Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (5/25/20)
Drew McIntyre is a VIP!
Raw will determine a challenger for the new champion!
While MVP welcomes Drew McIntyre to the lounge, Nia Jax, Natalya and Charlotte Flair will battle to challenge the Raw Women’s Champion, ASUKA!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- WWE United States Championship: Andrade Almas w/ Zelina Vega VS Apollo Crews; Crews wins and becomes the new WWE United States Champion.
- Kevin Owens VS Angel Garza w/ Zelina Vega; Garza wins.
- Golf: The Street Profits VS The Viking Raiders; The Profits win.
- Aleister Black & Humberto Carrillo VS Austin Theory & Buddy Murphy w/ Seth Rollins; Theory & Murphy win.
- Raw Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Triple Threat: Charlotte Flair VS Natalya VS Nia Jax; Jax wins and will challenge Asuka for the title at Backlash.
- The Street Profits VS Bobby Lashley & MVP; The Profits win, by disqualification.
PLAY BY PLAY
WWE celebrates Memorial Day, and remembers those who gave all for our freedoms.
“What does it mean to be selfless?” To have the courage to put all else first for a greater cause. In every generation, there are those who do just that. This weekend, we honor them. “The brave men and women who fought for our freedom,” from WWI to Desert Storm. From Normandy to Afghanistan. Remember the moments and the events that defined our history. Remember those that made the ultimate sacrifice. As Ronald Reagan once said, as we honor their memory today, let us pledge that their lives, their sacrifices, their valor shall be justified and remembered for as long as God gives life to this nation. Show gratitude to those that shaped us, guided us, and ensured our values would live forever. Show reverence and respect, and say, “Thank you” to them.
WWE Superstars from NXT and the Performance Center are in the crowd!
Keeping social distancing guidelines and Plexiglas windows, young prospects watch the superstars of Raw they want to be like in their own careers.
Raw presents The Kevin Owens Show!
And this time, his set is intact. The crowd cheers as he welcomes us and the future of the WWE to Raw. And more importantly, he welcomes us all to the Kevin Owens Show. They’re in for a treat, because later on tonight, KO takes on Angel Garza. Aren’t you excited? Yes! But before all that, KO wants to discuss the Women’s Triple Threat for a shot at the Raw Women’s Championship. Who better to discuss that with than THE champion, ASUKA?! The Empress of Tomorrow brings back the original gear as she walks out with mic and belt. Asuka gets everyone cheering for “Becky! Becky!” because she deserves cheers, too. Becky is going from The Man to The Mom, and the new merch is available on WWE Shop.
Kevin congrats Asuka and she is very thankful. Before getting into the Triple Threat, KO wants Asuka’s reaction to everything last week. Asuka’s celebration with Kairi Sane was rudely interrupted by Nia Jax, and it was also insulted. Nia says Asuka is in the “greatest temp job ever,” only to be replaced. Asuka beat up and kicked out Nia, only for Nia to get revenge on Kairi! So Asuka gave Nia some more! Back in the present, Asuka is still angry with Nia. She is sure Kevin understands with why she did all that. Kairi is so cute and is Asuka’s friend! But before she can say more, here comes the NXT Women’s Champion, Charlotte Flair! The Queen is another of the contenders in tonight’s Triple Threat, but she joins Asuka as a guest of the KO Show.
Charlotte has a mic and tells Asuka, “I need to get this off my chest.” That title should’ve been handed to Charlotte. Does Charlotte need to remind us what happens when she and Asuka have a match? Asuka’s never beaten Charlotte. Manage your expectations, Empress. But wait! Here comes the Queen of Harts! Kevin gets his show signs out of the way so Natty doesn’t go after them. Natty gets herself a mic as she joins Charlotte and Asuka in the ring. Natty says she isn’t here to cause trouble, but to apologize. She apologizes to Kevin and his show crew for her “temper tantrum.” The crowd applauds this, but Charlotte laughs. Not even sucking up to Kevin will help Natty win tonight? That wasn’t sucking up, that was being nice. Oh, silly Kevin. But maybe Charlotte was being rude in telling Natty she’s irrelevant.
And naturally, here comes Nia Jax! Nia stays on stage as she asks all of this to stop. Everyone knows she’ll be champion, so everyone might as well just stay out. Kevin clears out of the ring as Nia joins the others. Nia wants Asuka to remember what happened to Kairi. That will be a fraction of what happens at Backlash. Kevin wants Asuka to keep her calm. Just don’t hit Nia in the face. BAKC HAND TO THE FACE! And then Natty goes after Charlotte! Asuka runs but Nia bails out while Queen and Queen fall out of the ring! It’s clear Asuka wants Nia to win just so she can go after her at Backlash. But will she get her wish when Charlotte and Natty both join the mix?
Backstage interview with Apollo Crews.
Tonight is a second chance. Is Crews ready both physically and mentally for this? Tonight is the greatest night of Crews’ career, because he will defeat Andrade Almas to finally become the NEW WWE United States Champion! Crews heads out, because that match is next! Will tonight be the night it all changes for Crews?
WWE United States Championship: Andrade Almas w/ Zelina Vega VS Apollo Crews!
Raw returns as Crews makes his entrance. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and Crews’ chance at redemption begins!
