Coverage

Andrew’s AJPW Desire to Deliver to the World Results & Ratings 4.30

We haven’t had many puro events during these times; but AJPW brings everyone something to take their mind off the pandemic!

Published

5 years ago

May 2, 2020

Andrew Balaz

We haven’t had many puro events during these times; but AJPW brings everyone something to take their mind off the pandemic!

This is the first AJPW show in a little over 3 weeks. As the title implies, wrestling fills a void and delivers a message to many; so this is All Japan’s desire to provide something for everyone struggling. Speaking of struggling, if All Japan is something that peaks your interest, help them out and subscribe to their streaming service. Less than 10 bucks and you can catch up with all the modern action!

No real big storylines, if anything this will probably feel like the first night of a tour schedule where the cogs just start to get into motion.

We do have a title match to look forward to though! The All Asia Tag belts will be defended against AJPW’s Ace, Kento Miyahara, and his fan favorite partner, Francesco Akira. A little on the thrown together side; but it should be interesting if the Ace can help to elevate his young partner towards championship gold.

AJPW Ratings:

Black Menso-re vs Yuma Aoyagi: Aoyagi wins via Huricanarana Reversal @8:25 – ** 1/2
Purple Haze (Izanagi & Zeus) vs JIN (Jake Lee & Koji Iwamoto ): Jake wins via Giant Killing @8:45 – ***
Shuji Ishikawa & Yusuke Okada vs Jun Akiyama & Tajiri: Tajiri wins via Jacknife Cradle @9:40 – ** 1/4
Yoshitatsu & Dan Tamura vs Evolution (Suwama & Hikaru Sato): Sato wins via Ude-Hishigi-Gyaku-Juji-Gatame @13:00 – ***
Yoshitatsu vs Suwama: Yoshitatsu wins via Disqualification @3:10 – ***
Shotaro Ashino & Yusuke Kodama vs Takao Omori & Hokuto Omori: Ashino wins via Ankle Lock @9:25 – ***
All Asia Tag Team Championship: Yankee Two Kenju (Isami Kuroda & Yukoh Miyamoto) vs Kento Miyahara & Francesco Akira: Miyamoto retains via Thrust Kick Cradle Counter @24:15 – ****

AJPW Results:

Black Menso-re vs Yuma Aoyagi

Okay, so I wasn’t expecting a match this competitive. Menso-re is pretty popular amongst fans because of his SHA-SHA, but he’s mostly used in comedy or lower card matches. Menso-re came out energetic, cut off Yuma a few times, hit a few SHA Eye Pokes, sprinkles of Three Stooges style comedy…but actually decent wrestling.

Menso-re had a great flurry at the end, with 4 different roll up attempts, a Super Kick, then a Hurricanrana, that Yuma continued the momentum and it became a cradle pinfall for himself. It was fun, but definitely a little head scratching that someone who had a Triple Crown match at the beginning of this year, was almost beaten in the opening match by a perennial undercard wrestler.

This is the first All Japan show I’ve watched in a little bit since Corona killed the Champion Carnival. But they are doing post and pre-match interviews…which is interesting. Granted they aren’t subtitled in English, so it’s just interesting to see the dynamic between personalities and teammates.

Purple Haze (Izanagi & Zeus) vs JINJ (Jake Lee & Koji Iwamoto )

I noticed this the last time I covered All Japan, but Zeus and Izanagi rush the ring again. Purple Haze has changed Zeus from being the sauntering body builder, to really trying to get the jump in matches, but always picking the Alpha opponent.

Jake and Zeus are gold. They both have main event looks and skillsets to boot. Izanagi and Iwamoto brought the junior style speed and flair to their interactions, but this was just a fun match. Purple Haze has yet to really find their groove…and it almost feels like Izanagi is part of the problem.

Only small flub during the match was when Zeus was supposed to pull the referee out, but his grip must’ve slipped cause it looked more like a quick tug. He then pulled her further to the edge, but did enough to interrupt the count.

Izanagi eating the pin and causing the miscommunication with the chair could be an avenue to his exit of the group eventually. Unless they get on a roll, I can see a few members getting kicked.

Shuji Ishikawa & Yusuke Okada vs Jun Akiyama & Tajiri

Two veteran names most wrestling fans should know, go against the honorary member of Evolution and the junior member. This will be a good test for Okada, since he’s shown some growth over the last year or so since returning from injury, but he’s still fairly green.

As expected, the youngest wrestler did most of the work. Akiyama had a few short stints with Ishikawa, which went poorly for Akiyama. Not sure if that will ignite some kind of flame for him to maybe challenge Ishikawa or Violence Giant at some point; but it was a fun match up.

Ishikawa and Okada had the match in hand, but Okada went for one Diving Headbutt too many, Tajiri moved, and managed to roll himself into victory thanks to a Jacknife cover. Decent match, that will hopefully aid in Okada’s growth and not beat him down too much.

Yoshitatsu & Dan Tamura vs Evolution (Suwama & Hikaru Sato)

Yoshitatsu calls Suwama out to start the match with. This could be a great opportunity since Suwama is not only the newly crowned Triple Crown Champion, he’s also one half of the World Tag Team champions. So we’ve got some great potential for Yoshitatsu. Let’s also not forget that Sato is the number one contender for the Junior title, so this is a really uphill battle for Tatsu and Tamura.

