Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Backlash Results & Report! (6/14/20)
The GREATEST Wrestling Match EVER?
Will this be the Greatest Backlash ever?
The WWE is putting a lot of pressure on two of the best ever, but somehow, someway, Randy Orton and Edge WILL have the GREATEST Wrestling Match EVER!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kickoff Match – WWE United States Championship: Apollo Crews VS Andrade Almas w/ Zelina Vega; Crews wins and retains the WWE United States Championship.
- WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship Triple Threat: Bayley & Sasha Banks VS Bliss-Cross VS The IIconics; Bayley & Banks win and retain the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships.
- Jeff Hardy VS Sheamus; Sheamus wins.
- Raw Women’s Championship: Asuka VS Nia Jax; Double Count-Out, Asuka retains the Raw Women’s Championship.
- WWE Universal Championship Handicap Match: Braun Strowman VS The Miz & John Morrison; Strowman wins and retains the WWE Universal Championship.
- WWE World Championship: Drew McIntyre VS Bobby Lashley w/ MVP; McIntyre wins and retains the WWE World Championship.
- Raw Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits VS The Viking Raiders; No Contest.
- Edge VS Randy Orton; Orton wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
It’s the Backlash Kickoff Show!
Join Scott Stanford, Peter Rosenberg and more in discussing, analyzing and predicting all the action for tonight!
Renee Young, Booker T and JBL discuss Backlash!
The Raw Women’s Championship was given to Asuka, so what are her chances against Nia Jax? JBL agrees with Nia that the title was handed to Asuka, but that motivates Asuka to fight against that asterisk. Asuka is a proud, great and deserving champion, so she’ll look to wipe off that asterisk. Renee points out that Nia earned her title opportunity against Natalya and Charlotte Flair. Booker T says Nia has been waiting for this moment for a long time. She will be 1v1 with a champion. As far as Asuka being given the title, she was Ms. MITB but couldn’t cash in. The mind set may not be right for Asuka, but the time is right for Nia.
So it’ll be a short run for the Empress of Tomorrow? Booker says that when it comes to the coming up star, it’s not about who got the champion, it’s about the challenger. Nia has played the game, waited her turn, and seeing from social media, she goes out hurting people. Vader, Sid Vicious, they had reputations of hurting people, but they were also world champions. But even Becky Lynch says Asuka is one of the best, so is this really one and done? JBL wants the wambulance for getting hurt in pro-wrestling. Booker has a point, Sid and Vader were great champions, so Nia can be a great champion. The longer this goes, it will favor Asuka, but she didn’t get her moment. This will be her moment. If Asuka loses, that will hurt her more than enough. Stay tuned as these three will be back later.
Backstage interview with Christian and Ric Flair!
Captain Charisma and The Nature Boy have each chosen a side, Team Edge VS Team Orton. Charly Caruso asks Ric to support his argument why Orton will win. Well, Orton lost to Edge in a Last Man Standing Match, and though that was phenomenal, they’re going to stay in a 20 square foot ring. Orton is at his peak, Edge is back after 9 years trying to get back. Orton will walk out of the ring, staying the greatest in-ring performer in the history of the WWE.
Christian says he’s seen that smile on Ric’s face. Ric’s repeated himself so much, he believes it. But Edge wasn’t on vacation those 9 years. Yes, Orton was born into this business, but it wasn’t enough to get him to the top fast enough. Orton used Ric and HHH to fast track his way there. Orton may be great, but he just wants to take the easy way every time. So here’s the reality: tonight, Orton, who has never had to work hard for a thing in his life, versus Edge who has had to scratch and claw over and over and over in life. Grit and determination overcomes natural talent! A heated debate to be sure, but tonight will be about living up to the hype! Can Orton and Edge together truly give us the GREATEST Wrestling Match Ever?
Renee, JBL and Booker T discuss more of the show.
The Street Profits and Viking Raiders finally get to settle things from their Anything You Can Do series, and we’re all excited for their Raw Tag Team Championship match. Who comes away with the titles? Booker didn’t like that the Profits got lured out to playing a bunch of games, but that means the Vikings have them right where they want them. JBL says that he doesn’t like playing games, either. You fight and win championships. Montez Ford is one of the best pure athletes, though, so JBL is voting for the Profits.
