots at the big legs of Big Bill, and the fans fire up more! Cope short arm LARIATS, but Bill stays up! Cope fires LARIAT after LARIAT, Bill wobbles, then Cope runs. Bill choke grips Cope, but Cope kicks the legs! Cope fires KNEES into Bill’s face! Cope then runs to BLINDSIDE LARIAT! Bill is down! Cope hurries to cover, TWO!
The fans rally for Cope as Bill is still in this. Bill goes to ropes, Cope storms over and whips. Bill reverses, Cope ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Bill hits a BIG BOSS MAN SLAM! Cover, TWO! Cope survives and the fans fire up, but Jericho still loves seeing Bill “drop the hammer” on Cope. Cope sputters, Bill calls to Jericho, and Jericho goes over to talk with his Branch> The ref says no, Jericho needs to stay back. But Bill yanks a buckle pad away! Cope stagger sup, Bill scoops, and Bill aims for that corner! But Cope slips free! Bill avoids the buckle, then puts Cope on the apron. Cope ROCKS Bill, HOTSHOTS him, then hurries back up!
Jericho plays dumb about the buckle pad while Cope climbs. Bill UPPERCUTS Cope, and Jericho says Cope’s outta hope! Bill climbs up to get Cope, but Cope fights the suplex! Cope fires body shots, then he CLUBS away on Bill’s back! Cope BUMPS Bill off the steel! Jericho is furious, but Cope still POWERBOMBS Bill!! Cover, TWO?!? Bill survives and Jericho is relieved. The fans rally up and Cope goes to a corner. Bill goes to the other, and it’s the very corner with the bare buckle Cope runs in, but Bill HURDLES! Cope hits the bar buckle! Bill BOOTS Cope down! Cover, TWO!! Cope survives and shocks everyone!
The fans fire up but Bill takes aim. Cope stands, Bill has the choke grip! CHOKE- NO, Cope slips free, for an IMPALER DDT!! Bill flounders and Cope goes to a corner! SPEAR!! Cover, TWO?!?! Cope is shocked and even Jericho can’t believe Bill survived! Athens is going nuts as Jericho shouts for Bill to get back up! Bill grabs Cope from below! Cope shoves the ref to LOW BLOW!! SPEAR!!! And then HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS!! Cope is sending a message to Moxley before clamping on a REAR NAKED CHOKE!!! Bill is OUT, Cope wins!!
Winner: Adam Copeland, by submission
Jericho is furious, so he and Keith storm the ring! They beat Cope down, but Cope wasn’t even making this about them! Cope was calling out the Death Riders, but here comes FTR! Dax brawls with Keith, Cash TACKLES Jericho, and now refs rush out here! The fans rally for Rated FTR, but now security has to hurry to stop this! The fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT!” but for the sake of tonight’s main event, the two sides must be separated! Chris Jericho has his Learning Tree regroup, will things only be more violent when the ROH World Champion goes 1v1 with Dax?
Hangman Page speaks.
“I have worked so hard in my wrestling career to protect my family from the kind of prying eyes, the kind of intrusions that even a small amount of fame can bring. And in one night, all of that work was undone. And it nearly tore my family apart. And though it didn’t tear my family apart, it broke me. Because for the first time, I was ashamed! I was ashamed to come here every week, I was ashamed to stand in front of the world, and I was ashamed to look my wife and my son in the eyes after what I allowed to happen to them! And I knew after awhile, that I had to make a decision. I could either remain the husk of a man that I was…
“Or I could do something about it. So I found Swerve Strickland. And I made sure that he did not hold the AEW World Championship. And I severed the ties to the last hope that he had that he could build a family and a home like I had! And in September, I all but spilled his brains in front of the world. Christopher Daniels, I know, I understand what you are trying to say to me. And I humored you, maybe for too long, because of who you were. When I met you 14 years ago, I was just a kid, and you were the first wrestler I’d met that had ever done anything, who told me that I could, too.
“So I humored you for awhile. But I listened for too long. And last Saturday, you crossed a line when you laid hands on me. And for that, you will pay the price. Saturday on Collision in Cincinnati, Maximum Carnage, Christopher Daniels, I will see you… in a TEXAS DEATH MATCH. And I need you to understand this going into Cincinnati. I have decided who I will be. And I will wake up every morning and I will make that same decision over and over again, because I would rather injure and maim, I would rather tear every life on this Earth apart, than be the man that I was last year.
“CD, you have made your bed. And next Saturday, I lay you down in it… forever.” The Cowboy has called his shot, but will The Fallen Angel make sure to strike first?
PAC VS Komander w/ Alex Brahantes!
The Bastard is back in action, and he’s surprisingly alone right now. The Commander of the Skies wants his revenge on The Death Riders and they want revenge on him, how will walk away from this Collision?
The bell rings and the fans rally up. The two tie up, Pac puts Komander on ropes, but the ref counts. Pac shifts to a cravat and snapmare, but Komander handsprings through! The fans cheer, the two tie up again, and they end up on ropes again. Pac lets go to then headlock, and Pac hits a takeover. Komander endures the grind, fights up and around, and Komander powers up and out. Pac RUNS Komander over, tells the fans to hush, but the fans boo instead. Things speed up, Pac handsprings over the dropdown but Komander runs up. Pac scoops but Komander slips free, only for Pac to kick low.