Almas backs away to a corner and the ref keeps Crews back. Almas comes out and ties up with Crews, but Crews waistlocks and slams. Crews then gets Almas to a corner, but must back off. Angel Garza is watching backstage as Almas and Crews tie up. Crews pushes Almas to a corner and fires off hands! The ref counts and Crews lets up to whip. Crews runs Almas over with an elbow and covers, ONE! Crews is on Almas with a suplex and holds him up for a count of 10! Cover, ONE! Crews looms over Almas and drags him up for haymakers. Crews scoops but Almas slips out to boot feint and ELBOW! Cover, TWO!! Crews survives but Almas says he is still champion. Almas brings Crews up, reels him in, but Crews resists the hammerlock to power up and TOSS Almas!
Crews has the crowd behind him as he trophy lifts! But Vega gets on the apron. Crews lets Almas down, dodges Almas, and enziguris him into Vega! La Muneca is down and Almas hurries out to check on her. Raw goes picture in picture as Almas panics.
Almas wants time to make sure Vega is okay, and the ref keeps Crews in the ring. Medics are called for Vega’s sake and they go to check on her. They tell Almas to go back to his match while they help her, and a ring count begins. Almas wants more time but even Vega tells him to go back. Crews steps closer but Almas stays back. Almas then suckers Crews in and goes after the recovered leg! Almas CHOPS and RAMS Crews into barriers! The count continues but Almas grabs the title belt. “This is MINE!” Almas storms over to Crews as the count climbs. Almas puts Crews in at 8 and covers, TWO! El Idolo stomps Crews and clamps on with an armlock. Crews endures and the crowd rallies up. Crews fights to his feet and throws body shots! He throws haymakers but Almas knees low.
Almas headlocks but Crews back suplexes out. Crews ROCKS Almas with a right, then another! And another, and another! And then Crews rallies! He tackles Almas into a corner, rams his shoulders in over and over, then whips corner to corner! Crews runs in to hit a splash! The crowd fires up with Crews as he goes back to Almas. Almas boots back then hops up, but Crews enziguris back! Vega is wincing and not just from her fall. Crews has Almas and climbs up top. But Almas trips Crews into a Tree of Woe! And hits WOE STOMPS!! Cover, TWO!! Vega is furious as Crews survives! Almas runs corner to corner, but Crews dodges! Crews lifts for the Olympic Slam but Almas arm-drags out! Crews baits Almas into a corner for an OVERHEAD suplex! Cover, TWO!
Garza is cheering but Kayla Braxton comes by to interview him. What are his thoughts? The secret to a good match is like making love. First, there is eye contact that sends a clear message. Second, there is the moment between the two bodies where they come together. Sometimes it’s gentle, sometimes it’s crashing. The tension builds as you’re thrown onto the mat. The passion of conquering the other is exhausted bliss. Then you do it all over again. Garza turns back to the screen to see his ally in Vega’s stable is in trouble!
Crews drags Almas up and in to lift, but Almas huricarnanas back! Crews hits buckles and Almas goes corner to corner! CIEN SHADOWS! Cover, TOW!?! Crews survives again and Vega is freaking out! Almas kicks Crews’ bad leg over and over. Crews slowly gets up and Almas Fisherman hooks the leg. But Crews enziguris with the good leg! Crews trophy lifts and drops Almas, to hit the standing moonsault! And standing shooting star! Cover, CREWS WINS!!
Winner: Apollo Crews, by pinfall (NEW WWE United States Champion)
Incredible! Crews shocks Vega and perhaps the world as he finally realizes his potential! Is this just the beginning of Apollo’s legend?
In-ring interview with Apollo.
Congratulations are in order. What does it feel to finally win his first title in the WWE? Crews says when he first started on his journey, people closest to him told him he couldn’t do it. But he never gave up. 11 years of sacrifice, hard work and dedication, and he is finally a champion! Crews knows when his body gave out last time, people were thinking, “That’s it. He blew his chance.” But Crews never gave up. Crews has always believed in himself. He can finally say to the whole world that he is the NEW WWE United States Champion! It feels so good!
Meanwhile, Almas is throwing a tantrum, smashing up whatever he can backstage! Will El Idolo’s rage only be quelled by another rematch? Or is Crews on to a new challenge?
Seth Rollins has one of Rey Mysterio’s masks.
The Monday Night Messiah looks upon it in reflection. What does Rollins have left to say about the legend of lucha libre?
Raw returns to hear from Seth Rollins.
“Tonight is a night for celebration! Because the Monday Night Messiah is here, and I am better than I have ever been.” And that is all thanks to Rey Mysterio. We relive through footage just what happened. Rollins took offense to Mysterio’s hit, and then took Mysterio to dig his eye into the corner of the steel steps! Back in the present, Rollins speaks on that “dark, dark place” he was in. Mysterio presented himself in a time of need as a chosen sacrifice. Mysterio fulfilled his duty to the greater good. Rollins can’t imagine the pain Mysterio went through. He can’t begin to imagine how painful it was for Mysterio’s family, especially Dominic, who couldn’t be there for his father. Rollins doesn’t know what the future holds for Mysterio. But if that was truly Mysterio’s final act as a WWE superstar, then it was a courageous one. “Because it allows us to move forward into the future.”
Theory and Murphy stand with Rollins, and it is official that Theory is the newest disciple. Just as Rollins was discarded by the WWE Universe, both Murphy and Theory understand what it is to be underappreciated. With Rollins’ guidance, their ceilings are limitless. Murphy says his career faced obstacle upon obstacle and he needed guidance. He needed a mentor and a leader. He needed the Monday Night Messiah to lead him into the future. For that, Murphy thanks Rollins. Theory says that he came to Raw with who he thought were friends. But when they abandoned him, the Monday Night Messiah found him. And for that, Theory thanks Rollins. You’re welcome.
