Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (4/20/20)
Time for the men to punch their tickets!
Will the Architect’s plan for Raw succeed?
Seth Rollins vows to stomp out doubt from Raw, and that starts by aiming for the top. Will he get the response he wants from Drew McIntyre?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifier: Aleister Black VS Austin Theory; Aleister wins and advances to the Men’s MITB match.
- Shayna Baszler VS Indi Hartwell; Baszler wins.
- Ricochet & Cedric Alexander VS Shane Thorne & Brendan Vink; Ricochet & Alexander win.
- Nia Jax VS Kairi Sane; Nia wins.
- Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifier: Apollo Crews VS MVP; Crews wins and advances to the Men’s MITB match.
- Ruby Riott VS Liv Morgan; Morgan wins.
- Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifier: Rey Mysterio VS Buddy Murphy; Mysterio wins and advances to the Men’s MITB match.
- Charlotte Flair VS Kayden Carter; Flair wins.
- Andrade Almas w/ Zelina Vega VS Akira Tozawa; Almas wins.
- Bianca Belair VS Santana Garrett; Belair wins.
- Drew McIntyre VS Angel Garza; McIntyre wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Raw opens with Drew McIntyre!
The WWE World Champion heads to the ring for all the “cool cats and kittens,” and grabs a mic to welcome us to the show. This is truly the highlight of his week, so thank you for joining him. But to business. Last week, McIntyre was ambushed and left laying in this very ring. It wasn’t a surprise, really. McIntyre knows the title represents a lot of things. History, prestige, glory and fame. All great things, but it’s also a bull’s eye on the champion’s back. This title means you are the best of the best, and everyone wants to be in that position. They say it is lonely at the top, but they’re lying. It’s crowded at the top! Everyone wants the title! That brings McIntyre to Seth Rollins. Rollins was the one who stomped McIntyre’s head into the mat. Twice, even.
If you look past the Monday Night Messiah rhetoric, Rollins isn’t that complex. McIntyre is champion, Rollins wants to be champion, but does Rollins deserve it? McIntyre said those who are deserving get their shot. Many say Rollins isn’t deserving. But McIntyre took the week to think about it and came to a conclusion. He could make Rollins jump through hoops, but Rollins is one of the most decorated superstars today. McIntyre has been in the ring with Rollins so he knows firsthand how good Rollins is. If McIntyre wants to become the very best, he must beat the best. So at the Money in the Bank PPV, it WILL be McIntyre VS Rollins for the WWE Championship! McIntyre speaks to Rollins directly here. Don’t worry, Rollins, he won’t insult you. Because then he-
Wait a minute! Here comes Zelina Vega and her boys! McIntyre says he can talk later on, since he has Garza in a match. Zelina says hi, and he says hi back to the “number one thorn in my ass.” She knows she can’t speak for the entire WWE Universe, but her team is “so sick” of these speeches! McIntyre’s problem is he is too focused to MITB, that he is looking past tonight’s match with Angel Garza. And Andrade Almas attacks from behind! That’s why he wasn’t on stage! Almas dropkicks McIntyre into the corner and then stomps away! Almas runs corner to corner, but gets a CLAYMORE!! Zelina shouts for Garza and Theory to after McIntyre, but they’re not budging. McIntyre gives a countdown and… CLAYMORE! He sends Almas flying out of the ring! Vega’s stable regroups and retreats! Will McIntyre be the one feeling tranquilo tonight?
Raw shares the big news about MITB!
As announced on SmackDown just last Friday, Money in the Bank won’t just be with ladders. They’re going to compete inside WWE Titan Towers! The entire corporate headquarters will be the battlegrounds for both the Men’s and Women’s MITB briefcase matches! Who will climb the corporate ladder to success?
Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifier: Aleister Black VS Austin Theory!
We just saw #TheRealSuperstar be intimidated by the Scottish Stud, but he’ll have to refocus if he’s going to go #AllDay. Will Theory prove himself worthy of this massive opportunity? Or will he simply #FadeToBlack?
The bell rings and Aleister circles with Theory. They tie up and Theory goes for the wrist but Aleister gets away quick. The two go again, Theory goes after the wrist again and wrenches. Aleister spins and steps in to trip for a takedown. Theory tries to fight Aleister off but Aleister wrenches and wristlocks. Theory drags Aleister into a facelock but Aleister powers him off. Aleister has the arm again, and has a modified hammerlock. Theory endures, gets to his feet and reaches around to a headlock. Theory shifts to an armlock but Aleister rolls and trips Theory again, only for Theory to kick him away. Aleister catches Theory’s attack to arm-drag him away. Theory throws Aleister away and runs him over with a shoulder!
Zelina praises Theory while he jumps the leg sweep. Theory clubs Aleister on the back then throws forearms. He whips Aleister but Aleister simply rebounds and stands in Theory’s way. Theory runs but is put on the apron. Theory grabs hair but Aleister breaks free, and spins back! Black Mass narrowly misses Theory’s head as he jumps away! Aleister runs and wrecks Theory with a dropkick! Theory shakes the cobwebs out but Zelina heads off commentary. Zelina talks trash at Aleister, bringing up the past from NXT here like she has with McIntyre. Aleister doesn’t play fair? Theory throws Aleister into barriers! THAT isn’t very fair. But Zelina is pleased as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Aleister fights up out of a chinlock. He powers Theory into buckles but Theory elbows back. Aleister walks into a buckle bump, then Theory slingshots in for a somersault shotgun dropkick! Cover, TWO! Theory rains down lefts and rights on Aleister, then drags Aleister up for clubbing forearms. Theory torture racks and throws Aleister into buckles! Then another torture rack, for another throw! Theory wants a third, but Aleister fights back! Aleister lands out of the toss and BOOTS Theory away! Theory comes back to grab hair, but Aleister scoop slams Theory! Zelina grows worried again as Aleister wheelbarrows to the victory roll. TOW, and Theory blocks the strike fest to fireman’s carry. Aleister avoids ATL to roll Theory. Theory elbows out of the waistlock, but swings into a takedown!
Aleister has the arm but Theory stays on his feet! Theory fights the Triangle Hold and dead lifts, to a POWERBOMB! Zelina is excited to see that, but Theory can’t make the cover. A standing count begins, and Theory stands at 6. Theory drags Aleister up before 8, and fisherman lifts. But the bad arm gives out! Aleister goes after it with a standing armlock! Theory knees free and throws Aleister back to buckles. Theory tries again but Aleister cradle counters! TWO, and Aleister dodges to rally with big forearms! Aleister fires off the strike fest, sweeps the legs, and thrusts the KNEE! Zelina is frustrated as Aleister QUEBRADAS! Cover, TWO!! Theory lives and Zelina makes excuses, but Aleister looms close.
Aleister waistlocks and drags Theory up. Theory trips with a leg, but walks into a BOOT! Aleister runs, but Theory dodges the knee to SUPERKICK! Fisherman lift, USHIGOROSHI!! Cover, TOW!! Aleister survives and Zelina has had it with Byron. Theory keeps his focus, and claims he’s taking MITB. He drags Aleister up, fireman’s carries, but Aleister elbows back. Aleister is on the apron, blocks punches to give punches, and then climbs up top. Aleister leaps but Theory gets under! Theory runs into Aleister’s KNEE! Aleister GERMAN SUPLEXES! Bridging cover, TWO!! Aleister grits his teeth and lifts Theory with his foot. BLACK- No! Theory dodges and elbows back. But runs into BLACK MASS!! Cover, Aleister wins!!
Winner: Aleister Black, by pinfall (advances to the Men’s MITB Ladder Match)
Zelina tries to convince herself that this is okay, but it certainly isn’t for Theory. Will Aleister make the entire field #FadeToBlack as they battle in Titan Towers?
In-ring interview with Aleister.
Byron Saxton congratulates Aleister on the big win, and he asks: What is the plan for climbing the “corporate ladder” in the most unique MITB match ever? Aleister doesn’t know much about the corporate life or the office. He’d probably have to cover up all of his tattoos. But when he enters the match, each floor will become his opponents’ personal hell.
Shayna Baszler VS Indi Hartwell!
The Queen of Spades quite literally broke Sarah Logan to qualify for the Women’s MITB match. Charly Caruso asks her on stage if that was taking it too far. Too far? Did Shayna break any rules? No. Just Sarah’s arm. Will Shayna break Indi like she did the Kentucky Valkyrie?
The bell rings and Shayna just ROCKS Indi with strikes! And then gut wrench SLAMS her down! Shayna stalks Indi, has the arm, and prepares to stomp! But Indi rolls her up! ONE and Indi hurries away from Shayna! Shayna is furious now, and she runs right at Indi. Indi BOOTS but Shayna laughs it off. Shayna runs in to ROCK and SLAM Indi down! And KNEES her right in the head! Indi is dazed, and Shayna STOMPS the arm!!
Winner: Shayna Baszler, by referee decision
Bully Baszler is more dangerous than ever as she sees redemption towards the Raw Women’s Championship. But will there be any women left on Raw if she keeps going like this?
Wait, what is Shayna doing with that ladder? She drags Indi out of the ring to SWING into the barriers! The ref reprimands Shayna but she isn’t listening. Shayna takes the ladder, sits it up against the steel steps, and then THROWS Indi into them! And then she puts the arm inside the ladder, to CRUSH!! The ladder breaks the arm like a nutcracker! Bully? Shayna is an evil villain. Will anyone be brave enough to stand in her way and the briefcase?
Ricochet & Cedric Alexander VS Shane Thorne & Brendan Vink!
The fast and furious combination returns, looking to get back on track in the Raw Tag Team Division. But can they best The Worst and the Smug?
The teams sort out and Vink starts against Ricochet. Ricochet and Vink tie up and Vink knees low! Vink tosses Ricochet to the corner and tags in Thorne. Thorne stomps Ricochet then throws European Uppercuts. Alexander avoids Thorne’s sucker punch and Thorne turns around into an elbow! Ricochet boots Thorne down then somersault shotgun dropkicks! Tag to Alexander and he knees Thorne low. Ricochet neckbreakers Thorne onto Alexander’s knee for a double breaker! Vink runs in but Alexander baits him into buckles! Enziguri sandwich! Thorne waistlocks but Ricochet tags in. Alexander elbows and suplexes Thorne down for Ricochet’s slingshot senton! Thorne flounders to a corner but Ricochet runs in. Thorne puts Ricochet on the apron and Vink trips him up! Vink CLOBBERS Ricochet then tags in.
Vink drags Ricochet up to throw into the ring. He stalks up behind Ricochet while Thorne talks smack. Vink DECKS Ricochet then brings him up again. He crucifix lifts, but Ricochet huricanranas Vink into buckles! Hot tag to Alexander and Thorne! The Ebony Lion rallies on Thorne and unloads a strike fest! He also dropkicks Vink’s legs out! Alexander has Thorne, props him up on Vink, and hits a one-man MAGIC KILLER! Alexander SUPERKICKS Vink away, but Thorne uppercuts Alexander! Ricochet tags in and Alexander knees Thorne. Alexander hits a tornado DDT! Ricochet hits a standing shooting star! Cover, but Vink breaks it! Vink DECKS Alexander, but Ricochet tilt-o-whirl DDT’s Vink! Ricochet is up, tags in Alexander, and Thorne runs into a kick! Ripcord RECOIL into LUMBAR CHECK! Cover, Alexander and Ricochet win!
Winners: Ricochet & Cedric Alexander, by pinfall
Raw’s tag team scene is about to shift into overdrive! Will anyone be able to keep up with this dynamic duo?
Backstage interview with The Kabuki Warriors!
Asuka and Kairi are still feeling good this week. The Pirate Princess lost her chance at being in the Women’s MITB match, but has a rematch with Nia Jax. Charly addresses the obvious size disadvantage being what lost last week. What makes Kairi think this week will be different? Asuka and Kairi says Charly is being stupid. Tonight, Kairi is ready for Nia! Right? Right! But no one is ready for ASUKA in Titan Towers! Will all this be true after tonight?
Bobby Lashley and Lana make a training video.
The Rocky Mountain Machine is going to show you how easy it is (for him) to flip this tractor tire. Lana says if you’re jealous of her now, wait until you see her Bobby in action. Will Lashley’s warm-up really make him mighty enough for this feat of strength?
Nia Jax VS Kairi Sane!
Raw returns as the Pirate Princess makes her entrance, followed by the Irresistible Force. Will this rematch change things from last week? Or just be a warm-up for Nia?
The bell rings and Kairi circles with Nia. Kairi dodges Nia and says, “Kiss this!” She gets around and climbs up Nia to get a sleeper hold! Nia throws Kairi off fast, but Kairi runs at her. Nia blocks the dropkick and makes it a swing! She TOSSES Kairi to a corner! Asuka is watching backstage as Kairi grabs the ropes. Asuka cheers Kairi on but protests as Nia drags Kairi up by her hair and throws her again! Though, the ref can’t hear that if she’s backstage. Nia stalks Kairi but Kairi throws body shots. Those don’t affect Nia and she throws Kairi again! Kairi grits her teeth but Nia drags her up again. Nia reels Kairi in to clothesline! And again! Kairi crawls to the bottom rope and the apron, but refuses to quit.
