Coverage

Mitchell’s NJPW New Japan Cup 2020 Results & Report Part 4!

The second round begins!

Published

5 years ago

June 24, 2020

Steven Mitchell

The New Japan Cup’s second round begins!

NJPW keeps moving forward, and the Sweet Sixteen begins! Will the Ticking Timebomb keep ticking? Will Blue Justice shock the Rainmaker?

NOTE: NJPW no longer wants to feed AXS TV now that it is with Anthem and Impact Wrestling. But never fear, I will cover NJPW in the spirit of AXS in providing the most important matches of the show.

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Taiji Ishimori VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Ishimori wins and advances to the quarterfinals.
Tomohiro Ishii VS Togi Makabe; Ishii wins and advances to the quarterfinals.
Hiromu Takahashi VS Toru Yano; Hiromu wins and advances to the quarterfinals.
Kazuchika Okada VS Yuji Nagata; wins and advances to the quarterfinals.

PLAY BY PLAY

Taiji Ishimori VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru!

Bullet Club’s Bone Soldier Reborn and Suzuki-Gun’s Heel Master are two nasty pieces of work, and now they collide to open the second round! Who proves to be nasty enough to make it into the quarterfinals?

But just as Taiji makes his entrance, Kanemaru attacks from behind! Kanemaru takes the lead in being nasty as he brings Taiji down and whips him into railing! The ref reprimands but Kanemaru keeps stomping away on Taiji at the railing. Kanemaru drags Taiji up to whip into more railing! Kanemaru hops up onto the railing, only for Taiji to get clear, kick him, and whip him all the way to the other railing! Taiji throws off his jacket and the bell rings to finally put this on the record. Taiji puts Kanemura in the ring, stomps Kanemaru around, then brings him up for a whip corner to corner. Kanemaru reverses, Taiji uses the tiger feint to turn around and slide under to then slip around and shoulder into Kanemaru. Taiji springboards for the seated senton! Kanemaru is down and Taiji fires up!

Taiji drags Kanemaru up to club him and stomp him back down. Kanemaru slowly gets up but Taiji throws haymakers. Taiji whips, Kanemaru reverses, but Taiji handsprings! Kanemaru catches the back elbow to back suplex, but Taiji slips out and runs, into the basement dropkick! Taiji clutches the knee while Kanemaru checks his neck. Kanemaru storms over to Taiji at the ropes and stands on the bad leg. The ref counts but Kanemaru lets off at 3. Kanemaru looms over Taiji and stomps him down again. Kanemaru SMASHES the knee on the mat! Taiji clutches the knee but Kanemaru drags him up and whips. Kanemaru dropkicks the leg out again and then goes after it with a standing toehold. Kanemaru steps through to get a Figure Four!

Taiji tries to fight it off but can’t, and now endures the hold as Kanemaru cranks on it. Taiji pries at the hold but Kanemaru stops that. Taiji turns and gets the ropebreak! Kanemaru undoes the hold with help from the ref, and he looms over Taiji again. Taiji hits back but Kanemaru stomps the knee. Kanemaru brings Taiji up for a SHIN BREAKER! Taiji writhes out of the ring and flounders to railing but Kanemaru pursues. Kanemaru drags Taiji up, has the leg and loops it ont the railing. Kanemaru BOOTS the knee and Taiji falls! The ref backs Kanemaru off to check on Taiji. Kanemaru talks smack as he goes back in the ring. The ref starts the ring count, and Taiji hobbles up at 6. Taiji gets in the ring at 10 of 20, but Kanemaru is already on him with stomps.

Taiji hits back with CHOPS but Kanemaru stomps the knee again. Kanemaru whips, Taiji manages the handspring and NEURALIZER! Both men go down but Taiji works to get the bad knee working. Taiji runs corner to corner, double knees! He snapmares Kanemaru and runs, but Kanemaru avoids the Penalty Kick to roll Taiji up! TWO, but Kanemaru wants the Figure Four! Taiji cradle counters, TWO! Kanemaru escapes the surprise but runs into a body shot! Taiji manages a gut wrench, but Kanemaru slips out. Taiji runs and Kanemaru uses the ref as a shield! Taiji still kicks Kanemaru first, then runs again, only to get the POP-UP ATOMIC LOW BLOW! The ref misses Kanemaru’s nastiest act yet!

Kanemaru gets to his feet and grabs his bottle of whiskey. He takes a big chug, aims at Taiji, but Taiji blocks the whiskey mist! Kanemaru sputters as Taiji smothers and covers, TWO! Kanemaru gasps and sputters as he had to forcibly swallow all that alcohol. Both men slowly rise, Taiji runs into a mule kick! Kanemaru scoops to a dragon sleeper, for the reverse DDT! Cover, TWO!! Taiji survives, Kanemaru goes up top, Taiji rises, and Kanemaru leaps! But Taiji catches him, pops him around, to Cipher- NO! Kanemaru sits on the cover, TWO!! Taiji denies Kanemaru’s tilt-o-whirl, then tilt-o-whirls himself, to go after the arm! Kanemaru resists the takedown, rakes eyes, and then gets space. Taiji still KNEES back, then gut wrenches, to CIPER UTAKI!! Cover, TWO!?! Kanemaru survives but Taiji fires up more. Taiji brings Kanemaru up, underhooks, BLOODY CROSS!! Cover, Taiji wins!!

Winner: Taiji Ishimori, by pinfall

Kanemaru may’ve been nasty but Taiji was tougher! The Bone Soldier moves on, will all of New Japan be reborn?

Tomohiro Ishii VS Togi Makabe!

What happens when a Stone Pitbull goes against an Uncaged Gorilla? We’re about to find out in a slug fest of heavy hitters! Who hits harder and who lasts longer to make it to the third round?

The bell rings and the two run right at each other! They collide shoulders, neither budges, so Ishii runs. Ishii rams Makabe, Makabe rebounds and rams back, but Ishii does the same. Makabe eggs Ishii on, rams him, but Ishii throws a forearm and runs again. They collide again, then both run, and collide! Collide! Collide! Ishii wobbles and Makabe bumps him, to then finally run him over! Makabe roars and brings Ishii up for big forearms. Ishii is in the corner, Makabe throws more forearms, but Ishii CHOPS back. Makabe doesn’t flinch! Makabe forearms, Ishii CHOPS, repeat. They go back and forth, pick up speed, and Makabe backs Ishii down to whip. Ishii reverses and hits a spinning powerslam!

Both men are down but Ishii sits up first. Ishii looms over Makabe and toys with him. Makabe gets up and throws forearms but now Ishii doesn’t budge. Makabe throws more, Ishii CHOPS back, and Makabe falls to his knees! Ishii takes a moment to finally wince, but he comes back to put Makabe in a corner. Ishii CHOPS again, and again, and again, even as Makabe sits down. Ishii toys with Makabe as he scuffs his head with his shoe. Makabe powers up and backs Ishii down with forearms. Makabe whips Ishii to a corner, Ishii comes running back, but into a belly2belly suplex! Ishii goes to the other corner and Makabe runs in to clothesline! Makabe climbs up and rains down right hands! Makabe gets all 10, then brings Ishii into a NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO!

Makabe is annoyed but he keeps on Ishii with a waistlock. Ishii resists the lift and elbows free, but Makabe throws forearms back. Ishii gets in Makabe’s face and Makabe throws more forearms. Ishii SLAPS Makabe, Makabe forearms back, and they go back and forth, fast and furious again! Ishii doubles down on the palm strikes but Makabe gets the edge with forearms! Ishii staggers back and Makabe falls to a knee, but Makabe gets up and runs in. Ishii catches him for a GERMAN SUPLEX into the buckles! The ref checks on Makabe as he clutches his head and neck, but Ishii stands on Makabe, to then drop a knee! And again! And again! Ishii finally backs off and the ref checks on Makabe again.

Makabe is dead weight as Ishii tries to bring him up. Ishii gets Makabe back in the corner to throw forearm after forearm into Makabe’s back and neck! The ref counts, tries to pull Ishii off, but Ishii keeps going! Ishii finally lets up and brings Makabe around. The ref has Ishii back away again to check on Makabe. Makabe revives but Ishii is on him with a cranking facelock! Makabe flails, but Ishii turns him for a SAIDO! Cover, TWO! Makabe survives despite all the damage done to his head and neck. Ishii dares him to stand, then runs, but Makabe blocks the lariat! Makabe runs but Ishii swats the lariat, only to get the SOUTHPAW! Both men are down from exhaustion, but Makabe rises to bring Ishii back up. Makabe throws big sledgehammer fists, then runs, but Ishii dodges. The two COLLIDE with clotheslines! And again! And again! They both fire up, go again, Makabe LARIATS Ishii down!