Pac whips, Komander reverses to hip toss! Pac is right up but Komander MONKEY FLIPS! Pac lands through! Komander ducks ‘n’ dodges to jump and RANA! Pac tumbles out, Komander keeps moving, and Komander rolls to slow-mo roll and RANA! The fans fire up for that tricky move, and Komander goes to the far side. Komander climbs up, tightrope walks, and he salutes for the SPACEMAN MOONSAULT! The fans fire up and Komander puts Pac in, to then springboard and CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Pac escapes but Komander storms up. Pac kicks low and he sends Komander into buckles!
Komander sputters, Abrahantes coaches him and the fans rally up. Pac digs his boots into Komander’s face, the ref counts, and Pac lets off at 4. The fans boo but Pac soaks it up, while also standing on Komander! The ref reprimands, Pac steps off, but he drags Komander up. The fans rally, Pac mocks them, and he TOSSES Komander out. Pac goes out to then send Komander into railings! Komander falls, the fans boo, but Pac soaks it up. Pac stomps Komander, digs his boots in, but the ref counts. Pac steps off, and he glares at Abrahantes. The Hype Man asks what happened to Pac that he’s like this, but Pac goes to the ring.
Komander crawls, Abrahantes coaches him up, and Komander is back in. But Pac runs corner to corner, but Komander dodges! But then Pac dodges! Pac BOOTS and Komander sputters while slumped against ropes. Pac pushes Komander down and covers, TWO! Komander stays in this but Pac stalks him. The fans rally, but then Pac goes out just to CHOKE Abrahantes! The fans boo but Komander hurries to go up, up, and ARIHARA MOONSAULT! Down goes Pac and the fans fire up! Komander and Pac both sputter while Abrahantes is pumped! Komander rises, he puts Pac in the ring, and then aims again.
Komander springboards, Pac gets under, but then Komander ducks ‘n’ dodges! Roll and FALLING CUTTER!! The fans fire up as Komander keeps moving, and he QUEBRADAS! Pac catches Komander, but Komander swings around to a DDT! Cover, TWO! Pac survives and the fans rally up. Komander goes to a corner, tunes up, and then runs corner to corner. Komander goes up, up, but Pac trips him up! The fans boo but Komander is stuck on the top rope! Komander slowly slumps down, and now Pac goes up the corner! Komander rolls away and the fans cheer, but Pac is just angrier than before. Pac runs corner to corner, but into a SUPERKICK!
Pac staggers, Komander SUPERKICKS again! The fans fire up and Komander climbs! Pac stands, but into a FLYING DESTROYER!! Komander hurries up top again, for the 450- NO, Pac gets his knees up! And now Komander’s in the BRUTALIZER!!! Komander TAPS, Pac wins!
Winner: Pac, by submission
The Bastard beats the ROH World Television Champion, and only lets go when he wants to! But that isn’t all, because here comes the rest of the Death Riders! Claudio Castagnoli & Wheeler Yuta make their way out here, and then they all get Komander to his feet. The Swiss Superman is still mad about that Continental Classic match, but here come The Outrunners! The fans fire up as Turbo Floyd & Truth Magnum brawl with Yuta & Claudio! This match was meant to happen a little later, but it might as well happen now! The ref rings the bell, can the Youngest Men Alive get their own revenge on The Death Riders?
The Outrunners VS Claudio Castagnoli & Wheeler Yuta!
The fans fire up as Turbo has Claudio on the outside, but Yuta KNEES and CHOPS Truth in the ring. Yuta whips, Truth reverses, and then Truth ELBOWS Yuta down! Turbo fires off on Claudio but Claudio turns things around. Truth stomps Yuta, bumps him off buckles, then he stomps again. Yuta knees low, bumps Truth off buckles, then CHOPS! The fans boo Yuta while he talks trash, and then Yuta CHOPS! But Truth bumps Yuta off buckles! Truth CHOPS, and CHOPS, then whips corner to corner. Yuta staggers forward into a CHOP! The fans fire up, Turbo tags in, and he wrenches Yuta to whip into the corner.
Turbo ELBOWS Yuta, tags Truth, then snapmares Yuta down. Truth hits the NECK SNAPPER, Turbo hits an ELBOW DROP! Yuta staggers up, Truth DECKS him! Truth tags Turbo back in, but Yuta headlocks. Yuta CLAWS Turbo’s eyes, has him on the ropes, but the ref counts. Yuta lets go of Turbo to argue with the ref, but Claudio LARIATS Turbo from behind! The fans boo, Yuta stomps Turbo, then Yuta tags Claudio. They stomp Turbo, then split the wishbone! Claudio BOOTS Turbo, then stalks him to the ropes. The fans rally, and Turbo fires hands on Claudio! But Claudio scoop SLAMS Turbo!
Claudio runs to DOUBLE STOMP! Turbo sputters, Claudio clamps onto his arm with a cording hold. The fans rally and Turbo fights to his feet! Turbo fires body shots, but Claudio UPPERCUTS! Turbo goes to ropes, but Claudio brings him around to UPPERCUT! Claudio ROCKS Turbo, fires body shots at the ropes, then UPPERCUTS! Claudio smothers Turbo against ropes, then whips. Turbo reverses to THESZ PRESS! The fans fire up for those fast hands! Turbo roars, then he tags Truth. The Outrunners whip Claudio to BODY SHOT, KNEE LIFT, and BIG back suplex! The fans fire up but Yuta storms in! Truth DECKS him!
