Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW New Beginnings Osaka! (2/9/20)
So much gold in Osaka!
NJPW returns to Osaka in a big way!
NJPW begins again in Osaka, and with three huge matches for FOUR major titles! Will Tetsuya Naito still be Double Champion after facing KENTA?
NOTE:Â NJPW no longer wants to feed AXS TV now that it is with Anthem and Impact Wrestling. But never fear, I will cover NJPW in the spirit of AXS in providing the most important matches of the show.
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: Hiromu Takahashi VS Ryu Lee; Takahashi wins and retains the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship.
- IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship: Jon Moxley VS Minoru Suzuki; Moxley wins and retains the IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship.
- IWGP Heavyweight AND Intercontinental Double Championship Match: Tetsuya Naito VS KENTA; wins and
PLAY BY PLAY
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: Hiromu Takahashi VS Ryu Lee!
The Ticking Time Bomb has been on a great run since his shocking return! He defeated the Aerial Assassin to take the title, and was the one to get the very last pin on the living legend, Jushin Thunder Liger. But now, he faces another old friend in CMLL’s lucha dragon. Will Lee have what it takes to defuse and dethrone Hiromu?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and this highly anticipated rematch begins!
Hiromu rushes right at Lee but Lee rushes right at Hiromu! SNAP German from Lee to Hiromu but Hiromu is right up to give one back! They collide with clotheslines without falling, Hiromu blocks a knee but Lee dodges a clothesline to give another German! But Hiromu’s back up again to LARIAT Lee down! Both men are down but Osaka fires up after that fast and furious thirty seconds! Fans rally and cheer as both Lee and Hiromu get to their feet.
Lee dares Hiromu to bring it, and even gives a free shot. Hiromu CHOPS, then dares Lee to give it back. Lee puts some stank on his CHOP! Hiromu grins though it stings, and CHOPS back. Lee CHOPS, Hiromu CHOPS, we have a CHOP fight! Fans fire up as the two men pick up speed! CHOP for CHOP, neither man is backing down, and the fans are rallying! Hiromu, Lee, repeat, but then both me have to take a breath, before Hiromu comes back with more! They go back and forth again a few more times, but they’re not done. Lee chops, Hiromu chops, repeat! How many times have they chopped in this match!?
Neither man wants to stop before the other, despite the stinging and redness of their chests! Hiromu gets Lee on his knees and just keeps going! Hiromu runs but Lee follows to CHOP one more time! Lee dares Hiromu to keep going, so Hiromu gives another chop. Fans fire up as Lee just nods and CHOPS again! Hiromu shakes it off to CHOP. Lee staggers but comes back to CHOP! And we begin the cycle all over again! Hiromu staggers and Lee just adds on. Lee whips corner to corner then boots Hiromu. Hiromu whips Lee back the other way to clothesline. Hiromu rolls Lee and runs, into a CHOP!
Fans cheer as Hiromu leans on the ropes. Lee takes this moment to catch his breath, but Hiromu is grinning. Hiromu CHOPS, Lee CHOPS, and the only thing that’s changed is the color of their chests. The red is only gettnig deeper as more CHOPS fly! Lee knees low then runs but Hiromu follows to huricanrana! Lee handsprings through, but Hiromu CHOPS him again! Fans are loving this as Lee fires himself up. Lee eggs Hiromu on as he takes off the wrapping on his hand. Lee puts some more stank on the hand to CHOP! Hiromu grits his teeth as Lee waits, and Hiromu CHOPS! Lee comes back and we’re on the CHOP train again!
Hiromu, Lee, repeat, then both men stagger a bit. Hiromu fires off another CHOP, Lee wobbles but CHOPS back! There is no quit as each men shots and CHOPS! They even CHOP at the same time! Lee fires off three, Hiromu gives on, but Lee CHOPS Hiromu his feet! Both men are down, their chests stinging and red. Fans rally up as each man goes to a corner. Lee stands and runs in, basement dropkick in the corner! Then underhooks, butterfly backbreaker! Basement dropkick sends Hiromu out! Fans rally again as Lee catches his breath.
Hiromu is on the apron, Lee takes a page of his book with the FLYING HURICANRANA! Lee sends Hiromu flying to the floor! Lee borrows a drink from Hiroshi Tanahashi to refresh himself before fetching Hiromu. He puts Hiromu on the railing and commentary gets worried. Lee CHOPS, then goes into the ring? Lee builds speed as fans reach a fever pitch, to DIVE!! They crash ‘n’ burn on the desk then the floor!! Lee and Hiromu are wrecked at the railing!
The referee hurries to check on them both as the fans are stunned by what they just witnessed. Somehow, Hiromu and Lee are okay to continue, so a ring count begins. Lee sits up first, gets another drink of water, and drags Hiromu up. The count is already 10 of 20 as Lee dumps Hiromu back to ringside. Lee hurries over himself and gets Hiromu in at 15. Fans cheer that this will end in the ring, and we’ve passed 10 minutes. Wait, it’s only been 10 minutes?! Lee aims at Hiromu and springboards, into a SUPERKICK! Hiromu laugs as he runs and FLIES, for the SUNSET POWERBOMB! Lee is folded up on the floor and Osaka is in love all over again!
The referee checks on the two again, and again they’re miraculously able to continue. Hiromu grins as he gets up and flounders around. The count reaches 10 of 20 as Hiromu puts Lee back in. Hiromu drags Lee up, fireman’s carries and hits DYNAMITE PLUNGER! Cover, TWO!! Lee lives but Hiromu keeps his cool. Fans rally as Hiromu drags Lee up, Death Valley Driver into the corner! Hiromu drags Lee back up for another fireman’s carry, switches him around, but Lee slips down to powerbomb lift! Lee tucks Hiromu in, and everyone panics, remembering that this is what led to Hiromu’s neck injury over a year ago!
Hiromu pops out to huricanrana, into Triangle Hold D! Lee resists, but Hiromu drags Lee in deep. Lee moves around and gets a ropebreak with his legs! Hiromu lets Lee go and walks off to a corner. Lee gasps for air while Hiromu takes aim. Hiromu runs corner to corner but has to block a boot first, to then give a clothesline! Hiromu hoists Lee up top and then CHOPS and CHOPS again. But as Hiromu climbs, Lee trips him up! Hiromu ends up in a Tree of Woe! Lee stands, but Hiromu avoids the stomps! Hiromu sits up but Lee comes back from the outside.
Lee hits Hiromu then climbs up to join him. Another flashback to that match a year ago as the two are brawling up top. Lee gets the edge but Hiromu gives it back. Lee throws more forearms, Hiromu is back in the Tree, but Lee pulls Hiromu back up. Hiromu shouts, “MOTTO! MOTTO!” He wants more?! They throw more forearms back and forth, and now Hiromu gets Lee in the Tree! Lee sits up to headbutt! Hiromu is in the tree, WOE STOMPS TO THE APRON!! Both men crash to the floor and another ring count begins. Hiromu stirs at 7 of 20 but Lee is up on his feet. Lee puts Hiromu in at 11, and then brings him to the apron.
Lee drags Hiromu up but Hiromu SUPERKICKS! But Lee KNEE TRIGGERS back! Lee runs but Hiromu THROWS him with an overhead suplex! Lee crashes on the floor, having almost collided with cameramen! The ring count begins again but Hiromu tells the ref to stop that. Hiromu climbs up top!? Hiromu LEAPS, HIROMU BOMB SENTON! Direct hit and Osaka is fired up again! Both men are down and the count starts all over. Hiromu sits up at 7 but stands at 13. He wobbles and goes to the ring at 15. Lee stands at 16, flounders at 17, crawls at 18, and leaps in at 19.5! Both men are down as fans cheer this match continuing.
Hiromu stands and runs but Lee follows! Hiromu dodges, Lee wheelbarrows, but Hiromu blocks the takedown for a wheelbarrow SUPLEX! Lee flounders up, Hiromu runs in, but Lee dodges to rebound GERMAN! But Hiromu is up again to GERMAN Lee! Lee pops up to waistlock and GERMAN! Both men stand and run at each other to collide with clotheslines. Lee KNEE to SNAP GERMAN! Hiromu SUPERKICKS to GERMAN! Both men wobble up as fans fire up, and Lee waistlocks again, for another big German Suplex! Hiromu flounders up, Lee GERMANS again!
Lee fires up and Osaka fires up with him! Lee drags Hiromu up again, lifts and suplexes, but Hiromu flips through to huricanrana! Into Triangle Hold D! But Lee dead lifts and BUCKLE BOMBS Hiromu! Lee runs in but Hiromu throws him overhead into the buckles! Both men are down as fans rally and cheer. Hiromu stands first and fires up! He drags Lee up, fireman’s carry, but no Death Valley! Lee dragon sleepers to suplex but Hiromu lands on his feet to return the favor! Lee slips out, gets Hiromu up and tucks him in, ROKUDENASHI! Cover, TWO!! Hiromu survives Lee’s take on the Bastard Driver, and we’re at 20 minutes now!
Lee drags Hiromu back up, suplexes and hangs him out to dry on the top rope. Lee kicks away at Hiromu then goes to the corner. He climbs up top and leaps to DOUBLE STOMP Hiromu down! But he’s not done, Lee KNEE TRIGGERS Hiromu at the ropes! Cover, ROPEBREAK!? Hiromu saves himself and Osaka rallies up behind him. Lee stands and drags Hiromu up again. Lee lifts and tucks Hiromu in again! Hiromu slips out again, but Lee holds on to lift again! Lee pops Hiromu up a little higher, but Hiromu makes it a DESTROYER!! Cover, TWO!?! Lee lives but Hiromu shouts and fires himself back up. Hiromu fireman’s carries, Death Valley Driver in the corner again!