This match goes how we’d expect. Yoshitatsu holds his own at different points, but Tamura is the liability when he gets in. Sato works over the younger wrestler, and Yoshitatsu and Suwama do their own thing. As the match ends with the young boy tapping out to Sato, an interesting development happens.

Yoshitatsu grabs a mic, and demands a singles match. Suwama slides in to be met by a Dropkick, but eventually after a scuffle, they actually start an impromptu singles match.

Yoshitatsu vs Suwama

This was short, but very cool. Yoshitatsu took some early control with well placed strikes, facewashes and some solid work…but he awoke the sleeping giant. Suwama snapped! Fight goes to the outside, Suwama starts lightning up Yoshitatsu with chair, and then locks in the Manriki Sleeper, but while he’s under the bottom rope.

The referee counts to five twice before throwing out the match. Suwama pushes off everyone, including Sato, and just stays pretty pissed off. Angry Suwama is an interesting wrinkle. Also this reminded me that Yoshitatsu is still the Gaora TV champion and the Corona Premier Intercontinental champion.

Post-match interview with Suwama was quite animated. Shuji Ishikawa came over, and had the body language of “get a load of that guy” and since my Japanese is limited, I know Suwama called him different flavors of stupid multiple times. But we’re probably headed towards Yoshitatsu being Suwama’s first title defense in this seventh reign of his.

Shotaro Ashino & Yusuke Kodama vs Takao Omori & Hokuto Omori

Ashino’s mystery partner turned out to be his for Enfates Terribles stable mate, Yusuke Kodama. Maybe this is a slow hint at Ashino trying to put the stable back together in All Japan?

This was the perfect match to establish Ashino and Kodama. They took to heel tactics, they looked dominant over the All Japan veteran and rookie. As an exhibition match for why Ashino was such a big achievement, this worked fairly well.

After the match Ashino calls Kodama his best tag partner, throws out an open challenge – to which Jake Lee takes it personally. He approaches the ring, Jake and Ashino have words, and we all know what that means. This will be a great initial AJPW viewing of Jake and Ashino establishing who is the one right behind Kento.

All Asia Tag Team Championship: Yankee Two Kenju (Isami Kuroda & Yukoh Miyamoto) vs Kento Miyahara & Francesco Akira

This is a really a fun glimpse at the future. Miyahara is the Ace, we all know that; but Akira is a fan favorite in the Junior division. All Japan’s favorite little Italian young wrestler. So if the Ace and a fan favorite Junior can work together, the fans would rejoice. Can the veteran champions rebuke the throw together team?

Akira starts things off, but Kento takes an early tag; giving the All Japan team a solid advantage. Kento is a demi-god, so everyone knew if Yankee Two Kenju wanted to win, they had to beat Akira. It takes a good long while before a situation reveals itself for the champions.

Kento and Akira hit a few tandem knee strikes, good teamwork and general fluidity. Yankee Two really had to pick and choose their positions. When they had to deal with Kento, there was usually a lot of failure; the same can’t be said about Akira. Yankee Two had struggles, but generally handled Akira better, especially since he’s closer to their size.

We see a big run at the end where both teams hit a few moves. Yankee Two, wipe out Kento with a Dive to the outside…but Akira is in control. He goes up top, hits a Diving Meteora, cradles the legs – but at TWO – Kuroda hits a Thrust Kick in Akira’s face, reversing the cradle and giving Yankee Two Kenju the retention.

Really fun match, that helped to elevate Akira as a pretty damn good wrestler and not just a lovable underdog.

Overall Score: 6.5/10

The show was fun, and it’s nice to get some Japanese wrestling during these weird quarantine times. Granted, it may have been fun, but it wasn’t really a large scale feeling show. We got a few great moving pieces, like Ashino and Jake Lee, Yoshitatsu getting under Suwama’s skin and Akira looking pretty great in defeat.

It also can’t be overlooked that this is a bad run for Kento. After tying Kawada’s Triple Crown title defense record, he loses the title and now loses an All Asia Tag challenge. Though not pinned, it can’t be overlooked that he’s not on the positive end of the outcome.

All Japan would definitely benefit from Ashino, Zeus and Jake Lee rising to prominence this year; instead of riding everything on Kento Miyahara. Hopefully they can mitigate the damage the quarantine is having, and still be able to tour and have solid names.

About Chairshot Radio Network

Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!

MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)

WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)

THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)

FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)

SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast

SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast

CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5

Classic POD is WAR

Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!

All Shows On Demand

Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

Up Next

NOAH WEEKLY NEWSLETTER VOL.82 ~ 3RD MAY 2020

Don't Miss

Mitchell’s WWE 205 Live Results & Report! (5/1/20)

Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE Evolve Results & Report! (6/4/25)

History evolves once more!

Published

16 hours ago

June 5, 2025

Steven Mitchell

Who will stand atop Evolve as THE champion?

Jackson Drake, Keanu Carver, Edris Enofe or Sean Legacy. After tonight, only one will be known as the INAUGURAL WWE Evolve Champion!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Jin Tala VS Carlee Bright; Jin wins.
WWE Evolve Championship Fatal 4 Way Elimination Match: Sean Legacy VS Edris Enofe VS Keanu Carver VS Jackson Drake; Drake wins and is the inaugural WWE Evolve Champion.

