Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (3/9/20)
The Raw After Elimination Chamber!
The Rated R Superstar returns to Raw AGAIN!
Because Edge is back for revenge on Randy Orton! Will the Viper pay for the RKO on Beth Phoenix that closed last week’s Raw?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Angel Garza w/ Zelina Vega VS Rey Mysterio; Mysterio wins.
- Bobby Lashley VS Zack Ryder w/ Curt Hawkins; Lashley wins.
- Drew McIntyre VS Erick Rowan; McIntyre wins.
- Liv Morgan & Natalya VS The Kabuki Warriors; The Kabuki Warriors win.
- WWE 24/7 Championship: Riddick Moss VS Cedric Alexander; Moss wins and retains the WWE 24/7 Championship.
- Aleister Black VS Seth Rollins w/ Murphy; Aleister wins, by disqualification.
- 8 Man Tag: The Viking Raiders & Street Profits VS Seth Rollins, Murphy & The Authors of Pain; Rollins, Murphy & The AOP win.
PLAY BY PLAY
The Man opens Raw!
Becky Lynch holds her Raw Women’s Championship up high, more than ready for her new #1 contender after Elimination Chamber! The Queen of Spades is coming for her title, but Becky doesn’t seem too worried about that as she grabs a mic. “Washington DC, the Man has come around.” But no more treading water or making jokes now that we know the cage fighter is going to WrestleMania. Becky cues up footage from Shayna Baszler’s shockingly dominant performance. No other woman eliminated another, Shayna did as she promised as she took out each and every one of them! And she enjoyed every single moment of it.
After her victory, Baszler told WWE media that “Becky Lynch has never faced anyone like me, because there is no one like me.” She already drew blood, and that is just a taste of what she can do. Shayna wrecked the Chamber to send a message to Becky. “Becky, look at me when I’m talking to you.” It’s like she knew Becky would watch this video! Shayna vows to take the title, “and there’s not a damn thing you can do about it, bitch!”
Back in the present, fans cheer for Becky as she considers her response. “Now here’s the thing about Shayna Baszler.” She cut through the field in a matter of minutes, and took out the one woman it took Becky’s entire career to beat. An MMA pioneer, a top tier competitor and a two-time NXT Women’s Champion, but also “a world class scumbag.” Becky tells the “black hole of charisma” off that she may be a bitch but she’s the bitch that runs the division. Fans are strongly behind Becky as she says she used to think of Shayna as “the constipated-looking robot from NXT,” the one who refused to shake Becky’s hand. Becky sees clearly now that Shayna is the biggest threat to the reign since Becky pried this title from Ronda’s hands.
Shayna isn’t just after the title, is she? Becky knows Shayna has been lurking, looking to rewrite history. Normal people like Becky don’t beat trained killers like Shayna. Except when they do. Heart VS Skill, The Man VS Queen of Spades. But Shayna is underestimating Becky, and Becky will smash Shayna’s face in for it. Mic drop and title raise, but will Becky be able to do all that with Shayna being out for blood and gold?
Angel Garza w/ Zelina Vega VS Rey Mysterio!
El Latino es en fuego, but the King of Lucha Libre looks to extinguish that hot streak right here! Mysterio also wants revenge for the bare concreted DDT from weeks ago! With El Idolo still WWE United States Champion, who moves up in the ranks to head for Andrade Almas and WrestleMania?
Garza lounges on the ropes until the bell rings. Mysterio rushes Garza but dodges Garza’s counter to get a headlock. Garza powers out, Mysterio goes up and over, then comes back to tilt-o-whirl headscissor Garza into buckles! DC fires up as Mysterio wrenches and whips. Garza reverses to hammerlock, but Mysterio gets up to snapmare Garza! Mysterio runs and headscissors, but Garza blocks it! Garza brings Mysterio up, pushes Mysterio off, and then BOOTS him to ropes! Fans boo as Garza grins and waistlocks. Mysterio fights out with elbows and a wrench. Mysterio whips, Garza reverses, Mysterio goes up to get a SUPERKICK!
Vega applauds as Garza dares Mysterio to stand. Garza dropkicks Mysterio hard out of the ring! Vega sits up on the apron to watch as the pants come off! Fans boo but Garza just soaks it all up as Raw goes picture in picture.
Garza goes out to fetch Mysterio and throw uppercuts. Garza clubs Mysterio and puts him in the ring. The ref counts but Garza gets in to catapult guillotine Mysterio! Mysterio sputters but Garza is on him with a cover, ONE! Garza keeps hold of Mysterio by a leg and kicks him around. Garza has both legs again, but Mysterio resists the turn, so Garza catapults Mysterio into buckles! And SUPERKICKS him deeper in! The ref checks on Mysterio but Garza drags him up for stomps! Garza grinds his boot in but backs off at the ref’s count. Garza dares Mysterio to stand, Mysterio flounders to a corner, Garza runs in to BOOT! He hoists Mysterio up top to tear at the mask! The ref reprimands, Garza soaks up heat, but Mysterio elbows him down!
Mysterio fights Garza but Garza yanks him into a Tree of Woe! And CLUBS him down! Garza drags Mysterio around to cover, TWO! Garza keeps on Mysterio with a headlock and grinds him down. Mysterio endures as Garza changes to a neck crank. Raw returns to single picture as Mysterio fights up and out! Mysterio pushes Garza and then hops up, but gets a pop-up kick! Garza glares down at Mysterio as he drags him to the ropes. Garza puts Mysterio on the ropes and mocks the dial! He runs, but into a DROPKICK! Mysterio won’t let anyone mock 619! Vega shouts at Garza to get up as both he and Mysterio stir.
Mysterio crawls over and throws forearms on Garza! Garza shoves, waistlocks Mysterio but Mysterio throws him out! Mysterio dropkicks Garza out then builds speed, sliding splash! Vega panics as Mysterio drags Garza up. Mysterio puts Garza in and takes aim, to springboard seated senton! He keeps moving, basement seated senton! Garza sunset flips but Mysterio slips out to BUZZSAW! Cover, TWO! Garza crawls to ropes but Mysterio runs, to springboard crossbody! But Garza catches him! And shifts him around to an inverted rebound suplex! Cover, TWO!! Mysterio survives and Vega is furious! Mysterio enziguris Garza to the ropes! Dial it up, but the call disconnects, SUPERKICK!!
Garza drags Mysterio up as the fans are thunderous! “He’s done!” Garza underhooks, lifts, but Mysterio powers his way to a corner for the ropebreak! The ref counts but Garza puts Mysterio up top. The two brawl with haymakers, Garza grabs the mask and headbutts! Mysterio headbutts back! And punches Garza off the ropes! Mysterio adjusts, leaps, but no Destroyer! Alabama and spin, but Mysterio headscissors Garza onto ropes! 6 1 9!! Springboard elbow drop! Cover, Mysterio wins!!
Winner: Rey Mysterio, by pinfall
The King of Lucha is back on top! Will he also get one more chance against Andrade and that United States Championship?
The Authors of Pain and Buddy Murphy “welcome” Kevin Owens to Raw.
As does Seth Rollins, with his bag of popcorn. Kevin responds by throwing his luggage at them! But he finds himself in a 3v1 mugging, and thrown into racks! Murphy kicks Kevin into trunks! The AOP throw Kevin into a bin! And dump the rack onto him! Security rushes in to back Rollins and his followers off, but the damage is done. Will Kevin be able to fight back as Rollins moves forward with “Phase 2” of his plan?
Stone Cold Steve Austin makes next week’s Raw “3:16 Day”!
That’s because he’ll be back on 3/16! What will the Texas Rattlesnake have to say this close to WrestleMania?
Raw shares Rhea Ripley’s visit to Raymond James Stadium ahead of WrestleMania 36.
Home of the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers and now the XFL’s Tampa Bay Vipers, this stadium will also be where the NXT Women’s Championship makes history by joining the WrestleMania card. The Aussie Nightmare feels honored to be part of such history. She takes a look around, and can’t get over the sheer size. She started wrestling in front of 50 people, maybe even less. A dream is coming true and it humbles Rhea. Rhea’s dream has been to help others, but she had to first help herself find who she was.
When Rhea first came to WWE, people were all saying that she was a lot like Charlotte Flair. So since then, she made sure she would stand out differently from Charlotte. Ric Flair would say, “To be the man, you’ve got to beat the man,” aka to be the best, you must beat the best. Charlotte is certainly one of the best, and while Rhea doesn’t know what’ll happen, she knows Tampa will erupt seeing that match. Rhea vows to beat the best to become the best, but will the Riptide fail to capsize the Queen?
Charlotte Flair is here!
The Queen of All Eras struts down the ramp and DC lets out a “WOO~!” for her. Charlotte has a referee help her through the ropes, then she is handed a mic. “Everyone, ladies and gentlemen, did you see that package? Meet Rhea Ripley, the next big thing. The new shiny toy! Inspiring.” The video had Charlotte all fired up. What about the fans? But this is what confuses Charlotte. Rhea knows that to be the best, you must beat the best. Yet Rhea doesn’t want to be like Charlotte, she wants to be herself. Don’t lose any sleep over this because Charlotte will make this clear: Rhea is not like Charlotte, she will never be like Charlotte and there will only ever be ONE Charlotte!
So Rhea can continue to be shiny and “the next big thing” and enjoy the hype surrounding her, because it won’t last. Charlotte will remind us all why she wants the NXT Women’s Championship: to teach Rhea and everyone else a lesson. It’s one thing to be in an empty arena and talk about hopes and dreams, and another to stand in an arena of 90 THOUSAND people and be humbled by the Queen. But wait! Rhea Ripley is here! And she also struts right out to the ring. Rhea helps herself through the ropes, gets herself a mic and says, “I’m going to explain something to you.” Charlotte says we’ve heard enough from Rhea just in that video. “This is not NXT. This is Monday Night Raw!” This is Charlotte’s Kingdom! Charlotte tells Rhea she is excused.
Rhea DECKS Charlotte instead!! Charlotte can’t help but smile and laugh at Rhea’s guts. Rhea does take her leave now, a smile on her face, too. The Queen composes herself while Rhea asks how her jaw feels. But how will either woman feel when they collide in Raymond James Stadium?
Bobby Lashley VS Zack Ryder w/ Curt Hawkins!
The Rocky Mountain Machine is without the Ravishing Russian this week, but the Broski has his bro with him. Will any of that make a difference?
The bell rings, Lashley runs Ryder over with a shoulder then hauls him up. Lashley throws haymakers and stomps into Ryder but the ref backs him off. Lashley runs back in to RAM his shoulder into Ryder! Clearly that loss to R-Truth in the Tuwaiq Mountain Gauntlet is still bothering him…
Fans troll with “We Want Lana!” while Lashley puts Ryder in a corner and he stomps away. The ref backs Lashley off but Lashley soaks up the heat. Lashley runs corner to corner again, but Ryder knees back! Ryder hops up, but his missile dropkick misses! ROCKY MOUNTAIN SPINE BUSTER! Lashley raises a fist in victory, and drags Ryder up for a gut wrench, DOMINATOR! Cover, Lashley wins!
Winner: Bobby Lashley, by pinfall
He may not have a trophy but he isn’t any less mountainous. Will Lashley unleash on this homestretch to WrestleMania?
Raw hears from Aleister Black.
But wait, someone knocks on his door?! Seth Rollins and Murphy pay him a visit. What can he do for these “gentlemen?” Well first, nice to finally meet. Murphy has told Rollins a lot about Aleister. But Aleister seems to have a number games problem, but Rollins is an expert at it. The bottom line is, Rollins wants Aleister on his side. Will he join their movement? Perhaps not. Was Rollins not clear the first time? He’ll say it plainly: Either you’re with them, or against them. Well Mr. Rollins, those sound like fighting words. In which case, Aleister accepts. Will the Embodiment of the End make Rollins #FadeToBlack? Or is he choosing the wrong side of this war for Raw?
Drew McIntyre VS Erick Rowan!
The Scottish Stud is up against a Big Red Behemoth! Will McIntyre chop down the Ent (living tree) before going after Suplex City?
The bell rings and Rowan circles with McIntyre. DC chants for “Drew! Drew!” but Rowan runs in! McIntyre BOOTS and CHOPS but Rowan doesn’t flinch! Rowan clamps on the claw, but McIntyre fights out. McIntyre ducks Rowan to clotheslines him out! But Rowan drags McIntyre out, only for McIntyre to send him into post! McIntyre rams Rowan into barriers, then throws him OVERHEAD! Fans fire up as McIntyre leaves Rowan behind long enough to refresh the count. Then McIntyre gets curious about Rowan’s eight legged friend. McIntyre picks up the cage, sets it down, and then grabs the steel steps! McIntyre brings the steps over, everyone chants “YES! YES!” and McIntyre SQUASHES THE BUG!!
Rowan is furious, but he gets a Glasgow Kiss first! McIntyre puts Rowan in, Rowan shoves him and charge sin, but gets post! And the FUTURE SHOCK! McIntyre kips right up to go to his favorite corner. Fans cheer and count along, 3, 2, 1! CLAYMORE!! Cover, McIntyre wins!
Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall
Claymore Country crushes two monsters at once! He beats Rowan in the ring, and exterminates the above average arachnid in its cage. Will McIntyre do the same to Brock Lesnar’s reign at WrestleMania?
Liv Morgan & Natalya VS The Kabuki Warriors!
While Shayna Baszler has a match for the Raw Women’s Championship, Asuka and Kairi Sane still have their WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships to put on display. But will the Empress of Tomorrow, Queen of Harts or LIVing Embodiment be able to do much of anything after Shayna shredded them like paper?
Raw returns as Asuka and Kairi dance to their own music, and then laugh it up on the mics. “Asuka desu~!” “Kairi desu~!” And they are… the KABUKI WARRIORS! Asuka talks trash in Japanese to pretty much everyone. Kairi says Elimination Chamber was awful! Asuka’s hand got hurt MORE! How is she? “It’s okay.” It’s not! Look at what Shayna did!! Asuka is the absolute best so why did this happen to her!? WHY!? Asuka is so ready to beat up someone! Anyone! Who wants some?! Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross on SmackDown, they’re mean girls! Yeah, and dumb! But before they can talk more smack on the SmackDown team, Natalya and Liv make their entrances tonight. They also show the damage done by Shayna, but aren’t crying about it. Will they feel a lot better with a win over the tag champs?
The teams sort out and Liv starts with Kairi. The Pirate Princess and Liv circle but DC is on Liv’s side. They tie up, Kairi pulls hair and puts Liv on the ropes. The ref counts, Kairi pinches Liv’s cheeks and pats her on the head, then gives her a push. Liv smiles as she slaps and shoves Kairi back! Liv goes Matrix and rolls Kair, ONE! Kairi runs into Liv’s kick, then Liv whips. Kair redirects Liv, goes up and over to headscissor Liv down! Kairi laughs and runs back in, but into a drop toehold! She hits ropes and Liv comes back for a dropkick! Cover, ONE! Liv keeps on Kairi with an arm wrench and whips her into the corner. She hits a back body check then tags in Natty. They double suplex Kairi down, then Natty covers, TWO!
Natty keeps on Kairi with a whip, but Liv grabs ropes. Fans boo because Ruby Riott shows herself. Ruby has her own marks from the Chamber, but she says she’s just here to watch. Ruby stays back while Raw goes picture in picture.
Asuka tags in and attacks Natty, and the two point out each other’s bad arms. Natty shoves Asuka then dodges the clothesline to run Asuka over with a shoulder. She whips but Asuka reverses, only for Natty to catch the hip attack. Asuka counters the waistlock to a victory roll, TWO, Natty sits on the cover! TWO and Asuka has her cover back, TWO! Natty trips Asuka, but Asuka kicks her away before the Sharpshooter gets on! The Kabuki Warriors regroup but Natty and Liv double baseball slide dropkick! The fans fire up with Natty while she makes sure Ruby stays back. Natty puts Asuka in the ring then brings her around to tag Liv. Liv rolls Asuka up, TWO!
Liv throws hands but Asuka eggs her on. So Liv fires off forearm after forearm! Liv runs but Asuka runs her over! Ruby applauds mockingly as Asuka drags Liv around by her arm. Asuka cranks on the arm for a mounted armlock, but Liv endures. Fans rally and Liv fights her way up. Liv throws forearms but Asuka throws her by her hair! Asuka toys with Liv now, scuffing her with her foot. Asuka grinds a knee into Liv at the ropes and Kairi “photobombs” the moment. The ref reprimands them both and backs Asuka off. Liv fights back but Asuka DECKS her! And stomps her! And stands on her face! Asuka drags Liv up to whip into the corner, then throws big forearms over and over! She drags Liv back into the armlock as Raw returns to single picture.
Fans rally for Liv and she fights up again. Asuka keeps her from Natty but Liv punches Kairi! Liv elbows Asuka away, then goes up and around to missile dropkick! Liv hurries to her corner and tags in Natty! The two double whip Asuka and double hip toss! Cover, TWO! Natty drags Asuka back up but Asuka BACK HANDS! Asuka chokes Natty, but then Kairi hotshots the bad arm while the ref is pushing Asuka back. Fans boo as Asuka toys with the bad arm. Asuka wrenches and yanks the arm, then tags in Kairi. Kairi climbs up and drops ax handles on the bad arm! Kairi taunts Liv but fans rally for Natty. Now Kairi toys with Natty, and tags “Asuka-nee”. Asuka climbs up and drops her own ax handles on the bad arm.