And of course, given all the anticipation, will the rematch of Edge and Orton BE the Greatest Wrestling Match Ever? After an amazing recap video package, the panel makes their predictions. An insane amount of pressure naming it this, but will these two crack under the pressure? AW HELL NAW~! JBL lists all the accomplishments both men have under their belts, so the pressure isn’t there. this is Rock VS Stone Cold, Taker VS HBK, HBK VS Hart, and others. Can they do? Abso-freakin-lutely! But with the loss at Mania, Orton was the one who wanted this normal rules match. Does he need this win? Booker says Orton has always had a lot of pressure on his shoulders, from his grandfather and father. Orton is coming up on 20 YEARS. Right around that mark, a switch turns on and you just know everything in that ring. That’s where Orton is.
Edge won his first Intercontinental Championship in 1999, but he was injured. That’s hard to come back from, but he is at the 20 mark. The advantage goes to Orton but we’re gonna see something from Edge. Renee does bring that up. Edge had a great Mania but he’s still 9 years behind. JBL says Edge can probably come back, but JBL doesn’t bet on “probably.” Orton’s father knew he’d be this amazing. Orton and Edge have done everything, but that 9 year gap could be something he can’t overcome. If JBL is betting, the slight advantage is Orton. Seems Orton has a sweep on this panel, but can he put on such a performance?
Kickoff Match – WWE United States Championship: Apollo Crews VS Andrade Almas w/ Zelina Vega & Angel Garza!
The young reign of the hungry star is about to be tested! Will Apollo deny El Idolo in this rematch from a few weeks ago? Or will Almas reign once again?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and this kickoff finally kicks off!
But wait! Kevin Owens comes out, and looks to be joining commentary. The bell rings and Almas fires off on Apollo. Almas headlocks, Apollo powers out and the two collide. Apollo doesn’t budge and he dares Almas to try again. Almas runs, Apollo hurdles, drops down and dropkicks, only for Almas to deflect it! Almas headlocks again but Apollo fights out. Almas goes up and over and headlocks again, but Apollo pries at the hold. Apollo fireman’s carries but Almas fights out to the apron. Almas dragon sleepers with the ropes! The ref counts. Almas lets go at 4 but drags Apollo out to club with forearms. Almas brings Apollo to the ramp for knees, but Apollo back drops him down onto the plating! Kevin knows how that feels, and it’s not fun. Apollo refreshes the count but Almas grabs at him on the apron. Apollo mule kicks Almas away, then ASAI MOONSAULTS! Direct hit and Apollo is on his feet!
Apollo brings Almas up as the crowd fires up, and he puts Almas in the ring. Apollo drags Almas up, suplexes, and holds Almas up! After five, he slams Almas down! Cover, TWO! Vega grows concerned but the crowd rallies for Apollo. Almas elbows but Apollo lifts. Almas lands on his feet and baits Apollo into buckles! Vega chants “SI! SI!” and Almas runs corner to corner, for CIEN SHADOWS! Kevin also knows how those feel. Cover, TWO!! Apollo survives and Almas is frustrated. Vega keeps him focused and Almas gets to the corner. Almas climbs up top but Apollo CHOPS him! Almas forearms back but Apollo CHOPS and forearms! And CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! Apollo climbs up top, brings Almas up with him, but Almas trips Apollo up! Almas CHOPS away on Apollo to put him in the Tree of Woe, but Apollo avoids the Woe Stomps! Almas runs back in, for an OVERHEAD suplex into buckles!
Vega panics while both men are down! Apollo and Almas stir while Vega coaches Almas on. The crowd rallies for Apollo and he dodges Almas to ROCK him with rights! Apollo rallies with clotheslines and tackles Almas to a corner! Apollo rams his shoulder in over and over, then whips corner to corner, for a big corner splash! The crowd fires up with Apollo as he SPINE BUSTERS Almas! Cover, TWO!! Almas survives but Apollo keeps his cool. Apollo watches Almas stand, brings him up, but the Olympic Slam becomes an arm-drag! But Almas runs into a dropkick! Apollo gets to his feet slowly and then goes to the outside. Garza lurks and Kevin warns him to stay back. Almas hits Apollo with forearms then goes to suplex. Apollo resists, throws body shots, and suplexes Almas!