PLAY BY PLAY

Kali Armstrong is here!

The fans cheer the INAUGURAL WWE Evolve Women’s Champion as she goes to the ring, mic in her hand and belt on her shoulder. The fans chant, “You Deserve It!” and Kali says, “Oh yeeeeeah! I told y’all! The first-ever Evolve Women’s Champion, Kali Armstrong. Hey, I like the way that sounds. How ’bout y’all? You like the way that sounds?” The fans cheer, and Kali says she did what she said she was gonna do. She has been here for a year and a half, and this is what she’s on. They say it gets harder from here, but that’s fine. She ain’t ducking any of these chicks!

Kali is ready to go at it with each and every one of them, so that when she gets to NXT, they’ll know who the Difference Maker is. She is at the top of the Evolve Women’s Division, so she wants to know: Who is her first challenger? And out walks Zayda Steel. She tells Kali that seriously, she wants to be the first to congratulate the first-ever WWE Evolve Women’s Champion! Give it up for Kali, everybody! The fans do cheer, and Zayda says that Fatal 4 Way was a classic. But she realized something: They have a lot in common! They are both history makers! Kali is the first champion, and everyone already knows this, but Zayda is the first WWE ID prospect.

So from one difference maker to another, Zayda just wants to say… Kali is luck. Huh? But wait! Zayda is interrupted by Nikkita Lyons! Lyons tells Kali, “Hey, girl! Congratulations, new champ! I’m Big Kat Kita, but you already knew that. But it’s so good to meet you, for real. Like, I’m really honored to meet you. But I already talked with Stevie Turner, and I told her that once they crown a new champ to call me. So here I am.” Lyons stops Zayda before she says anything to say Zayda is cute, and she does like her. But when it comes to gold, Lyons is not afraid to pounce.

Kali tells them they’re both doing a lot of big talking, but they’re doing nothing to prove they want this title. Lyons says, “Bet.” And then Lyons & Zayda jump Kali! The fans boo as they mug her 2v1! Kali shoves Lyons, kicks Zayda, then fires hands! But Lyons THROAT CHAKRA KICKS Kali down! Zayda rains down fists, but wait! Here comes Natalya! The fans fire up as the Queen of Harts rushes out here! She dodges Lyons, TACKLES Zayda, and she has the legs! Lyons drags Zayda to safety and Natty stares them down. The fans cheer Natty and she makes sure Kali is alright. Kali is a bit salty even here as she snatches the belt back, but will The BOAT help her sink Lyons & Zayda?

Carlee Bright has been attacked!

That makes three women in about as many weeks! And this is right before her match tonight! A ref calls in medical, and all Carlee knows is someone shoved her into the chair rack. Just who is it stalking Evolve stars and taking them out?

Evolve returns and…

Stevie Turner is with Carlee and a WWE medical trainer. Stevie apologizes that this has happened, this shouldn’t be happening here in Evolve. Carlee doesn’t blame Stevie, and insists she can go. Stevie asks who did it but Carlee says they were in a black hoodie, and it was a drive-by attack. The doc says there are no serious injuries, so it is up to Carlee. Carlee says she will compete. Stevie says, “If you’re sure, girl.”

Keanu Carver speaks.

“Tonight means something to me, man. Those other three? They just want the glory, the prestige, the fame. Nah, that ain’t me. For me, that title is my ticket out. And I’ll be damned if I go back to the streets of DC. Y’all don’t get what I had to do to get here. So when I step into that ring with them three, I’ma beat the brakes off them boys! From the streets of DC to the Evolve Championship, I’ma show y’all what I’m about! Then y’all gonna remember the name, Keanu Carver.”

Sean Legacy speaks.

With Timothy Thatcher by his side, Super Sean says, “This is it, this is it. My moment. Eight long years for this. Eight long years.” Sean says Timothy taught him everything. Timothy says Sean is ready. Sean says damn right he’s ready! It’s time for Sean to create his legacy!

Jin Tala VS Carlee Bright!

Another prospect from LFG is ready to Evolve! Will “The Detonator” have an explosive debut? Or will Evolve’s future still be Bright?

The bell rings and the two circle. The fans rally, the two tie up, Jin goes for the bad arm but Carlee pushes Jin away. They go again, and Jin goes after the bad arm. Jin double wristlocks, pushes on it, and pushes on it again! Carlee endures, but Jin hits a double wristlock takedown! Cover, ONE, but Jin stays on the arm. Carlee fights up, Jin wrenches, but Carlee slips through to wrench back. Carlee trips Jin, steps over, and LA MAGISTROL! ONE, but Carlee arm-drags! Carlee keeps on Jin’s arm but Jin fights up. The fans rally, Jin moves around, but Carlee wrenches and hammerlocks. Jin reaches back and switches the hammerlock!

Carlee switches, sunset flips, TWO! Carlee DROPKICKS Jin! The fans rally, Carlee whips but Jin blocks! Jin reverses, Carlee goes up and up to CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Carlee hurries to facelock Jin, Jin scoops, but Carlee fights to keep the arm. Jin wrenches and WRINGS Carlee’s arm! Jin KNEES and UPPERCUTS the bad arm, then gives it a CODE BREAKER! Cover, TWO! Carlee toughs it out but Jin stays on that arm. The fans rally as Jin traps both arms in a modified butterfly! Carlee endures, fights up, but Jin powers those arms back again! Carlee refuses to give up and she stands again! Jin shifts to a ghost pin, TWO!

