Coverage
Mitchell’s NXT TakeOver: Portland Results & Report! (2/16/20)
There’s gold in Stumptown!
Portland is draped in NXT gold!
NXT takes over Portland and yells, “TIMBER!” But who will be cut down and who will raise up the brand’s banner in Stumptown?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- NXT North American Championship: Keith Lee VS Dominik Dijakovic; Lee wins and retains the NXT North American Championship.
- Street Fight: Dakota Kai VS Tegan Nox; Kai wins.
- Finn Balor VS Johnny Gargano; Balor wins.
- NXT Women’s Championships: Rhea Ripley VS Bianca Belair; Ripley wins and retains the NXT Women’s Championship.
- NXT Tag Team Championships: The Undisputed Era VS The Broserweights; The Broserweights win and become the NXT Tag Team Champions.
- NXT Championship: Adam Cole VS Tommaso Ciampa; Cole wins and retains the NXT Championship.
PLAY BY PLAY
It’s the NXT TakeOver Kickoff Show!
Join Charly Caruso, Sam Roberts and NXT’s Mansoor as they discuss and predict all the action on tonight’s card! Portland loves Mansoor way more than Roberts, it seems.
The Broserweights arrive in Portland, bro!
Pete Dunne, Matt Riddle and the Dusty Cup still need to get to the arena, though. And somehow, the Broserweight Mobile is here?! How!? Creative liberty. What? Time to win those NXT Tag Team Championships! Will Riddle & Dunne ride off into the sunset with those titles?
NXT gives formal introductions to Nigel McGuinness, Beth Phoenix and Mauro Ranallo!
The trio that has become the staple of NXT commentary are here in Portland and the fans are fired up! Get ready for all the “MAMMA MIA” and pop culture references!
NXT presents:
“It is not the critic who counts.” Not the one who points out how the strong stumbles or how the doer of deeds could’ve done them better. The credit goes to those in the arena. “Whose face is marred by dust, and sweat and blood.” The one who comes up short again and again, who at the end, either knows high achievement, or having failed, dared fail greatly. The timid souls who neither know victory or defeat do not matter here. For this is N! X! T!!
Poppy performs for the NXT Universe!
It is a special medley of Fill the Crown to Anything Like Me.
NXT North American Championship: Keith Lee VS Dominik Dijakovic!
It is a colossally limitless title match to open the night! This is just the newest chapter in a storied feud that is larger than life! Calling this anything less than “epic” is a disservice, but who will be the one writing their own heroic happy ending tonight?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised and this newest rematch begins!
Fans sing “Oh~ Bask In His Glory~!” as Lee and Dijakovic circle. The two titans stare down as fans fire up. Fans change to chants as the two men tie up. Lee wristlocks but Dijakovic chinbars to a headlock. Dijakovic grinds on the hold but Lee powers out. Lee follows then rolls to step and go perpendicular. Dijakovic avoids a Pounce but Lee deflects the discus boot. Lee sends Dijakovic to a corner but Dijakovic goes up and over, only to get caught! Lee carries Dijakovic but Dijakovic slips out and shoves. Dijakovic clotheslines but Lee runs through it! Lee comes back to go UP and HURICANRANA! Fans are fired up from Lee defying physics and physical attributes!
Dijakovic shakes his head then swings, but Lee blocks. Lee tries Grizzly Magnum but Dijakovic dodges. Dijakovic ducks Lee’s leaping heel kick and runs, but the two collide. Neither budges so Dijakovic tries again. Still nothing, so they both go! They both ram shoulders but neither behemoth falls! Portland is fired up as the two stare down. Dijakovic swings a chop but Lee blocks the hand. Dijakovic tries from the other side but Lee blocks that, too. Lee wristlocks and then lifts Dijakovic with one arm! The Straight Arm Lever was never so massive! Lee lets Dijakovic down but Dijakovic CHOPS! It doesn’t bug Lee! Lee wrenches and whips to leap over Dijakovic! Dijakovic comes back with the Cyclone Kick!
Lee bails out, Dijakovic builds speed, COLOSSAL FOSBURY, GETS CAUGHT!? Lee drags Dijakovic up for, but Dijakovic slips out of the bomb! Dijakovic clubs Lee then whips, but Lee keeps from hitting the post. Lee swings on Dijakovic but Dijakovic wrenches and kicks back. The ring count climbs as Dijakovic kicks and elbows! “TIME TO FLY!”Dijakovic throws Lee at the APRON! Lee crashes ‘n’ burns and Portland is stunned! Dijakovic drags Lee up and into the ring as fans rally and duel. Dijakovic stomps Lee to a corner. He clubs and elbows Lee down, but Lee gets up. Dijakovic says the title’s coming home with him, and he throws more clubbing forearms.
Fans rally up as Lee keeps off the mat, even as Dijakovic clubs and stomps him more. Dijakovic ROCKS Lee with a right, then drags him up. Dijakovic CLUBS Lee against the ropes, then reels him in. But Lee won’t let Dijakovic throw him again! Lee powers up to turn things around on Dijakovic! Lee throws big clubbing lefts and Dijakovic wobbles. Dijakovic swings but Lee ROCKS him! And again! Lee runs, stops a clothesline to give body shots and elbows, then a backbreaker to GERMAN SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Lee keeps his cool as the Colossus lives. Lee brings Dijakovic up and fans rally as he fireman’s carries. Dijakovic fights out and gets to a corner.
Dijakovic BOOTS Lee but Lee corner splashes back! Lee wrenches and whips Dijakovic corner to corner. Dijakovic CYCLONE KICKS again! Dijakovic steps on Lee to get to the corner. He climbs up top, to CORKSCREW MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO!! An incredible feat of athleticism but it still wasn’t enough! Fans are fired up for “NXT! NXT!” as Dijakovic drags Lee back up. Dijakovic wants to fireman’s carry but Lee fights out. Lee elbows Dijakovic back then throws big hands. Dijakovic blocks with a boot to ELBOW! Lee ELBOWS back! Lee and Dijakovic club each other with clotheslines. Dijakovic throws elbows, knees, and discus! Lee stays up, and even powers up!
Lee clubs Dijakovic, both men fire up, and double clotheslines collide! What a solid impact! Both men fall to their knees, and lean on each other as they stand back up. Dijakovic throws an elbow but Lee blocks it! Lee throws the Magnum but Dijakovic blocks! Dijakovic knees low, knee smashes, then LARIATS Lee down!! Lee ends up under the bottom rope, but Dijakovic hurries over. Dijakovic drags Lee up and goes to bump him on buckles, but Lee blocks. Lee bumps Dijakovic back, then climbs up top. Dijakovic throws body shots and bumps Lee off the buckle over and over and over! Dijakovic climbs up and brings Lee up with a fireman’s carry. Portland is on its feet as Dijakovic hits a SUPER DEATH VALLEY DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!?! Lee lives and Portland is thunderous for “NXT! NXT!”
“This is Awesome!” and far from over as Dijakovic and Lee stand again. Dijakovic throws elbows from all sides, then big clubbing forearms in the corner. Dijakovic runs corner to corner, but Lee POUNCES back!! Lee sends Dijakovic hard into buckles and Portland loses their mind! Dijakovic flops out of the ring and Lee pursues. Lee staggers over as Dijakovic reaches the announce desks. The ring count climbs as Lee brings Dijakovic up to ROCK him with that left! Dijakovic falls against railings as Lee clears out space. Lee brings Dijakovic up to Grizzly Magnum CHOP! Fans want “One More Time!” as Lee stalks after Dijakovic. Lee sits Dijakovic in the arm chair to CHOP again!
Dijakovic hobbles back to the ring but Lee drags him out. Dijakovic throws big forearms and he sits Lee down in that same arm chair. But Lee CHOPS him back! Dijakovic SUPERKICKS Lee! Dijakovic gets in the ring, to SPRINGBOARD SWANTON ONTO THE CHAIR!! Lee and Dijakovic wipe out and Portland loses its mind all over again! Dijakovic drags himself from the wreckage as fans take care of shouting “MAMMA MIA!” for Mauro. Things end up back in the ring but Dijakovic wants to end this with one more move. Lee slowly rises, Dijakovic reaches, but ends up in a fireman’s carry! Dijakovic fights with elbows, but Lee holds on! BIG BANG- NO! SUPERKICK!
Choke grip, but Lee denies the bomb! Lee powers Dijakovic off to grab him for a CHOKE- No, Dijakovic slips out! CHOKE BO- Lee flips and lands on his feet!? Lee pops Dijakovic up, SPIRIT BOMB!! But Dijakovick pops up to his feet?!? Even Lee can’t believe it! Lee ducks the knee to roll Diajkovic up, TWO! Dead lift, SPIRIT BOMB!!! Cover, TWO!?!? The Limitless One cannot believe this, and neither can the NXT Universe! Both men are down as Portland reaches a fever pitch! Lee rises up as fans hope he and Dijakovic “Fight Forever!” Lee drags Dijakovic to a corner and to his feet. This continues going up as Lee sits on the top rope. Dijakovic dumps Lee out!
Lee manages to sit up as the ring count begins. Lee climbs back up, and Dijakovic meets him at the corner. Dijakovic grabs Lee but Lee hits first. Lee climbs again but Dijakovic anchors his feet. Lee clubs Dijakovic but Dijakovic BOOTS Lee! Dijakovic climbs up again and brings Lee up. SUPER SPANISH FLY!! Cover, TWO!!! Dijakovic won’t let up, he drags Lee up and manages a torture rack! But not for long, so Dijakovic has to try again. Dijakovic’s back gives out, but Lee fireman’s carries for BIG BANG CATASTROPHE! Cover, Lee wins!!
Winner: Keith Lee, by pinfall (still NXT North American Champion)
“Epic” truly DOESN’T cover what we just saw! This match was truly worthy of this rivalry and of this championship! Will Lee only rise to new heights as he continues his limitless reign?
But what makes this match even greater is that there is still respect between “Both These Guys!” Lee helps Dijakovic up to his feet, and the two hug! Will there be yet another chapter written in the epic epic that is Lee VS Dijakovic?
Street Fight: Dakota Kai VS Tegan Nox!
A friendship that survived both women going through knee surgeries and rehab was ended by a WarGames betrayal. That betrayal turned friends into enemies, and now that grudge could end tonight! Who wins the Team Kick Civil War when the rule book is kicked out the window?
But before the match even begins, Dakota attacks Tegan at the ramp! Dakota clubs Tegan then brings her to railing. Tegan blocks the railing bump to give it to Dakota! Tegan moves railing aside and stalks Dakota up the aisel, clubbing her as they go. Dakota tries to get back to ringside, but Tegan SPEARS her through! Tegan fireman’s carries but Dakota spins around to DDT Tegan on the railing! Dakota puts Tegan in the ring and this match finally begins! Cover, TWO!! Dakota keeps her focus as she searches under the ring. Fans fire up as Dakota brings out trash can lids and chairs! And don’t forget the trash cans themselves.
Dakota drags Tegan out to throw into steel steps first! And then sets her on them to BOOT! Dakota traps Tegan’s leg between steps and ring post, and then searches under the ring again. And she brings out… a cricket bat?! Dakota swings, Tegan ducks, the wood paddle-bat smashes post and BREAKS! The recoil hurts Dakota’s hands, and Tegan frees herself to CROSSBODY! Both women crash down but Tegan gets up first. Tegan stomps Dakota against the steel steps and then fetches one of the trash cans. Tegan brings the can over to put on top of Dakota! And then CANNONBALLS into it! A double-edged senton for Tegan but she still gets up to drag Dakota into the ring. Tegan covers, TWO!
Tegan hurries to fetch something else from under the ring, and brings out a TABLE! Portland loves those! Tegan sets the table up on the outside and then goes after Dakota. She drags Dakota up and wants to suplex her out! But Dakota holds on and fights back, and hotshots Tegan down. Dakota fetches a trash can lid but Tegan runs over. Dakota dodges to pop Tegan up and SMACK her with the lid! Tegan slumps over on the apron and Dakota pushes her in. Dakota stomps Tegan and even stands on her chest! Fans boo but Tegan pushes the foot away from her throat. Dakota puts Tegan between ropes and throws big forearms. Tegan teeters, Dakota goes Around the World, but Tegan dodges the boot! Dakota gets hung up and Tegan SUPERKICKS! And SUPERKICKS! And SUPERKICKS!
Dakota flounders away but Tegan pursues with another trash can. Tegan smacks and SMASHES the can off Dakota, then brings Dakota over. German Suplex ON the trash can!! Cover, TWO!! Dakota lives and Tegan can’t believe it! Tegan gets herself to a corner to runs out, but her Shiniest Wizard misses! Dakota hops on for the KAI-ROPRACTOR! Cover, TWO!! Tegan survives and Dakota is furious. Tegan crawls to an apron but Dakota climbs up top. Dakota leaps but into Tegan’s grip! Dakota breaks free to Scorpion Kick! She boots Tegan and then runs, but the Penalty Kick is blocked! Tegan sweeps the legs and Dakota crashes on the apron! Tegan climbs back up and fans rally.
Dakota BOOTS Tegan on the top rope! Dakota climbs up to join Tegan but Tegan resists the superplex. So Dakota clubs away viciously from all sides! Tegan choke grips again! For a SUPER CHOKE SLAM! Dakota flounders back up, Tegan hits a MOLLY-GO-ROUND! Cover, TWO!! Not even a double shout out to WWE’s superheroes could end this! Fans rally and duel as Tegan grabs a chair and sits it up. Dakota slowly sits up and Tegan remembers the days when they were friends. And then she puts Dakota through the chair, to kick! But Dakota gets clear, and then SUPERKICKS back!
Dakota grabs the chair, tosses it to Tegan, to BOOT it into Tegan’s face! Tegan flounders about and bails out of the ring, but Dakota shows no mercy. Dakota checks under the ring before throwing Tegan into a post. Dakota brings out duct tape and uses it to strap Tegan to the bottom buckle’s crossbar! Tegan works on the tape but Dakota BOOTS her first! Tegan stays up because of her trapped arm, so Dakota BOOTS her again! The tape rips! Dakota drags Tegan back up and shouts, “You asked for this, Tegan!” Dakota grabs the timekeeper’s laptop, because apparently he has one, and aims at Tegan! Tegan kicks Dakota first! Tegan grabs the laptop to SMACK the braced knee!!
Dakota writhes in pain but Tegan drags out CHAINS! Tegan brings the chains in to LASH the bad leg! Tegan fashions a brass knuckles with the chain to punch away at the knee! Fans are shocked as Tegan claws at Dakota’s heavy knee brace! Dakota kicks Tegan away but Tegan grabs a chair. Tegan puts the chair around the leg and STOMPS! SHINIEST WIZARD!! Dakota is out and Tegan realizes just what she did. “I’m not done yet! I’m ending you!” Tegan goes back out to grab the table! Tegan brings the table into the ring and sets it back up. She stomps Dakota over and over before putting her on the table.
Tegan grabs a chair and puts it around Dakota’s HEAD?! Fans are really worried now as Tegan climbs up. But who is that attacking Tegan!? Is that Raquel Gonzales?! Gonzales shoves Dakota off the table to then climb up after Tegan. The Daughter of the Desperado SUPER CHOKE SLAMS Tegan through the table!! The table doesn’t even break, it’s legs just give out! Dakota covers, Dakota wins!
Winner: Dakota Kai, by pinfall
Captain Kick has no idea what this was about, but Gonzales is glaring at Tegan. Gonzales offers Dakota a hand, and Dakota accepts it. Is Gonzales the new teammate of #CapKota?
NXT has big news for NXT UK!
For the first time ever, there will be NXT UK TakeOver: DUBLIN! Sunday, April 26th, 2020, the NXT family makes history again!
Finn Balor VS Johnny Gargano!
It was less than two weeks ago that Johnny Wrestling told the Prince that he’d take the NXT banner and stab it through his heart. The Prince’s response: he has no heart. But in a battle of Rebel Heart and heartless Rock ‘n’ Rolla, who wins the soul of this brand?
The bell rings and fans are excited to see “Both These Guys!” Gargano and Balor stare down as fans start dueling. Balor and Gargano circle and approach. They tie up, Balor waistlocks and throws Gargano down. Gargano gets up with a grin and the two circle again. They tie up again, Balor wristlocks but Gargano blocks with a chinbar. Balor powers through to wrench and armlock but Gargano rolls him, ONE. Fans cheer the technical exchange as the two men circle again. Gargano and Balor feel out the double knuckle locks, and Gargano wrenches one to a keylock. Gargano gets Balor on the mat but Balor headscissors back.
Fans cheer as Gargano works on an escape, using legs to pick the hold and get a headlock back. Balor powers up but Gargano headlock takeovers. Balor headscissors and holds tight this time. Gargano works to get his own headscissor counter but Balor cranks up for leverage. Balor even does push-ups just to show off! Fans cheer as Balor cranks harder. Gargano works on the hold again, kips out and then dropkicks Balor down! Gargano headlocks to a takeover again. Balor pushes at Gargano’s face, works his way around to roll Gargano, ONE. The two stand as fans rally again. Balor throws hands, powers out but Gargano goes up and over and arm-drags back!
Gargano dropkicks Balor again, and has him on the ropes. Gargano whips, Balor reverses but Gargano sunset flips. Balor rolls through but Gargano is ready and he kangaroo kicks Balor! Gargano school boy KICKS Balor down! Fans cheer as Gargano looms over Balor. Gargano drags Balor up to wrench and roll him, then splash down on the arm. Fans duel again as Gargano wrenches Balor. Balor knees and clubs Gargano then whips, to elbow Gargano down! Cover, ONE, but Balor keeps his focus. Gargano gets to a corner but Balor throws body shots. Gargano pie faces Balor so Balor CHOPS him back! Balor stalks Gargano to another corner and rams his shoulder in.
Balor CHOPS Gargano again and follows him to a third corner. Fans want “One More Time!” but Balor throws those forearms first. Balor whips Gargano corner to corner for a running CHOP! And then back the other way for a CHOP! Balor whips a third time but Gargano boots back! Gargano CHOPS back, too! Gargano fires off more CHOPS and stalks Balor to a corner. Now Gargano throws haymakers and stomps! The ref backs Gargano off and Balor gets to his feet. Gargano runs in but Balor hops out. Gargano ducks the retaliation, then joins Balor on the apron to SPEAR him down! Fans are fired up as both men hit the floor!
Gargano is up first and he drags Balor up. Gargano throws Balor hard into railing, and then CHOPS him in front of the fans! The count reaches 6 but Gargano puts Balor in. Balor bails out so Gargano pursues around the corner. Gargano runs in, but into a SLINGBLADE! Balor won’t let Gargano copy his John Woo shotgun dropkick. Balor KNEES Gargano down then puts him in the ring. He drives elbows into Gargano’s shoulder over and over, then locks him into a grounded cobra twist. Balor grinds his forearm on Gargano’s face like a saw, but lets go at the ref’s reprimand. Balor runs to basement dropkick Gargano in the back! Cover, TWO!