But this is just the beginning of a wonderful night. Because later tonight, they will show Mysterio “the goodness he has brought to Monday Night Raw,” when they make examples of Humberto Carrillo and Aleister Black. They will see what happens when they stand in the way of the Monday Night Messiah. Will the disciples carry out Rollins’ will? Or will they both simply #FadeToBlack?
Backstage interview with Charlotte Flair.
The Queen winning tonight would mean a chance at becoming a Double Champion. Has she thought what this means for her legacy? Charlotte has been the most consistent and prolific women’s champion in WWE History. It doesn’t matter how many titles she has, those are just metal. She is raising the bar for every woman in this division! And no one else compares. But Asuka comes in, showing off her title. Asuka mocks Charlotte in Japanese, and says, “Red is not your color.” Asuka heads off, dancing again. Will Charlotte be seeing red when she enters the Triple Threat?
The IIconics are here!
Billie Kay and Peyton Royce let their tempers get the better of them last week. They have seemingly calmed down, but what are they planning on saying and doing this week? We find out, after the break.
Raw returns and the IIconics have mics. Peyton apologizes to Billie for costing them the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships. Billie says she needs to apologize for slapping Peyton after. It makes Billie sick to her stomach. She doesn’t want there to be any animosity. They’ve come so far together. Peyton appreciates that, and agrees. They grew up together, signed to the WWE together, and won the Women’s Tag Team titles at WrestleMania together! They never even had a chance to defend their titles! They had things stripped and thrown into the trash! They should still be champions! So over their dead bodies will a crazy lady and “the office’s favorite blonde” going to hold what is rightfully theirs!
But speaking of, here comes Bliss-Cross! Alexa “laughs” at that last line. The IIconics had their opportunities. They’ve complained, taken cheap shots and shortcuts to get back, but they still blew their shot. Nikki starts but Peyton interrupts her. The crowd is loving the drama as Billie tells Nikki to stand there and look grateful. Grateful? The IIconics are telling Nikki to stand here and be grateful? Every step she and Alexa took to these titles, they took together! Nikki left her home of Glasgow with nothing in her pocket, and she got here! But the IIconics had each other! Nikki scratched, clawed and fought for everything! And then Lexi came along, gave her the time of day and the respect she deserves! Nikki was the misfit outcast IIconics laughed at.
But what’s funny is how the IIconics want to talk about friendship. But Bliss-Cross are the Women’s Tag Team Champions! Why? Because Lexi stops Nikki from bouncing off the walls, and Nikki has taught her something about friendship. And nothing is more iconic than that! And a fight breaks out! The IIconics beat Bliss-Cross down, then coordinate on Nikki. The crowd boos but Nikki gets the spinning heel kick! Then the IIconics POST Bliss and yank her back down! The crowd boos as Nikki reaches for Alexa, but she gets the INVERTED MAGIC KILLER! Will this battle of dynamic duos only heat up from here?
Lana confronts MVP backstage.
She glares at him while he checks his phone. Is there something she needs? They need to talk. No, they don’t. Bye. Will Lana be able to do anything about her “hawt, hawt husband” joining up with Montel Vontavius Porter?
WWE mourns the loss of Shad Gaspard.
Raw returns to the VIP Lounge!
MVP is already in the ring with his couches and champagne, and he extends a special welcome to the NXT superstars and PC trainees. Their tabs are on him. But while the VIP Lounge won’t be the exclusively open club for long, but it will be the club with the star power! Especially with his guest, the future former WWE World Champion, Drew McIntyre! The crowd cheers the Scottish Stud as he heads down the ramp and through the velvet ropes. McIntyre dumps the champagne and tosses the furniture around! “Now that we got that bit of business out of the way…” McIntyre wants MVP to bring “him” out. Who? MVP knows. Where is Lashley? Oh, no, McIntyre doesn’t have to worry about an ambush. No contract, no contact. The physicality won’t be this week or next week. It’ll be at Backlash.
But MVP wants McIntyre to remember the last time MVP graciously welcomed McIntyre to the lounge. He selflessly offered McIntyre his guidance to the very top of the WWE mountain and navigate the chaos. Does McIntyre remember? MVP does. MVP remembers trying to be a friend ,only to be repaid with a Claymore kick to the face. But after finding himself down and out, he had two thoughts: 1) McIntyre is definitely going to become WWE Champion; 2) When McIntyre loses, MVP will personally play a role in that outcome. It took Lashley 13 years, and now Lashley has his opportunity, because of MVP. Wow, 13 years. It took McIntyre 19 years! And guess what happened? McIntyre was in the main event of WrestleMania, and he beat BROCK LESNAR in five minutes! Lashley won’t be so lucky.
But yes, McIntyre remembers what he said in VIP Lounge last time. He’ll refresh our memories tonight. McIntyre doesn’t need someone else thinking for him. He doesn’t need someone else talking for him. And he sure as hell doesn’t want someone kissing his ass. Lashley said something that got McIntyre’s attention: The only way he will take this title will be by prying it from McIntyre’s cold, dead hands. MVP says that can be arranged. Because now Lashley heads to the ring! MVP welcomes him as the future NEW WWE Champion! But then MVP gets a CLAYMORE! McIntyre kips up as Lashley drags MVP out of the ring. McIntyre wants to settle this now but MVP tells Lashley to wait. The stud and the All Mighty will have this out soon enough
Backstage interview with Natalya.