Carlee has a leg, Jin kicks her away, and Jin runs up. Carlee dodges, ELBOWS, and then ELBOWS again! The fans rally, Carlee ducks ‘n’ dodges, tilt-o-whirls, but Jin dumps her out! Carlee still headlocks for a BULLDOG! Cover, TWO! Jin stays in this and Carlee shakes out her bad arm. The fans rally as Carlee facelocks, but Jin powers out! Carlee blocks a kick, spins Jin, and CODE BREAKER! Carlee sets up, STANDING MOONSAULT, but Jin dodges! Jin steps over onto the arm for a STANDING ARMBAR!! The “Bakunawa Bind!” Carlee TAPS, Jin wins!

Winner: Jin Tala, by submission

Carlee tried to fight at less than 100% and it cost her! Will Jin Tala’s technical skill be just the thing to make her a star?

Evolve shares footage from last week.

It was after the Women’s Championship Elimination Match that Kylie Rae returned backstage, only to be attacked by Wendy Choo! They brawled and Wendy would get the advantage by throwing Kylie into the garage door, and then throwing a garbage can onto Kylie! Refs broke that up, but will nothing stop wicked Wendy from having her revenge?

Chuey Martinez talks with Kylie Rae.

He says Wendy is still haunting her, and Kylie says ever since coming to Evolve, Wendy keeps sticking her nose in Kylie’s business. Sure, Wendy won those two singles matches, but Kylie eliminating Wendy should’ve ended it. And Kylie hates to admit this, but Wendy is the only person here that makes Kylie not so smiley. And after last week, Kylie is so ready to- Chantel Monroe says Kylie should call it quits. Kylie gets on Chantel’s nerves no matter if she’s smiley or angry. Chantel storms off, but both Masyn Holiday & Layla Diggs say pay that no mind. Chantel’s mirror is the only thing that shows the real her.

The Vanity Project hypes up Jackson Drake.

Ricky Smokes says Jackson has nothing to worry about! Who even knows if that was the real Lince Dorado anyway? Who trusts someone that wears a mask? Smokes gives Bryce Donovan a pat on the chest and Bryce smacks him back. Brad Baylor tells Jackson that he is the Wild Card, Heartbreak Drake! Do they all think he’s gonna be the first Evolve Champion? Hundos fo’ sho’, bro! Jackson is the future! Zayda adds that The Vanity Project is the future. Jackson says that’s right, and he’s known that since he was 13 years old when he first stepped into a wrestling ring and never looked back.

Jackson tells they all know he’s the Wild Card and Heartbreak Drake, but after tonight, the world is going to know him as the first-ever WWE Evolve Champion! The Vanity Project is ready, but will the Carolina Reaper take the title home? Or will the odds be against him?

Edris Enofe speaks.

“Man, been waiting for this moment for a long, long time. I came back from a gruesome shoulder injury, and it hurt. It hurt for real. But what hurt me even worse was the fact that I couldn’t compete in front of each and every one of y’all. But now things change. Things will be different now. Because tonight, I change the entire WWE Universe’s mind. Tonight, I go from Edris Enofe the tag team wrestler to Edris Enofe the singles superstar! Tonight, Edris Enofe, the Epitome of Excellence, the EOE becomes the first-ever WWE Men’s Evolve Champion!”

The High Ryze is here!

Wes Lee leads the way for Tyson Dupont & Tyriek Igwe and fans boo. Wes has the mic, and he says, “Now, I can bet that none of y’all expected to see me out here on Evolve. Look, that’s understandable, especially with the boys out here dominating completely on their own the past couple of weeks, I haven’t had any reason to. But see, last week, I wanted to come to Evolve and get a better understanding of what it’s all about. They call this the evolution of professional wrestling or something like that. When I walk around and talk to the kids in the locker room, I can see it. They have big dreams, a lot of potential, and they have a lot of hope that one day they are going to become the next big thing.”

Wes laughs, and then apologizes. It isn’t funny, it’s just cute. It is! It’s okay! But see, he was the same way. Once upon a time, he wanted to come into they business and make it the best that he possibly could. He wanted to change the world, and he did! The fans do cheer that. Wes says when he walks around here, what he really sees is that they’re all naive, maybe even delusional, to think that they’re going to steal Wes’s spot one day! He has busted his ass, broken his back, all for this business, and has barely scratched the surface. Look: a Dusty Cup Winner, two-time NXT Tag Team Champion, and the greatest North American Champion ever, and he’s not even done!

So to everyone in Evolve right now, listen very closely. WES is the gatekeeper now! You wanna make it to NXT? You gotta make it through him! Well, hold on, because here come Cappuccino Jones & Jack Cartwheel! The fans cheer for “CAAA-PPUCCINO! CAAA-PPUCCINO!” Jones tells Wes that he sees what Wes is “brewing up.” Tyson & Tyriek are impressive, and Wes’s mentorship is paying off. Wes asks why Jones is out here. Or do the barista and his buddy want a rematch? Wes is sure the boys are fine beating them up one more time. Jones says he and Cartwheel aren’t here for a tag match. Jones wants a match… with Wes!