Nia runs over but Kairi slides under! Kairi tries but she can’t tip Nia over with the sunset flip! Nia drags Kairi up and holds her up with body hands! For a BUCKLE BOMB! Kairi groans in pain but drags herself back up. Nia runs in, but Kairi dodges! Nia just stops herself but Kairi goes after the leg! Kairi is after the surgically repaired knees! But Nia drags her up for a military press! The knee gives out and Kairi is right on it again! Asuka likes what she sees as Kairi throws elbow after elbow on Nia’s head! Nia pushes Kairi away but Kairi comes back for more. Kairi roars as she throws even more elbows! The ref counts as Kairi grabs hair, but she BACK HANDS Nia down! Kairi roars more as she runs in, for the SLIDING D!
Nia is down and Kairi climbs up! Kairi weighs anchor, for the InSANE- No! She has to roll and bail out as Nia evades. Nia is up, scoops Kairi, and pops her up for the SAMOAN DROP! Cover, Nia wins!
Winner: Nia Jax, by pinfall
Two times in a row, Nia A-Nia-Lates Kairi. But has Kairi done damage enough to give Asuka and the other women a chance against Nia in the Women’s MITB match?
Raw has a message from Seth Rollins.
“You’re a brave man, Drew McIntyre. A fighting champion. I admire that. I respect that.” There aren’t many who know what it’s like to walk in McIntyre’s shoes. But Rollins does. They both won a title off Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania. Not many know what it is like to do that. But Rollins does. Rollins and McIntyre have a lot in common, actually. They command the respect of their peers. They have a deep, deep love and passion for this industry. Rollins accepts the challenge for the WWE World Championship. But not out disdain, because this isn’t personal. This is out of necessity. Because now, more than ever, the WWE Universe needs a leader. As much as Rollins and McIntyre have in common, the parallels stop with titles. Rollins is a proven leader, and McIntyre is not.
Rollins says he is the one who will sacrifice for the greater good! He is the one who will make the hard decisions! He will be the one the light in the darkness. At MITB, Rollins will take the title. And not because he wants to, but because he has to. What will McIntyre need to do to prevent that?
The Viking Raiders have a fight song now.
Erik and Ivar road around while coming up with verses back and forth. “Viking Raiders!” The raid is here and here to stay. They’re men with beards who all should fear. They worship Thor and knock them to the floor! Will the Viking Raiders sing their praises all the way to the Raw Tag Team Championships?
Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifier: Apollo Crews VS MVP!
The rising star returned to Raw but would #FadeToBlack against Aleister. Montel Vontavius Porter returned to the WWE ring with the Royal Rumble. But who takes the second spot Raw has to give in the Men’s MITB?
Before the MVP grabs a mic to say, “In my storied career, I have seen a lot of WWE superstars literally rise and fall in pursuit of that briefcase.” Because inside is a contract that entitles the bearer a shot at the world title anywhere, anytime. We’ve seen the dangerous Aleister Black punch his ticket. Later, we will see the absolute legend in Rey Mysterio compete for his. But right now is MVP’s turn. In his way is the extremely talented Apollo Crews, the most gifted athlete on Raw. But he is outmatched. When the WWE wanted to make this year’s MITB match the most unique, they called the most unique competitor. MVP is no stranger to wearing suits, going to the corporate headquarters to sit in boardrooms and sign big money deals. They called MVP.
“No hard feelings, Aleister Black. Er, no, uh, Apollo Crews. That guy.” But MVP called his agent to book a private jet already to go to Stamford. MVP vows to be in MITB. Money talks, and what it says is that MVP is the future. But Apollo makes his entrance to interrupt. Will MVP put his money where his mouth is?
The bell rings and Crews stares down with MVP. MVP throws hands but Crews counter punches! Crews whips but MVP holds ropes. Crews handsprings through to dropkick MVP down, and down again! MVP gets to the apron and calls for a timeout. Nope! Crews blasts MVP off the apron! Crews slingshots but MVP sweeps the legs! MVP’s experience has the edge as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns as MVP has Crews in a camel clutch. Crews endures but MVP says he can just make it easier on himself and give up. Crews refuses and powers up instead! He rams MVP into buckles! Crews is free and he runs back in, but into MVP’s LARIAT! Cover, TWO! MVP drags Crews back into the camel clutch, and throws clubbing crossface forearms! MVP drops names like Mysterio and Kane as past opponents. He brings Crews up for the Play Maker, but Crews powers out to a SPINE BUSTER! MVP writhes and flounders to a corner while Crews catches his breath. MVP stands in the corner but Apollo grits his teeth as he runs in. Crews hits a big splash then rains down hands! The ref counts and Crews backs up, to SUPERKICK! Crews runs to BOOT! Then keeps going to LARIAT back!
Crews isn’t done there, he scoops MVP for a BIG powerslam! Cover, TWO! Crews keeps his cool and brings MVP up. He scoops and slams MVP down then heads up top. Crews leaps, but the frog splash gets knees! MVP drags Crews into position, PLAY MAKER! Cover, TWO!! Crews survives and MVP can’t believe it! MVP argues the count but two is two. MVP looms over Crews as he makes it rain. He runs but gets an enziguri! Crews military presses and tosses MVP, for the standing moonsault! And shooting star! Crews wants MVP to stand up again and MVP does. Crews gets him for the CREWS MISSLE!! Cover, Crews wins!!
Winner: Apollo Crews, by pinfall (advances to the Men’s MITB match)
An incredible comeback for Crews! He shouts, “This is MY time!” But will that be the case when fighting for the case?
Backstage interview with Ruby Riott.
Charly brings up the Riott Squad, the old trio of Ruby, Sarah Logan, and Liv Morgan. Ruby and Liv are set to compete in a matter of moments, but how did the group go from so close to so divided? Ruby sets it straight: it was never really a squad to her. She had to have double surgery because she was carrying Sarah and Liv on her back! Ruby made them look strong! And now look. Sarah’s arm is broken, and Liv will be lucky if Ruby doesn’t break both arms. Liv still suffers from the delusion that she’s all grown up. But Ruby is going to show her just how lonely and small and weak Liv is without her.
Ruby Riott VS Liv Morgan!
Raw returns as Liv makes her entrance first, then followed by Ruby. Will the former Juvenile Delinquent prove Ruby wrong by winning with her own strength?
The bell rings and the two go right at each other. Liv powers Ruby to a corner but backs off at the ref’s count. Ruby sucker punches Liv! Then clubs her on the back. Ruby stomps Liv down to a corner then kicks her in the ribs! Liv sputters but Ruby bounces her off the mat! Ruby drags Liv up but Liv throws body shots. Ruby clubs Liv back down then drags her back up. Liv throws more haymakers and then kicks low to BOOT! Liv LARIATS Ruby on the rebound, and again! Then enziguris Ruby to a corner! Liv runs in but Ruby dodges. Liv jumps, jumps and dropkicks! Cover, TWO! Liv keeps her cool as she clubs and pushes Ruby around now. She drags Ruby up to suplex but Ruby blocks. Ruby stomps feet to then hang Liv out to dry. And BOOT her down! Cover, TWO!
Ruby grins as she sits Liv up for a cravat. She cranks on the neck but Liv endures. Ruby leans on Liv but Liv refuses to give up. Liv elbows free but Ruby bounces her off the mat again. Ruby drags Liv up and has her against the ropes to club away. The ref counts but Ruby lets up to run. But Liv ROCKS Ruby back with a forearm! Liv runs, but Ruby gives that forearm back! Ruby runs, Liv reels her in but Ruby elbows out hard! And SUPERKICKS! Ruby slaps Liv around and wants the “puppy” to beg. Ruby runs, but into the REBOUND SHOT! Cover, Liv wins!!
Winner: Liv Morgan, by pinfall
Ruby just got got, and her own ego is to blame! Will she ever get over letting Liv get the better of her?
Lashley and Lana return.
The warm-up is done, now it is time to prove himself. But Lana says he isn’t just warm, he’s hot. Lashley says it takes an elite athlete to properly flip a tire. He gets it up and over! Lana is pleased, but Lashley says the real challenge is the extra thick tire. Will he be able to pump up and power that rubber beast around?
Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifier: Rey Mysterio VS Buddy Murphy!
It is time to fill Raw’s last spot in the historic “corporate ladder” match! The King of Lucha Libre has been a victim of the cash-in, but he wants to be on the other end for once in his career. Will he get past Rollins’ returning disciple? Or will Murphy’s Law take effect?
The bell rings and Murphy circles with Mysterio. They approach and tie up, and Murphy gets a headlock takeover. Mysterio headscissors but Murphy pops out, only for roles to reverse. Murphy headscissors but Mysterio pops out. Murphy sweeps legs, covers, ONE! Mysterio sweeps legs, covers, ONE! Both men stand off, and circle again. Murphy says, “Not bad for an old man.” Mysterio brushes that one off, and ties up with Murphy again. Murphy has the arm and wrenches, then yanks on the arm to go after the shoulder. Mysterio endures though he drops to his knees. Murphy grinds Mysterio down then brings him up to wrench and whip. Mysterio dodges, dodges and tilt-o-whirls to headscissor! Dial it up, but the call misses! Mysterio tells Murphy he was that close.
The two circle, Murphy swings a boot but Mysterio uses the ropes for defense. Murphy keeps going after him with hammering hands but the ref backs him off. Mysterio bails out and says his hand got messed up. Murphy goes out and throws Mysterio into barriers! And then into the timekeeper’s area! Murphy shows no mercy as he puts Mysterio back in. Cover, ONE, but Murphy goes after those bad hands! Murphy wrenches and wrings the arm out! Cover, ONE! Mysterio toughs it out but Murphy drags him up. Murphy goes after the bad hand with a wristlock. Mysterio reaches but has to roll and handspring to then flip with the ropes. He arm-drags Murphy out then dropkicks him down! Mysterio builds speed but Murphy is ready for the slide! Murphy wheelbarrows Mysterio but Mysterio elbows free!
Mysterio runs into a BOOT! He drops to the ramp as the ring count begins. Murphy STOMPS Mysterio’s bad hand on the ramp! Mysterio shouts in pain as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns as Murphy SLAMS the bad hand on steel steps! Mysterio falls against barriers while he clutches the fingers. Murphy drags Mysterio up to SLAM the hand again! The ring count passes 5 but Murphy refreshes it. Murphy goes up the steps and drags Mysterio to the apron. Mysterio gets away but Murphy watches from in the ring. Murphy goes out and drags Mysterio back up to the corner! Murphy SLAMS the hand on the post, then stands on it! The ref counts but Murphy lets up at 3. Mysterio trips Murphy! Murphy hits buckles and then the floor! Mysterio gets space, runs to the steps, and LEAPS for a huricanrana! Murphy crashes down on the ramp! Mysterio refreshes the count and fetches Murphy into the ring. Mysterio’s hand slows him down, and Murphy is on him. But Mysterio kicks Murphy away!
Murphy wobbles back into another enziguri! Mysterio springboards for the seated senton! Then springboards again for a crossbody! Mysterio KICKS at Murphy’s leg then whips. Murphy reverses and slaps the bad hand! But Mysterio dropkick the leg out to dial it up! But Murphy catches him, only for Mysterio to tilt-o-whirl DDT! Cover, TWO! Murphy lives but both he and Mysterio are down. Murphy goes to ropes but Mysterio stands up. Mysterio joins Murphy on the apron and drags him up. Mysterio throws forearms but Murphy BOOTS back! Murphy stalks up behind Mysterio, fireman’s carries him, but Mysterio fights free! And dropkicks Murphy down! Murphy hits barriers and Mysterio builds speed! Mysterio slides, headscissors and sends Murphy hard into barriers again!
The ring count climbs while both men are down and out. Mysterio sits up first and finally fixes his fingers. He puts Murphy back in the ring then takes aim from up top. Mysterio leaps and crossbodies, but Murphy rolls through! Murphy powers Mysterio up, for an USHIGOROSHI! KNEE TRIGGER! BRAIN BUSTER! Cover, TWO!? Mysterio survives because as he said last week, he wants this more! Mysterio slowly rolls to the ropes but Murphy stands up. Murphy drags Mysterio back to the middle of the ring, then heads for a corner. But Mysterio anchors Murphy’s foot. Murphy stomps Mysterio until he lets go, then finishes his walk to the corner. Murphy climbs up top but Mysterio stops him with haymakers!
Mysterio climbs to join Murphy, and clubs away on Murphy’s back. Murphy resists the superplex and throws body shots. Murphy clubs Mysterio back then sunset flips. Mysterio blocks the bomb, so Murphy tucks him in. Murphy wants to kick but Mysterio mule kicks him first! Mysterio turns himself around to leap, for a DESTROYER!! Murphy flounders onto ropes! Dial it up, 6 1 9!! Mysterio climbs up, leaps, FROG SPLASH! Cover, Mysterio wins!
Winner: Rey Mysterio, by pinfall (advances to the Men’s MITB match)
The Raw half of the field is complete! The lucha legend leaves Murphy outside looking in, but will we be looking at Mysterio’s first run as Mr. Money in the Bank?