Hiromu keeps that high energy as he fireman’s carries again. Lee pops out for a Sunset Bomb! Cover, TWO!! Lee pulls the knee pads down and runs, KNEE TRIGGER! Cover, TWO!?!? How?! But Lee doesn’t question it, he just drags Hiromu back up. Waistlock, ripcord, KNEE TRIGGER! Lee whips, pops Hiromu up, but Hiromu hits another DESTROYER!! Hiromu flails as he gets up again. Hiromu fireman’s carries Lee, spins him around, TIME BOMB DRIVER! Cover, TWO!?!? Lee survives again but Hiromu just keeps going. Hiromu drags Lee up, and DECKS him! Then another fireman’s carry, another spin, another TIME BOMB! Cover, Hiromu wins!!
Winner: Hiromu Takahashi, by pinfall (still IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion)
This explosive match finally ends, and Hiromu keeps his belt! Lee does not add a belt to his ROH World Television Championship, but will he back for yet another rematch? Or is Hiromu’s reign going to be even more, more, MORE exciting from here on?
IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship: Jon Moxley VS Minoru Suzuki!
The Maniac and the Meanest Man in the World have had quite a few confrontations on the road to this match, such as just last week in Sapporo. But while Moxley prepares for Le Champion in AEW, he has to shift focus to the sadistic icon of NJPW! Can the Death Rider survive Suzuki here in Osaka?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and this sadomasochistic showdown begins!
But before getting in the ring, Moxley goes up the ramp, and dares Suzuki to come get him! Suzuki exits the ring to grabs a pair of chairs to bring with him! Suzuki tosses Moxley a chair, and the two sadistic samurai start swinging! They clash over and over, and Moxley disarms Suzuki! Suzuki rushes Moxley but gets a headlock, punches and knees! Moxley sends Suzuki tumbling down the way as Red Shoes tells them to get in the ring. Moxley instead whips Suzuki into the railing! Suzuki tears that section off but Moxley jams it into Suzuki’s stomach! Moxley copies Suzuki’s style by throwing the railing down onto Suzuki!
Moxley drags Suzuku up but Suzuki laughs as he throws body shots and big knees! Red Shoes has no choice but to ring the bell so that this brawl is on the record. Suzuki makes fans clear out before he bowls Moxley into the chairs. Suzuki rips up more railing to slam it onto Moxley! The ring announcer warns fans to be careful but Suzuki has already dragged Moxley to another area. Suzuki bumps Moxley off the timekeeper’s table but Moxley returns the favor! And throws hands before dragging Suzuki to the blue railing. Suzuki resists but the two end up on top of the desk! But Suzuki gets Moxley with the Gotch! Moxley fights Suzuki off to drop ax handles!
The 20 count is past 10 as Moxley dumps Suzuki over railing and to ringside. Moxley and Suzuki hear the count climbing, so they both get in at 17. Fans cheer as this match finally enters the ring. Moxley and Suzuki egg each other on, and Suzuki throws the first forearm. Moxley gives it back, and we have ourselves a brawl! Suzuki mocks Moxley’s shoulder rolling before throwing another forearm. Moxley mocks Suzuki’s oni demon tongue before throwing a forearm back. Suzuki ROCKS Moxley, but Moxley comes back with jabs! Moxley throws forearms but Suzuki laughs before giving more of his own.
Moxley responds but Suzuki ROCKS him again! They keep going back and forth, Suzuki grinning all the way. Suzuki throws even more forearms, then whips Moxley corner to corner for a BOOT! Suzuki snapmares Moxley and runs, but Moxley blocks the Penalty Kick! Moxley stands to get a bite of Suzuki’s face! The ref reprimands but Moxley tells him to shut up. Moxley keeps on Suzuki with big forearms, but Suzuki throws body shots, knees and a headbutt! And another headbutt! And then Suzuki bites Moxley back! Fans rally as Moxley knees back and throws Suzuki out. Moxley goes out to pursue Suzuki at the blue railing. Moxley clubs Suzuki then throws him into commentary!
Suzuki staggers away but Moxley is on him with a choke! Suzuki headscissors back to also get the arm! Moxley holds on and Red Shoes tells them to get this in the ring. Moxley gets free, stomps Suzuki’s stomach, then drags him over in a Half Boston Crab! Suzuki endures as Moxley sits on the stretch, but Red Shoes says this doesn’t matter so get in the ring. Moxley doesn’t care but then Red Shoes counts at him. Moxley lets up at 4 to then stomp Suzuki down. This does return to ringside as Moxley throws Suzuki into rails. Suzuki hits back with big strikes, then pursues Moxley around the way.
Moxley kicks and whips Suzuki into railing! But Suzuki is right back in Moxley’s face with a slap! Moxley slaps back and now it’s a slap fight! Suzuki knees low and ROCKS Moxley again. Suzuki stalks Moxley back near commentary to slam into railing and choke him! Red Shoes reprimands Suzuki but Suzuki slaps Moxley around. Moxley snapmares and rebounds off railing for the sliding lariat! Fans rally and duel as Moxley starts searching under the ring. Suzuki crawls away to rest by commentary, but Moxley has found a table! Moxley sets up the table but Suzuki stealthily grabs a chair.
Moxley goes back to Suzuki and drags him up, but Suzuki fights back! Suzuki jams Moxley with the chair, then sits on the table for a GUILLOTINE! Moxley endures and Red Shoes counts. Suzuki lets Moxley go at 4, then puts the chair on Moxley’s arm. The chair doesn’t cooperate and that only infuriates Suzuki. Suzuki goes back to commentary to take another of their chairs! This chair is put around Moxley’s arm and Suzuki takes the first chair. Red Shoes tries to stop Suzuki but Suzuki shoves him down! Suzuki gives Moxley’s arm a CON-CHAIR-TO!! Moxley has one bad eye, does he now have a broken arm?!
Suzuki laughs as he pulls Moxley’s arm to bend it against the table! Suzuki throws the bad arm against the post! And then hops up onto the apron for a modified armbar! Red Shoes reprimands again, but Moxley uses his good arm to lift and POWERBOMB Suzuki through the table!! Osaka is fired up as Moxley wrecks the King of Pancrase. And yet, Suzuki smiles?! This man is insane for sure! Suzuki drags himself from the wreckage and carries a piece of the table around with him. Suzuki starts hitting himself in the head with it?! “Insane” is no longer enough!
Suzuki laughs like the mad man he is, but Moxley won’t be outdone! Moxley has the other half of the broken table and starts smacking himself in the head! This is a match of certifiable lunatics! The two go into the ring and Suzuki still smiles. Suzuki taunts Moxley with, “Come on, boy!” Moxley shakes out the bad arm to throw forearms with it! That is double-edged, and Suzuki takes advantage as he ROCKS Moxley with one of his own! Moxley grits his teeth to give another forearm with the bad arm! Suzuki throws another HARD one! “C’mon, Jon!” Moxley uses his left arm but that’s still not good enough.
The two grind foreheads, and Moxley throws forearms from all side. Suzuki just laughs as he ROCKS Moxley again. Moxley slaps himself to fire up, and then ROCKS Suzuki! “C’mon! I don’t give a f***!” Suzuki smiles as Moxley insults him more, and the brawl is on again! Suzuki, Moxley, repeat, forearm for forearm, with no signs of slowing! Moxley hits from all sides again, then adds a headbutt. Moxley runs, Suzuki follows and slips around to get the SLEEPER HOLD! Suzuki squeezes tight and Moxley already fades. But Moxley punches himself to stay awake! Moxley gets up, throws Suzuki but Suzuki holds on! Suzuki squeezes tighter and leans on Moxley.
Moxley is turning purple and starts fading! Suzuki shifts to a cover, TWO!? Moxley has his second wind but Suzuki runs, basement BOOT! Cover, TWO!! Moxley lives and fans cheer, but Suzuki just keeps on him. Suzuki drags Moxley up, throws slapping palm strikes, but then Moxley knees him back! REGAL KNEE! Cover, TWO!! Suzuki survives and fans cheer again. Moxley forces himself to stand and grabs Suzuki. Moxley underhooks but Suzuki slips out to ROCK Moxley! The Maniac shouts “F*** YOU!” as he ROCKS Suzuki back! Moxley runs, into Suzuki’s dropkick! Osaka cheers as both men flounder to opposite ends.
The rally builds as Suzuki brings Moxley in. Moxley spins out, double underhook, DEATH RIDER! Cover, TWO!?! Suzuki survives!? Moxley is shocked and even begs with Red Shoes. But the count is the count, and someone in NJPW finally survives that dangerous DDT. Moxley goes back to Suzuki and says, “We’re gonna finish this, mother f***er.” He gives Suzuki a kiss on the forehead?! Moxley says that is the kiss of death, and he goes out to prepare something truly sinister. He checks under the ring, and brings out two chairs. Just as Suzuki did to start this, Moxley tosses a chair to his opponent so that they can finish this like warriors!
Suzuki wobbles as Red Shoes grabs at Moxley’s chair. Moxley and Red Shoes argue but Suzuki grabs the chair, too! The tug o’ war sends Red Shoes flying away, and Moxley HEAD SHOTS Suzuki with that chair shot!! The seat is gone so Moxley hurries to grab gthe other chair. Suzuki is still standing, and still smiling! Moxley brings Suzuki to the other chair, but Suzuki resists the underhooks. Suzuki slips out and kicks, to GOTCH! Moxley resists, slips out, DIRTY DEEDS ON THE CHAIR! Moxley gets away with that one while Red Shoes is out. Suzuki just keeps laughing!