Claudio is back up, but the Outrunners LARIAT both Claudio & Yuta up and out of the ring! The fans are thunderous for the Outrunners, and Collision goes picture in picture.
Truth goes outside to CHOP Claudio against the barriers! And CHOP him again! Yuta storms up but Truth DECKS him again! But then Claudio whips Truth hard into the steel steps! Truth tumbles up and over, clutches his legs, but Claudio stalks him. Truth hobbles away, falls back down, but Yuta is there, too! Yuta & Claudio mug Truth, stomp him on the floor, but back off as the ref reprimands them. Turbo storms over but the ref keep shim back, too. Claudio grabs Truth’s leg, and hits a SHIN BREAKER off the railing! Claudio leaves Truth behind and distracts the ref, so Yuta goes after Truth. Truth CHOPS first!
Yuta kicks the bad leg, puts Truth back in, and Claudio drags Truth up to UPPERCUT! Claudio puts Truth’s bad leg in the ropes to KICK and CHOP! The fans rally for the Outrunners but Claudio tags Yuta, and Collision goes to break.
Collision returns and Claudio has Truth down with an ANKLE LOCK! Truth endures, fights, and rolls! Claudio is thrown away, but he BLASTS Turbo! Claudio then DECKS Truth and tags in Yuta. The fans boo but The Death Riders give Truth a HART ATTACK! Cover, TWO! Yuta keeps on Truth after that message to FTR for their love of the Hart Foundation. Yuta hauls Truth up but Truth fights the suplex. Yuta kicks a leg, hits the suplex, then tags Claudio. Claudio goes up to ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer but Claudio clamps onto an arm. Truth endures the double wristlock, fights up, but Claudio stops the jawbreaker!
Claudio ROCKS Truth, runs up, but Truth TOSSES him up and out! The fans fire up as Truth crawls, but Claudio intercepts! But Truth powers up! Truth lifts Claudio, seps forward, repeat! Truth BACKDROPS, Claudio sunset flips, but Truth rolls through! Truth dodges, hot tag to Turbo! Yuta hurries to tag in, but Turbo DECKS him! And DECKS him! And DECKS him again! The fans fire up as Turbo scoops and SLAMS Yuta! Claudio runs in, into a scoop and SLAM! Truth joins in, Turbo scoop SLAMS him onto Yuta! The fans fire up and The Outrunners power up! “Turbo Floyd, you sonova b*tch!” DOUBLE ELBOW DROP!
The fans fire up as Yuta staggers to his feet and Turbo scoops him. Truth runs, but Claudio trips him! No Total Recall as Claudio sends Truth into barriers! Yuta sends Turbo into an UPPERCUT! Then O’Conner Roll, TWO! Yuta hurries to whip Turbo, but Turbo sunset flips! TWO! Yuta hurries up but Turbo whips him, only for Yuta to sunset flip! Turbo sits on the cover! TWO!! Yuta escapes, then wrangles Turbo into the lateral press, ONE, Turbo turns it around to a ghost pin! TWO!!! Yuta escapes by nanoseconds this time! Yuta KNEES low, THROWS Turbo down, then basement DROPKKICKS him down!
The fans boo but Yuta drags Turbo up. But it’s Turbo who suplexes! Cover, Claudio stomps it! And he BOOTS Truth off the apron! Claudio THROWS Yuta to the Death Rider corner, then tags himself in. The Swiss Superman says this is how they do it! GIANT SWING! The fans are torn, but then Yuta DROPKICKS Turbo at TEN! Cover, Truth breaks it! Truth ROCKS Yuta, then LARIATS Yuta and himself up and out! Claudio ignores that to put Turbo up top. Claudio ROCKS Turbo, climbs up, but Turbo fights with body shots! The two brawl, and Turbo winds up to DECK Claudio! The fans fire up as Turbo adjusts!
But wait, Claudio grabs at the ref, and Yuta trips Turbo up! The fans boo but Claudio goes up, to SUPER GUT WRENCH PLEX! Then Claudio makes Yuta his weapon, ROCKET LAUNCHER SPLASH! Cover, Death Riders win!
Winners: Claudio Castagnoli & Wheeler Yuta, by pinfall
It was a harder fought match than Claudio would’ve liked, and he tells Yuta as much. But will no one, in any division, be able to stop the reign of terror The Death Riders are on?
“Powerhouse” Will Hobbs speaks.
“Mox. Everything you want is right in front of you, dog. See, I’ve been listening since the beginning. Since all this Death Rider BS started, I’ve been listening. Everything you want is in front of you. You wanted people to stand up, you wanted AEW to be a place where people took initiative. Well guess what, Mox? I took initiative. I won the Casino Gauntlet. I beat seven other people, Mox. I stood up to you Wednesday on Dynamite, and what’d you do? You backed away. You cowered out, you tucked your tail between your legs. What type of leader, what type of world champion is that?