Balor snapmares Gargano then rams in the elbow again. Balor has Gargano with a modified cobra clutch but fans rally up. Gargano fights up and works on the hold but Balor wrangles Gargano down. Fans continue to rally as Gargano works on the hold. The dueling returns as Gargano fights his way up and elbows free. Gargano hits an arm-breaker DDT! Gargano keeps on that arm with a wrench and shoulder breaker! Balor clutches his arm but Gargano is after it with a chicken wing. Gargano grabs the other arm, modified backslide, TWO! Balor scrambles to a corner but Gargano is on him again. Gargano yanks the arm against the ropes, then runs in. Balor puts Gargano on the apron, blocks the enziguri, and hits a draping dragon screw!
Gargano flops into the ring, clutching the leg, but Balor SWEEPS the leg! Fans rally up as Balor drags Gargano around to clamp on with a toehold. Gargano resists, grabbing at Balor wherever he can. Balor cranks harder but Gargano kicks and hooks Balor to an armbar! Balor resists, rolls up, TWO! Gargano crawls but Balor STOMPS him down! Balor drags Gargano up to bounce off buckles and wrap the bad leg on the ropes. Fans rally again as Balor takes aim. Balor double guns but Gargano throws forearms! Balor drapes the leg to STOMP the knee! “You know who you’re in here with?” Balor stomps the leg more, then presses it on the ropes.
The ref reprimands but Balor keeps on the bad foot, using a springboard sit-down to go after the ankle. Balor does it again, but then Gargano pushes him up over the top! Balor gets back in, Gargano small packages, TWO! Gargano school boys but the kick is blocked! Balor stomps the knee, laces the legs and has a Deathlock! Balor even adds a monkey grip to pull on the bad knee! Gargano falls to his shoulders, that’s a cover, ONE! And again, ONE! Gargano stays off the mat but Balor wrenches the hold. Gargano CHOPS Balor over and over as the fans rally and duel. Balor lets go of the hold and Gargano crawls to a corner. Balor has the leg again but Gargano enziguris!
Gargano counters a punch to spin Balor around, backbreaker and gourd buster! BUZZSAW and LARIAT! Gargano hobbles up as Balor bails out. Gargano builds speed to DIVE! But into Balor’s arms! Balor lifts but no 1916 as Gargano RAMS him into steel steps! Gargano gets back on the apron, gets his leg moving again, and takes aim. Gargano CANNONBALLS! The senton is double-edged with that hard landing! Balor is up first but Gargano follows. Gargano stalks Balor and puts him in the ring. Gargano slingshots and SPEARS Balor down! Cover, TWO!! Gargano keeps his cool as he stalks Balor to a corner. Gargano stomps a mudhole into Balor but the ref pulls him back.
Fans are divided as Gargano stands Balor up. Gargano CHOPS Balor then sets him up top. Gargano brings Balor onto his shoulder, but no Long Dart! Balor has the dragon sleeper but Gargano escapes to run. Gargano tilt-o-whirls but Balor blocks the takedown to dragon sleeper, elbow drop DDT! Cover, TWO! Balor grits his teeth and clutches his arm as he gets to his feet. Gargano rolls to ropes as fans rally and duel again. Balor stomps Gargano at the ropes, then uses springboard stomps over and over! The ref pulls Balor off as Gargano flops out of the ring. Balor runs but his wercking ball dropkick misses! Gargano SUPERKICKS Balor back!
Gargano puts Balor in, takes aim from the ropes, and slingshots, but Balor blocks the DDT! Balor shifts, but Gargano scoops! LONG DART! Balor staggers up to BOOT, Gargano ENZIGURIS, Balor PELES! But Gargano falls on Balor for the cover! TWO!! Portland is fired up for “NXT! NXT!” as both men are down. Gargano stirs first and flounders to ropes. Gargano is on the apron as Balor rises. Fans still duel as Balor heads over, but Gargano counter punches! The two brawl with the ropes between them! They BOTH enziguri! Gargano wobbles but slingshots, into Balor’s grip! Balor knees and kicks Gargano, then goes up top! But Gargano dodges the stomps to slingshot DDT!! Cover, TWO!! “This is Awesome!” and far from over!
Gargano and Balor both get up on opposite ends. Fans fire up again as the two stare down. Balor and Gargano fire up and rush at each other! Gargano dodges, Balor dodges, and then Gargano clips Balor to throw forearms and a DISCUS! Gargano gets to a corner and fans fire up with him. DIY powers activate, but Balor SLINGBLADES! Balor aims now, double gun and SUPERKICK from Gargano! Gargano tries again, but gets another SLINGBLADE! JOHN WOO SHOTGUN!! Balor heads up top and leaps, but no Coup de Grace! Gargano comes back around, GargaNO ESCAPE!!
Balor endures and he drags himself around, but Gargano rolls him away!! Balor tires again, and gets free to DOUBLE STOMP! He drags Gargano up, but still no 1916 as Gargano gets the GargaNo Escape back! Balor is fading but he finds a second wind to get the ROPEBREAK! Gargano lets go and Balor gets out of the ring. Fans hope these two “Fight Forever!” just like Lee and Dijakovic. But just as that match came to an end, so must this one. Balor staggers and sputters, but Gargano uses the double guns. Gargano runs in, JOHN WOO DROPKICK! Balor gets blasted into barriers now!
Fans are divided as Gargano drags Balor up. Gargano sees the announce table, and pushes Balor aside to clear it off! But Balor uses a gourd buster to SLAM Gargano on it first! Balor watches Gargano writhe, and he goes to the other announce desk. Balor climbs up and Gargano stands, for Balor to SUPER JOHN WOO!! Gargano hits barriers and Portland is thunderous for “NXT! NXT!” Balor drags Gargano back into the ring and heads up top, for the COUP DE GRACE!!! But Balor isn’t done there! Balor double guns before he drags Gargano up. 1 9 1 6!! Cover, Balor wins!!
Winner: Finn Balor, by pinfall
Johnny Wrestling came at the Prince, and though he didn’t miss, he didn’t take Balor down, either. Balor grabs Gargano by the jaw to make sure he understands that the banner of NXT still belongs to the Prince! Will everything else in NXT soon belong to Balor, too?
Cathy Kelley interviews the Undisputed Era.
Tonight is a huge night for the faction, but Roderick Strong prepares for a rematch with Velveteen Dream this Wednesday. Strong says Dream is going to be “a dead man” on NXT TV, but that is not tonight. Tonight, “the baddest team on God’s green shows the Loserweights why they are who they are!” And then Adam Cole finally finishes delusional Ciampa and proves why he is the greatest of all time! Cole says now Cathy can go. Cathy leaves, but will the Undisputed Era leave with the gold they came in with?
NXT Women’s Championships: Rhea Ripley VS Bianca Belair!
The Mosh Pit Kid became the inaugural NXT UK Women’s Champion, and then she became an Aussie Nightmare for every woman on NXT Prime. Rhea is the first-ever woman to have held both titles in a career, but will The EST make sure this stops right here? Or will Rhea rip her way all the way down the Road to WrestleMania?
Rhea and Bianca circle and tie up. The two are in a deadlock on power, so the two break. Bianca and Rhea circle again and give it another go. Rhea wrenches to a wristlock but Bianca pie faces. Rhea yanks on the arm and drags Bianca down. “You wanna wash my face, huh?!” Bianca pulls Rhea’s hair and stomps her foot to reverse the wrench. Rhea shoulders out! Bianca waistlocks and slams Rhea down! Bianca holds on but Rhea powers her to a corner. The ref calls for the break but Rhea tries an elbow. Bianca dodges that to pie face Rhea more. The ref backs Bianca off, Bianca whips Rhea but Rhea reverses. Bianca goes up and over and handsprings, only to run into boots!
Rhea ducks Bianca’s return to LARIAT Bianca down! And again! Rhea spins, shoves and dropkicks Bianca into a corner! Rhea stomps Bianca in the corner then CHOPS! Bianca is stinging as she goes to another corner. Rhea is on her again with another CHOP! Bianca flounders away to a third corner, but Rhea is on her again. Rhea swings, Bianca ducks, but Rhea CHOPS on the other side! Rhea grabs at Bianca but Bianca shoves her away. Bianca dodges and catches Rhea’s boots to SLAM Rhea down! Fans rally and duel as Bianca stomps Rhea over and over. Cover, ONE, but Bianca drags Rhea up by her hair. Bianca cravats to neck wrench and thrash Rhea about.
Rhea endures, fights her way back up, and throws body shots. Bianca throws Rhea down then moonsaults! Cover, TWO! Bianca grows frustrated but keeps her focus. Bianca throws Rhea into buckles then suplexes her. Rhea slips out and the two fight for control. Bianca suplexes again and slams Rhea down! Cover, TWO! Bianca jams Rhea down then puts on a full nelson for a modified camel clutch. Fans rally and duel as Rhea claws at the grip. Rhea slips her legs around to get back to a vertical base. Rhea rams Bianca into buckles again and again until she’s free. But Bianca clamps on, so Rhea elbows her away. Bianca grabs her again but Rhea mule kicks free! Then back drops Bianca down! Bianca staggers up, Rhea runs and rallies with clotheslines!
Rhea catches Bianca’s clothesline into a cravat for knee after knee! Rhea snapmares and basement dropkicks Bianca HARD! Bianca gets up but Rhea shovels her into an Electric Chair, FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Bianca survives but Rhea is on her legs with the Inverted Cloverleaf! Bianca flails and reaches but Rhea even slaps and spanks her for added humiliation! But Bianca rolls and kicks away on Rhea! Bianca boots Rhea into a post! Bianca rolls Rhea up, TWO! Rhea gets to her feet but runs into a SPINE BUSTER! High stack cover, TWO! Bianca tries a lateral press, TWO! Bianca calms down and brings Rhea back up. She rams Rhea into a corner and throws in shoulders.
Bianca puts Rhea on the top rope and pie faces her more. Rhea SLAPS Bianca back! Bianca SLAPS Rhea! Rhea SLAPS Bianca again! Bianca SLAPS Rhea again. it is a SLAP fight! Fans fire up as Rhea rocks Bianca, but Bianca hair WHIPS Rhea! The killer braid strikes again, and Bianca drags Rhea up for a military press SLAM! Fans are fired up for the EST as she handsprings and MOONSAULTS, on knees! Rhea pump handles, lifts, but Bianca avoids Riptide to torture rack! Rhea fights out, Bianca side steps and hurdles, but then leaps into a BOOT! Bianca is up to SPEAR Rhea down!! Fans are fired up as both women are down on the mat! Bianca grabs Rhea first and throws forearms, but Rhea gives them back.
Fans are loving this form of “Women’s Wrestling!” as Bianca clubs away from all sides. Bianca whips Rhea, Rhea reverses and swings a kick. Bianca ducks the heel kick but not the ROUNDHOUSE! Rhea runs but into a BIG forearm! Bianca brings Rhea around, chicken wings, but Rhea breaks free. Rhea avoids the hair to roundhouse again! Rhea runs but Bianca THROWS her out! Somehow Rhea lands safely, but Bianca builds speed to FLY! The EST Conjilo wipes both women out!! The referee checks on both women as fans chant “MAMMA MIA!” for Mauro. Somehow they’re both okay so a ring count begins.
Bianca is up first and she throws Rhea at the apron. Rhea stops herself, body shots back, then atomic SLAMS Bianca into steel steps! Rhea drags Bianca up and in, then grits her teeth as she stalks Bianca to ropes. Bianca kicks Rhea away, then dumps her out! Rhea is on her feet and gets back up to counter punch. Rhea bumps Bianca on buckles then heads up top! She drags Bianca up to join her, but Bianca fights back! Bianca clubs Rhea down and has Rhea, but Rhea resists the superplex. Rhea headbutts Bianca back! Then adjusts, to SUPER- No! Bianca holds on to deny the bomb! Bianca hammers Rhea but Rhea bumps her off buckles! Rhea has the pump handle, RIPTIDE!! Cover, Rhea wins!!
Winner: Rhea Ripley, by pinfall (still NXT Women’s Champion)
That was certainly the -EST match either woman has had in their careers! But if Bianca is the strongest and the toughest, then what does that make Rhea?
Wait! Charlotte Flair is here, and she attacks Rhea from behind! The Queen stands tall over the Nightmare and then grabs herself a mic. “So, I thought about it. And I’ll see you at WrestleMania.” Charlotte tosses the mic, and confirms this challenge with a NATURAL SELECTION! We finally know this will really happen, but will Charlotte’s comeback for the NXT Women’s Championship going to be a nightmare?
And just to add insult to injury, Charlotte throws Bianca into steel steps! The Queen makes sure the EST gets payback for that team-up, but is she only setting herself up for the fiercest clap back?
NXT Tag Team Championships: The Undisputed Era VS The Broserweights!
By their powers combined, Matt Riddle & Pete Dunne won the 2020 Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic and earned this opportunity! Will the duo known as reDRagon go up in smoke? Or will these titles stay Undisputed?
Before the match, Riddle has a mic in the BroserMobile. “Bro…” Portland is fired up for the question Riddle has for them: “How much fish could Bobby Fish fry if Bobby Fish could fry fish?” Everyone joins in with what becomes a Bro tongue twister sing-along! And there’s even a gif of Fish as Big Mouth Billy Bass! But the Undisputed Era have already had it with the Bro’s sense of humor, and a brawl breaks out on the ramp! Dunne DECKS Kyle while Riddle throws his hat and flip-flops off.
Things move towards ringside and Fish mule kicks Riddle before bumping him off the apron. Riddle forearms and CHOPS Fish but Kyle KICKS Riddle’s leg out! Dunne CHOPS Fish but Kyle BOOTS Dunne down! The ref tries to restore order and reDRagon puts the Broserweights in the ring. Kyle starts with Riddle and the bell rings, this match is finally underway!
Riddle blocks Kyle’s takedown to elbow and knee back while Fish still clobbers Dunne on the outside. The ref reprimands Fish while Riddle waistlocks. Kyle gets up but Riddle slams him down. Riddle gives Kyle Bro Kicks over and over, but Kyle catches one to kick the leg out again. Tag to Fish but Fish runs into a forearm. Riddle fires palm strikes but Fish forearms and body shots back. Fish knees away on Riddle, but Riddle gut wrench suplexes! Riddle drags Fish up to gut wrench around, and tags in Dunne. Riddle suplexes Fish and then Dunne gives him a boost for the corkscrew senton! Dunne adds a basement dropkick!
Fans fire up as Dunne drags Fish up and tortures an arm. Fish knees low then sucker punches Riddle. Fish headlocks, Dunne powers out, things speed up, and Dunne CLOBBERS Fish! Kyle runs in but Dunne gets his arm! Dunne wrenches to a hammerlock and he STOMPS it down! Kyle bails out but Dunne follows after. Dunne has Fish for an apron X-PLEX! Kyle runs in, Dunne dodges and uses the steps to go up! Kyle gets under the moonsault but gets a roundhouse! Dunne X-Plexes Kyle onto Fish! Fans are fired up as Dunne goes back to Fish in the corner.
Dunne wrenches Fish to a hammerlock and drags him down. Dunne gets the other arm and bends the fingers! Fish endures the torture as Dunne STOMPS! Dunne drags Fish up and whips him to a corner. Fish reverses but Dunne goes up, only for Fish to sweep the legs! Fish drags Dunne over to the Undisputed corner and tags in Kyle. Dunne throws chops but Kyle fires off a strike fest! Kyle sweeps the legs and fans cheer that amazing sequence! Kyle stomps Dunne now then tags Fish. Fish drags Dunne up to throw body shots, then rams knees. Fish whips Dunne but Dunne hits Kyle! Dunne hits Fish but Fish spins around to hit a Samoan Drop!
Tag back to Kyle and Kyle rams his knees into Dunne! Kyle uses palm strikes and fists to keep Dunne down. Dunne grabs a foot for an Ankle Lock! Fish tags in to slingshot atomico! Cover, TWO as Dunne bridges. Fish puts Dunne in the corner to throw body shots and kicks. The ref counts, Kyle tags back in, and Kyle drags Dunne up for big forearms and kicks of his own. Tag back to Fish but Dunne throws hands back! Fish drags Dunne out, but Dunne CHOPS him away! Dunne is up and enziguris Kyle back! Kyle grabs a leg to dragon screw through the ropes! Fish sweeps the legs! Dunne crashes ‘n’ burns to the floor, Fish puts Dunne in. Cover, TWO! Dunne is one fish that Fish hasn’t fired just yet.
Fish tweaks Dunne’s leg but fans are rallying for the Broserweights. Dunne kicks Fish, Fish stomps Dunne to a corner. Fish brings Dunne up to throw forearms, then tags to Kyle. Kyle whips Fish in but Dunne puts him on the apron. Dunne boots Kyle but Fish keeps Dunne in the corner. Kyle runs in, but Dunne gets away and Kyle’s BOOT hits Fish! Dunne hurries, but Kyle anchors his feet. Kyle drags Dunne away but Dunne enziguris! Kyle ducks and Fish gets hit! Hot tag to Riddle! Riddle rallies on Kyle with kicks, and even has kicks for Fish! PELE for Fish! Riddle handsprings and forearms and BROSPLODERS Kyle! Then the same for Fish! BROTON for reDRagon! Penalty Kick for Kyle, and a Fisherman Buster for Fish!
Riddle fireman’s carries, BRO TO SLEEP, GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Kyle survives the bro-ssault but Riddle takes aim. Dunne tags in and Kyle knees Riddle. Kyle guillotines but Riddle powers out. Riddle wristlocks and ripcords, Dunne and Riddle combine for a FINAL FLASH FOREARM SANDWICH! Dunne lifts Kyle, FINAL FLASH POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Kyle survives, proving why he’s the only three-time tag team champion in NXT. Riddle tags in but both Broserweights climb up. Dunne MOONSAULTS onto Fish, while the Floating Bro GETS KNEES! Kyle saves himself but Fish is wiped out! Riddle flounders to the Undisputed corner while Dunne gets to his feet. Dunne aims at Fish, to STOMP the hands! But Fish ducks and the BUZZSAW gets POST!
Kyle runs and forearms Riddle in a corner! He runs again but Riddle dodges to wristlock. No Final Flash, Kyle German Suplexes, but Riddle is up again! Riddle kicks but into another German Suplex! But Riddle is up again!! KNEE TRIGGER! GERMAN SUPLEX! Kyle flounders up to SMASH, but Riddle KNEE TRIGGERS again! Portland is fired up as all four men are down in and out of the ring! Fish drags himself back towards his corner while Riddle gets up. Kyle kicks Riddle away then throws him out. Fish tags in, but Riddle SPEARS! Riddle gets in, and SPEARS Kyle!