Almas lands safely on the apron but the two brawl. They CHOP each other, but Almas kicks low. He has Apollo in the ropes, SLINGSHOT DDT!! Cover, TWO!?! Apollo lives and Almas can’t believe it! Vega is losing her cool, too, but the crowd is rallying for Apollo again. Almas drags Apollo up and reels him in. But Apollo suplexes, only for Almas to slip out and BOOT back! Apollo flounders but enziguris back! And then military presses for the SLAM! Standing moonsault! Standing shooting star! Cover, but Garza distracts the ref! So Kevin brings Garza down for a STUNNER! Apollo likes that, but Almas suckers him in! Hammerlock, but no DDT! CREWS MISSILE!! Cover, Apollo wins!!
Winner: Apollo Crews, by pinfall (still WWE United States Champion)
The Prizefighter helps Apollo keep his prize, and Vega knows it. Will KO and Apollo continue to work together to keep things fair and square?
Sheamus speaks.
“Jeff Hardy. Let’s not worry about what happened Friday night during our contract signing.” Tempers flared and things got out of hand. But as the bigger man, Sheamus will let bygones be bygones. Because the truth is, Sheamus knows how much pain Hardy is really in. It must be so hard to present yourself as a beacon of hope when you know deep down, it’s not the real you. This clear headed Hardy is a flicker of false hope before he reverts into the depraved human he’s meant to be. Hardy can smile and be positive on the outside, but he can’t deny the demons just below the surface. He can’t deny he’s the brain dead has-been that is an embarrassment to his friends, family and himself. That’s the true Jeff Hardy. And tonight, Sheamus will remind the WWE Universe of that when he Brogues Hardy off the wagon and back into obscurity. Will the Celtic Warrior satisfy his own addiction of ruining the Charismatic Enigma’s comeback?
Ladies and gentlemen, this is the moment you’ve been waiting for.
Hogan VS Andre. Savage VS Steamboat. The Rock VS John Cena. HBK VS Austin. Taker VS HHH. “And at Backlash, it’ll be Edge VS Orton.” Challenge accepted! One man has gone from nothing to legend. Everything has led him to this moment. If you think the Ultimate Opportunist backs down now, than you don’t know him. “It’s not arrogance. It’s destiny.” Never has there been a more gifted wrestler in the WWE. The Legend Killer, the Apex Predator, the Viper. He is going to end one more legend. Together, opposed. If they have even a chance to prove they can do this, it’s against each other. Living legends, undisputed icons, and their defining moment. One man writes the last chapter between Orton and Edge. Tonight, will we see this generation’s Greatest Wrestling Match Ever?!
WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship Triple Threat: Bayley & Sasha Banks VS Bliss-Cross VS The IIconics!
Three dynamic duos who have all held the gold at least once will battle to prove who are THE best friends of the WWE! Will the #GoldenRoleModels stay strong? Will Alexa and Nikki take the titles back? Or will Billie Kay and Peyton Royce make the Women’s Tag Division IIIICONIC again?
Before their entrance, Kayla Braxton interviews the champions, but Bayley cuts her off. Why don’t they introduce the inaugural and “without a doubt” BEST tag team champions ever properly? The Blueprint and #BayleyDosStraps! Well Dos Straps, if you lose the titles, will you lose your friendship? Wow, so deep, Kayla. But Sasha points out Bayley is the most dominant woman in SmackDown history. And as they said, this friendship is unstoppable. Kayla is trying to get in Bayley’s head. But guess what? After raising their hands in victory, Kayla can look in the mirror to realize how stupid she is. Next time, send Charly. They are unbeatable, unstoppable and undeniable! Will all this confidence go to waste against two strong opposing teams?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and this title three way begins!
In this special triple threat, a member of every team is active, making this an even wilder Triple Threat Tag to begin with! To begin, it’s Bayley, Nikki and Billie. Peyton gives Billie some last pointers while the crowd rallies for Nikki. Billie tells them to shut up but Nikki DECKS her! Bayley and Nikki brawl but Nikki starts hitting both Bayley and Billie. Billie and Bayley hit Nikki then throw her down. Only for Bayley to DECK Billie! Peyton tags in but Bayley whips Billie into her! Nikki climbs on but Sasha tags in. Billie waistlocks but Nikki knocks her away. Sasha runs in but into another waistlock. Ssaha switches and goes to roll but Alexa tags in to ROCK her! All three teams are in and the crowd fires up for the stand off. Everyone cools off and Alexa circles with Sasha and Peyton.