“This Wednesday night, Maximum Carnage, I know where we’re at. Cincinnati, Ohio, the birthplace of Jon Moxley. Well guess what, Mox? I’ve between shot, I’ve been stabbed, I’ve been homeless. Hell, there’ve been times when I was left for dead. But guess what, Mox? There’s nothing you can actually do to me. So this Wednesday, Cincinnati, Ohio, I’m gonna make you my b*tch.” The Powerhouse is ready, will the Book of Hobbs have its greatest chapter yet?
Mariah May VS Harley Cameron!
The Glamour feels no one in the AEW Women’s Division is on her level, or even the level below that, but this wild Aussie is too crazy to care! Will the AEW Women’s World Champion FEEL THE WRATH? Or will she show us just why she’s The Woman From Hell?
The bell rings and Mariah doesn’t even take Harley seriously as she sits perched on the corner. Harley says c’mon! It’s HOT GIRL GRAPS! The fans fire up, Mariah hops down and still mockingly asks, “What is this?” The two storm up, Harley talks some smack, but Mariah laughs and looks awya., Harley rolls her up! ONE!! Harley Oklahoma Rolls, oNE! Harley snatches Mariah for a cradle, TWO! Mairah is up, and she HEADBUTTS Harley!! Harley sputters and flounders, and Mariah smiles. The fans rally for Harley while she goes to a corner, and Mariah storms up. Mariarh stomps a mudhole in, but lets off as the ref counts 4.
Harley flounders to another corner, but Mariah storms up on her there. Mariah says, “Feel the Wrath!” and she CHOPS! Harley staggers away, Mairah whips her to a corner, then Mariah runs up. Harley BOOTS Mariah, runs up, and she LARIATS! The fans fire up with Harley, and she kicks low! Then she KNEES low again and again! Harley clinches to RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Cover, ONE!! Mariah snarls but Harley stays on her with elbows into the shoulders! Harley runs, but Mariah ducks the Shining Wizard! Mariah fireman’s carries but Harley fights free! ENZIGIRI! Mariah falls, Harley covers, TWO!
Harley is frustrated already but the fans rally up. Mariah goes to ropes, and Harley storms up behind her! Harley grabs the legs, Mariah grabs the ropes! Mariah BOOTS Harley away, but Harley comes back! Mariah sends her into ropes! Mariah runs and SHOTGUNS Harley down! Cover, TWO! Harley stays in this and Mariah grows frustrated, but Collision goes picture in picture.
Mariah storms around, Harley flops against ropes, but Mariah stands her up. Mairah scoops for teh SPIN-OUT SIDEWALK SLAM! Cover, TWO! Mariah snarls again and stalks Harley to ropes. Mariah CHOKES Harley, blows kisses, then lets off as the ref counts. Mariah storms back up on Harley i a corner, and CHOPS! Harley staggers away again, but Mariah follows her to a corner. Mariah digs her boots in, steps off as the ref counts, and Mariah soaks up the heat. Mariah stomps Harley, mocks the fans clapping for Harley, then storms up on Harley in the corner. Mariah scrapes Harley’s face off the ropes! The ref counts but Mariah stops once she goes side to side.
Mariah plays innocent, “apologizes” to the ref, then stalks Harley to ropes. Mariah stands Harley up to DECK her! Harley writhes then crawls, but Mariah kicks her to a corner. Mariah snapmares Harley, clamps on a chinlock, then shifts things to a straitjacket stretch! Harley endures, even as Mariah’s knee digs into her back. Mariah mockingly laughs in Harley’s ear, and Collision returns to single picture. Harley fights up as the fans rally, but Mariah throws her down! The fans boo but Mariah drags Harley up. Mariah hoists Harley to the top rope, then puts some stank on the DOUBLE CHOPS! The fans still “WOO~!” while Harley sputters.
Mariah runs up, and hits some STRATUSFACTION! Cover, TWO! Harley stays in this, and Mariah is almost amused. Mariah taunts the fans that this is someone they like. Mariah reels Harley in, but then spins her out. Harley dodges the lariat to FLYING FACEBUSTER! The fans fire up while both women are down! Harley rises as the fans rally behind her, and she runs up to fire forearms! Mariah staggers, Harley fires more counter shots, then Harley DECKS her! And DECKS her! Harley runs and RAMAS Mariah in a corner! Then whips corner to corner to SPALSH! Snapmare, run, wrench, NECKBREAKER!
The fans fire up as Harley has Mariah hooked up! PUMP HANDLE SAIDO! Cover, TWO!! Mariah survives and Harley is furious! The fans rally up again and Harley brings Mariah around. But Mariah knees low! Mariah reels Harley in, STORM- NO, Harley makes it a jackknife bridge! TWO, and Mariah KNEES Harley down! Then Mariah reels Harley back in, STORM ZERO!! Cover, Mariah wins!
Winner: Mariah May, by pinfall
Harley brought the fight to the champion, but not even #HotGirlGraps can bring down The Glamour. The first-ever Women’s Casino Gauntlet happens next week, who survives Maximum Carnage to meet Mariah in Australia?
Christopher Daniels speaks.
“Hangman Page, what you don’t seem to understand is I was never approaching you as an AEW official. Even when I was still an EVP, I was trying to be a friend to you. I’ve known you for more than 15 years, and I saw you go through the worst year and a half of your life. I saw all of your friends desert you. I saw the fans turn their backs on you. And I wanted to be a friend to you. But every time I reached out, you responded with violence. And I don’t even care about getting punched, I’ve been knocked on my ass more than 1000 times in my life, Adam! But when we stood face to face, you called me an old man and asked me what I’ve done in professional wrestling?