Moxley fires himself up and dares Suzuki to come back. Suzuki stands and slaps himself back into this. He fires off palm strikes fast and furious, but now Moxley is the one laughing! Suzuki keeps throwing hands, but Moxley is not satisfied! The hands keep flying, Moxley staggers, LUANTIC LARIAT! Suzuki is stunned and leaning, but stays up! So Moxley runs to LARIAT again! Moxley drags Suzuki back up, DEATH RIDER!! Cover, Moxley wins!!
Winner: Jon Moxley, by pinfall (still IWGP United States Champion)
Two of the toughest, meanest, craziest men in NJPW, and perhaps anywhere in wrestling today, just went to war! But in the end, the Death Rider rides into the sunset with the IWGP US Championship! Moxley stands on the ropes as Suzuki flounders out of the ring, and bows out of respect to the King. With his AEW World Championship match at AEW Revolution on the horizon, will Moxley become a dual promotion champion?
As for Suzuki, he does as he always does in losing, and starts ripping apart the railing! But suddenly, ZACK SABRE JR attacks Moxley! Suzuki-Gun’s Submission Master and Revolution Pro-Wrestling’s British Heavyweight Champion is after the Maniac! ZSJ eyes the IWGP US Championship, and holds it up high! To then SMASH Moxley with it!! Fans boo as ZSJ skips around and smiles. ZSJ hops onto Moxley for a sleeper hold! He’s wrapped on tight as the bell rings in protest! Moxley has no one to save him as ZSJ drags him to the mat! ZSJ suffocates Moxley then picks the title up again. It would seem ZSJ has dreams of becoming a dual promotion champion, too! Will Moxley’s return to NJPW be one where he will #JustTapOut?
IWGP Heavyweight AND Intercontinental Double Championship Match: Tetsuya Naito VS KENTA!
Los Ingobernables de Japon’s charismatic leader made NJPW history when his Destino was realized at WrestleKingdom 14! And now, more history is being made in Osaka as BOTH belts are on the line! Will Bullet Club truly be back on top when Mr. Fang Revived sinks his teeth into two titles at the same time? Or will the Double Champion remain tranquilo?
The introductions are made, Jay White joins commentary to troll Naito and both belts are raised. Fans boo as all of the Bullet Club members join Kenta in the ring, for one big group Low Sweet. Naito hasn’t yet finished taking off his elaborate entrance ensemble yet, and fans chant “Go Home!” in Japanese to all of the Bullet Club members. Tama Tonga shoves Red Shoes down! Fans boo more but Naito keeps his cool. Because Red Shoes EJECTS the Bullet Club boys!
Jay White protests as leader, but Red Shoes is the law. Gedo also tries to reason with Red Shoes while Tama apologizes, but Red Shoes has spoken. Or do they want this match thrown out?! Tama and the others exit, willing to actually play by the rules for Kenta’s sake. Fang Revived is now without his pack of wolves as this match finally begins!
Osaka is strongly on Naito’s side, but that’s no surprise. Kenta grimaces as he and Naito circle. They approach, but Kenta bails out. Fans boo as Kenta borrows tactics from Jay White, but he tunes them out. Kenta takes his time returning and Naito gives him room, only for Kenta to hop right back out. Fans boo, but Kenta mockingly throws back invisible flowing locks of hair. Kenta paces around the ring again, finally slithering back in, only to slither back out. Fans boo more but Kenta continues to do things at his pace. Naito waits, even as Kenta mocks, “Tranquilo!”
Kenta hops up and keeps taunting Naito with his own catchphrase. Red Shoes keeps Naito back for Kenta to get in, but then Kenta goes back out. Kenta mocks fans and even eggs them on. Kenta again goes to the ring, Naito stays back, and both men are finally circling again. Fans rally up for Naito, and that just makes Kenta exit again. Kenta tells fans to hush this time before going back to the ring. Naito doesn’t even seem annoyed at this point as Kenta joins him in the ring. Naito and Kenta finally tie up and Naito puts Kenta on the ropes. Red Shoes asks for the ropebreak, and Naito gives it, only for Kenta to bail back out.
Kenta stares down Hiroshi Tanahashi on commentary, then lounges by the English desk. Naito patiently waits as Kenta returns yet again. But then Naito attacks and knocks him down! Naito builds speed but Kenta gets clear, Naito TRANQUILO! Kenta rushes in but now Naito bails out! Osaka loves Naito giving it all back to Kenta. Kenta is not as patient as Naito, which makes Naito only troll him more. Naito insists on a particular side of the ring, and has Kenta hold the ropes open for him. Only to roll under the bottom rope. Kenta stomps Naito for it! Naito throws forearms back so Kenta throws with him. Kenta rakes eyes then whips but Naito holds ropes to boot and huricanrana!
Kenta bails out but Naito pursues, to whip Kenta into railing! And then more railing! Naito chases Kenta down around the way to put him in the ring. Naito stomps Kenta down and keeps him from escaping. He pulls Kenta back against the ropes but lets up at Red Shoes’ count. Naito stomps Kenta down and around the ring, then brings him up for elbows. Naito clamps on a cravat to crank Kenta’s neck. Kenta endures and puts Naito in a corner. Kenta rams his shoulder in over and over, then throws big forearms. Naito turns it around to throw wild elbows into Kenta! Kenta sits down so Naito gives him Bad Vibrations, and SPITS on him!
Naito drags Kenta up and whips him corner to corner, but Kenta reverses. Naito dodges Kenta but is put on the apron. He counter punches Kenta but Kenta knicks him back! And again! Naito is stuck in the ropes, Kenta hops up for a guillotine knee drop! Fans rally and even duel as Kenta’s fans are finally vocal. Kenta whips Naito to BOOT him down! Naito rolls out but Kenta pursues. Kenta throws big clubbing forearms and whips him to railing! Naito hits so hard, he tumbles over! Kenta goes out to snatch a Naito teddy bear from a fan and stand on it! Fans boo louder as ever as Kenta kicks the stuffed animal away and stomps Naito down.
Kenta brings Naito up and around to whip HARD into more railing! And even more railing! Naito ends up tumbling over again while Kenta taunts the fans. Fans boo and Kenta soaks up the heat as we reach the 10 minute mark. Kenta waits in the ring while Naito stirs. The ring count begins and Kenta mockingly claps to get the fans rallying. No one plays along. Naito is crawling at 11 of 20, standing at 14, and hobbling over at 16. Naito’s in at 17 but Kenta throws him back out. Kenta dusts himself off as fans boo again. Naito drags himself up and Kenta paces. Naito gets in, Kenta is on him to throw him back out. Kenta goes out to whip Naito into more railing! Kenta drags Naito around to the alley and DDTs Naito to the floor!
Fans boo but Kenta soaks it all up. Naito clutches his head while Red Shoes checks on him. Kenta leaves Naito behind to go to the ring. Naito stirs as the ring count begins again. Kenta unties a buckle pad?! Red Shoes stops him from doing it part way, but Kenta doesn’t get why this is so bad. Red Shoes reties the pad but Kenta goes after the opposite end! Kenta is far nastier than Toru Yano about it as he throws the buckle pad out. Naito drags himself into the ring and Kenta whips him at that bare corner! Naito gets bare buckles to his back! Red Shoes reprimands Kenta but the damage is done.
Kenta stomps Naito down then brings him up for another whip. Kitchen Sink knee! Kenta sits Naito up to KICK in the back! Naito grits his teeth while Kenta soaks up the heat. Kenta drops knee after knee, then brings his knee pad down, to jump, and scuff Naito’s face. Fans boo as Kenta mocks the posing! Kenta brings his knee pad back up and drags Naito up for a snapmare. Kenta clamps on a chinlock but Naito endures. Fans rally up as Kenta cranks back. Naito fights up, throws elbows and gets free! Naito runs, dodges, but gets another kitchen sink! Cover, TWO! Kenta snarls and paces as Naito crawls.
Naito sits up but Kenta kicks and stomps him down. Kenta taunts Naito, daring him to hit back. Naito swings, but Kenta spins him around for a DDT! Cover, TWO! Naito still lives and fans rally for him, but Kenta just mocks them again. Kenta gives toying kicks then HARD kicks, still taunting Naito all the while. But Naito eggs Kenta on! Kenta kicks more and more, but Naito stands up. Naito blocks a kick, elbows the knee, then runs. Kenta boots then runs, but into the dropkick! Both men are down but Osaka cheers as Naito sits up first. Naito goes to Kenta, drags him up and whips him to ropes.
Naito elbows Kenta down then dropkicks him in the back! He whips Kenta to a corner for the rocket kick! Sweep and swinging dropkick, Combinacion Cabron! And Naito shows Kenta how to properly do his poses. Fans fire up as Naito drags Kenta up and around for a neckbreaker! Cover, TWO! Naito keeps his cool as he brings Kenta up again. Naito dragon sleepers for the backbreaker to the leg nelson! Kenta endures as Naito cranks the neck. Kenta moves around, Red Shoes notices the hair pull, and then Kenta gets the ropebreak! Naito lets go at the count of 4, and fans rally up again.
Naito stomps Kenta down and drags him up for a waistlock. Kenta fights off the lift and switches, but Naito elbows free. Naito runs in but gets a boot! He comes back but gets more boots. Kenta hops up, drags Naito in, tornado hotshot! Naito staggers and Kenta climbs, flying clothesline! Cover, TWO! Kenta keeps his cool as he drags Naito around by his arm. Kenta wraps up the arm but Naito won’t let it be Game Over as he gets the Ropebreak! Fans cheer while Kenta reluctantly releases Naito. Kenta stomps away on Naito at the ropes!