Asuka drags Natty around to tag in Kairi. Kairi climbs up once more, and drops even bigger ax handles! Ruby likes it as Kairi stands and salutes for the cover. ONE, but Kairi kicks Natty in the bad arm. Fans rally but Kairi tags Asuka in again. They double whip Natty for kick, ax kick and a camel clutch dropkick combo! Cover, TWO! The Kabuki Warriors keep their cool as Asuka looms over Natty. Asuka kicks the bad arm over and over, then runs to sliding enziguri! ARMBAR! Natty flails and gets around to hammer away on Asuka! Fans fire up but Asuka grabs Natty for a guillotine! Natty powers up, but now Sarah Logan appears. Ruby doesn’t see Sarah until she’s ringside with her.
Asuka cranks on the guillotine but Natty powers up! Natty powers Asuka up and around to a scoop slam! Both women are down but fans rally up! Asuka and Natty crawl, but Sarah and Ruby fire off on each other! Sarah rocks Ruby with knees but Liv is climbing up? Liv LEAPS onto her former friends! The Riott Squad can’t leave each other alone! But this leaves Natty alone!! Kairi tags in and goes after Natty, but Natty kicks her away and rolls her up! ONE, DISCUS LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! Natty drags Kairi up for a scoop but Kairi slips out to waistlock. Natty elbows out hard but Asuka tags back in. Kairi runs, into the takedown and Sharpshooter! But Asuka is legal, and she BUZZSAWS Natty! Cover, The Kabuki Warriors win!
Winners: The Kabuki Warriors, by pinfall
Now that distractions are out of the way, will the Empress of Tomorrow and Pirate Princess pay the SmackDown Women’s Division a visit?
AJ Styles and the OC are here!
The Phenomenal One and his Good Brothers were about to beat down Aleister Black all over again, but the Phenom made sure they wouldn’t get away with it! These three go to the ring and Karl Anderson gives Styles a mic. “Not once but twice, the Undertaker has stuck his nose in my business, where it doesn’t belong!” Taker has taken moments from Styles! The Tuwaiq Trophy at Super Showdown, and a win at Elimination Chamber! Footage replays of that moment, and fans chant for Undertaker more now.
In the present, Styles says that “three years ago at WrestleMania, I saw The Undertaker get beat by Roman Reigns. And after the match, the Undertaker folded his jacket, took off his gloves and his hat, and laid them nice and neat right in the middle of the ring.” Taker did his fist, as if he were riding off into the sunset. He should’ve done that when the Streak ended, but whatever. The point is: it was a beautiful and powerful moment. Yet, Taker ruined it by coming back again. Whether it was ego or the paycheck, Styles will end Taker once and for all this year!
Maybe 10, 15 years ago, Styles might have been hesitant to call Taker out, but the truth is, he doesn’t see a mythical monster anymore! He doesn’t see a Phenom! Styles just sees “a broken down old man named Mark Calaway!” Taker should’ve retired in his PRIME. Styles isn’t sure why Taker keeps coming back, but he has a pretty good idea. It’s his wife, Michelle McCool! Hey, Michelle, are you watching? Time to let the cat out of the bag! They are married, “and she plays him like a fiddle!” She makes him come back, even as Taker keeps getting hurt. Michelle is the most conniving person Styles has ever met!
So here’s some advice from Styles to Taker: “Your wife is going to run you into the ground. And I’m going to help her.” Styles says he makes sure Taker DIES in the ring! Well, no, how about this. Styles will take Taker’s soul! He will do what Michelle wants someone to do! Styles challenges Taker to a match at WrestleMania! Taker, what do you have to lose? You lost your dignity, your pride, and your mystique. Now you’re just a broken down old man. Boo all you want, fans. Cheer for Taker! But we all know they don’t give a damn about Taker. So accept the challenge to fight Styles, Taker, and Styles promises will put the nail in your coffin. The strongest words anyone has ever said to the Dead Man. Will the legacy finally die?
Raw returns to a backstage interview with Randy Orton.
Charly Caruso knows he is waiting for Edge, so could he share his thoughts? The Viper stays quiet, but the slight smirk on his face speaks volumes. What schemes are hatching in that twisted mind?
WWE 24/7 Championship: Riddick Moss VS Cedric Alexander!
The Riddick Regimen is the longest reigning WWE 24/7 Champion, and is already setting records for most traditional singles match defenses. But will his time come to an end to make way for a new Age of Alexander?
The bell rings and the two tie up. Moss throws Alexander down, builds speed and runs him over with a shoulder! Alexander gets to a corner but Moss throws hands and stomps. Alexander BOOTS back! Then hops up and leaps, into Moss’s arms to Fall Away Slam Alexander into a corner! Alexander tumbles out but Moss fetches him back into the ring. Cover, TWO! Moss clamps on with a chinlock and leans on Alexander. He cranks Alexander around but Alexander endures. Fans rally up and Alexander fights up to a jawbreaker! Alexander throws haymakers then a flurry of strikes! Moss goes down, but he sends Alexander out. Alexander boots back, and step-in Complete Shots! Cover, TWO!
Moss flounders up, Alexander runs in, but Moss puts him on the apron. Alexander punches Moss away then springboards, but Moss trips him up! Alexander crashes ‘n’ burns to the mat, then Moss RAMS him into the corner! SPIKE Neckbreaker! Cover, Moss wins!
Winner: Riddick Moss, by pinfall (still WWE 24/7 Champion)
Moss takes it to the house and scores big again! Will anyone be able to strip-sack the new quarterback?
Raw returns to MVP in the ring.
Montel Vontavius Porter wants us to understand he’d rather be anywhere but DC. They’re not even really a state, they’re just a dot on the map no one cares about. But running them down is not why he’s here. MVP is transitioning from in-ring competitor to “absolute brainiac.” MVP has tasted gold many times, and now he will lead others to the goal. He will begin his stable and build it around a man like Edge. They go way back, MVP learned a lot from Edge. Edge just has a problem with focus. With MVP’s leadership, surely Edge will be back to the prominence he once held! MVP vows to make Edge a champion again, but he needs Edge to listen to him. Everyone wants to see Edge, but Edge isn’t here for the fans.
But Edge IS here! And he’s storming his way to the ring! MVP likes the serious expression on his face. “We about to make a bunch of money, man.” MVP wants Edge to join him in the ring to talk business. “You Think You Know Me.” Edge heads right to the ring, steps up to MVP and snatches his mic to shout for Randy Orton! “I need you to grow a set and get your ass out here right now!” MVP is upset with Edge, but says this is the problem. Edge’s mental focus is off! Out here embarrassing himself. Speaking of focusing on the wrong things, how is his wife? MVP, you shouldn’t have said that. SPEAR! But Orton appears! Orton throws hands and has Edge on the ropes. Edge pushes Orton off, and STEALS the RKO!!
Fans lose their minds as Edge glares wild eyes around. Edge goes out and decides to reclaim a move that’s his! He grabs a chair, and then another chair! Edge brings those into the ring but The Viper slithers away! MVP goes after Edge, but gets an arm triangle! Edge squeezes MVP until he’s faded out, but he’s just glaring at Orton the entire time! MVP gasps for air as Edge stands over the chair. Edge drags MVP up and makes sure Orton sees this FULL METAL RKO!! MVP hits chair, but Edge isn’t done yet. Edge grabs the other chair, and with fans chanting yes, “This is YOU, Randy!” CON-CHAIR-TO!! Fans want another, so Edge gives them, and MVP, another CON-CHAIR-TO!!
Needless to say, MVP will have to look elsewhere to start that stable. But with as unstable as Edge and Orton have become, will either man be left standing on the Road to WrestleMania? Orton hesitates to leave, and Edge gives chase! Will Edge catch up to the Viper before he can slither away?
Next week’s Raw will have a phenomenal contract signing!
The Undertaker will appear next week to confront AJ Styles and make their WrestleMania match official!
Triple H won the Arnold Sports Festival Lifetime Achievement Award!
Arnold Schwarzenegger gave HHH the prize personally. HHH says the gym teaches you everything you need to know to succeed in life. The more you put in, the more you get back. Whenever possible, inspire, support and give opportunities.
Raw looks at Lesnar VS McIntyre.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” the Advocate to the ranging, defending, undisputed WWE Heavyweight Champion of the World says that his client, Brock Lesnar, has demonstrated for 18 years, that he is the single most dominant force in pro-wrestling. “The list of victims is endless.” Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Randy Orton, Hulk Hogan, The Rock, Ric Flair, Stone Cold Steve Austin, John Cena, HHH, and even The Undertaker. “No one, no one, has ever been so dominant for so long.”
But now, Drew McIntyre gives his introduction. Heyman spoke the truth. There has never been anyone who has dominated and conquered quite like Lesnar. Until Lesnar met McIntyre. Because when that happened, McIntyre ELIMINATED Lesnar from the Royal Rumble! And McIntyre made sure Lesnar understood it wasn’t a fluke when he gave THREE Claymores to The Beast last week. McIntyre has learned to never claim something he can’t back up. He chooses his words very carefully. Therefore, McIntyre will Claymore Lenar again, pin his ass, and become the NEW reigning, defending, undisputed WWE Heavyweight Champion of the World at WrestleMania!
Charly Caruso finds Edge backstage.
Edge wants after Orton but she says Orton left the arena already. Edge seethes, but he also seems to scheme. Will Edge have a plan on how to get to Orton?
Aleister Black VS Seth Rollins w/ Murphy & AOP!
The Embodiment of the End refused to join the Monday Night Messiah’s mission, but that just makes him a target of “Phase 2.” Will Rollins take all of his frustrations out regarding Raw on Aleister?
The bell rings and Aleister circles with Rollins. Rollins waistlocks but Aleister goes around to hook a leg and trip Rollins up. Aleister facelocks but Rollins endures the crank. Rollins pries out to a wristlock and wrenches Aleister. Aleister rolls and arm-drags Rollins away, then arm-drags him again! Aleister headlocks but Rollins slips out to his own. Rollins throws Aleister with the takedown, but Aleister headscissors. Rollins pops out, blocks a kick to give a kick, and runs, only to miss the stomp. Aleister swings but Rollins barely avoids the Black Mass! Aleister throws Rollins out, then fakes him out to sit down crossed legged! Fans fire up as Raw goes picture in picture.
Rollins regroups with Murphy to cool down, and then takes his time returning. Aleister patiently waits as Rollins steps inside. Rollins eggs Aleister on but Aleister does not respond. Aleister ducks the boot to kip up and fire off! Rollins knees low and brings Aleister around, but Aleister slips out of the suplex to waistlock. Rollins elbows free and runs but Aleister ducks and kitchen sink knees Rollins down! Aleister brings Rollins around but Rollins rams him into a corner. Rollins runs in but Aleister boots! And KNEES! Aleister seethes while Rollins bails out again. Murphy checks on his savior while Aleister storms over. The old rivals stare down, but Rollins throat chops Aleister! And bumps him off barriers!
Rollins puts Aleister in and stomps him around. Rollins taunts and slaps Aleister, then choke shim on the ropes! The ref counts and Rollins backs off to use the ropes to snap Aleister back. Rollins soaks up the heat as he looms over Aleister. Aleister swings but misses, and now Rollins drags him up by his beard. Rollins runs, but Aleister side steps the slingblade to fire off strikes! KNEE THRUST! Cover, TWO! Raw returns to single picture as Aleister drags Rollins up. Rollins resists the waistlock and elbows back, but Aleister still lifts. Rollins elbows again, and runs to ropes! Aleister gets a hotshot, and then a slingblade! Cover, TWO!
Rollins drives elbows into Aleister’s shoulder and neck before wrapping on a chinlock. Aleister endures and fans rally up. Aleister fights up and throws Rollins off. Rollins is in a corner, and catches Aleister for a buckle shot! Rollins drags Aleister to the apron and clubs away on him! Fans jeer as Rollins gets space and KNEES Aleister back into the ring! Only Murphy cheers as Rollins stomps back into the ring. Rollins stalks Aleister to a corner and CHOPS him down! He throws haymakers and CHOPS, but Aleister staggers to another corner. The ref reprimands Rollins but Rollins doesn’t care. Rollins runs corner to corner but Aleister puts him on the apron! Rollins holds on and springboards back in, but Aleister gets clear! Aleister rallies with forearms!
Aleister fires off a strike fest, leg sweep and knee thrust! And kip up! Fans fire up, Aleister QUEBRADAS! But Murphy distracts, so he gets DECKED! Rollins rolls Aleister, TWO! Rollins kicks, Aleister ducks to boot and ROUNDHOUSE! SNAP GERMAN! Bridging cover, but Murphy attacks!!
Winner: Aleister Black, by disqualification
The disciple saves the savior and stomps away on his former rival. But Aleister turns things around! Rollins attacks Aleister to help Murphy, and then he calls to the Authors of Pain. Akam and Rezar appear and head for the ring. They all mug Aleister 4v1, then bring Aleiser up for the suplex BOMB! But here come the Viking Raiders! Erik and Ivar wage war with Akam and Rezar once again! They each are in a corner but Murphy and Rollins turn the tide! 4v2 is still in Rollins’ favor, but here come the Street Profits! Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins even things out again! It’s a 4v4 fight! The resistance runs Rollins and his followers out of the ring! DC explodes with “We Want the Smoke!”
Ford tells the refs that before there’s any disqualifications, let’s just skip to an EIGHT MAN!! DC wants to see that! The Vikings and the Profits are up, and #WeWantTheSmoke. Rollins and his forces accept this challenge, and we’ll see this go down after the break!
8 Man Tag: The Viking Raiders & Street Profits VS Seth Rollins, Murphy & The Authors of Pain!
Raw returns as Murphy and Ford are set to start for their quartets. The bell rings and fans fire up. Murphy and Ford circle, tie up, and go around the ropes. They end up in an open corner and are pawing at each other, but they break. Ford shoves, Murphy shoves and BOOTS! Murphy whips, Ford goes up and over then handsprings to show off. And dropkicks Murphy down! Tag to Dawkins, things speed up and Dawkins dropkicks Murphy! Cover, ONE, but Dawkins drags Murphy up. Murphy elbows Dawkins away, tag to Akam and Ivar!
Ivar dodges Akam to throw haymakers and back hands! Ivar whips, Akam reverses to throw forearms. But Ivar BOOTS back! Tag to Erik, and Erik feeds Akam to Ivar’s knee! Ivar feeds Akam to Erik’s KNEE! Erik tags Ivar back in, and Ivar drags Akam up, only for Akam to knee and club him down. Tag to Rollins and Rollins throws haymakers and jabs on Ivar. Rollins whips, Ivar holds the ropes to block! Rollins tries again but Ivar won’t, so Rollins hits a rolling elbow! Tag to Murphy, and they double whip Ivar. Murphy whips Rollins in, but Ivar dodges Rollins to then run Murphy over! Tag to Erik, and Ivar scoop slams Murphy. Erik scoop slams Ivar, onto Murphy! Erik drags Murphy up but Murphy jawbreakers back!
Tag to Ford and Rezar, and Ford CHOPS away! Rezar doesn’t flinch! Ford keeps trying but still nothing. Ford ducks the punch to kick, kick and dropkick! He runs to the corner but Rezar puts him on the apron. Ford enziguris then hops up top, to leap! Into Rezar’s arms! Rezar uses a Fall Away Slam to TOSS Ford! Tag to Akam and the Authors of Pain mug Ford against the ropes! Akam knees and hammers Ford toward the corner, then tags Murphy. Murphy mugs Ford and snapmares him to a chinlock. Ford endures as Rollins taunts him. Fans rally up and Ford fights his way up to throw elbows. Murphy clubs Ford back down then puts him in the corner. Murphy taunts the Raiders but runs into a boot!
Ford fights out of Rollins’ corner but Murphy catches him. Ford sunset flips, Murphy rolls through, Ford pushes Murphy away! Tag to Erik! Erik rallies on Murphy then gives him an EXPLODER! Rezar runs in but gets knees and forearms! Erik whips Rezar but Rezar reverses, only for Erik to go up and over and shotgun knee Rezar out! Erik builds speed to DIVE! But Rezar catches Erik and stares him down! The two talk trash, Murphy METEORAS Erik down! Rollins’ followers take control as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns once more, and Rollins’ team drags Erik back to their corner! Murphy stomps Erik down then tags in Rollins so he can throw Erik out. Rollins goes out to throw Erik into barriers! And then back the other way, into more barriers! Fans boo but Rollins soaks it up. Rollins refreshes the count then fetches Erik to whip, but Erik whips and rams Rollins into barriers! Rollins is practically in the front row! Murphy gets Rollins back in and Rollins drags Erik back. Erik throws haymakers on Rollins as he hops for his corner, but Murphy goes past to blast the Profits and Akam hits Ivar! Rollins stomps Erik down and soaks up more heat as he taunts Erik’s team.