Backstage interview with Zelina Vega and Angel Garza.
El Latino es en la casa, but Raw didn’t really open how Vega’s team hoped. How does Charly figure that? Well, Almas’s sneak attack turned into two Claymore kick. Yes, yes, how “noble” for McIntyre to attack when Almas couldn’t stand. How does Charly know this isn’t going to Vega’s plan? How does anyone know Garza won’t teach McIntyre about nobility? And how do we know McIntyre will even make it to MITB to face Rollins? Because it’d be a shame if he didn’t. Garza says that once he wins tonight, he would love if Charly asked how it felt to beat a champion. See you later tonight.
Charlotte Flair VS Kayden Carter!
The Queen may reign over the NXT Women’s Division, but she returns to Raw to remind us why! Will she give NXT’s fiery Filipina that promised lesson in humility?
The bell rings and Charlotte stretches the ropes. KC has her dukes up, but that does nothing against Charlotte’s BOOT! Charlotte brings KC up and CHOPS her back down! That’s “lesson number one: always, always do your homework.” Charlotte toys with KC as she kicks her to ropes. Charlotte goes for another boot but KC dodges to sweep the legs! And mule kick! Cover, ONE, and Charlotte gets up fast. KC swings around to crucifix DRIVER! Cover, TWO, into a Rings of Saturn! KC tries to bring the arms back but Charlotte powers up. Charlotte is almost up but KC hooks a leg for an iron octopus! She brings Charlotte back down, but Charlotte still powers up! Charlotte stands, and gets to ropes, to then elbow away! And HOTSHOT KC off ropes!
KC wobbles about, but finds Charlotte. Charlotte dodges the kick to SPEAR KC down! Charlotte dusts off her hands, then grabs a leg. She puts on the Figure Four! And then toys with KC before putting in the Figure EIGHT! KC taps, Charlotte wins!
Winner: Charlotte Flair, by submission
Charlotte holds on until she’s satisfied, and the lesson is over. The Queen has called out both the Head Baddie in Charge and the Evil Genius #1 contender. Will each of them “do their homework” before going up against the champion?
Lashley attempts the lift challenge.
450 pounds of tire. If anyone can move it, it’s him. He gets up under and begins, but only gets it up a few inches. Lashley tries again, but still can’t. He takes his frustration out on the tire, then fires himself up. Round three, and Lashley does it! He lifts the monster tire! And Lana gushes all over him. “That’s the kind of power everyone in the WWE locker room needs to fear.” Will the Rocky Mountain Machine move on from tires to superstars as MITB looms closer?
Andrade Almas w/ Zelina Vega VS ???
El Idolo’s ambush failed to fall McIntyre, but he looks to rebound from that in the ring. Will the WWE United States Champion take his frustrations out on his opponent? Or will he falter even harder?
Raw returns and Almas’ opponent is Akira Tozawa! The Stamina Monster is coming off red hot from his Interim NXT Cruiserweight Championship Tournament win, but he has beef with Vega’s team. Will Tozawa keep the roll going with some retribution?
The bell rings and Tozawa circles with Almas. They tie up, Tozawa throws hands all over but Tozawa gives them back. Tozawa rocks Tozawa but Tozawa hits the spinning roundhouse! Vega is concerned and the SHINING WIZARD hits! Cover, ONE! Tozawa stomps Almas down then has him against ropes. Tozawa throws forearms then whips. Almas reverses but Tozawa comes back to huricanrana! Almas bails out and Tozawa builds speed, to BOOT Almas down! Tozawa slingshots but Almas moves. But Tozawa just adjusts, to CANNONBALL! Vega is worried as Tozawa gets up. Tozawa drags Almas up and into the ring then heads up top. Almas stands, but Tozawa missile dropkicks him down! Cover, TWO! Almas bails out and regroups with Vega.
Vega says Almas is fine, but then she stays in Tozawa’s way. Almas sucker punches and then CHOPS Tozawa! “I am the champion!” Almas puts Tozawa in the ring and Vega wants to send a message to McIntyre. So Almas wrenches and shoulder breakers, then back suplexes. Tozawa lands on his feet, dodges, tilt-o-whirls and puts on the Iron Octopus! Almas reaches but Tozawa cranks harder! Almas powers up again, but Tozawa just cranks harder! Tozawa bends the hand but Almas uses one more push to get the ropebreak! Tozawa lets go, and Almas ELBOWS him down hard! Almas drags Tozawa up and fireman’s carries, but Tozawa slips out. Tozawa back kicks and both men fall! Tozawa gets up, spins, slides under, and fakes Almas out to JAB! Almas is rocked, but he dropkicks back! Almas drags Tozawa in, shouts out Eddie, but gets a cradle counter! TWO!!
Almas pops Tozawa up, Tozawa huricanranas again, cover, TOW! Wheelbarrow takedown, TWO!! SUPERKICK!! Tozawa has Almas down in the drop zone and heads up top! Vega panics as Tozawa stands, but Almas trips him up! Almas drags Tozawa out and hammerlocks, for the DRAPING LA SOMBRA!! Cover, Almas wins!
Winner: Andrade Almas, by pinfall
That was much more than either Almas or Vega expected, but it still went as they expected. Almas wins here, but will a contender close in on that WWE US Championship?
But speaking of champions, the Street Profits are here! They and their Raw Tag Team Championships party on the announce desk, and are in action after the break!
Bianca Belair VS Santana Garrett!
The strongest, fastest, toughest and roughest is back in action, looking to prove she wasn’t just a big fish in a small pond. Will she make big waves against the Wonder Woman of Wrestling?
The bell rings as the Profits are fired up for Bianca. She and Santana circle and tie up. Bianca powers Santana to a corner but the ref counts. Bianca lets up and goes again with Santana. They tie up, Bianca SLAMS Santana down then claps at her. Santana grabs a leg but Bianca blocks the take down. Bianca gut wrenches Santana up to the Canadian rack but Santana fights free. Santana pie faces and Bianca is not having it. Bianca SHOVES Santana down then claps back. Santana gets up, waistlocks but Bianca standing switches for a slam! Santana stands but gets thrown down again! Bianca keeps on Santana and ducks the elbow, to slam Santana again! Bianca waits for Santana to get up before she stomps away in the corner.
The ref counts and Bianca lets up, to hip toss Santana across the way! Santana dodges and throws big haymakers! Santana whips but Bianca reverses. Bianca gets under as Santana goes up and over. Bianca blocks the arm-drag, whips Santana away then runs her over with a shoulder! Things speed up and Bianca handsprings over Santana! Bianca dares Santana to bring it, and then she hurdles over. She side steps and follows to run Santana over again! The Profits are so hyped for Bianca right now as she brings Santana back up. Bianca suplexes Santana and holds her up for squats! Then drops her down! Bianca runs, and SPLASHES! Then kips up to blow a kiss to the fans at home. Bianca tells Santana to kiss this, but Santana goes to the apron. Santana throws hands but Bianca ROCKS her back!
Bianca drags Santana up but Santana hotshots! Santana BOOTS Bianca back! Santana climbs up top and leaps, crossbody! Cover, ONE! Santana SUPERKICKS Bianca then handsprings, into a BOOT! Bianca drags Santana up to lift, and alley-oop onto buckles! Torture rack, KISS OF DEATH! Cover, Bianca wins!
Winner: Bianca Belair, by pinfall
The EST is many things, but her boys are the wildest commentary team. Will this trio soon stand atop all of Raw together?
Drew McIntyre VS Angel Garza!
Raw begins and ends with the WWE World Champion! But it also begins and ends with Vega’s team being ringside. Will this week look a lot like last week? And will that be good or bad for the Latino Lothario?
The bell rings and Theory distracts McIntyre right away! Garza rushes McIntyre but McIntyre hits back. McIntyre CHOPS and CHOPS and chop blocks Garza! That’s in return for last week! McIntyre KICKS the leg out, then mockingly asks how the leg feels. McIntyre CHOPS again but Garza elbows back. Garza can’t get away before McIntyre THROWS him overhead! Garza bails out and regroups with Vega’s team, but McIntyre is in pursuit. McIntyre CLUBS Garza then snake eyes him off barriers. McIntyre CHOPS Garza while mocking Theory’s #AllDay. He puts Garza in, but Almas tries to ambush again. McIntyre blocks the post attack, and catches Garza’s DIVE! McIntyre throws Garza at the steel steps but Garza hops over. Garza runs back, into a HEADBUTT!
McIntyre glares at Almas but Vega stands in the way. Theory lurks up behind but McIntyre DECKS him! Garza leaps off the steps to dropkick! McIntyre hits the barrier, then Garza RAMS him into a post! And then another! The ring count passes 7! McIntyre gets in but Garza follows. Garza is up top and leaps, to missile dropkick! Cover, ONE! Garza goes after McIntyre’s leg and clubs away. He cranks on the knee but McIntyre resists the full turn. Garza hammers the leg more but McIntyre kicks free with the other leg. McIntyre shoves Garza but Garza kicks him back. McIntyre CLOBBERS Garza! Then McIntyre whips to elbow Garza down! Garza dodges the clothesline but not the BOOT! McIntyre glares at Vega as he heads to the corner. He climbs up top, and leaps to ax handle! And kip up!
McIntyre says this is it. He glares at Garza as he dares him to get up. Garza slowly rises, the countdown begins, but Garza runs away! McIntyre grabs Garza but off come the pants! Seems that trick isn’t just for taunting his opponent! But McIntyre builds speed to FLY!! He wipes out Vega’s stable, and then says, “I can do it all!” McIntyre puts Garza in the ring then throws Almas over barriers! And CLAYMORES Theory for good measure! Vega is stunned as McIntyre stalks Garza in the ring. McIntyre elbows Garza then drags him up. INVERTED ALABAMA! But Garza wheelbarrows and victory rolls through!! TWO, and both men run, CLAYMORE!! Cover, McIntyre wins!!
Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall
And to punctuate that win, he busted Garza open! McIntyre raises the WWE World Championship, his confidence not at all wavering. In fact, he wants to add on! Garza flounders up and into ANOTHER CLAYMORE! “Keep bringing them in, keep lining them up. I’ll keep Claymore-ing them down.” Speaking of, Theory flounders into the ring. And he gets a CLAYMORE! McIntyre copies tranquilo just to make a point. But will he truly make a statement when he goes 1v1 with The Architect at Money in the Bank?
My Thoughts:
A really good episode for Raw, even after #BlackWednesday just last week. There are now rumors that some names get to come back, one name being Sarah Logan. They did mention her because of the overlap she plays in both Shayna Baszler’s story and in the Ruby VS Liv story. And with her husband, Erik (Ray Rowe) still employed, you would hope she is brought back. Speaking of her husband, I do NOT understand the cheerful fight song segment for The Viking Raiders. Obviously they’re Faces, but they shouldn’t be gleeful Faces. They should’ve been singing a much tougher song, at least. As for Shayna, that was some incredible brutality, and that is great for Shayna. She needs to be very dangerous in the MITB Titan Towers match, win or lose, to stay on course.
Liv getting a win over Ruby is great, but it’s hard to be sure where the Riott Squad break-up goes from here. Bringing Sarah back would also be a good move in order to keep this story fresh. Lashley’s tire lifting segment was… filler. I thought there was going to be more tension with him and Lana, but they completely let off on it. Hopefully they get back on that next week, especially with Rusev among the superstars cut. Bianca had a good match against Santana Garrett, but wow were the Profits hyperactive. And Charlotte of course gets a win before she makes her momentous return to NXT. I’m thinking the Charlotte VS Mia Yim rematch is going to be an incredible match to officially bring Charlotte back to NXT, but Charlotte will still win to stay strong towards facing Io Shirai.
Kairi Sane losing to Nia again reinforces my concerns that Kairi is leaving. I was hoping Asuka ambush Nia with mist, but it seems Nia still needs momentum after her return. Though, it seems she isn’t a Face with how she toyed with Kairi, so it looks like Raw is sending in three Heels for the Women’s MITB. This is an interesting move, because it parallels Raw’s three Faces for the Men’s. Aleister was of course winning over Austin Theory, and it just feels right for Mysterio to go in over Murphy. It’s great for Apollo to win and be in, but unless he turns, he’s also a Face. Will SmackDown be the one sending outright Heels in the last two spots? Gulak VS Corbin is happening this Friday, but I felt Elias was going to cost Corbin. Is Gulak the one turning?
Raw being sandwiched by McIntyre was good stuff. I’m not sure if he should’ve been so cheerful in the beginning given the ambush last week. But I suppose as top Face, starting happy is fine. He sure seems to enjoy kicking Vega’s team around. Vega’s team is also on a losing record this week, with Theory losing, but Almas winning against Tozawa, then Garza losing in the main event. But don’t shout “Buried!” just yet. McIntyre mopped the floor with them in the main event last week, so nothing changed there. This time McIntyre had to stand tall going into his match against Rollins. That match will great, however and wherever they do it. As for Vega’s team, they’ll rebound to a degree. They might even cost McIntyre the title to stay in the main event scene.