Fans fire up as Riddle drags Kyle up, but Fish is the legal one. Fish chop blocks Riddle, Kyle underhooks and Fish lifts the legs. Draping butterfly DDT into a boosted Wheelbarrow German! Cover, TWO!! Riddle survives but reDRagon regroups. Fish tags Kyle and brings Riddle up. But no annihilation as Riddle gets around to waistlock Fish. Kyle saves Fish from Final Flash, so Riddle DOUBLE KNEE TRIGGERS reDRagon! Hot tag to Dunne!! Dunne grabs Kyle in the HOVERBOARD! Kyle fights out and has Dunne in an arm clutch! Dunne fades, Kyle Ax, but Dunne SMASH! Kyle yo-yos, into an enziguri! So he basement yo-yos, into an ARMBAR! Kyle moves around and gets the ANKLE LOCK!
Dunne rolls, to get the ankle lock for himself! Riddle intercepts Fish for a takedown, into an ANKLE LOCK! Double Ankle Locks and Dunne even grapevines! Fish kicks Riddle away, Kyle reverses into a Sharpshooter! Fish gets Riddle with a guillotine, but Riddle powers out to a suplex, only for Fish to get a sleeper hold with body scissors! FINAL FLASH and BROTON, Riddle saves his team!! Portland is thunderous all over again as all four men are back down. The teams regroup as fans rally up. Fish tags in, but Dunne ducks a kick to shove Fish to ropes, rebound German! Dunne stomps the hands, and hits the BUZZSAW!
Tag to Riddle and Riddle goes up top. Dunne Electric Chair lifts Fish, but Fish escapes Doomsday to shove Dunne into Riddle! Tag to Kyle and Kyle flying KNEES Dunne! Fish gets Riddle for a SUPERPLEX! Kyle is up top, for SUPER KNEE DROP to the knee! KNEEBAR!! Riddle endures as Kyle heel hooks on top of it! Fish intercepts Dunne and puts him up top, but Dunne bends the fingers! Dunne SNAPS Fish’s fingers, to leap and STOMP Kyle’s hand! Portland returns to a fever pitch as Dunne goes to the corner. Riddle crawls over, hot tag to Dunne! “This is Awesome!” as Dunne and Kyle start trading forearms and kicks! Dunne CHOPS CHOPS CHOPS CHOPS, but Kyle shoves him into Riddle! Kyle mule kicks Dunne low, but Dunne grabs Kyle’s fingers! Fish reaches for Kyle but Dunne BITES!
Kyle clubs Dunne, but Dunne SNAPS the fingers! Dunne brings Kyle in, pump handle, but no Bitter End. Kyle waistlocks, Dunne standing switches, Riddle runs in, but Kyle sends the SPEAR into DUNNE! Kyle throws Riddle out then tags in Fish! They bring Dunne up, CHASING THE DRAGON!! Cover, TWO!?!? No one can believe that one, let alone reDRagon! Fish and Kyle try again, but still no Annihilation as Dunne throws elbows. Kyle waistlocks and German Suplexes, but Dunne lands on his feet! Riddle tags in, Dunne gets double pop-up knees! Riddle KNEE TRIGGERS Fish! Dunne X-Plexes Kyle into Riddle’s POWERBOMB! Riddle flips Kyle over, FINAL FLASH BUZZSAW! Fish runs into a fireman’s carry, and gets a BROSERWEIGHT TO SLEEP!! Cover, Broserweights win!!!
Winners: The Broserweights, by pinfall (NEW NXT Tag Team Champions)
The Prophecy is falling apart as a team of individuals becomes a true team of champions! Riddle has his first title in NXT, Dunne makes history by having both this title and the United Kingdom Championship on his resume, and this might just be the beginning! Will the Broserweights soon take over the world… bro?
NXT Championship: Adam Cole VS Tommaso Ciampa!
And then there was one. The Undisputed Era’s charismatic leader is the only one left holding onto a title, but can he keep hold of it now that Daddy’s Home? Or will the Blackheart take back his life when he takes back “Goldie,” the title he never truly lost?
The introductions are made, the title is raised, and the match to prove who is truly the greatest begins!
Cole and Ciampa stare down as fans cheer and duel. Ciampa and Cole circle as they hear the chanting back and forth. Cole says that doesn’t matter, the title is going to stay his. They tie up, go around, and Ciampa puts Cole on the ropes. The ref calls for the break and Ciampa gives Cole pats on the shoulder before mocking the BAYBAY. Cole keeps his cool as he gets a waistlock. Ciampa pries free to a headlock then a wristlock then back to a headlock. Ciampa grinds Cole and holds on tight as Cole tries to power out. Cole brings Ciampa to a knee and slips out to a hammerlock. Ciampa gets up and reaches back but Cole keeps control.
Ciampa slips around the back to hammerlock then headlock again. Cole powers out this time, but Ciampa runs him over with a shoulder. Things speed up but Ciampa runs Cole over again! Ciampa throws Cole out but Cole gets back up fast. Ciampa grabs him through the ropes! Cole gets away before Willow’s Bell drops! Ciampa gives Cole space to return safely as the ring count begins. When Cole stays out, Ciampa chases after! Cole goes around the corner and gets in, but Ciampa avoids the elbow drop. Ciampa headlocks to a takeover! Cole fights against it but Ciampa traps an arm. Fans rally and duel again as Cole works Ciampa over to the headscissors. Ciampa works his way up and around to get out and SLAP Cole!
Ciampa gets the headlock back and grinds Cole down. Cole works his way up, fish hooks the mouth and gets the headlock. Ciampa powers out but Cole runs him over this time. Cole sees the back drop coming to whip Ciampa, but Ciampa also sees the back drop coming. Ciampa underhooks, Cole slips out, but Ciampa blocks the superkick to spin Cole for another headlock takeover! Fans cheer this technical back and forth while Cole works on antoher escape. Ciampa makes the takeover a cover, ONE and Cole works to get Ciampa to the headscissor again. Ciampa just grabs that leg to add to the hold! Cole pops his legs free to get up, and pulls on Ciampa’s ear. They end up in a corner, the ref reprimands but Ciampa grinds Cole more.
Ciampa lets up as the ref starts to count, and he counters Cole’s sucker punch to a punch of his own! Ciampa drags Cole up and CHOPS him against ropes! Cole ends up in a corner, Ciampa wrenches and whips but Cole reverses. Ciampa goes to boot but Cole spins him around onto the ropes. Cole leaps but the backstabber is denied as Ciampa holds on! Ciampa drags Cole out and knees low. Ciampa whips, Cole reverses, but Ciampa stops himself from hitting post. Cole runs into Ciampa’s elbow, but then Ciampa walks into Cole’s BOOT! Cole takes a moment to catch his breath before he mocks Ciampa’s pat on the back!
Ciampa yanks Cole off the apron to ROCK with a right! And boot! And throw into the steel steps! Ciampa throws Cole into the post! Then over the announce desk! Ciampa is furious as he sits Cole down and KNEES him into railing! Ciampa shows Cole how to pat yourself on the back! Cole is out in the chair while Ciampa refreshes the count. Fans rally and duel as Psycho Killer Ciampa puts Cole in. Cole rolls all the way out on the far end and fans boo. Ciampa keeps his cool as Cole asks for a time-out. Ciampa goes out, but he sees the Pele coming! And he wrecks Cole with a dropkick! Ciampa puts Cole on the apron to KNEE again! Fans fire up as Ciampa mocks the time-out.
Cole rolls out of the ring again and Ciampa grows frustrated. Ciampa goes out to fetch Cole and drapes him on the railing. Ciampa clubs Cole, then gets space to line up a shot. He runs in to KNEE Cole down again! Portland fires up as Ciampa says the kick is good. Ciampa refreshes the count again and brings Cole back up. Ciampa sits Cole in another chair to CHOP and haymaker and CHOP! And CHOP! And CHOP! Fans rally with Ciampa as he gets space again. Ciampa runs back in, to KNEE Cole off the chair!! A fan wants a high-five, but Ciampa gives his fellow bald man a kiss on the forehead instead! Ciampa has Portland all fired up as he says hi to Goldie.
Ciampa drags Cole up and over to ringside, only to eye the announce desk. He lifts Cole but Cole slips out. Cole avoids the enziguri, and wheelbarrow German Suplexes Ciampa INTO the announce desk!! The surgically repaired neck!! The referee chcks on Ciampa as Portland loses its mind! Cole wants after Ciampa but the ref keeps him back. Cole puts Ciampa in, covers, TWO!! Ciampa survives but commentary is worried he’s going to only get hurt again. Cole drags Ciampa up, for a neckbreaker! Cole rams his knees into Ciampa’s spine over and over, then wraps on a headscissor hold. Fans say “This is Awesome!” as Ciampa endures. Cole squeezes tighter but Ciampa works against the hold. Ciampa bridges back to a cover, TWO!
Cole BOOTS Ciampa back down! Cole dusts off his hands before going to the corner. He climbs up top and Ciampa goes after him. Ciampa anchors a foot but Cole clubs his neck. Cole drags Ciampa up to club him more but Ciampa throws body shots back. The two brawl as Ciampa works to climb up. Ciampa fireman’s carries Cole but Cole slips out to sunset flip. Ciampa punches but Cole dodges to SUPERKICK the legs out! Cole hits a DRAPING BACKSTABBER!! Just more neck damage! Cover, TWO!! Ciampa refuses to give in but Cole is on him with a chinlock. Cole grinds Ciampa down but fans rally up. Ciampa endures and fights his way up.
Cole knees low then turns Ciampa again, but no neckbreaker this time as Ciampa backslides! TWO, Ciampa kicks low and throws Cole to the apron. Ciampa has Cole in the ropes, but Cole slips out. Cole suplexes but Ciampa slips out to waistlock. Cole breaks free to PELE! Ciampa is down and Cole climbs up again. Cole leaps, but into a dropkick! Both men are down and Portland fires up again! Cole rises but Ciampa follows. Ciampa counter punches Ciampa over and over, then whips corner to corner. Cole reverses but Ciampa cuomes back with clotheslines! Ciampa whips, Cole reverses again but Ciampa kicks him away! Ciampa rallies with more clotheslines! Endless clotheslines! And a GERMAN SUPLEX! Fans fire up and Ciampa runs in to KNEE Cole!
Ciampa drags Cole up, torture rack for the TOWER HACKER BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Cole survives, showing Ciampa why he’s still NXT Champion. Ciampa gets up first and drags Cole up for underhooks. Cole resists the lift, slips out and fireman’s carries. Ciampa reverses to a crucifix takedown, shifts to the bridging Fujiwara armbar, but Cole slips through to ghost pin! TWO and Cole fakes Ciampa out to mule kick the legs out. Cole runs, but into an uppercut! Ciampa runs but into a SHINING WIZARD! Cole fireman’s carries, USHIGOROSHI! Cover, TWO!! Ciampa somehow survives, but his neck must be screaming at him. Fans rally up as Cole gets to his feet first.
Cole drags Ciampa into a corner and up onto the ropes. Cole clubs Ciampa’s back then goes to the outside. He climbs up the corner again, brings Ciampa up, but Ciampa resists! Ciampa throws body shots and haymakers and CHOPS! Cole hits back, bumps Ciampa off the buckle again and again, then hops up. Cole wants to sunset, but Ciampa blocks! Ciampa shifts position, SUPER AIR RAID CRASH!! WarGames revisited! Cover, TWO!?! Cole survives again and Ciampa can’t believe it! But fans love “NXT! NXT!” for this one. Cole is on the apron, Ciampa is after him, but Cole drags Ciampa out. Ciampa kicks Cole away, but Cole SUPERKICKS back! Cole brings Ciampa over, powerbomb lift, but Ciampa slips out to lift Cole! ANNOUNCE DESK POWERBOMB!
Cole is wrecked off the Spanish announce team’s table but is able to crawl out from behind it. Ciampa clears the desk off now and brings Cole back up. Ciampa hears the fans chanting “One More Time!” and lifts again. ANOTHER ANNOUNCE DESK POWERBOMB! The desk is destroyed and Ciampa puts Cole in, PSYCHO KNEE! Ciampa mocks Cole’s finger guns and runs, into a SUPERKICK! Cole runs but Ciampa LARIATS! Ciampa drags Cole up, lifts, PROJECT CIAMPA!! Cover, TWO!?!? Cole survives again?! Portland is thunderous for this incredible main event! Ciampa sits up first and drags Cole up. Fans hope they “Fight Forever!” but again, this must end. Ciampa throws hands but Cole gives them back. The two brawl back and forth, Ciampa kicks low but Cole keeps punching.
Ciampa gets the edge, spins, but Cole boots! Ciampa rebounds into another BOOT, and then Ciampa falls out of the ring! Cole builds speed to DIVE into a KNEE!! Both men are down as the ring count starts, and Portland is thunderous again! Ciampa sits up at 5 and gets in at 7. But he goes back out to fetch Cole, putting him back in. Ciampa gets caught between the ropes, for the jumping PILEDRIVER! Cole drags Ciampa up, suplexes, LAST SHOT 1.0!! Cover, TWO!!! Ciampa’s spirit keeps him going, despite what his neck might be feeling! Fans are dueling hard as ever, but Cole tells Ciampa that he isn’t going to get it done. Ciampa SLAPS Cole, so Cole throws hands.
Ciampa SLAPS, SLAPS and SLAPS, so Cole SUPERKICKS! And SUPERKICKS Ciampa in the back! And then knee pad down, LAST SHOT 2.0!! But Ciampa is still moving?! Ciampa gets to the safety of the bottom rope! Cole is shocked, but he refocuses as Ciampa is on the apron. Cole goes out to the apron, and climbs the ropes…!? Fans anticipate what Cole’s up to, and Cole leaps, for Ciampa to catch him! APRON AIR RAID!! Both men are down on the outside and fans again lose their minds! Ciampa drags himself to Cole, refreshes the count, and underhooks Cole. But no Fairy Tale Ending as Cole back drops out! Cole hops up on the last announce desk standing, to leap for the PANAMA SUNRISE TO THE FLOOR!!!
Cole drags Ciampa up and into the ring. The ring count is at 4, Ciampa springs to life to hit WILLOW’S BELL!?! Underhooks, FAIRY TALE ENDING!!! Ciampa is practically in tears as he covers, TWO!?!? How can Cole still do this?!? Is Ciampa thinking the same things when Johnny Gargano faced Adam Cole for this title? Fans still feel “This is Awesome!” as they have all night. Ciampa brings his knee pads down but Cole anchors his feet. Cole drags Ciampa down, into a CROSSFACE! Cole wants to cripple Ciampa as he cranks back so far! Ciampa endures, reaches, turns purple, but Cole drags him away! Cole wants it again, but Ciampa slips around to get Cole down! Ciampa’s left arm went numb, so he has to use his right arm to bring it over, for the CROSSFACE! Now Cole endures the crank!
Cole claws and crawls but Ciampa gets leverage! Cole still gets the ROPEBREAK! Ciampa lets up reluctantly and Cole slumps to the floor. And here comes Roderick Strong! Strong distracts the ref while Ciampa gets Cole in. Because here comes reDRagon! Kyle & Fish hit TOTAL ANNIHILATION!! The referee completely misses this as reDRagon puts Ciampa in the ring. Cole covers, TWO!?!? Just as Gargano survived an Undisputed Screw Job, so has Ciampa!! Cole gets flashbacks but he takes aim. Cole runs, Ciampa ducks the Last Shot to then send Cole out onto reDRagon! Strong gets WILLOW’S BELL! Ciampa runs and PESCADOS! Ciampa wipes out the Undisputed Era and puts Cole in.
Cole SUPERKICKS and SUPERKICKS and SUPERKICKS Ciampa down! LAST SHOT 2.0!!! Cover, TWO!?!?!? I’ve never used that much punctuation before! But Kyle slips Cole his title belt and distracts the ref. But Ciampa BOOTS Cole first! Ciampa underhooks, but Cole slips out to shove Ciampa into the ref! The ref goes down, Cole walks into an elbow. Ciampa boots Kyle but Cole LOW BLOWS! Cole goes to the corner, climbs up top, but Ciampa LOW BLOWS back!! Underhooks, FAIRY TALE ENDING!!! Cover but where’s a ref?! Ciampa would’ve won twice over by now! Three times over, even! Count to 50, Portland, because the ref isn’t here to make it count.
But Ciampa’s friend, Johnny Gargano, is here! But to take the title belt away!? Gargano is also a man who wants the NXT Championship, and he uses it to SMASH Ciampa?!? Why would Gargano betray Ciampa now?!? Cole covers and the ref is back to count, Cole wins!!!
Winner: Adam Cole, by pinfall (still NXT Champion)
The Undisputed Era has one title left! The Rebel Heart stabbed the Blackheart in the back! What does all of this mean for NXT as we continue down the Road to WrestleMania?
My Thoughts:
What a night! Going in, this looked like the best TakeOver card. In action, it was even better than that! The kickoff show was fun because Portland just loved Mansoor and just rained boos on Sam Roberts. I was fine with Poppy getting to perform her songs that also acted as the theme songs for TakeOver, but it seems a bit unnecessary if she wasn’t going to sing the songs all the way through. Opening with the NXT North American Championship, they really set the bar high on themselves for this event. That was the best match in Lee VS Dijakovic, for good reason, and it works that Lee retains. He deserves to have a long reign with that title for all the time he had to wait. And Dijakovic still looks amazing even in losing.
Kai VS Nox in the Street Fight was great, and I’m certainly surprised that Raquel Gonzales returned to screw Tegan over, I just wasn’t as into it. I suppose this is one way of keeping the feud going, and Dakota has muscle to start a faction now, but I’m not really sure if that’s the right direction for Dakota. I can already predict Candice LeRae helping Tegan fight them, because Candice just can’t seem to get a story of her own in NXT. The NXT Women’s Championship story is locked in with at least Rhea VS Charlotte, but Charlotte hitting Bianca on the way out makes me think this could still circle back. After all, TakeOver: Tampa is still one more stop before WrestleMania, maybe we get something for Charlotte VS Bianca before the title match?
I am happily surprised that the Broserweights are now the tag team champions! Dunne and Riddle are great in the ring, are great as their characters, great together, I’m going to love the Reign of the Broserweights. Balor VS Gargano went as expected with the story telling centered around the John Woo Dropkick, and with Balor winning. The Prince still has a lot of possibilities for TakeOver: Tampa, but there’s also UK TakeOver: Dublin next, so maybe he hops over there for a minute? And it seems losing to The Prince, like losing to The Fiend, turns you Heel. After all the craziness (in a good way) of Cole VS Ciampa, Gargano betraying Ciampa was still a welcomed surprise. Cole retains and assuming Dream beats Strong, maybe Cole VS Dream is Tampa’s match, as is Ciampa VS Gargano #OneLastTime. Can you imagine TakeOver: Tampa somehow outdoing this one?!
My Score: 9.6/10
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The storied rival has its final chapter!
For the last time, John Cena and Randy Orton battle over the WWE Championship! This time, it is on Backlash, in Orton’s hometown of St. Louis!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- WWE United States Championship Fatal 4 Way: Jacob Fatu VS Drew McIntyre VS LA Knight VS Damian Priest; Fatu wins and retains the title.
- WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Lyra Valkyria VS Becky Lynch; Lyra wins and retains the title.