Erik throws hands back but Rollins tackles him to the corner. Murphy tags in and mugs Erik in the corner. Tag to Akam and Akam throws big knees into Erik! Tag to Rezar and the AOP give Erik the atomic KNEE! Cover, TWO!! Tag to Akam and the AOP mug Erik more. Akam clamps on with a chinlock and grinds Erik down. Ivar and the Profits coach Erik and fans rally up. Erik fights up to his feet and throws body shots. Akam knees back and tags in Rollins. The mugging continues with fast hands and big knees! The ref counts, Akam leaves but Rollins grinds a knee into Erik. Rollins backs off but Murphy gets in a cheap shot!
Fans rally with “We Want the Smoke!” and Ford stares Rollins down. Rollins goes to Erik but Erik throws haymakers! Rollins hits back but Erik keeps throwing forearms. They brawl back and forth, but Erik is gaining ground. Rollins clamps on with a facelock and grinds Erik down! Erik endures but Rollins says “Nobody’s getting the smoke!” Fans rally and Erik powers up to throw body shots. Rollins knees low then PELES Ivar! Rollins mocks the War Beard, but he turns around into Ace Ten Mao! Both men are down and DC fires up! Erik and Rollins crawl, hot tags to Murhpy and Ford! Ford springboards to crossbody! And then he dropkicks the AOP out! Ford dropkicks Murphy, too! And spins Murphy around, for a DDT!
Ford kips up as Raw goes picture in picture, and he hits the standing moonsault! Cover, TWO! Ford keeps his cool as he glares down at Murphy. He runs at Murphy in the corner but Murphy puts him on the apron. Ford punches Murphy away then climbs up top, but Akam shoves him down! Ford gets caught up on the ropes and then tumbles out. Murphy tags Akam and Akam goes around the way to drag Ford up. Akam throws Ford into barriers! Rollins applauds as Akam puts Ford in the ring. Akam stomps Ford around while staying between him and Dawkins. He drags Dawkins up to whip hard into the corner! Tag to Murphy and they mug Ford.
Murphy snapmares Ford and KICKS him hard in the back. Murphy drags Ford up to throw big forearms in the back. Rollins taunts Ford on the ropes and Murphy throws another hard forearm. Murphy chokes Ford but the ref backs him off. Rollins taunts more, but Ford DECKS him! Murphy rolls Ford up, TWO, and Ford pushes him away! Murphy keeps going after Ford, snapmare and KICK! Tag to Rollins and Rollins drags Ford up to whip. Rollins runs Ford over with an elbow then just slaps him all around! Rollins whips Ford hard into the corner! Fans rally for Ford as Raw returns to single picture.
Rollins stomps Ford’s hand, then dares him to go to his corner. He stomps Ford’s hands more, just toying with him now. Rollins makes Ford hold a hand out, but Ford rolls Rollins up! TOW, and Rollins CLOBBERS Ford down! Rollins cranks Ford’s neck then locks on a chinlock. Fans continue to rally and Ford fights his way back up. Ford throws body shots but Rollins clubs him down. Tag to Murphy and he drags Ford up for a snap suplex. Cover, TWO! Murphy KICKS Ford and drives in a knee before putting the chinlock back on. Ford endures as Murphy leans on him. Ford fights up again, and DC gets thunderous for the smoke! Murphy keeps Ford away from his corner and back suplexes Ford high and hard! Murphy taunts the Raiders and Dawkins, but turns around into a SUPERKICK!
Both men are down but moving, hot tags to Rollins and Ivar! Ivar BLASTS Rollins then scoop sidewalk slams Akam! Basement splash! Ivar dodges Rezar and gives him the seated senton! Cartwheel clothesline for Akam! Fans fire up with the War Beard! Tag to Erik and they grab Rollins. High waistlock and springboard, but Akam trips Ivar up! Rollins SUPERKICKS Erik! And then snap FALCON ARROW! Cover, but Ford breaks it! Murphy flips Ford but Ford enziguris Murphy out! Akam SPINE BUSTERS Ford but Dawkins SPEARS Akam! Rezar back elbows Murphy, but Erik returns to KNEE Rezar! Erik turns into a mule kick, Rollins runs, but into an URENAGE! Tag to Ford and Ford is electric as he climbs. FROM THE HEAVENS!! Cover, Murphy breaks it!
Dawkins throws Murphy out and ROCKS him onto the AOP. Dawkins has the Vikings DIVE! They bowl everyone over! Rollins flying KNEES Dawkins down! Ford flounders over and scraps with Rollins. SUPERKICK! Rollins goes out, Ford points to the Mania sign! Ford FLIES onto everyone!! But wait, Rollins got back in! Rollins sees Ford return, to CURB STOMP!! Cover, Rollins and team win!!
Winners: Seth Rollins, Murphy & AOP, by pinfall
The Monday Night Messiah gets payback on the Raw Tag Team Champions and the rest of the resistance! But Kevin Owens is still here!? Kevin drags Rollins out and gives him payback for the assault! The AOP push Kevin into the ring but Kevin gives Akam a STUNNER! Kevin dumps Rezar out and gives Murphy a STUNNER! Rollins CURB STOMPS Kevin down!! Rollins scowls as he goes to a corner. He gives Kevin ANOTHER CURB STOMP! Rollins has Murphy stay out of the ring so that he can stand alone over Kevin. He drags Kevin up, for A THIRD CURB STOMP! Will the resistance be able to rise up after this?
My Thoughts:
A really good episode of Raw to follow up a pretty good Elimination Chamber. After the perplexing character shift last week, Becky’s back to the Becky we need for this story. Intense Becky and intense Shayna is what we need for this build. And I like that we got multiple builds in the women’s tag match tonight. The Riott Squad feud helps the Kabuki Warriors win their match, and the Kabuki Warriors’ promo beforehand was really good. I get that Bliss-Cross are pretty much the only Face team on SmackDown, and it’s always fun to see Kairi tease Alexa for being short when Kairi is barely that much taller, but I really hope we get more teams in on this. The whole point Bliss-Cross made was that the titles are cross-brand, so give us more brand representation!
Riddick Moss is becoming the biggest winner out of this next phase in the WWE 24/7 Championship’s run. He hasn’t lost the title even once since taking it off Mojo Rawley, and he’s getting wins over superstars who have already held other titles. However, we still need more social media matches for Moss because that is what charmed fans up to this point. I know Moss can be funny, so let him be the serious guy in a funny situation like he was at the Funko Pop HQ. WrestleMania needs to really give us something big for this title, too. For that matter, what is Lashley doing for Mania? Maybe he could win the Andre the Giant Battle Royal? And also take the 24/7 Championship to also take it on a long consecutive reign? That’d be pretty cool.
The Edge and Orton segment was pretty good tonight. I still feel they should’ve taken a beat for someone to give us that promised medical update from last week. That explanation to us that Edge was still able to return would’ve taken care of the stupid “Oh hey Edge is returning” advertising that just takes the drama out. Edge stealing the RKO was great, and then giving MVP multiple Conchairtos was great. I still hope MVP can make that stable as a post-Mania story. Maybe that’s something Lashley could do? And maybe the story of recruiting is made into something.
Mysterio VS Garza was a great opening match, and I’m really hoping the rumored Fatal 4 Way for the United States Championship is happening. Mysterio, Garza, Almas and Carrillo are going to steal the show. And assuming Vega’s stable no longer has the title after Mania, I would love to see them go into the Raw Tag Team Division. Almas & Garza VS Street Profits would make for some great action and promos. At least, I would hope the Profits still have the belts. I really like that Aleister was brought around into the story with them and Rollins given the history with Murphy. With Samoa Joe out from injury and suspension, I hope Aleister joins Kevin’s resistance and becomes a tag partner against Rollins and Murphy. I feel like with the US Championship and WWE World Championship spoken for, the pay off for this story are the Raw Tag titles.
Styles’ promo was wild. I did NOT think he’d do a worked shoot like that. The contract signing next week will be interesting, but I would actually hope nothing physical happens. The emphasis should be on Styles wanting to beat Taker down at WrestleMania, so nothing more should happen between them from here to Mania. McIntyre beating Rowan and “killing” the spider creature was an insane moment to give McIntyre in-ring momentum towards the title match. Plus, his promo package with Heyman was really well done, too. I think a lot of people would agree that we NEED McIntyre to win and so does the WWE. Their stocks are dropping along with their viewership and attendance. Lesnar is a great Heel, but even the greatest villain needs to lose in the end. And that needs to happen on the Greatest Stage of Them All.
My Score: 8.4/10
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Is Orange Cassidy coldblooded? Or just in control?
Before their AEW World Championship match at Full Gear, Jon Moxley puts Wheeler Yuta in Orange Cassidy’s way! Will Cassidy destroy The Decoder before going for The Maniac?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- 8 Man Tag: Will Ospreay, Mark Davis, Ricochet & “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs VS The Don Callis Family; The Don Callis Family wins.
- Kris Statlander VS Hikaru Shida; Kris wins.
- 2v1 Handicap: Bobby Lashley w/ The Hurt Syndicate VS Joe Keys & Cheeseburger; Lashley wins.
- Darby Allin VS Claudio Castagnoli; Claudio wins.
- Orange Cassidy VS Wheeler Yuta w/ The Death Riders; Cassidy wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
8 Man Tag: Will Ospreay, Mark Davis, Ricochet & “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs VS The Don Callis Family!
This All-Star 8 Man is going to make for a massive match! The Aerial Assassin, Dunk Zilla, The One & Only and the man the family foolishly forgot are now teamed together against Konosuke Takeshita, Kyle Fletcher, Brian Cage & Lance Archer! Will Ospreay lead this team to victory ahead of the grudge matches at Full Gear? Or will Callis’ Alpha, Aussie Arrow, Machine & Murderhawk Monster make sure #EverybodyDies?
Well forget sorting out, Ospreay leads his team in attacking the Callis Family right on the ramp! The fans fire up as Hobbs is after Archer, Davis is after Cage, and of course Ricochet is after Konosuke while Ospreay is after Kyle! Hobbs smacks Archer off railing, Kyle CLUBS Ospreay on the back, but Ospreay kicks low. Ospreay sends Kyle into railing, rips the tearaway pants right off him, and then LASHES him with them! Davis sends Cage into railing while Ospreay uses those pants to SLING Kyle into more railing! Davis CLUBS away on Cage, Ospreay blows snot on Kyle’s pants, and Davis sends Cage into more railing.
Kyle turns things around to send Ospreay into railing! Konosuke helps Cage against Davis but Hobbs still throws hands on Archer. Kyle CLUBS Ospreay, CLUBS Ricochet, but Konosuke puts Davis in the ring. The bell rings and this is finally a match. Konosuke headlocks Davis but Davis fires body shots. Davis powers up and out, but Konosuke RAMS him! The fans fire up as Davis stays up. Davis runs to RAM Konosuke! Konosuke stays up and the fans rally. Konosuke runs to RAM Davis, but Davis runs. Konosuke bypasses, leaps, but Davis catches him for a TOSS! And a SENTON! The fans fire up with Davis, and Ricochet reaches out.
Davis tags Ricochet in , then holds the way open, for Ricochet to FOSBURY FLOP onto Konosuke! But Cage CLOBBERS Davis! Cage then RAMS Ricochet into the apron, POSTS him, but Ospreay PENALTY KICKS Cage! The fans fire up as Ospreay goes up, but Kyle UPPERCUTS him! The fans boo as Kyle goes up, CLUBS away on Ospreay, and Ospreay falls to the floor. But now Hobbs is up! Kyle says wait! Then he fires hands! Hobbs just CHOPS Kyle! Hobbs climbs up to get Kyle, but Archer CLUBS Hobbs! Archer drags Hobbs down, throws hands, then puts Hobbs in between steps and post! Hobbs fights back, but Cage sends Ospreay into the steps!
The fans boo as Hobbs’ leg is crushed between steps and post! Archer puts Ricochet in the ring while a medic checks Hobbs. Archer brings Ricochet up but Ricochet slips free to fire off fast strikes! Hobbs is being helped to the back and Ospreay is concerned that this is now 4v3. Ricochet still fires strikes on Archer, but Archer grabs Ricochet by the neck! CHOKE- NO, Ricochet RANAS Archer first! Archer tumbles, stands up, and Ricochet springboards, but Archer CLOBBERS Him out of the sky! Archer BLASTS Davis, then catches Ospreay out of the air! Archer TOSSES Ospreay away and fans boo. But Ricochet springboards back in!
Archer catches Ricochet, and he CHOKE SLAMS Ricochet out onto Ospreay and Davis! The fans boo as the Don Callis Family is in control, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Cage & Kyle flex to soak up the heat, then Archer goes out after Ospreay and the rest. Konosuke fetches Ricochet into the ring, waistlocks, and then brings him away from the corner. Archer beats up on Ospreay while Konosuke fires knees into Ricochet. Ricochet tumbles to ropes but Konosuke is on him. Davis fires hands on Archer, then sends him into railing! Davis fires more hands, but Konosuke CHOKES Ricochet at the ropes! The ref counts, Konosuke steps off and tags Kyle. Kyle stays between Ricochet and his corner. Kyle taunts Ricochet, stomps him around, then whips him to ropes. Kyle ELBOWS Ricochet down, then stalks him to a corner.
Kyle stomps away on Ricochet while Archer intimidates commentary. Kyle shouts at the camera while the ref counts, and Kyle steps off of Ricochet’s neck. Kyle bumps Ricochet off buckles, tags Cage, and Cage stands Ricochet up. Cage CHOPS Ricochet, then whips him to ropes for an ELBOW! Cage flexes while he taunts Ospreay & Davis. Cage drags Ricochet up but Ricochet RAMS him! And RAMS him! And fires forearms! Cage ROCKS Ricochet, then runs, but into a tiger wall kick and ENZIGIRI! Konosuke tags in and storms after Ricochet. Konosuke stomps Ricochet, then rains down fists! The ref reprimands while Dynamite returns to single picture.
Konosuke argues with the ref while Ospreay rallies the fans. Konosuke stays between Ricochet and his team, but Ricochet SLAPS Konosuke! Konosuke ROCKS Ricochet for it! Ricochet fires forearms and an UPPERCUT! Konosuke keeps Ricochet from his corner, reels Ricochet in, but Ricochet victory rolls! TWO, and Ricochet ducks a chop to handspring BACK ELBOW! The fans fire up while both men are down! Ricochet and Konosuke crawl, hot tags to Kyle and Ospreay! The fans fire up as these two fire fists and forearms! Kyle kicks and whips but Ospreay ducks ‘n’ dodges to CLOBBER Kyle!
Ospreay whips, Kyle reverses, Ospreay handsprings to NEURALIZER KICK! Kyle staggers, Konosuke tags back in! Ospreay dodges Konosuke to BLAST Cage & Archer! Ospreay fires fists on Konosuke, but Konosuke CLAWS Ospreay’s face! Konosuke runs, but Davis intercepts with a fireman’s carry! AUSSIE DENTAL PLAN! Or maybe in this case, just a United Empire Dental Plan! But in any case, Davis scoops Konosuke, for the LAWN DART CUTTER! Cover, TWO!! Konosuke survives but the fans fire up. Ospreay & Davis bring Konosuke up, double pump handle, but the #MurderMachines make the save!
Archer puts Davis in a corner, Cage ducks Ospreay’s haymaker to waistlock. Archer runs up, BOOT GERMAN SUPLEX COMBO! Davis fires hands on Archer but Cage waistlocks, ripcords, and ROCKS Davis! Then fireman’s carry into the ASSISTED NECKBREAKER! The fans boo but the Murder Machines DOUBLE RIPCORD Ospreay up for Konosuke’s BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay survives and shocks everyone! Archer argues with the ref but the count was fair. Konosuke tags Kyle while fans rally up behind Ospreay. Kyle smirks as he stalks Ospreay. Kyle BOOTS Ricochet off the apron for good measure!
Kyle tells Ospreay that this is how he wants it, right? All about Ospreay! Kyle stomps away on Ospreay in the corner, then digs his boots in! The ref counts but wait! Here comes Hobbs! Hobbs hobbles but Kyle hurries to send Ospreay to the Callis corner. Tag to Konosuke and then Kyle slides out. Kyle runs up on Hobbs, but Hobbs CLOBBERS him! The fans fire up as Hobbs makes his way to the corner. Ospreay fights free of the corner but Konosuke holds him back! Ospreay fires forearms, reaches out, repeat! The fans rally as hard as they can, but Konosuke reels Ospreay in! Konosuke hits a back suplex, but Ospreay lands out!
Ospreay dodges Konosuke, hot tag to Hobbs! The Powerhouse powers up to rally on Konosuke! The fans fire up as Hobbs TOSSES Kyle, but the Murder Machines attack! They reel Hobbs in, but Hobbs fights the double suplex! The fans fire up but the Murder Machines double whip. Hobbs DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up as Hobbs has targets in all corners! SPLASH for Konosuke! SPLASH for Cage! SPLASH for Kyle! SPLASH for Archer! The fans are thunderous and Hobbs brings the straps down. Archer kicks low, then runs, but Hobbs dodges, to SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up again, and Hobbs tags Davis!