Naito gets under the bottom rope but Kenta kicks and stomps him more. Kenta drags Naito up and in through the ropes, but Naito fights free! Naito blocks the boot and sweeps the legs! Fans cheer as Naito brings Kenta out, for an apron neckbreaker! Kenta writhes while Naito catches his breath. Naito has camera men clear out as he drags Kenta out more, but Kenta gets off the apron. Naito throws forearms but Kenta kicks back. Kenta puts Naito on the railing, DRAPING DDT TO THE FLOOR!
Both men are down but clearly Naito took the worst of that. Kenta goes back into the ring and leaves Naito at the mercy of the count. Naito stirs at 5 as fans rally up for him. Naito sits up at 10, and slowly stands to get to his feet at 15. Kenta says Red Shoes needs to speed up but Naito is in at 17 again. Naito is in a corner, Kenta runs in, BIG boot! Then corner to corner, basement dropkick! Kenta roars as the originator of that move, and then heads up top! Naito is in the drop zone but gets out of the way as the double stomps come in! Kenta turns around, to get a SPINE BUSTER!
Fans rally again as Naito sits up first now. Naito fires himself up as he and Kenta come around. Naito throws a forearm but Kenta gives it back. Another forearm from Naito, another forearm from Kenta. Naito grins as the brawl continues, and even picks up speed! Kenta starts to wobble and Naito keeps on him. Naito throws wild elbows again, and Kenta drops to his knees! Fans fire up more as Naito drags Kenta up for even more elbows! Red Shoes checks on Kenta as he drops again, but Naito toys with him. We’re past 25 minutes as Naito swings more.
Kenta ducks and grabs at Red Shoes! Kenta uses Red Shoes as a shield, Naito pushes Red Shoes away, and Kenta grabs Naito for a Triangle Hold, into the GAME OVER! Naito endures being cranked back in the modified LeBelle Lock, and manages to drag himself and Kenta towards ropes. Kenta rolls Naito away and cranks back even harder! Naito keeps fighting forward, heading for new ropes. Kenta cranks back as hard as ever, but Naito refuses to quit! Naito pushes forward, reaches with his one free arm, and gets the ROPEBREAK! Kenta lets go in frustration, and fans rally hard as ever. Naito sits up in a daze, but Kenta KICKS him in the chest!
Naito rests on the ropes, Kenta runs in, double knees to the back! Kenta waistlocks and GERMAN SUPLEXES! But Naito rises, so Kenta whips and runs to PSYCHO KICK! Cover, TWO!! Naito survives but Kenta drags him up. Fireman’s carry, but Naito slips out to rolling heel kick! Kenta rebounds and runs in, but Naito spins him around for a TORNADO DDT! Both men are down but Osaka fires back up! Red Shoes watches both men but Kenta is up and in a corner first. Naito follows and runs in, but blocks boots. He turns Kenta sideways, draping backbreaker! Naito hoists Kenta up top then climbs up to join him. SUPER STEINER!
Fans fire up again as Naito brings Kenta up, hammerlocks and scoops, GLORIA! Cover, TWO!! But Naito is not deterred! Naito drags Kenta up by his hair and wrenches, but Kenta powers Naito into Red Shoes! Then again! And now, Jay White rushes out! Bullet Club has nothing stopping them as White hits Naito with a SNAP Sleeper Suplex! White drags Naito around, but here comes BUSHI! Bushi reels back but White knows what’s coming and gets clear of the mist! BLADE RUNNER! White drags Naito around again but here comes HIROMU! Hiromu baits White in for a SUPERKICK!
Hiromu throws White out and drags him away with a headlock! That leaves it at just Naito and just Kenta in the ring. Kenta and Naito flounder and crawl while Young Lions help Red Shoes get back in. Fans rally as all three men are down, Red Shoes included in that. Kenta drags himself up with ropes while Naito and Red Shoes slowly stand. Kenta runs but Naito dodges to enziguri! Naito whips, Kenta reverses, but Naito hits flying forearms! Tilt-o-whirl but no Destino, DISCUS LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Kenta shouts he’s going to end it, and he fireman’s carries Naito. GO TO- DESTINO!? It wasn’t the full, but an inverted DDT is close enough!
Both men are down again and fans are thunderous! Kenta and Naito stir, and Naito sits up first, followed by Kenta. Naito stalks Kenta and drags him up for a scoop. Kenta slips out and bumps Naito on the exposed buckles! Cover, TWO!!! Naito survives but he is BUSTED open from that bare steel! Red Shoes checks on Naito but Naito refuses to let this end here. Kenta just SLAPS away with palm strikes! Kenta is a shark and he aims at Naito, for the PSYCHO KNEE! Cover, TWO!?!? Naito still lives!! But Kenta takes off a knee pad and drags Naito up to a fireman’s carry. Naito pops up to POISON-RANA! And then scoop, VALENTIA BRAIN BUSTER!! Cover, TWO!! Kenta survives but Naito and his crimson mask say this is the end! Naito drags Kenta up, wrenches, tilt-o-whirls, DESTINO!!! Cover, Naito wins!!!
Winner: Tetsuya Naito, by pinfall (still IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental Champion)
The first defense in the book was a battle in which Naito literally shed blood, sweat and tears! Kenta drew first blood but Naito won in the end! A stare down between the two men says it all, as does both men being barely able to stand. Red Shoes presents the Double Champion with both belts, but Naito also wants his time to talk. Red Shoes raises Naito’s hand, and Naito doesn’t even bother wiping away the blood on his face before putting his baseball cap back on. Kenta leaves peacefully so Naito can speak.
“Buenos noches, Osaka-Jo Haaall~!” Naito wants everyone gathered here, that- Oh wait, Kenta’s still here. Hey, Kenta, hurry up, would you? You’re not tranquilo. But as Naito was saying, Los Ingobernables de Japon’s Naito and his first defense… How was it seeing him stay Double Champion? Osaka loves it! The Tokyo Dome was a site of history, sure, with the Double Gold Dash. Osaka-Jo Hall is now a site of history with the Double Gold Defense. So what’s next? Naito wants a match with “that guy.” Hiromu, come back out! The fans cheer for Hiromu, and Hiromu does appear! Seems he got through with Jay White backstage.
The IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion joins his Double Champion LIJ leader and mentor. Naito wants Hiromu to decide, are they going to have that special 1v1 match? Hiromu grabs a mic as fans cheer for him. “Naito-san, do you remember?” When Naito took Hiromu under his wing and taught him about wrestling. Does Naito remember what he said the day before Hiromu went on his excursion? “When you come back, let’s have a match with one another.” And Hiromu’s been back, so the answer is SI! There could be no other answer! But does Naito want this match? Naito says that of course it’s SI! Hiromu Takahashi VS Tetsuya Naito, special Junior Heavyweight VS Heavyweight showdown for the Anniversary show! Do the fans think that sounds fun? Look forward to this incredible first-time-ever!
So with that, finally, the LIJ tradition! Osaka, you finally get one of these! “EVIL! BUSHI! SANADA! HIROMU! TAKAGI! Y NAITO! Nosotros… Los! Ingoberrrrrrrnableees! DE! JA! PON!” The streamers fly and the two champions and friends set their titles down. But then Hiromu picks up THE Heavyweight Championship to get a better look at it. Hiromu sets it down, and the two give the LIJ fist bump. When it comes down to mentor VS young ward, leader VS follower, and Heavyweight Champion VS Junior Heavyweight Champion, who is going to be the better man on the 48th Anniversary of NJPW?!
My Thoughts:
Even with just the matches I covered, it was obvious NJPW New Beginning in Osaka was another great event. The surprise of the three matches was that Jon Moxley retained. I would’ve thought Moxley loses so he doesn’t have to worry about traveling, as it feels very likely Moxley would win the AEW World Championship at AEW Revolution. But it seems NJPW is totally fine with Moxley going back and forth, as is AEW, so who knows? Moxley might be a bridge that helps open the “forbidden portal.” Seeing him and Jericho carry their feud between both promotions would be pretty cool, too.
I loved so much about Hiromu VS Lee, especially that almost all the strikes were chops. Those chests became like steak after all that stuff. I also really liked the tease of the spot that injured Hiromu, for the sake of the drama. Hiromu maintaining made the most sense, given what we’re getting at the Anniversary Event. The Double Gold match did great with purposefully taking a slow pace to start, because it extended this match to have the rest of it be the hard-hitting, fast paced match we knew it’d be in the end. I did not expect that blood, though! That was pretty great. Naito retains because it was his first defense, because Kenta isn’t at that level yet, and again, so we can get what we’re getting at the Anniversary Event, which is going to be a lot of fun.
My Score: 9.3/10
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And with the first overall pick of the 2024 WWE Draft, SmackDown selects…
The WWE Draft returns for 2024, the first four rounds being right here on Friday Night SmackDown! With champions protected, who ends up where to challenge them?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee w/ Zelina Vega & Carlito VS Angel Garza & Humberto Carrillo; Rey & Dragon win.
- Bron Breakker VS Cedric Alexander; Bron wins.
- WWE Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Naomi VS Tiffany Stratton; No Contest.
- Cody Rhodes VS Carmelo Hayes; Cody wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Backstage interview with Paul Heyman.
Kayla Braxton is with the Wise Man and says that here on night one of the Draft, there are already rumors circulating, including those about The Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns. Heyman will clarify these are not rumors regarding The Tribal Chief, Roman… Reigns. These are facts! Ladies and gentlemen, Your Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns, has voluntarily withdrawn from eligibility for this year’s Draft. That is not a negative but a positive. Who built SmackDown since the Pandemic? Roman Reigns. Who is the biggest star in the entire industry? Roman Reigns. Why would Roman Reigns hog the number one draft pick spotlight when he won’t be returning in the immediate future?