“That hurt. Apparently, it’s time for a history lesson, Adam. I’ll tell you what I’ve done. I’ve won championships, I’ve main evented PPVs, I’ve wrestled all around the world. And if a professional wrestling company mattered in the last THIRTY-TWO YEARS, I wrestled there! I helped build two professional wrestling companies from the ground up. I was AEW before AEW was even real. So maybe 2024 wasn’t my best in-ring year of my career. But it’s 2025 now, and I’m not an EVP anymore. I’m just a man who’s sick and tired of being disrespected!
“Maximum Carnage Collision, Adam Page, you want Texas Death? I already shown I’m willing to shed MY blood, I’ll shed yours, as well. Maybe I’ll add beating your ass to my list of accomplishments.” The Fallen Angel is ready, will he make sure Texas Death is the end of #CowboyS*it?
Brody King w/ Julia Hart VS Trevor Blackwell!
The House of Black’s foundation has been questioned by Will Ospreay, but that is perhaps fair after Brody failed to meet him in the Continental Classic, along with failing to win in the Tokyo Dome. Can the House rebuild with what remains? Or is it time for the King of Death to sit on the throne?
The bell rings, Athens barks for Brody, and Brody eggs on Trevor. Trevor fires a haymaker, but Brody doesn’t flinch! Brody CHOPS Trevor off his feet! Trevor scrambles to a corner, throws elbows, but Brody fires back! Brody TOSSES Trevor across the way, then storms up to put him across the top rope. Brody winds up and CHOPS Trevor right down! Julia is pleased as Brody goes out to stalk Trevor. Trevor is in a real-life horror movie as he finds himself surrounded. Julia wags her finger, Trevor turns around, Brody CHOPS him down again! Brody puts Trevor in the ring, then runs, runs, and LARIATS!!
Brody isn’t done, he TOSSES Trevor back to a corner, and the fans bark again. Brody runs to CANNONBALL! Brody hauls Trevor up and in, then hoists him up! GONZO BOMB!! Cover, Brody wins!
Winner: Brody King, by pinfall
The Princess of the Black Throne stands with her King, and the fans bark in celebration. Will 2025 be the year AEW fades to Black?
Backstage interview with Brody King & Julia Hart.
Lexy Nair is with the House of Black and says we saw him end 2024 on a strong note with his great showing in the C2. He continued that momentum into 2025 in the Tokyo Dome, we heard everything good Ospreay had to say about Brody and Buddy, and Brody just got a big win. How is he feeling? Brody says right now, it is a confusing time for the House of Black. But then in steps Cope. Cope says they’ve been through a lot. But he hopes that at the end of all of it, Cope respects Brody, Julia, and Buddy. They have the world at their feet. Cope knows what Brody brings to the table, because he felt it. Cope wanted this to be a group.
But hey, time for Brody to take the reins and run things. Cope heads out, leaving Brody with a lot to think about. Will there be a new head of the house now?
AEW TNT Championship: Daniel Garcia VS Katsuyori Shibata!
Red Death has great respect for The Wrestler, has teamed up with him a few times, and had made the promise that once he took this title off Jack Perry, he and Shibata would battle for it. That promise is now fulfilled, but will Garcia still be golden afterward? Or will Shibata add a new accolade to the list?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we’re about to see who earns the title of “The Face of TNT!”
The bell rings and the fans rally up. The two stare down, then slowly circle. They feel things out while fans duel, and then the two back away. They tie up, are in a deadlock, and Shibata powers Garcia to ropes. The ref counts the break, Shibata and Garcia let go slowly, and then Shibata backs away. The fans cheer the sportsmanship, and the two reset. Shibata and Garcia tie up, then break, and Shibata CHOPS! Garcia stands his ground and the fans fire up. Garcia CHOPS Shibata, Shibata nods, and he CHOPS again! The fans fire up and Shibata eggs Garcia on. Garcia CHOPS, Shibata CHOPS, repeat! The fans “WOO~” with every CHOP!
Garcia headlocks, Shibata powers up and out, but Garcia RAMS Shibata! Shibata CHOPS Garcia off his feet! Garcia hurries back to his feet, and the fans are fired up. Garcia CHOPS, Shibata eggs him on! Garcia CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS, but Shibata still eggs him on! The CHOPS keep going but Shibata steps into them! Shibata then CHOPS Garcia to the corner! Shibata CHOPS, CHOPS, and MACHINE GUN CHOPS! Garcia sits down, Shibata goes corner to corner, HYDRAULIC DROPKICK! Garcia sputters, Athens is thunderous, and Shibata hits a SNAP HALF HATCH! Cover, TWO! Garcia grits this out but Shibata ROCKS him in the back!
Shibata has Garcia’s leg for a toehold, but Garcia endures. Garcia keeps his shoulder sup but Shibata puts the toehold on deep! Shibata goes to tie up both legs, Garcia tries for a chinlock, but Shibata shifts around while Collision goes picture in picture.