Makabe brings Ishii back up, SIT-OUT POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Ishii survives and Makabe can’t believe it! Makabe brings Ishii back up, but Ishii breaks free. Makabe throws forearms again, then runs in to clothesline. Ishii stays up so Makabe uses the Polish hammers. Ishii fires off elbows from all sides! Makabe spins to LARIAT again! Again, both men are down! Makabe gets up first, brings Ishii around, and bumps him off buckles. Makabe hoists Ishii up to the top backwards, then climbs up behind him. Ishii holds on for dear life and elbows Makabe back. Ishii adjusts his position but Makabe throws more forearms. Ishii headbutts, Makabe falls into the Tree of Woe, but sits right up! SPIDER BELLY2BELLY SUPLEX! Ishii rises as Makabe sits up, and Ishii CLOBBERS Makabe on the top rope!

The ref checks on both men but they’re okay to continue. Ishii sits up and goes back to Makabe on the top rope. Ishii brings Makabe up but now Makabe holds on and resists. Ishii still powers Makabe up for a STALLING SUPERPLEX!! But Makabe crashes and rolls away, and stands up!? Makabe runs, into a LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! How did Makabe survive all of that?! Ishii doesn’t ask questions, he just sits Makabe up. Ishii runs, into Makabe’s haymakers! Makabe SNAP GERMANS! Bridging cover, TWO!! Ishii escapes but Makabe heads up top! Makabe leaps but the King Kong Knee only gets mat! Both men are down again, but Ishii slowly rises. Ishii dares Makabe to stand, then he runs. LARIAT, but Makabe stays up!

Makabe roars, clotheslines Ishii back, but Ishii stays up to headbutt! They collide with shoulders again, and Ishii HEADBUTTS! Makabe falls, eyes glazed over! The ref checks on Makabe and he responds, but Ishii wants him to stand. Makabe rises, Ishii runs, LARIAT! Makabe goes back down but Ishii wants him to stand up again. Makabe does, Ishii runs in, LARIAT! Makabe stays up this time and eggs Ishii on, to get a point-blank headbutt! Ishii brings Makabe back up, throws forearms again and again, but Makabe comes back with his Kong Chops! Makabe runs, LARIAT but Ishii stays up! Back hand, but Ishii ENZIGURIS! Ishii runs, LARIAT!! Cover, TWO!?! Ishii suplexes Makabe for the BRAIN BUSTER!! Cover, Ishii wins!!

Winner: Tomohiro Ishii, by pinfall

The Pitbull sunk his teeth into the Gorilla and didn’t let go! Ishii is victorious again, and just leaves without even enjoying the celebration. Will he finally let himself celebrate when he takes the New Japan Cup?

Hiromu Takahashi VS Toru Yano!

The Ticking Timebomb likes to have fun, but will he be in the mood for the antics of the Clown Prince of NJPW? Will #YTR ruin the run of this LIJ member?

Hiromu makes his entrance wearing a hard hat, and then is very wary of Yano and his movie he’s trying to hock. Yano sprays his water bottle to make sure things are clean. Hiromu doesn’t trust that, either, and has the ref hurry with the check. The ref says the hard hat needs to come off and that Yano needs to put the bottle away. Yano gives up his spray bottle but Hiromu still doesn’t trust that. The bell rings, and Yano brings out an electric razor! Yano wants to shave Hiromu’s head! Now the hard hat makes sense… Hiromu gets away to the outside, and far away from the ring. The ref reprimands Yano and Hiromu slowly returns. Yano won’t give up the razor, so Hiromu goes under the ring! Yano drops the razor and goes looking for Hiromu. The ring count begins, passes 7 of 20 but then Hiromu appears out the other side!

Hiromu goes into the ring at 10 of 20, picks up the electric razor, and throws the hard hat away. The count reaches 15 and Yano gives up the search, to see Hiromu in the ring! Yano jumps in at 18 and Hiromu stomps him down! The ref still wants that razor to leave the ring, but Hiromu wants to shave Yano! Hiromu turns the razor on, but it doesn’t even work! Yano didn’t even charge the battery! It was all a bluff! Yano clobbers Hiromu, and brings out a second electric razor! Hiromu scrambles to a corner but Yano is after the hair! The ref takes the razor from Yano, and this one does work. But Hiromu kicks, whips and runs into the corner for a clothesline! Snapmare and basement dropkick! Hiromu keeps going, another whip, reels Yano into a forearm and puts him on the ropes. Hiromu kicks the ropes to jam Yano, then runs only to miss the dropkick!

Yano brings Hiromu up, but Hiromu throws forearms. Yano grabs the hair, Hiromu kicks and runs to huricanrana Yano down! Yano bails out of the ring and is down on the ground. Hiromu goes out to fetch Yano and whip him into railing! Hiromu trashes Yano’s things then brings Yano up and around for another whip. Yano reverses and sends Hiromu into railing! Yano wants the electric razor and is furious when the timekeeper refuses to give it over! Hiromu attacks Yano from behind and then brings him out to whip into the folded bleachers! But Yano has SCISSORS!! This could get dangerous! Hiromu holds Yano off, kicks the scissors out of his hand, then hurries to get back in the ring. Yano hurries back to the ring and goes back to his classic move of untying a buckle pad!

Hiromu and Yano talk trash from across the way, Hiromu runs corner to corner, but narrowly avoids hitting bare buckles! Yano doesn’t realize this until he runs and Hiromu follows to then shove him into ropes. Hiromu rolls Yano, Yano slips out but Hiromu mule kicks! Hiromu paces, looms over Yano, then brings him up. Hiromu CHOPS Yano, then whips him towards the bare buckles! Yano reverses but Hiromu slides under and out, only for Yano to pursue. They go around the corner, back into the ring, and Hiromu SUNSET FLIPS, but no powerbomb! Yano holds onto the ropes, reaches into his tights, and Hiromu panics! But it was a fake out! Yano didn’t have anything else! Hiromu kicks Yano back, then bumps him off the stage! Wait, Yano brings out ANOTHER pair of scissors?! When did he have time to hide all of these?!

The ref tries to take the scissors away but Yano pushes him away. Yano knocks Hiromu down, then brings out a med kit?! He wants to use the tape to tie Hiromu up! A Young Lion tries to stop Yano, but Yano knocks him down, and ties Hiromu’s leg to the Young Lion’s! It’s like a three legged race as Hiromu and the Young Lion try to get up. Yano brings the scissors over and starts CUTTING Hiromu’s hair!! Yano has a lock of the red-black hair from Hiromu! But Hiromu and the Young Lion get up, hobble over to Yano, and attack! Hiromu keeps on Yano and drags the Young Lion along! Hiromu uses the tape to tie Yano’s hands together! The ref reprimands all of this, but then Hiromu uses tape to blindfold Yano! And puts him inside the elevator! Yano is stuck as the elevator door closes! The ring count begins as Yano heads down!

Hiromu hurries, and the true three legged race begins! The count passes 10 but Hiromu has made it to ringside. He helps the Young Lion along as they get to the apron! They’re both in at 19! Yano is counted out, Hiromu wins!!

Winner: Hiromu Takahashi, by count-out

Perhaps the most unique victory in NJPW history! Hiromu raises the Young Lion’s hand in victory, because he quite literally couldn’t have done this without him. Hiromu gets his belt and hard hat back and brings the Young Lion along as he makes his exit. They even go up the steps to the stage together. Will Hiromu cut the tape before the third round begins?

Kazuchika Okada VS Yuji Nagata!

In the first round, The Rainmaker got revenge on the traitorous Gedo while Blue Justice shocked the Meanest Man in the World! Will Okada underestimate the grizzled old warrior? Or will Nagata be washed away by the rain?

The bell rings and the two circle. They stare down a moment, then tie up. Nagata waistlocks, wrenches and wristlocks, but Okada rolls to wrench back. Okada hammerlocks, Nagata reaches back to get the headlock and then throws Okada with the takeover. Okada endures as Nagata cranks on the hold, and fights his way up to his feet. Nagata keeps on that hold but Okada pries free, but not for long! Nagata gets the headlock back and grinds down even harder. Okada throws body shots then pries at the hold, but Nagata just powers him back into the headlock. Okada powers Nagata to ropes, Red Shoes calls for the break, and Okada uses the classic fake out. Okada pats Nagata on the shoulder, but Nagata kicks him back! Okada throws forearms, Nagata KICKS away on the leg!