Natty has a lot on her mind, but she also gets a call. It’s from TJ. Natty explains to him about her apology for her meltdown. She doesn’t need him on her case, she has her match to worry about. Natty hangs up and goes back to the interview, but their time is up. Will this only add to Natty’s problems?
Kevin Owens VS Angel Garza w/ Zelina Vega!
The Prizefighter heads back out for the match he plugged earlier in the night. Will he add on to the problems of Zelina Vega’s stable?
But as KO makes his entrance, Garza attacks from behind with a sliding chop block! El Latino es en la casa and he SLAMS Kevin’s leg on the ramp! Garza gets to the ring, but can Kevin still fight after this? We’ll see after the break.
Raw returns and Kevin has made it into the ring. Kevin wants this fight and the bell rings! Garza runs and dropkicks the leg out! Then he cranks on it with a toehold and puts it on the ropes. Garza stomps but the ref counts. Garza lets up at four to wrap the legs around the rope! He stops at 4 again to club away on Kevin. Garza pulls on the leg in a modified toehold but Kevin gets the ropebreak. Garza is on Kevin right away but Kevin throws hands! Garza hits back and wraps the leg on the ropes again! The ref counts, Garza stops but KICKS the knee! Garza turns Kevin over, drags him around, and stands on the leg as he pulls on the ankle! Kevin endures and the crowd rallies up. Kevin crawls, and again gets the ropebreak!
Garza lets go fast and kicks at the arms now. Garza drags Kevin up but Kevin spins through to DDT! Vega is shocked at Garza getting spiked! Kevin staggers up on one good leg and CHOPS Garza down! Kevin rallies and elbows Garza down, to then drop a back senton! The crowd rallies for Kevin while Vega coaches Garza. Kevin runs corner to corner but his leg gives out! Garza SUPERKICKS Kevin down! Cover, TWO!! Kevin will not go down but Garza won’t let up. Garza headlocks and brings Kevin to a corner. Garza hoists Kevin up top backwards then climbs up behind him. Kevin fights back and even headbutts Garza down! Kevin adjusts and SWANTONS! But he can’t cover because of the bad leg bothering him!
The crowd rallies up as Kevin stands. Kevin grabs Garza and CHOPS him against ropes! And then he whips and pops Garza up, but the bad leg gives out! Garza gets Kevin for the WING CLIPPER!! Cover, Garza wins!
Winner: Angel Garza, by pinfall
The former NXT Cruiserweight Champion beats a Triple Crown Champion in Kevin, but he isn’t done! He kicks the bad leg out and gloats about it on his way out. Will Kevin still be able to fight in order to get payback?
The Street Profits and Viking Raiders meet on the golf course.
We are ready~, ready~ to try the gentlemen’s game. Erik and Ivar bring a cooler, but not full of drinks. It’s mutton! Sorry, guys, no food on the course. They go over the rules and begin. A great couple of drives from Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford, but Erik misunderstands and throws the club like a javelin! After things get sorted, Erik ends up in the sand trap and really struggles. Dawkins gets one in the hole, but Ivar struggles to get one off the pin. He sure makes a good divot, though. Ford somehow lucks out that his pinball shot goes in the hole!Ivar finally gets one off the pin but forgets to give warning. So of course, someone gets hit. And then their golf cart breaks down! The course manager is furious! They get kicked out!
So instead of golf, they go to mini-golf! Time to get their Caddyshack on! Much easier holes here. Just look out for the baby gators. Ford even goes Happy Gilmore with that pool shot. Ivar forgets this is mini-golf, but Erik likes the pond shot. But once again, Ivar helps them out by being “cute” to the manager lady. But Ivar has one last putt and the game is finally finished! But who won? The final scores are… Viking Raiders: 144, Street Profits: 28. High score! No, guys, no. Golf is lowest score. The Profits win and they’re 2-1 on the series! Aw man… Ivar still wants the game ball. Wait, is that someone’s wallet? Someone’s red Solo cup? Mutton? Ivar, don’t eat it, that’s against the five second rule. The gator wants some. Well anything that gator can do, Ivar can do better. No no no.
Lana finds MVP and Lashley backstage.
She offers MVP an ice pack after what happened. Seriously, what a monster McIntyre is for kicking him. MVP accepts the ice pack but not the apologies. Does Lana think this is a joke? No, of course it is a joke! Everything’s a joke to her! McIntyre did something to Lashley, not Lana or MVP. Lashley has his first title opportunity in 13 YEARS. So what needs to happen is they need to send a message back. So if Lana will excuse them, they have work to do. Well that didn’t work. Lana is furious again, but are things beyond the point of no return?
Aleister Black & Humberto Carrillo VS Austin Theory & Buddy Murphy w/ Seth Rollins!
The Embodiment of the End and Ultimo Ninja want revenge for what The Architect did to the King of Lucha! But first they must go through his disciples. Will Aleister and Carrillo be able to avenge the living legend and derail Rollins’ vision for Raw’s future?
The teams sort out and Theory starts against Carrillo. They circle, tie up, and Carrillo waistlocks. Theory elbows out hard then pushes Carrillo. Carrillo CHOPS but Theory fires off! Theory stomps then tags in Murphy, and Murphy adds more stomps. The ref counts and Murphy lets up, but tags in Theory. The disciples double back suplex but Carrillo escapes! Carrillo runs at Theory and springboards to arm-drag Murphy! Carrillo sends Theory out onto Murphy! Rollins coaches his followers but Aleister tags in. Aleister runs but fakes the disciples out. Carrillo FLIES to topple Murphy and Theory over! Rollins keeps his space as Carrillo puts Theory in the ring.