Davis runs up to BOOT Konosuke, BOOT him again, but Konosuke just fires up! Ospreay CANNONBALLS onto Kyle while Konosuke fires hands! Konosuke spins, but Davis DECKS him! Davis roars, stands Konosuke up, but Konosuke backdrops back! POWER- NO, Davis stops the knee to ENZIGIRI! Davis gut wrenches Konosuke, for a PILEDRIVER!! Cover, KYLE BREAKS IT! The fans boo but now Aussie Open is face to face! Kyle pie faces Davis, talks trash, but Davis glares at him. Kyle SLAPS Davis, so Davis TACKLES Kyle! Davis throws hands, Kyle gets up, and Davis runs up! Kyle dodges and Konosuke DECKS Davis!
Ricochet springboards, FLYING LARIAT on Konosuke! But Cage POP-UP POWERBOMBS Ricochet! Hobbs SPINEBUSTERS Cage! Archer CHOKE SLAMS Hobbs! Ospreay hits the PIP PIP CHEERIO FOREARM on Archer! Ospreay dares Kyle to man up and fight him! Kyle snarls, gets in, and they fire forearms again! Kyle swings, Ospreay catches him, but Kyle breaks the full nelson with an elbow! Ospreay HOOK KICKS Kyle! Ospreay runs, Kyle dodges, but then Ospreay slips through the lariat! Kyle slips through the bomb, hoists Ospreay up, but Ospreay slips free! Kyle ducks the hook kick to SUPERKICK! Kyle runs, into the SPANISH FLY!!
The fans are thunderous as Ospreay takes aim from a corner! Kyle rises, so does Davis, and Ospreay runs up, Kyle uses Davis as a shield from the HIDDEN BLADE!! Ospreay freaks out, Kyle SUPERKICKS Ospreay out of the ring! Then Kyle DIVES onto Ospreay! Konosuke brings down his kneepad, aims at Davis, POWER DRIVE KNEE!!! Cover, Don Callis Family wins!!
Winners: The Don Callis Family, by pinfall
The Alpha stands tall over Davis as friendly fire takes out Ospreay’s team. But what happens when things divide into 1v1 matches? Will Konosuke still be International Champion after he and Ricochet go #OuttaThisWorld? Will Kyle prove that he IS The Protostar after tearing down Will Ospreay?
Jon Moxley & The Death Riders speak.
“Despite recent discoveries that Orange Cassidy is a snake, coldblooded, uncaring, unmoving, a serpent lurking in the darkest corners of the battlefield, my objective remains the same, my job on Saturday night remains the same. You may be this borderline sociopath, you may be a great guy just like everybody thinks. I don’t care if you’re a great guy. I don’t care what kind of person you are. When the bell rings on Saturday night, and the AEW World Championship hangs in the balance, you are a threat to my people. And I will destroy you.
“There’s so much more going on behind Orange Cassidy’s eyes than any of us could’ve imagined. You may make it to Full Gear with your mind in tact, but your body… For that matter, Darby Allin’s body… Still up for grabs.” Claudio jumps in, speaking in German about what he’ll do to Darby. Then in English, he says, “Tonight, I’m gonna end you.” Moxley pats Claudio on the shoulder. Will The Maniac’s top henchmen do his dirty work for him when they dismantle Cassidy & Darby? Or will it just be fuel on the fire for Freshly Squeezed & The Relentless One? Speaking of…
Darby Allin speaks.
“Claudio, I’m gonna keep this really short. Let’s not forget you’re the one who put the chair around Bryan’s neck and pulled the trigger on his career. Every single one of you Death Riders will have your day. And Claudio, today’s your day.” Will Moxley’s men be dealt with in brutal fashion before he suffers the same?
The Hurt Syndicate arrive.
Renee Paquette waits in the parking lot as an SUV pulls up, and she welcomes Montel Vontavious Porter, Shelton Benjamin & Bobby Lashley to the show. She heard MVP has a surprise in store, what’s he got planned? MVP says yes, there is a special treat for the AEW audience, and that is this announcement: The All Mighty Bobby Lashley will be in action here tonight on Dynamite in Reading, Pennsylvania, prior to his PPV debut on Saturday! Renee asks if MVP is at all concerned to put Lashley in a match- OH NO, Swerve attacks!! Swerve knocks Lashley over, then laughs as he gets away!
Shelton helps Lashley up but that ambush might’ve been with Swerve’s own silver chain. Will Lashley elect not to compete tonight after all? Or is he about to make an example out of whatever poor soul is put in front of him?
Adam Cole is here!
Reading fires up as the Panama City Playboy makes his way to the ring. They join in with the “BOOM!” and “ADAM COLE, BAYBAY!” Cole grabs a mic to ask, “Who’s ready for Storytime with Adam Cole, Baybay?” Reading sure is ready! Cole wishes so so badly that he could get his hands on MJF this Saturday, but he’s not. MJF did everything in his power to make sure he and Cole didn’t fight on Saturday, and he succeeded. But do you know who else succeeded last week? Roderick Strong did! The fans cheer as Cole says he and Roddy have the exact same goal: Give MJF the ass whooping of a lifetime! And that is exactly what happens at Full Gear!
The fans cheer, and wait, Kyle O’Reilly makes his way out here. The longtime friend of Cole & Roddy makes his way out here, and already has a mic. Kyle isn’t sure if Cole remembers, but 14 years ago, right here in Reading, PA, Cole and Kyle had their second match ever against each other. They’ve come a long way. Being associated with Cole has given Kyle some incredible highs, and some serious lows. And through those lows, Kyle knows Cole better than anyone. Which makes Kyle the only one willing to tell Cole the truth. The truth is, this crusade against MJF has got to end before someone gets hurt.
This obsession, Cole needs to wash his hands of it. His ankle has already been reconstructed, what’s next? Cole has friends willing to take a bullet for him, Kyle included, but Cole has got to stop having his friends fight his battles. Roddy barely makes it out alive last week, and now he wants to fight MJF! He wants to END MJF, all because of Cole. Kyle just doesn’t have a good feeling about any of this. Cole asks Kyle what he’s trying to say here. Kyle doesn’t think Roddy can handle MJF? Kyle asks Cole if he really thinks MJF isn’t already three steps ahead. MJF hasn’t been here for weeks but he’s pulling all the strings.
Cole should know that dealing with MJF is like playing with fire, and Kyle doesn’t wanna see his friends get burned. Cole needs to realize why so many of his friends are willing to go to war for him, and it’s because he is a great leader, an elite pro-wrestler, and a great friend, who doesn’t wanna see his friends get hurt. At least, so Kyle thinks. But Cole has to face facts: MJF is more of an evil bastard than Cole will ever be, and that is a good thing. Kyle drops his mic and walks away. Cole drops his mic, and has a lot to think about. Does Kyle have a point? Can Cole just let Roddy handle MJF and then move on?
Orange Cassidy speaks.
“A little later tonight, I’m gonna make an example out of you, Wheeler Yuta. And I’m gonna show everybody exactly what I’m gonna do this Saturday to you, Jon Moxley. And that’s walk down to that ring and beat you, alone.” But The Conglomeration steps in. Mark Briscoe has Rocky Romero & Tomohiro Ishii with him as he asks Cassidy, “What sense does that make, man?” Moxley said himself, there’s five Death Riders, one Cassidy. Conglomeration has his back, they are here for him. Cassidy says no, no one else needs to get hurt. Get hurt? What’s Cassidy talking about? The Conglomeration are ready to scrap!
PLEASE!! Cassidy is asking them… They don’t have to believe him or even understand him. But just promises him they’ll stay back here. If Cassidy insists, then so be it. Cassidy says there you have it, Jon. Five of you, one of him. Do what you’re gonna do. Because at Full Gear, Moxley’s gonna need all the help he can get. Cassidy is himself wanting the best for his friends, but will that work out for the betterment of AEW? Or is he just playing into Moxley’s hands?
Kris Statlander VS Hikaru Shida!
The #BornAgainKristen bodied the bullies that are Mercedes Mone & Kamille the last time she saw them, but she still needs to tune up for Full Gear. However, taking on the THREE-TIME AEW Women’s World Champion might be more than just a workout. Win, lose or draw, will the Shining Samurai get Kris ready for The CEO?
The bell rings, Kris and Shida shake hands and the fans applaud. The two circle, tie up, and Kris wrenches to a wristlock. Shida handsprings and wrenches back, then hammerlocks. Kris reaches back, hits a headlock takeover, but Shida headscissors. Kris kips free and the fans cheer while the two reset. Shida and Kris circle again while the fans fire up. The two tie up, Shida wrenches and hammerlocks, then CLUBS Kris on the back. Shida CLUBS Kris again, then waistlocks. Kris fights the lift with elbows, then switches. Kris SLAMS Shida, then flips her over. Shida kips up to arm-drag Kris! Kris ends up in a corner, and Shida runs up to KNEE her!
Shida climbs up and the fans cheer as she rains down fists! But Kris stops Shida at 5 and carries her out of the corner! Shida slips free, Kris blocks a lariat to SWEEP the leg! STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Shida is tough and she goes to ropes, but Kris whips her to a corner. Kris runs up but into a RANA! Kris cartwheels through! Then she CLOBBERS Shida! The fans fire up while Kris flexes. Kris drags Shida into a motorcycle stretch but Shida endures. The fans rally up and Shida fights to her feet. Shida arm-drags Kris down, and wraps her in a straitjacket stretch! Kris fights up with a bridge, but Shida hops on!
The fans rally while Kris RAMS Shida into a corner! Shida holds onto the straitjacket and pulls! The ref counts, Shida lets go at 4, and then MISSILE DROPKICKS! Kris tumbles and the fans duel as Shida fires up! Shida goes outside, drags Kris to the apron, and CLUBS her! Shida runs to KNEE LIFT! Kris flops to the floor and fans cheer while Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Shida brings Kris up again, and whips her into railing hard! Kris writhes, Shida drags her up, and then Shida whips Kris into more railing! Kris writhes again and Shida refreshes the ring count. Shida sits Kris in a corner to rain down fists! The fans fire up but the ref reprimands, so Shida stops. Shida brings Kris around, pushes her into the ring, and then stalks her. Shida stomps Kris around, brings her up, and snap suplexes! Kris writhes but Shida brings her up again. Shida then snap suplexes Kris into a corner! Shida drags Kris to a cover, TWO! Kris stays in this but Shida stays on her with a chinlock stretch!
Kris endures being bent back, and she reaches out with her free arm. Shida pulls back more but Kris rises up! Shida is again a backpack, but then she slips down. Kris fires body shots, slips around and lifts for a BIG back suplex! Kris huffs ‘n’ puffs as she rises up, but then Shida dodges the sliding forearm! Ghost pin! TWO, and Kris has a cradle! TWO! Shida ROCKS Kris, but Kris PELES! Shida staggers, but she comes back to ENZIGIRI! Both women are down and the fans fire up! The ref checks both women and they’re okay to continue, so a standing count begins. Shida and Kris stir at about 4 of 10, then rise up at 6.
Kris grabs Shida, but Shida fires a forearm! Dynamite returns to single picture as the shots go back and forth. Shida fires a flurry, then whips Kris to ropes. Kris ducks ‘n’ dodges, then dodges a knee! SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up with Kris as she whips Shida to a corner. Kris runs up to UPPERCUT, then she goes side to side for a KNEE LIFT! Shida ends up in ropes but Kris reels her in. Fisherman BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Shida survives and the fans fire up again! Kris hoists Shida up, gut wrenches, but Shida slips free! DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Shida eggs Kris on, then dodges her to fire forearms! Kris just shakes her head!
Shida fires more shots, but Kris fireman’s carries! But Shida slips free, straitjacket roll-up! TWO!! KNEE STRIKE! And then short arm LARIAT! Shida takes aim, but she starts to doubt the Katana! Shida runs up but Kris dodges the boot to then scoop and INVERTED SLAM! Then Kris aims, DISCUS- NO, Shida backslides her! TWO!! Shida reels Kris in, suplexes, FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO?!? Kris survives and Shida is shocked! Shida brings Kris up but Kris fires body shots and forearms! Shida ROCKS Kris, but Kris wrenches to kick! Kris runs, but into the JUMP KNEE! Shida hurries to suplex, but Kris turns it around!
Shida slips out of Kris’ suplex to slip around, GERMAN SUPLEX! Shida roars, aims, KATA- NO, Kris gut wrenches! Tuck and STATURDAY NIGHT FEVER!! Cover, Kris wins!!
Winner: Kris Statlander, by pinfall
Shida gave Kris a powerful match, but clearly Shida has to iron out her own crisis of confidence. Kris still shows Shida respect by helping her up. But wait, here comes Mercedes Mone & Kamille! The fans boo The CEO & Brickhouse but Mone has a mic. “Readiiiiing~! Say hello to your C E O!” The fans boo instead. Mone asks Kamille if she wants to hear a fun fact about Pennsylvania. The 76ers have had yet another terrible season! Embarrassing~! But shoutouts to Mone’s Celtics for another incredible victory. The fans boo Boston but Mone says another person with an incredible win was Kris Statlander. Mone is rarely impressed by her competition.
Does anyone else want to hear another fun fact? “NO!!” Well, Mone has held the TBS Championship longer than Kris! So at Full Gear, Mone will NOT lose, because she is The CEO, the greatest TBS Champion of all time! And she will NEVER lose this title! Fans tell The CEO to STFU, but Mone tells Kamille go get the job done! She is so pissed off! GO! NOW! Kamille walks up the steps past Mone, but with only one good arm! Mone says hurry up, but Kamille looks at both Shida and Kris. Kamille takes as swing, but Kris blocks to ROCK her! Shida QUESTION MARK KICKS Kamille! Then Kris & Shida TOSS The Brickhouse!
Shida goes out after Kamille, but then Mone goes after Kris! Mone goes for the backstabber, but Kris holds onto ropes! Mone is almost stuck up there, but Kris pops her around! STATURDAY NIGHT FEVER!! The fans fire up as Kris stands tall over The CEO! Will Kris once again become the Face of TBS? Or will Mone find a way to win even without her insurance policy?
The Hurt Syndicate has a cameraman with them.
MVP says hold on, he and Shelton have found Swerve. They go after the man in the big fur jacket, but that’s not Swerve! Swerve gave his jacket to the guy, but MVP & Shelton still beat this guy up for helping Swerve. MVP says they’ll find Swerve later, Lashley has his match up next. And it’ll be a 2-on-1 Handicap?! The All Mighty really IS mad, what poor duo is about to be destroyed?
AEW hears from Jay White and Hangman Adam Page.
“Hangman. You and I are on that same path to that same destination, trying to grasp at that same prize. 2024 still has some time left for The Switchblade to share the spotlight with Hangman once more!” But the Blackhat Cowboy asks White if he knows “Who the hell I am?! I am the Hangman! I am THE man! They named this whole godforsaken PPV after ME!” White says when he makes Hangman TAP, it will be a public declaration! But Hangman says White can’t make him tap, even if his life depended on it! These two vicious gunslingers will write one more chapter in their storied rivalry, but who comes out riding off into the sunset?
2v1 Handicap: Bobby Lashley w/ The Hurt Syndicate VS Joe Keys & Cheeseburger!
The All Mighty thought he’d have an easy night getting in a little warm-up, but The Realest quickly reminded him why he’s the most dangerous man in AEW! Lashley’s now doubling down to make a point, will there be nothing left of Keys & Cheese after tonight?
The bell rings and while the fans rally for Cheeseburger, he and Keys each argue the other should start. Lashley runs up and TOSSES Burger across the ring! Keys runs away, Lashley runs to RAM into Burger! Lashley brings Burger up, Keys runs in, but Lashley catches him for a COMPLETE SHOT DDT COMBO! Lashley drags Keys up and TOSSES him out! Lashley then turns to look at Burger in the corner. The fans rally for Burger, but Lashley CLOBBERS him! The fans boo but MVP & Shelton high-five Lashley. Lashley drags Burger up to gut wrench, Canadian Rack, and DOMINATOR! Keys runs in to break the cover!
The fans cheer Keys as he fires hands, but Lashley just gets angrier! Keys short arm LARIATS, but Lashley stays up! Keys runs, into a MILE HIGH SPINEBUSTER! Lashley storms around, then aims at Keys. Keys staggers into the SPEAR! Lashley isn’t done there, and he clamps on the HURT LOCK! Keys can’t open that lock, he is OUT! Lashley wins!
Winner: Bobby Lashley, by submission
MVP & Shelton join Lashley in the ring to celebrate, but then “Whose House?” “SWERVE’S HOUSE!” The fans fire up, and here comes Prince Nana with a chair! Nana eggs the Hurt Syndicate on so Shelton storms out after Nana. MVP watches the rest of ringside for Swerve, but Swerve slides out from under the ring! The fans fire up as Swerve slips in to CHAIN PUNCH Lashley!! MVP gets on the apron but Swerve DECKS MVP with a chain punch! And then Shelton eats a chain punch! The fans are thunderous as Swerve aims, and hits a HOUSE CALL on Lashley! Swerve hurries to the top rope, and he gives Lashley a KILL STOMP!!
The fans are thunderous as Swerve stands over Lashley! MVP & Shelton get up and get in, but Swerve escapes, chain draped on his neck! Will AEW then, now and forever be whose house? “SWERVE’S HOUSE!”
Backstage interview with Mariah May & Mina Shirakawa.