My Score: 8.3/10
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Coverage
Mitchell’s Road to Wrestling Dontaku Results & Report! (4/27/24)
Rural Revitalization continues!
Will Great-O-Khan be setting the table?
It’s Rural Revitalization in Hiroshima for the KOPW Championship! Can Yuya Uemura survive tires, lemons and a table? Or will Great-O-Khan conquer him for the United Empire?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Frontier Zone – Boltin Oleg & Toru Yano VS Rey Paloma & HANZO; Oleg & Yano win.
- Six Man Tag: Tiger Mask & Bishamon VS Bullet Club; Bullet Club wins.
- Zack Sabre Jr. & Kosei Fujita VS Jeff Cobb & Francesco Akira; Cobb & Akira win.
- Six Man Tag: El Desperado, Shota Umino & Tomohiro Ishii VS The House of Torture; Desperado, Shota & Ishii win.
- Hiroshi Tanahashi & Katsuya Murashima VS Tomoaki Honma & Shoma Kato; Tanahashi & Murashima win.
- DOUKI & Taka Michinoku VS SHO & Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Sho & Yoshinobu win.
- NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Championships: TMDK VS El Phantasmo & Hikuleo; TMDK wins and retains the titles.
- KOPW Championship Rural Revitalization: Great-O-Khan VS Yuya Uemura; Yuya wins and becomes the new KOPW Champion.
- 10 Man Tag Elimination Match: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Bullet Club War Dogs; LIJ wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Championships: TMDK w/ Zack Sabre Jr. VS El Phantasmo & Hikuleo w/ Jado!
Shane Haste & Mikey Nicholls snatched the titles away during the Windy City Riot, but the Guerrillas of Destiny are getting their rematch! Will the Headbanga & Young Guerilla redeem themselves on the Road to Wrestling Dontaku? Or will they see The Mighty Don’t Kneel?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see if The Mighty stay NJPW Strong!
The teams sort out and Hysterical Haste starts against ELP. The fans rally up with the bell and the two circle. They tie up, are in a deadlock, but then Shane cording holds into a wrench and wristlock. ELP rolls, handsprings and wrenches back. ELP keeps Shane from ropes so Shane rolls, kips up, snapmares and KICKS ELP! The fans cheer while Shane shakes out his leg. ELP grimaces as he stands and shakes out the arm. The two reset, tie up, and ELP waistlocks. ELP goes for a chinlock but Shane standing switches. ELP switches, Shane switches again, and repeat. ELP headlocks, Shane powers out, then reels ELP in for a headlock.
ELP powers out, Shane runs him over, and then he sits ELP up to run. ELP drops under, hurdles over, but Shane shoves him. ELP rolls off Shane’s back to RANA! The fans fire up as ELP kips up and fixes his hair. The fans rally for “E L P! E L P!” while Shane is in a corner. Shane comes back to fire a forearm! ELP fires a forearm back! Shane fires another forearm so ELP gives it back. They go back and forth, faster and faster, and the fans rally up! ELP gets the edge, but Shane UPPERCUTS! Shane CHOPS ELP, whips him corner to corner, but ELP goes up and over and keeps moving. ELP fakes Shane out to avoid the dropkick!
ELP goes to ropes to LIONSAULT but Shane moves! ELP sits up but avoids the Penalty Kick! The two stand off and the fans cheer! Shane and ELP reset, and Leo reaches out. ELP tags him in and the fans rally up. Shane tags Mikey, and he circles with Leo. They get face to face, and Mikey pie faces Leo! They tie up, Leo shoves Mikey away, but Mikey comes back. They tie up, Mikey headlocks but Leo lifts. Mikey thrashes the hold, Leo powers out and they RAM shoulders! Leo eggs Mikey on so Mikey runs and they RAM shoulders! Leo runs, Mikey ELBOWS him! Mikey runs, Leo runs him over! The fans fire up as Leo flexes.
Leo drags Mikey up, suplexes, but Mikey fights it! Mikey tries to suplex but Leo’s so tall! Leo suplexes, Mikehy slips free to waistlock, but Leo RAMS him into a corner! Leo runs in, Mikey dodges, only for Leo to LARIAT outta the corner! Tag to ELP and the Guerrillas get Mikey up. ELP BLASTS Shane while Leo whips Mikey to a corner. Leo SPLASHES, ELP clotheslines, then feed to the SIDEWALK SLAM and FALLING AX HANDLE! The Guerrillas high-five, ELP covers, TWO! ELP brings Mikey up but Mikey fights the suplex! Mikey powers out, whips, but ELP BLASTS Shane! ELP dodges Mikey, waistlocks, but Mikey swings. ELP ducks, into a DDT!
The fans fire up while Mikey shoves ELP over and tags in Shane. Mikey brings ELP up to TOSS him out, and then Mikey BLASTS Leo! Shane whips ELP into railing! Shane flexes, fans applaud, and Shane drags ELP up. APRON BACK SUPLEX! Shane shoves ELP in, covers, ROPEBREAK! The fans rally as ELP stays in this but Shane grabs one of ELP’s hands. Shane stretches out the arm to then KICK ELP in the shoulder! Shane brings ELP up but ELP fires forearms! Shane shoves ELP but ELP ELBOWS Mikey! ELP fires off on Shane, whips, but Shane reverses and Mikey trips ELP up! Shane basement dropkicks ELP and he spins around into a HAYMAKER from Mikey!
ELP flops to the floor, Mikey claims the apron is slippery, but the referee reprimands him all the same. The ring count starts but Mikey puts ELP in at 4 of 20. Shane covers, TWO! Shane keeps ELP down with body scissors. ELP endures, reaches out, drags Shane along as he crawls over, and the fans rally up. Shane grabs ELP’s arm and brings him into a cover, TWO! Shane whips ELP away into The Mighty corner! Tag to Mikey, he sends Shane in, but ELP puts Shane on the apron! ELP BOOTS Mikey, ROUNDHOUSES Shane, then runs, but Mikey catches him! Mikey RAMS ELP back into the corner!
Mikey taunts Leo then digs boots into ELP. The fans rally up and ELP throws body shots. Mikey eggs ELP on so ELP CHOPS! ELP tries to get under but Mikey grabs a leg and drags him back! Tag to Shane, and Shane stomps ELP down. Shane kicks ELP around, kicks him more, but ELP fires off hands! Shane back drops ELP up and away! The fans rally while Shane drags ELP back to a cover, but Leo breaks it! Shane drags ELP back, tags Mikey in, and TMDK mug ELP. ELP sputters, Mikey tags Shane back in, and Shane sucker punches Leo! Mikey hoists ELP up but ELP BOOTS Shane! ELP backs Mikey into the corner, then goes up and over Shane!
Shane runs into Mikey but Mikey still pursues ELP. Mikey drags ELP back but ELP ENZIGIRIS free! The fans fire up, but Shane gets ELP’s legs! ELP BOOTS Shane away, hurries up again, but Mikey BLASTS Leo first! Mikey then brings ELP around to back suplex! ELP lands on his feet, but Shane back suplexes! ELP still lands on his feet, then he ducks under TMDK to hot tag Leo! The fans fire up as Leo UPPERCUTS Shane, swings on Mikey, but Mikey dodges, only for Leo to BOOT him! Leo scoops Shane for SNAKE EYES and a BOOT! The fans fire up with Leo while Shane and Mikey go to opposite corners.
Leo runs in to SPLASH Mikey! Leo keeps going but Shane BOOTS him! Shane runs up but Leo ELBOWS him down! Leo runs to drop the JUMPING ELBOW on Shane! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up and Leo watches Shane stir. Shane rises, Leo choke grips! GODS- NO, Shane slips free and Mikey fires a forearm! Shane UPPERCUTS, Mikey LARIATS, but Leo stays up! Shane runs to LARIAT! Leo roars, but TMDK double kick! TMDK reels Leo in, but Leo DOUBLE SUPLEXES them instead! The fans fire up and Leo watches TMDK bail out. Leo tags ELP and ELP goes up. Leo helps him walk the tightrope, to ARIHARA MOONSAULT TMDK down at the ramp!
The fans fire up again, and Leo goes out to get Shane in. ELP & Leo get Shane up to CHOP, straitjacket torture rack, and then Leo runs. BOOT into the spin, BRAIN SALAD! Cover, Mikey breaks it! Mikey fires forearms on Leo & ELP, runs, but ELP hurdles so Leo can DDT! Mikey bails out, the fans fire up, and ELP tunes up the band. Shane rises, into SUDDEN- NO, Shane dodges! Shane runs up, but into Leo’s hands! ELP aims, but Shane pulls Leo into SUDDEN DEATH! Shane UPPERCUTS ELP and DROPKICKS Leo! Shane KICKS ELP, BOOTS him, then reels him in for an INVERTED EXPLODER! Cover, TWO!!
ELP survives and Shane is surprised! The fans fires up, Shane and ELP rise, and ELP staggers to a corner. Shane puts ELP up top, ROCKS him with a right, then climbs up. Shane brings ELP up but ELP fires body shots! ELP HEADBUTTS Shane down but Mikey tags in! Shane goes up, ELP sends him back down, so Mikey UPPERCUTS! Mikey gives Shane the boost, and they get ELP for the SUPERPLEX BOMB COMBO! Cover, TWO!! ELP survives but Mikey powers up and runs, SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! ELP survives again and the fans fire up! Mikey grows frustrated, he drags ELP up and reels him in.
ELP slips free of the Blue Thunder to kick and tuck the arms! But Mikey trips ELP to jackknife bridge, TWO! ELP rolling clutches! TWO and Mikey has the cover! TWO and ELP ghost pins, TWO!! Mikey escapes but ELP dodges! ELP DROPKICKS Mikey down and the fans fire up! Both men crawl, hot tag to Leo! Leo runs to BLAST Shane, then he turns to look at Mikey. Mikey eggs Leo on, then fires forearms! Leo ROCKS Mikey with just one! Mikey fires another flurry, but Leo ROCKS Mikey again! Leo eggs Mikey on and the fans rally. Mikey kicks low, ROCKS Leo, then runs, but into a scoop! Tag to ELP before the POWERSLAM!
ELP goes up to SWANTON BOMB! And then LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up, ELP tags Leo back in, and they tune up the band again! Mikey rises, but Shane trips Leo! Mikey ROCKS ELP, Shane UPPERCUTS ELP! Feed to the scoop but ELP slips free! ELP shoves Mikey into Shane, and Leo grabs them both! But both Shane & Mikey fight free of the choke slams! Shane KNEES, Mikey FOREARMS, but then ELP fires off on TMDK! ELP runs, but into a double trophy lift! THUNDER- DOUBLE DDTS!! ELP turns things around on TMDK, and the fans are thunderous! Mikey stands up into SUDDEN DEATH! ELP PLANCHAS onto Shane!
GODSEND for Mikey! ELP then climbs up the ropes, then climbs onto Leo! SUPER THUNDERKISS 86!! Cover, but Shane barrels through ELP to break it!! The fans are thunderous again but ELP is frustrated. ELP fires off on Shane, runs, but Shane LARIATS! Shane dodges Leo but runs into the POWER TRIP! GOD- NO, Mikey rolls Leo up!! TMDK WINS!!
Winners: TMDK, by pinfall (still NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Champions)
Leo is furious! He is sure Mikey pulled tights there! He stomps at Mikey, pushes past ELP and goes after Mikey on the outside! Mikey and Leo push each other around, but there’s nothing Leo can do about this one. Will he and ELP just have to fight their way back up to the top? As for TMDK, will they continue to rock ‘n’ roll through the ranks with all this gold?
KOPW Championship Rural Revitalization: Great-O-Khan w/ Callum Newman & Francesco Akira VS Yuya Uemura w/ Taka Michinoku & Taichi!
It’s Rural Revitalization 2: Hiroshima Style! The Dominator just managed to make it past Tanga Loa, will he make it through the Heat Storm? Or will KOPW soon belong to Just5Guys?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who can put in the work!
This first round is Mazda tire carrying. Each man has a big orange cone placed in their corner, so they simply have to go fetch the tires from the stacks outside. Whoever gets four tires first wins the round! The bell rings, Yuya kicks Khan then heads for ropes, but Khan reels him in for a BIG back suplex! Khan goes out now, hurries up the ramp, and grabs two tires at once! The fans cheer and Khan gets those tires in the ring. Then he goes back for more! A risky move but that means four tires are on play. Yuya DROPKICKS Khan and here’s where the risk is involved! Yuya aims to PLANCHA but Khan chucks a tire!
Yuya falls back, Khan gets the tires in then drags Yuya out. Khan CLUBS away on Yuya against the apron, then uses a tire to bind Yuya’s legs! Khan CLUBS Yuya more, and Khan even ties Yuya up in the ropes! Khan sacrifices two tires to trap Yuya! The fans cheer the creativity, and Khan STOMPS Yuya on the apron before heading for more tires. Yuya works to get free as Khan brings two more tires to the ring. Khan sets those tires in, Yuya gets free, but Khan has stacked two tires. Then three, but Yuya DROPKICKS him down! Yuya takes the tires off Khan’s cones, leaving him with just one. Yuya goes out to get the last tires remaining!