Aleister is all over Theory with strikes in the corner, then whips corner to corner. Theory reverses but Aleister gets him with an STO! And basement calf kick! Cover, TWO! Aleister is right on Theory with an armlock, and he tags in Carrillo. Aleister wrenches, Carrillo climbs and drops down on the arm. Rollins is frustrated as Carrillo wrenches and wristlocks. Theory breaks free to DECK Carrillo! Carrillo BOOTS Back then elbows Murphy! Carrillo elbows Theory, kicks Murphy away, but Theory torture racks and throws Carrillo into buckles! Theory hits a back suplex and covers, TWO! Rollins holds onto Mysterio’s mask as Carrillo tags in Murphy. The disciples mug Carrillo, Murphy fires off the strike fest, but Carrillo dodges. Carrillo kicks, Murphy ducks but the enziguri hits!
The crowd rallies as both men crawl for their corners. Hot tags to Theory and Aleister! Aleister rallies on Theory with forearms and elbows! Murphy gets spun into Theory! Aleister fires off on Murphy, then sends Theory’s BOOT into Murphy! Aleister sweeps the leg then thrusts the knee! He kips up and dodges Murphy to QUEBRADA both disciples! Murphy stands up to get a ROUNDHOUSE! Theory rolls Aleister, TWO! Theory walks into a rush and a back elbow! Kick and KNEE! Carrillo wants in and Aleister obliges. Tag and Carrillo goes up while Aleister aims at Murphy. But Murphy sends him down! Carrillo moonsaults over Theory to enziguri Murphy! But he turns into the ATL!! Cover, the disciples win!
Winners: Austin Theory & Buddy Murphy, by pinfall
Things were fast and furious, but it only gets worse now that Rollins’ side has won! Aleister is sent FLYING into the timekeeper’s area! Theory fetches a mic for his Monday Night Messiah, and Rollins coordinates. “He needs to learn!” Carrillo is sent out, and brought to the steps!! They want to do to him what they did to Mysterio! Rollins warns Aleister to stay where he is with that chair or else! Now shut up and listen! Rollins knows what they’re doing. They’re fighting for Mysterio, but Mysterio was sacrificed for the greater good! If they keep standing in Rollins’ way, Mysterio’s sacrifice will be in vain! Put the chair down! Aleister has no choice and does as told. Rollins does not want to sacrifice them the way he did Mysterio. Carrillo is spared but Mysterio’s mask is still Rollins’ trophy. Will things only get darker for those who oppose Rollins’ will?
Raw hears from Edge.
“Randy, a few weeks ago on Raw, you caught me flat-footed. Tongue tied.” Edge was basking in the glow of WrestleMania, but it doesn’t happen often, so congrats. Orton chose the date and the match, and now Edge finds himself doubting himself. Edge will be transparent about this. “Can I hang?” Edge was retired for 3012 days. And in those same days, Orton was in 1126 matches. Yes, Edge did the research. And now, Edge is looking at those numbers and realizes he has to prove himself to himself. So strangely, Edge wants to thank Orton for making him think about things he had buried very, very deep inside. Edge watched The Last Ride. He watched himself on there talking about when it’s time to hang up the boots. Edge was still retired back then. And here he is now. Edge understands what Taker is going through.
But to Orton, if he’s going to doubt Edge’s ability, remember that Edge has gone toe-to-toe with Taker, HBK, Kurt Angle, Eddie Guerrero, Rey Mysterio, Christian, William Regal, Owen Hart, the list goes on and on. Every style, Edge adapted. When it was Edge’s job, he pulled others up to his level. Edge taught others how to get to the next level because that was Edge’s job and he was damn good at it. A five-tool workhorse for the WWE. If Orton is paying attention, and we know he is, he’ll notice Edge said all that in the past tense. Because Edge doesn’t know if he can do any of that again. But at Backlash, Edge will dig through the very depths of his soul to try. It’s all a man can do. Is this really going to be the greatest wrestling match ever?
Asuka returns!
The Empress wants to keep a close eye on her contenders after the scuffle during the Kevin Owens Show! Will she be ready for the winner of tonight’s Triple Threat?
The Street Profits and Viking Raiders talk backstage.
Ford and Dawkins can’t believe Erik & Ivar are supposedly letting them win. Just like at basketball, the Raiders let the Profits win at golf? Pause button. Bruh, Ivar had more turkey legs than balls towards the hole. Yes, many birdies. Well whatever, the Raiders choose next and they’ll go for it. Ivar wants gator wrestling, but Dawkins said that was off the table. Okay then. Do the Profits bowl? Bowling is next? Of all the things to do next.
But then MVP and Lashley come along. “Another case of extraordinary talent that will inevitably be flushed down the toilet because they’d rather golf than act like champions.” Got a problem, fam? No, no, MVP and Lashley don’t. They were just leaving, because they don’t respect clowns. They have the WWE Champion to worry about. Oh really? How is MVP’s face? Better ice up, son. MVP doesn’t need ice. The Claymore is devastating, but do you see Lashley? How about the Profits take MVP and Lashley on later tonight. If you’re up for it, bring the smoke. Things just got serious for the Raw Tag Team Champions. Will the Profits be up or down after going up against MVP and the Rocky Mountain Machine?
Raw Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Triple Threat: Charlotte Flair VS Natalya VS Nia Jax!