Read into his words, Kayla, that is not what a real Tribal Chief would do. Instead now, the pressure is on Nick Aldis. Because if Roman Reigns isn’t the first draft pick, then who is? The first two picks make history in a brand new era. And Heyman doesn’t know about you, but he is intrigued. No Tribal Chief up for grabs, who gets their opportunity to shine in the spotlight?
SmackDown throws it to the NXT Performance Center.
Jackie Redmond says the emotion down here is palpable! There is excitement, hope, and a little bit of nerves. But for these NXT Superstars, tonight is the culmination of a lifetime of hard work, dedication, a little bit of luck and a whole lot of self-belief. It was just last year that the NEW WWE Tag Team Champion, Grayson Waller, was hoping his name would be called. And it is funny this is NXT, but time to buy a vowel, throw in an E! Who is next? We find out tonight! The draft pool is deep, who rises to the top of the list?
Corey Graves is in the ring.
Corey welcomes Cincinnati and all of us at home to night one of the 2024 WWE Draft. Understandably, the GMs have their hands full, so Corey will be moderating the contract signing for the WWE Championship match that takes place next Saturday for Backlash: France. Without further ado, it’s the #1 contender, The Phenomenal AJ Styles! Styles makes his entrance, taking a seat at the table on camera right. And now, the Undisputed WWE Champion, the American Nightmare, Cody Rhodes! Cincy fires up and sings along, “WHOA~ OH~!” as Cody makes his entrance and gets his pyro before joining everyone in the ring.
Styles looks over the contract, absolutely tuning out the fans going wild for “CODY! CODY!” Styles then gets the mic to say before he signs, he doesn’t know if we realize that we’ve got two Georgia boys about to mix it up for the first time, and for the biggest prize in the game. Styles understands why they boo, but they gotta know that he doesn’t respect LA Knight, LA Knight got under his skin. He accepts that. But that’s why Styles lost at Mania. But what happened? Styles got his composure back and realized that he is Phenomenal. Styles BEAT Knight to earn the right to face Cody Rhodes at Backlash.
Now unlike Knight, Styles does respect Cody. They hadn’t crossed paths yet, but they’ve been down the same roads. They had to prove themselves outside of the WWE. And Styles is willing to believe that the same man who gave him advice a long time ago gave Cody the same advice, on how to stand on their own two feet and be the men they are today. That man was The American Dream, Dusty Rhodes. The fans cheer for “DUSTY! DUSTY!” Styles learned a lot from Dusty. Styles gets a little emotional thinking about Dusty, he was a good man. Dusty taught Styles how to carry himself, and to carry the weight of a championship.
And Styles looks at this WWE Championship here. The weight of this isn’t just the leather and gold. And at Backlash, we see if Cody can carry it. Styles goes back to his table, signs the contract, and then hands it off to Corey. Corey brings that to Cody, and Cody picks up his mic. “So… Cincinnati…! Whadda we wanna talk about? Certainly, we can talk about respect. There is not a locker room on Earth that you’ll find where everyone in it, every single person, they all respect AJ Styles. Last week, I went on to say you are the modern day Excellence of Execution. I respect the roads that you have traveled down to get here, the parallel paths that perhaps you and I have.
“Mutual respect, much respect. But that respect goes by the wayside at Backlash. I can feel it in your words to a degree. You’ve been here before. And it seems you’re implying that I cannot carry the weight of that championship. Well, good thing the man who trained me not far from where I sit now used to tell me all the time, it’s not about winning the title, it’s about keeping it.” The fans cheer that. Cody says boy does he respect Styles’ familiarity with Cody’s last name. But when you put C O D Y in front of it on this paper, that means they’ve never touched before. That means Backlash is a level playing field.
That means no matter how Phenomenal Styles is, this isn’t a dream match for Cody. It’s a must-win! Cody signs while the fans cheer, and it is official! Cody even throws the pen to the crowd as a free souvenir. Cody then offers a handshake, and Styles says y’know what? It was a beautiful thing to see Cody #FInishTheStory and win the title. But it’s a shame that Cody’s title reign will end at Backlash. Styles still shakes Cody’s hand, and then walks away. Cody picks up the belt and holds it high, will he get to hold it high again in Lyon, France?
Triple H is here!
Just as Cody was on his way to the back, The Game makes his way out here! HHH raises Cody’s hand, then invites him over to the podium. HHH welcomes us to the first round of the 2024 WWE Draft. It is a night that changes the landscape of the WWE going into the future, and things are a bit different this year. As the GMs ponder their next steps, they have to understand it is about protecting the roster they have as it is making the roster they want. Meaning that when they use their picks, they have just as much of a chance gaining a superstar as they do losing one they already have.
HHH just felt that since champs are protected and Cody will be staying here on SmackDown, maybe Cody could help read the SmackDown picks and HHH can read the Raw picks. And since SmackDown goes first, Cody reads first. Cody takes the card to say that with the first pick of the 2024 WWE Draft, SmackDown selects… The E S T, Bianca Belair! The stongEST, fastEST, roughEST, toughEST stays on Friday nights! HHH reads that for the second pick of the 2024 WWE Draft, Raw selects… YEET! JEY USO! Monday nights will still have Main Event Jey Uso! And the fans “YEET!” Cody says for the third pick, SmackDown selects… NXT’s Carmelo Hayes!
The fans fire up as SmackDown manages to snag… HIM! The former NXT Champion makes history again by being the first NXT superstar to be chosen this high in the Draft! HHH says that’s a hell of a pick. But then the fourth and final pick of this first round, Raw selects… SETH! FREAKIN’! ROLLINS! It is still going to be Monday Night Rollins as the Visionary stays on the red brand! Cody and HHH shake hands, and then Melo makes his way out! Melo has the mic to say when they talk about who’s next up, about who’s the hottest out, they don’t call them “the hottest out,” they just call him “Carmelo Hayes.”
The fans chant “WHOOP DAT TRICK!” to remind Melo how he’s leaving NXT. Melo says okay, okay. But then to Cody Rhodes, ever since Cody won the title, he’s been talking about “If you aim for the king, you best not miss.” Well, funny how that works. Because when Melo shoots, Melo don’t miss. And as a first round draft pick, what better way to shoot his shot on SmackDown than to shoot it right at Cody? Melo leaves the mic with Cody but Cody picks it up to say, “Fortune certainly favors the bold, but I dunno. You folks don’t wanna see me in action tonight, do ya?” The fans go wild! Oh, but what if Cody forgot his gear?
Oh that’s right! He didn’t forget his gear! And this title right here, for Cody, means absolutely 100%, Melo’s on! They shake on it, and we’re about to see a huge first-time-ever showdown! But will this bold first move work out for… HIM?
Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee w/ Zelina Vega & Carlito VS Angel Garza & Humberto Carrillo!
The LWO is still not convinced Legado Del Fantasma had nothing to do with the beating that took the Boy Wonder out ahead of WrestleMania. Will the King of Lucha help get to the bottom of things? Or will Angel & “Berto” make it as easy as ABC, 1-2-3?
The teams sort out, Dragon runs up on Humberto but Humberto LARIATS him down! Humberto drags Dragon up, tears the shirt away and CHOPS! Humberto whips, Dragon ducks ‘n’ dodges to RANA! Humberto tumbles out, Dragon builds speed and FLIES! Direct hit and down goes Humberto! The fans fire up as Dragon pushes Humberto into the ring, goes up a corner, and then CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Dragon facelocks to drag Humberto up, but Humberto wrenches out to CLUB Dragon down. Humberto waistlocks but Dragon throws elbows. Angel tags in as Humberto shoves Dragon. Dragon ducks but Angel holds ropes open, and Dragon tumbles to the floor!
The fans boo and LWO hurries to check on Dragon! Angel & Humberto just soak up the heat as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and both Dragon and Humberto are down! They crawl, hot tags to Angel and Rey! The fans fire up as Rey ducks ‘n’ dodges and tilt-o-whirl RANAS! Angel ends up in a corner, he puts Rey on the apron, but Rey ROCKS Angel! Rey goes up to SEATED SENTON! Rey keeps moving, wrenches and kicks, then hops on! CODE RED! Cover, Humberto breaks it! The fans boo but Humberto hauls Rey up. Rey fights and RANAS Humberto up and out! But Angelo kicks, scoops, but Rey slips free! Angelo kicks low, reels REy in, and underhooks, but Rey fights those to RANA Angel onto ropes! Rey dials it up to 619!
Tag to Dragon and he takes aim! Angel stands, into the tilt-o-whirl, PROJECT DRAGON!! Cover, LWO wins!
Winners: Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee, by pinfall
Carlito and Zelina hug it out with the team, but then Santos Escobar & Elektra Lopez walk out here. Santos says whoa, whoa, whoa, hold that celebration. Because Santos is many things, but a liar is not one of them. And when Santos said he did NOT attack Dragon that night before Mania, he meant it. Elektra has been working for weeks to track down the security footage from that night. And Rey… Oh, Rey. What you’re about to see, you will find very, very interesting. The footage plays, and it was CARLITO!! Carlito throw Dragon around backstage! No one can believe it, because of how well Carlito fooled even Dragno.
Speaking of, Carlito RAMS Dragon into Rey, then hits a BACKSTABBER! Never has that move’s name been more fitting! Carlito runs away in a panic, and Rey stands back up in a rage! Santos says he told Rey that he was right all along. They were supposed to be family, and yet look how that turned out. How will the LWO recover from this shocking development?
Bron Breakker VS Cedric Alexander!