Yuya brings tires to his cone, then clears out some space. Yuya has two tires, steals Khan’s one, but then Khan grabs Yuya for an IRON CLAW SLEEPER! Yuya fights free, but Khan Mongolian Chops him down! Khan throws the tires off Yuya’s cone, then throws the cone! We’re back to zero and zero, and Khan whips Yuya into a corner, to then clothesline him! The fans fire up as Khan climbs up and sits on his throne! Khan then hops down to Mongolian Chop! And Mongolian Chops! And Mongolian CHOP! Yuya sits down, Khan takes a tire, but then THROWS it at Yuya! Yuya goes up and over and AX HANDLES Khan down!
The fans rally as Khan grabs tires and cone, and he starts stacking! Yuya has two, then three! He just needs to find one more! Yuya grabs one from outside, but Khan reels him in! Khan DECKS Yuya, then undoes some of the stack. Khan confiscates a tire, makes sure it’s nice and bouncy, but also works up quite the sweat. The fans rally as Khan aims and takes a swing, only for Yuya to counter tire with tire! They clash again, and again! Then they set up for TIRE SUMO! And again, TIRE SUMO! They run in again, and Khan RAMS Yuya! Yuya is disarmed, and Khan CLOBBERS him with the TIRE SUMO!
The fans fire up while Yuya is down and Khan grabs tires. Khan says he’s not done with Yuya yet. Khan starts stacking tires at the center of the ring, then drags Yuya up. Khan clinches Yuya into HITSUJIGOROSHI! Yuya endures, even as Khan throws knees! Khan then scoops to SLAM Yuya on the tires! That’ll leave some skid marks! Khan then drags Yuya off the stack, brings him up and around, to then put a tire around his head. And then another! Yuya’s two tired to stand but Khan makes him! Khan throws a BODY BLOW, then he TRIPS Yuya into a TIRE DDT! The fans fire up while Khan grabs the other tires.
Khan stacks tires on his cone, that’s two. Khan hurries to find other tires on the outside, and he has a third. Khan considers his options, and takes one of the tires from Yuya. But Yuya clings to the tires, so Khan stomps him! Yuya refuses to let go of the tires! Khan stomps Yuya more but Yuya defends the tire with his body! Khan claws at Yuya, they tug-o-war over the tire, but Khan pulls on Yuya’s ear! Yuya kicks low, kicks again, then SMACKS Khan with the tire, and DROPKICKS Khan down! The tire goes tumbling out of the ring while Yuya fires up! Yuya takes Khan’s tires, hurries them over to his cone, that’s three right there!
Now Yuya has to hurry and find another! Yuya goes outside, grabs the tire, but Khan intercepts! They tug-o-war again, but then Khan RAMS Yuya into a corner! Khan takes this tire, that’s one. Khan finds tires on the outside and brings them in! Yuya hurries to cover tires again! Khan stomps Yuya, still stacks three, so it’s all down to this seventh tire! Yuya and Khan tug-o-war yet again, the fans rallying behind them! Khan grabs Yuya’s arm, but Yuya slips around to a SLEEPER! Khan fights up but Yuya squeezes tight! Yuya then CLUBS away on Khan, runs, but into a TIRE SWEEP! And a BASEMENT DROPKICK!
Khan grabs the final tire, but Yuya schoolboys him away! Yuya rolls through, snatches the tire, and complete his stack! Yuya wins the first round!
Khan: 0; Yuya: 1
Just like with Tanga Loa, Khan drops the ball in the first round! But then, will history repeat itself here as we prepare for the second round?
The tarps are set down, the table is set, and it’s time to eat up some Hiroshima lemons! Khan makes sure the people watching at home and around the world understand that Hiroshima lemons are the best, which probably means they’re the most sour. Khan puts on his bandana and takes his seat at the table. He and Yuya get some wet wipes to clean their hands, and it all comes down to who finishes their one lemon first. Ready, set, EAT! Yuya starts fast and that face shows how sour these are. Khan says hold on, and he just takes a HUGE bite! Yuya is suffering but Khan is reveling in the sourness! Khan’s already halfway through!
Yuya can barely keep the lemon in, but Khan’s eaten it all up! Can he get it all down before Yuya? Khan is chewing and chewing, Yuya is practically shaking from how sour it all is! Khan keeps going and… Yes, Khan has it all down! Khan wins!
Khan: 1; Yuya: 1
Khan now lets his body feel the stinging sweetness, and he says it was delicious! But then, that leaves us with this third and final round. And this time it’s a TABLES match! Who will be feeling sour and sore after this one?
The bell rings, both men rush in, Yuya dodges to fire haymakers! Yuya whips, Khan reverses but Yuya CLOBBERS him! Khan gets up, but Yuya DROPKICKS him down! Khan bails out, Yuya aims and PLANCHAS! Direct hit at the ramp, and the Heat Storm fires back up! The table is there, so Yuya drags Khan right up! Yuya goes to suplex but Khan blocks! Khan fights with body shots, turns things around, but Yuya fights the suplex! They fight for control, but Khan RAMS Yuya into the apron! The fans rally, Khan drags Yuya back up, and whips him into railing! Yuya tumbles up and over into No Man’s Land!
Khan storms out after Yuya and he asks fans move aside. Young Lions help the fans clear out while Khan drags Yuya up. Khan brings Yuya around and reminds everyone, No Disqualifications! Khan BOWLS Yuya through chairs, and that’s definitely a strike! The fans cheer Khan as he stands on chairs, but then asks more fans to move aside! Khan stomps Yuya, stomps a chair onto Yuya, then tosses that chair aside. Sorry to whoever had that seat… Khan then drags Yuya up and brings him around, but Yuya throws body shots! Khan Mongolian Chops Yuya down! Khan drags Yuya back up, and BOWLS him into more chairs!
Yuya is stuck on the seats, that wasn’t quite a strike. But Khan stacks chairs on Yuya to pick up the spare. Khan SMACKS chair with chair! Yuya sputters while fans applaud, and Khan goes back to fetch Yuya. Taichi and Taka are there but so are Newman and Akira. The Empire keeps the two out of five guys at bay while Khan drags Yuya to the back of the crowd. Khan whips Yuya into the emergency exit! Khan then SLAMS railing down on Yuya, and then SMACKS railing with railing! Khan talks trash while Taka and Taichi coach Yuya up. The ref checks Yuya, but he’s somehow able to continue, so Khan drags him up.
Khan brings Yuya around to drag him through the chairs! Khan brings Yuya back to ringside, then into the ring. The fans applaud, and then Khan goes looking under the ring. Khan eventually finds another lemon! Khan takes a big bite and uses the citrus to power up! Then he DIGS the lemon into Yuya’s face! The citric acid burns but the fans fire up! Khan goes to fetch the table from outside, puts it inside, and then sets it up in a corner. The fans rally up as Khan stalks Yuya. Khan drags Yuya up, reels him in to scoop, but Yuya slips free! Khan avoids hitting table, but Yuya DOUBLE CHOPS! Yuya whips Khan into the blue corner, then DOUBLE CHOPS again!
The fans fire up and Yuya grits his teeth. Yuya roars, brings Khan up and reels him in for a BIG back suplex! The fans rally again and Yuya brings Khan up. Yuya clinches, but Khan fights the lift! Yuya still tries, but Khan fights it to a head ‘n’ arm clinch. Yuya gets around, headlocks, but Khan pops out to waistlock. Yuya fights being pushed around, then switches to get an arm. Khan clinches but so does Yuya. They fight for control, and Khan’s SAYANAGI takes Yuya down! The fans fire up and both men stir. Yuya flops out of the ring, but Khan crawls in pursuit. Khan drags Yuya up, then RAMS him into railing!
Yuya writhes, Khan goes looking under the ring, and he brings out another TABLE! Khan SMACKS Yuya with the table, then stands the table up at ringside. Khan drags Yuya up, SMACKS him off the apron, then climbs up. Khan drags Yuya up onto the apron, Mongolian Chops, then regular CHOPS! Khan UPPERCUTS, then clamps on the IRON CLAW! Khan scoops but Yuya fights free! Yuya DROPKICKS! Khan holds onto ropes to stay up, but Yuya hurries to run! Yuya LARIATS, but into the IRON CLAW!! Khan drags Yuya up and over, ELIMINATOR- NO, Yuya grabs ropes to fight that off! Khan kicks low, winds up, but Yuya traps the arm!
Yuya traps the other arm, takes aim, but Khan fights the Deadbolt with all his might!! The fans are thunderous as Yuya still tries! Khan BITES Yuya’s ear! And then POSTS him! But Yuya runs up, into a BOOT! Yuya falls back, Khan sits down, and the fans rally again! Khan undoes his hand tape, ends up pushing the table over, and then he folds it all up. Khan puts the table in the ring, pushes Yuya aside, and then he sets this table up again, in the blue corner. Yuya goes up top to CROSSBODY! The fans fire up as Yuya roars! Yuya has his choice as he hauls Khan up. Yuya traps the arms, but Khan makes it a BELLY2BELLY!
But Yuya rises back up! Yuya runs in, gets around, and GERMAN SUPLEXES! But Khan’s right up! Khan LARIATS Yuya down! The fans fire up as Yuya is right back up, and URENAGES! Both men are down again and the fans are thunderous! Khan flounders around, he and Yuya crawl to center, and Yuya fires a forearm! Khan gives it back! Both men stand, and Yuya fires a haymaker! Khan comes back to forearm! Yuya wobbles, but he comes back to HAYMAKER! Khan staggers, wobbles, but comes back to FOREARM! Both men stagger, but Yuya fires another haymaker! Khan fires a flurry of forearms, but Yuya haymakers!
Khan ROCKS Yuya, but Yuya DOUBLE CHOPS! And DOUBLE CHOPS! And DOUBLE CHOPS! But Khan throws an IRON RIGHT! The fans fire up again as Yuya falls! Khan roars with Monster Rage and he hauls Yuya up! IRON CLAW, and then ELIMIN- NO, Yuya slips free! Yuya wrenches, traps the arms, DEADBOLT SUPLEX through the table!! YUYA WINS!!
Winner: Yuya Uemura, 2-1 (NEW KOPW Champion)
Yuya slammed the Deadbolt shut on Khan and now he takes the title from him! The Heat Storm is rising, how hot will he make the KOPW Division through the Summer?
10 Man Tag Elimination Match: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Bullet Club War Dogs!
These factions have been battling all over this Road to Wrestling Dontaku, but now they will fight ’til the last man! Will there be a roll call for Bushi, Hiromu, Takagi, Yota y Naito? Or will this alliance with the Good Looking Emperor, Jake Lee, help David Finlay, Gabe Kidd, Clark Connors & “Drilla” Dan Moloney shoot down LIJ?
Wait, it seems Naito has brought backup of his own? It’s SLYLY! The dragon-like mascot of Hiroshima Toyo Carp, and half-brother to the Philadelphia Phillies’ Phillie Phanatic! Well, Naito does love him some baseball. Tensions are running high, and Finlay throws his shirt at Yota. Yota balls that shirt up, and throws a fastball over the plate! The teams sort out, Finlay pushes Yota around and Gabe talks trash on Takagi. Red Shoes gets them all to settle down, and the War Dogs bark and put up the Too Sweet. Jake joins in at the end there. LIJ mocks the barking before they fist bump, and the fans cheer.
Things finally sort out and Finlay starts against Yota. The fans fire up behind “YO~TA! YO~TA!” at the bell, and Yota makes sure Finlay hears that. Finlay gets on the corner but the fans all boo. The two circle, tie up, and Yota uses his size to put Finlay on ropes. Finlay turns that around to grind forearms in Yota’s face and push him around. Finlay then backs up to SPIT at him! The fans boo but Yota CHOPS Finlay in return! The fans cheer, Yota headlocks, and Yota grinds Finlay down. Finlay powers up and out to headlock back, but Yota powers up and out. They RAM shoulders, Yota rebounds to run Finlay over!
The fans fire up, things speed up, but Finlay bails out. The fans boo but Finlay says he’s got time. Yota barks at Finlay but Finlay just mockingly applauds. Finlay returns, kips up just to show off, but then Hiromu wants in! Yota tags Hiromu, Finlay tags Drilla. Hiromu fires forearms on Drilla, whips, to ROCK, trip, KICK the ropes, then run and SHOTGUN Drilla down! The fans fire up while Hiromu barks. Hiromu runs corner to corner to clothesline, snapmare and basement dropkick! The fans fire up but Connors runs in to knee Hiromu low! Connors barks, runs, but Hiromu kicks low! Bushi dropkicks legs out so Hiromu can basement dropkick!
The fans fire up but Drilla fires hands and CHOPS on LIJ. Hiromu CHOPS back, he and Bushi double whip to TU LO SABE! Cover, TWO! Drilla stays in this but Hiromu fires Hiroshima up. Hiromu fireman’s carries, but Drilla slips free to RAM Hiromu into the corner! The Dogs mug Hiromu while Jake Lee runs up to BLAST Naito! Finlay and Connors help out in mugging Yota and Bushi! Things have pilled out into the crowd in multiple areas while Naito fights back! Jake kicks Naito, then whips him hard into railing! Naito tumbles up and over into No Man’s Land! Gabe and Takagi throw HEADBUTTS back and forth!