Shibata sits up with the INDIAN DEATHLOCK! Garcia endures, and he CHOPS from below! Shibata eggs him on, so Garcia CHOPS! And CHOPS! Shibata CHOPS Garcia down! Garcia sputters, but he keeps his shoulders up. Shibata puts on the pressure, grabs Garcia’s arm, and he puts on a top wristlock. Shibata uses that to make this a cover, TWO as Garcia gets the other arm up! Shibata lets off the legs to then STOMP the arm! Garcia scrambles to ropes, but Shibata storms up to wrench his arm. Shibata wrangles Garcia to the mat, isolates the arm again, and STOMPS it! Garcia goes back to ropes but Shibata is after him again.
Shibata brings Garcia around, snapmares him, then steps through for the INDIAN DEATHLOCK! Garcia endures all over again! Garcia powers up to back stroke his way to ropes, and the ROPEBREAK! Shibata shows respect by letting go quickly, then he waits on Garcia. Garcia stands, into a CHOP! Garcia snarls, rises, and Shibata CHOPS again! Garcia falls and Collision goes to break.
Collision returns again and both men run, Garcia LARIATS Shibata down! The fans fire up as both men stand. Garcia has Shibata in a corner, climbs up, and he rains down fists! The fans count along, Garcia goes to nine, then he winds up for TEN! Garcia fires up, the fans are with him, and he brings Shibata in. TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Cover, TWO! Shibata survives, as he knows that move from Tanahashi. Garcia waits on Shibata to rise, and then he runs up to trip Shibata! Garcia steps through, but Shibata drags him down to a cradle! TWO!! Shibata brings Garcia up, trips, but Garcia drags him down to a cradle! TWO!
Garcia BOOTS Shibata! Shibata stays up, so Garcia runs to BOOT him again! Shibata shakes his head, runs, and he BOOTS Garcia! Garcia runs again, and he BOOTS Shibata! Shibata rebounds to BOOT! Garcia rebounds to BOOT! Shibata BOOTS! Shibata runs, but Garcia BOOTS him down! But then Shibata’s right up! BOOT! SAIDO! But Garcia’s up! SAIDO! Both men stand, and they DOUBLE LARIAT! Neither man falls, they both roar! But then Shibata catches Garcia to an S T O! The fans fire up and the ref starts a count! The fans rally, “This is Awesome!” as we pass 5 of 10! Then pass 7!
Garcia an dShibata both sit up at 8! Garcia an dShibata go forehead to forehead, stand to their feet, and Garcia CHOPS! Shibata CHOPS! The CHOPS go back and forth again and the fans love it! Shibata CHOPS, and CHOPS, and then clamps on a COBRA TWIST! Garcia endures the Inoki signature, and he marches forward to the ROPEBREAK! Shibata lets go, but then Garcia blocks his kick! DRAGON SCREW! ANKLE LOCK!! Shibata rolls to get the ANKLE LOCK on Garcia! Garcia rolls, victory roll even, TWO! Both men stagger up, and Garcia trips Shibata! Garcia steps through, for the DRAGON TAMER!!
The fans are thunderously dueling, and Shibata rolls to drag Garcia down! HEEL HOOK KNEEBAR COMBO!! Garcia endures the “Achilles Lock,” but Shibata drags him from ropes! FIGURE FOUR LEG LOCK!! Garcia endures the classic, fans “WOO~!” as Shibata puts on the pressure! Garcia backstrokes his way to the ROPEBREAK! Shibata lets go quickly and the fans fire up again. Shibata roars, stands Garcia up, and Shibata snapmares Garcia to KICK him in the back! Shibata runs, but Garcia ducks the Penalty Kick! DRAOGN- NO, Shibata steps through! ARMBAR, but Garcia stacks Shibata! TWO!!
Shibata SLAPS Garcia!! And then ripcord and- Leg trip! Jackknife bridge!! GARCIA WINS!!
Winner: Daniel Garcia, by pinfall (still AEW TNT Champion)
Garcia snatches victory away from Shibata, and Shibata shows him respect. Shibata raises Garcia’s hand, and Garcia raises Shibata’s hand. Will these two run it back some day? Who will step to Garcia for the title next?
BREAKING NEWS for Maximum Carnage!
After a brutal match and a tense confrontation, Mark Briscoe & Private Party join forces against The Hurt Syndicate! Will The Sussex County Chicken help the AEW World Tag Team Champions fend off their challengers? Or will MVP, The Standard of Excellence & The All Mighty handle their business?
Dax Harwood VS Chris Jericho!
After the chaos between Rated FTR and The Learning Tree to open the night, a ringside ban has been put on this match! Only Dax and Jericho are going to be out here so that we can have a true 1v1 match! Will Dax the Ax chop down The Nueve? Or will Jericho show Harwood is no good?
The bell rings, the two circle, and Jericho soaks up the heat from Athens. Jericho and Dax tie up, break, and then Jericho claims Dax was digging at his face. The two go again, Jericho puts Dax in a corner, but then Dax turns things around. Jericho turns things around, then they tumble out to the apron! They keep going and tie up on the outside! They go around the desk, into railing, then along the LED barrier. The ref wants this in the ring but these two continue the collar ‘n’ elbow all the way to the ramps ide! The front row almost has this match in their laps! Dax and Jericho finally break and go back to the ring!