The Big Bad Booty Nephew has been making a case for himself ever since showing up on SmackDown, and he’s already bringing the straps down! Is he going to break PRIMED Alexander while also breaking match time records? Or will Cedric prove he’s too fly for Bron?
The bell rings and Cedric dodges Bron to CHOP and ROCK! Cedric whips, Bron reverses and Cedric handsprings, into a SPEAR!! Cover, Bron wins!
Winner: Bron Breakker, by pinfall
Well, hard to say if that’s an all-time fast match, but that was a fast match! QR Code stuff going on, but will we all see Bron take the world by storm?
Nick Aldis heads out.
And waiting is Tiffany Stratton. She asks if he saw what she did last week. Wait, of course he did. Because she is the Center of the Universe. She dropped Naomi and Bayley, where is her title match? Aldis tells Tiff to look at his watch. It is NOT set to #TiffyTime. And he was this close to sending her to the back of the line. But then someone convinced him otherwise, good for her. Tonight, she goes 1v1 with Naomi again, and the winner faces Bayley for the title at Backlash. Whose stupid idea was that?! Bayley says DING DONG, it was hers. It is a win-win situation here. If Naomi wins, she gets the match she got cheated out of.
And if Tiff wins, then she’ll find out when she attacks the Role Model. Tiff gasps as she has a #TiffanyEpiphany. Bayley should be ringside for that match so she can see Tiff do what Bayley couldn’t, and that’s beat Naomi. Tootles. Tiff leaves, but will the only thing she gets is to #FeelTheGlow?
Michelle McCool and Torrie Wilson are here!
One is a former WWE Women’s Champion, the other is a WWE Hall of Famer, but they’re both here to present Draft picks! Michelle says with the first pick of the second round, SmackDown selects… The Viper, Randy Orton! SmackDown will still have to watch out for an RKO outta nowhere! Torrie says that with the second pick of the second round, Raw selects… BRON BREAKKER! We just saw Bron make quick work of opponents here on SmackDown, but now he’s gonna be rampaging on Raw!
Michelle says that with the third pick of the second round, SmackDown selects… NIA JAX! The Irresistible Force may have to change targets from the Women’s World to the Undisputed Women’s title, but will she be unstoppable all the same? And with the fourth and final pick of this round, Raw selects… LIV MORGAN! The Revenge Tour will still be part of Monday nights, will we watch Liv rise to the top?
The Bloodline arrives backstage.
Paul Heyman is there to greet them and open the door to the SUV. He apologizes for not being faster about that, but Solo Sikoa asks The Bloodline if they’ve been drafted. Not yet. Then give Solo the details. Okay, well, Roman Reigns withdrew right before the show began, and then Solo keeps adding members, so no one really knows what they’re getting if they draft The Bloodline! Solo sighs, and here comes Tama Tonga. Heyman asks they be patient but Solo wants Heyman to repeat that for him. Heyman gets scared, but then KEVIN OWENS jumps in! Kevin fires off on Tama, security and refs rush in to stop it!
The Prizefighter wants Solo’s “MFT” to bring the fight like he did last week! Security still drags Kevin away, but will he get that fight he wants?
Kayla Braxton is on stage.
SmackDown returns and Kayla welcomes us back to the show. And please welcome out the first overall pick, Bianca Belair! The fans fire up as The EST walks out on stage, and Kayla congratulates her on being the first overall pick. But let’s talk Backlash. Breaking news, Bianca and Jade Cargill are going to challenge for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships, against the Kabuki Warriors. How satisfying would it be to dethrone them on the stage of this magnitude? Bianca says so satisfying. She really hopes Jade gets drafted to SmackDown because given all this history with Damage CTRL, all the partners by her side, Bianca has never been the one to finally end it with them.
For everything they’ve done to her and this division, Bianca feels Jade is the perfect woman to help her end this. Now, DMG CTRL is falling apart piece by piece, and that final piece is the tag titles. So once Bianca & Jade take the gold at Backlash, the Kabuki Warriors won’t even have a reason to come back to SmackDown. But wait, they’re here now! Asuka & Kairi walk out here and Kayla moves aside. The Empress of Tomorrow and the Pirate Princess taunt the EST, but here comes The Storm! Jade makes her way to stand right by Bianca’s side. The four shout and argue, but this will be settled on May 4th!
WHOA! Tama and Kevin are brawling their way out here! The ladies move aside so the gentlemen can brawl all the way down to ringside! Tama hits low, gets in the ring, but Kevin pursues! Kevin TACKLES Tama, but Solo CLOBBERS Kevin! The fans boo as The Bloodline beats Kevin down! The refs hurry out here but clearly Solo’s Bloodline won’t listen! Tama DECKS producers, DECKS guards, HEADBUTTS them, throws hands and even THROWS the guards! Tama and Solo beat Kevin down again, but here comes Randy Orton! The Viper is still on SmackDown and he’s still pals with Kevin, so here he comes!
Orton DECKS Tama, fires hands on Solo, then RK- NO, Solo gets free and gets away! Orton wants to pursue, almost runs Jamie Noble and refs over to do it, but the Bloodline has gotten away! The fans cheer Randy on, and KAevin even hugs him! But then Kevin and Randy try to give chase! Security stops this, when and where will we see #RKKO strike down Solo and Tama?
The Dudley Boyz are here!
The fans fire up as Bubba Ray & D-Von are both here for the next round of picks! Cincy chants for “E C DUB! E C DUB!” Bubba and D-Von look at the cards, it’s hard to read. So out come the glasses! Bubba says with the first pick of the third round of the 2024 WWE Draft, SmackDown selects… L A KNIGHT! YEAH!! The Mega Star stays on Fridays! D-Von says with the second pick of the third round, Raw selects… RICOCHET! Mondays still has the One and Only, is Ricochet going to bring that WWE Speed Championship home to Raw, too?
Bubba says with the third pick of the third round, SmackDown selects… THE BLOODLINE! That means Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga and Paul Heyman are staying right here on Friday nights. And D-Von says with the final pick of this round, Raw selects… SHEAMUS! The Celtic Warrior just got back, but he won’t have to worry about going anywhere else but Monday nights.
WWE Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Naomi VS Tiffany Stratton!
It’s time to run it back once again! The Glow got robbed by the Spoiled Rich Girl, but supposedly, it’s #TiffyTime. Will Naomi prove there’s no such time on the clock? Or will Bayley be the one feeling the Backlash over giving Tiffany one more chance?
The bell rings and Naomi hits a THESZ PRESS! Naomi rains down fists, Tiffy shoves her away and goes to ropes, but Naomi gets up in Tiff’s face. Naomi whips, Tiff holds ropes to bail out and fans boo. Naomi scowls, runs in and WRECKS Tiff with a dropkick! Naomi then gets Tiff up, SMACKS her off the apron, and then SMACKS her off it again! And again! Naomi puts Tiff in, goes up a corner, but Tiff gets under the jump! Naomi runs back up but Tiff YANKS her into ropes! Tiff runs to HIP ATTACK! Naomi sputters, Tiff scowls and drags Naomi up, to then put through ropes. But Naomi RAMS into Tiff!
Naomi reels Tiff in, for a HEATSEEKER! Tiff flops to the floor, and then Naomi SPLIT LEG DROPS! Naomi says it’s #NaomiTime, but SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Naomi runs, but into a SPINEBUSTER! High stack, TWO! Naomi survives and Tiff is frustrated but the fans rally up. Tiff drags Naomi up, whips her to a corner, but Naomi goes up and sunset flips! TWO! Tiff escapes, knees Naomi low, then whips. Naomi slides under the lariat to then mule kick! Then she headscissor SPIKES Tiff down! Cover, TWO! Tiff survives but barely, and Naomi keeps her cool. Naomi headlocks, but Tiff shoves her into buckles! Tiff runs, but Naomi follows, DOUBLE RUNNING FACEBUSTERS take them both down! The fans fire up as the two rise!
Naomi KICKS, ROCKS and ROCKS Tiff again! Naomi fires shots again and again but Tiff knees low! Tiff reels Naomi in, but Naomi wrenches out to ENZIGIRI! And then BUCKLE BULLDOG! But then NIA JAX attacks Bayley!? Nia SMACKS Bayley off buckles, rains down fists, and this momentarily distracts Naomi. Naomi refocuses, but by now, Tiff’s slipped away! Nia KICKS Bayley in the side, so Naomi goes out to ROCK her! Nia POSTS Naomi and that throws the match out!
No Contest
The fans boo as Nia ruins the fun, then runs Bayley over! Nia smiles as she blows kisses to Cincy. Tiff smiles, she drags Naomi up and puts her in the ring. Then she drags Bayley in! Tiff wants a repeat of last week as she puts them side by side in the drop zone! Tiff then goes up and up for the PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Tiff says it’s her time, but the #1 contendership is still in question. Who gets their shot at the Role Model at Backlash?
B-Fab and the Street Profits meet up backstage.
Angelo Dawkins has a “WHO-DEY” sign, but Montez Ford is wondering where Bobby Lashley is right now. B-Fab says calm down, he’ll be here. Byron Saxton walks over and apologizes for interrupting. He doesn’t know what the Draft destination for this group will be until Monday Night Raw, but we do know that The Profits will challenge A-Town Down Under for the WWE Tag Team Championships. YESSIIIIIIR~! B-Fab says it doesn’t matter where they get drafted. The Profits are going to take down A-Town Down Under and take those titles. Then they’ll have their first class tickets right back to SmackDown.