Finlay snatches a phone? He’s taking pictures of Jake stomping away on Naito! But then Yota attacks Finlay! Finlay POSTS Yota, a ring count starts, but the Dogs just keep beating LIJ down! Drilla finds his way back to ringside, Hiromu manages to make his way in! Hiromu crawls in at 17 but Drilla is there to stomp him! Drilla bumps Hiromu off Finlay’s boot! Drilla tags Jake in, they mug Hiromu, and Jake digs his boot in while Finlay pulls Hiromu’s hair! Red Shoes is busy getting everyone to stop brawling! Jake lets off but Hiromu fires off CHOPS! Jake just kicks low, whips, and then HIP TOSSES Hiromu down!
Hiromu staggers up but Jake clamps on a SLEEPER! Tag to Finlay and they mug Hiromu in the corner. Red Shoes reprimands and counts, the fans boo, and Finlay lets off at 4. Finlay soaks up heat, then he takes Hiromu’s Kamaitachi mask and THROWS it to the crowd! Finlay then BLASTS Yota off the apron! The Dogs CHOKE Hiromu more, mug him while Finlay argues with Red Shoes, then Finlay brings Hiromu up. Finlay fireman’s carries and goes to dump Hiromu! Hiromu clamps onto ropes, Bushi runs in to make the save! Connors goes after Bushi so Takagi makes the save! But Connors goes after Takagi now!
Finlay puts Hiromu on the apron but Hiromu rolls back in, SAFE! The fans cheer while Finlay is frustrated. Finlay storms up on Hiromu in a corner but Hiromu CHOPS and CHOPS! Finlay knees low, whips corner to corner hard, and Hiromu flounders all the way back to where he started! Finlay drags Hiromu up and over, the fans still cheering him on, but Connors tags in. Connors BLASTS Naito off the corner, then snap suplexes Hiromu down! Connors runs to ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Hiromu stays in this but Connors stays on him with a seated full nelson. The fans continue to rally for “HI-RO-MU!” as he endures!
Hiromu fights around, even as Gedo barks at him to give up. Hiromu still gets the ROPEBREAK! Finlay pushes the foot away and that distracts Red Shoes, allowing Drilla to join in and stomp Hiromu! Drilla & Connors double whip but Hiromu gets around to lift Connors and throw him at Drilla, FORCED RANA! The fans fire up but Connors keeps Hiromu away from his corner! Hiromu blocks a kick, and a punch, to DRAGON SCREW! The fans rally again while both men are down! Hot tag to Naito! Naito rallies on Connors, BLASTS Drilla, swings on Jake, but Jake gets away. Connors CLUBS Naito, whips, but Naito reverses to arm-drag!
Naito atomic drops, runs, and ELBOWS Connors down, to then basement dropkick! The fans fire up while Naito stares Jake down. Naito covers Connors, TWO! The fans rally, Naito drags Connors up and dragon sleepers, for the NECKBREAKER! And then, LEG HOOK NELSON! Connors endures but Gabe stomps Naito! Gabe BLASTS Takagi, the rest of the Dogs attack, and Gabe stomps away on Naito! Gabe tells off the fans but the fans boo. Red Shoes reprimands so Gabe steps away, and Connors drags Naito up. Connors UPPERCUTS, whips, but Naito reverses to TORNADO- NO, Connors powers out!
Connors dodges Naito, redirects and POUNCES! Naito is down but the fans rally up. Naito and Connors crawl, hot tags to Takagi and Gabe! The fans fire up for the NEVER Openweight Championship appetizer! They RAM shoulders, Takagi ROCKS Gabe then runs to RAM him! Gabe rebounds to RAM Takagi, but Takagi rebounds to RAM Gabe! Gabe fires a forearm, whips Takagi to a corner then runs in to clothesline! Takagi says that’s not enough, so Gabe UPPERCUTS! Gabe says he’s a madman, then whips, only for Takagi to reverses. Takagi runs in, blocks a boot, and clotheslines through! The fans fire up with Takagi, but Gabe shoves him!
Takagi kicks and CLUBS away on Gabe, but Gabe BITES Takagi’s forehead! Red shoes reprimands, but Takagi spins Gabe around to suplex high and hard! Cover, TWO! Gabe’s still in this but the fans rally behind “TA-KA-GI!” Takagi looks around, “Oi, Hiroshima! TOKI GA-” NO, Gabe CLOBBERS Takagi! It isn’t his time yet, and Gabe stands Takagi up to HEADBUTT again and again! Then Gabe suplexes high and hard! Cover, TWO! Takagi’s tougher than that but Gabe shakes his head. Gabe scuffs Takagi, eggs him on and runs, but Takagi blocks the Rebounder to HEADBUTT! Gabe HEADBUTTS! Both men shake their heads, and then Takagi HEADBUTTS!
Gabe HEADBUTTS! Takagi HEADBUTTS again and again, but then Gabe HEADBUTTS again and again! Takagi fires a forearm, Gabe gives it back, repeat! The fans fire up as the shots go back and forth! Gabe gets the edge, but Takagi fires boxing elbows! Gabe CHOP! Takagi ELBOWS! JABS! Gabe UPPERCUTS and YUKON LARIATS! But Takagi’s right up to LARIAT!! Gabe rises and shouts! Both men run in, DOUBLE LARIATS collide! And again! Gabe fires palm strikes, talks trash, but gets a JAB, HEADBUTT, and a PUMPING BOMBER take takes both men up and out! DOUBLE ELIMINATION!!
Fans go wild as Takagi’s sacrifice play makes things 4v4! Bushi and Drilla jump in and Drilla fires off shots! Drilla ENZIGIRIS, ripcords, but Bushi dodges to RANA! And DROPKICK! Drilla bails out but Bushi builds speed, only for Connors to SNAP POWERSLAM! Drilla gets in, he and Connors get moving, SPEAR GORE COMBO!! Cover, TWO!! Bushi survives but the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions coordinate. Connors BLASTS Naito off the apron before he climbs a corner, and Drilla gets Bushi up. Drilla suplexes, but Bushi slips free! Bushi shoves Drilla into Connors, then runs back in to CODE-
NO, Drilla blocks and aims for ropes! Bushi slips free, dodges Drilla, but Drilla ducks the enzigiri, only for the REWIND HEEL to hit! Bushi whips Drilla up and out and to the floor, Bushi ELIMINATES Drilla! We’re 4v3 in LIJ’s favor, but then Connors SPEARS Bushi! Connors says this is it, and he reels Bushi in for- NO! Bushi turns No Chaser into a backslide! BUSHI ROLL! Bushi ELIMINATES Connors!! The Black Mask singlehandedly handles the tag champs and the fans fire up! But then Finlay CLOBBERS Bushi and rains down fists! Finlay roars in rage, then he drags Bushi up. Canadian Rack, but Bushi slips free to backslide!
Finlay rolls through to UPPERCUT! Jake BLASTS Naito, BLASTS Yota, and then Finlay gets Bushi up! Finlay POWERBOMBS Bushi to the outside, onto Naito and the rest! Finlay ELIMINATES Bushi! We’re back to 3v2 as Finlay still has Jake but LIJ still has Naito, Hiromu and Yota. And speaking of Yota, he gets in to brawl with Finlay! Yota whips, Finlay reverses but Yota flipping RANAS! Then he BLASTS Jake! Yota runs corner to corner to STINGER SPLASH Finlay! Yota keeps moving, he runs Finlay over to then run and SPLASH! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up with Yota as he smiles and paces around.
Yota brings Finlay up and fireman’s carries, but Finlay slips free. Yota kicks, runs, but Finlay ELBOWS him down, then SENTONS on top! Finlay barks as he aims at Yota. Yota rises, Finlay runs in, and UPPERCUTS at the corner! Then clotheslines! Then FALCON ARROWS! Cover, TWO! The fans rally for Yota but Finlay grows frustrated. Finlay drags Yota up, reels him in, but Yota fights the lift! Finlay CLUBS away on Yota, tries again, and he has Yota up, but Yota fights free of the bomb! Yota fires forearms, but Finlay UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS again! Finlay runs, but Yota backslides to KNEE Finlay down!
The fans fire up again as we pass 20 minutes, and Yota drags Finlay up. Yota goes up and up but Finlay shoves him over! Yota’s on the apron, he and Finlay brawl! Yota ROCKS Finlay, but Finlay gets in Red Shoes’ face! Jake grabs at Yota, Yota kicks him away, but Finlay BLASTS Yota down and ELIMINATES him! The fans boo but the Dogs have made this 2v2! Finlay and Jake stand together, and they dare Naito & Hiromu to join them. Naito and Hiromu oblige as they step inside. Naito stares Jake down, Hiromu stares Finlay down, and they start swinging! The fans fire up, but then Finlay fireman’s carries Hiromu! Finlay aims for ropes!
Naito gets past Jake to save Hiromu, but then Jake BOOTS Naito down! Jake scrapes Naito out of the ring and goes after him, but Hiromu fireman’s carries Finlay! Hiromu runs at ropes and dumps Finlay out! Finlay stays on the apron but Hiromu SUPERKICKS! Finlay holds onto ropes and wobbles, but Hiromu builds speed! Hiromu DIVES and SUNSET FLIPS, but Finlay still holds on! Finlay throws down hands, gets back inside, he’s SAFE! Hiromu is also safe because he went through the second rope. Hiromu runs back in, but avoids Blue Thunder to wheelbarrow! But Finlay turns that into an IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER!
Hiromu writhes, the fans rally as hard as they can behind him, but Finlay drags Hiromu up. DOMINATOR! Cover, Naito breaks it! Jake stomps Naito and TOSSES him out! It was all second rope so Naito’s safe, but Finlay talks trash on Hiromu. Finlay drags Hiromu up, reels him in, suplexes, but Hiromu slips free! Finlay UPPERCUTS, and UPPERCUTS, and UPPERCUTS! Flashback to the 23rd! Hiromu just takes UPPERCUT after UPPERCUT from Finlay, but he doesn’t stop! Then he SUPERKICKS! Hiromu runs, but into another UPPERCUT! Finlay gets Hiromu up, but Hiromu RANAS Finlay up and out to ELIMINATE him!!
The fans are thunderous as The Rebel is shocked! Hiromu mocks him, but then Jake runs in! Hiromu gets under the boot to get under Jake! Jake fights Hiromu off, snarls, and then runs up! Hiromu dodges to kick a leg! Hiromu runs, but Jake kitchen sink knees! Jake takes aim, runs up, and FACE BREAK SHOT! Hiromu tumbles up and out and to the floor, Jake ELIMINATES him! And now, at 25 minutes in, we’re down to just Jake and just Naito! Naito slowly rolls into the ring as the fans rally behind him. Jake watches Naito stand, and the two stare down. Jake runs in but Naito dodges to fire off forearms!
Naito whips but Jake reverses to KNEE low! Jake fires up but fans boo as he stands Naito up. Jake reels Naito in for a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Naito protects the plate but Jake is aiming another heater! Jake waits as Naito stands, then winds up to choke grip! But Naito throws back elbows to get free! Naito then wrenches, TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up again while both men are down! Naito rises, he drags Jake up, and he throws those heavy back elbows! Jake crawls around, Naito brings him up, and Naito throws more heavy back elbows! Jake wobbles and staggers to the corner but Naito is right on him.
Naito brings Jake around for even more heavy back elbows! Jake falls over, the fans fire up, and Naito aims from the corner. Naito drags Jake up and in, but Jake BOOTS Naito down! Naito dangles off the apron! Red Shoes keeps the War Dogs from interfering, and Naito stands up. Jake aims, runs in, but Naito avoid the FBS! Naito drags Jake ot the apron, Jake elbows him back! Jake runs up, but into an ELBOW! Naito goes up and over, sweeps the legs, then BASEBALL SLIDE DROPKICKS! Jake falls, LIJ wins!!
Winners: Los Ingobernables de Japon, Naito as the lone survivor
It came down to the bottom of the ninth, technically speaking, and Naito just hit the walk-off homer! Jake is stunned and Finlay is frustrated, but Yota just smiles back at him. Finlay and Yota will have it out as part of Wrestling Dontaku Night One, who will be smiling then?
As for LIJ, they regroup in the ring and have their hands raised. Slyly’s even still hanging around! But uh, he’s a little too chunky to get in the ring, so he just settles for pumping up the crowd like he does at baseball games. Naito gets the mic to say that it was three months ago, the Splash Strong series back in January, since Naito was last in Hiroshima. Naito would like to thank the fans from coming here tonight, “Gracias, amigos.” The fans cheer, and Naito continues by saying, “Hiroshima is my second home. I really long to have a match at Mazda Stadium.” The fans love the sound of that!