- WWE Intercontinental Championship: Dominik Mysterio VS PENTA; Dominik wins and retains the title.
- GUNTHER VS Pat McAfee; Gunther wins.
- Undisputed WWE Championship: John Cena VS Randy Orton; Cena wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
It’s the WWE Backlash Countdown Show!
Join Michael Cole, Wade Barrett & Big E in discussing, analyzing and predicting all the action on this highly anticipated night!
Backstage interview with Lyra Valkyria.
Byron Saxton is with The Morrigan and asks how she is feeling tonight. She looked up to Becky Lynch for so long, only for her to stab her in the back. And at the same time, Lyra has dedicated this match to Bayley. How is Lyra going to manage all her emotions? Lyra says there is so much going on in her head, but the way to deal with it is focusing on the main emotion: embarrassment. She gave herself “the ick” looking back and seeing how she ate everything Becky fed her. Becky would’ve had a friend for life in Lyra, but then Becky turned on her. And what did The Man expect? For Lyra to run home to Dublin and cry?
No! That shows Lyra that Becky underestimated her. Lyra meant it when she said she is the better wrestler now. Becky may still be the bigger star, but when that bell rings, Lyra will show that she was never a stepping stone. Becky becomes Lyra’s stepping stone, as well as the crowning name on the long list of opponents when Lyra retains the Women’s Intercontinental Championship. Lyra is locked in, but will the Luck of the Irish favor her in the end?
Vic Joseph joins the panel!
The Voice of NXT helps plug Battleground, but he also gives Lyra her props. From NXT UK to NXT USA, Vic has seen Lyra achieve her potential every step of the way. The NXT Women’s Championship match between Lyra and Becky was all about someone from the NXT roster stepping up and proving herself, and Lyra did just that. Lyra took the NXT Women’s title off Becky, but will Lyra keep the Women’s Intercontinental title from Becky? Or is #BeckyHogan going to step on Lyra to get ahead?
Jackie Redmond & Peter Rosenberg tag in for the panel.
Cole & Barrett have to go prepare for calling Backlash, so Jackie and Peter join Big E in looking back on memory lane. John Cena VS Randy Orton as a rivalry predates the iPod, Wikipedia, and even the original Xbox! 25 years later, will this truly be the end of an era for WWE?
Pershard Owens sings the Star Spangled Banner.
Talkin’ ’bout a detonator…
The fuse is let, and tonight is about to be explosive. Egos, attitudes, grudges, ambitions, motivations, and glory, it’s overflowing! WrestleMania was historic, but now everyone will face the Backlash!
WWE United States Championship Fatal 4 Way: Jacob Fatu VS Drew McIntyre VS LA Knight VS Damian Priest!
The Samoan Werewolf only just took this title “for the family” at WrestleMania, and yet now the stakes are raised! The Scottish Warrior wants to fight a real fighter, the Mega Star wants to redeem himself from his loss, and the Archer of Infamy wants to kill two birds with one stone by avenging his own loss while putting gold back around his waist. Will one of these challengers get what they want? Or will Fatu dog walk all of ’em, YADADA MEAN!?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who’s really all gas and no brakes with it!
The bell rings and the fans rally up as all four men look at each other. Knight talks some smack but St. Louis is loud for “FATU! FATU!” Knight runs up to throw hands on Fatu, Priest and Drew go after each other! Fatu fires back and they trade shots. Priest and Drew are on the outside while Knight throws hands “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Priest CLUBS Drew, Fatu TOSSES Knight, and then Fatu runs corner to corner. Knight dodges, Fatu hits buckles, and Knight hits a JUMP NECKBREAKER! Priest is back in the ring, but Knight gives him a BIG back suplex! Knight WRECKS Drew with a dropkick, then RAMS into Fatu!
Knight slingshots to SHOUDLER TACKLE Fatu! Knight sunset flip BACKBREAKERS, then he dodges Drew to pop-up and POWERSLAM! The fans fire up as The Mega Star is unlocking that kavorka! Spell it out, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” ELBOW- NO, Priest catches Knight, but Knight kicks free! DDT! Knight runs and DOUBLE ELBOW DROPS! Fatu shoves Knight, scoops, but Knight slips free, REVERSE DDT! Cover on Fatu, ONE!! Fatu is tougher than that, but Knight drags Fatu up. Fatu RAMS Knight into a corner, fires hands, then he ROCKS Priest! Knight ROCKS Fatu, Priest ROCKS Fatu, and Knight runs, they HIGH-LOW COMBO!
The fans fire up for that teamwork, and then Priest & Knight POST Fatu! Fatu flops out of the ring, but Priest avoids Knight’s cheap shot! BELL CLAP! Drew RAMS Knight into Priest, then OVERHEAD SUPELXES Knight! Priest runs up, but into a SPIENBUSTER! Drew has Knight again, NECKBREAKER! Then a NECKBREAKER for Priest! Fatu is back, but Drew gives him a NECKBREAKER! Drew kips up, the fans fire up, and Drew aims at Fatu. Drew runs up, but Knight LARIATS! Fatu SUPERKICKS Knight! Fatu kicks Knight out, ELBOWS Priest away, then goes up. Priest JUMP KICKS! Priest climbs up to the very top, SUPER STEINER!
Fatu flounders, Priest rises, and Priest clinches Knight for a FLATLINER! Priest goes out to run around the ring, and he FLYING AX HANDLES Fatu! Priest puts Fatu back in, then dodges a shot to ROUNDHOUSE Fatu! Priest knuckle locks Fatu, St. Louis wants tables, but Priest goes Old School to CROSSBODY Drew! Fatu runs up, Priest dodges, COMEBACKER LARIAT! Fatu flounders out, Priest runs to ELBOW Drew! And ELBOW Knight! Priest runs, and he LARIATS Drew up and out! Knight swings, misses, and Priest DREAMCAST KICKS! The fans fire up and Priest goes back out. Priest runs in but Fatu POP-UP SAMOAN DROPS Priest onto the barriers!
The fans fire up with Fatu, and then Fatu stares down with Drew. The fans fire up even more as these alpha males step into the ring. This is the match-up Drew wanted all along, and the two men step up. The hands start flying and the fans fire up! The fans are strongly on Fatu’s side, but the hands keep going faster and faster! Fatu gets the edge, but Drew HEADBUTTS! Drew runs, but Fatu BODY CHECKS him! Drew is right up, ducks ‘n’ dodges, but runs into a POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! The fans are thunderous, and Fatu runs in, HIP ATTACK on Drew! The fans fire up again, and Fatu drags Drew to the drop zone.
Fatu climbs the corner as St. Louis declares, “This is Awesome!” Fatu nods, reaches the top, but Drew is up to CLAW Fatu’s face! The ref reprimands but that’s all he can do! Drew goes up to the top, but Knight trips Drew up! Knight puts Drew in the Tree of Woe to stomp away, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight then runs corner to corner and back again, KNEE for Drew! Knight then climbs up, has Fatu on the very top, but Fatu HEADBUTTS Knight down! Fatu adjusts, but Drew sits up! SPIDER SUPLEX throws Fatu onto Knight! But Fatu’s right up to HIP ATTACK Drew!! And then he DIVES onto Priest!! Fatu is all fired up and the fans are thunderous!
Fatu goes up again, SEWANTON BOMB on Drew! Fatu geeks out, but gets B F T!! Priest has Knight, SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Drew hits a CLAYMORE on Priest!!! Priest falls on Knight for a cover! DREW BREAKS IT!! The fans are electric as all four men are down! “This is Awesome!” and that might be an understatement now! Priest flops out of the ring, Fatu and Drew go to corners, and Knight finds his way to another. The fans rally, Fatu geeks out, and Fatu runs, into a FLYING HEADBUTT! And then a kick and FUTURE SHOCK!! Then Drew has Knight, but Knight wrenches out! B F- NO, Drew powers out, reels Knight in, FUTURE SHOCK!!
Drew kips up, the fans fire up, and Drew calls his shot! Drew gives the countdown, “THREE! TWO! ONE!!” CLAYMORE for Knight!! Cover, PRIEST yanks the ref!! Priest really does screw Drew this time! Drew is furious but Priest drags him out now! Priest and Drew throw hands and the fans fire up! Drew THROWS Priest and himself over the barriers! Fatu is up, he brings Knight around for HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT! Fatu has Knight down, goes up, up, BEST MOONSAULT FLOPS!! Knight rises up, goes to the corner, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” BOX JUMP FLYING AX HANDLE! And then the BOX JUMP ELBOW DROP!! Cover, TWO!?!
Fatu survives and Knight is beside himself! Priest and Drew are brawling in the crowd! Priest SMACKS Drew off a road case! Priest makes Drew look into the camera, “He’s bored at work!” Priest ROCKS Drew, but Drew ROCKS Priest! They go up to some upper deck, and Priest ROCKS Drew again! They stand on road cases, but Drew HEADBUTTS! Drew reels Priest in, takes aim, but Priest CLAWS Drew’s face! Priest decides to do what Drew was planning, and with the straps down, SOUTH OF HEAVEN DOWN THROUGH THE TABLES!!! The fans go nuts with Priest and Drew down in the wreckage!!
Producers and medical hurry to check Drew and Priest, but that just means Knight and Fatu are the only two left! Knight RAMS Fatu into the apron, then POSTS him! Knight hobbles but he brings Fatu back up to SMACK him off the desk! Fatu is on the desk, and Knight uses a piece that fell off to SMACK Fatu! Knight keeps Fatu on the desk, and he looks for a perch. The fans fire up as Knight climbs the corner! “L! A! KNGIHT!” NO, Solo Sikoa gets Fatu clear! Knight is furious but Solo tells him it’s not going down like that. Knight storms up on Solo, but a LARIAT hits outta nowhere!! IS THAT JEFF COBB?!?
The fans go nuts as now the Imperial Unit is Solo’s new enforcer! Cobb THROWS Knight around, POSTS him, and then runs to SPLASH Knight against the post!! Cobb drags Knight up, puts him in the ring, and Fatu sees what’s going on. Fatu is not happy with Solo bringing in reinforcements when he didn’t want it, but Solo still serves Knight up on a silver platter. Fatu doesn’t look the gift horse in the mouth, and he gives Knight a HIP ATTACK!! Fatu puts Knight in the drop zone, goes up and up, BEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, Fatu wins!
Winner: Jacob Fatu, by pinfall (still WWE United States Champion)
The Samoan Werewolf may not like Solo bringing in a ringer, but he still keeps his gold. Will nothing stop “the family” now that they’ve reloaded the arsenal?
WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Lyra Valkyria VS Becky Lynch!
When they say, “Never meet your heroes,” perhaps those people were talking about this scenario right here. The Morrigan & The Man were bonded by their Irish blood, and by how the younger followed in the footsteps of the elder. They’ve battled over the NXT Women’s Championship and even won the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships at WrestleMania. But the moment they lost those titles, Becky showed her true colors and betrayed Lyra! Becky called Lyra “recycling,” or rather, “less offensive trash,” but will Becky be the one thrown out this time? Or will Becky take away a title just as Lyra did to her back in the day?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who the real Lass Kicker is around here!
The bell rings and the fans rally up. Lyra and Becky circle, tie up, and they go around. Becky puts Lyra in the corner, the ref counts, and Becky lets off to talk trash. Becky shoves, Lyra shoves, and the two reset. They tie up, Lyra waistlocks, Becky switches, and Becky SLAMS Lyra down. Becky smothers Lyra into the mat, then waistlocks again. Lyra fights up, ELBOWS free, then runs. Becky dodges and RUNS Lyra over! Becky flexes, talks trash, then soaks up the heat. Things speed up, Lyra drops down then hurdles, but Becky hits an arm-drag, only for Lyra to ghost pin! TWO, and Becky arm-drags again!
The fans boo but Becky soaks it up. The two reset, tie up, and Lyra waistlocks. Becky elbows Lyra, whips her to ropes, but Lyra slides under! Lyra blocks a kick, trips Becky, and then turns Becky over with the REVERSE CRAB, to then go for the arms! MEXICAN SURFBOARD! Becky endures as Lyra swings her around! Lyra drops Becky, stands on the legs, and then hooks the legs up! Becky resists but Lyra still gets the arms to pull her back, into the ROMERO SPECIAL! Becky endures, Lyra rolls and pulls Becky back into the ROMERO SPECIAL! Becky still endures, but Lyra rolls her and pulls her back again! A third ROMERO SPECIAL! Then a cover, TWO!
Becky escapes, but Lyra waistlocks. Becky switches, Lyra spins through and NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! Becky scrambles and Lyra says she told her she’s the better wrestler! Lyra then dodges to ENZIGIRI! Becky bails out, the fans “WHEW~” with Lyra, and she WRECKS Becky with a dropkick! The fans fire up and Lyra puts Becky in the ring. Lyra climbs, but Becky trips her up! Becky THROWS Lyra down, then snarls as she rains down fists! The fans boo but Becky seethes as she paces around. Becky signals that she will be champion! She CLOBBERS Lyra, smothers her into the mat again, then HAMMERS away on Lyra! Cover, ONE!!
Lyra is tougher than that, but so is Becky given she has a bloody cut on her elbow. Lyra ELBOWS Becky but Becky CLUBS Lyra! Becky stands Lyra up to SLAP her! And CHOP her! And CHOP again! Lyra falls into a corner but Becky soaks up the heat. Becky stands Lyra up, runs corner to corner, but Lyra dodges! Becky hits buckles, but then she dodges to JUMP KICK! And BECKSPLODER! Lyra writhes, Becky covers, ONE!! Becky argues the count with the ref, then goes back to Lyra. Becky talks trash on Lyra, CHOKES her on the ropes, but stops as the ref counts. Lyra goes to the corner but Becky brings her around to TOSS her out!
Lyra is on the floor, Becky builds speed, and Becky WRECKS Lyra with a dropkick! Becky THROWS Lyra into barriers, then SMACKS her off more barriers! “Is this your girl?” Becky tells Lyra’s fiancé to thank her! Lyra fires forearms off on Becky! Becky POSTS Lyra in return! Becky puts Lyra in the ring, covers, TWO! The fans rally for Lyra but Becky talks more trash. Becky SLAPS Lyra, pie faces her, but Lyra just stares defiantly! Then Lyra SLAPS Becky back! The SLAPS fly, Becky clinches, but Lyra cradle counters! Roll through, into a RUNNING FISHERMAN BUSTER!! Both women are down and the fans fire up!
Lyra feeds off that energy and she rises up! Lyra runs and LARIATS! And LARIATS! And SOBATS! KICKS! HEADBUTTS, KICKS again, then runs, cartwheel and ENZIGIRI! Becky staggers around, Lyra GUT WRENCH BOMBS! Cover, TWO!! Becky survives and Lyra is beside herself! Becky goes to the apron but Lyra drags her up. The fans rally m ore, but Becky ROCKS and ROUNDHOUSES Lyra! Becky climbs, but Lyra ROCKS her first! Lyra reaches the top, and fans actually duel as Lyra stalling SUPERPLEXES!! Cover, TWO!! Becky survives, reminding us why she’s a Grand Slam Champion!
The fans rally up and Lyra has Becky for a fireman’s carry! Becky fights free, waistlocks, but Lyra switches! O’Conner Roll, TWO! Becky has the O’Conner, but wants the rope! The ref stops that! The fans boo and Becky “apologizes,” but then she runs up on Lyra! Lyra scoops, Becky slips free, EYE OF THE HURRICANE! Cover, TWO!! Lyra survives and Becky is growing frustrated. The fans rally for Lyra more and Becky dares Lyra to get up. Lyra rises, Becky clinches, but Lyra slips free to shove Becky into buckles! Lyra runs up, Becky dodges, but Lyra stops the jump kick! Lyra DUMPS Becky out, takes aim, and PLANCHAS! Down goes Becky!
The fans fire up as Lyra hurries to put Becky back in. Lyra climbs the corner, takes aim, TURN OF FORTUNE!! Cover, TWO!!! Lyra is frustrated, but she hurries back up! MOONSAULT onto knees! Becky turns that around on Lyra while the fans fire up! Becky crawls her way over to Lyra, both women stand, and the forearms fly! Becky ROCKS Lyra but Lyra ROCKS Becky right back! The shots pick up speed, Lyra gets the edge, but Becky KNEES low! UPPERCUT into a hook! Becky fights the backslide, SLAMS Lyra down, ARMBAR!! Lyra clasps hands, rolls through, and she has the ARMBAR!!
Becky fights, rolls, high stacks, TWO! Becky steps over, DISARM-HER!! Lyra rolls Becky to a cover, TWO!! Becky clinches, MANHAND- ARM-DRAG! Cover, TWO!! MANHANDLE SLAM!!! Cover, TWO?!?! Lyra survives and Becky cannot believe it! St. Louis is thunderous, “This is Awesome!” Becky is freaking out trying to figure out what to do. Becky just HAMMERS away on Lyra! The fans boo but Becky goes to the outside. Becky grabs a chair! The fans boo but The Man is getting desperate! Becky brings the chair in, the ref stops her, and they tug-o-war over the chair! Becky give sit up to the ref, but that lets her untie a buckle pad!
Becky drags Lyra up, brings her around and whips, but Lyra reverses! Becky stops from hitting steel but Lyra GERMAN SUPLEXES! And HEEL KICKS! MOONSAULT!! Cover, TWO!! Becky survives and Lyra is beside herself! The fans rally while Lyra now thinks on what she must do. Lyra drags Becky up, fireman’s carries, but Becky fights free! Becky shoves Lyra into a buckle! MANHANDLE SLAM!! Cover, TWO?!?! Lyra survives one thing after another and Becky is going berserk! Becky HAMMERS away on Lyra again, and even DRIBBLES Lyra head off the mat! The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but Becky stands Lyra up.
Becky aims but the ref sees the bare buckle! The ref stops that, goes to fix things, but Lyra fireman’s carries! NIGHTWING DRIVER!!! The ref is too busy with the buckle! Cover, TWO!?!?!? Becky survives thanks to her shenanigans and Lyra is completely frazzled! Lyra drags Becky up, fireman’s carries, but Becky still fights! Clinch and MAN- NO, wheelbarrow for the victory roll! TWO, and Becky SLAPS Lyra! Roll-up, high stack, TWO! Lyra has a victory roll, LYRA WINS!!!
Winner: Lyra Valkyria, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion)
Becky attacks Lyra! The Man is a sore loser! DISARM-HER!! The ref reprimands, pries at Becky’s grip, but Becky refuses to let go! More refs rush in, Becky still doesn’t stop, so producers are needed! Adam Pearce shouts right at Becky, and only now does Becky let go!! Lyra is down, potentially her arm and even her nose broken by the woman she once looked up to! Becky scowls, wants to go back for more, but the producers stand in her way. Did Becky still coset Lyra her title with all the damage she did? Or can The Morrigan rise up and keep her #ShinyShiny?
WWE Intercontinental Championship: Dominik Mysterio VS PENTA!