Nagata kicks again but Okada blocks to elbow the knee. Okada runs, but Nagata BOOTS him down! Okada ducks the Penalty Kick and bails out of the ring. Okada catches his breath and Nagata dares him to get back in. Nagata even holds the ropes open for him. Okada still takes his time and the ring count starts. Okada waits until the count is past 10 of 20, but Nagata is still on him. Nagata has the double wristlock at the ropes, then wrenches through. Okada resists the shoulder breaker, even pulling on hair. Nagata instead yanks and elbows the arm, then runs, into a boot! Okada snapmares Nagata, runs and basement dropkicks Nagata down! Okada throws Nagata out then pursues, to RAM Blue Justice into the blue rails! Okada brings Nagata up to RAM him again!

Okada wrenches Nagata’s arm to whip him into railing. Okada walks around to catch his breath, then throws a European Uppercut to rock Nagata. The ring count begins again, Okada throws more EuroUppers, then RAMS Nagata into railing again! Okada leaves Nagata behind at 10, but Nagata crawls after. Nagata is at the apron at 15, but he has to catch his breath, and gets in at 18! Okada brings Nagata back up, for a neckbreaker! Okada stands with a cocky pin, but Red Shoes doesn’t approve. Nagata sits up in a huff, but Okada brings him up to bump off buckles. Okada throws big forearms but Nagata just eggs him on! Okada keeps throwing forearms, then back elbows! Nagata sits down while Okada paces.

Okada brings Nagata up again, wrenches and whips him corner to corner, but Nagata reverses. Nagata runs in, Okada boots, but Okada runs into Nagata’s kitchen sink knee! Okada is down but Nagata powres up. Nagata throws a KICK into Okada’s chest! And again! And again! Okada ends up in a corner, Nagata whips corner to corner and BOOTS! Okada blocks the exploder to whip Nagata away. Nagata rolls under Okada’s boot, fakes Okada out and dropkicks the knee! EXPLODER! Cover, TWO! Nagata keeps his focus as he brings Okada back up. Okada blocks the suplex, so Nagata knees low and whips. Okada avoids Nagata’s boot to then come back with the back elbow! Both men are down but stirring.

Okada stands but Nagata follows. Okada whips Nagata into a corner, hits a back elbow and the DDT! Cover, TWO! Okada keeps his cool as he looms over Nagata. Okada brings Nagata up but Nagata blocks the gut wrench! Okada clubs Nagata on the back, but Nagata gives forearm sback. Okada EuroUppers, runs, but Nagata hits an OVERHEAD suplex! Both men are down again but that means the old man is keeping pace with the young icon. Nagata gets up first and eggs Okada on! Nagata brings Okada up for forearms, but Okada comes back with forearms of his own. Nagata hits, Okada hits back, and they build speed! They brawl, neither backing down. Nagata hits harder, then gets forehead to forehead with Okada. Nagata eggs Okada on and the brawling begins again.

Okada eggs Nagata on and each man is just throwing forearms as hard as they can! Nagata ROCKS Okada but Okada stays up. Nagata KICKS Okada to a corner, Okada comes back with a shotgun dropkick! Both men are down again but Okada sits up first. Okada brings Nagata up, Alabama lifts, for the REVERSE NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Nagata isn’t done just yet! Okada brings Nagata up, scoops and slams, and per his formula, heads for a corner. Okada climbs up top but Nagata pursues! Okada throws many forearms, but Nagata roars as he stands back up! Okada throws more forearms, but again Nagata returns! Okada throws another round, but Nagata still won’t fall! Nagata gives forearms back now, then brings Okada up, SUPER EXPLODER!! Cover, TWO!!

Okada survives and shakes his head. Okada roars as he and Nagata both stand. Nagata KICKS! Okada wobbles about! Nagata KICKS again! Okada still stays up, but Nagata KICKS again! Okada flops down but Nagata brings him back up! Nagata suplexes, Okada slips out, dropkick to the back! Okada brings Nagata up, whips and dropkicks again! But Okada isn’t done there, he brings Nagata up for the gut wrench, and TOMBSTONE! But Okada doesn’t cover?! Okada goes for Deep In Debt, his new arm triangle! But Nagata slips out and gets a CROSSFACE! Nagata cranks back on Okada’s head and neck, but Okada endures! Okada moves around but Nagata pulls harder on the hold! Okada is turning red, but he uses his legs to get around, and gets a ropebreak! Nagata lets Okada go to bring him back up.

Nagata goes for the back suplex but Okada holds on with a headlock. Nagata KNEES Okada, then gets a wrist clutch pump handle! Okada fights this suplex off, then goes for D-I-D! Nagata is #DeepInDebt now!! Blue Justice turns purple, but he refuses to give up! Nagata uses a second wind to pry at the hold, then gets Okada for an EXPLODER! Both men are down again but Nagata rises first! Nagata brings Okada up for forearms at the ropes. Nagata ROCKS Okada, whips him, but Okada reverses! Nagata denies the dropkick, but Okada blocks the Penalty Kick! Okada throws forearms but Nagata doesn’t back down. Nagata eggs Okada on, so Okada keeps throwing forearms. Nagata SLAPS Okada, then again! Okada ducks the third, spins Nagata, but the discus misses and Nagata SNAP SAIDOS! Cover, TWO!!

Nagata is furious but Okada was a historic IWGP Heavyweight Champion for a reason! Nagata brings Okada up, wants another saido, but Okada headlocks to resist. Nagata shifts to a waistlock but Okada holds ropes! Nagata enziguris! Okada staggers, but slips out of the saido to a roll, and DEEP IN DEBT! Nagata is caught and Okada drags him from ropes! Nagata endures, turns purple, starts to fade, and Okada clamps on even tighter! Nagata comes back with a third wind, but Okada keeps grinding him down! Nagata TAPS, Okada wins!!

Winner: Kazuchika Okada, by submission

Once again, the Rainmaker is victorious through that submission hold! Will Okada make sure the entire tournament owes him by putting them #DeepInDebt?

Okada takes the mic to address the viewers. He decides to do things differently, and have the usual backstage interview held here in the ring. Okada realizes he should perhaps take back some of the things he said about Nagata. After facing “grandpa” in the ring, Okada realizes Nagata’s actually a “cool old guy.” And of course, after being such a tough veteran, Okada is confident he will take the New Japan Cup again and get back the heavyweight title. Will Okada once again make it rain with another reign atop NJPW?

My Thoughts:

An incredible start to the second round, and all four matches were great. Well, obviously they were, it’s why I covered them all. Ishimori VS Kanemaru was a great example of Heel VS Heel that you wouldn’t see in most other promotions, but I do give credit that Kanemaru went extra Heel while Ishimori kept things clean. Ishimori wins as the younger, rising star, and as the only Bullet Club entrant left. The sad irony of Bullet Club being mostly non-Japanese wrestlers, it seems most live outside of Japan and therefore could not be part of this tournament because of travel restrictions. A shame as Jay White would’ve probably been on a good run in the tournament, too.

Makabe and Ishii had a great match as just two beefy guys hitting each other with everything they have. Either one would’ve made for a tough fight in the next round, and Hiromu will have to put up that tough fight next round. Hiromu and Yano had a hilarious match, with a lot of unique things not seen anywhere else. I’ve certainly never seen someone be put in an elevator, tied up and blindfolded, and lose by count-out, while the winner is in a three legged race situation with someone else. And naturally, the main event with Okada and Nagata was incredible, mostly because Nagata was still going just as hard as he was last time with Suzuki. But also naturally, Okada wins because he’s still in his prime. Okada might even be getting better because now he’s using a submission hold and not his finisher that we’ve seen for years. If Okada starts changing up his game now, while he’s still in his early 30’s, he could be doing this until he’s the “ojii-san.”

My Score: 9.2/10

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Up Next

Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (6/24/20)

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Coverage

Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 3.27.2025

Bad news out of the TNA management side, but this is a taped episode from El Paso! So we won’t see any of the fallout just yet!

Published

18 hours ago

March 27, 2025

Andrew Balaz

Now we all heard the news about the TNA change in hierarchy, and I…have no positive outlook on that. Delirious sucked at booking and creative in the dying days of ROH before it got bought as a B show. Dreamer having even more control is concerning because his ideas the last two years haven’t been much better.

Gail leaving makes more sense to me. Be it firing or a “you can’t quit, you’re fired” kind of situation, the Knockouts division is the worst it’s been in a long time and Gail was close with Scott D’Amore. So I don’t think Gail parting ways is as big of a problem since TNA has slowly been bleeding out with the Scott faithful.

Granted, I think the next few shows were already taped before the firing so things shouldn’t be completely unwatchable for at least a week or two. So let’s see where we’re going.

.@WeAreRosemary sends @XiaBrookside a CHILLING message!

WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/LaVxF6l2yc pic.twitter.com/srciTTbel0

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) March 28, 2025

Ratings:

Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley vs Elegance Clique w/Personal Concierge: Ash wins via Rarefied Air – ** 1/4
Fir$t Cla$$ & Frankie Kazarian vs Laredo Kid, Octagon Jr & Chavo Guerrero Jr: Chavo wins via Gory Bomb into Frog Splash – *** 1/4
Jacy Jayne vs Masha Slamovich: Masha wins via Russian Death Device – ***
Eric Young w/two losers vs Ace Austin: Eric wins via Piledriver – ** 1/2
Seto & Mokuba – I mean – Nic Nemeth w/Ryan Nemeth vs Leon Slater: Nic wins via Danger Zone – *** 1/4

Results:

Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley vs Elegance Clique w/Personal Concierge

Ash and Gigi start off, Gigi with a little Rascalz after her first takedown. So both her and Wentz are making it obvious something’s going on between them, and I’m not mad at it. Good for my man Wentz.

Tatum and Gigi get some quick tandem offense in, Ash does manage to scurry off to a tag and Heather gets bent into a Pretzel. Some kind of Inverted Tarantula from Tatum, Gigi tags in, Bronco Buster on Heather followed by Kawada Kicks. Heather sells against the ropes, Gigi goes for a Hesitation Dropkick, but Concierge pulls her away so Gigi crashes and burns. Ref is distracted, Ash gets in some cheap shots and then the Elegant duo starts working over Gigi. A few quick tags, but once Heather comes in, Gigi fights out of the corner, gets the hot tag to Tatum. Tatum stacks up both Elegance members, Corner Stacked Crossbody, Butterfly Suplex and an Elbow Drop with some some flare. Tatum goes to the top rope, Heather pulls Gigi off the apron, Concierge shoves Tatum off the turnbuckle and Ash hits Rarefied Air for the win.

Post match the Elegance Clique wants to make their wish with the cake, they light the candles and Tatum and Gigi recover enough to do what we all expected last week, the cake in the face spot. Some…suggestive licking from both of our Hot Topic Hotties, so…no complaints here.

.@Ashamae_Sebera, @Heathereckless and @IamGeorgeIceman are having a meltdown!

WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/LaVxF6l2yc pic.twitter.com/FnKwPqm2ff

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) March 28, 2025

Fir$t Cla$$ & Frankie Kazarian vs Laredo Kid, Octagon Jr & Chavo Guerrero Jr

Chavo and Kaz start since he’s King Petty, a quick rope run turns into a Headscissor from Chavo. Kaz recovers, they lock up, Kaz hits the Knee Lift during the lock up to tag out to KC. KC pulls off some athletic dodges, gloats a bit so Chavo waits, measures and nails a gorgeous Dropkick. Laredo comes in on fire, quick high spots that send KC bouncing around like HBK against Hulk. KC powders after sells the Satellite Takedown, AJ checks on him and we go to commercial.

Back from commercial, Octagon is lighting up KC’s chest with overhand chops, he perches, Sunset Headscissor Flip from corner to corner, KC tries to Back Drop him but Octagon does a headstand, kicks KC away and lays him out with a high spot. AJ gets on the apron to stop Octagon from running the ropes, the referee has a stroke or something because he stops paying attention and AJ pulls Octagon out of the ring and chucks him. KC with the Tope con Hilo and tag (tag ropes haven’t mattered since the 80s we all know this). So AJ is getting taunted by the crowd in Spanish, but he’s manhandling Octagon since it looks like a Child fighting their parent. AJ knocks off Chavo and Laredo, Laredo pops up and tries to get involved but he’s caught on the shoulders, Octagon goes for the Crossbody but gets caught and AJ pulls off “World’s Strongest Wasteland” but Chavo breaks up the pinfall. AJ throws Octagon into the corner, Tennessee Whiskey, and tag out to KC. KC hits a few moves, but starts to lose the momentum until he connects with a Super Kick. Simultaneous rope run into the Dueling Crossbodies, so we get the timely tag outs from both sides. Kaz and Laredo come in, Laredo lands like two moves before Kaz hits a Sole Butt, Lariat and eats his lunch. KC and Kaz try to double team Laredo but he fights out and the crowd is chanting for Chavo.

Chavo tags in, and he’s rocking KC, Saito Suplex, Low Bridge to AJ, Reverse the Whip so Chavo goes to the corner and perches, KC feeds, Chavo Backflips to safety, rolls through and lays out KC. Chavo is feeling himself, 3 Amigos start on KC but only 2, Kaz comes in and Chavo switches to Kaz for the Amigos, only 2 again before AJ breaks it up. AJ goes for the disrespect, but Chavo counters and hits the 3 Amigos on the biggest Culero. Aztec Warriors dive to stop AJ and Kaz, KC tries a Dirty Victory Roll but Chavo kicks out. GORY BOMB into FROG SPLASH!

Chavo looked fantastic and he’s the one in the best shape in the ring. I wouldn’t be mad at more Chavito.

Jacy Jayne vs Masha Slamovich

I expect very little from this match.

Collar and Elbow, gator rolling for the first 30 seconds or so, then Jacy goes to some Hair Pull takedowns and does a little taunt before Masha pops back up and hits a Lariat into a Dive. Jacy sells it like she’s really hurt, even the ref tries to hold Masha back a little before Masha gets annoyed and just grabs her, Masha throws her in, looks for a Dive and Jacy sees it and powders. Masha tries to go back to the well for the Dive again but Jacy hits the Uppercut and then an Apron Run PK to drop Masha. Forearms rain down into a Foot Choke as Jacy continues to arrogantly play to the crowd. Another Foot Choke into a Cannonball, and near fall.

Masha gets space with a Sole Butt, tries to snap off Requiem but Jacy fights off, fights through a Sunset Flip another effective PK keeps Masha on her ass. Jacy looks for a kinda half-assed Camel Clutch as Masha is fighting up, but Jacy runs her into the corner, gets distracted mouthing off to the crowd, so Masha recovers, 5 Hole Up Kick sends Jacy into the corner, Yakuza Kick into Capo Kick for two. Requiem attempt again, but Jacy pushes off, a little back and forth, Masha tries a Backslide but Jacy gets away and hits a V-Trigger but only a 2 count. Jacy looks for the Discus Punch but Masha ducks it, they strike back and forth, but some dodges from both leave the exchange more even. Jacy with the Front Kick to the face sends Masha to the outside. Jacy wants another PK, but Masha blocks, Electric Chair Apron Snake Eyes. Masha throws her in, a PK into a near all. Requiem attempt 3, and thwarted from Jacy with a Superkick into a Neckbreaker. Senton misses from Jacy, Buzzsaw Kick, into Spinning Back Kick and Russian Death Device for the win.

Better than I expected, and Tessa attacks as soon as the bell rings. Xia Brookside and Lei Ying Li make the save after Tessa grabs the belt.

Eric Young w/two losers vs Ace Austin

Ace and Eric tie up, World of Sport start but as soon as Ace starts to get away EY punches him in the face. Eric looks at the camera and says “This is what trust looks like”, turns his back on Ace, when Ace looks to attack, the loser duo cut him off. EY takes advantage of the weird situation, but Ace with some Up and Over quick spots, into an Inside Cradle and La Magistral. EY kicks out of the quick flash attempts, but eats a Dropkick, and Ace goes all Speed Kils on him with fast strikes and then a face buster for another near fall. Strike spot very early in the match, Ace gets the best of it, goes for a Tear Drop Suplex but EY sits on it to block, Headlocks to keep him close and then a snap Lariat into beatdown bully tactics. EY takes the referee’s attention and one of the nerds punch Ace in the face.

Eric tries to lean on Ace, but Ace fires, a few strikes, Click Click Boom, the Miz Seated Lariats in the corner, Mochizuki Triangle Kick connects! Only a 2 count, but Ace seems to be in control. Ace puts EY on the ropes, a few strikes to keep him rocked, wants a Superplex, but EY blocks, bites the face and Macho Elbow gets a very close two count. EY tries the Piledriver but Ace turns it into a Jacknife Cradle,Spinning Heel Kick, calls for The Fold, but the losers hop on the apron to distract, Ace attacks them. Ace tries to time out the Triangle Kick again, but Eric dodges, throws Ace head first through the buckles. As Ace stumbles out of the corner, Piledriver, and it’s over.

Oh look it’s the “we’ll hear from Joe Hendry” segment. Again, I’ve loved this gimmick since Day 1, even didn’t hate his What Culture Pro stuff, but there is such a thing as milking a cow too much.