The crowd rallies for “LEXI! LEXI!” as she, Sasha and Peyton approach. Peyton DECKS Alexa, rolls Sasha, but Alexa rolls Peyton! Sasha breaks the pin with a kick and swaggers about. Sasha clubs Peyton then knuckle locks to arm-drag her down! Cover, TWO! Peyton swipes but Sasha jumps, only for Peyton to kick and snapmare. Backslide, Gory Especial, Sasha slips out but Peyton sits! TWO, and Sasha sunset flips. TWO, and Sasha kicks Alexa. Sasha and Peyton double whip but Alexa ROCKS Sasha and rolls Peyton! TWO, to a ghost pin! TWO, Sasha rolls Alexa! Peyton rolls Sasha, bridges, but Alexa slips in to break it up! The crowd cheers this fast and furious exchange as the three stand off again. But then they each sucker punch an opponent! Alexa, Sasha and Peyton stand off, but then the partners all come in. It’s another triple stand off, into a six woman brawl!
Alexa throws Billie out, Peyton throws Bayley out and Nikki rams Sasha. Alexa brings Peyton around, shouts to Nikki, and whips Peyton into Sasha. Alexa runs in to SLAP Peyton, then she SLAPS Sasha! Nikki tags in to corner splash Sasha, then bulldog, into a HEEL KICK! Peyton covers, TWO! Sasha gets to Bayley and tags her in, but the ref didn’t see it! The ref makes Bayley tag for sure, and she argues with him. Bayley ROCKS Peyton, then RAMS Nikki into the corner. Bayley goes wacky waving, but misses! Billie tags in and BOOTS Nikki! She high stacks, but Bayley breaks it! Billie and Byaley argue while stomping Nikki. They get Nikki in a corner and stomp a mudhole together. But then Billie ROCKS Bayley to suplex her! Billie shouts, “IICONIC!” and strikes a pose. Billie swipes at Alexa then complains to the ref. Billie wheelbarrows but Sasha POUNCES Peyton! Bayley rolls Billie, TWO!
Bayley lifts Billie, Sasha sucker punches Alexa, bu Billie sunset flips! TWO and Bayley has the wheelbarrow, they steal the IIconic combo! Cover, but Nikki breaks it! The crowd is fired up and rallying again as Bayley goes after Nikki. Bayley rams Nikki into a corner, clubs her with forearms, then hoists her up. Billie throws Bayley by her hair then throws forearms at Nikki. Nikki hits back, clothesline bulldog combo! All three women are down and the crowd rallies up! Hot tag to Alexa! The Goddess rallies on Bayley, Peyton tags in but she gets hit, too! Alexa ROCKS Bayley, STO’s Peyton, then dropkicks Bayley down! Alexa hits Insult 2 THESZ PRESS! Alexa rains down hands, then Thesz Presses Sasha! Peyton runs into a third Thesz Press! Alexa is all fired up, Billie talks smack and gets SMACKED! Alexa dodges Bayley and Peyton to double crossbody!
Alexa puts Bayley in a corner and fires off stomps and forearms! Bayley throws her to the apron then tags Sasha, Sasha brawls with Alexa, but Peyton SPEARS them down and onto the others! All six women are down and “This is Awesome!” Peyton puts Sasha in but Bayley hurries after. Billie stops Bayley and wheelbarrows, IICONIC-CLASM! Sasha swings and grabs Peyton but she pops free! INVERTED MAGIC KILELR! But Bliss-Cross dropkick the IIconics down! Nikki turns Peyton but she fights free! Nikki dodges the heel kick and catches Peyton, Bliss-Cross hits the FLAPJACK DDT!! Billie throws Nikki but Nikki throws her out. Those two brawl on the outside and take each other out! Alexa goes up top, aimed at Peyton! TWISTED BLISS! But Sasha gets in to cover Alexa! Sasha & Bayley win!!
Winners: Sasha Banks & Bayley, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions)
#BayleyDosStraps is still a thing! The role models are still golden, but are they truly unstoppable? They have a return to NXT this Wednesday, will Bayley and Banks shine bright on the black ‘n’ gold?