Though it took a Fatal 4 Way to win it, and an Irish Ace in the hole to keep it, “Dirty Dom” thinks he is already the greatest Intercontinental Champion of all time, as well as the greatest Mysterio and the greatest luchador ever. But now, the Man with Zero Fear gets another shot, and hopefully it’ll be a fair one. Will Penta prove he is the greatest? Or will Dom have another dirty trick up his sleeve?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is truly El Campeon!
The bell rings and Dom circles with Penta. Dom talks trash but the fans rally behind Penta. Dom shoves Penta, so Penta DROPKCISK Dom! Penta runs up, Dom dodges and fires hands! Dom whips, Penta ducks ‘n’ dodges and RANAS! Dom tumbles, the fans fire up, and Penta runs in. Dom dodge the kick, comes back, ducks ‘n’ dodges to RANA! The fans cheer because that was impressive, and Dom runs up again. Penta pops him up to SUPERKICK him upside-down! Then BACKSTABBER! Cover, TWO! Dom stays in this and Penta nods respect. The fans rally for Penta while Dom goes to a corner.
Penta runs in, Dom pops him up to crotch him on the ropes! Dom then DROPKICKS Penta down to the floor! The fans cheer, Dom builds speed, and Dom DIVES to TORNADO DDT! Dom flexes and fans cheer because that was impressive, too! Dom refreshes the ring count then mocks Penta’s swagger. Dom stomps Penta, fans actually sing for “Dirty, Dirty Dom~!” Dom stands Penta up to CHOP, but Penta CHOPS in return! The CHOPS go back and forth, then Dom dodges to SHOVE Penta into steel steps! Dom rolls into the ring and flexes. The fans cheer, Dom goes out to drag Penta up, and Dom puts Penta in.
Dom hears the fans dueling, tunes out the taunts, and he slingshots to SENTON! Cover, TWO! Penta stays in this and Dom argues the count. The ref defends it, so Dom just stomps away on Penta! Dom uses the Finn style jump stomps, then he rains down fists! Dom lets off to soak up cheers and jeers, then covers, ROPEBREAK! Dom is annoyed and he CLUBS Penta into the chinlock. Penta endures, claws at the hold, and fights up. Penta fires body shots, but Dom fires knees! Dom whips, Penta KICKS him, then Penta dodges to come back, SLING-DOG! The fans fire up and Dom bails out. Penta goes up, up, and from the post, SUPER CROSSBODIES!
The fans fire up as Dom and Penta crash down! The ring count starts, both men stir at 3 of 10, and Penta rises up. Penta pushes Dom into the ring, huffs ‘n’ puffs, and he climbs up the corner. Penta leaps, but into Dom’s kick! Dom snap suplexes, that’s Uno Amigo! Then another suplex, but Penta slips free! Penta shoves Dom, but Dom drop toeholds him onto ropes! Dom dials it up, but Penta ducks the 619! Penta GAMANGIRIS, then slingshots to CRUCIFIX DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Dom survives and both men are down! The fans rally up and Dom DROPKICKS Penta! Dom runs up, OBLIVION!! Cover, TWO!!
Penta survives Liv’s move and Dom is furious! Dom runs up, Penta puts him on the corner, and Penta GAMANGIRIS! Penta climbs, but Dom shoves him down! Penta CHOPS from the apron, then runs up, but Dom BOOTS him! Dom hops down, reels Penta in, but Penta fights the suplex! Penta ENZIGIRIS, then runs up, APRON DESTROYER!!! Both men are down and the fans go nuts! But wait, here comes Carlito! Judgment Day let Dom come out here alone, but Caribbean Cool isn’t gonna let this go down! But this is all so Finn & JD can get Penta up! Finn gets an idea and grabs a chair!
But the ref sees Finn! Finn’s improvising just cost him his chance! The ref EJECTS Judgment Day!! The fans fire up as now things are 1v1 again! Carlito can’t believe Finn messed this up! Penta FLIES onto Judgment Day! The fans fire up but wait, Finn avoided disaster! Where’d he go? Penta hobbles, rolls into the ring, and SUPERKICKS Dom down! Penta vows to finish this, but Finn returns! Finn distracts the ref now, and EL GRANDE AMERICANO is here! Grande HEADBUTTS Penta with that loaded mask!!! Dom goes up, FROG SPLASH!!! Cover, DOM WINS!
Winner: Dominik Mysterio, by pinfall (still WWE Intercontinental Champion)
The Prince almost screwed things up, but then he managed to turn things around with help from the supposed other greatest luchador in history! Will Judgment Day owe Chad Gable- Er, uh, El Grande Americano big time for this?
GUNTHER VS Pat McAfee!
Once again, Der Ring General lost a championship, at WrestleMania, against someone he surely felt was beneath him. And while his ego was still hurting, he lashed out against Michael Cole in an attempt to intimidate and silence commentary. Pat stepped up for his friend, got beat up for it, but he isn’t going to back down just because Gunther is a bully. In fact, Pat has always believed in standing up to bullies, which is why he’s getting back in the ring! Will Pat win one for all the underdogs out there? Or will Gunther unleash all of his anger and silence Pat for good?
The bell rings and Pat throws his shirt to the crowd! The fans fire up as Pat and Gunther circle. They feel things out, Gunther smirks but Pat is stone cold serious. The fans taunt Gunther with, “You Tapped Out!” but Gunther ignores that. He and Pat tie up, and Gunther shoves Pat to a corner. Pat sees what he’s dealing with now, but he still comes back to circle with Gunther again. They tie up, Gunther headlocks and THROWS Pat! The ref checks Pat but Pat stands back up. Pat and Gunther circle again, tie up, and Gunther grabs an arm! Gunther wrenches Pat, wrangles him down and steps over. Gunther pie faces Pat around and the fans boo.
Gunther wrenches, wristlocks, but Pat rolls, rolls, handsprings, and wrenches! But Gunther breaks free! Pat avoids the chop and the fans fire up! Pat and Gunther circle again, and Gunther is oddly amused. Pat and Gunther tie up, and Pat headlocks! Gunther powers Pat to ropes, Pat shifts to a facelock, but Gunther puts Pat on the apron! Pat holds on, the ref counts, and Pat lets go slowly. Gunther pats Pat on the head, and Pat says okay. Pat ROCKS Gunther! Pat slingshots, runs, and fires forearms! Pat runs, into a CHOP! Pat is right down and coughing for air! Gunther drags Pat up, just to CLUB him back down!
Gunther stomps and kicks Pat around, pushes Pat, but Pat comes back to JAB! JAB! HAYMAKER! Pat fires hands, and even CHOPS! Gunther eggs Pat on! Pat CHOPS, the fans fire up, but Gunther wants more! Pat CHOPS, but Gunther CHOPS Pat down again! The fans boo as Gunther glares at Michael Cole. Gunther stalks Pat to a corner, talks trash, “You wanna play with the big boys, huh?” Gunther CHOPS Pat in a corner, CHOPS again, then stomps a mudhole! Gunther stops and Pat puts up his dukes! The fans rally, but Gunther CHOPS Pat down! The fans boo and Cole tells Gunther fine, just pin and finish it!
Gunther decides not to do that, he wrenches and whips Pat instead. Gunther CLOBBERS Pat, but Pat avoids the elbow drop! Pat KICKS Gunther! That NFL punt wasn’t quite enough, and Gunther snapmares Pat! Gunther KICKS Pat now! Pat writhes, but he still rises up! The fans rally behind Pat and he stands again. Pat roars, Gunther eggs him on, and Pat spins to CHOP! Gunther CHOPS, but Pat stays up to CHOP! Gunther BOOTS Pat down now! Gunther glares at Cole, dares Cole to help Pat, but Wade Barrett tells Cole to just sit down. The fans still taunt Gunther with, “You Tapped Out!” as Gunther goes back to Pat.
Gunther talks trash on the fans, then he brings Pat up. Gunther dares Cole to keep cheering his guy on. Cole says stop toying with Pat then! Pat SLAPS Gunther! Gunther CHOPS Pat, and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Pat sputters, Cole says just end it then! Gunther looms over Pat, eggs him on, and Pat still rises up! Gunther clamps onto Pat’s head, and then has the SLEEPER!! Pat is already red from everything else, but wait! Pat pries at the grip! Gunther is amused as Pat manages the ROPEBREAK, but then Gunther GERMAN SUPLEXES! Pat flounders and Gunther paces. Gunther laughs as the fans boo, because Gunther knows only he can end this.
Gunther soaks up the boos and he stalks Pat to ropes. Pat sits up, Gunther clamps onto him again, and Gunther uses a facelock to put Pat in a corner. Gunther CLUBS Pat, reels him in, and hoists Pat up top! Gunther CLUBS Pat, then climbs up. The fans rally for Pat, and he holds on for dear life! Pat fires elbows and he knocks Gunther down! Pat adjusts, and manages to MOONSAULT! Gunther moves, Pat lands out, GERMAN SUPLEX! Pat lands out?! PUNT!! PUNT!! And then a PUNT!!! Cover, ONE?!?! Gunther takes all those shots and is just pissed!! Gunther eggs Pat on, so Pat SLAPS him! Gunther eggs Pat on more, so Pat SLAPS again!
Pat SLAPS, Gunther CHOPS, but Pat just feeds off that now! The CHOPS keep going, and then Pat ELBOWS Gunther! The forearms go back and forth, Pat fires fast hands, Gunther guards! Pat runs, and he BOOTS Gunther! Pat keeps moving, to SUPERKICK! Shoutout to the Panama City Playboy, but Gunther reels Pat in for a POWERBOMB!! Cole says fine, just end this match already! Gunther clamps on the BOSTON CRAB!! But Pat endures! Cole goes to the apron to tell Pat to keep fighting! But Gunther drags Pat back to rain down HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! The fans cheer on Cole, but Gunther grabs him through the ropes!!
The fans boo as Gunther drags Cole into the ring! The ref reprimands and Cole says Gunther should just pin Pat already! Gunther pushes Cole around, has him by his tie, then reels Cole in! But Pat BOOTS Gunther! Gunther BOOTS Pat!! Gunther glares at Cole as Cole is on the outside again. Pat O’Conner Rolls! TWO!! Pat bails out, Cole coaches him, but Gunther is on Pat again! Gunther suplexes, but Cole trips Gunther!! Cole holds Gunther’s foot down as Pat covers, TWO!!! Gunther is pissed, but Pat puts on the SLEEPER!!! Gunther flails, powers out, and short arm LARIATS!! Gunther drags Pat back up, and he stares Cole down before putting on the SLEEPER!!!
Pat is down in the body scissors and he’s turning purple! The fans rally as Pat still fights, but Gunther traps his arms, too!! Pat is still fighting even now!! Pat rises up, throws elbows, and the fans are thunderous! Pat fires shot after shot but Gunther wrangles him back down!! Pat is caught again, and NOW he’s out! Gunther wins!!
Winner: Gunther, by submission
Gunther pushes Pat away and Cole is distraught. Cole goes to Pat’s side, feeling just a bit responsible for letting it go this far. Der Ring General grins as he still returns to his winning ways. Pat manages to sit up again now that he can breathe, and Cole helps him stand. Gunther and Pat stare each other down, and Gunther shows Pat a nod of respect! Gunther leaves, but will he be just as ruthless as he heads back for the mountaintop?
Undisputed WWE Championship: John Cena VS Randy Orton!
Both men have been here in the WWE for 25 years, never wrestling anywhere else, and never wanting to go anywhere else. And while he’s “gone Hollywood,” Cena still became the #NeverSeenSeventeen. The Viper is still only at 14, but he hopes to change that tonight as he now has the homefield advantage. Will the Legend Killer add one more name to that hit list? Or will Cena still be the Last Real Champion?
The fans obviously sing along with Voices as their hometown hero makes his entrance. Orton already seems to be getting chills hearing his hometown sing that for him. Then things turn to “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” even before the music plays. Then things turn to “JOHN CENA SUCKS~!” with the music, even as Cena wears his St. Louis Blues inspired merchandise. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is truly the greatest of their generation!
The bell rings and the fans fire up as Cena and Orton circle. They feel things out, tie up, and are in a deadlock. The two break, the fans applaud, and the two reset. Orton and Cena circle again, tie up again, and are in another deadlock. They break again and the fans again applaud. St. Louis rallies behind “RANDY! RANDY!” which annoys Cena, but then he offers a handshake. The fans boo and Orton smirks. Orton steps up, Cena still offers, and Orton accepts. But then Cena pokes Orton in the eyes! Cena fires hands, headlocks, but Orton powers up and out. Orton runs Cena over, then he pokes Cena in the eyes!
The fans cheer, Cena bails out, and Orton goes to the corner so he can look down at Cena. The fans cheer more and Cena slides in. The two tie up, go around, and Orton puts Cena in a corner. The ref counts, Orton lets off at 4, but he counters Cena’s punch! Orton ROCKS Cena, headlocks, and the fans duel, “You Can’t Wrestle!” “YES, HE CAN!” Cena powers up and out, ducks down, and hurdles over! Orton still runs Cena over again! The fans fire up as Orton headlocks, hits a takeover, but Cena keeps his shoulders up. Cena endures, fights up, and powers out. Orton runs Cena over yet again! Cena bails out and the fans boo.
Cena wants to walk!? The fans boo more but Cena doesn’t care. But Orton rushes out to CLUB Cena from behind! Orton ROCKS Cena, ROCKS him again, and they return to ringside. Orton ROCKS Cena, Cena rolls into the ring, and Cena comes back to LARIAT! Cena rains down fists, the fans boo, but Cena stops to catch his breath. Cena brings Orton up to bump him off buckles. Cena climbs up and fans boo more as Cena rains down fists! The fans still count along, and Cena goes to 7 before he hops down. But Orton kicks low! Orton bumps Cena off buckles, then climbs up to rain down fists! The fans count and Orton goes past TEN, to hit TWENTY!!
The fans fire up and Orton backs off. Cena staggers around, Orton reels him in, and UPPERCUTS Cena down! Cover, TWO! Orton drags Cena to center to stomp a leg! The fans cheer and Orton stomps Cena’s other leg! Cena clutches his ankle, but Orton stomps Cena’s hand! The fans cheer as Orton picks Cena apart, with a stomp to the other hand! Orton pushes Cena down and runs up, to KNEE DROP! Cover, TWO! Cena stays in this but Orton stays focused. Cena goes to ropes, rises up, but Orton is on him with a kick down low! The fans cheer Orton and he whips, but Cena reverses. Cena clamps on a SLEEPER! And becomes a backpack!
Orton stays on his feet and Cena slips down. Orton powers up and out, and he catches Cena for a SLEEPER! Cena endures, but he drops to a knee. Cena fights up, powers out, and he grabs the SLEEPER again! The fans boo but Orton powers up and out. Orton has the SLEEPER! Cena powers out, to have the SLEEPER! Orton slips around to hit a BIG back suplex! The fans rally while both men are down. Orton and Cena stir, Cena goes to the ropes, and Orton is up. Cena ducks ‘n’ dodges to start up those SHOULDER TACKLES! And then the SPIN OUT BOMB! The fans boo but Cena smooths his hair. Cena smirks, raises his hand, and says the fans can’t see him!
Cena runs, and FIVE KNUCKLE SHUFFLES! Orton staggers, Cena fireman’s carries, but Orton slips free! Orton shoves Cena and LARIATS! And LARIATS again! Orton dodges then SNAP POWERSLAMS! The fans fire up while Cena flounders to the apron! Orton storms over there, drags Cena through the ropes, but Cena slips through to roll Orton up! TWO, and Cena has a leg! Orton fights off the crossface, but Cena powers through! STFU!! Orton endures, reaches out, but Cena drags him from the ropes! Orton BOOTS Cena away and Cena goes back to the apron! Orton runs up, has Cena in the ropes, DRAPING DDT!
The fans fire up while Cena sputters, and Orton starts to hear those voices! Orton watches Cena rise up, R K- NO, Cena powers out, fireman’s carries, and ATTITUDE- RKO?!?! Orton turns that around at the last second and the fans are losing their minds! “This is Awesome!” while both men are down again! Both men slowly rise up, Cena has Orton, but Orton ROCKS Cena! Cena ROCKS Orton! Orton kicks Cena low, but then Cena fires a body shot! Orton HEADBUTTS Cena, but Cena HEADBUTTS back! Orton ROCKS Cena again, but Cena ROCKS Orton again! Orton UPPERCUTS! Cena HAYMAKERS! Cena fireman’s carries, ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT!! Cover, TWO!?!
The fans fire up as Orton survives while Cena grows frustrated. Cena waits on Orton to rise up, the fans duel again, and Cena fireman’s carries! Orton grabs ropes, Cena pries him free, but Orton slips off the carry! Cena ducks ‘n’ dodges to start more shoulder tackles, but into an RKO!!! The fans fire up but Cena flounders away to a corner! Orton clutches his shoulder, the RKO continues to be a double-edged move when you get right down to it. But wait! Orton wants to go yard! But Cena avoids the Orton Punt! Fireman’s carry and ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT!! Cover, TWO!!!! Orton survives again and Cena is beside himself!
The fans rally as hard as they can for Orton but Cena stalks Orton to a corner. Cena talks trash, and he mocks hearing those voices! Cena smirks as the fans boo, and then Cena decides to further copy Orton! Cena aims from a corner, runs up, but Orton dodges Cena’s kick! RK- NO, Cena shoves Orton into the ref!! The ref goes down, Cena has Orton again, ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT!! But no ref means no pins! Cena smirks again, and he tells the fans, “Shh.” Cena goes outside, grabs the title belt, and Cole asks why he’s resorting to this. Cena says, “History.” Cena slips back into the ring with the belt, but Orton hits an RKO!!!
The ref stirs, Orton covers, and the ref counts! TWO!!!! The delay saves Cena and Orton is beside himself! Cena flops out of the ring, crawls off towards barriers, but Orton pursues. Orton huffs ‘n’ puffs and storms up on Cena. The fans call BS, but Orton thinks this is a good a place as any. Orton clears the desk! The ref reprimands but then Cena RAMS Orton into the ref!! The ref hits steel steps! Cena POSTS Orton, and the fans are dueling again! Cena sees the desk, and then smirks again. Cena decides to use another of Orton’s ideas, and he fireman’s carries Orton. But Orton slips free and fireman’s carries! ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT onto the desk!!
Cena tumbles off the desk and to the floor! Then the desk breaks! They really made those sturdier than before. Orton mutters something while he clears space. Orton drags Cena up, SMACKS him off the pieces of the desk, then goes back to the ring. The fans fire up as Orton starts looking underneath the ring! Orton goes around the way, and tada! Orton brings out a TABLE! St. Louis fires up again as Orton sets the table up right where he found it, then he drags Cena over that way. Cena fires hands and SMACKS Orton off barriers! And off the steps! Cena fireman’s carries Orton, but Orton fights free! Orton fireman’s carries again!