Naito does preface that him saying that doesn’t mean there’s anything planned. So please, tranquilo, be patient, and look forward to the day that finally happens. So, shall they do it? The fans cheer again! So then, for the first time in Hiroshima Sun Plaza Hall in a year and eight months, is everyone ready? The fans cheer because they sure are! Well then, the only way to close The Road to Wrestling Dontaku here in Hiroshima… Bushi! Hiromu! Takagi! Titan! Yota! Slyly! Y Naito! NOSOTROS! LOS! INGOBERRRRNABLEEEES~! DE! JA! PON!! Slyly gets in on the roll call! Will all of LIJ have success as we reach Wrestling Dontaku next week?
My Thoughts:
A great event to conclude Road to Dontaku before getting to Wrestling Dontaku itself. An unfortunate change in the card, Sanada fell ill and could not compete, so his match alongside Taichi against Tanahashi & Tomoaki was changed into Tanahashi and a Young Lion VS Tomoaki and a Young Lion. Hopefully Cold Skull gets well soon. Great tag title match from TMDK VS GoD, and while I figured TMDK was going to retain, I didn’t think it’d be in a shady way like holding tights. While ZSJ VS Cobb for the NJPW World TV title is still to come, I doner of GoD shift gears and ELP becomes a singles guy so Leo and Loa can team up. Then ELP can challenge ZSJ in a battle of initials while the Brothers Guerrilla get to take on Shane & Mikey.
Great Rural Revitalization again, they managed to pull off great comeback spots each round. I was very surprised Yuya won out, I felt like Khan could’ve done one more Rural Revitalization before losing. But at the same time, Yuya feels like the unofficial fourth Reiwa Musketeer behind Narita, Shota & Tsuji. Yuya getting a title, any title, ahead of the others is good stuff for him, and could even bring about a feud with one of the Musketeers for the Summer. And then a great 10 Man Elimination Tag. I again really like that NJPW allows over the rope eliminations even in a tag match like this to really mix things up. Jake Lee not winning out for the War Dogs is really surprising, but I feel like that means Jake will defeat Naito 1v1.
My Score: 8.9/10
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It’s a violent end to a legendary friendship!
Former Best Friends, Trent Beretta & Chuck Taylor, have been through many Parking Lot Brawls, but this is their first time as enemies! Will there be broken bones to go along with the broken hearts?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Parking Lot Brawl: Trent Beretta VS Chuck Taylor; Trent wins.
- Thunder Rosa VS Deonna Purrazzo; Rosa wins.
- “Big Bill” Morrissey VS Trevor Blackwell; Bill wins.
- Katsuyori Shibata & Daniel Garcia VS Shane Taylor Promotions; Shibata & Garcia win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Parking Lot Brawl: Trent Beretta VS Chuck Taylor!
Years of friendship, thrown away, and why? Because #JustTrent had a problem with Freshly Squeezed having more success in AEW than them? Because #JustTrent had a problem with Cassidy as a person? Because #JustTrent turned out to be the selfish one in the relationship? Well, then will #JustTrent get his ass kicked? Or will he take advantage of how Chuckie T. is a Kentucky Gentleman?
Trent stares Chuck down while we hear the crowd of other wrestlers taunting him. Trent takes a swing, but Chuck dodges to fire off hands! The brawl is on, and Chuck gets the edge! Chuck ROCKS Trent, then SMACKS him off a car hood! And then off the car door! Chuck drags Trent up, but Trent RAMS Chuck into the car! And throat chops him just because! Trent gets space, runs back in, but Chuck dodges so Trent hits the passenger door! Chuck gets a trash can lid and he stands Trent up. Trent jumps through the open window but Chuck drags him back out. Trent kicks low, and he gives Chuck a CAR HOOD BACK SUPLEX!
Trent grabs the trash can lid, SMACKS Chuck right in the head and Chuck falls down! The crowd boos but Trent opens a car trunk to bring out a trash can, a dustpan and a baseball bat! Chuck storms up but Trent CHUCKS the trash can into Chuck’s face! Chuck flounders and Trent smirks. Trent SMACKS Chuck with the trash can, CLUBS him around, and Chuck is busted open! The white car has red polka dots on it now, and Trent talks trash, “This is what you wanted?!” Trent runs up, but Chuck POP UP POWERBOMBS Trent onto a car hood! Trent writhes, Chuck staggers around, and Chuck brings Trent around.
Chuck headlocks Trent before he SMACKS him off another car door. Trent goes around the back and then up onto a truck! Chuck follows, and he CLUBS Trent in the chest! But Trent slips under, and he CLAWS Chuck’s bloody face! Trent DECKS Chuck and Chuck falls through drywall sheets! Trent looms over Chuck as he crawls out of the wreckage. Trent stalks Chuck, brings him around and SMACKS him with the trash can lid! Trent hoists Chuck onto a car roof, SMACKS him again, then goes back to the truck. Trent climbs onto the roof of the truck, to FLYING ELBOW from car to car! Cover, TWO!!
Trent is furious, but Chuck is still in this as Rampage goes picture in picture.
Trent fumes, paces around, and goes back to the goodies. He brings out… Is that a screwdriver?! And he JABS Chuck in the head with it!! And then he DIGS it into Chuck’s forehead!! As if he wasn’t already bleeding badly!! Trent leaves Chuck behind, to fetch what looks to be a flat screen TV. Then he brings out a wood door!? Did someone visit Home Depot before coming here? Chuck CHOPS Trent in return then fires haymakers! Trent CLAWS Chuck’s face! Trent grabs that TV and CHUCKS it, only for Chuck to duck it! Rampage returns as TV screen hits windshield! Chuck kicks low to snap suplex Trent through the door!!
The crowd is losing its minds as Trent crawls. Chuck gets Trent’s legs, to CATAPULT him into the truck’s tailgate!! The crowd fires up while Chuck gets a sinister look on his face. Chuck takes a piece of that drywall to SMASH it on Trent! Chuck gets that trash can, he SMACKS Trent with it! Chuck sees the pile of extra goodies nearby, and he uncovers some light tubes! But first, he’ll clean up the mess, he SMACKS Trent with the dust pan! And SMACKS him again and again! And then one more shot with the trash can! Trent writhes, but Chuck drags Trent up. Chuck SMACKS Trent off the tailgate, then clears some space.
Chuck climbs up, but Trent ROCKET LAUNCHES him onto the light tubes!!! The tubes shatter under Chuck’s back! Trent sputters, he’s bloody now, too. Trent puts Chuck against the car hood and stands on him! Trent soaks up the heat, but Chuck TRIPS Trent! Trent writhes, Chuck reels Trent in, Canadian Rack, RAZOR’S EDGE onto a windshield!! Trent writhes while fans chant “HOLY CHUCK!” Chuck covers Trent on the hood, TWO!! Trent survives and hurries around the back of this sedan. Chuck snarls, goes up after Trent, and they meet on the roof. They’re both so bloody as they fire forearms back and forth!
The crowd cheers Chuck and boos Trent, and as the two swing wild, they end up HUGGING! You GOT to give the people what they want, right? They stand, Chuck ROCKS Trent and reels Trent in, but Trent LOW BLOWS!! Trent has Chuck now, PILEDRIVER ON THE CAR ROOF!!! And then, SNAKE BITE!! Trent is choking Chuck out!!! Chuck IS out, Trent wins!!
Winner: Trent Beretta, by submission
The Best Friends tore each other apart, but it is #JustTrent that stands tall in the end. He’s clearly lost the respect of his peers given how the other wrestlers are chanting “You Suck! You Suck!” But wait, Trent isn’t done? He has a monkey wrench!? Cassidy & Kris step forward to say no, this is going too far! Trent says this is all Cassidy’s fault! And SMASH, Trent hits Chuck’s leg with the wrench, and even shatters the glass behind it!! Chuck clutches the already recovering leg, and now Cassidy wants after Trent! Kris stops Cassidy, Trent’s still got the wrench! Trent escapes into the shadows of the arena, what darkness is living in Trent’s heart?
Don Callis is watching this.
And he seems to like the sadistic savagery he just witnessed. Trent may not have Best Friends anymore, but could he end up with a whole new family?
Backstage interview with Kyle O’Reilly.
Arkady Aura is with #CombatKyle and brings up his impressive showing in Dynamite’s Casino Gauntlet this past Wednesday. But we all want to know, what is next for her? Well, on Saturday, May 11th, AEW is coming to his hometown! Collision in Vancouver, British Columbia! The Rogers Arena, the same building an 11-year-old Kyle saw his first wrestling show ever. And at that show, Kyle told his dad that he was gonna do this one day. Papa O’Reilly said, “Oh yeah, sure you will, kid.” But somehow, Kyle pulled it off. 25 years later, he’s coming back home to do the one thing he’s ever been good at and that’s wrestling.
Kyle is going to take on the best wrestlers this world has to offer, right here in AEW, where the best wrestle. Kyle is ready for a fight, who will take him up on that in two weeks?
Thunder Rosa VS Deonna Purrazzo!
La Mera Mera and The Virtuosa could not coexist in the race for the AEW Women’s World Championship, and now they will Rampage against each other! Who will stand tall, ready for another shot at the title?
The bell rings and the fans rally up. Deonna and Rosa step up, talk a little trash, then Deonna pie faces Rosa! Rosa swings but Deonna catches the arm! Rosa avoids the takedown to knee low! They tie up again, go around and around, and Deonna puts Rosa in a corner. The ref counts, Rosa powers her way out but Deonna headlocks. Rosa powers up and out, but Deonna RAMS her! The two stay up, Deonna eggs Rosa on then kicks her low! Deonna whips, Rosa blocks the hip toss, but then Deonna blocks a hip toss! Rosa avoids the lariat to DECK Deonna! Rosa rains down fists but the ref reprimands.
Rosa sits Deonna up, clamps on a COBRA CLUTCH, and she grinds Deonna down. The fans rally but Deonna fights up. Deonna throws hands, then wrenches, but Rosa breaks free. Deonna BOOTS Rosa, then has the arm for the ARMBAR DDT! Deonna dusts herself off as she paces, then she KICKS Rosa’s arm. And KICKS it again! Rosa goes to ropes, Deonna pushes her down and ties her up in Paradise! Rosa is stuck, Deonna soaks up the cheers and jeers, and then runs to DROPKICK Rosa out of Paradise! Deonna stands Rosa up but Rosa ROCKS her first! Deonna stands, Rosa RAMS into her then bumps her off buckles.
Rosa goes up and up to leap, but Deonna blocks the rana and has a BOSTON CRAB! They’re in the ropes, the ref counts, and Deonna lets go. Rosa crawls to the corner, Deonna paces while soaking up the heat. Rosa stands, builds speed, and she WERCKS Deonna with a dropkick! Rosa fires up despite the pain in her back, and she kicks Deonna. Deonna stands, Rosa CHOPS her against the post! And CHOPS her again! Deonna ducks, Rosa chops post! Deonna SUPERKICKS Rosa down, and Rampage goes picture in picture.
Deonna steps on Rosa’s face, steps away, and Rosa staggers up to railing. Deonna storms up but Rosa kicks her low. Rosa then runs Deonna side to side to POST her! But then Deonna RAMS Rosa into apron! And SMACKS her off it! Deonna snarls, brings Rosa around, and she puts Rosa in the ring. Cover, TWO! Deonna clamps onto Rosa to pull her arms in, for a straitjacket stretch! Rosa endures, fights up, but Deonna turns that into a BACKSTABBER! Cover, TWO! Rosa is still in this, and she is feeding off the energy of the fans! Rosa stands, and she ELBOWS Deonna! And body shots! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS again!
Rosa has Deonna in a corner to UPPERCUT! Rosa runs corner to corner and back again, but Deonna dodges! Rosa POSTS herself and falls to the apron! Deonna storms back over, brings Rosa up and wraps the bad arm against ropes! The ref counts, Deonna KICKS the ropes as she lets off, and Rosa clutches the elbow. Deonna returns but Rosa RAMS into her! Deonna CLUBS Rosa, has her in a corner, and HEADBUTTS the lower back as Rampage goes to break.
Rampage returns and Deonna runs in, but into an ELBOW! And then a BOOT! Rosa goes up to MISSILE DROPKICK! The fans fire up with Rosa as she rises up! Deonna runs in, Rosa dodges to fire forearm after forearm! Deonna shoves, Rosa ENZIGIRIS! Rosa runs, to SHOTGUN BOOT! Deonna flounders to ropes, Rosa pounds the mat and the fans rally again. Rosa runs side to side to DROPKICK again! Cover, TWO!! Deonna toughs it out while Rosa shakes out her arm. Rosa drags Deonna up, but Deonna SOBATS! Deonna runs to KNEE LIFT and RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Deonna wants the Fujiwara but Rosa rolls free!
Deonna BOTOS Rosa down, covers, TWO! Rosa is still in this and the fans rally up. Deonna is frustrated but she fireman’s carries Rosa. Rosa fires elbows, waistlocks, but Deonna pries the hold open! Deonna waistlocks, Rosa victory rolls and STOMP 182! The fans rally up again and Rosa covers, TWO! Deonna stays in this but Rosa stays on her. Rosa drags Deonna to a drop zone, goes to a corner and climbs. But Deonna rises and catches the leap! FUJIWARA ARMBAR!! Rosa endures, reaches out, pushes Deonna over to get a REAR NAKED CHOKE!! Deonna is in the body scissors but she fights around!