The Queen of Flair, the Queen of Harts, and the ace that is the Irresistible Force. Only one challenges for the title at Backlash! Who at least thinks they’re ready for Asuka?
Raw returns as the contenders make their entrance, in that order. Asuka talks trash in Japanese to each of them and the bell rings. Charlotte, Natty and Nia circle and then Charlotte DECKS Natty! Nia tackles Charlotte to a corner and rams her shoulder in! Natty pulls Nia away but Nia pushes her down., Charlotte BOOTS Nia but Nia stays up., Nia scoops to slam Charlotte, then scoops Natty to slam her on Charlotte! Nia makes a Queen Sandwich for herself, but misses the leg drop! Charlotte stomps Nia down then Natty joins in. The two work together to whip Nia hard into the POST! Asuka laughs at Nia but now Charlotte and Natty are alone. Charlotte kicks Natty low and headlocks to grind Natty down.
Charlotte taunts the NXT members of the crowd because she’s their champion. Natty headscissors but Charlotte pops out. Charlotte drops down but Natty boots her down! Charlotte headcissors but Natty pops out! The crowd applauds that as the two circle again. Natty kicks, headlocks and grinds, but Charlotte pulls hair to power out! Charlotte runs Natty over and then ROCKS Nia off the apron! Natty rolls Charlotte, ONE! Charlotte kicks low then cheers herself. Charlotte whips but Natty reverses. Charlotte tumbles up and out and shoulders back in. But Nia trips Charlotte off the apron and CLOBBERS her! Asuka talks trash but Nia clears off the desk. But Charlotte bumps Nia off the desk first! Natty tries to baseball slide but gets caught!
Nia rams Natty on the apron then yanks her off, but Charlotte uses the desk hood to JAM Nia! Nia and Charlotte fight over the hood, and this ends up with Charlotte rammed into the apron. Charlotte gets on the apron but Nia stalks after her. They brawl on the edge and Charlotte CHOPS away! Asuka likes what she sees as the CHOPS ring out! “WOO~!” Charlotte goes to boot but Nia counters. Nia fireman’s carries but Natty goes after Nia’s ankles. Charlotte helps out, and they DOUBLE POWERBOMB Nia through the desk!! Asuka is speechless as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns as Charlotte has Natty down with a rear bearhug. The crowd rallies up as Natty moves around and gets to her feet. Natty breaks free, staidness switches, but Charlotte elbows back! Charlotte runs but Natty dodges, and double crossbodies cancel out! Asuka puts Nia in to help Natty get an easy win! Natty drags Nia up but Nia shoves. Natty dodges, Nia scoops, but Natty tilt-o-whirls through to get Nia down for ground ‘n’ pound! ARMBAR! Nia fights her way up to cover but then dead lifts to POWERBOMB Natty down! But Charlotte BOOTS Nia down! Cover on Natty, TWO!! Charlotte grins and the crowd cheers. Charlotte throws Natty out and stalks Nia. Charlotte drops a knee on Nia’s head! Asuka is angry now but she wants Nia to lose either way. Charltote climbs up top and MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO!!
Asuka is liking what she sees, even though the match continues. Charlotte drags Nia around by her leg to drop knees on it. But Natty climbs up and leaps! Crossbody hits but Natty bounces off! Cover, TWO!! Nia clobbers Natty, then clobbers Charlotte. Charlotte flounders away so Nia brings Natty up. Nia whips Natty into Charlotte and gets the Queen Sandwich splash! Nia hoists them both up in a fireman’s carry but Natty and Charlotte fight Nia off. Natty shoves Nia then pushes Charlotte. Charlotte throws Natty down by her hair then dodges Nia. Charlotte fires off forearms on Nia, then drops a knee on the knee! Asuka likes that Nia screams in pain as Charlotte has the leg. Figure Four is on! FIGURE EIGHT, but Natty dropkicks it apart!
Natty trips Charlotte and wants the Sharpshooter! She gets it and the crowd goes wild! Charlotte endures and Asuka shouts for Charlotte to quit! Natty keeps Charlotte from ropes but Charlotte refuses to quit! Nia returns to drag Natty up, for a fireman’s carry. Natty gets free but gets run over! Nia glares at Asuka and Asuka shouts back. Nia drags Natty up, fireman’s carries, but Charlotte BOOTS! Cover on Nia, but Natty breaks it in time! Natty drags Charlotte up but Charlotte throws Natty out. Charlotte goes back to Nia but Nia kicks back. Charlotte BOOTS Nia down then goes up top again. But Natty comes over so Charlotte fights her off. Charlotte keeps climbing but Nia SWATS Charlotte down! Nia headbutts but Charlotte clubs back. Nia positions Charlotte but the brawling continues.
Asuka is tense as Nia reaches the top. Natty adds on for a TOWER OF DOOM!! POWERBOMB SUPERPLEX!! All three women are down and Asuka rallies for Natty! Natty covers Nia, TWO! Natty covers Charlotte, TWO! Natty throws Charlotte out and focuses on Nia. Nia resists the Sharpshooter and Charlotte rolls Natty up, TWO! Charlotte has the legs, Figure Four but Nia drops a LEG! No Figure Eight this time and Asuka is shocked! Nia has Natty to herself, brings her up, and hits the SAMOAN DROP! Cover, Nia wins!
Winner: Nia Jax, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the Raw Women’s Championship)
Asuka says, “Okay, okay!” The Empress gets her chance to make Nia pay in full for what she did to the Pirate Princess! Will Asuka make sure no one ever questions
Backstage interview with Drew McIntyre.