Renee is now with the AEW Women’s World Champion and her best friend, the Rev-Pro Undisputed British Women’s Champion. They are planning their Championship Champagne Celebration for Full Gear, BUT Friday Night Rampage will feature the two of them teaming up for the first time in just over a year. Mariah says no champion deserves a celebration more than her. Her rise to the top was meteoric, and her reign will be historic. She takes ish and makes it shine, any time and any show, against anyone. In Mariah’s division, you hold this title, or you die.
Mina says yes, Mariah has been working so hard. She came back to tell her she is so very proud. And Mina will give Mariah a celebration she’ll never forget! Mariah says the “H Cup Angel” (Mina) and the “Woman from Hell” (Mariah herself) are going to make Rampage into Glampage. Everyone wants Mina, but Mina wants Mariah. And then… They’ll dance! These two shimmy and shake their way out, will they finally be toasting their victories at Full Gear?
Darby Allin VS Claudio Castagnoli w/ The Death Riders!
The Relentless One told The Swiss Superman that revenge was coming, and here is Darby’s chance! Will Darby avenge Bryan Danielson? Or will he just be the next to fall?
The bell rings and Darby stares Claudio down. Darby takes some deep breaths then circles with Claudio. Darby slips around to waistlock but Claudio flings him off, only for Darby to roll to his feet. They circle again, and the fans rally behind Darby. Darby and Claudio feel things out, tie up, and Darby headlocks. Claudio lifts Darby but Darby thrashes the hold. Claudio throws Darby off, runs up, but Darby uses that to get around and springboard arm-drag! The fans fire up while Claudio bails out, and Darby taunts Claudio with some drop steps. Claudio snarls, but then Darby fakes him out with a slingshot!
Claudio is annoyed and takes a swing but Darby slingshots up and over! Darby taunts Claudio again while the fans rally up. Claudio cools off before he storms up the steel steps. Claudio pops Darby up but Darby keeps from hitting buckles! Darby ELBOWS Claudio away, goes up, then leaps, but Claudio catches him! Claudio SLAMS Darby down, flips him back to his feet, but Darby slips around to waistlock. O’Conner Roll, TWO! Darby springboards to SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Claudio bails out but the fans fire up. Darby goes up a corner, and he SUPER COFFIN SPLASHES into a waistlock! Claudio swings and THROWS Darby away!
Darby staggers to his feet but Claudio runs up, to POUNCE Darby into railing! Darby writhes against the railing, but Claudio runs up to UPPERCUT Darby up and over! Fans freak out as Darby hits the floor! Claudio leaves Darby behind while the ring count climbs, but Darby drags himself up at 7. Claudio goes back out after Darby to suplex! Claudio holds Darby up while he marches up the steps! The fans fire up for this feat of strength and balance, and then Claudio TOSSES Darby back into the ring! Darby writhes again while Claudio steps back in. Claudio stalks Darby, talks some trash, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Claudio looms over Darby, then deadlift gut wrenches for a GUTBUSTER! And then another GUTBUSTER! And then another GUTBUSTER! Darby writhes while Claudio stands over him again. Claudio watches Darby crawl towards a corner and stalks him. Claudio drags Darby up, brings him around, and ROCKS Darby with a forearm! Darby pushes Claudio, then CHOPS! Claudio DECKS Darby! Darby tumbles out of the ring! The ref wants Claudio to stay back while Darby drags himself up. Darby is back in before the count starts, but then Claudio DOUBLE STOMPS him! Claudio kicks Darby around, then clamps on with a neck wrench!
Darby endures, fights up, but Claudio powers him down. Darby BITES Claudio’s hand! The ref reprimands but Darby fires off forearms on Claudio. Claudio HIP TOSSES Darby up and out of the ring! Darby hits the floor and flounders around while the ref reprimands Claudio. Claudio again waits on Darby, and then he DOUBLE STOMPS Darby the moment he’s in! The ref counts as Claudio stands on Darby at the ropes. Claudio steps off at 4, brings him around, and clamps on an armlock and chinbar. Darby endures, fights around, and manages to fireman’s carry Claudio! But Claudio rains down elbows! HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL even!
Claudio clamps on with a double wristlock and he grinds Darby down. Darby still endures and the fans rally up again. Darby fights around and Dynamite returns to single picture. Darby fires body shots but Claudio knees low! Claudio then HIP TOSSES Darby into a corner! Darby tumbles out of the ring but Claudio pursues! Claudio SWINGS Darby into railing! Then Claudio fireman’s carries, to TOSS Darby back in the ring! Claudio storms in while Darby flounders away. Darby flops back out of the ring but Claudio pursues him again. Darby trips Claudio up and traps him in the apron skirt! Darby then fires forearms, and BITES Claudio’s ear!
The fans fire up but Claudio shoves Darby away. Darby slides into the ring then DIVES onto Claudio! And then runs to DIVE again! Down goes Claudio and the fans fire up! Darby crawls over to bring Claudio up and into the ring. The fans fire up as Darby climbs up a corner, though slowly given all the damage to his back. That lets Claudio trip Darby up! Darby is stuck up top, and Claudio climbs up after him. Claudio gut wrenches for a SUPER GUT WRENCH PLEX!! Cover, TWO!! Darby survives and Claudio can’t believe it! The fans fire up but Claudio calls for the swing! Claudio grabs the legs, but Darby twists to a victory roll! TWO!!
Claudio escapes and runs up, but Darby ducks ‘n’ dodges, roll and- WHOA, Claudio has to fight to stay up, and then he deadlifts Darby! Darby pops through to CODE RED!! Cover, TWO!! Claudio survives and the fans fire up again! “This is Awesome!” as Darby and Claudio crawl for ropes. Claudio runs up to UPPERCUT! And UPPERCUT again and again and again! The ref backs Claudio off, but then Claudio fires off body shots! Darby flops over but Claudio has the legs. Claudio FLIPS Darby up and over the ropes, but Darby lands on the apron! Claudio BOOTS Darby down! The ref wants Claudio to hold on but Claudio goes out after Darby.
Claudio drags Darby by his legs, then SWINGS him around! Into steel steps!! The fans lose their minds, the ref reprimands Claudio, but Claudio doesn’t care. The fans tell Claudio he is sick, but Claudio TOSSES Darby over the announce desk!! Schiavone, Excalibur & Matt Menard narrowly avoid becoming collateral damage! But Claudio clears the desk and brings Darby up. Claudio puts Darby on the desk, then stands over him. The ref reprimands but Claudio just ignores him. Claudio drags Darby up, and gorilla presses him! SUPER DUPER TOSS onto the timekeeper’s table!! The fans lose their minds as Darby is down but that table’s somehow still standing!
The ref checks on Darby but Claudio storms right over! The ref tells Claudio to stop so they go to the ring. Claudio lets the ring count start, and yet Darby somehow stirs at 4 of 10! The fans rally as hard as they can and Darby crawls his way over! Darby is still far away at 7! But then he powers up and LEAPS in at 9!! But Claudio LARIATS Darby inside-out!! Cover, Claudio wins!
Winner: Claudio Castagnoli, by pinfall
Darby truly is relentless, with durability like no other, but it just wasn’t enough against the strength and brutality of Claudio! Will no one stop The Death Riders from running roughshod over AEW?
Backstage interview with Private Party.
Renee is with Marq Quen & Isiah Kassidy and brings up that at Full Gear, the AEW World Tag Team Championships are on the line in a Fatal 4 Way. Private Party takes on The Acclaimed, The Outrunners and The Kings of the Black Throne. In such a match, the champs do NOT have to be pinned or submitted to lose their titles, so what is their strategy? Brother Zay says they obviously can’t tell her that, the other teams are watching. But it seems like the odds are against them. Fortunately, the odds have been against them their whole lives, their whole careers, just like against The Young Bucks.
But look what happened: Private Party defied the odds, beat The Bucks, and are your AEW World Tag Team Champions. That is the same thing that happens on Saturday. They leave Newark, New Jersey still your tag team champions. Because there ain’t no party like a Private Party, that’s a flex. Oh, speaking of! It’s AJ & Big Justice! They’re fired up to be here, but Justice wants to know what that face Zay made was last week. Oh, right, this one, with the chin scratching. And AJ says they’ve got a BIG announcement coming up after this! Maybe some double chunk chocolate cookies? BOOM!!
A green Porsche Taycan pulls up to the middle of nowhere.
And out steps MJF. The Wolf of Wrestling tells the hobo to “go get it” as he throws spare change off to the side like birdseed. MVP then sits back and tells Roderick Strong, “You’ve been through so much. The kid who grew up trailer park trash with two abusive alcoholic parents. For crying out loud! Your own mother shot your father right in front of you. That’s traumatizing. And as you know, Roddy, trauma is the result of an overwhelming sense of danger, powerlessness and fear. However, healing is a result of feeling safe, empowered and supported. That’s why you’d do anything for Cole. He makes you feel all those positive things that you lacked.
“It’s why I was no different than you. It’s why I trusted him. Unfortunately, the difference between you and I: Cole for me was a mirage of what I wanted him to be. A fraud, a liar. And whilst Cole is a fraud, I do actually believe deep down, in his narcissistic, sociopathic, frail, feeble frame, is a man who cares about Roderick Strong. This is precisely why upon further contemplation, I am happy you won, Roddy. Because I want Adam Cole to watch a person he cares about suffer! And because of your White trash upbringing, you aren’t intelligent enough to realize that you don’t have a prayer. And I’m sending you back to where you belong. To your grimy little trailer park.
“And after the match, you’ll be in so much physical anguish, you’ll wish your mother hadn’t shot your father, but instead shot you.” As if this scumbag couldn’t stoop any lower, he brings up Roddy’s past to hurt him. But will Roddy make sure MJF’s future is the one full of pain and suffering?
Backstage interview with AJ & Big Justice.
Renee is with the Costco Tiktok sensations and says that in the Full Gear Zero Hour, we will see #BigBoomAJ take on QT Marshall in a match 20 YEARS in the making. AJ says it may have been 20 years in the making for QT, this all started for AJ when QT threw the double chunk chocolate cookies down! Renee says AJ has not been in the ring in those 20 years, is he concerned about how his body will hold up? AJ isn’t worried about that, because he just has one strategy, and that’s the strategy they use each and every day. That strategy is to bring the BOOM~! But hey, there’s another special announcement.
Because when AJ rings QT’s bell, and he Power-Booms QT right in the middle of that ring, there is only one guy they want ringing the bell: Big Justice’s best friend, THE RIZZLER! Time to bring the BOOM~! Will QT be sleeping on the mat for The Rizzler? Will he be skibidi? Fanum Tax? Why are those even words?
Tony Schiavone is on stage.
And he welcomes out The Undisputed Kingdom! The fans cheer as Roderick Strong makes his way out, accompanied by Matt Taven & Mike Bennett. Schiavone brings up Roddy VS MJF at Full Gear, and we just heard all that disgusting stuff MJF had to say. Roddy’s response is that to be honest, he has not slept a wink since last week. IT is finally happening! Roddy feels like a kid on Christmas morning. He finally gets his hands on “MAAAAAX~!” The fans echo that, and Roddy says if MJF was here tonight, and not hiding out there, Roddy would ask him: Is Roddy supposed to be ashamed of his childhood?
Is Roddy supposed to be ashamed of his parents? You don’t think Roddy’s heard that stuff before? His whole LIFE, that is what people brought up! His mom’s an addict, his dad’s an addict, mom shot dad. Good job, Max, you made Roddy feel like he was in elementary school again. And people may look at Roddy’s past and feel sorry for him, but Roddy asks us not to. Because looking at MJF, Roddy feels sorry for him. Understand this, Max. With Roddy’s life, he learned that to get the most out of life, you have to earn it. If you wanna break the cycle, you have to earn it. And that is what Roddy’s done ever since he was a kid!
And now looking at MJF, he’s been spoon-fed everything. And when something doesn’t go his way or something happens and he doesn’t like it, MJF throws a temper tantrum like a baby until that changes. So Roddy wants MJF to do something for him: Look in the mirror and think about all the things that MJF has done to people. The manipulating, the backstabbing, the using. MJF needs to realize, when the bell rings at Full Gear, MJF will pay for all those sins. With every chop, with every punch, with every elbow, with every backbreaker! And when it is all over, Roddy walks to his hotel room for the best night of sleep in his life because he earned it.
Especially because Roddy will know he has broken MJF’s back, and left him humbled! Roddy is all fired up, and the fans are with him! Will MJF finally get what’s coming to him? Or will he give Roddy nightmares for the rest of his life?
AEW shares footage taken from last Saturday night.
First, a recap video of Daniel Garcia thwarting Jack Perry’s attempts to abduct and torture Matthew Menard, as well as the joyride they took in the Scapegoat bus, with Perry as the hood ornament. And now, they have Perry strapped into a chair, the bus headlights as the only source of light. Menard is behind the camera as he asks Perry how he’s feeling. How’d that work out for him, huh? Garcia splashes Perry with water to wake him up, and says “Let’s have a conversation. I’m all ears.” Perry chuckles and says Garcia thinks he’s so much better than him. Look at where they are! Garcia shouts back that he doesn’t wanna be here!
Garcia just wants to wrestle, but AEW is full of savages! Perry tried to take Daddy Magic’s life! And those in power just sit back and watch, pretending that nothing’s going on. So what do they do? Gotta take the power back, right? Perry counters with, “Everybody’s got a code. Everybody cares about right and wrong until it costs them something. Until they have to SACRIFICE!” Garcia gets in Perry’s face, grabs him by the mouth, and says Perry’s always going on about sacrifice but Perry has no idea what Garcia’s had to go through! Perry has NO idea what Garcia’s had to sacrifice to be here!
Garcia knows where Perry wants him to go, but Garcia promises that he’s never gonna go there. Perry smirks, then SPITS in Garcia’s face. Garcia wipes that off his face and says bet. Garcia’s got something for Perry, so just wait right there. Garcia goes to the bus while Perry mockingly asks what he’s gonna do. Menard tells shut up, Jack! Life must be so hard for him! What’s Jack got to be sad about?! Garcia comes back and he has a crowbar! Perry dares him to go ahead. Garcia raises the bar, but he SMASHES up the bus! Garcia throws the crowbar away and Perry laughs. Is that it? Garcia tells Menard they’ll get out of here. What? Where’s Garcia going?
Perry says yeah, walk away. Menard tells Perry that Garcia’s gonna whoop his ass! Just wait! Menard leaves, Perry shouts into the night, but will The Face of TNT soon be the one sacrificed for the greater good?
Renee Paquette presides over the ROH World Championship contract signing.
She welcomes us backstage to the signing for this match, which will happen next week, Dynamite: Thanksgiving Eve, in Chicago. The challenger, Tomohiro Ishii, is on her left, and the champion, Chris Jericho, is on her right. Jericho, as champion, you have the honors to sign first. Jericho smiles and waves as he says, “Hi, guys.” But Renee, you should know better. A champion of Jericho’s caliber does not just sign a contract thrust at his face randomly. He has a whole legal team that needs to approve this contract. Renee says it was sent to said legal team last week. Oh, really? What about today? The now! Jericho lives in the now!
Jericho says he’ll get this checked by his legal eagles one more time. But for now, wait here. Choto matte kudesai. Jericho steps around the corner and then down the hall. He smiles at his own picture on the wall. What a good looking guy. But wait, Ishii has followed Jericho to the hall. Jericho is a bit worried as he keeps moving. Jericho tries to block Ishii’s path but a trash can isn’t enough. Jericho tells staffers that Ishii wants to talk to them. They step in the way but Ishii pushes them aside. Jericho moves faster, pushes more people in the way, but Ishii pushes them aside. Was that RJ City?
Jericho goes up some stairs but Ishii follows. Ishii’s even gaining ground! Jericho goes through a doorway and ends up in the concourse! Fans cheer as Jericho and Ishii keep up their cat ‘n’ mouse game. Jericho decides to go into the stands! Ishii follows, and they head down the bleachers towards ringside! Jericho hurries over railing but so does Ishii. They go into the ring, and now Jericho tells Ishii to stop following him! Jericho wants a mic, a mic is brought, and Jericho says hey, listen, Ishii. Jericho would sign this contract, but he doesn’t have a pen. Ishii has a pen! Oh. Ishii clicks it for Jericho, and pushes it into him.
Jericho takes the pen, looks at the contract again, and still hesitates. Jericho signs his part, and then hands things over to Ishii. But then BRYAN KEITH & BIG BILL ATTACK! It was all a massive set-up! Bad Apple & Redwood beat down Stone Pitbull, and then sit him up! Jericho has the pen ready, but here comes The Conglomeration! Mark Briscoe & Rocky Romero rush in, and Mark TACKLES Jericho! Rocky fires off on Bill while Mark CHOKES Jericho! Keith saves Jericho from Mark but Mark fires hands on Keith! The fans fire up, but then Bill SKYSCRAPER- NO, Mark UPPERCUTS Bill first! Rocky adds on!
The fans fire up as The Conglomeration pinballs Bill, and then Ishii CLOBBERS him! Bill tumbles out, but Rocky DIVES! Bill is sent into railing! Keith stands up, into a kick and underhooks! JAY DRILLER! Jericho stands up, Ishii has him, and hits a BRAINBUSTER!! Conglomeration stands tall over The Learning Tree and his Branches, and now Ishii signs his part! The match is now official, and Ishii is looking to take a bite out of Jericho! Will The Conglomeration have the ROH World Championship to be thankful for this year?