Deonna rises, to BACKPACK SENTON! Deonna is free, the fans fire up, and Deonna brings Rosa back up. Deonna SLAPS Rosa, then reels her in! Gotch Hold, but Rosa jackknife bridges! TWO, Deonna sunset flips, TWO! Prawn hold, TWO! FUJIWARA!! Rosa rolls it to a cradle, ROSA WINS!!
Winner: Thunder Rosa, by pinfall
Deonna thought she had the perfect formula but Rosa says she just beat her at wrestling! But then Deonna CLOBBERS Rosa at the ramp! The fans boo but Deonna drags Rosa up to RAM her into the bleachers! Rosa slumps down, but Deonna digs her boot in! Deonna SLAPS Rosa around, tells the ref to shut up, and she SLAPS Rosa more! So Rosa SLAPS back! They brawl on stage and then out to the ledge of the upper level! The fans fire up as they keep going! Security rushes in, the fans boo, but Deonna flips Rosa off! It seems nothing was settled here, will these two look to go Double or Nothing?
Backstage interview with The Undisputed Kingdom.
Arkady Aura is with Roderick Strong, Matt Taven & Mike Bennett as she notes Will Ospreay is the NEW #1 Contender to the AEW International Championship. Taven says hold on, before we get started here, “Not Lexy,” as three guys who care deeply about neck health, and as two guys who nursed someone from the brink of paralysis (aka Roddy), The Kingdom wishes a very speedy recovery to “the world’s greatest boss. TK, stay strong, buddy.” Roddy then shouts that “WILL… Ospreay. Congratulations, you did it! You have signed, sealed and delivered the downfall, demise and destruction of The Aerial Assassin at Double or Nothing.”
Roddy says the world can sing Ospreay’s praises, but none of that matters when you step in the ring with Roddy. Just like all the ones before, Roddy will dismantle Ospreay, he will BREAK Ospreay, and he will make Ospreay fall in front of The Savior of the Backbreaker. Roddy’s confidence is strong, but will Roddy be the one feeling the End of Heartache after taking on the #BillyGOAT?
“Big Bill” Morrissey VS Trevor Blackwell!
The human skyscraper says he wants to sit under the Learning Tree, but Chris Jericho’s gonna need a bigger tree if he’s to give guidance to Big Bill. Will Bill prove he is worthy of The Wizard’s sage advice?
The moment Bill is in the ring, he SPLASHES Trevor right in the corner! The bell rings, Bill runs to BOOT Trevor down! Trevor flounders around, Bill runs corner to corner and SPLASHES again! Trevor flops around, Bill wants Jericho to watch this. Bill said he’d show Jericho he is worthy, and we do see Jericho watching backstage, holding the FTW Championship on his shoulder and oddly still wearing a #LionHook shirt… Jericho nods as Bill CLUBS Trevor on the back! Bill then tells Jericho to watch him! Scoop and BIG BOSS SLAM!! Cover, but Bill lets off! Bill wags his finger, he wants Jericho to see more.
Bill brings Trevor up, reels him in, and short arm LARIATS! Cover, but again Bill lets off! Bill is having too much fun at poor Trevor’s expect. Bill says Jericho’s gonna wanna teach him. Bill hoists Trevor up for the SKYSCRAPER CHOKE SLAM!! One foot cover, a very Jericho move, and Bill wins!
Winner: “Big Bill” Morrissey, by pinfall
Trev might want to change his last name to Well-done, because he got roasted. Bill wants Jericho’s guidance, does he even need it when he can do all this?
BREAKING NEWS for Rampage!
Rampage won’t be following up Collision next week but it also won’t be back on Friday just yet. For AEW’s return to Canada, Rampage is going to be BACK TO BACK with Dynamite! Get ready for a truly All Elite Wednesday!
Katsuyori Shibata & Daniel Garcia VS Shane Taylor Promotions!
The Wrestler said during Collision earlier tonight that he was going to take on Shane Taylor Promotions by himself if he had to, but then the Dragonslayer offered his help. Now they’re both going to take on #TAIGASTYLE and Big Bad Shaney T. himself! Garcia wears basic trunks and boots to match Shibata, will The Wrestlers win out? Or will STP rumble, bad man, rumble?
The moment all four men are in the ring, Shibata CLOBBERS Lee Moriarty and then he and Garcia both go after Shane! The fans fire up as they stomp and kick Shane right out of the ring! Then they go out to keep after him! Shibata whips and BOOTS Shane into railing! Garcia fires off on Lee, then Shibata adds an UPPERCUT! Shibata whips and BOOTS Lee against railing! Garcia stomps Shane, Shibata snap suplexes Lee to the floor! Shibata leaves them behind to go into the ring and sit cross-legged! Garcia sits with him! The fans fire up and the two go out again. The brawling continues but Shane throws heavy hands!
Lee ROCKS Garcia, Shane puts Shibata in, and Shane storms in after Shibata. Lee sends Garcia into railing, but Shibata fires hands on Shane! Shibata KICKS and KICKS, but Shane blocks the boot! Shane JABS Shibata and Shibata falls back! Shane talks trash, the fans boo, but Shane drags Shibata up. Shane HEADBUTTS Shibata, tags Lee, and they mug Shibata. Lee stomps a mudhole in, lets off as the ref counts, but he sneaks mule kicks on Shibata the whole time! Shibata trips Lee, stomps him, but Lee gets up to RAM into Shibata! Lee brings Shibata around, suplexes, but Shibata slips free to waistlock!
Lee elbows free, kicks, but Shibata blocks! Lee KNEES Shibata but Garcia tags in! Shibata BOOTS Lee, Garcia LARIATS! Garcia DROPKICKS Shane, gets around Lee, TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! And then another TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Garcia brings Lee up again but Lee suplexes! Garcia slips free, spins Lee and kicks low, to then TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! The trifecta is complete and the fans fire up! Garcia storms up on Lee, brings him up, and UPPERCUTS! The fans rally for Garcia, he CHOPS Lee to ropes. And CHOPS Lee against ropes! Garcia runs, but Shane trips him! Lee distracts the ref so Shane can DRAPING DDT to the floor!
Shibata protests but Lee mocks him by sitting cross-legged. The ring count climbs, Garcia drags himself up at 3 of 10, slides in at 5, but Lee stomps Garcia at the ropes! Lee drags Garcia up, bumps him off buckles, then tags Shane. Shane pushes Garcia against the buckles, to then CHOP! Garcia seethes and he fires forearm son Shane! The fans fire up, Garcia throws more shots, then leaps, but into Shane’s arms! Shane RAMS Garcia into a corner, then CHOPS! Shane runs up, but Garcia BOOTS! Garcia spins, but Shane ROCKS him first! And URENAGES! And then SPLASHES down! Cover, TWO!
Shane seethes but he keeps Garcia from Shibata, and Rampage goes picture in picture.
Shane mocks Garcia’s dance, drags him up, but Garcia CHOPS! Garcia staggers, but Shane fires body shots in the corner! Shane ROCKS Garcia, tags Lee, and STP mugs Garcia. Garcia flounders to ropes, Lee CHOKES him! The ref counts, Lee steps away, and he stomps Garcia around. Lee wraps an arm around the ropes, then fishhooks Garcia! The ref counts, Lee lets off, and Garcia feeds off the energy of the fans. Lee brings Garcia up but Garcia fires forearm sand CHOPS! Lee gets around, and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Cover, TWO! Garcia stays in this but Lee stays on him with a wrench. Tag to Shane, and Lee hooks Garcia up in a COBRA TWIST, just so Shane can KNEE Garcia down!
Shane has Garcia on ropes, ROCKS him with a forearm, then scoops him for SNAKE EYES! Garcia slumps down in the corner, Shane drags him back up, and TOSSES him out! Shane goes out to then put Garcia against railing. Shane ROCKS Garcia, talks trash on fans, then brings Garcia around to scoop and SLAM him to the floor! Shane talks more trash on the fans, Lee has him cool off, and Shane brings Garcia up again. Shane puts Garcia in, tags Lee, and then Lee clamps on with a top wristlock and stretches Garcia out! Garcia endures, turns to fight the pressure, but Lee CLUBS him down. Lee drags Garcia up, tags Shane, and Shane scoop SLAMS!
Shane runs to SPLASH Garcia again! Rampage returns to single picture, Shane drags Garcia to a drop zone, and he goes up a corner. The fans boo but Shane blows them a kiss. FALLING SPLASH FLOPS as Garcia moves! T he fans fire up, but Lee KICKS him down! Lee hurries back and tags in, then he drags Garcia up. Lee wrenches, wristlocks, but Garcia endures. Lee SNAPS the fingers! The fans boo Lee being so villainous, but he drags Garcia up. Lee bumps Garcia off buckles, Shane holds Garcia up, but Garcia fights free with boots and haymakers and elbows! The fans fire up, Garcia sends Lee into Shane!
Lee hurries to waistlock but Garcia switches, SAIDO! The fans are thunderous as Lee and Garcia crawl! Hot tags to Shane and Shibata! Shibata BOOTS Shane! Shane roars, Shibata runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges and BOOTS! Shibata whips to BOOT Shane in the corner! Shibata fires forearms, the ref counts, but Lee runs up. Shibata DECKS him! Garcia RAMS Lee into a corner, climbs up, and while Shibata fires forearms on Shane, Garcia rains down fists! Garcia goes all the way to nine, then DOES HIS DANCE! Shibata and Garcia coordinate, DOUBLE HYDRAULIC DROPKICKS! The fans fire up and Garcia stands Shane up. Shibata runs in to BOOT!
Shibata CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS Shane, then CHOPS, CHOPS and JABS! Garcia does his dance while Shibata JABS and CHOPS to the rhythm! The fans are loving this, as now Garcia runs in to KNEE Shane! Shibata & Garcia get Shane up, to DOUBLE SUPLEX!! Cover, ONE?!? Shane has power to spare, but Garcia BOOTS him! Shibata BOOTS him! They go again, but this time Shane DOUBLE SUPLEXES them!! The fans boo but Shane tags in Lee. Lee runs up to clothesline Shibata, and JAB! And CHOP! JAB! CHOP! JAB! CHOP! Shibata just scowls at Lee! Lee says okay, and he fires more JABS and CHOPS!
Shibata steps into the shots, so Lee eggs him on! Shibata ROCKS Lee! Shane runs up, HEADBUTTS, then Lee HALF HATCH SLAMS! Cover, TWO!! Shibata toughs it out and STP grows frustrated. Lee drags Shibata up, kicks then waistlocks, but Shibata fights the lift! Shane storms in, helps Lee put on the full nelson, and Shane promises to knock Shibata out! But Shibata BOOTS Shane first! Garcia jumps on for a SLEEPER! Shibata switches on Lee for a SLEEPER!! The fans fire up as STP start fading out! Shane fires up to RAM Garcia into buckles! But Shibata BOOTS him! And Garcia SAIDOS!! Shibata PENALTY KICKS Lee!! Cover, The Wrestlers win!
Winners: Katsuyori Shibata & Daniel Garcia, by pinfall
Shibata helps Garcia stand up, and Garcia is proud to have won alongside one of his heroes! And with the fans cheering him on, Garcia sets up… to DO HIS DANCE! Will this momentum help Shibata avenge Hook and take that FTW Championship off of Chris Jericho? Or will The Learning Tree have some things to teach Shibata?
My Thoughts:
A great Rampage here, though I was oddly more excited when I thought it was just Deonna VS Rosa and the Parking Lot Brawl. But even so, at least Bill squashing a dude was used in story. He was showing off, he’ll surely have Jericho’s blessing if he helps defeat Shibata on Dynamite, but a part of me almost wants this to be all a trap. Bill was teammates with Ricky Starks in a feud against Jericho, and if Jericho is being obliviously arrogant then maybe Bill is using that against Jericho, too. But either way, let’s just hope this story helps Bill get going rather than slow him down like the #JerichoVortex has always done.
The Parking Lot Brawl was moving maybe a bit fast for me, especially with how there were some obvious spots already set up when they arrived, such as the drywall draped across the truck bed. But they surely got bloody, and in the end, Trent won out because he was willing to sink to the lowest low. And then they’ve written Chuck off again with that monkey wrench to the shin, so Cassidy VS Trent is definitely a Double or Nothing match. And something is just telling me that if Kris is gonna turn out to be the villain in the Willow Nightingale story, she’s probably gonna screw Cassidy over to help Trent, too.
Really good match from Deonna VS Rosa, and with Rosa getting a quick pin then that brawl, we’re clearly getting more out of them. Good promo from Kyle O’Reilly to hype AEW’s newest Canada tour, and good promo from The Kingdom to tie in their old Neck Health Awareness gag to the Tony Khan piledriver angle. Roddy calling out Ospreay, I would definitely think Ospreay wins the title at Double or Nothing. And really good tag main event from Shibata & Garcia VS Shane Taylor Promotions. STP keeps getting great showings even in losing, but Lee took the loss here to keep Shane himself strong. Great win for Shibata but this just adds to the go-home math where Jericho retains the FTW Championship on Dynamite.
My Score: 8.7/10
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