Elijah interrupts the whole “Who’s next” speech. When Elijah comes out he says he’s not the challenger and he believes in Joe. The crowd wants Elijah to turn on Hendry. Elijah pauses for a moment, and starts proving his friendship with stating his favorite color and a little “You Got a Friend in Me”. The crowd is into singing along and waving their cameras like Lighters to a 30 year old song. THANKFULLY Kaz breaks up the hug fest. Now he gets the “Culero” chant.

Kaz pulls out a Bass…what the hell is this Jam Session. Kaz has to warm up so he plays “La Cucaracha” on the bass. Kaz…is a national treasure. Hendry kicks Kaz out of the ring after his Heelish and playfully racially charged song choices. Kaz tries to sow dissension, but Joe and Elijah pinball Kaz between them. Kaz slips a power move and tries to shove Elijah into Joe but Elijah puts the brakes on, a small tense moment. But then Joe and Elijah play “Nah Nah Nah Nah, Hey Hey, Goodbye”…and that goes right into a commercial. Oddly…perfect.

Nic Nemeth w/Ryan Nemeth vs Leon Slater

Nic shoots the half immediately for a flash pinfall but Leon kicks out at one. Nic continues to keep things grounded with his amateur wrestling skills, and then does a little Dolph Ziggler show off. So Nic isn’t really taking this seriously, and Leon starts getting the best of things with an Arm Wringer, into drag, Shoulder Tackle and rope run as Nic tries to Leap Frog and Leon puts on the brakes and just shoves Nic on his ass. Nic gets annoyed, a few strikes, grinds his face along the ropes, but Leon keeps stringing some offense together, Back Handspring Elbow into his Corner con Hilo.

Ahh the classic formula of the commercial gives the heel the advantage, Twisting Suplex from Leon stops Nic’s offense momentum, right hand, Leon lifts Nic up for something, Nic slips it, kicks him in the gut, looks for the FameAsser, but Leon catches him into a Blue Thunder Bomb variation. Slater wants the Swanton 450, but Nic powders. Leon tries to adjust into a Dive, but Nic cuts him off, counter for counter and a FameAsser out of the counters for a two count. Nic starts the big brother tactics, bootwashes and arrogance, Slater fires, punches into a Yakuza Kick. Leon wants another Lethal Injection variant, but Nic catches him into a Rear Naked Choke. Slater tries to turn it into a pin so Nic breaks it. Leon wants a Leg Lariat but misses and gets unceremoniously dropped by Nic. Nic puts Leon up on the buckles, Superplex possibly but Slater counters, tries to collect himself for a move, but Nic falls into the ropes to crotch Leon, and finally hits the Superplex.

Twist of Slate from Leon, Swanton 450 but knees get up. Locomotion Cradles from both but they kick out, Ryan picks the ankle to trip up Leon just a touch and then Danger Zone ends the match.

Ryan starts the post match beatdown, but the Hardy’s music hits and they come down to the ring for the save. Matt challenges the Nemeths for Rebellion because they’re not medically cleared yet.

Overall Score: 6.5/10

Decent story motion, no match was offensive, and there was actually some solid match action for television standards. I don’t have a ton to complain about aside from the Knockouts Division is in a weird spot, and giving Hendry a lot of just talking and hollow payoff segments feels stupid. If we need to hear from him every week, give him a talk segment like Highlight Reel or something. Yes I know First Class just got The Penthouse, but if Hendry is going to talk more than wrestle, give him a talk segment for us to sink our teeth into.

There was the announcement that Xia, Lei Ying and Masha will face Tessa, Jacy and a mystery partner. So you gotta wonder if there’s going to be another NXT mercenary, a surprise return or if it’ll just be Rosemary since she’s got her issues with Xia. Also I just realized that Unbreakable is going to be on a Thursday, seemingly after iMPACT? I’m gonna have to see how they do it, because if there’s an Impact episode and 2-3 hour PLE…I do not want to be awake until 1am. People need to work, and I will be Unwakeable if things go that long.

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Coverage

Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (3/27/25)

Is there a new Minion in town?

Published

22 hours ago

March 27, 2025

Steven Mitchell

Diamante wants to work with Athena?

The ROH Women’s World Champion has Billie Starkz, but it seems Diamante wants to change that. Will she make herself Minion Numero Uno?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Dark Panther VS Okumura; Panther wins.
Six Man Tag: Dustin Rhodes, Sammy Guevara & Willie Mack VS Johnny TV & MXM Collection; Dustin, Sammy & Mack win.
Athena & Diamante VS Jordan Blu & Mazzerati; Athena & Diamante win.
The Dark Order VS The Premier Athletes w/ Mark Sterling; The Premier Athletes win.
Queen Aminata VS Viva Van; Aminata wins.
Six Man Tag: Atlantis Jr, Fuego & Titan VS Barbaro Cavernario, Rugido & Volador Jr; Atlantis, Fuego & Titan win.

PLAY BY PLAY

Athena talks with Diamante.

The Fallen Goddess tells the Cuban Diamond, “Tonight is going to be very, very crucial to you joining MIT. I just don’t take people barging their way into my group, my prestigious academy.” Billie Starkz walks in and says hi to “Boss” Athena and “Di,” but Athena ignores her to continue explaining that this is Diamante’s initiation. This is a test to see if- Billie pokes Athena in the shoulder and Athena asks, “Yes?” Billie says hi, and Athena says cool. Anyway, this is going to test if Diamante has what it takes to be part of the Forever Champion’s MIT. Diamante says sure. Billie keeps wanting Athena’s attention and Athena asks what she wants.

Billie motions as if to say she’s expecting something, and Athena says, “What? You want me to say, ‘Hi, Billie. You’ve been doing so great. You’ve been busy, busy being a busy bee meddling in everyone’s business.’ Tonight, it’s not about you. We’ve been there, we’ve done that. And it’s time that we bring something… new to MIT.” Billie says that’s great. Athena says tonight, they don’t need Billie. She can go meddle in someone else’s business. Athena & Diamante leave and Billie is shocked that she’s being left out. Is Minion 400,237 & 3/4ths being further demoted?

A sneak preview of AEW Stories: Komander.

“I was born for something. I feel I am destined for something. I have a purpose in life. I have a purpose in wrestling. And now, to have this great opportunity at Final Battle, for the ROH World Television Champion, what a moment it would be to achieve this, to achieve this mission. To achieve this feat for all my people, for the people who believe in me. This will be a big step in my career. Something that will mark the great story of Komander in AEW.” Watch the full documentary of Komander’s rise on AEW’s official YouTube channel.

Six Man Tag: Dustin Rhodes, Sammy Guevara & Willie Mack VS Johnny TV & MXM Collection!

The Sons of Texas are getting a bit tired of Mansoor & Mason Madden obsessing over the ROH World Tag Team Championships, but they have to go one more round with them and their new pal. But they’re not clowning around, because they’re bringing the Chocolate Juggalo along! Will Mack help The Natural & The Spanish God shine? Or will they not be #TVReady?

The trios sort out and Mack starts against Johnny. The fans rally, Johnny and Mack circle, and they keep the Code of Honor. They circle and tie up, and Mack powers Johnny back. But Johnny puts Mack in a corner to fire body shots! Johnny whips, Mack reverses, and Mack runs up, only for Johnny to slip outside, slide under, then go back out to GAMANGIRI! Mack staggers, Johnny springboards, but Mack gets under! Johnny rolls through, Mack ducks ‘n’ dodges then LEG LARIATS! The fans fire up and Mack brings Johnny over. Tag to Sammy, Mack wrenches Johnny for Sammy to CHOP Johnny down!

Sammy brings Johnny up and CHOPS him against ropes! Sammy whips, hurdles, then backflips over to DROPKICK Johnny! Sammy kips up so smooth, then he brings Johnny back up. But Johnny blocks the chop to spin Sammy around and DECK him! The fans boo but Johnny points to Mansoor. Mason goes nuts rallying for Mansoor as Johnny tags him in. Johnny & Mansoor reel Sammy in for a DOUBLE BACK SUPLEX, but Sammy lands out! Sammy ducks the double lariat, ELBOWS Johnny away, then BOOTS Mansoor! QUEBRADA! Direct hit on both men, and Sammy brings Mansoor over to tag Dustin!

The fans fire up as the Sons of Texas whip the Iron Chic! Atomic drop! Then DOUBLE RHODES UPPERCUT! The fans cheer, Dustin brings Mansoor up to whip, but Mansoor reverses. Mansoor blocks the boot, but not the UPPERCUT! Mansoor distracts the ref and that lets Mason CLOBBER Dustin from the apron! The ref is busy with Sammy & Mack so he missed that, and fans boo as Mansoor stomps away. Tag to Mason, he CHOKES Dustin on the ropes, and the ref counts. Mason stops at 4 to talk trash on Mack. Then Mason UPPERCUTS Dustin, and drops an ELBOW! Mason drags Dustin up to whip him into the corner.