Orton hits another ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT, through the table!!! Once again, Orton gives Cena his move! Orton drinks some Prime Hydration, then goes back to Cena. Orton steps over Cena to drag him back up, and he puts Cena in the ring. “This is Awesome!” but the ref is still down! Orton huffs ‘n’ puffs and he hears those voices again! Cena stirs, rises to his feet, and RKO!!! Cover, here comes a spare ref!! The count, TWO!??!?!? Another delay saves Cena and Orton is at a loss for words! The ref defends the count was fair, but Cena has the belt again! Cena aims, runs up, but Orton dodge! BELT SHOT on Eddie Durango! RKO AGAIN!!!!
Orton covers, he would’ve won ten times over! Nick Aldis and his producers hurry to ringside to finally check on both refs. Orton argues with Aldis, they need another official! Aldis says okay but there aren’t many left to work tonight! Orton is furious, so he just RKOS Aldis! And RKO for each and every producer! Even Jamie Noble!! The fans are thunderous as Orton unleashes that 2009 Viper! Orton looms over Cena, seethes, and goes with the last thing he has in his arsenal. Orton lines up a shot, Cena rises up, BUT R-TRUTH gets in the way! Truth pleads with Orton to spare his “childhood hero!” Orton just RKOS Truth!!
Cena is up, and he LOW BLOWS Orton!!! The fans boo, but Cena isn’t done there! He has the belt, and he CLOBBERS Orton with it!!! Cena puts the belt outside, the first ref returns, and he counts the cover! CENA WINS!!!
Winner: John Cena, by pinfall (still Undisputed WWE Champion)
Cena’s first defense of his 17th world title is certainly one for the history books! It took multiple referees, tables, distractions, and even a friend/fan biting the bullet for him, and Cena comes out the other side still the champion. Cena takes the mic, and he shouts to cut the damn music! Cena says he doesn’t need the music, he needs competition. And he sure as hell doesn’t need the fans. “Drink it in, St. Louis. Because this is what the Last Real Champion looks like.” The fans boo as Cena holds up the title at the corner, but if this is what the Last Real Champion needs to survive the Viper, what more will it take for him to finish his Farewell Tour?
My Thoughts:
Despite the concerns from right after WrestleMania, this Backlash turned out amazing! It didn’t need a two hour preshow when there wasn’t gonna be a preshow match, but I get that they did so because this was the final Backlash for Cena, they needed time to talk about Cena becoming the 17 time world champion, and what facing Orton one more time meant to everyone. Cena VS Orton: The Final Time was definitely better than Cody VS Cena at Mania. There was a lot of talk of Cena “purposefully” giving a bad match at Mania and whether that saved it from actually being a bad match because of the meta, but I think they realized that this time, it had to be a legitimately good match.
And it was! It was great stuff from two icons of wrestling, no matter what anyone says. It’s that saying of “I’m not as good as I once was, but I’m as good once as I ever was.” It didn’t flip the classic moment of Orton slapping the ref to get disqualified, but Cena did still took out two refs through the course of this. Great stuff with Aldis and all those producers, aka former/retired wrestlers, taking RKOs so Orton could unleash his anger. And while I figured R-Truth would play a part, I didn’t think we’d get him taking an RKO. Cena of course resorts to all the cheating ways to win, but this is Heel Cena after all, what else would he do? And now there is some real intrigue as to who is next for Cena as he continues his farewell tour.
To go back to the top, awesome move with the Fatal 4 Way opening tonight. All four guys got their stuff in, it was wild, and yet, Solo Sikoa still gets involved, just as they implied last night. Additionally, Solo brought in a new member to the team, also as they implied. Personally, I still wanted Hikuleo, just so that Solo would be leading the entire Guerrillas of Destiny, but maybe they want to wait until Tama and Loa are health. At the same time, I can’t fault them for going with Jeff Cobb because he’s Jeff Cobb. Cobb is sturdy, strong, athletic, and anyone who has watched NJPW, ROH and/AEW already knows what he’s capable of. You can tell already that this only ups the tension within the faction, and we might get Cobb VS Fatu very quickly.
Lyra VS Becky was great, with Becky really doing her best to Heel her way through this. I really thought she was going to pull off a cheap win thanks to the buckle or some other trick, but Lyra does prove herself the better wrestler tonight. Now, with Lyra holding her nose and then playing up the damage to the rest of her body, they could be setting up some injury angle where she has to take time off, maybe even vacate the title. Lyra’s fiancé was right there, this could be Lyra’s out so the two of them can have their wedding and honeymoon and all that while Becky goes for the vacated title. Bayley could even return to be a major roadblock to that title, and we get a great match from Bayley VS Becky to crown a new champion.
Dom VS Penta was great, and St. Louis seems to be a Dom friendly crowd. Naturally, Judgment Day had to help, but also a logical move for El Grande Americano to get involved because of how Penta superkick’d Gable. Penta will surely confront Gable and get a match with El Grande, this can lead us into something for either Worlds Collide or Money in the Bank in June. As for Dom, things seem patched up in Judgment Day for now, but that could easily change at a drop of a hat. Honestly, Worlds Collide needs to be built starting this Monday, and maybe some AAA stars show up to call out “the greatest Intercontinental Champion/greatest Mysterio ever.”
And of course, for being a bit sudden, Gunther VS Pat was great stuff. It went about how I expected, with Pat just taking damage and getting back up. A little surprised Cole tried to help Pat cheat Gunther out of this, but it didn’t change the outcome. Gunther make Pat take a nap to get the win, but I did like the modicum of respect Gunther showed on his way out. Logan VS Jey is set for Saturday Night’s Main Event in a couple weeks, but much like Rollins, perhaps Gunther tries to change plans? Or maybe Gunther wants the Intercontinental Championship? Gunther should go for something, I’m just not sure what with all these other stories going on right now.
My Score: 9/10
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Will the Front Man have his Resurgence?
Hirooki Goto and Zack Sabre Jr. battle over the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, knowing that Shingo Takagi waits at NJPW Dominion!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Strong Survivor: Allan Breeze VS CJ Tino; Tino wins.
- Bea Priestly VS Viva Van; Priestly wins.
- Fred Rosser VS Matt Vandagriff; Rosser wins.
- NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Championships: World Class Wrecking Crew VS TJP & Templario; TJP & Templario win and become the new NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Champions.
- 8 Man Tag: Bullet Club VS The Young Bucks & The Good Brothers; The Bucks & Good Brothers win.
- NJPW Strong Openweight Championship: Tomohiro Ishii VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney; Ishii wins and retains the title.
- NEVER Openweight Championship: Konosuke Takeshita VS El Phantasmo; Konosuke wins and retains the title.
- IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Hirooki Goto VS Zack Sabre Jr; Double Pinfall Draw, Goto retains the title.
- NJPW Strong Women’s Championship: Mercedes Mone VS AZM VS Mina Shirakawa; AZM wins and becomes the new NJPW Strong Women’s Champion.
PLAY BY PLAY
NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Championships: World Class Wrecking Crew VS TJP & Templario!
No longer just for the West Coast, Royce Isaacs & Jorel Nelson are World Class! But will they start to take over the world from the West Coast? Or will the Aswang & Lion Warrior conquer them for the United Empire?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who is truly world class!
The teams sort out and then WCWC just attack! The bell rings, the fans boo, but Nelson stomps away on TJP! Isaacs TOSSES Templario, then WCWC double whip TJP. TJP leaps over the double lariat and Templario springboards to DOUBLE CROSSBODY! The fans fire up as now TJP & Temp have Isaacs. They double whip him to DOUBLE ELBOW, then roll him into a wheelbarrow and BULLDOG! The fans fire up and Temp SPLASHES the leg! And SPLASHES it again! Then stomps it! Temp wrenches Isaacs, tags TJP, and they double whip to HIP TOSS, then TJP becomes Templario’s weapon for a GOURD BUSTER SPLASH!
The fans cheer and TJP covers, TWO! TJP stays on Isaacs with an UPPERCUT! Isaacs goes to ropes, Nelson talks trash, but TJP tells Nelson to “SUCK IT!” TJP UPPERCUTS Isaacs, whips, but Isaacs catches TJP to a suplex! TJP slips free and wraps on the IRON OCTOPUS! Nelson runs in, CLUBS TJP and BLASTS Templario! Then BOOT and BACKBREAKER, into a BODY CHECK! The fans boo but Isaacs rains down fists! Tag to Nelson and WCWC wrench TJP for a DOUBLE ATOMIC DROP! TJP staggers, Nelson dropkicks the legs out, then Isaacs deadlift suplexes TJP! Nelson covers, TWO! Nelson rains down forearms while the fans boo!
Nelson rains down fists, the ref reprimands, and Nelson “apologizes.” Nelson taunts Templario, bumps TJP off buckles, then tags Isaacs. Isaacs digs his boot into TJP while Nelson messes with TJP’s hair. Isaacs then BLASTS Templario while Nelson rains down fists! The ref reprimands WCWC but he also has to keep Temp from storming in. Isaacs & Nelson stomp away on TJP in the distraction and the fans boo. Isaacs taunts TJP to go tag Templario, then stomps him down! Isaacs clamps onto TJP’s arms for a motorcycle stretch! TJP endures, the fans rally, but Isaacs pulls on the arms! The fans boo WCWC while TJP still endures.
The fans rally harder for “T J P! T J P!” Nelson hijacks English commentary to talk trash, but TJP fights up to FLIP KICK Isaacs away! Isaacs hurries to whip TJP, but TJP goes Spider-Man to then slip under and RANA! The fans fire up while TJP and Isaacs crawl, hot tags to Templario and Nelson! Templario handsprings, then he fires forearms with Nelson! Templario gets the edge, trips Nelson, and things speed up. Nelson hurdles but Temp shoves. Nelson sunset flips, Temp rolls through but Nelson avoids the basement dropkick! Temp avoids a kick, rolls Nelson, but Nelson rolls through to RAM Temp! Temp comes back to SHOTGUN!
The fans fire up as Nelson tumbles out! Isaacs is in, Temp kicks but Isaacs blocks! Isaacs FLIPS Temp but Temp lands out! Isaacs whips but TJP tags in! Temp slips around Isaacs, shoves him to TJP for BOOTS, then TJP goes up to MISSILE DROPKICK! WCWC regroups outside and the fans fire up. Temp holds the way open for TJP to Triangle Jump DROPKICK! Then TJP returns the favor so Temp can DIVE onto WCWC! The fans fire up with the Empire as they put Nelson back in. TJP goes up, up, and MAMBA- NO, Nelson dodges! TJP blocks a shot, SOBATS, then runs, but into a DROPKICK! Nelson dodges Temp but Temp goes up to DROPKICK back!
Isaacs is in, Temp dodges and V-TRIGGERS! Temp runs, but into a ROLLING ELBOW! All four men are down and the fans fire up! Isaacs and Temp bail out and the fans rally as TJP and Nelson go to corners. Nelson throws off the elbow pads and runs up, but into TJP’s TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up again as Nelson flounders to the apron. TJP goes up, but Isaacs ROCKS him! Isaacs goes up, and stalling SUPERPLEXES! TJP flounders back up and Isaacs LARIATS him back down! Nelson hits a MACHO ELBOW! Cover, TWO!! TJP survives and the fans fire up! WCWC is furious, they whip to SPINEBUSTER and CATAPULT, for NO VASELINE!! Cover, Temp breaks it!!
Temp fires off on WCWC then runs, but into DOUBLE ELBOWS! WCWC soak up the heat, but they miss the Templarooni! The fans fire up as Temp dodges and uses Nelson to get up and RANA Isaacs! Temp then whips, Nelson reverses, but Temp drop toeholds Nelson into buckles! Wheelbarrow and GERMAN SUPLEX! The fans fire up, but Isaacs is back! He POP-UP UPPERCUTS Temp down! The fans boo but Isaacs drags Temp back up. Isaacs whips, Temp reverses, and TJP goes up and over to TORNADO- NO, Isaacs stops that! TJP waistlocks, Isaacs switches, but TJP ducks so Temp’s SUPERKICK hits Isaacs!
Temp runs up on Nelson, Nelson slips around to waistlock Temp, but TJP waistlocks Nelson! Nelson steps through the O’Conner but TJP reaches up to headscissor Nelson forward for Temp to reel in and pick up! EL TEMPLO!! TJP goes up to MAMBA SPLASH!! Cover, ISAACS BREAKS IT! The fans fire up while all four men are down! TJP rises and THROWS Isaacs out! TJP aims to PLANCHA! Down goes Isaacs! Temp kicks away on Nelson, ENZIGIRIS, and TJP joins in. TJP Electric Chair Lifts and Temp goes up! Temp tightrope walks, FLYING FOREARM DOOMSDAY!! Cover, TWO!! Nelson survives and TJP is beside himself!
The fans rally up as TJP rises. Isaacs rolls back in, TJP holds him down with a facelock. Temp steps in, they double suplex, but Isaacs fights that to DOUBLE SUPLEX! TJP & Temp fight that, but Nelson anchors Temp! Isaacs shoves TJP into Temp, but TJP fireman’s carries Isaacs! Isaacs fights free, gut wrenches, but TJP turns that around!? Isaacs turns it back around, SPINNING TOMBSTONE!! Nelson whips Temp and pops him up, POWERBOMB! Another catapult, another fireman’s carry, and again, NO VASELINE!! Temp writhes and the fans boo, but WCWC kips up! They keep after Temp with another fireman’s carry.
Nelson and Isaacs take Temp to a corner, and Nelson steps on Temp’s back to- NO, TJP avoids the splash! Temp slips free to ENZIGIRI Isaacs! Nelson CLAWS TJP’s eyes and goes up another corner, to POP THE- NO, TJP catches Nelson to a backslide, but Nelson rolls through to cradle! Temp tips it over, THE UNITED EMPIRE WINS?!?
Winners: TJP & Templario, by pinfall (NEW NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Champions)
Nelson is stunned! He thought he had it, but the Lion Warrior gave Captain TJP the much needed assist! Nelson throws a fit before he and Isaacs storm off. Will all of NJPW, all over the world, soon belong to the United Empire?
8 Man Tag: Bullet Club VS The Young Bucks & The Good Brothers!
The War Dogs are still coming fresh off their win against The House of Torture, and now claim the right to be called THE Bullet Club! However, the Founding Fathers of Bullet Club seem to take offense. Matthew & Nicholas Jackson reunite with Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson, will they #ShowUsTheLight? Or will we see that David Finlay, Gedo, Gabe Kidd & Clark Connors are the ones that’re #JustTooSweet?
The fans bark for the War Dogs, and then they throw up their Too Sweet. The fans chant, “Too Sweet! WOOP WOOP!” and the Founding Fathers raise theirs, but the War Dogs attack! The bell rings, the fans are torn, but the brawl is on! Things spill out to the outside, Karl fires hands on Gedo, Finlay THROWS Matt over barriers, and then goes after Matt in the crowd! The fans fire up as Karl CLAWS Gedo’s face! Gabe sends Gallows into railing, but Nick TOSSES Finlay to ringside! Connors has Matt now and they brawl. Gedo CLAWS Karl’s face in return! Gabe and Gallows return to ringside, then go up the ramp.
Gabe and Gallows brawl, shout at each other, and then Gabe CHOPS! Gallows UPPERCUITS! Matt ROCKS Connors, and Finlay has Nick on the stage! Nick fights the suplex, then SUPERKICKS Finlay down the stairs! Finlay tumbles, Gallows CLUBS him, and they all set up for Nick to run and FLY! Nick bowls them all over and the fans fire up! Matt puts Connors in and Nick puts him in a corner. The Bucks whip Connors to a corner, then Matt LARIATS! Nick LARIATS! Karl JUMP KICKS! Gallows SPLASHES! Gallows scoops Connors and SLAMS him down! The fans rally up as Matt goes to a corner. He FLIES out onto Gabe & Finlay!
Anderson SENTONS Connors, Gallows SPLASHES, and then the Bucks coordinate! RISKY BUSINESS! The fans fire up for the Founding Fathers, and they call for the Too Sweet! The fans cheer as they wind up, but the War Dogs attack again! Finlay fires off on Matt, Gabe HEADBUTTS Gallows, Gedo has Karl and Connors has Nick! The War Dogs climb up in the corners, and they rain down fists! The fans count along, and we go all the way up to TEN! That’s forty total and the fans cheer! The War Dogs toss everyone out but Karl, and Gedo stomps him. Gabe SMACKS Gallows off railing, and Connors drags Karl up.
Connors whips Karl to the corner hard and Karl falls to the mat! Connors puts Karl in place, runs, and hits an ELBOW DROP! Connors drags Karl up, brings him around, and whips him into Finlay’s boot! Connors tags Gedo but Finlay digs his boots in. The ref counts, Gedo argues with him, but that lets Finlay & Gabe CHOKE Karl! Gedo storms up but Karl CHOPS him first! And CHOPS, but Gedo blocks to poke Karl in the eyes! The fans are torn, but Gedo CLAWS at Karl’s eyes! The ref reprimands and counts, and Gedo stops at 4. Gedo looms over Karl, pulls him back, and CLAWS at his face again!
The fans boo, the ref counts, and Gedo stops at 4. The fans are torn as Gedo throws up the Too Sweet, then he tags Finlay. Finlay stomps Karl to a corner, stomps a mudhole in, but stops as the ref counts. The fans rally and duel as Finlay stands Karl up. Finlay UPPERCUTS, runs corner to corner, and UPPERCUTS again! Finlay suplexes and THROWS Karl, then pushes him down for a cocky cover. TWO, but Finlay drags Karl away from his corner. Finlay bends Karl’s fingers while Gabe & Connors BLAST the OGs! Gabe grabs a mic to talk trash during the match! Gabe stomps Karl, and mockingly asks if this is 2013 again, when those “14-year-olds were still cool?”
Gabe mocks the Bucks and say they’re the Young CUCKS, because they’re bigger virgin nerds than anyone in this building! And F YOU, too!! Gabe tells Karl and Gallows that HE’s the resident bald white guy in NJPW now! But then Karl CHOPS Gabe! And CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! Gabe DECKS Karl, the War Dogs BLAST the OGs, then Connors feeds Karl to Finlay. Karl dodges, sends Finlay into Connors, but Gabe UPPERCUTS! Gabe whips, Karl reverses, SPINEBUSTER! Hot tag to Gallows! The fans fire up as Doc BOOTS Connors, ROUNDHOUSES Finlay, and YAKUZA KICKS Gedo! Gallows whips Connors into Finlay!
Gallows runs to SPLASH them both, then runs to CROSSBODY Finlay & Connors! The fans fire up but Gabe attacks! Gab e BITES Gallows’ head, talks trash, but Gallows UPPERCUTS! Gabe COMEBACK- NO, he runs into the 12 STEP PROGRAM! Both men are down from that modified Sky High and the fans fire up! Hot tags to Finlay and Nick! Connors still jumps in with Finlay but Nick rallies on them with his strike fest combo! SHINING WIZARD for Finlay, then a BULLDOG LARIAT COMBO! The fans fire up again and Nick tags Matt. The Bucks mug Gabe, double whip, but Gabe reverses. Nick goes up and Matt SUPERKICKS!