Well he didn’t plan on this interview but he has a statement prepared. He did not plan on giving MVP a Claymore, but MVP was basically asking for it. Kayla wasn’t going to question that. She asks if he knew about the Profits taking on MVP and Lashley tonight. Oh, well, he did not know that. McIntyre thinks he forgot something in the locker room, but isn’t going to find it until Lashley’s match is over. Will McIntyre respond to the Rocky Mountain Machine’s message with one of his own?
Raw hears from R-Truth.
“It has come to my attention the current WWE 24/7 Champion is NOT Tom Brady but one Robert James Gronkowski, aka Rob Gronkowski, aka Gronk.” Be nice to Brady, y’all. Losing the title hurts with an S. And it hurts worse losing to a friend. Shame on Gronk! Truth is coming for Gronk! He’ll tackle anyone he has to in order to get his baby back! This is a warning to all football men out there! “Especially to you, Robin Gronk!” Truth puts on the pads and is ready to go!
Gronk responds!
“R-Truth. More like R-Lies.” Gornk can’t thank Truth enough for his public declaration that he’ll be coming after the title. Bring it on! Gronk is a nice guy, so he’ll give Truth all the intel he needs. Gronk was WrestleMania 36’s host with the most, and reigning WWE 24/7 Champion. He knows Truth has a lot of memories with this title, but that was the past. Gronk is the present and future! Playing 16 years of football and growing up with four brothers has prepared him to fight any time, any place. So this is the 24/7, 7-11, I-95 South, #W9Y, The Whole 9 Yards Champion, and the title stays with him! Gronk will see Truth coming, because he has eyes on the back of his head.
Backstage interview with MVP and Lashley.
After being hit with that Claymore, why are they competing against the Raw Tag Team Champions? Lashley is why. They finish discussing the game plan, but do they have a plan if McIntyre shows up again?
Raw hears from Ric Flair!
A man that has been in more greatest matches of all time than anyone, the WWE needs the Nature Boy’s opinion on the outcome of what many are already considering the greatest ever, Edge VS Orton. Well ever since Flair gave up limousine riding, jet flying, kiss stealing, wheeling and dealing, the greatest in-ring performer is Orton! The Nature Boy’s main man will be the man that beats Edge at Backlash! WOO~!
Raw looks at The Last Ride, Part 3.
The Deadman and HBK had an incredible match at WrestleMania 26, in what would be a retirement match for Shawn Michaels. Taker’s Streak would conquer Mr. WrestleMania’s career. Many are shocked that HBK stayed retired, but that speaks to the closure between these two all-time greats in that match. Perhaps the ultimate Mania Moment also had an emotional moment backstage. Taker is envious that HBK was able to walk away and be good with it. Does Taker wish he had that clarity? Absolutely. HBK had that clarity before the match. Taker hopes that when he gets the match he’s looking for, he’ll have that clarity. Steve Austin knows Taker is struggling with giving up what he loves so much. Edge wants Taker to have that proper moment. When and if he gets it, Edge hopes Taker knows to take that opportunity to finally close the door. Watch all of this yourself on the WWE Network!
Liv Morgan speaks.
“What might surprise you about me is, my biggest stumbling block in life has been my own self-worth.” Liv can’t remember a time where she felt good enough. But she does remember being 6 years old and wondering what life had in store for her. For a long time, she felt like she was floating through life, either going to hit the sun or crash ‘n’ burn. But she found what she was missing when she got into wrestling. She may not know all the answers, because life just keeps changing all the questions. But what she does know is that she is a live and will fulfill who she was always destined to be. In the end, she’s LIV-ing her best life.
Raw has breaking news!
After everything that has been said and done over the last few weeks, and perhaps even longer than that, Rey Mysterio will have a RETIREMENT CEREMONY next week! Is this true? Is the King of Lucha hanging up the boots and mask?!
The Street Profits VS Bobby Lashley & MVP!
Whether or not the Viking Raiders keep hustling them at basketball and golf, there will be no playing around here. Will Ford & Dawkins be able to bring that smoke to the main event?
Raw returns as MVP and Lashley make their entrance. The teams sort out and Ford is fired up as he starts against Lashley. They circle and Ford dodges Lashley. Ford shows off his somersaults as he circles with Lashley again. Ford gets around, headlocks, but Lashley powers out. Lashley runs Ford over and flexes. The crowd boos as things speed up, and Ford hurdles and hurdles. Lashely goes low, Ford jumps over, but Lashley powers Ford to a corner! Lashley rams his shoulder in over and over, then brings Ford out for a COMPLETE SHOT! Cover, TWO! Lashley brings Ford over to bump off buckles and tag in MVP.