SmackDown? Did someone say SmackDown~? In walk Austin Theory & Grayson Waller, showing off the titles. And Theory says you can’t have SmackDown without the GREATEST undefeated tag team of all time. And sorry, Dawkins, but these are championships, something the Bengals know nothing about! B-Fab keeps Dawkins back, but then in steps Bobby Lashley! The All Mighty scares Theory & Waller right off, and Dawkins says see y’all next Friday! Will there be nothing keeping these Profits down the night before Backlash?
The Final Testament speaks.
Karrion Kross says good evening. What’s going on here? You guessed it! More random acts of violence! Just follow him. Kross & Scarlett lead the way to show The Authors of Pain beating down New Catch Republic! Rezar beats down Pete Dunne while Akam victimizes Tyler Bate! Paul Ellering says they will know about sacrifice! Kross says whether they get drafted to Raw or stay on SmackDown, the violence will continue until they get what they want! So sayeth The Final Testament!!
Teddy Long and JBL are here!
The Hall of Famer General Manager and the Hall of Famer WWE Champion are both here, ready to give us the fourth and final round of picks tonight! Teddy gets right to it! The first pick of the fourth round, SmackDown selects… AJ STYLES! The Phenomenal One is really an obvious choice, because one way or another, the WWE Championship stays with SmackDown! JBL says the second pick of the fourth round, Raw selects… THE ALPHA ACADEMY! Raw keeps Chad Gable, Otis, Maxxine Dupri & Akira Tozawa, A THANK YEW~!
Teddy says with the third pick of this round, SmackDown selects… ANDRADE! A big move as now El Idolo will be part of Friday nights. And with the final pick of this fourth round, Raw selects… NXT’S Kiana James! The Calculator, the former NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion, has the Raw hat to put on, and after a quick hype package, Jackie Redmond is there to interview her. Kiana, congratulations! You are heading to Monday Night Raw! How much does this mean to her? This means the world to her. She is filled with gratitude, but also knows every decision she has made up to this point has been by design to get her here.
Kiana is so proud of her time in NXT, but she’s ready to show Raw why she is the One Percent. Was she surprised? Of course she was! HBK is here to wish her luck and congratulations. Is Kiana going to start the hostile takeover of the Raw Women’s Division?
Backstage interview with Nick Aldis.
Kayla is with the SmackDown GM and says that with night one in the books, how does he feel about SmackDown’s selections? He feels really good about them. SmackDown’s future is bright, he can’t wait for the new recruits to show up and show out for the blue brand. But he also wants to turn attentions to Backlash, because he’s got some new matches to announce! The first PLE in France, this is exciting stuff, Kayla. Aldis says that the WWE Women’s Championship will now be on the line in a Triple Threat! Bayley VS Naomi VS Tiffany Stratton! Will the odds make it that much harder for the Role Model to succeed?
There’s one more match to announce, but Aldis will let the GM GOAT take it from here. Teddy Long steps in, and don’t forget. We’ll talk about this tag team match. The Bloodline VS Kevin Owens & Randy Orton! Holla, players. Solo & Tama will have to face The Viper and the Prizefighter, will #RKKO strike fast and strike hard?
Cody Rhodes VS Carmelo Hayes!
The American Nightmare just put pen to paper for his match with the Phenomenal One, but he isn’t one to shy away from a challenge. The former NXT Champion is shooting his shot, but will this be nothing but net? Or will it be a frustrating airball?
The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, the fans rally for Cody as he puts Melo in a corner then arm-drags him away. Melo runs up, Cody headlocks, Melo powers out then drops. Melo hurdles, but Cody kicks low to RHODES UPPERCUT! Melo staggers to ropes, the fans fire up, but then melo throat chops and springboard FLYING LARIATS! Melo says that’s why he’s a first round pick! But then Cody CLOBBERS him! Cody asks if Melo’s ready for this, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns once again and Cody has a headlock. Cody hits a takeover, Melo flails and kicks around, but Cody grinds him down. Melo pushes with his forearm, then headscissors, but Cody kips free. Melo CHOPS, the fans “WOO~!” but Cody brushes himself off. Melo pie faces Cody! Cody fires forearms on Melo, then whips, but Melo reverses. Melo ELBOWS Cody, then runs up to KICK him in the side! Melo fires forearms and CHOPS in a corner, then throws body shots. Melo digs his boot in, the ref counts, and Cody goes to another corner. Cody eggs Melo on, Melo storms up, but Cody puts him in the corner to CHOP!
Cody swings, Melo dodges and CHOPS! Cody turns things around to CHOP! The fans rally, Cody whips corner to corner, then he back drops Melo away! Melo staggers up, Cody runs, and he rallies on Melo with forearms! Cody goes up and over in a corner but Melo tilt-o-whirls, LA MYSTICA! Melo springboards, FADE AWAY! Cover, TWO! Cody survives that flying DDT, but we see the NXT roster all fired up watching Melo take it to the champ. Melo sits Cody up, drags him into a facelock, but the fans rally for Cody. Cody fireman’s carries but Melo slips free to dragon sleeper! Melo grins, but Cody cradles! TWO!!
Melo swings, Cody boots, then Cody springboards to BEAUTIFUL DISASTER! Melo flips inside-out, Cody covers, TWO! Melo is still in this and he snarls up at Cody. Melo gives a forearm, Cody gives it back, and the fans rally up. Cody scoops Melo, storms around, and then hits a RUNNING POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Melo survives and Cody grows frustrated. Cody pounds the mat, the fans rally up, and then Cody goes to ropes. Cody springboards again, CODY CUTTER! Cover, TWO!! Melo survives yet again, proving why he’s a former NXT Champion, on top of NXT North American Champion! But then Cody drags him up!
Cody back suplexes, Melo lands out of it, then FIRST 48! Doe goes Cody and Melo goes up! Melo is setting up for the game winner! NOTHING BUT- NO, Cody avoids the flying leg drop! Melo rolls through, Cody dodges to SUPERKICK! Cody brings Melo around, but Melo gets free! They both run, both springboard, but completely miss each other, and Cody takes a rough landing! Melo drags Cody up, reels him in, but Cody wrenches out to dragon sleeper! CROSS RHODES!! Cody shakes out the bad arm but still makes the cover, and Cody wins!
Winner: Cody Rhodes, by pinfall
Melo took his shot but it was blocked! Even so, Cody sits Melo up to show him respect and tell him he’s still the future. But did this match end up more of a trap game for Cody after that crash landing? Or will he be alright in time for Backlash and his phenomenal opponent?
Speaking of, Styles sneaks right into the ring! Cody sees him in time and Styles stays back. Cody and Styles stare down, but Styles says it was that close. Styles offers a handshake, and Cody takes it. There’s still respect here, for now. But will nothing stop Styles from turning Cody’s story into a tragedy after all?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown to open the WWE Draft but to also set up Backlash. To recap, SmackDown took Bianca, Melo, Orton, Nia, LA Knight, The Bloodline, Styles and Andrade while Raw took Jey, Rollins, Bron, Liv, Ricochet, Sheamus, The Alpha Academy, and Kiana. Many of those choices made sense, as picks won’t be wasted on keeping champions on brands, and just need to be used to keep most stories alive and change up a few others. Kiana is perhaps one of the more surprising moves, but well-deserved. She has been a solid character and solid in-ring performer almost from the start, she’s a solid addition to Raw.
Bron of course demolished his opponent tonight, it’s just a shame it was Cedric and not local enhancement talent. But Bron will also be a good addition to Raw, but maybe he can move past his squash match phase and get right to story. Melo being a first round pick was great stuff, and he had a great promo with Cody to give us tonight’s main event. That double springboard whiff was definitely a timing problem, but at the same time, a Fade Away countered into a Cody Cutter would’ve been way too epic just for TV. Cody with a great win, and we got a really good contract signing segment, but you can bet Cody retains.
Really good tag match from LWO VS Legado but naturally Rey & Dragon won. I knew it was only a matter of time before Carlito was outed, and how he handled being exposed was pretty good. And with Andrade being drafted to SmackDown, you just know that means Andrade joins the LWO. The Final Testament attacking New Catch Republic was a wild moment, I almost thought Ellering was going to use the pliers in his hands to grab at fingers. Maybe we get that next week for SmackDown in France. Good promos from A-Town Down Under and the still technically unnamed faction of Bobby Lashley’s. As great as The Profits are, it feels like Theory & Waller will cheat to retain.
Really good promo with Tiff and Bayley to set up Naomi VS Tiff round 3, but I did not think Nia Jax would disrupt all that. A Triple Threat at Backlash is good stuff, it will protect Bayley if she loses, but can also protect Naomi and Tiff if Bayley uses them against each other to win. Good promo from Bianca that then turned into the shouting match of Bianca & Jade with Kabuki Warriors. Their tag title match is official, and I’m pretty sure Bianca & Jade win. I also liked that this segment ended up having Kevin and Tama brawl right through it. Orton saving Kevin was a great move, RKKO VS Solo & Tama is going to be awesome stuff, I can’t wait to see it.
My Score: 8.8/10
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 4.25.2024
We just got done with Rebellion, and Under Siege is two weeks away! Gotta see how these dots connect!
Rebellion had quite a few returns, Mike Santana, Sami Callihan and Broken Matt Hardy. All three of these guys could easily be main event players, and its nice to mix up and expand what felt like a rather small pool of potential challengers.
Under Siege is only like 2 weeks out, so we’ll see how the dots connect in such a short period of time.