Matt cravats, Nick helps, ASSISTED SLICED BREAD! SHINING WIZARD! Finlay is up, DOUBLE SUPERKICKS hit him first! Matt puts Finlay in the ropes, Nick goes up, DRAPING SWANTON! Cover, TWO! Finlay survives but Matt tags Karl. Gallows joins in and the fans rally up. Gallows reels Finlay in, but Connors SPEARS him! Finlay hits Karl with an IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! But he gets DSOUBLE SUPERKICKS again! The Bucks fake Connors out to DOUBLE DDT! Gabe blocks a kick, sends it into Matt, then UPPERCUTS! But Nick SUPERKICKS in return! Gabe rebounds, but into DOUBLE SUPERKICKS!
Gabe rebounds again, to DOUBLE LARIAT! Gallows is back, he and Gabe DOUBLE LARIAT! And DOUBLE LARIAT! Gabe CHOPs, CHOPS, and UPPERCUTS! Gabe runs, into a GUN STUN!! We never thought that move would return to NJPW but here we are! Finlay flounders, hot tag to Gedo! Gedo JAWBREAKERS Karl, SUPERKICKS, and the rest of the Dogs hold down the OGs! Gedo mule kicks Karl now to GEDO CLUTCH! TWO!!! Karl escapes and the fans fire up! GUN STUN for Gedo!! Gabe runs up, dodges, COMEBACKER!! Gallows ROUNDHOUSES Gabe!
Connors & Finlay mug Gallows, double whip him, then Connors runs in, only for Gallows to DUMP him! Gallows DUMPS Finlay, too! YAKUZA KICK for Gedo, and into the E V P TRIGGER!! Matt says that’s not enough! Nick climbs up to be on Gallows’ shoulders! SUPER T K DRIVER!! The Bucks PLANCHA out to wipe out the Dogs! The Good Brothers top it off with a MAGIC KILLER on Gedo!! Cover, the Founding Fathers win!
Winners: The Young Bucks & Good Brothers, by pinfall
The War Dogs are beside themselves, but the OGs of Bullet Club still got it! The War Dogs step back into the ring, they look at their “senpai” while Gedo is helped to the back. The Bucks say no hard feelings, and offer the Too Sweet. War Dogs throw it up, just to Too Sweet with each other. It seems some things aren’t “4 life” like we thought. But with the Good Brothers back in town, will things be #JustTooSweet no matter where you look?
NJPW Strong Openweight Championship: Tomohiro Ishii VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney!
The Stone Pitbull took this title off Gabe in the Windy City Riot, and now he defends it against another of the War Dogs! Will Ishii survive the 44 Caliber? Or will his reign not even last a full month?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who’s really got that dog in ’em!
The bell rings and the fans rally as Drilla and Ishii get face to face. Then Drilla fires forearm after forearm! Drilla whips, Ishii reverses, but Drilla RAMS Ishii! Ishii roars so Drilla fires more forearms! Ishii eggs Drilla on and leans into the shots! Drilla keeps throwing shots but Ishii backs him down! The fans rally behind Ishii, and he DECKS Drilla into a corner! The fans fire up and Ishii shakes off those forearms. Ishii CHOPS, and CHOPS, but now Drilla eggs him on! Ishii fires forearms but now Drilla leans into the shots! The fans fire up as Drilla ROCKS Ishii. Drilla runs but Ishii CLOBBERS Drilla!
The fans fire up and Ishii suplexes, but Drilla slips free! Drilla waistlocks, Ishii fires elbows, and things speed up. Drilla hurdles, drops down, then DROPKICKS! The fans are torn but Drilla shakes out his arms. Drilla looms over Ishii, kicks him, and CHOPS him! The fans “WOO~” while Ishii wobbles, and Drilla CHOPS again! Drilla CHOPS Ishii to the corner, then CHOPS again! Ishii eggs Drilla on so Drilla winds up and CHOPS! Drilla stomps away on Ishii, the ref counts, but Drilla digs his boot in. The ref counts, Drilla steps off, and the fans rally. Drilla grins and brings Ishii up, but Ishii fires body shots!
Ishii backs Drilla down but Drilla snapmares and KICKS Ishii in the back! Ishii writhes, Drilla covers, TWO! Drilla is annoyed but Ishii is tougher than that. Drilla drags Ishii up, reels him in, and hits a BIG back suplex! Ishii sputters and rolls to the apron. The fans rally as Drilla storms over to join Ishii. Drilla drags Ishii up, reels him in, but Ishii fights the lift! Drilla pushes Ishii and ELBOWS him down! Ishii LARIATS the legs out from under Drilla! Drilla hobbles up, runs in, but into a SNAP POWERSLAM on the floor! The fans fire up while the ref checks Drilla. Drilla is okay to continue, so Ishii drags him into the ring.
Drilla goes to a corner, Ishii runs in, and LARIATS! Ishii whips, Drilla reverses, but Ishii comes back to CLOBBER Drilla! The fans fire up more as Ishii shakes off that damage. Ishii drags Drilla up, but Drilla fights the lift with elbows! Only for Ishii to shift and SAIDO! Cover, TWO! Drilla stays in this but he’s frustrated with himself. Ishii kicks at Drilla rather mockingly, and Drilla stands in a huff! Drilla ducks the haymaker to ripcord and CHOP! Then he brings Ishii in for a PILE- NO, Ishii fights that, so Drilla grabs tights for a STUFF PILEDRIVER! Ishii writhes but Drilla also grits his teeth from pain, and the fans rally up.
Drilla and Ishii stir, and Drilla rises first. Drilla drags Ishii up, CHOPS and ROCKS him on repeat, and the fans “WOO~” with every CHOP! Ishii just stares Drilla down! Drilla CHOPS, ROLLING ELBOWS, but Ishii DECKS him! The fans fire up and Ishii finally feels that damage. Ishii clutches a shoulder but he storms up on Drilla. Ishii kicks Drilla, hoists him up top, and then climbs up after him. Ishii stalling SUPERPLEXES! But Drilla’s right up!? The fans fire up and Drilla returns, but Ishii LARIATS! Drilla HAYMAKERS! Ishii HEADBUTTS! Drilla ROLLING ELBOWS, then ducks the enzigiri! Drilla runs, but Ishii stuffs the Gore!
Drilla wrenches free of the facelock, but Ishii HEADBUTTS Drilla down! The fans fire up while Ishii staggers around. Ishii roars to fire back up and the fans are with him! Drilla slowly rises, Ishii runs, but Drilla catches Ishii to a MADE IN JAPAN!??! Cover, TWO!! Ishii survives Drilla using Shingo Takagi’s move and the fans fire up! Drilla goes to a corner while the fans rally up. The fans are on Ishii’s side and that pisses Drilla off. Drilla aims and runs in, but Ishii KNEES him low! Ishii stands Drilla up, but Drilla SUPERKICKS! Ishii rebounds, but into the SPINEBUSTER! Drilla gets moving again, and he GORES Ishii down!! Cover, TWO?!?
Ishii survives and Drilla is beside himself! The fans rally while Drilla and Ishii are down again. Drilla sits up and slashes his throat, vowing to end this. Drilla stands and he brings Ishii up. Drilla reels Ishii in, but Ishii fights the lift! Drilla swats a lariat, ducks the other, but Ishii ducks the enzigiri to deadlift GERMAN SUPLEX! Both men are down again and the fans fire back up! Drilla and Ishii stir as the fans rally up more. They go to ropes, rise up, and they both run in! DOUBLE LARIATS! Ishii fires boxing elbows, but Drilla eggs him on! Ishii fires forearm after forearm, but Drilla DROPKICKS! Drilla runs, but Ishii LARIATS him down! Cover, TWO!
Drilla survives and the fans rally up! Ishii sits Drilla up, runs, and SLIDING- NO! Drilla catches Ishii into a clinch! URE- NO, Ishii slips free to waistlock! Drilla switches, ripcords and DROPKICKS! Drilla reels Ishii in and suplexes, for a BRAINBUSTER!! But Ishii rises?!? His fighting spirit keeps him moving, but Drilla runs to LARIAT! Ishii stays up, UPPERCUTS, and ENZIGIRIS! Both men fall again and the fans fire back up! Ishii headbutts the buckles to fire up, and the fans are with him! Ishii runs again, to LARIAT!! Drilla tumbles, Ishii pushes him to a cover, TWO!! Drilla survives but Ishii powers back up!
Ishii hauls Drilla up, reels him in, and suplexes, but Drilla slips fere! Drilla shoves, then catches Ishii to wrench and Canadian Rack! DRILLA- NO, Ishii lands out! Drilla avoids a lariat, then another, and GORES!! Cover, ONE!?!? Drilla is shocked and the fans are thunderous! Drilla goes to a corner and he aims again! Drilla runs up, but Ishii turns leg lariat into POWERBOMB! And SLIDING LARIAT!! Ishii roars, suplexes, and BRAINBUSTERS!!! Cover, Ishii wins!!
Winner: Tomohiro Ishii, by pinfall (still NJPW Strong Openweight Champion)
The Stone Pitbull showed the young pup how it’s done! Will Ishii continue to prove no one is as NJPW Strong as him?
NEVER Openweight Championship: Konosuke Takeshita w/ Rocky Romero VS El Phantasmo!
It was just last week at Wrestling Dontaku that The Alpha and Headbanga battled over the NJPW World Television Championship. They went 15 minutes for a time limit draw and both men want more! Will ELP get all he can when he takes this title from Takeshita? Or will Konosuke NEVER lose again?
The introductions are made, the NEVER belt is raised, and we see who NEVER gives up!
The bell rings and the one hour time limit is on. ELP and Konosuke circle, the fans rally up, and the two tie up. Konosuke headlocks, ELP powers up and out, but Konosuke runs him over! Things keep moving, ELP stays low then hurdles over, but Konosuke leaps over. Konosuke sidesteps, ELP rolls off Konosuke’s back, but Konosuke reels him in! BLUE THUNDER- NO, ELP sunset flips! But Konosuke rolls through! ELP still reels Konosuke in and tucks the arms, but then Konosuke wrenches free! ELP dodges the lariat, but Konosuke goes Matrix to avoid Sudden Death! The fans fire up as the two are in a standoff!
Konosuke and ELP reset, circle again, and the fans are dueling. Konosuke and ELP step up, and ELP CHOPS! The fans “WOO~” and ELP eggs Konosuke on. Konosuke winds up, but then ROLLING ELBOWS! ELP falls, the fans are torn, but Konosuke stands ELP up. Konosuke whips, ELP ducks ‘n’ dodges to springboard and CROSSBODY! Then he somersaults to LIONSAULT! ELP bounces off the cover, and Konosuke is up to LARIAT ELP up and out! The fans are torn but Konosuke builds speed to FLY! Down goes ELP and the fans fire up! Konosuke drags ELP up, puts him in the ring, and then clamps on with a chinlock.
ELP endures, pries at the hold, but Konosuke shifts to go for an arm. The fans rally as ELP throws body shots, but Konosuke knees low! Konosuke whips, ELP reverses, but Konosuke FLYING UPPERCUTS ELP down! Konosuke clamps onto ELP with a double wristlock! ELP endures so Konosuke changes it to a COBRA CLUTCH! ELP fights around all the same, reaches out and has the ROPEBREAK! Konosuke lets go, ELP goes to a corner, and Konosuke storms up. Konosuke whips corner to corner hard and ELP bounces off buckles! The fans rally while ELP writhes on the mat. Konosuke watches ELP as he rolls away to ropes.
Konosuke stalks ELP, drags him up, and wrenches to put him in a corner. Konosuke whips ELP corner to corner, but ELP stops short! Konosuke runs in but ELP goes up and over! ELP runs in, but into a BOOT! Konosuke hops up, but ELP GAMANGIRIS him to the floor! The fans fire up and ELP builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit and Konosuke goes over railing! The fans fire up while both men are down! Konosuke rises as the ring count starts. ELP aims from the ropes! ELP did this in Japan, he’s gonna do it in California! SUPER DUPER THUNDERKISS!! Direct hit and the front row almost gets wiped out!
A Takeshita fan talks trash while showing off her Konosuke art, but Rocky is mad and throws off his jacket. ELP drags Konosuke up, CHOPS him back over the railing, and the ELP fans all “WOO~!” ELP storms after Konosuke, CHOPS him again, then puts him in the ring. Rocky gets up on the apron! The fans boo and ELP jumps, but Konosuke dodges! Konosuke then sidesteps to BLUE THUNDER BOMB! Cover, TWO! ELP survives but Konosuke reels him in. ELP fights the suplex, but Konosuke powers through to suplex! ELP slips free, straitjackets and torture racks! BRAIN SALAD! Cover, TWO!!
Konosuke survives, but ELP kips up and the fans fire up! ELP tunes up the band and the fans cheer him on. ELP aims at Konosuke, for SUDDEN- NO, Konosuke blocks it to fire off boxing elbows! Then a ROLLING- NO, ELP mule kicks, front kicks, but then Konosuke BOOTS! ELP BOOTS! Konosuke rebounds but ELP ENZIGIRIS! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! Rocky coaches Konosuke, the fans rally for ELP, and both men rise. ELP and Konosuke go forehead to forehead, then forearm for forearm! ELP grins as the shots keep going back and forth! Both men stand, and the forearms keep going! Konosuke ROCKS ELP and eggs him on!
ELP returns to ROCK Konosuke, and the forearms fly again! The fans fire up as the shots go faster and faster! Then DOUBLE FOREARMS send both men staggering back! ELP and Konosuke go to the apron now, and the forearms fly again! The fans rally as the shots keep going, and ELP ROCKS Konosuke! And ROCKS him again! Konosuke just ROCKS ELP in return! And again, and again, and again! Konosuke has ELP up against the corner, and hoists him up! Konosuke drags ELP onto his shoulder, but ELP fights free!
ELP mule kicks, then he reels Konosuke in! Konosuke fights the tuck, so ELP kicks him low! APRON PILEDRIVER!! Konosuke falls to the floor and Rocky is stunned! We pass 10 minutes while ELP rises up. ELP hears the ring count so he refreshes it, then he goes looking under the ring! ELP brings out a table! The fans fire up but the ref reprimands. ELP ignores that to set the table up at ringside. ELP then fetches Konosuke, drags him to the apron, and tucks the arms! Konosuke fights the lift, and ROCKS ELP! Then POWER DRIVE KNEES! Konosuke reels ELP in, but ELP fights the Blue Thunder with elbows! ELP rolls into the ring, but Konosuke avoids the shoulder!
Konosuke KNEES ELP back down and the fans fire up! Konosuke drags ELP up the corner, and the fans are already worried about what he’s planning. ELP fights with body shots, and then adjusts his position on the top rope! Konosuke fires body shots, then SUPER LARIATS ELP down!! Konosuke hurries to cover, TWO!! ELP survives and Konosuke is furious! Konosuke drags ELP up, scoops him, but ELP slips free to gut wrench! But Konosuke turns that back around! TOMBSTONE!! But Konosuke holds on! Konosuke stands up, tucks ELP in, BASTARD DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!! ELP survives and the fans fire up!
ELP shakes his head, defiant against the damage done to him. The fans rally more but Konosuke brings ELP up. But ELP wrenches out, only for the ALPHA ELBOW to knock him down! POWER DRIVE- SUDDEN DEATH!! ELP hits first and the fans fire up! ELP hurries to reel Konosuke in, but Konosuke Alabama Lifts! And he spins ELP around for another BASTARD DRIVER!! And then a WHEELBARROW GERMAN SUPLEX!! The fans are thunderous, and ELP is right up!! LARIAT!! Cover, ONE?!!? WHAT?!?
ELP just runs again, goes up and up, and FLYING- ALPHA ELBOW!!! Cover, ONE!??! The fans are thunderous as both men defy expectations! ELP dodges a lariat to POISON-RANA!! Konosuke stands up but wobbles, and ELP ROLLING ELBOWS!! Cover, ONE?!?!?! HOW?!?! ELP shrugs it off to tune up! SUDDEN DEATH!! SUDDEN DEATH AGAIN!! And then C R 2!!! Cover, TWO?!?!? Konosuke survives all of that and the fans are electric! Rocky is freaking out but “This is Awesome!” ELP is up, THUNDERKISS ATTACK! And then a somersault back to the apron, THUNDERKISS 86 SPLASH!!! Cover, ROCKY DRAGS THE REF OUT!!!
The fans boo as Azucar sours the taste of this one! The ref and Rocky argue, but ELP storms out to get Rocky! Rocky runs for it, but ELP SUPERKICKS him! ELP reels Rocky in and POWERBOMBS him through the table!! ELP goes into the ring, but the POWER DRIVE KNEE finds him! And then RAGING- CRADLE!!! TWO!!! Konosuke escapes, dodges, and ROLLING ELBOWS!! And then POWER DRIVE KNEES!!! Cover, TWO!?!?!? HOW?!?!? Konosuke throws off his elbow pad, winds up, and ALPHA ELBOWS!!! Then the RAGING FIRE!!! Cover, Konosuke wins!!!
Winner: Konosuke Takeshita, by pinfall (still NEVER Openweight Champion)
ELP kept his NJPW World TV Championship, but now Konosuke has kept his NEVER Openweight Championship! Is Konosuke going to prove he isn’t just The Alpha of AEW, but the Alpha of the World?
IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Hirooki Goto VS Zack Sabre Jr w/ Shane Haste!
The Fierce Warrior took this title from The Front Man at the New Beginning in Osaka, and the Goto Revolution has been on a roll these last few months. ZSJ wants the spotlight back, but there’s also a catch: The winner here must defend against Shingo Takagi at NJPW Dominion in June! Will it be out of the frying pan and into the fire for Goto? Or will this be ZSJ’s resurgence?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if the G in IWGP is still for Goto!
The bell rings and the fans fire up as Goto and ZSJ stare down. Goto and ZSJ then circle, feel things out, and go around. They knuckle lock, then clinch, and ZSJ waistlocks. ZSJ shifts to a headlock but Goto wrenches out to wristlock. ZSJ rolls, bridges, spins and wrenches, but Goto headlocks! ZSJ hammerlocks, Goto goes to the ROPEBREAK, and the fans cheer this opening exchange. Goto and ZSJ reset, circle again, and the two tie up. ZSJ headlocks, grinds the hold, but Goto powers up and out. Fans sing for “OH~ Zack Sabre Junior~!” as he RAMS Goto! Goto rebounds to RUN ZSJ over!
ZSJ avoids the elbow drop, Goto avoids the Penalty Kick, and Goto hits a headlock takeover! ZSJ headscissors, Goto kips free and Goto deflects a boot, only for ZSJ to avoid the lariat! The fans cheer and the two reset again. ZSJ and Goto circle, feel things out, and ZSJ RAMS low! ZSJ whips, but Goto blocks a hip toss, only for ZSJ to do the same! ZSJ THROWS Goto down, then clamps on for the NECK TWIST! The fans fire up, and Goto goes to the apron. ZSJ steps outside and NECK TWISTS Goto again! The fans rally while ZSJ sits Goto up on the floor, and KICKS him in the back! ZSJ then UPPERCUTS, but Goto CHOPS!