Dax and Jericho tie up again, end up in a corner, and Jericho CHOPS! And CHOPS! As if we didn’t get a ton with Shibata and Garcia. Dax CHOPS, CHOPS, and then grabs a leg! Dax hits a deep DRAGON SCREW! Jericho crumbles, but Dax drags him to the corner! The ref reprimands but Dax gets a high-five from the young fans before he SLAMS Jericho’s leg into the post! Dax goes up the steel steps, but Jericho YANKS Dax into the post! Dax staggers away, Jericho goes out, and he runs up to LARIAT Dax over the railing! The fans boo but Jericho storms out after Dax. Jericho ROCKS Dax, Dax CHOPS back!
Dax TOSSES Jericho to ringside and the fans fire up again. Dax climbs jump onto the barriers, but Jericho SMACKS him! Jericho fires hands but so does Dax! Dax CHOPS, CHOPS, and then hops up and over. Dax puts Jericho in the ring, brings him up, suplex and BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Jericho survives but Dax hurries to a corner. Dax climbs, the fans fire up, but Jericho shoves Dax down! Dax lands on his top guys, and Jericho CHOPS him! Jericho climbs up after Dax, waves to the fans, then SUPER STEINERS! The fans boo while Dax tumbles all the way to the other corner! Jericho waves to the fans, and Collision goes picture in picture.
Jericho soaks up the heat, storms over to the corner, and he stomps away on Dax. Jericho grabs Dax’s legs, and BUCKLE GUILLOTINES! Dax sputters, but Jericho slaps him around. Jericho stands Dax up and hits a BIG back suplex! Dax writhes but Jericho stands on him for a cocky cover. OEN, but Jericho waves to the fans. Jericho goes back to Dax, throws down crossface shots, then stalks Dax to a corner. Dax CHOPS in return! And CHOPS again! Dax whips, Jericho reverses, and Jericho CLOBBERS Dax! SENTON! Jericho soaks up more heat while Dax sputters. Cover, TWO! Dax stays in this but Jericho brings him up.
Jericho puts Dax on the ropes, CHOKES him, but the ref counts. Jericho steps off, taunts fans, then CHOKES Dax again. Jericho stops at 4, flexes, and soaks up more heat. Collision returns to single picture as Dax sits up. Jericho SLAPS him! Jericho slaps Dax around more, but Dax ROCKS him! And ROCKS him! And repeat! Dax whips, Jericho runs him over! Things keep moving, Jericho runs Dax over again! Jericho tries a third time, but Dax TOSSES him up and out! Jericho goes right up a corner! CROSSBODY! But Dax rolls through! Cover, TWO! Jericho swings, Dax ducks, GERMAN SUPLEX!
Dax holds on and the fans fire up, GERMAN SUPLEX! Dax still has Jericho, and he GERMAN S- NO, Jericho victory rolls, then steps through! Jericho fights to turn Dax, Dax fights it, so Jericho CATAPULTS him into buckles! Dax falls, Jericho fires up, and he springboards, LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Dax survives and Jericho frowns. The fans rally up for Dax, but Jericho soaks up heat. Jericho runs in, but is put on the apron! Jericho ROCKS Dax, step sin, but Dax DRAGON SCREWS him again! Dax grabs the legs, turns Jericho around, steps through, but Jericho BOOTS Dax into the POST! Roll-up, TWO!!
Dax survives but Jericho goes to the corner. Jericho climbs, the fans rally as hard as they can for Dax, but Jericho waves. Dax rises to ROCK Jericho! And CHOP! And CHOP! Dax climbs up to the very top, and he brings Jericho up. Jericho drops down, either slipping or fighting the suplex, but Dax keeps him at the ropes! Dax drags Jericho back up, to SUPER DUPER PLEX! The fans fire up while both men are down! Dax and Jericho slowly sit up as the fans rally. Jericho and Dax go forehead to forehead, then they go forearm for forearm! The shots go faster and faster, but Jericho gets the edge! Jericho whips but Dax blocks!
Dax CHOPS, Jericho CHOPS, repeat! The fans fire up, “WOO~” with every CHOP, but then Jericho CHOKES Dax! Dax CHOKES Jericho! The ref reprimands, Dax breaks free, but both men SLAP the other! They both fall and the fans fire up again! Jericho goes to the outside but Dax pursues. Jericho grabs his ROH World Championship belt, takes aim, but Dax BOOTS him first! Dax trips Jericho, then steps through! Jericho fights it and BOOTS Dax into the steel steps! Jericho rises, and runs up to hit a CODE BREAKER! Jericho leaves Dax behind as the ring count passes 5 of 10. Dax is down at 7 but the fans rally up.
Dax rises at 8, stumbles, but he slips in at 9.5! Jericho is frustrated, but he storms up to trip Dax! Dax fights the turnover, and he THROWS Jericho away! Dax trips Jericho again, has the legs and steps through, for the SHARPSHOOTER!! Jericho endures, turns slightly, but the fans rally as Dax puts on the pressure! Jericho fights around, ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Dax won’t let go, so the ref has to pry him off Jericho. They argue, Jericho crawls and fetches his belt! But Das ducks the cheap shot! BIG back suplex! Jericho flounders, but he SLAPS the ref! Dax climbs, Jericho grabs the belt!