Wes is calling himself a gatekeeper, and sure, he has been the Human Highlight Reel for years. But whatever Wes has been sipping on is tasting pretty bitter. Bitter!? No! Wes has just been around the block long enough to know better! The fans chant, “Bitter~! Bitter~!” Wes says he isn’t just some happy-to-be-here kid walking around with a cup of coffee. Jones says hate on him all you want. But if you wanna be the measuring stick, Jones wants to see how he measures up. Jones feels he has what it takes, and the best way to back that up is to go 1v1 with one of the staples of NXT! The fans cheer that!

Wes looks Jones up and down, then tells him, “You really should’ve stayed behind that counter, dog. You want the match? Next week, you’ve got it.” Will the Cardiac Kid keep Evolve down? Or will he get the jitters from facing Cappuccino Jones?

Je’Von Evans is backstage!

Evolve Media asks the Young OG why he’s here, and Je’Von says he loves this! He had to come check out Evolve, but he’s here mostly to present the title to the first-ever Evolve Champion. Those boys are locked in! Je’Von notices Jordan Oasis walking by. Je’Von says hey to Oasis and asks why he’s out in the parking lot. Just walking. Je’Von says he is a big fan of Oasis, and keep running, your time is coming. Oasis appreciates that coming from Je’Von. Je’Von says he’s gotta go watch the match, but he’ll see Oasis around. Will this endorsement from NXT’s future help Oasis become Evolve’s future?

Marcus Mathers speaks.

“I’ve been waiting a very long time to introduce myself to the WWE Universe. My name is Marcus Mathers. I’ve been wrestling for about six years now, with way over 650 matches under my belt, proving I’m not just Philly’s Finest, but I’m the finest in WWE ID. And speaking of WWE ID, this was made for men and women to use this to the best of their ability, to the max. And lemme tell you, nobody used WWE ID like I did. And with the support of WWE ID, I’ve been able to travel more, get more matches, and train with the best of the best. And now I bring all that knowledge right here, right now. The WWE ID prepared me for Evolve.” Is Mathers ready to Evolve?

WWE Evolve Championship Fatal 4 Way Elimination Match: Sean Legacy VS Edris Enofe VS Keanu Carver VS Jackson Drake!

While Evolve started fourteen weeks ago, the journey to this moment was very different for each man in this match. But one thing they all share in common is the hard work, grit and determination they put into their careers. Whose journey culminates in a historic achievement that will be remembered forever?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, but only one man survives to put their name on it!

The bell rings and Drake already talks trash on all three opponents. Keanu DECKS him! Drake tumbles out, Keanu eggs the others on, so Legacy & Enofe go after him! But then Keanu shoves them both away! And he DOUBLE LARIATS them! The fans fire up and Keanu ELBOWS Enofe in a corner! Keanu runs corner to corner to ELBOW Legacy! Then he runs back at Enofe, but Enofe dodges and Drake GAMANGIRIS! Enofe runs to SLING-DOG! Drake runs up, Enofe dodges and SLINGBLADES! Legacy back suplexes but Enofe lands out! Enofe kicks low, runs, and jumps onto Legacy to DROPKICK Drake!

Drake tumbles out, Legacy runs in, but Enofe TOSSES him! Enofe KNEES Keanu in the corner for good measure, then he FLIES! Down go Drake and Legacy! The fans fire up and Enofe goes up a corner! Enofe CROSSBODIES Keanu down, covers, TWO!! Keanu survives, Enofe is a bit surprised, and he reels Keanu in. Keanu fights the suplex to suplex, but Enofe knees free! Enofe runs, but into an ELBOW! Keanu scoops Enofe for the CORKSCREW POWERSLAM! Cover, Keanu ELIMINATES Enofe!! As fast as Enofe was moving, Enofe is out of this match! Legacy and Drake see the intimidating power of Keanu as Evolve goes to break.

Evolve returns as Keanu SPLASHES both Legacy & Drake in a corner! Keanu then runs to DOUBLE POUNCE!! The fans fire up with Keanu, and he scoops Legacy to SLAM! Then he scoops Drake to FALL AWAY SLAM! Keanu didn’t even need to fall to throw Drake across the ring! Keanu storms up, puts Drake on the top rope, but Drake BOOTS Keanu away! Legacy MISSILE DROPKICKS Keanu down, and Drake adds a MOONSAULT! Cover, ONE!! Keanu shocks everyone, especially Legacy and Drake. He dares them to keep fighting, because that title’s still gonna be his! Legacy runs up but Keanu DECKS him!

Drake BOOTS Keanu, but Keanu scoops him! Legacy SUPERKICKS Keanu, Drake SUPERKICKS Keanu, and then Legacy GAMANGIRIS in the corner! Drake hits the UNALIVING! Legacy adds the 450 SPLASH!! DOUBLE COVER, they ELIMINATE Keanu!! And then there were two! The fans rally up behind “LEGACY! LEGACY!” as he and Drake stare down. They stand up and step to each other. Drake grins and kicks, but Legacy blocks! Drake avoids Legacy’s superkick, but Legacy avoids Drake’s roundhouse! Drake ducks an enzigiri to deadlift, but Legacy elbows free! Legacy runs but into Drake’s ELBOW! DOUBLE LARIATS collide!