Backstage interview with Jamie Hayter.
Renee is with the former AEW Women’s World Champion and notes that last time, we were going to hear from her, only for her to be interrupted by Julia Hart. What is Hayter’s reaction to that? Well, yeah, she isn’t angry, but she is baffled why Julia chose to interrupt Hayter. They’ve never really spoken or interacted, or even wrestled each other. Hayter is just curious as to why Julia felt it was okay to do that. Granted, Julia can do whatever she wants, Hayter moves to the beat of her own drum just as much as Julia. But… if Julia wants to have a chat-
Uh oh, something is happening to the video! Brody King’s message echoes, “It’s time to come home.” Julia Hart walks through the woods. Brody says The House is her foundation. She has seen her rebirth. Now it is time to rebuild. She has woken up stronger, more determined, and more dangerous than ever. Julia aims her arrow to shoot down a target: her past self. Her obstacles are just bull’s eyes. She is the Princess of the Black Throne, and the Keeper of Secrets. She is Julia Hart, and her heart grows harder. She hits her mark, but will she find Hayter Hits Hard?
Orange Cassidy VS Wheeler Yuta!
Freshly Squeezed has been accused of being coldblooded and uncaring, but he got pretty heated as he told The Conglomeration to keep themselves safe tonight. He goes 1v1 with The Decoder, a young man who was once Cassidy’s student, and who left him behind to join the then Blackpool Combat Club. If anyone is uncaring, it is Yuta with how he would then follow Jon Moxley’s lead in the destruction of Bryan Danielson and Chuck Taylor. Who will be the more ferocious fighter tonight, this close to Full Gear?
The bell rings and Yuta SHOTGUNS Cassidy! Yuta follows Cassidy to a corner to CHOP, then ROCK, then CHOP again! Yuta whips corner to corner but Cassidy goes up and out. Cassidy bumps Yuta off buckles, climbs up top, but has to leap over. Yuta comes back but Cassidy catches him to a backslide! TWO, but Cassidy reels Yuta in for a cradle! TWO! Yuta pulls on an ear! But Cassidy arm-drags and wrangles Yuta into the SEATBELT! TWO!! Yuta escapes and the fans fire up as these two stand off. Yuta huffs ‘n’ puffs, but Cassidy shows he wants a grapple. They feel things out, knuckle lock, but Cassidy blocks a kick!
Cassidy reels Yuta in for a headlock, but Yuta powers up and out. Cassidy ducks ‘n’ rolls, tilt-o-whirls, but Yuta suplexes! Into STUN DOG MILLIONAIRE! Yuta tumbles out and fans fire up! Cassidy builds speed to DIVE! Down goes Yuta and the fans fire up again! Cassidy brings Yuta up, whips, but Yuta reverses to reel Cassidy in! Cassidy fights the suplex, but then Yuta fights a suplex. Yuta suplexes, to RAILING BRAINBUSTER!! Cassidy writhes and fans are stunned! Yuta stomps Cassidy, then leaves him behind for the ring count. Cassidy crawls into the ring, Yuta exposes a crossbar, and then he GRINDS Cassidy’s face into the steel!
The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but Yuta steps off at 4. Cassidy seethes as he rises up, but Yuta has him at the corner. Cassidy kicks Yuta’s legs out and Yuta falls onto a turnbuckle! Yuta falls back, Cassidy climbs, but Yuta grabs Cassidy first! Yuta drags Cassidy down but Cassidy fires hands. Yuta squeezes the facelock tight, then hits an APRON DDT! The fans boo Yuta while Cassidy writhes, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Cassidy clutches his neck while Yuta waits in the ring. A ring count starts and Yuta eggs Cassidy on. Cassidy reaches up as the count reaches 5 of 10, but he doesn’t sit up until 6. Cassidy hobbles up, stumbles and falls, but springs back to life! He slides in at 9! Only for Yuta to be right on him! Yuta reels Cassidy in, but Cassidy turns that into BEACH BREAK! Cover, TWO!! Yuta survives but Cassidy is too sore to be frustrated. They both sit up, and Yuta crawls his way over to a corner. Cassidy rises, checks his neck, then runs up, but into an ELBOW! Yuta goes up, but Cassidy JUMP FOREARMS! Cassidy positions Yuta just right before he climbs the corner.
Yuta resists but Cassidy still brings Yuta up. Yuta continues to fight the suplex, throws body shots, then shoves Cassidy down. Cassidy rolls back to his feet, runs back up the corner, but Yuta again fights the suplex! Cassidy fires hands, but Yuta fires back! They brawl up top, Cassidy HEADBUTTS Yuta! But Yuta HEADBUTTS back! They both wobble, but then Cassidy BITES Yuta! The ref reprimands, but Cassidy CLAWS Yuta’s back! This is very Moxley of him to do! And then Cassidy hits the SUPERPLEX! Both men are down and the ref checks. They’re both okay to continue, so a standing count begins!
Cassidy sits up, spots Yuta, and heads that way. Yuta sits up, they fire forearms as they stand! Dynamite returns to single picture as these shots go back and forth. The fans fire up for Cassidy but boo Yuta as the shots go faster and faster! Yuta BITES Cassidy’s forehead! Yuta spits then runs, but Cassidy dodges! BODY BLOW! SUPERKICK! Yuta sits down, Cassidy runs, PENALTY KICK! Cassidy slashes his throat, hauls Yuta up, BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Yuta survives but Cassidy seethes. Cassidy rains down fists on Yuta! The ref reprimands about closed fists and hair pulling, but Cassidy doesn’t stop until the ref counts 4.
Cassidy stands, and he throws off the elbow pad! Cassidy aims at Yuta, runs up, but Yuta ducks the punch! GERMAN SUPLEX! Yuta runs to CHOP in the corner! And then a wrench and PAIN THRILLER! The fans boo while Yuta seethes and stands over Cassidy. Yuta sits Cassidy up, for HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! But Cassidy blocks one! And bends fingers, to then SNAP them! The fans fire up as Cassidy SNAPS finger after finger! Yuta swings, Cassidy BOOTS him, then serves up SOLE FOOD! Scoop and MICHINOKU DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Cassidy is busting out all his best friends’ best moves, but he hasn’t gotten it done!
Cassidy aims, loads up, and ORANGE- NO, Yuta ducks! Orange fights the suplex, switches to O’Conner Roll! TWO, Yuta dodges Cassidy, scoops him, and CROSS LEG TOMBSTONE!! Cover, TWO?!? Cassidy survives and Yuta is furious! The fans are thunderous, but Yuta rains down HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! Cassidy grits his teeth but he’s almost a ragdoll! Yuta lets off to then hook the arms, CATTLE MUTILATION!! Cassidy endures as Yuta thrashes him around! Cassidy powers up as the fans rally, and he kicks around to the ROPEBREAK!! Yuta holds on, the ref counts, and Yuta finally lets go at 4!
The ref reprimands Yuta, but Yuta pushes past the ref to go outside the ring. Yuta grabs a chair! Yuta storms into the ring while the fans boo, and the ref says don’t do it! Cassidy dodges the chair shot! Victory roll, CASSIDY WINS!!
Winner: Orange Cassidy, by pinfall
Yuta is in disbelief! Cassidy beat him with a technical move! Yuta snarls but the ref keeps him back. Cassidy did what he promised in beating Yuta, but then he stares his former student down. Is Cassidy going to offer a handshake? WAIT, PAC ATTACKS! The Bastard BOOTS Cassidy down so we’ll never know what Cassidy was going to do! The fans boo more but Pac & Yuta stand on Cassidy. The rest of the Death Riders appear, and Marina Shafir has duct tape! The AEW World Trios Champions stomp away on Cassidy, like vultures picking the bones. Moxley steps into the ring while Marina hands the tape over to Pac.
Claudio puts Cassidy’s hands in his pockets, and then Pac tapes them in! Cassidy is physically bound, and Moxley paces around. Cassidy is pushed around by all the Death Riders, then Moxley DECKS him! Claudio hauls Cassidy back up, the Death Riders keep bullying him, and then Moxley SLAPS Cassidy down! But the bullying continues as they stand Cassidy up. Cassidy “kicks” Moxley! Defiant to the end! But Moxley DECKS him again! Moxley paces around more, then stomps Cassidy right on the face! Moxley leads The Death Riders away, and The Conglomeration finally comes out here.
Mark has scissors to cut Cassidy loose, and the fans boo as The Death Riders still retreat. Cassidy tries to stand up, but he has to use ropes to do it. Even so, Cassidy stands on his own two feet. Moxley eggs on the fans while Cassidy puts his sunglasses on. And then hands up, and then into the pockets! Try as they might, The Death Riders could not break the Freshly Squeezed fighting spirit! Will Cassidy finally become AEW World Champion? Or will Moxley find a way to break Cassidy at Full Gear?
My Thoughts:
A great go-home Dynamite here, though it felt like it contracted Go Home Syndrome. A lot of recap and other promos, but good promos all the same. Good follow-up from last week with Hayter and Hart, that will probably really get going after Full Gear. Good promo from Mariah & Mina to hype up their celebration segment for Full Gear, and with Toni Storm’s announcement of her retirement, you can bet Toni is anything but retired! Toni Storm most assuredly will return very soon, maybe even to ruin the celebration and spark another feud. I still want us to get to Mariah VS Mina but maybe Storm moves things back so that Mariah VS Mina happens in 2025.
Good promo from Private Party to also have AJ & Big Justice show up. The promos didn’t really add much to any of the matches, though. I’m very sure AJ does hit the BOOM on QT to win, and then Private Party finds a way to survive the Fatal 4. Great stuff with Perry, Garcia and Menard, that was another very action movie kind of promo, maybe even like that grittier Batman movie. But with Garcia not sinking to the same lows as Perry, that will be why Garcia loses. Honestly, why not just have Perry blatantly get himself disqualified? What great heat for Perry while keeping Garcia strong in not becoming TNT Champion.
Great promos in this MJF story. I appreciate Cole throwing his support behind Roddy was good, as well as Kyle O’Reilly wanting Cole to just leave it at this. MJF of course insults Roddy over his past while also trashing Cole at the same time, but great response from Roddy. Also I’m not a car guy so it took me a little too long to Google out what car MJF was driving. Anyway, given all these promos, I am very confident MJF wins at Full Gear and then Cole still wants after MJF, only for Kyle to have to fight Cole to make him stop. Then we’ll maybe get Cole VS MJF at Worlds End, or even some time in 2025.
Very good stuff with The Hurt Syndicate, even with them getting jumped by Swerve. Poor Cheeseburger, that’s one fan favorite that got fed to Bobby Lashley. But Swerve getting the better of the Hurt Syndicate again and again tonight, all the more reason Lashley wins at Full Gear. Very good promo vignette from White and Hangman to hype up their grudge match, which still feels it could go either way since they’re tied on the year. And Jericho and Ishii had perhaps simultaneously the most clever and most ridiculous contract signing segment ever. And of course Jericho worked out some sort of trap, only for it to go badly for him and his team. But with that, that means Ishii is losing next week, as I figured he would.
Awesome opening match with the 8 Man, and I liked that they had Hobbs do the “fighting through the pain” angle in the match. Also, great bit with Kyle Fletcher sending Davis into harm’s way so that the Callis Family can get the better of Ospreay’s team. I thought the Faces were going to win here, but the math now says Ospreay finds a way to beat Kyle, and maybe Ricochet takes the International Championship from Konosuke Takeshita. The Continental Classic is coming, and they could easily use that round robin to get Konosuke back to a feud with Kazuchika Okada and they battle for the Continental Championship at Worlds End like we should’ve gotten at WrestleDream.
Awesome match from Kris VS Shida, and I appreciate the crisis of confidence for Shida. Kris gets a great win to go into Full Gear, and then Kris and Shida get the better of Mone & Kamille, so all the more reason Mone finds a way to survive. As for Kamille, I feel like she should ditch Mone for being treated like crap by Mone, and maybe we can get a feud of Mone VS Kamille going into 2025. And of course, plenty of promos from Death Riders and “Team AEW” members. Moxley just kinda went on and on about stuff he’s already said in reference to Cassidy, but I did like Claudio going bilingual in talking trash on Darby.
Awesome matches from those stories, of course. Darby really got thrown around but he continues to show that toughness. Claudio getting the win mostly keeps Darby back so that Darby can build towards a world title match at Worlds End. Cassidy VS Yuta was great stuff, too, with great back and forth of Cassidy wanting to end it quick, having to grit it out with Yuta, and then Cassidy still finding a way to end it with a quick pin. And they did a good job muddying the math. Cassidy wins the match, but the Death Riders beat him down, only for Cassidy to literally stand tall at the end of the show. I still don’t see him taking the world title from Moxley, though, with Darby still in the wings, but this could end up Cassidy’s best match yet.
My Score: 8.9/10
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Will this be the mightiest Tag League yet?
It’s time for NJPW World Tag League 2024, and this year already looks mighty good as IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, Zack Sabre Jr, is in the A Block! Will he and Ryohei Oiwa make everyone #JustTapOut?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kickoff – Shoma Kato VS Masatora Yasuda; Kato wins.
- Six Man Tag: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Jado & Katsuya Murashima VS Taiji Ishimori & The Filip Brothers; Taiji & The Filip Brothers win.
- Six Man Tag: Toru Yano, Boltin Oleg & Tiger Mask VS The House of Torture; The House of Torture wins.
- Six Man Tag: Taichi, Douki & Taka Michinoku VS The United Empire; Taichi, Douki & Taka win.
- Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS TMDK; TMDK wins.
- World Tag League 2024 A Block: Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma VS Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman; Cobb & Callum win.
- World Tag League 2024 A Block: Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji VS Alex Zayne & Ryusuke Taguchi; Takagi & Tsuji win.
- World Tag League 2024 A Block: Bishamon VS KENTA & Chase Owens; Bishamon wins.
- World Tag League 2024 A Block: Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa VS Gabe Kidd & SANADA; ZSJ & Oiwa win.
PLAY BY PLAY
World Tag League 2024 A Block: Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma VS Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman!
The Roughneck is bringing Everyone’s Kokeshi along for the ride, but this league might already be too much to handle. Can Honma help Shota bring about his Paradigm Shift? Or will they just get conquered by the United Empire?
The teams sort out and Shota starts against The Imperial Unit. The bell rings and Shota runs up to RAM Cobb! And RAM! And RAM! Cobb stays up so Shota kicks low. Shota runs to RAM Cobb, but Cobb rebounds to CLOBBER Shota! The fans cheer while Cobb stalks Shota. Cobb brings Shota up to whip him to a corner. Shota comes back to RAM Cobb! Cobb stays up, so Shota clinches! Cobb fights free with elbows, but Shota dodges a lariat to RAM Cobb! Cobb falls over! The fans fire up with Shota, and he brings Cobb up again. Callum runs in so Shota shoves Cobb aside to catch Callum. Shota shoves Callum at Honma for a shoulder tackle!
The fans fire up as Shota keeps moving and he SOMERSAULT SENTONS Callum! Shota then sets up so he and Honma can tabletop Cobb! Cobb sits up into Shota’s SHOTGUN! The fans fire up and Shota tags Honma. The fans rally behind Honma as he CLUBS Cobb. Honma reels Cobb in, but Cobb suplexes first! Cobb SLAMS Honma down, then calls for Callum. Callum rises but Cobb says hold on. The “Cobby Cat” mocks Honma by bopping himself on the head. Cobb then runs to FALLING KOKESHI FLOP! Honma winds up and runs, but Callum is in the way! Cobb runs up, Honma dodges the lariat but Callum tags in.
Cobb dodges Honma, then shoves him at Callum. They pinball Honma around, and Callum BOOTS Honma while Cobb BLASTS Shota! Then Callum & Cobb coordinate to HIGH LOW with a shoulder tackle and leg sweep! The fans cheer and Cobb says You Can’t See Him! Callum stomps Honma, then KICKS him in the back. Honma gets mad but Callum scuffs him again and again. Honma rises, CHOPS, and CHOPS again! Callum CHOPS and pretends that hurt his hand. Callum CLUBS Honma down but the fans rally up. Honma rises to CHOP! And CHOP! And CHOP! Callum kicks low, reels him in, but Honma fights the suplex!
Honma catches Callum’s lariat to spin and DDT! The fans fire up while both men are down! Callum and Honma crawl, but Honma hot tags Shota! Shota rallies on Callum with big elbows! Shota whips, Callum reverses, but SHota ducks ‘n’ dodges to CLOBBER Callum! Cobb runs up, but Shota arm-drags him, then dropkicks the legs out! Cobb bails, Shota fires up, and the fans rally again. Shota whips Callum corner to corner, runs up on him, and UPPERCUTS! Shota reels Callum in for a FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect but Shota doesn’t let that slow him down!
Shota waits on Callum, then runs, but Callum avoids Ignition to hook Shota! Shota fights the backslide so Callum whips him to a corner. Callum runs up but Shota dodges! Shota runs up but Callum goes up and over! Callum keeps moving, but Shota ROCKS him, UPPERCUTS him, and runs! Callum follows to ROCK Shota at the ropes! Callum runs, but then stops to fake out Shota’s dropkick! Shota sits up, but he ducks the Penalty Kick! Shota rolls Callum but Callum rolls through. Shota ROCKS Callum, then spins, but Callum dodges the rolling elbow! DREAMCAST KICK! Shota drops to his knees and the fans fire up!