DIVING HEADBUTT! Dax hits the mark, but the ref’s are watering, he can’t see anything! Dax checks on the ref, Jericho BELT SHOTS Dax!! The fans boo as Jericho gets away with that, as well as hides the evidence. Jericho crawls over and covers, TWO?!?! Dax survives but Jericho dares him to get up. Dax stands, into the JUDAS EFFECT!! Cover, Jericho wins!
Winner: Chris Jericho, by pinfall
The Learning Tree’s Branches may not have been present, but Jericho still had tricks up his sleeve to cheat Dax! And now speaking of, here come Big Bill & Bryan Keith! They celebrate with Jericho, then beat down Dax! But of course Cash and Cope hurry out here! The fans fire up as the brawl is on again! But now it’s 3v2! Wait, the Death Riders run in! They go after Rated FTR, but also The Learning Tree! The Outrunners return, they help Rated FTR! The fans fire up for this chaos, especially as it spills out of the ring! Pac beats down on Cope, then runs, but into a SPEAR! The fans fire up as the Rated R Superstar stands tall!
But wait, JON MOXLEY is here! He reels Edge in for a PARADIGM SHIFT! Marina Shafir sends in a chair, and then another! Marina puts Cope’s head on top of one, and Moxley has the other! But wait! POWERHOUSE HOBBS is here in person! He warned Moxley, and he CLOBBERS Yuta and Keith on his way down the ramp! Hobbs dodges Bill to send him into railing, then storms into the ring! The fans fire up, but Claudio runs in! SPINEBUSTER for Claudio, but Moxley SMACKS Hobbs with the chair! Hobbs doesn’t even budge!! The fans tell Moxley he messed up, and Mox seems to see that. Hobbs SMACKS the chair out of Moxley’s hands!
Hobbs storms out after Moxley, but Marina stands in his way! The fans boo as Moxley runs away, but Hobbs grins. But then Yuta LEAPS at Hobbs off the steel steps! Only for Hobbs to catch him! Hobbs brings Yuta over to URENAGE through the desk!! The fans go wild as Hobbs stands tall! But will this violence be nothing compared to what happens at Maximum Carnage?
My Thoughts:
A great Collision that did an excellent job of blending stories while telling those stories in the ring. Mariah VS Harley was great stuff, and Harley is getting to look stronger and stronger each week. While AEW has “a lot of belts,” or “too many belts” depending on your opinion, only two of those belts are women’s titles. Harley Cameron should be a contender for a Women’s International Championship, perhaps even crowning her at Grand Slam: Australia next month. But of course Mariah won, she needs to be strong going towards that same event, and the Women’s Casino Gauntlet will be great stuff to determine her next challenger.
Great TNT Championship match from Garcia VS Shibata to reach back and make good on that promo when Garcia won the title. The C2 is partly why they waited on this, but Garcia VS Shibata made for just the right thing to fill out this episode. Garcia of course retained, but it was a good move to have it be by jackknife bridge. Meanwhile, with Mark Briscoe & Private Party facing The Hurt Syndicate next week, we should definitely see things move towards Garcia & Private Party VS Hurt Syndicate, and then all those titles can be on the line. I can’t be sure how any of those matches go, but if it’s Lashley going for the TNT title, it’s very likely Lashley wins.
Brody King of course gets a squash match victory, but he was brought here mostly so Cope could talk with him in the same nature as Ospreay talking with Buddy Matthews. This is AEW telling us Malakai Black really IS leaving without saying it outright. If only TK had figured out he should book Buddy, Brody and Malakai for singles title stories like he has other factions. Basically, House of Black could’ve been doing what The Don Callis Family has been doing with Konosuke Takeshita and Kyle Fletcher. In fact, The House could’ve been feuding with The Don Callis Family, too, with those singles titles being the goal.
Good cold open promos that weren’t redundant this time, and then we got a great match of Cope VS Bill. Cope cheating to win was a bit of a surprise, but I suppose Cope was sending a message to The Death Riders. Great brawl for Rated FTR with Learning Tree, and I like how they used to that to change things up for the main event just a touch. Pac VS Komander was great stuff, too, and I like The Outrunners going after the Death Riders to save Komander. Komander & Outrunners could make a great trio that takes Pac, Claudio & Yuta on for the trios titles, even if it’s a losing effort.
Hobbs had a very good promo, but it didn’t necessarily change anything from his post-match promo on Wednesday. Great main event for Dax VS Jericho, but of course Jericho cheated. I feel like the cheat spot they wanted messed up, though. Jericho shoves ref, Dax dives, but I feel like the belt should’ve been there for Dax to “land on.” That aside, things of course turn back into a brawl, and while Rated FTR and Outrunners were on the same side, it made some sense that Death Riders would beat up Learning Tree members because everyone is an enemy to The Death Riders. I figured Moxley would get the better of Cope, and then great save moment for Hobbs.
Hobbs looks unstoppable as he takes out the Heels and scares Moxley off, but then that signals the go-home math of Moxley winning at Maximum Carnage. News is going around that Darby Allin was written off the way he was so he could climb Mount Everest like he’s always wanted. We can only hope and pray Darby doesn’t get hurt or worse on that mountain so that he can come back closer to Revolution and go after Moxley again. Honestly, Christian Cage trying to cash in on Wednesday should be a thing, too. It can even be a way to protect Hobbs in the loss, and give us a roundabout reunion of Team Taz as Hobbs and Hook go after The Patriarchy.
My Score: 8.8/10
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