Tag to Mansoor and Mason sends him in for a LARIAT! Mason comes back to ELBOW! Feed to the atomic drop, then Mansoor dropkicks the legs out! Mason runs up, WRECKS IN EFFECT! The fans boo that booty but Mason sits Dustin up. MXM pinball Dustin between the hips! The fans boo, Dustin flops over, and Mansoor tags Johnny. Mansoor sits Dustin up for Johnny to ROCK with a right hand! Johnny KICKS Dustin, ROCKS him again, then tags Mason. The fans rally but MXM TV mugs Dustin with hands from all sides! Tag to Mansoor, he feeds Dustin to Mason’s scoop! CATWALK LEG DROP COMBO! Cover, TWO!

Dustin survives but Mansoor keeps him down with an armlock and chinbar. The fans rally, Dustin fights up, and Dustin reaches out, only for Dustin to CLUB him! Mansoor whips Dustin to the corner, but Dustin BLASTS Mason & Johnny! He dodges Mansoor, and he SNAP POWERSLAMS! The fans fire up while Dustin and Mansoor are down! Dustin crawls, so does Mansoor, and hot tags to Johnny and Sammy! The fans fire up as Sammy goes up, CROSSBODY for Mansoor & Johnny! The fans fire up again and Sammy TOSSES Mansoor out. Sammy then PLANCHAS onto Johnny! Sammy is feeling it as he goes back into the ring.

Sammy builds speed and he FOSBURY FLOPS onto Mansoor! Sammy high-fives the front row, then he slides back inside. Sammy dodges Johnny to CUTTER! Cover, Mason breaks it! Mason TOSSES Sammy out, then he fires up! Mack steps in and fires body shots! Mack LARIATS Mason up and out! Mansoor is back, but Mack stops the superkick to FLIP him, and STUNN ER! The fans fire up but Johnny gives Mack a FLYING CHUCK! Dustin runs in and hits a DESTROYER! Mansoor returns, but Dustin Manhattan drops him! And then atomic drops! And now Mansoor is in the corner! The fans fire up as Dustin opens Mansoor up!

The ref reprimands, but Sammy distracts Dustin for the SHATTERED DREAMS! But a LEG LARIAT from Mason takes Dustin out! Sammy springboards in, but into Mason’s hand! Mack saves Sammy from the choke slam and ROUNDHOUSES Mason! Sammy goes up for a FLYING CUTTER!! Mack puts Mason in place for the “WOOP WOOP!” STANDING MOONSAULT! But a SHINING WIZARD from Johnny takes out Mack! Sammy JUMP KNEES Johnny! Then the torture rack for GO TO HOSPITAL! Cover, Mack & Sons of Texas win!

Winners: Dustin Rhodes, Sammy Guevara & Willie Mack, by pinfall

A great win for this trio, but MXM attacks! The fans boo as Mansoor & Mason are sore losers as they beat down Sammy and Mack! They get Mack up to give him a DOUBLE SUPLEX, then put him in the drop zone! STARSHIP PAIN! Johnny covers, MXM count, and MXM TV “wins!” They once again STEAL a belt! It’s one of the ROH World Six Man Tag Team Championship belts! The delusion returns, does MXM TV really think of themselves as the champions? Will Dustin have to call in The Von Erichs to settle this?

Taya Valkyrie & Lady Frost went to CMLL!

The CMLL Women’s Tag Team Championships have laid vacant, but Mrs. TV and the Coolest Wrestler You Know made it through the tournament of six matches in just a week! Taya finally made her CMLL debut despite wrestling in and out of Mexico for 13 YEARS. This is where La Wera Loca was born! Frost herself has a second home in Mexico after her three years wrestling here, and they gelled well. They did not win the titles, but are more than ready to try again. Will Taya & Frost prove themselves worthy of gold in the near future?

Athena & Diamante VS Jordan Blu & Mazzerati!

As the Minion Overlord said earlier tonight, this is the audition for the Cuban Diamond into Minions In Training. Will Diamante pass with flying colors? Or will the #BlueMazzerati run them off the road?

The teams sort out and Diamante starts against Mazzerati. The bell rings, the two tie up, and Diamante waistlocks to then shove, dodge, and run Mazzerati over. Things keep moving, Diamante jumps over the dropdown to then tilt-o-whirl and RANA! Mazzerati tumbles to a corner, Diamante runs to HYDRAULIC DROPKICK! The fans cheer, Athena likes what she sees, and Diamante TOSSES Mazzerati away. Diamante eggs Blu on so Blu tags in. Diamante swats Blu’s lariat to then UPPERCUT and LARIAT! Diamante flexes while she looms over Blu. Blu reaches out, but Diamante drags her away from Mazzerati.

Diamante CLUBS Blu, teases Mazzerati by holding Blu out to her, but then she drags Blu away to rain down forearms! Diamante checks with Athena, Athena likes what she sees, but she also wants Diamante to keep on Blu. Diamante drags Blu from Mazzerati again to rain down more forearms! Diamante again wants validation, but Blu scrambles away! Hot tag to Mazzerati! Fans fire up as Mazzerati fires off forearms! Boxing elbows and a cravat, but Diamante blocks the knee to GERMAN SUPLEX! The fans chant for Athena but Diamante gives Mazzerati a CUBAN TWIST first! Cover, but Blu steps in!

Diamante storms up on Blu ROCK her! And then HOTSHOT NECKBREAKER int he ropes! Diamante runs side to side to WRECK Blu with a dropkick! Diamante tags Athena in and the fans cheer. Diamante brings Mazzerati around for the champ, and feeds Mazzerati to the KNOCKOUT SHOT! Cover, Athena & Diamante win!

Winners: Athena & Diamante, by pinfall

Dominant indeed as Diamante does 99% of the work yet lets Athena take all the credit! Does this make Diamante the perfect Minion?

AEW shares The Learning Tree’s message from Dynamite.

Chris Jericho says, “Last Sunday on Collision, I had Gravity’s mask taken from me. Or should I say, taken from us. But that’s okay, because I think it’s time for all the masks to be removed. It’s time to discuss some ugly truths that need to be addressed. Like the fact that you two (Big Bill & Bryan Keith) have been under the branches of The Learning Tree for far too long without using the wisdom that I’ve bestowed upon you. I need to ask you why I have to keep telling you time and time again to prove yourselves, I’m sick of asking! You need to think if it’s worthy for you to still be with Chris Jericho.

“If you think that, then it’s time for you to make some drastic changes, and go prove yourselves to me! Once again, for the last time, PROVE IT!” Bill & Keith quietly walk off, and Jericho turns his attention back to the camera. Bandido got his brother’s mask back, congrats. But it isn’t Gravity’s mask that Jericho wants, it’s Bandido’s! Jericho wants Bandido to feel the disgrace and humiliation that his brother did when Jericho tore that mask off in front of their family! And why would Bandido put up the mask? Jericho knows Bandido wants to be ROH World Champion again, so how about this? Title VS Mask for Dynasty!

Bandido, is it worth risking the humiliation? Is it risking the disgrace? Is it worth making your mother cry again when you lose the mask? Is it worth it? Jericho thinks so. See you at Dynasty. The Nueve is ready to risk it all, but will he be the one to lose it all in just 10 days?

The Dark Order VS The Premier Athletes w/ Mark Sterling!

While Evil Uno & Alex Reynolds could not get Preston Vance to see what he’s become, the former Number 10 did have a painfully true observation about how the Numbers have dwindled. But can Uno & Reynolds prove there is still strength in the Numbers? Or is the Dark Order all but done?

And of course “Smart” Mark has to cut Bobby Cruise off. “Everybody knows that this is Ariya Daivari & Tony Nese! The Premier Athletes are very excited to be at The Theater in the Virgin Hotel. Which is ironic, because we’re also in a theater full of virgins! But that’s okay, because some day, you will get your chance. We believe in you!” Wait a minute, Preston & The Frat House are watching from the crowd. If they’re to be believed, none of them fit that description. But Sterling says tonight is everyone’s chance to be part of this winning team! (They have almost no wins, though…) When Sterling says, “Athletes!” you say “Rule!” and NOTHING ELSE!

“Hands in, boys. Ohh… Athletes!” “SUCK!” The Frat House also joined in on that, and Jacked Jameson can’t believe The Premier Athletes are that stupid to fall for that again. Finally, Uno & Reynolds make their entrance, and the Frat House talk trash on them, too. The Code of Honor is kept, but then The Athletes kick low! The bell rings, Daivari bumps Uno off buckles while Nese does the same with Reynolds. The Athletes rain down fists, then climb up to shout, “ATHLETES!” “SUCK!!” Vegas has spoken, and then The Dark Order YANK The Athletes down! Daivari & Nese hit buckles on the way down, and Dark Order coordinates.