Both men spring up, DOUBLE LARIATS collide again! And then Legacy roars! Drake dodges the lariat but not the SUPERKICK! Legacy storms up but into a SUPER PUNCH! Legacy rebounds to HEADBUTT! Drake ROUNDHOUSES! Legacy ENZIGIRIS! But Drake waistlocks to GERMAN SUPLEX! Legacy roars and rises again! SNAP GERMAN! Drake flounders, Legacy runs in, but Drake BOOTS him away. Drake goes up, but Legacy jumps up to get him! SECOND ROPE SPANISH FLY! And speaking of fly, Legacy goes up, out, and springboards for the 450!! Cover, TWO!! Drake survives and Legacy is stunned!

The fans rally up while Drake flounders away. Legacy huffs ‘n’ puffs and waistlocks Drake. Legacy then drags Drake up into a torture rack, but Drake CLAWS the eyes! The fans boo, but then Legacy TOSSES Drake! Drake HOTSHOTS Legacy, then KNEES him into ropes! Drake reels Legacy in for a suplex, and DROPS him on the ropes! Drake hurries up the corner, takes aim, and SWANTON BOMBS! Cover, TWO!! Legacy survives again but Drake stays on him! Handspring and LETHAL IN-JACKSON!! Cover, TWO!!! Legacy is still in this! But Drake SUPERKICKS him down! Cover, TWO!?! Legacy survives again and Drake is freaking out!

“This is Awesome!” as Legacy stirs. Drake grits his teeth, goes to a corner, and he waits on Legacy to get up. Drake runs in, but Legacy turns knee into drop toehold! S T F!!! Drake endures, flails, reaches out, and the fans are freaking out! Drake claws at the mat, crawls forward, but Legacy makes it a STRAITJACKET STF!!! Drake has one arm to reach out with, and he makes the ROPEBREAK!! Legacy lets go in frustration but the fans rally up again. Legacy rises, brings Drake up, but Drake still holds the ropes! The ref counts, Drake HOTSHOTS Legacy! Handsprings and LETHAL- Torture rack! SHAM- NO, Drake lands out to JUMP KNEE!

Drake goes to a corner, runs back in, UNALIVING!!! Cover, DRAKE WINS!!

Winner: Jackson Drake, by pinfall (INAUGURAL WWE Evolve Champion)

And Vanity Project rushes right out here to celebrate with their bro! It was certainly heartbreak for Enofe, Keanu and Legacy, but will the real tears be from all of us having to listen to Drake brag? Je’Von does present the belt to Drake, and Drake takes it from him, to bring Je’Von in for a hug! Old friends and rivals reunite in this moment, and this makes up for a bit of Drake’s bad attitude. But will this be the beginning of the Vanity Project Era? Or can someone save us from it before it begins?

My Thoughts:

A very good episode, and surprisingly only two matches. That said, less matches helped then maximize the main event, and also some story build. Another woman is attacked and we’re back to that gimmick around the Performance Center, but it can’t be Lyons when she and Zayda were beating up on Kali Armstrong. Wendy Choo is too obsessed with Kylie, so it can’t be her. Could they be quietly building up a female superstar who has been hiding in plain sight? They could do a great “It was me, Stevie! It was me all along!” with this. But that aside, a hurt Carlee makes for a protected loss to new girl, Jin Tala, who has a very creative submission finisher.

Speaking of Wendy and Kylie, good promo from Kylie but Chantel picking on her is a little too much like Jaida Parker having beef with Thea Hail over Thea’s positivity. Kylie VS Wendy should be a No Disqualification rematch so settle things once and for all. And I hope this story of Masyn knowing “the real Chantel” turns into something more. She keeps saying it, but she needs to confront Chantel on it a bit more forcefully. And as for the women’s title, Lyons would be an impressive first defense for Kali that Kali would certainly win. Zayda might be trickier, if only because she’s the bigger Heel and would totally cheat to win.

Very good promo from Wes with Cappuccino Jones, and now they’ll have a singles match, just as I expected from last week. The only odd thing is Wes says he is the gatekeeper now. Does that mean Lexis King just decided to be one and done? Is he going to do bigger things in NXT now? Anyway, good promo from Marcus Mathers, he’s finally getting his debut in Evolve and that will be a lot of fun. It does make me wonder who are the WWE ID Champions right now, and if they’ll ever show up with those belts on Evolve.

And great promos from all the Fatal 4 Way contenders tonight. Jackson Drake makes a lot of sense as the first champion. Enofe only just came back, he needs to build up. Keanu is powerful but then that’d mean two powerhouse champions so that’s redundant. Legacy is great, he can surely come around as a challenger, as Faces benefit from the chase. And with Drake holding up the title for Vanity Project, that will work with Zayda wanting the women’s title, and possibly Swipe Right asking about Evolve Tag Team Championships, really building the whole faction at once.

My Score: 8.7/10

About Chairshot Radio Network

MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)

WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)

THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)

FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)

SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast

SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast

CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5

Classic POD is WAR

Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!

All Shows On Demand

Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

Coverage

Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 6.5.2025

Monster’s Ball,, will Rosemary bring out Xia’s Darkside?