Callum and Shota crawl, hot tag to Cobb! Cobb runs up to waistlock Shota for a deadlift! Shota fights with elbows, goes to run, but Cobb reels him in for a forearm to the back! Cobb runs, but Shota DROPKICKS him! The fans fire up again and Shota heads for his corner. Hot tag to Honma! The fans rally as Honma CHOPS Cobb, and CHOPS, and CHOPS! Honma puts Cobb in a corner, whips him corner to corner, then runs up. Honma ELBOWS Cobb and hits a BULLDOG! The fans fire up as Honma shows Cobb how it’s done! FALLING KOKESHI- NO! Now Honma FLOPS as Cobb moves! Callum runs up to SHOTGUN Shota off the apron!
The fans fire up as Cobb RAMS Honma into the corner! Callum runs up to forearm SMASH! Callum drops down and Cobb LEAPS over to ELBOW Honma! Callum comes back and Cobb pops him up to the apron! ENZIGIRI, then fireman’s carry! Callum climbs, DOUBLE STOMP ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT! PENALTY KICK and GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT! Cover, Shota breaks it! The fans fire up and Shota TOSSES Callum! Cobb kicks Shota, whips, but Shota reverses to TORNADO DDT! Shota shouts to Honma and the fans fire up again. Honma rises and he storms up on Cobb. Honma & Shota double whip corner to corner!
Honma runs up to LARIAT! Honma feeds Cobb to Shota’s UPPERCUT! Honma LARIATS, Shota clinches, EXPLODER!! The fans cheer and Honma runs, SLIDING KOKESHI! Shota keeps moving, IGNITION! Honma covers, Callum breaks it! Shota stomps Callum out of the ring and leaves the rest to Honma. Honma drags Cobb up, but Cobb fights the suplex! Cobb ROCKS Honma, whips him, but Honma grabs ropes! Honma BOOTS Cobb, and Shota joins in! DOUBLE RUNNING KOKESHI! And then they DOUBLE FALLING KOKESHI! Cover, TWO!! Cobb survives but Shota goes after Callum! CANNONBALL to the floor!
The fans fire up again as Honma climbs! FLYING- NO, Cobb catches Honma! SPINEBUSTER, and FALLING HAMMER! Cover, TWO!! Honma survives and the fans fire up again! But then Cobb reels Honma in, for a TOUR OF THE ISLAND!! Cover, United Empire wins!
Winners: Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Shota & Honma earn 0)
A powerful showing from “The Kokeshi Brothers,” but they could not bring down Callum & Cobb. With the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships already on Great-O-Khan & Henare, will The United Empire completely dominate the NJPW Heavyweight Tag Division?
World Tag League 2024 A Block: Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji VS Alex Zayne & ???
Los Ingobernables de Japon’s heavy formation is in this block, ready to rampage like twin dragons. If only The Sauce could’ve brought his own monster back. Who will be the substitute for Lance Archer? And can he help heat things up?
Zayne makes his entrance before anyone else, and asks to speak on the mic. A mic is given, and Zayne says, “Kon’nichiwa.” The fans applaud, and Zayne explains that when he was contacted this year for WTL, he was also informed that Lance Archer could not make it. Zayne knew he had to do one thing: find the most “delicious” tag partner he could find. And that man is… RYUSUKE TAGUCHI!? The fans can’t believe the Funky Weapon is joining Zayne in this tournament! And he wears a green version of Zayne’s gear! Are things about to get really spicy now?
The teams sort out, and Takagi is in disbelief. LIJ fist bumps and the fans applaud. Taguchi and Zayne bow, “Itadakimasu,” and Zayne starts against Yota. They circle, tie up, and Yota powers Zayne back. But Zayne powers Yota back! Yota powers up to power Zayne onto the ropes, but Zayne turns things around. The ref counts, Zayne lets off slowly with a pat on the shoulders, but Yota plays with Zayne’s hair. Zayne smirks and Yota grins as the two reset. They circle, tie up, and are in a deadlock. Yota headlocks, but Zayne powers up and out. Yota RAMS Zayne but neither man falls. Fans cheer as Yota grins and Zayne plays with his own hair.
Things speed up suddenly, and Zayne sidesteps. Yota bucks the O’Conner Roll, then gets around Zayne. Zayne ELBOWS Yota away to a corner. Zayne runs up to BACK ELBOW and go to the apron in one go! Then he slingshots to RANA! Yota has a rough tumble, but he stands back up. Zayne runs up again, dodges the lariat and waistlocks, only to bring Yota back and run. Yota sidesteps Zayne then drops down, only for Zayne to IMPLODER KNEE DROP! The fans fire up but Zayne keeps moving, STANDING MARIPOSA! The fans cheer more while Zayne grins at Takagi. Zayne brings Yota up, tags Taguchi, and they double whip.
“Funky Sauce” misdirects Yota to hit a BULLDOG then basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer and Taguchi stomps Yota. Taguchi brings Yota up, kicks low, then whips. Yota reverses but Taguchi RANAS! A little slippery, but then Zayne BLASTS Takagi off the apron! Funky Sauce takes aim, Taguchi PLANCHAS but flops as Yota moves! Zayne is on the apron but Takagi YANKS Zayne down! The fans rally but Takagi hauls Zayne up to whip him into railing! Yota drags Taguchi up and puts him in the ring. Takagi gets the fans fired up, then he stands Taguchi up. LIJ double whip Taguchi to then DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE!
The fans cheer and then Takagi SENTONS! Yota SPLASHES down! Cover, TWO! Taguchi stays in this but Yota tags Takagi. The fans rally and duel while Takagi stands Taguchi up. Takagi bumps Taguchi off buckles, RAMS into him again and again, then digs his shoulder in. The ref counts, Takagi steps back, and he snapmares Taguchi down. Tag to Yota and Yota drags Taguchi up. Yota snapmares Taguchi to ROCK him in the back! Taguchi falls back, Yota tags Takagi, and LIJ drags Taguchi up. They DOUBLE ATOMIC DROP! Taguchi hobbles in pain, falls to his knees, and Takagi BLASTS Zayne off the apron!
Takagi gets annoyed with this Funky Sauce, but Taguchi fires off CHOPS! Taguchi runs, but Takagi easily dodges the hip attack! Takagi then suplexes Taguchi high and hard! Cover, TWO! Taguchi survives and the fans fire up. Takagi hears the fans dueling as he stomps Taguchi. Takagi KNEES Taguchi against the ropes again and again, then whips, for another KNEE! Takagi runs, but into a SOMERSAULT HIP ATTACK! The fans fire up while both men are down! Taguchi and Takagi crawl, hot tag to Zayne! Zayne jumps in and DECKS Takagi, then he BLASTS Yota! Zayne swats a lariat to fire elbow after ELBOW!
Takagi blocks the superkick to CLUB the leg! Yota joins in, LIJ whips Zayne, but Zayne KICKS Takagi, mule kicks Yota, and runs, DOUBLE SOMERSAULT KICKS! The fans fire up and Zayne runs at Takagi. Takagi ELBOWS Zayne, BOOTS him, then goes up. Zayne returns to JUMPING STEINERS! The fans fire up while Zayne covers, TWO! Takagi stays in this but Zayne brings him right up. Zayne goes to scoop but Takagi fights it! Zayne CHOPS, scoops, and BAJA- NO, Takagi slips free! SLIDING- NO, Zayne dodges! Zayne mule kicks, runs, but into the ELBOW! JAB! YUKON feint and DDT! Both men are down again and the fans fire back up!
Takagi pounds the mat, the fans rally behind him, and he crawls, hot tag to Yota! Yota fires up and the fans are with him. Yota brings Zayne around to whip, but Zayne stops himself. Zayne dodges Yota, Yota dodges Zayne, and both men kick low! Yota comes back to BOOT! The fans cheer and Yota brings Zayne up again. Yota fireman’s carries but Zayne fights free. Yota ROCKS Zayne first! Yota tries another fireman’s carry but Zayne sunset flips it! TWO, and both men stand! Zayne rolls Yota, BASEMENT ENZIGIRI! Zayne hurries to hot tag Taguchi! Taguchi HIP ATTACKS in a corner! Taguchi goes corner to corner, for another HIP ATTACK!
Taguchi keeps moving, but Yota runs up! Taguchi dropkicks Yota’s legs out! The fans fire up and Taguchi keeps going! Another dropkick to legs, then a LEG SWEEP! Taguchi rolls Yota into the OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Zayne BOOTS Takagi off the apron! Yota scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Taguchi lets go but he brings Yota back up. Taguchi traps Yota and Zayne runs in to ELBOW! Zayne then sets up and Taguchi runs, SHOTGUN IN MOTION! Taguchi then brings Yota out to GOURD BUSTER! The fans fire up as Zayne climbs! But Yota KICKS Taguchi away, then GAMANGIRIS Zayne off the corner!
Taguchi kicks Yota, runs, but into a scoop and BACKBREAKER! Takagi slides in, and he finds the camera, “TOKI GA KITA!” The fans fire up as the time has come, and they join in on a chant of “OI! OI! OI!” LIJ whips Taguchi to a corner, then Yota runs in to ELBOW! Takagi whips Yota back in to SPLASH! Takagi adds a LARIAT, then feeds Taguchi to a BOOT! BLINDSIDE LARIAT! SUPERKICK! Taguchi is down, Yota covers, TWO! Taguchi stays in this and the fans fire up. Takagi stands Taguchi up and throws him to Yota for a POWERBOMB! Cover, Zayne breaks it! Takagi drags Zayne up, LIJ mugs him, but he fights back with CHOPS!
The fans fire up but Yota spins Zayne around to facelock, and Takagi wheelbarrows. Yota helps Takagi swing Taguchi down, then up for a BOOSTED WHEELBARROW GERMAN!! The fans fire up and Takagi leaves it to Yota. Yota takes aim and the fans rally. Taguchi rises, Yota runs in, GENE- LEG DROP!? And then La Magistrol! TWO!! Yota escapes in time, but Taguchi spins him to a backslide! TWO!! Yota escapes again! But Taguchi ENZIGIRIS! Taguchi fires up and the fans are with him! But Takagi LARIATS! GENE TRIGGER! PUMPING BOMBER!! And now Yota loads up, for the GENE BLASTER!! Cover, LIJ wins!
Winners: Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Zayne & Taguchi earn 0)
The Funky Sauce was hot, but they’re the ones that got burned! Will they be able to spice things up in the second round? Will Takagi & Tsuji keep the tag league tranquilo?
World Tag League 2024 A Block: Bishamon VS KENTA & Chase Owens!
Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi once again clash with The Fang & The Jewel, both sides hungry for gold. Will it be Lights Out in the opening round? Or will someone just #Go2Sleep?
The teams sort out but then Bullet Club just attacks! Chase is after Goto and Kenta is after Hashi, and they put each man in corners. The bell rings to get this on record as Kenta TOSSES Hashi. Chase CHOKES Goto in the corner, then stands on him! The ref reprimands and Chase lets off to bring Goto up. Chase ROCKS Goto, whips him, and Kenta POSTS Hashi! Chase hits a big hip toss then covers, TWO! The fans rally up while Chase stomps Goto’s leg. Chase scrapes his sole off Goto’s face, and Kenta whips Hashi again. Hashi reverses and Kenta hits railing in front of English commentary! Chase ROCKS Goto, CHOPS him, then whips.
Goto grabs ropes to stop, then he BOOTS Chase! Hashi returns and Bishamon DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! Then ZENMAI! Kenta returns but Bishamon kicks him first. “Se no!” Bishamon BEATS Kenta like a drum! The fans cheer and Bishamon flexes. Goto then goes back to Chase to stomp and CLUB him down. Goto kicks Chase, Chase shoves Goto and ROCKS him with a forearm! Goto knees Chase low, runs, but Chase TOSSES Goto out! Goto hurries back up, he counter punches Chase, and then counter punches Kenta! Chase slips out to YANK Goto down and THROW him into railing! Kenta intercepts Hashi with a kick!
Kenta whips Hashi away into railing while Chase sends Goto into other railing! The ref reprimands but Chase brings Goto through the gate. Chase has fans move out of the way, but then brings Goto back to ringside. Chase grins as he trolls the fans and pushes Goto into the ring. Kenta CLUBS away on Hashi before leaving him behind. Chase pulls on Goto’s arms then TWEAKS Goto’s neck! Not a twist, but equally painful. Chase tags Kenta while the fans rally for “GO-TO-O! GO-TO-O!” Kenta pushes Goto into the corner, Goto hits Chase, but Kenta RAMS Goto! The ref reprimands and counts as Kenta RAMS Goto more!
Kenta sits Goto down, and digs his boot in! The ref counts, Kenta stops at 4, and he tags Chase back in. They stomp Goto more, then Chase headlocks for a sucker punch! Cover, TWO! Chase drags Goto up and he bumps Goto off Kenta’s boot. Tag to Kenta and Bullet Club double whips. They DOUBLE ELBOW Goto down then Kenta covers, TWO! Kenta covers again, TWO! Kenta argues with the ref but the count was fair. Kenta drops an elbow, drops another elbow, then covers, TWO! Kenta gets mad at Hashi for no reason, but the fans rally up for Goto. Kenta CLUBS Goto, but Goto fires CHOPS in return!
Kenta knees low, whips Goto to a corner, but Goto reverses. Goto runs up but into a BOOT! Kenta runs but Goto follows! Goto avoids Chase’s cheap shot to LARIAT Kenta! The fans fire up while Goto and Kenta are down! Goto crawls, hot tag to Hashi! The fans fire up as Hahsi BLASTS Chase! Kenta kicks Hashi low then whips him to a corner. Kenta runs up but Hashi CHOPS in return! And mule kicks! And turns Kenta for a NECKBREAKER! The fans fire up and Hashi watches Kenta. Hashi waits on Kenta to rise, then runs up to CHOP! Hashi hoists Kenta up to hang him out to dry! The fans fire up as Hashi runs, and he DROPKCISK Kenta down! Cover, TWO!
The fans cheer Hashi on as he brings Kenta up. Hashi reels Kenta in, lifts, but Kenta fights with fists! Kenta slips free of the bomb, then slips around Hashi to spin and- NO, Hashi suplexes first! But Kenta slips free again, and he spins Hashi around, to SPIKE DDT! Hashi is stood up on his head before falling over, and Kenta tags in Chase. Chase brings Hashi up and fireman’s carries. Hashi fights free of that, but Chase slips around to half nelson, lift, and SWINGING FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Hashi survives but Chase says time to end this! Chase takes aim, C- NO, Hashi dodges the trigger! Chase knees low, runs, but Hashi dropkicks the legs!
The fans fire up whiel both men are down! Chase clutches his leg while Hashi crawls. Hot tag to Goto! Goto runs at Chase to LARIAT in the corner! Goto whips corner to corner, runs up again, but Chase BOOTS him! But Goto comes back! Only for Chase to BUCKLE SHOT and STO, then SENTON! Kenta steps in and Bullet Club drags Goto up. But Goto fires forearms and CHOPS! Kenta SOBATS! Chase KICKS! Kenta ROUNDHOUSES! Goto sits up into the “I HATE YOU!” PENALTY KICK! Cover, but Hashi breaks it! Kenta TOSSES Hashi then goes out after him. Chase drags Goto up and reels him in.
Chase tucks the arms but Goto fights the lift! Goto wrenches out but Chase ROCKS him first! Chase runs, Goto follows, but Chase ENZIGIRIS! Goto stays up, but the C-TRIGGER hits! Cover, TWO!! Goto survives but Chase hurries up! C-TRIGGER POINT BLANK!! And then the tuck for the PACKAGE PILE- NO, Hashi hits a BLOCKBUSTER! The fans fire up, Kenta BOOTS Hashi! Goto fireman’s carries Kenta but Kenta slips free! Kenta shoves Goto into Hashi, then waistlocks Goto. Goto fights the lift, and then ducks, HIDDEN GAP SUPERKICK for Kenta! The fans fire up as Bishamon regroups.
Hashi drags Chase up, whips him to Goto, but Chase BOOTS Goto! Chase swings on Hashi but Hashi ducks the lariat. Hashi powers Chase to ropes, Goto BLINDSIDE LARIATS, and then Hashi rolls Chase. Goto drags Chase up, Hashi has the legs! Chase BOOTS Hashi away! Chase then slips around to dragon sleeper, to steal G T- NO, Goto drops down to victory roll! Chase stands up, into a SUPERKICK! Goto drags Chase around while Hashi BLASTS Kenta! Dragon sleeper and SHOTO!! Cover, Bishamon wins!!
Winners: Bishamon, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Kenta & Chase earn 0)
Another classic in this storied rivalry, worthy of the titles themselves! Will this first win be the win that leads the Fierce Warrior & Headhunter back to the titles? Can Kenta & Chase borrow a page from Bishamon and #GetBackUp in the next round?
World Tag League 2024 A Block: Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa VS Gabe Kidd & SANADA!
TMDK has a team in each block, doubling their chances of taking this league. But perhaps burying the lead is the fact that THE IWGP World Heavyweight Champion is joining in the fun! Will The Front Man & The Mullet rock this league right from the start? Or will the Mad Man and the turncoat Cold Skull get this tournament #WarReady?