Uno & Reynolds run corner to corner, Uno ELBOWS Nese while Reynolds LARIATS Daivari! The Dark Order goes again, ELBOW for Daivari and LARIAT for Nese! They want a third time, but the Athletes dodge! Nese & Daivari run in, but now Dark Order dodges, and they get that third round of ELBOW and LARIAT in! The fans fire up for the JAWBREAKER into the BACKBREAKER into the DDT! Cover, TWO! Nese is tougher than that and The Frat House talk all kinds of trash. Nese ROCKS Reynolds from the apron, but Reynolds BOOTS him down! The fans rally and Reynolds builds speed, only for Daivari to trip him up!

Reynolds BOOTS Daivari, but Nese LARIATS Reynolds out! Sterling cheers, the ref is busy keeping Uno back, so Sterling & The Athletes all stomp away on Reynolds! The Athletes get away with all that, then Nese puts Reynolds in. Cover, TWO! Reynolds stays in this but Nese stands Reynolds up to bump him off buckles. Tag to Daivari, but Reynolds fires back! The Athletes mug Reynolds, the ref counts, and “ATHLETES!” “SUCK!” Still not learning their lesson… Daivari drags Reynolds up and bumps him off buckles. Daivari CHOPS, then whips corner to corner hard! Tag to Nese, and the mugging continues.

The ref counts, Daivari pushes Reynolds down at 4, then Nese scuffs Reynolds. Nese eggs Reynolds on, the fans rally up, and Nese mocks them. But Reynolds CHOPS! Nese keeps Reynolds from Uno, but Reynold ROCKS Nese! Nese keeps Reynolds back, then slips around to BLAST Uno! The fans boo, but Reynolds BACKDROPS Nese! Nese tags Daivari, he runs in but into a BOOT! Reynolds goes up, but Daivari SHOVES him down hard! Reynolds clutches his leg, Daivari distracts the ref, and that lets Nese attack Uno and Sterling stomp Reynolds! The fans boo, The Frat House is having fun either way, and the Athletes get away again.

Daivari stands Reynolds up to CHOP! “ATHLETES!” “SUCK!” Wait, did Frat House say “RULE” this time? Where do their allegiances lie? Or are they just drunk? Daivari drags Reynolds over, tags Nese, and Nese stomps away on Reynolds. Tag to Daivari, the Athletes stomp Reynolds more, but Reynolds CHOPS back! Daivari KNEES and CLUBS low, then holds Reynolds up. Nese runs up but Reynolds BOOTS him! Reynolds fights back but gets mugged all over again! The Athletes DOUBLE BACK SUPLEX, but Reynolds lands out! Hot tag to Uno! Uno dodges Daivari, BOOTS Nese, then he fires off CHOPS on them both!

The Athletes mug Uno, double whip, but Uno ducks to feint the lariats, and he DOUBLE DDTS! The fans fire up and Uno feeds off that energy! Uno tags in Reynolds, and The Dark Order has Daivari up! Spin and SUPERKICK, into a Gory Especial and GORY BOMB CODE BREAKER! Cover, Nese breaks it! Uno runs up to swing on Nese, but Nese dodges to mule kick, knee lift, and SUPERKICK! Reynolds runs up, Nese throat chops him! Nese has Reynolds for forearms, then the BULLDOG HOTSHOT PLANCHA! Down goes Uno! Nese drags Uno up to whip him into steel steps! The fans rally as Daivari storms up on Reynolds.

Daivari fires a forearm, but Reynolds fires back! They go back and forth, faster and faster, but then Daivari knees low! Daivari whips, Reynolds reverses and sends Daivari to the apron! Reynolds avoids the shoulder to GUILLOTINE KNEE DROP! Daivari falls, Nese hurries to his side, but Reynolds DIVES onto them both! The fans fire up, but then The Frat House throw their drinks at Reynolds! Reynolds is furious but Vance mockingly says, “My bad.” Nese runs up, but Reynolds THROWS him at the Frat House! The fans fire up as Reynolds hits a strike! Sterling complains, but Reynolds chases him off! Reynolds goes to the ring and brings Daivari up.

Daivari throat chops! Daivari wrenches, hammerlocks, but Reynolds ducks the lariat to kick low! Sterling gets on the apron, the ref stops him, but Daivari takes a swing on Reynolds! Reynolds ducks again, and he rolls Daivari up! But the ref isn’t there to count! Reynolds would’ve won this twice over by now! And now The Frat House sneaks up to ringside! Vance slides in and SPINEBUSTERS Reynolds! Daivari goes up, CARPET RIDE SPLASH! Cover, Premier Athletes win!!

Winners: The Premier Athletes, by pinfall

It took a huge assist from Vance, but the Athletes finally won! They still suck, but will The Dark Order change targets and tear down The Frat House?

ROH hears from Paul Walter Hauser.

In an interview with TMZ, PWH spoke on the highly inappropriate behavior of QT Marshall during the Revolution Zero Hour. QT didn’t just throw his drink on PWH, he threw an alcoholic drink on PWH, who is in a sobriety program and has been sober for three years. And from what PWH understands, QT doesn’t even drink alcohol himself, so QT went the extra mile just to insult PWH! PWH says that is messed up. But if QT wants a fight, well, who cares if he’s a trained wrestler and PWH isn’t? PWH will still kick QT’s ass!

Backstage interview with QT Marshall.

Renee Paquette talks with the man in question and brings up the issue QT has with PWH. She was there when QT threw that drink on PWH, and QT claims that’s not what happened. She explains about how PWH has been three years sober and QT threw alcohol on him. Now PWH wants to fight QT! QT says none of that happened. Paul Walter Hauser is a fan, QT was being nice to a fan. QT gave PWH a chance to lock up, they did, and what does PWH do? He puts QT in a headlock! QT has six screws in his neck. Worse than that, PWH was trying to embarrass QT. But this is Hollywood, and when you try to embarrass someone, you get something thrown at you.

The fact the cup had alcohol in it is not QT’s problem, he was taking that drink to throw it out. But if you ask QT, PWH owes him the apology. He wants a match? PWH wants to step into the ring with QT Marshall? Stop whining to TMZ and the Hollywood Reporter. Just come here to QT’s world, look him in the eye, and ask him! If PWH shows QT the respect he deserves, there’s a chance PWH gets what he’s looking for. QT thanks Renee and heads out, but will QT’s massive ego be his DOOM?

The Premier Athletes regroup backstage.

They’re all pumped from finally winning, and put hands in! “ATHLETES! RULE!” Sterling tells them that was a huge win over Dark Order, just like he said they’d get! They’ve been one of, if not THE, best tag team in ROH all year! Daivari says, “All year? All year? Ariya Daivari & Tony Nese have been one of the best damn tag teams in this industry for EIGHT years! Every promoter knows it, all the boys in the back know it, every single fan knows it! That’s why WE are the most consistent guys in all of ROH!” Nese says it is inevitable! They will be the future ROH World Tag Team Champions, because Athletes Rule!

Los Titanes del Aire also visited Mexico!

Komander thanks CMLL and Arena Mexico for the warm welcome as they made their desire, long-awaited debut against international superstars like Mistico & Mascara Dorada. The Titans stood tall, going back and forth with those icons, and the people received them in a great way. The fans chanted for them, there were even AEW fans there, and it doesn’t matter if they win or lose. They’re two young men who are living the childhood dream! They’re so happy that their families were there to witness this journey. The world will soon know the names of Los Titanes del Aire!

Six Man Tag: Atlantis Jr, Fuego & Titan VS Barbaro Cavernario, Rugido & Volador Jr!

The Lucha de Honor crossover continues as we get another instant classic trios match! But will the second generation star, The Fire, and El Inmortal be a force to be reckoned with? Or will the Caveman and Los Depredadores be their own winning combination?

The trios stare down and the fans cheer for “LUCHA LIBRE!” The bell rings, Rugido BOOTS Titan! Atlantis SUPERKICKS Rugido! Volador BOOTS Atlantis! Fuego runs to LEAPING ARM-DRAG Volador! Barbaro CLOBBERS Fuego! Fuego kips up, Barbaro runs, but Fuego goes Matrix! And then Fuego stands to do his dance! The fans cheer, Fuego RAMS Barbaro, then “OLE~!” Fuego runs, and he LEAPING ARM-DRAGS Barbaro! Volador returns to whip Fuego, but Titan is there to put Fuego on the apron. Lucha rules makes Titan legal now and things speed up between him and Volador. Titan ducks ‘n’ dodges then fakes Volador out!