Published

17 hours ago

June 5, 2025

Andrew Balaz

Tomorrow is a stupid late starting show but at least it’s not bleeding into a normal weekday. Not sure if I’ll cover it because the build has been bad, the shows have been bad and forcing me to be awake longer for a B show that very much may suck. Maybe tonight won’t be a miserable useless Go Home like they usually do. Could make things interesting…but I don’t have much faith anymore.

TNA is living off the brand and the fact fans genuinely want other things to flourish. But it’s not building off any good wrestling or story telling. So let’s see if something stops sucking.

.@_Iam_Elijah_ has one final message for TNA World Champion @_trickwilliams before they collide for the Championship at #TNAAgainstAllOdds!

WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/yGMz3jJpVM pic.twitter.com/iPKGKcfIzp

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) June 6, 2025

Ratings:

Indi Hartwell vs Tasha Steelz: Indi wins via Hurtz Don’t It – * 1/2
Eric Young w/Losers vs Moose w/JDC: Moose wins via Lights Out – **
Heather & M by Elegance w/Personal Concierge vs Harley Hudson & Myla Grace: M wins via Elegant Moonsault – ** 1/2
Monster’s Ball Match: Rosemary vs Xia Brookside: Xia wins via Brooksie Bomb through Chairs – ***
The Kaiba Boys & Frankie Kazarian vs Leon Slater, Matt Hardy & Mike Santana: Santana wins via Spin the Block – **

Results:

Indi Hartwell vs Tasha Steelz

Tasha attacks Indi as the bell sounds, Forearms and Chops into Stomping a Mudhole in the corner and taunting the crowd. Indi turns the Irish Whip around and goes for her own chops Aussie Uppercut, Scoop Slam gets countered and Tasha hits a Headbutt, Indi stops her , throws her into the ropes another uppercut, Tasha powders, Indi wants a PK, Tasha blocks and throws Indi onto her face and starts stringing some short offense in. Triplicate Elbows into a near fall, Indi starts fighting back with forearms before she crashes and burns as Tasha kicks her knee out from under her. Tasha with the corner offense combo into the Sliced Bread for yet another 2.

The action is a little too slow for an opening match, not sure when this was filmed in in the grand scheme of things, but the crowd is kinda dead and this is sluggish. Even Indi’s resilient kick outs at 1 have no intensity and the crowd is asleep. After a few corner shots Indi finally starts a comeback, Uranage into Spinebuster for two. But this is really…too damn slow. Skyler is yelling at Hotch on the outside to hit Indi, he won’t Tasha argues too and Indi with the Big Boot into the Hurtz Don’t It.

After the match Ali comes out with his hair down looking like sexy mad 50 Shades Dom. Tasha is cowering, Ref and Tasha get attacked. Hotch stands up to Ali, and Ali just grins and they stare down. Maybe they’ll finally do something with Hotch. He’s talented, has a good look and Great Hands have been holding him back. Even though Hotch stood up for Tasha, she cowers out to walk up the ramp with Ali. Hotch is left alone in the ring.

.@ManceWarner and @stephdelander are coming for @SteveMaclin and the International Championship at #TNAAgainstAllOdds!

WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/yGMz3jJXLk pic.twitter.com/Fyp5ZhNA9h

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) June 6, 2025

Eric Young w/Losers vs Moose w/JDC

Armoury come out looking like Ciclope but somehow worse. I already hate this.

EY attacks at the bell sound cause of course, EY 10 count punches, Moose Manhattan Drop but EY stops him, EY Tree of Woe into the Petey Williams crotch stomp Oh Canada spot. JDC inadvertently distracts the ref, losers also distract…they get up to the refrain of Oh Canada, that might be the longest that spot happened ever. But Moose immediately hits a Go To Hell because pacing and psychology don’t exist in wrestling anymore. Everything this episode seems slow and the crowd sounds dead. Moose clocks EY trying to dive and Apron Uranage into Jacknife on the steps.

Moose is milking the 10 count, EY barely beats it…Body Drops Moose because again…psychology oh and EY hits a Dive cause that’s exactly what happens when you barely beat a 10 count. Reverse Irish in the ring, EY Flair Flip in the corner, Moose tries to cut off but gets pushed, Crossbody and Moose jumps into it far too obvious, Chop Spot, EY hits the ropes, Moose hits a Pump Kick into Escalara Crossbody and Kip Up, EY pulls off a Spicolli Driver for 2. This whole match just feels like moves for the sake of stuff having to happen. This is about as engaging as wet farting the alphabet.

Backslide 2, Pump Kick from Moose, Discus Lariat from EY, EY wants Piledriver, hits it but JDC puts Moose’s foot on the rope. Nerd squad attacks JDC and they still look pathetic, Moose Low Blow since ref is distracted, Lights Out, Moose retains.

Heather & M by Elegance w/Personal Concierge vs Harley Hudson & Myla Grace

Harley and M start, Wristlock Takeover from Harley, a few nice chain wrestling spots, Myla tags in, Myla split ducks the kick, nice little kick combo punctuated with a Dropkick. Tandem Arm Wringer Sweep for two. M getting rocked, Heather slows down Harley so M finally takes the advantage and starts driving knees into Harley, Surf Board Stretch and Stomp combo by Heather. Heather keeps on her for a few punches and tags M back in for the old Knee in the Shoulder Blades stretch. Jaw Jacker from Harley, M stops it, but they struggle and Harley hits the Shoulder Tackles as Harley hunts for the tag, kicks off M and simultaneous tags happen. Myla beats down Heather, corner Leg Sweep, Dropkick Face Wash with a cute pose from Myla, M breaks up the pin, Harley and M fight on the outside, Myla looks for something but Concierge distracts, M with a Carbon Footprint to Myla’s backside as she’s setting up a move, Heather drops Myla, Heather his the Elegant Moonsault and Elegance wins!