ZSJ UPPERCUTS, Goto CHOPS, repeat! The fans rally while Goto falls back! ZSJ swaggers around a bit, rolls into the ring, and lets the ring count climb. Goto sits up at 7 of 20, stands at 10, and takes a moment before rolling in at 12. ZSJ kneels on Goto, the ref reprimands as they’re in the ropes, but ZSJ SNAPS the fingers! Goto bails out while clutching his hand, but the ring count starts again. ZSJ eggs Goto on, Goto shakes out the bad hand and rolls back in. ZSJ is after the hand again and SNAPS the fingers! ZSJ then wrenches the arm, steps over, and he reaches out to have the other arm! Goto endures this modified motorcycle stretch, but ZSJ wrangles him down!
ZSJ has a DOUBLE MOUNTED ARMBAR! Goto endures, the fans duel, and ZSJ pulls on the arms! Goto kicks around to the ROPEBREAK! ZSJ lets go and kicks at Goto. ZSJ scuffs Goto, taunts him with more kicks, but Goto sits up. ZSJ kicks at Goto while taunting him more and more. Goto scowls and stands up. They shoulder bump each other, but then Goto CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! ZSJ UPPERCUTS back, then storms up on Goto in a corner. ZSJ pushes Goto, slaps him around, but Goto SLAPS! Goto CHOPS, ZSJ UPPERCUTS, and ZSJ uppercuts. Goto reverses, runs in, but into a BOOT!
ZSJ runs, but Goto follows to LARIAT! The fans fire up while both men are down! Goto rises, he drags ZSJ up, and he ROCKS ZSJ with forearm after forearm! Goto whips, runs in, and MURAMASA! SAIDO! Cover, TWO! Goto stays focused and he brings ZSJ up. ZSJ fights the lift, pulls on an arm, and ZSJ wrenches. Goto fires forearms but ZSJ PELES the arm! Goto staggers, ZSJ runs, but then Goto follows again! Only for ZSJ to wrangle Goto to a FUJIWARA! Goto fights, ZSJ traps that arm, and then gets the other arm again! Goto endures the DOUBLE FUJIWARA! The fans rally, Goto fights around, but ZSJ steps over! Goto still gets the ROPEBREAK!
ZSJ lets go in frustration but the fans rally back up. Goto sputters but ZSJ stands him up. ZSJ UPPERCUTS Goto, has him on the ropes, then UPPERCUTS again! And again! ZSJ whips, Goto reverses, fireman’s carries, USHIGOROSHI! Both men are down and the fans fire back up! Goto and ZSJ stir, rise up, and Goto brings ZSJ up to ROCK him with a forearm! Goto eggs ZSJ on, so ZSJ ROCKS him back! Goto ROCKS ZSJ again, and again, but ZSJ UPPERCUTS! Goto ROCKS ZSJ, ZSJ UPPERCUTS, and repeat! They go faster and faster, harder and harder, and the fans fire up more! ZSJ UPPERCUTS again and again, but Goto spins him! URA GTR!
Goto runs and LARIATS ZSJ down! The fans fire up and we’re only at ten minutes! The fans hope these two “FIGHT FOREVER!” and considering there’s a one hour limit on this, they can definitely keep going! Goto rises and fires up again. Goto stands ZSJ up, but ZSJ scoops back! ZACK DRIVER!! ZSJ can’t make the cover and the fans fire up again! Shane coaches ZSJ and the fans rally again. ZSJ makes it to ropes, stands back up, and he goes to a corner. Goto sits up, ZSJ runs in, PENALTY KICK! Deep stack cover, TWO!! Goto survives and the fans cheer again. Goto goes to a corner, ZSJ goes back to his, and ZSJ aims again.
ZSJ runs in but Goto puts him in the ropes! Then DRAPING SHOTO!! Both men are down again and the fans still rally! Goto rises and powers up! ZSJ sits up, into the BUZZSAW! Goto then drags ZSJ up, fireman’s carries, USHIGOROSHI again! Goto roars, the fans fire up, and Goto dragon sleepers, for G T- NO, ZSJ catches the arm, backslides, TWO!! ZSJ steps over, hammerlock and then CLARKY CAT!! ZSJ has the arms trapped again but Goto fights around! ZSJ pushes on the arms for an almost standing Clarky Cat! Goto endures, even as ZSJ pushes down hard on the arms! And has a leg! CLARKY CAT: BAD BALLOON REMIX!!
Goto fights with his free leg, so ZSJ shifts to focus on just an arm, URESHI ARMBAR!! Goto endures, fights with his legs, and still manages the ROPEBREAK!! ZSJ lets go in frustration and the fans fire up again! Shane coaches ZSJ to keep on Goto and the fans duel. ZSJ waits on Goto to sit up, and then he KICKS! Goto falls over, ZSJ paces, and Goto sits back up. ZSJ KICKS again! Goto falls back over, the fans rally, and ZSJ paces again. Goto sits back up, ZSJ eggs him on, and then ZSJ PENALTY KICKS! Goto falls in another heap and the fans continue to rally and duel. ZSJ lines up another shot to KICK, KICK, KICK! Goto blocks!
ZSJ SLAPS, SLAPS, SLAPS, and fires off fast SLAPS! Goto HEADBUTTS him in return! Shane is worried now as Goto HEADBUTTS again and again and again! Goto SLAMS ZSJ down, runs, and LARIATS ZSJ inside-out! The fans fire up as Goto drags ZSJ back up, fireman’s carries, and G T W!! Cover, TWO!! ZSJ survives and the fans fire up again! Goto shrugs that off to drag ZSJ up and dragon sleepers, but ZSJ drops down to victory roll, then EURO CLUTCH!! TWO!!! Goto escapes in time, and he clinches to a SLEEPER! Then roll, GOTO NI SHIKI!! TWO!! Goto fireman’s carries, ZSJ sunset flips, but Goto rocks it back, TWO!
ZSJ has the sunset flip, TWO!!! Goto narrowly escapes and the fans boo! Goto and ZSJ run back in, and DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Then they DOUBLE LARIAT again! And DOUBLE LARIAT again! The fans rally up while both men wobble. Goto eggs ZSJ on, ZSJ runs in, but into a fireman’s carry! Throw and G T- NO, ZSJ slips through, waistlocks, O’Conner BRIDGE, but Goto has a waistlock!! DOUBLE COVER, AND THREE!?!? The ref has to explain to the timekeeper to ring the bell, and then call it a DOUBLE PINFALL DRAW!!!
Double Pinfall Draw; Goto retains the title
ZSJ is pissed with the ref, and uses a GUILLOTINE CHOKE to take him down!! ZSJ grabs the world title, tosses it down at Goto’s feet, and the fans all call BS! ZSJ undoes his wrist tape, the fans tell the ref he sucks for this one, and Goto stands up to stare ZSJ down. This draw does not sit well with either man, but ZSJ pie faces Goto! ZSJ and Shane storm off while the fans boo, but there’s nothing that can be done about this decision now. Goto survived the rematch with The Front Man, will he be so lucky against the Rampaging Dragon?
NJPW Strong Women’s Championship: Mercedes Mone VS AZM VS Mina Shirakawa!
The CEO thought she was just getting one or the other for Resurgence, but that Double Count Out Draw in Chicago really upped the ante. Now both High Speed Bomb Girl and Fighting Gravure Idol get their shot, will one of them leave the Golden State wearing gold? Or will she still be #FourBeltsMone?
The introductions are made, the lavender belt is raised, and we see who is truly NJPW Strong!
The bell rings and the fans rally up. Mone mocks Mina and AZM for being shorter than her, but it’s not like Mone is a towering titan herself… The fans boo Mone’s attitude as she calls for a Test of Strength. Mina and AZM tie up with Mone, then with each other. The three way Test of Strength is on, and Mina shimmies and shakes! The fans cheer but Mone is annoyed so she kicks Mina low! Mone then wrenches AZM, Gory Especials, but AZM arm-drags free! Mina arm-drags AZM, then dodges Mone. Mone ROCKS Mina, dodges AZM to arm-drag and lateral press, then rolls into the STATEMENT MAKER! AZM fights the crossface, Mina storms up and rolls things over!
Mina runs, and then slides, to hold hands with Mone and AZM as she does her dance! The fans cheer but both Mone and AZM are annoyed. They roll Mina to a DOUBLE COVER! TWO, Mina double covers them! TWO and everyone stands! AZM runs, trips Mone, and then Mina joins in for a DOUBLE DROPKICK! Mone tumbles out and the fans cheer. Mina has the fans fired up, but things speed up! AZM whips Mina to a corner, runs in, but Mina puts her on the apron! AZM slides in, sunset flips, TWO! AZM keeps moving but Mina catches her to a victory roll! TWO, AZM ducks a kick to roll Mina, but Mina rolls through!
AZM trips Mina, runs, but avoids Mone’s trip to DROPKICK Mina down! AZM kips up, the fans fire up, and then AZM runs again. But Mone trips her up right this time! The fans boo as Mone drags AZM out, SMACKS her off the apron, and throws forearms! AZM fires back, but Mina climbs up! Mina SUPER CROSSBODIES Mone & AZM both down! The fans fire up with Mina as she stands back up! Mina drags Mone up, puts her in the ring, and the fans chant, “We Want Mina!” Mina covers Mone, TWO! Mone is tougher than that and she CHOPS! Mone knuckle locks, goes up, and up, and FLYING ARM-DRAGS!
Mone does her CEO dance, the fans are torn, but Mone runs in at the corner. DOUBLE KNEES, then she brings Mina out for a facelock. Mina wrenches free to CHOP! Mina fires up, the fans are with her, and Mina knuckle locks to go up, up, shimmy and shake, then CROSSBODY onto AZM! AZM bails back out, Mina and Mone run up, and Mone wrenches to suplex! Una Amiga! Mone hits another suplex, Dos Amigas! And then THREE AMIGAS! The fans are torn as Mone gives some Latina Heat. Mone runs in at Mina, blocks her boots and puts her in the ropes! AZM runs up, but Mone gives her DEADLY NIGHTSHADE!
Mone puts AZM under Mina, and then hits a DOUBLE STOCK DROP! Cover on Mina, TWO! Cover on AZM, TWO! Back to Mina, TWO! Back to AZM, TWO! Mone grows frustrated but her opponents are just that tough. Mina and AZM bail out and the fans rally. Mone goes to the apron, runs up, and DOUBLE METEORAS to the floor! The fans fire up and Mone smirks. Mone SMACKS Mina off the apron, puts her in, and covers, TWO! Mina is still in this but Mone looms over her. Mone soaks up cheers and jeers, stomps Mina, then drags her up. Mone Gory Especials, but Mina fights to kick at the legs! Mina Gory Especials, for a GORY BOMB!!
Mina SMASHES away on Mone’s knee! Then one BIG SMASH! The fans fire up for Mina and she reels Mone in. Mina hooks up the legs, does her dance, then DOUBLE STOMPS the knees! Mone writhes but Mina steps through, KNEE JAMMER on the left leg! Mina then SLAPS Mone’s leg, steps through, and has the FIGURE FOUR! Mone endures, Mina thrashes around, but AZM DIVING STOMPS Mina! The fans fire up and AZM brings Mina in, only for Mina to power out! AZM kicks low, runs, and uses Mina to get Mone in LA MYSTICA! FUJIWARA ARMBAR!! Mone endures, but Mina runs up, only for AZM to drop toehold her onto Mone!
AZM has a DOUBLE FUJIWARA, then shifts to have a DOUBLE RINGS OF SATURN!! The fans fire up as AZM makes them both suffer, but they both push over to a cover! TWO!! AZM BOOTS Mone, BOOTS Mina, and fires up! The fans cheer AZM on as she climbs, but Mone trips her up! Mone calls to Mina and Mina ROUNDHOUSES AZM! Mone & Mina talk it out, and they both climb up! They bring AZM up, but AZM resists their suplex! AZM trips them into a Double Tree of Woe, for DOUBLE WOE STOMPS!! AZM drags Mone away to a drop zone, and then she goes back up! The fans fire up as AZM aims, to DIVING DOUBLE STOMP!!!
Mone writhes, AZM covers, Mina breaks it! Mina has AZM but AZM blocks the kick! The HEEL KICK still lands, and Mina runs, tilt-o-whirls, but AZM stays up! Mone runs up to DOUBLE BACKSTABBER!! All three women are down and the fans fire up! The dueling is all over the place, and Mone grabs each opponent by their hair. AZM and Mina both break free, and AZM ROCKS Mina! Mina ROCKS Mone! Mone ROCKS Mina! AZM ROCKS Mone! The forearms go around and around, then Mina and AZM mug Mone! The fans fire up as Mina just fires off furious hands! Mina and AZM drag Mone up, double whip, but then AZM ROUNDHOUSES Mina!
AZM tilt-o-whirls at Mone, but Mone fights that to CIPHER UTAKI! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up as AZM stays in this, but Mone snarls. The chants of “C E O!” and “C E NO!” echo out, but Mone bumps AZM off buckles. Mone fires off forearms, then runs corner to corner! DOUBLE KNEES, and AZM sits down! Mone runs back in and METEORAS! Cover, TWO! AZM is still in this and Mone is frustrated. Mone drags AZM up, vows to end this, and she lifts AZM, only for AZM to RANA! Mina is up top, and she FLYING SLINGBLADES AZM! Cover, but Mone breaks it! Mone covers AZM now, TWO!! Mone grows further frustrated and she hauls AZM up!
AZM fights the Gory Especial, Mina victory rolls Mone! Mina then steps through and has the legs tied up! AZM runs up but Mina spins her, DDT SNAP LOCK COMBO! The fans fire up for Mina as she Electric Chair Lifts AZM! Mina spins Azm to hit a FALLING DRAGON SCREW!! Then Mina has the leg, FIGURE FOUR! AZM endures, the fans “WOO~” and Mina puts on the pressure! Mone is back and she METEORAS Mina! The fans are torn but Mone seethes. Mone says this is HER title! She SLAPS Mina, but Mina blocks a kick! DRAGON SCREW! Mina drags AZM over to join Mone, and she has both their legs!
The fans fire up as Mina steps through for a DOUBLE FIGURE FOUR!! That’s rather tricky but she keeps it on! The fans “WOO~” more as Mina thrashes! AZM and Mone endure, keeping each other from tapping! They SLAP Mina, Mina SLAPS them! Mina puts on as much pressure as she possibly can, but Mone and AZM work together to backstroke and ROPEBREAK! Mina lets them both go and the fans fire up again. “This is Awesome!” as Mina goes for Mone, only for Mone to bail out. Mina settles for AZM as we pass 15 minutes. Mina steps through, AZM throws her off! Mina ROLLING ELBOWS, then URAKENS!
Mina runs and SHOTGUN KNEES! Cover, TWO!! AZM survives but Mina is right on her with the IMPALER DDT!! Cover, TWO!!! AZM survives yet again and Mina is frustrated. Mina calls her shot and the fans rally up again. Mina drags AZM up, brings her around, dragon sleeper and GLAMOUR- NO, Mone rolls Mina up! TWO! Mina shoves Mone, jackknife bridges, TWO! Mone sunset flips, TWO! Mone Gory Especials but MZM shoves them both over! DOUBLE STACK, TWO!! Mone Gory Especials but AZM BOOTS Mina! AZM wrangles Mone to the AZM SUSHI ROLL!! TWO!!! Mone escapes, blocks a kick, and KNEES AZM down!
Mone runs up and SUNSET FLIP BUCKLE BOMBS AZM! A shoutout to her Role Model, then she runs back in for DOUBLE KNEES! Mone has the Gory Especial, but AZM kicks off buckles to flip up and over! DESTROYER!!! Mina grabs AZM but AZM rolls through to the SUSHI ROLL! TWO!! ROLLING ELBOW from Mina! Mina fires up, aims, but AZM dodges the uraken to LA MYSTICA!! But Mina wrangles AZM for the GLAMOROUS COLLECTION CRADLE!! But Mone breaks it! Mina TOSSES Mone, ROUNDHOUSES her, then she blocks AZM’s kick! Mone trips AZM, steps through, but AZM drags her down to a cradle! TWO!!!
Mine escapes, AZM has her again, AZM SUSHI ROLL! TWO, but AZM gives it another try!! AZM WINS!!!
Winner: AZM, by pinfall (NEW NJPW Strong Women’s Champion)
Mone is stunned! She slid in one second too late, and the High Speed Bomb Girl just blew up her reign! The Money Train just got derailed and Mone is furious! She lost a corner piece of her treasure, how will she ever recover? She also argues with Mina, shoves her, and then runs away from her! These two go all the way to the back, will Mina get after Mone for her attitude?
As for AZM, she is now a double champion in her own right! This title can now sit alongside her Artists of Stardom Trios Championship, and then gets the mic to say, “I’m a new champion!” The fans cheer that! AZM says she’s so, so happy! She got her revenge on Mone from last year, and got to be a champion for it! She thanks everyone here tonight and the fans cheer her on. “You Deserve It!” AZM says, “It’s AZM time!” The fans cheer that! AZM is ready ready to make this her NJPW Strong! It won’t be a matter of who will step, but more a matter of who can keep up with the High Speed Bomb Girl!
My Thoughts:
An awesome Resurgence here, NJPW is really doing all they can to make NJPW Strong, well, strong again. Good stuff seeing Bea Priestly back in NJPW/Stardom after her release from WWE. Vince McMahon fumbled her but she’ll be back to what she was doing before moving to NXT UK. And between the IWGP Women’s Championship almost exclusively in Stardom, and a new NJPW Strong Women’s Champion being from Stardom, Bea has her choice of title stories. Speaking of, awesome move making the women the main event given how AZM is the new champion. That was a great Triple Threat, and it worked out for the best. Mone finally loses the belt but wasn’t in the finish, and now she and Mina can bring their animosity to AEW.
Great tag title match, and a rather surprising result with TJP & Templario winning. World Class Wrecking Crew just upgraded themselves to that name, and now they’re no longer champions, that’s kinda wild. But it does feel like the United Empire is making a play to have as much gold as they can, with Khan & Callum also holding the IWGP Tag Team Championships. Great stuff with the War Dogs tonight. That 8 Man Tag was a fun time, but Gedo was in the match so duh, War Dogs were gonna lose. Plus, it gives Good Brothers a strong win with their return to NJPW. Who knows where this goes, especially with their #ShowUsTheLight gimmick. Ishii VS Drilla was also great stuff, but I figured Ishii would win. Ishii seems to be going through the War Dogs, I wonder if Connors is next.
Konosuke VS ELP was great stuff, especially after we just got great stuff from them last week. ELP retained his title so it made sense Konosuke would retain his. I am not sure who takes this title off Konosuke, but it’ll have to be an insane match to do it. And then a great match of Goto VS ZSJ, but wow I did not think they’d pull that kind of draw. The fans weren’t happy, but I can see that they wanted to keep ZSJ strong but keep the title on Goto. Goto VS Takagi better be a slugfest to make up for it, though.
My Score: 8.9/10
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