Titan sweeps the leg and basement dropkicks! Rugido runs up but into a strike fest! Titan runs, but into a ROUNDHOUSE! Rugido runs, Titan sweeps the legs while he slides out! Atlantis slingshots in, wrenches Rugido, and whips him to a corner. Rugido goes up but Atlantis KICKS him out of the air! Atlantis then somersaults to CUTTER! Barbaro y Volador run in, Atlantis ducks ‘n’ dodges to RANA Volador! Then he runs, tilt-o-whirls and RANAS Barbaro! The fans fire up for Atlantis, Fuego joins in, and they high-ten. Titan joins in and high-fives them, then the team lets Fuego be legal as Rugido steps back in.

Fuego does his dance, trips Rugido, then runs. Rugido drops down, Volador trips Fuego, and Rugido basement DROPKICKS! Rugido CLOBBERS Titan, DECKS Atlantis, and Volador joins in as they stomp Titan. Barbaro gets Titan up to SMACK him to a corner! Barbaro LARIATS Titan, sits him down, and then he gets some stomps in. Titan fights back, but Volador grabs the arms. Rugido ROUNDHOUSES Titan down! Barbaro y Los Depredadores get Titan up, whip him to a corner, then Barbaro runs up to CHOP! Barbaro puts Titan up for Volador to GAMANGIRI, then Volador y Barbaro YANK Titan down! Rugido adds a basement DROPKICK!

Titan bails out, Atlantis is in, but Barbaro DROPKICKS him down! Rugido CLAWS at the mask! The ref reprimands, the fans rally up, but the mugging continues! Barbaro HEADBUTTS Atlantis, then he and Volador whip Atlantis to the corner. Barbaro runs up and LARIATS! Rugido LARIATS! Then they feed Atlantis to a SUPERKICK! Barbaro covers, TWO! Atlantis stays in this, the fans rally up, but Barbaro drags Atlantis up again. Barbaro whips, Los Depredadores DOUBLE BACK ELBOW! They sit Atlantis up, Barbaro runs, and he SHOTGUNS Atlantis down! Atlantis falls out, the fans boo, but Fuego hurries in!

Fuego circles with Barbaro but Rugido CLUBS Fuego on the back! Rugido scoops and SLAMS Fuego, Barbaro soaks up the heat, and Los Depredadores stand Fuego up. Barbaro CHOPS Fuego against the ropes! The fans “WOO~!” but then they boo. Rugido CHOPS Fuego, his team talk on what to do next, but Atlantis tags in! Volador kicks low, Rugido kicks Atlantis down! They double whip, then they TRIPLE BOOT Altantis out! Titan returns, but he’s wary of who to go after. Rugido grabs Titan’s leg, Barbaro CLUBS him, and then Volador holds that leg out for Barbaro to KICK! Titan falls and flounders away, the ref reprimands Volador’s team.

Fuego storms in but Volador kicks him down. Los Depredadores double whip, then bypass and DOUBLE HIP TOSS Fuego to Barbaro for a POWERBOMB POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO!! Fuego survives, but Barbaro clamps on with a GROUND COBRA TWIST! Fuego endures as Barbaro thrashes him around. Barbaro CLUBS away on Fuego’s chest, then fires elbows in! Barbaro lets Fuego go to stand over him. Barbaro lets Fuego tag Atlantis? Atlantis and Barbaro circle, the fans rally up, but then Rugido KICKS Atlantis down from behind! The fans boo as Los Depredadores just keep bullying their opponents! Barbaro CHOPS Atlantis to the corner!

Barbaro soaks up the heat, Los Depredadores mug Atlantis, and Rugido BITES at Atlantis’ mask! Barbaro puts Atlantis in the corner and climbs up, to SPIT in his face! And then he BITES Atlantis’ chin! Barbaro CHOPS Atlantis, Los Depredadores stomp him down, and the fans boo as they dig their boots in! Atlantis flails, grabs at Rugido’s boot, but Rugido lets off so Barbaro can whip corner to corner. Barbaro sends both Depredadores in, but Atlantis goes up and over them both to scopo and BACKBREAKER Barbaro! Rugido BOOTS Atlantis, Titan y Fuego get in to DOUBLE DROPKICK him! They fire off kick after KICK on Volador!

The fans fire up, Fuego gives Titan the boost up top, tightrope and DOUBLE MISSILE DROPKICK! The fans fire up as Titan y Fuego run, but Barbaro DOUBLE LARIATS! Atlantis MISSILE DROPKICKS Barbaro! The fans fire up as Atlantis builds speed, and he DIVES! Direct hit and Barbaro hits barriers! Los Depredadores run in, but Titan y Fuego stereo wheelbarrow and victory roll! Stereo covers, TWO!! Los Depredadores escape in time, and the fans fire up! Volador goes after Titan, whips him corner to corner, but Titan goes up, over, and handsprings away! But Volador SUPERKICKS Titan down! Fuego MISSILE DROPKICKS!

Rugido runs to FLYING ELBOW! Rugido whips Titan, Titan reverses, then he goes Matrix to CALF KICK! Everyone is down and the fans fire up again! A standing count starts, Titan sits up at 3, and he finds Volador at 5. Both men crawl as we hit 6, then 7! Titan throws a forearm! Volador fires back! Titan fires another, and he fires up! Volador fires up to ROCK Titan! Titan ROCKS Volador! The fans fire up with both men, and the forearms keep going! It’s fast ‘n’ furious, then Titan fires a strike fest! SOBAT and Titan runs! But Volador bypasses, only for Titan to duck ‘n’ dodge and RANA! Volador bails out, Titan DIVES! Direct hit into the barriers!

Fuego and Rugido speed up, Fuego arm-drags, then he runs up. Rugido DUMPS Fuego out, builds speed, but Fuego jumps over the slide and QUEBRADAS! Direct hit and now Atlantis runs in at Barbaro! They RAM shoulders, then fire CHOP after CHOP! The fans fire up and both men fire up with them! Atlantis CHOPS, Barbaro eggs him on, so Atlantis CHOPS! Barbaro falls but he gets right back up! Barbaro wants more, so Atlantis winds up and CHOPS! Barbaro sputters, Atlantis whips him to a corner. Barbaro goes up and over, rolls back and returns, but into a BOOT! Barbaro does the worm?! He fires up, but Alantis runs in!

Barbaro hits a SPINEBUSTER, then he stomps away! Barbaro pumps up with his caveman dance, and he runs, IMPLODER- BOOTS! Atlantis hits back, then runs, DESTROYER!! Barbaro is in the drop zone, Atlantis goes up! FROG SPLASH!! Cover, Team Atlantis wins!

Winners: Atlantis Jr, Fuego & Titan, by pinfall

The former ROH World Television Champion takes down the Caveman in a fiery finish! Will these stars of CMLL continue to shine even as the crossover comes to a close?

My Thoughts:

A very good episode for ROH, but not as much happened as I’d hoped. Good promo from Athena, Diamante & Billie, but I feel like they didn’t do enough to really give us how Billie feels about all this. It is clear that Athena still belittles Billie, perhaps being passive aggressive about how Billie went for the TBS Championship before her. Athena & Diamante of course won their match, but it was a good touch that Diamante basically won a 2v1 handicap match and let Athena have the pin. This will surely head for Billie VS Diamante to see who is truly number one minion, but maybe also get us closer to Athena VS Billie 3, the final time. After all, Supercard of Honor isn’t until May now, so they have time to build that blowoff.

Good stuff from Dark Panther VS Okumura and Aminata VS Viva Van, but the results were somewhat given. Good promos from the AEW/ROH stars who visited CMLL, and Komander is certainly becoming a top name in ROH. Mack & Sons of Texas VS MXM TV was a very good match, but I should’ve known MXM would steal a belt again. I suppose it’s fine that they’re after the Six Man Tag titles now, as we’ll get a chance to see The Von Erichs on screen again. Unless The Von Erichs are gonna start touring with AEW/ROH now, MXM TV really should just win those titles and finally get the Six Man Tag Division going again. The Von Erich legacy is great, but this reign has only been because of that legacy, not because Marshall & Ross are top tier guys.

Good stuff in the Dark Order VS Premier Athletes match, even with The Frat House getting involved. It works for story as now Dark Order and Frat House can feud, and the Premier Athletes did have a good promo being way too confident after just one win. Pretty good stuff in this building of a Paul Walter-Hauser VS QT Marshall story, and I wonder if they get this built by Dynasty so that we aren’t waiting forever since that Revolution segment. And even then, I feel like PWH might only win because QT has so many enemies that they help PWH win. And then another great Six Man Tag featuring CMLL stars, but nothing much better than what we’ve got the last five episodes.