The teams sort out but Oiwa gets in Gabe’s face. Gabe pushes Oiwa, they start, and they tie up at the bell. The fans rally as Oiwa and Gabe are in a deadlock. They go around at center, then Oiwa digs his heels in to push Gabe back. Gabe turns things around to put Oiwa on ropes, but Red Shoes calls the break. Gable lets off, to then CHOP! Gabe scoops and SLAMS Oiwa, then he goes for legs. Oiwa UPKICKS Gabe, then stands up to scoop and SLAM Gabe! Gabe UPKICKS back, both men get up and go face to face. Then they go forearm for forearm! The fans rally as Oiwa gets the edge, but Gabe CHOPS!
Gabe headlocks. Oiwa powers up and out, and they RAM shoulders! Gabe eggs OIwa on and he runs to RAM Gabe! They both run now, and they RAM shoulders again, and again, and again! Gabe CHOPS then runs, but Oiwa CLOBBERS Gabe! The fans fire up while Gabe bails out. Oiwa eggs Gabe on and Gabe snarls. Gabe shakes the railing in frustration, then he paces around the outside. Gabe cools off, slides in, but then tags Sanada. Sanada steps in slowly, so Oiwa tags in ZSJ. The two rivals circle and the afns rally behind “ZAKKU! ZAKKU!” ZSJ and Sanada feel things out, knuclke lock, and ZSJ rolls to wrench.
Sanada is already frustrated so he kicks ZSJ low! Sanada TOSSES ZSJ out and then Gabe goes after Oiwa! Gabe CHOPS away on Oiwa while Sanada sends ZSJ into railing! And then more railing! Gabe does the same to Oiwa, and Sanada storms up on ZSJ. Sanada CLAWS ZSJ’s back, a definite attitude change showing. Gabe Too Sweets with Taiji Ishimori on commentary while Sanada pushes ZSJ into the ring. Sanada whips ZSJ to a corner, but ZSJ goes up, under, around, and RAMS into Sanada! ZSJ snapmares, Sanada handsprings through, but ZSJ UPPERCUTS him down! Tag to Oiwa and he BLASTS Gabe!
Oiwa goes back to Sanada and stands him up. Oiwa wrenches an arm, YANKS it, then wrenches to YANK it again. Oiwa tags ZSJ and ZSJ brings Sanada around to wrench, step over, and wrangle into a mounted armbar! Sanada endures as ZSJ bends the fingers and isolates the arm, to STOMP it! The fans cheer, ZSJ tags Oiwa, and Oiwa CLUBS Sanada’s arm. Oiwa headlocks for a takeover, then isolates the arm in an short arm scissor! The fans rally while Sanada endures and kicks around. Sanada reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Red Shoes calls it, Oiwa lets Sanada go, but then Oiwa brings Sanada up.
Oiwa whips, Sanada reverses, and Gabe trips Oiwa up! Sanda BLASTS ZSJ while Oiwa drags Oiwa out of the ring! Now things spill out into the crowd! Gabe CHOPS Oiwa, then SMACKS him off empty chairs! Sanada BOWLS ZSJ into chairs! Not quite a strike, so Sanada JAMS ZSJ up with a chair! That picks up the spare, and we can hear Gabe’s CHOPS on Oiwa echo out. Gabe stomps Oiwa while Sanada CHOKES ZSJ with a chair! Red Shoes reprimands the War Dogs, but Gabe POSTS Oiwa! Gabe says War Dogs run this, but Red Shoes starts a ring count. Gabe flexes on Oiwa, then drags him up at 7 of 20.
Gabe puts Oiwa in at 10 and Sanada covers, TWO! Oiwa stays in this and the fans rally behind him. Sanada is annoyed but he brings Oiwa up. Sanada CLUBS Oiwa, then bumps him off Gabe’s boot. Oiwa sputters while Sanada tags Gabe in. Gabe drags Oiwa up, mockingly asks where Zack-senpai went, then he UPPERCUTS Oiwa down. Gabe TOSSES Oiwa out, and he BLASTS ZSJ off the apron! Sanada whips Oiwa into railing! Gabe lifts ZSJ bu tZSJ wrenches free to KIMURA! Gabe powers through, to BITE ZSJ on the forehead! Sanada sends Oiwa into more railing, Gabe sends ZSJ through railing and into chairs!
Sanada BOWLS Oiwa into chairs now, there is the strike! Sanada continues to show his new edge as he JAMS Oiwa up with a chair. Red Shoes reprimands so Sanada brings Oiwa back to ringside. Sanada puts Oiwa in for Gabe and Gabe pushes Oiwa to a cover. Red Shoes says no, all the shenanigans were not right. Gabe gets in Red Shoes’ face about that, but Red Shoes stands his ground. Gabe storms around while the fans rally behind Oiwa. Gabe drags Oiwa up, to CHOP! Oiwa wobbles but he rises up. Oiwa CHOPS, and CHOPS, and fires forearms! Gabe DECKS Oiwa with just one! The fans still rally for Oiwa but Gabe stands on Oiwa’s face!
Gabe soaks up the heat, scuffs Oiwa and stomps him around. Oiwa sits up, Gabe runs, but Oiwa reels him in! Gabe fights the waistlock, runs, but into a SNAP GERMAN! The fans fire up while both men are down! Oiwa and Gabe crawl, hot tags to ZSJ and Sanada! The fans fire up as ZSJ dodges Sanada, full nelsons, then spins him to a headlock. Sanada powers out but ZSJ catches him to a COBRA TWIST! Sanada powers out to HIP TOSS, but ZJS UP KICKS! Sanada avoids the Penalty Kick, blocks the boot, but ZSJ steps through the dragon screw to NECK TWIST! And basment DROPKICK! The fans fire up and we’ve only hit 10 minutes!
ZSJ drags Sanada up, UPPERCUTS him, then UPPERCUTS again! Sanada blocks the next to spin and suplex, but ZSJ says no to the Magic Screw! NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! Sanada escapes but ZSJ stays focused. ZSJ stands Sanada up to scoop, but Sanada slips free. ZSJ fights the waistlock, runs, but into a dropkick to the legs! Sanada then DROPKICKS ZSJ down! Sanada fireman’s carries but ZSJ slips free, to have the IRON OCTOPUS! The fans rally while Sanada endures, and Sanada powers out to have a leg! DROPPING DRAGON SCREW! ZSJ clutches the leg and Sanada takes aim! SHINING-
NO, ZSJ ducks, but Sanada catches him to a backslide! ZSJ rolls through to NECK TWIST! Tag to Oiwa and Oiwa BLASTS Gabe off the apron! Oiwa goes back to Sanada and brings him up. Oiwa whips Sanada to ropes, ELBOWS Him down, then ZSJ PENALTY KICKS Sanada! Oiwa deadlift GUT RWENCH PLEXES! Cover, Gabe breaks it! Gabe CHOPS away on ZSJ and Oiwa, but ZSJ blocks! Oiwa DOUBLE CHOPS! ZSJ UPPERCUTS! ZSJ & Oiwa DOUBLE DROPKICK Gabe down! The fans fire up with Oiwa and he clamps onto Sanada with a SLEEPER! Sanada endures and fights up, but Oiwa thrashes him around!
Sanada still fights to his feet, slips around the back, and shoves Oiwa to ropes. Gabe trips Oiwa up! Oiwa kicks at Gabe but Sanada kicks ropes to jam Oiwa up! Sanada suplexes Oiwa into the MAGIC SCREW! Both men are down but the fans rally up again. Sanada crawls over, tag to Gabe, and Gabe storms right up on Oiwa. Gabe UPPERCUTS Oiwa right down! Gabe then puts Oiwa in a corner to fire off forearm after forearm! Red Shoes reprimands and counts, but Gabe digs his boots in while talking trash. Gabe shoves Red Shoes aside so he can keep stomping away on Oiwa! The fans rally and Red Shoes backs Gabe off.
Gabe seethes but the fans continue to rally for Oiwa. Oiwa grits his teeth as he sits up, but Gabe ROCKS him with another shot! Oiwa still looks up defiantly at Gabe, so Gabe fires shots! Gabe says Oiwa’s not worthy of being his NJPW Strong Openweight Challenger. Gabe says Oiwa’s just some “weak ass kohai!” Gabe SPITS on Oiwa, but Oiwa gets in Gabe’s face! Gabe fires slapping strikes, blocks a shot, then SLAPS Oiwa again! Oiwa spins to DOUBLE CHOP Gsbe down! Sanada runs up and kicks low! Sanada whips, Oiwa reverses, but Sanada reverses back, RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! ZSJ PENALTY KICKS Sanada!
Gabe runs up, ZSJ BOOTS him first! Gabe runs back in, slips out of the scoop, and he scoops ZSJ for EMERALD FLOWSON!! But Oiwa spins Gabe! Gabe avoids The Grip, runs, but into a LARIAT!! Cover, TWO!! Oiwa is frustrated but the fans rally behind him. Oiwa hauls Gabe up, ANACONDA PLEX!! Cover, TWO!! Gabe survives again but Oiwa roars! Oiwa drags Gabe up, reels him in, but Gabe fights the gut wrench! Gabe CLUBS Oiwa on the back, then he gut wrenches! Oiwa fights back, wrenches out, and he blocks a lariat to spin. Gabe HAYMAKERS, and SAIDOS!! Gabe crawls his way to the cover, TWO!!
The fans are thunderous as Oiwa survives! Gabe snarls and he drags Oiwa up. Gabe says this is the end. But Oiwa fights the suplex! Oiwa suplexes, but Gabe fights it! Oiwa still tries, but Gabe slips out to waistlock. Sanada DROPKCIKS Oiwa, Gabe UPPERCUTS! Gabe & Sanada work together to DOUBLE SUPLEX! Gabe suplexes again, BRAINBUSTER!! Cover, ZSJ BREAKS IT! Sanada TOSSES ZSJ out and tells Gabe to finish this! ZSJ RAMS Sanada, they brawl outside, and Gabe slashes his throat. Gabe drags Oiwa up, reels him in, but Oia slips through the gut wrench to backslide! TWO, and Gabe UPPERCUTS!
Gabe runs, but ZSJ is back! He BOOTS Gabe but Gabe SLAPS ZSJ! ZSJ KICKS the haymaker away to then ROUNDHOUSE Gabe! Sanada’s in to dragon sleeper! ZSJ arm-drags free, but Sanada comes back to SHINING WIZARD! Sanada then drags ZSJ up, but ZSJ scoops first! ZACK DRIVER!! ZSJ and Sanada flop out of the ring, leaving Oiwa and Gabe to rise up. They run at each other, to DOUBLE LARIAT! neither man falls, they DOUBLE LARIAT again! Gabe UPPERCUTS! Oiwa PALM STRIKES! Gabe PALM STRIKES, CHOPS, JABS, rebounds, into a roll-up! Hig stack, TMDK WINS!!
Winners: Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa, by pinfall
Gabe is in shock! He gets right in Red Shoes’ face but Red Shoes says it was a fair count! Gabe then goes after Oiwa to CLOBBER him! The fans boo and Young Lions rush in, but Gabe eggs Oiwa on! So Oiwa obliges and they brawl among the fans! The Young Lions rush in to separate the two, but Gabe gets loose to CLOBBER Oiwa! They scrap, ZSJ joins in, and he pulls the two apart. Gabe kicks a chair in frustration, then goes into retreat. Wait, Oiwa chases Gabe to the ramp and beats him down! Young Lions again scramble in to stop this, but it just heads to the back! Sanada shrugs it off, will the #ColdWarDogs just have to try harder in the next round?
As for the winners, well, they’re no longer ringside so there won’t be any in-ring closing words. Backstage interviews begin, Gabe promises Oiwa will be put in the ground! Will the Mad Man show The Mullet what it takes to be NJPW Strong? As for ZSJ, he gathers himself, and tells NJPW Media that he doesn’t know where The Mullet went. Actually, no, he has an idea: The Mullet must be smashing the s*it outta Gabe. “Roy The Mullet” is the next NJPW Strong Openweight Champion! Oiwa will hit Gabe so hard, his legs will turn into trombones! As for ZSJ, there is something rare happening in this year’s WTL, isn’t it?
Yes, it’s that the IWGP World EFFIN’ Heavyweight Champion is involved, as this should be! The first time the world champion’s been in this tournament in roughly a decade! ZSJ said he was gonna be a different kind of world champion for NJPW, and that he promises to take NJPW back to the top! Now obviously, a conflict of interests, as this tournament is Shane Haste’s & Mikey Nicholls’ to win, but ZSJ won’t give the boys an easy ride. ZSJ is dreaming~ of an all TMDK World Tag League finals! Then who knows, maybe Zack & Roy get the job done.
But ZSJ knows the Tokyo Dome is coming soon. And Shota Umino wants to be ZSJ’s challenger. ZSJ says he will be keeping his eyes wide open for Shota. ZSJ says he’ll have a DOUBLE main event in the Tokyo Dome, it’s in the bag. What about you, Shota? The Front Man heads out, having put the pressure on his challenger, but will all of NJPW soon belong to TMDK?
Here are the A Block standings!
Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa: 1-0, 2 points
Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman: 1-0, 2 points
Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji: 1-0, 2 points
Bishamon: 1-0, 2 points
Gabe Kidd & Sanada: 0-1, 0 points
Kenta & Chase Owens: 0-1, 0 points
Alex Zayne & Ryusuke Taguchi: 0-1, 0 points
Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma: 0-1, 0 points
My Thoughts:
A great start to World Tag League 2024, with just A Block opening things tonight. I will say those tune-up matches were interesting. Even though David Finlay is the Global Champion, it’s Taiji Ishimori that has apparently become Bullet Club’s international ambassador. Taiji brought Robbie X into the group, now he teamed with The Filip Brothers, Tome & Stevie, who knows who else Bone Soldier will recruit. Taiji’s team beating Tanahashi’s team, House of Torture cheating and beating Tanahashi’s friends, this is all putting the pressure on The Ace, meaning The Ace will win out at WrestleKingdom 19.
Shota Umino teaming with Tomoaki Honma, I wonder if this is to hold Shota back somehow. He is apparently still heading for WrestleKingdom and a world title match with ZSJ, so it’s not like Shota needs to win WTL, but I guess NJPW just wants Shota to give the fans a good time alongside a fan favorite like Honma. Also, Callum & Cobb have a fun new shirt for their team-up. I figured Zayne would need to improvise now that #MonsterSauce is no longer happening, and Taguchi was a great surprise choice. But #FunkySauce making its debut against a team as strong as Takagi & Tsuji was a shame because of course LIJ was winning that. Maybe Zayne & Taguchi can pull off a spoiler victory later on, but I don’t see Funky Sauce going that strong.
Bishamon VS Kenta & Chase really was an awesome match, and it is so surprising how Chase has grown in just the past couple years. Great win for Goto & Hashi, though, as they’re clearly the solid utility choices in the tag division. And what an awesome main event, with Sanada bringing out the most Heel stuff he’s done perhaps ever. A bit jarring really, but that’s just kinda old fashioned Heel turns for ya. Great win for TMDK, though, and definitely an unorthodox way of closing by having Oiwa and Gabe brawl all over ringside and into the back.
While ZSJ says it is big for the world champ to be in this tournament, which I do agree with on some level, it also makes some of the A Block action seem secondary. Gabe and Oiwa having their grudge was kinda the main motivator behind this match, and then it’ll be similar when Shota & Honma VS ZSJ & Oiwa happens. There is the added drama of, “What if someone pins ZSJ? Will they get a world title match before WK19?” Maybe Shota solidifies his WK title match by being the one that pins ZSJ in their match, but it all just feels like more flash than substance. No one else is going to pin ZSJ, Oiwa probably takes whatever losses their team will take, so A Block’s story suffers for it.
My Score: 8.9/10
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IT'S TIME!
Hockey Talk- Jet Setters [102924]
Hockey Talk looks at the red-hot start to the season of the Winnipeg Jets and discusses how the defending champion...
Mitchell’s AEW Dynamite Results & Report! (11/20/24)
Dynamite is Freshly Squeezed!
Greg DeMarco Show: Looks That Kill
Patrick O'Dowd went to Arizona and he and Greg had themselves an extended weekend with IZW Looks That Kill!
Mitchell’s NJPW World Tag League Results & Report! (11/19/24)
It's Tag Season again!
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (11/19/24)
There's a lot on the line tonight!
Classic POD is WAR: What Is Thank You Alex Trebek? (111220)
The Chairshot, brings you THE podcast that will absolutely have you questioning everything you thought you knew about professional wrestling,...
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (11/18/24)
It's a BIG night!
#TheOddity 018: That’s Alot Of Chalamets
Join Dave Wortz and PC Tunney for your weekly newsletter on the ridiculous and dumb of actual headlines from around...
Mitchell’s AEW Collision Results & Report! (11/16/24)
Championship or Bust!
Mindless Wrestling Podcast: Posthumously? Really??
Smash or Trash is back this week as the guys are talking beverages! Plus, some thoughts on the Mike Tyson/Jake...
Mitchell’s AEW Rampage Results & Report! (11/15/24)
Ricochet is on a Rampage!