Monster’s Ball Match: Rosemary vs Xia Brookside

I walked away at some point since this show has been pretty bad and I have no faith here. When I finally started paying attention, Xia hits Rosemary with a cookie sheet, she goes for the belt but Rosemary turns it around and takes Xia to the dungeon to whip her a few times. Rosemary unloads the trash can, puts the can in the corner, throws Xia into and Rosemary is standing tall into the commercial break. We come back and Rosemary is still just arguing with a ref, the crowd chants “Hockey Stick” so that proves it’s Canada. Xia tries to fight back, Rosemary with a very slow Side Slam on the trash can because she had to reposition it. Xia grabs the Hockey Stick for the pop, she breaks it over Rosemary, the peasants rejoice, Rosemary into the steps, Broken Wings into the trash can and Rosemary instantly gets up with a door. Why are all the matches so awful on psychology? Do we not sell anymore? Did I miss a memo? Were there TPS reports?

Xia drives Rosemary’s face into the steps. Suplex into the center of the ring, Door in the corner, time to see what’s behind Door Number 1. Suplex counter stand off through the door, Rosemary counters away from the door though. So more Chekov’s Gun fun. Rosemary misses with the belt, but then pulls off Upside Down choking her with the belt. Rosemary releases and Xia has the belt but Rosemary is collecting chairs and a staple gun. Belt whips block the staple attack, Xia finds a bag of Hockey pucks, empties them but Rosemary staples Xia’s stomach and charges into a Samoan Drop onto the pucks. Near fall, Xia starts grinding the puck into Rosemary’s face, more Cookie Sheet, another near fall. Xia wants a DDT and hits it on the chair, only 2 again. Arts and crafts with chairs spot, Xia hits her with the trash can lid, but Rosemary sits up and Spears Xia through the door.

Only a 2 count after the clear the rubble. Rosemary puts Xia on the chairs and looks to the top rope, Xia rises up and Brooksie Bomb through the chairs after she uses the lid to block the mist. 1-2-3.

Better match than it had any business being, but still enough sins to make it ok and nothing special.

.@TheTreyMiguel and @ZacharyWentz hold a very important Treehouse meeting ahead of their TNA World Tag Team Title clash with @NicTNemeth and @ryrynemnem at #TNAAgainstAllOdds!

WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/yGMz3jJpVM pic.twitter.com/aeiM9geVc3

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) June 6, 2025

The Kaiba Boys & Frankie Kazarian vs Leon Slater, Matt Hardy & Mike Santana

By the time everyone gets in the ring it’s 9:57 eastern…is this gonna be a 3 minute match? Matt starts with Kaz, Leon comes in quick, Poetry on Ryan, Kaz gets rocked, Leon tags back out to Matt…Extreme Elbow. Arm Wringer, Nic cheap shot and trip on Matt, Kaz with the Springboard Guillotine, Kaz rocks Matt, Nic tags in…Nice distracts ref and Ryan hits a cheap choke. Nic chokes Matt in the corner, claws at his face, Weaver Lock and Matt is fading. Matt Jaw Breaker tags out to Charisma Vacuum Slater, Feint kick misses Nic, hits Ryan, the Kaibas try to keep tandem but Lethal Injection from Slater makes em both powder, Plancha, Ryan tries to stop Leon, Nic looks for Danger Zone and gets it shrugged off and turned into a Blue Thunder Bomb. Frankie breaks the pin and posts Leon, Nic tunes up the band but eats the Leg Lariat. Simultaneous tag, Santana and Ryan are legal, Santana kills everyone, Double Rolling Buck Fifty but Ryan kicks out and gets in some strikes, tries to Leap Frog but eats a Death Valley Driver for only 2. Signature spams, Slater looks to finish Kaz, but Ryan crotches him, Victory roll no, Buck Fifty no, Cradle from Ryan is only a two, Rope runs and Ryan eats a Spin the Block for the win.

Overall Score: 5/10

Main even was like 7 minutes, the best match was the Monster’s Ball and I’m surprised to say that. Elijah’s promo was a Good Thing though, Santino had a solid promo, Hotch’s potential babyface turn is nice because I like him, he needs to get away from Skyler. Rascalz promo was well done as well. Masha can’t talk so I hope she loses the title tomorrow. I’d rather Lei look mean and sexy and yell at us in Mandarin than ever hear Masha speak English again.

Dani Luna showing she’s recovered from the concussion and sticking around in solo action was nice, Maggie Lee looked great in her match, Harley and Myla looked decent in the loss. Northern Armoury are still useless though. Only real complaint is not enough KC Navarro. He was only in the NXT clip. We need to be Blessed every episode.

You had to dig through the bad wrestling for decent story elements, but this was eventually more enjoyable than many of the recent episodes.