MVP throws body shots on Ford then rams in his shoulder. He lets up at 4 to ram Ford in again. Ford fights back and ROCKS MVP! MVP hits back and tags in Lashley. Lashley runs and RAMS his shoulder into Ford’s stomach! The crowd rallies for Ford but Lashley looms over him. Lashley drags Ford up and suplexes him, to hold him up! Ford escapes and tags in Dawkins! The Profits dodge and dropkick Lashley down! Lashley bails out and regroups with MVP but Ford builds speed and FLIES! But MVP and Lashley move so Ford handsprings to his feet. MVP swipes, Ford dodges, but Lashley BLASTS Ford to barriers! Lashley goes out and fireman’s carries Ford around the way, to POST him! Ford is down as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns once more and MVP grinds Ford down with an armlock. The crowd rallies up and Ford fights to his feet, but MVP knees low and throws hands. MVP keeps on Ford in the corner but the ref counts. Lashley tags in and he throws elbows on Ford over and over. Lashley clubs Ford down and then punches him down further. He taunts Ford to tag Dawkins, but Ford flails haymakers at Lashley. Lashley avoids those, to DECK Dawkins! Dawkins gets up in a huff but Lashley scoops and sidewalk slams Ford! Cover, TWO! Lashley throws Ford out then tags MVP. MVP fetches Ford and whips him at the steel steps! Ford crashes down and MVP taunts him. MVP drags Ford up and into the ring at the ref’s count of 7. Cover, TWO! Another try, TWO! MVP grinds Ford down with a chinbar and armlock in frustration.
The crowd rallies again and Ford endures. Ford fights his way up and pries the chinbar away. But MVP ROCKS him with a right! MVP whips Ford hard to buckles, then runs in. Ford drops down and the boot gets caught up! Ford flounders up but MVP is on him. Ford ROCKS MVP back! Hot tag to Dawkins! Dawkins unleashes the Curse of Greatness with those big lariats! And the flying back elbow! Dawkins picks MVP up for a FLAPJACK! Dawkins keeps on MVP with a whip to a corner, and the CYCLONE SPLASH! Then the BULLDOG! Dawkins fires up and the crowd is with him! Dawkins DECKS Lashley for earlier! Ford RAMS Lashley into barriers! Dawkins brings MVP up and tags in Ford. The Profits coordinate, SPINE BUSTER and FROM THE HEAVENS! Cover, but Lashley barrels through Dawkins to drag Ford up! FULL NELSON!
The ref tells Lashley to stop, but Lashley refuses! The count reaches 5, Lashley is disqualified!
Winners: The Street Profits, by disqualification
But Lashley still holds on! So here comes McIntyre! Lashley lets go of Ford now, and the crowd is thunderous for this one! McIntyre storms the ring and HEADBUTTS Lashley! Lashley tackles McIntyre back and the two scrap on the mat! McIntyre powers Lashley off and dumps him out! They fight against the barriers like a hockey fight! McIntyre hammers but Lashley shoves! They go against the boards and then the POST! McIntyre puts Lashley in the ring and grabs legs for a takedown. McIntyre grounds ‘n’ pounds and the ref calls for reinforcements. He tells the NXT superstars and trainees to be security, so a few come out and around. They try to stop McIntyre, but he bucks them off and HEADBUTTS them! They get Glasgow Kisses, but Lashley SPEARS McIntyre!
More superstars are enlisted to stop this fight, but McIntyre and Lashley shake them off, too! McIntyre throws his out, and Lashley decks his! The brawl continues, so the floodgates are open! More superstars hurry in, and some very big ones. Not even Lashley and McIntyre can break through this much. Raw goes off the air and this fight will have to wait! Who becomes not just the WWE World Champion, but the true alpha male of Monday Night Raw?
My Thoughts:
This was a really good episode! For one, I am happy to see the WWE is letting other wrestlers be the crowd for the show. However, I will say that they were behaving how I’m sure Vince wants them to: boo Heels, cheer Faces, regardless of where each individual talent’s character lands. Seeing Dexter Lumis applaud is not how he should be. He should just be staring eerily at everyone in that ring. But maybe things loosen up as the days go by. And while I can’t be sure if it was all the crowd’s doing, but the energy and pace of this episode definitely felt better. The Kevin Owens Show was a great opening segment, and we got a lot out of Asuka, Charlotte, Natty and Nia. And while the Triple Threat’s outcome was predictable, it was an incredible match that really helps Nia. It’s still a shame Shayna isn’t being pushed like she should be because of Vince’s whims, but maybe after Asuka deals with Nia, we get Asuka VS Shayna for Extreme Rules or SummerSlam.
I liked the segment with The IIconics and Bliss-Cross. There was a lot of passion, and that actually was helped by the crowd reacting to it. I’m looking forward to these two teams getting a rematch for the tag titles, and I think after a program like this, I’d be more accepting of The IIconics having another reign as champions. But speaking of champions, Crews winning tonight was a brilliant move! Crews has finally reached that level and I hope he gets to run with the United States Championship for a long time. Kevin VS Garza was a great match, and naturally Vega’s stable breaks even. Garza’s interview during the US title match was odd, both on the timing and the material. But maybe Garza challenges Crews for that title to raise Crews’ stock even higher.
Rollins had a good promo, and his “disciples” had a great match with Aleister and Carrillo. Rollins being a factor works out, and it was a strong, natural move for Rollins to threaten Carrillo’s well-being. This is really raising the level of this story, and I wonder if the Mysterio retirement ceremony has a part to play in it. There’s no way this is real, it must be bait for Rollins to show up so Mysterio can get his revenge. Edge had a great promo and it had a good tie-in to Taker’s Last Ride documentary series. Ric Flair having that promo was alright, but I swear they’re going so hard on the “Greatest Wrestling Match Ever” that it has to be anything but. I will say that McIntyre and Lashley is the greatest thing on Raw right now, largely thanks to MVP. Yes, we got another Lana tantrum that’s a bit awkward, as was her tan job tonight, but everything else is perfect. MVP stirring things up, the match with the Street Profits, the brawl at the end, Lashley and McIntyre are going to tear it up at Backlash and that will be the highlight of the PPV.
My Score: 8.5/10
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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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