.@AJFrancis410, Rich Swann, and rap legend @BunBTrillOG are IN THE HOUSE Meanwhile, @joehendry announces he will deliver an apology to Fir$t Cla$$ NEXT WEEK on #TNAiMPACT! pic.twitter.com/4GNe2xWfyU
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024
Ratings:
- Mike Santana vs Myron Reed w/Trey Miguel & Zachary Wentz: Santana wins via Spin the Block – ** 1/2
- #1 Contender: Frankie Kazarian vs Josh Alexander: Josh wins via Grapevine Ankle Lock – ***
- ASH by Elegance vs Xia Brookside: Xia wins via School Girl Roll-Up – ** 3/4
- Sami Callihan vs The Good Hands: Sami Callihan wins via Cactus Driver ’97 – SQUASH
- Eddie Edwards w/Alisha Edwards & Brian Myers vs Nic Nemeth: Eddie wins via Boston Knee Party – *** 1/4
Results:
Did @NicTNemeth say BROKEN? @MATTHARDYBRAND has arrived in the iMPACT Zone! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/HbkUangt6e
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024
A weird opening that is just framed to put Nemeth and Hardy together against The System. Feels a little awkward, but who knows how it will play out.Â
.@JordynneGrace vs @miyu_tjp NEXT WEEK on #TNAiMPACT will now be for the Knockouts World Championship! pic.twitter.com/YnKZjb9yjx
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024
Mike Santana vs Myron Reed w/Trey Miguel & Zachary Wentz
Ahh I didn’t really pay attention to Santana’s theme at Rebellion, but its pretty damn cool. Good stuff.Â
Rascalz blindside Santana early, but the heel advantage doesn’t last more than a few moves. Santana whips Myron from corner to corner, hits a few Hip Attacks before Myron finally dodges one and starts using his unique offense and agility to his advantage. Matrix dodge, into an Leaping Outside Back in Slingshot Codebreaker. Some more offense and Santana powders to the ramp, Myron jumps over the rope and tries a Flying Cutter, but Santana blocks it, turns things around, gets pushed forward and hits the Rolling Cutter. Santana takes out the Rascalz, heads back into the ring, Myron tries to catch him unawares but eats the Spin the Block off the rope run! Santana wins fairly quickly.
Maclin’s music hits, he tries to employ the help of The Rascalz to attack Santana, but as soon as Maclin positions himself to get in, The Rascalz bail and flip off Maclin. Maclin makes it out of the confrontation relatively unscathed, but at least we know where he’s going for Under Siege probably.
OH FUCK ME WITH RUSTY KNIVES. Because Cardona is hurt Kon is paired with SDL, and she just challenges Jordynne and PCO to a tag match. WHY!? STOP IT. This is hot garbage.Â
Josh Alexander comes out…I wonder who’s Super Finisher he’s gonna conveniently kick out this time? Brian Myers? Frankie Kazarian? Rich Swann? Because yes, I’m still annoyed that Hammerstone has been in TNA for half a sandwich, he already connects with a Super version of his finish on tacks, and that’s not a finish. Oh Kaz’s music hits. Okay, so time for Josh to kick out of Fade to Black or Flux Capacitor. Kaz talks smack, says he won his match too so he should have a say in who’s number one contender. Josh challenges him, Kaz says not right now, but a referee runs out and says the match is official.Â
#1 Contender: Frankie Kazarian vs Josh Alexander
Kaz throws his jacket on Josh’s head, and attacks him with some strikes before Josh fights back and throws Kaz out. Commercial break, we see Kaz misses his Apron Guillotine, Josh goes for the Low Crossbody but Kaz dodges and Josh goes flying. Kaz starts throwing some chops and claws at the cauliflowered ears of Josh. Russian Leg Sweep from Kaz for a near fall. Josh swings wildly and Kaz ducks the strike and levels Josh with a Lariat.
Josh blocks a Vertical Suplex attempt, but Frankie pulls off a Fisherman’s Suplex after a few overhead strikes for a near fall. Josh stands up and connects with a straight right, rocks Kaz, Back Body Drop, into a Charging Forearm, Rolling Senton, 2 count! C4 Spike attempt countered into a Back Stabber and then Chicken Wing, but Josh fights it off, rolls through and into an Ankle Lock, Kaz kicks off and into a Head and Arm Cradle for a near fall and then the Guillotine Leg Drop into Slingshot DDT spot from Kaz for another 2 count!
Fade to Black, but its fought off, Big Boot but then Kaz counters the next move with a Power Slam into the Springboard Guillotine Leg Drop, but Josh grabs the Ankle Lock! Locomotion German Suplex time from Josh, Halfhatch Suplex after the Germans, floats over for a 2 count! C4 Spike attempt again, but Kaz fights it off, dumps him over the top rope, slingshots him in and into the Cutter for a near fall for Kaz! After the 2 Kaz grabs a chair and chain, the referee stops the chair of course, so he tries the chain, EY runs down and grabs the chain so Kaz pulls the Eddie Guerrero and the referee admonishes EY, but doesn’t DQ Josh. So as Kaz is busy laughing at EY, Josh picks the ankle, Ankle Lock with the Grapevine, Kaz taps.
Tensions are sky-high between @alexhammerstone and @JakeSomething_! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/LLCUJOCy7H
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024
ASH by Elegance vs Xia Brookside
Both are jawing at each other and then throw hands before Xia gets the upper hand with a Headscissors from the Top Turnbuckle, Charging Knees, a Flurry of Kicks, but when the ref forces some space in the corner, ASH is finally able to dodge and work over Xia with her Twisting Body Splash, a few choking moves, a corner Stomp into a Snap Suplex for 2. ASH is in charge elegantly, but the referee keeps forcing space on both of them when they go for corner attacks. Xia manages to take advantage a little, but ASH regains control, kicks Xia up the ramp and then lands her Cartwheel Back Elbow up the ramp. It actually looks pretty cool executed like that.
Headlocks and Hair Pulling to keep Xia down and using energy to kick out. ASH is getting frustrated but Xia is remaining persistent. ASH goes back to the Headlock, but Xia fights up, Jawbreaker, Back Elbow, Kick to the gut and Drop Toe Hold sends ASH face first into the middle buckle. Xia rips off 4 Double Knee Smashes to the back of ASH’s head into her Flying Crossbody for a close 2! Xia pulls her up, but ASH spins out, then Xia slips it, but ASH kicks her in the chest and deposits her to the outside and demands a count from the referee. Iceman puts Jeweled Knuckles/Rings on ASH’s hand, the referee catches her, removes the stuff from her fingers and Xia hits the School Girl Roll-Up for the flash win.
Fraud has thrown the Ballot Box Battle into chaos, but also paved the way for an explosive showdown between @TheTreyMiguel and @The_Ace_Austin NEXT WEEK to determine the #1 Contender for the X Division Championship! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/lYHrtgNrc3
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024
Sami Callihan vs The Good Hands
So the Good Hand Jobs are about to do their job to Sami. I’m just gonna assume Sami beats the hell out of both and wins with a Cactus Driver ’97. If anything interesting happens I might actually cover it, but come on now.
.@SteveMaclin has a proposition for @FrankieKazarian#TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/XY6lMdmSWo
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024
Kaz makes a Metallica reference with the “Wash Your Back So You Won’t Stab Mine”…and Sweet Amber is the only good song on St. Anger. So…I ain’t mad.
Eddie Edwards w/Alisha Edwards & Brian Myers vs Nic Nemeth
A little early ground wrestling and headlocks for control from both men. Nothing super flashy to start until we get to the rope run and Nemeth goes for the Flying Body Press to drop Eddie. Before Nemeth can follow up, Lish grabs his foot. Nic does have his brother Ryan in the crowd, trying to get chants going and do the old school ‘power up the babyface’ thing, but Eddie has been in control since Lish got involved. Simple offense, chokes, strikes, Snap Suplexes, Knee Drops, simple yet effective. But then Eddie ducks his head too early, Nemeth kicks him in the face, bounces his head off the buckles a few times, Dropkick sends Eddie reeling to the corner, Nemeth starts the 10 Count Punches but Myers hits the apron to distract and Eddie manages to slip the situation and push Nemeth to the floor.
Commercial break happens, Nemeth is trying to fight back with Chops, but a Kitchen Sink from Eddie puts Nemeth on the floor again! Clubbing blow from Eddie, but Eddie then misses the Hip Attack in the corner and Nemeth counters with the Rude Awakening into the 10 Count Rain of Elbows. Fame Ass-er miss, Eddie tries something but Nemeth turns it into that hesitation DDT for 2! Tuning up the band starts to build and Eddie powders to avoid it. Nemeth throws Eddie back in, goes to the top, but Eddie crotches him, rises up and hits the Superplex into Tiger Driver for 2! Eddie starts mocking with Tuning Up the band but Nemeth hits his own Superkick into an Olympic Slam for 2!
Both men just trade strikes Fighting Spirit style, Eddie says “Always Trust the System” and Nemeth shuts him up with a Headbutt. Danger Zone is blocked, Boston Knee Party gets ducked, they level each other with Lariats! Myers and Ryan Nemeth start fighting to distract the referee, Moose hits the ring and hits Nemeth with the belt. Eddie lands Boston Knee Party and The System wins again!
Overall Score: 6/10
A lame opening segment, a squash match, ASH by Elegance getting her first loss, and a weird way of just pulling the number one contender out of mid air makes for an awkward show. Also Kon still be involved in, literally anything, is negative. However, I can say there was a ton of stuff thrown at the wall this episode, so there’s a chance that some things landed better with other people than myself. The ballot segments were amusing, they overused the “I need to talk to you Santino” gimmick a bit much and personally I feel like having Jake versus Hammerstone is booking yourself into a weird corner.
But hey, the main event was fun, Nemeth getting laid out to the point that there could be a story reason to take him out of the Under Siege match. Kaz with the Metallica reference was pop worthy and I guess its a lot of ‘let’s see where it goes’ kind of angle creation. So it wasn’t complete trash, but its definitely a wait and see episode.
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