Braun Strowman pulls up to the arena.
His Plymouth Grand National has a new windshield, so clearly The Miz and Morrison didn’t do as much damage as they thought. The Monster Among Men brings his things out of the trunk and heads inside. Will he mash the Greatest Tag Team of the 21st Century up worse than their spy van?
Jeff Hardy VS Sheamus!
The Charismatic Enigma does not deny his inner demons exist, but he has overcome them to come back to the WWE Universe. However, the Celtic Warrior preys on those weaknesses in an effort to purge Hardy from his locker room. Will Sheamus break Hardy with one last Brogue? Or will Hardy prove nothing can break his spirit this time?
The bell rings and the crowd is already rallying behind Hardy. Hardy and Sheamus tie up, Sheamus gets a headlock and takeover and grinds his forearms into Hardy’s face! Hardy gets up, gets a leg, then a waistlock. Sheamus backs him up into buckles then throws hands. Hardy slips out and headlocks but Sheamus works to power out. Hardy holds on tight but Sheamus pulls hair. Sheamus puts Hardy in a corner and the ref counts. They break at 4, only for Sheamus to shoulder in! Sheamus throws forearms and then shouts that the piss wasn’t funny. Sheamus stomps Hardy then rips at his mesh shirt! The crowd boos as Sheamus drags Hardy up and whips. Hardy kicks back then dropkicks the legs out! Hardy stomps Sheamus’ legs as Sheamus scrambles about. Hardy stomps a mudhole into the legs but the ref backs him off. Sheamus gets up but Hardy just tackles him down!
Hardy clubs Sheamus down and chokes him on the ropes! The ref counts, Hardy lets up, but Sheamus clobbers him! Sheamus hobbles and says the crowd is to blame for this. Sheamus drags Hardy up to throw European Uppercuts then stomps him at the ropes. Sheamus scrapes his boot on Hardy’s face but lets up at the ref’s count. Sheamus drags Hardy around and whips him to ropes. Hardy holds ropes and dumps Sheamus to the apron. Hardy runs to dropkick the legs out! Sheamus hits the floor but Hardy pursues. Hardy runs and leaps off the steps, to clobber Sheamus towards commentary! The crowd fires up as Hardy drags Sheamus up. Hardy bounces Sheamus off the announce desk then puts him in the ring. Hardy grabs the steel steps and pulls off the top! The ref tells him not to, so Hardy puts the steps down. Hardy wants to win so he throws forearms on Sheamus in the ring.
Hardy suplexes but Sheamus blocks. Sheamus powers Hardy to a corner and throws elbows over and over! Sheamus backs off at the ref’s count but he comes back to drag Hardy into a suplex! He SLAMS Hardy on the top crossbar and Hardy flops to the apron. Sheamus catches his breath before heading back over. Sheamus drags Hardy up and scoops him for a swinging slam! The ref checks on Hardy but Sheamus climbs up. Sheamus leaps to drop a knee! Cover, TWO! Hardy survives but Sheamus looms over him. Hardy hobbles up but falls down, and Sheamus tells the crowd and fans that they’re all enablers! Sheamus digs his boot into Hardy at the ropes then puts him on the apron. Sheamus drags Hardy back in and scoops him for an IRISH CURSE Backbreaker! And another! Cover, TWO!! Hardy still lives and the crowd rallies for him.
Sheamus wraps Hardy up in a chinlock but the crowd rallies up. Hardy fights to his feet and throws elbows. Hardy jawbreakers free! Sheamus still comes back with a KNEE! Cover, TWO!! Sheamus grows frustrated but he walks off the bad leg. Sheamus shouts at commentary to call this right, he’s not frustrated at all. Sheamus cranks on Hardy with a chinlock and even smothers his face! The ref reprimands and the crowd rallies. Hardy fights up and fights back, to waistlock and shove Sheamus to buckles! Then hits a back suplex! Both men are down but the crowd fires up. Hardy gets up and throws haymakers! Hardy runs, but into a LARIAT! Sheamus goes to a corner and climbs up again, but he takes his time taunting the crowd. Hardy stands, ducks the flying clothesline, and elbows Sheamus away! WHISPER IN THE WIND! Cover, TWO!! Sheamus survives and Hardy grits his teeth.
Sheamus throws hands but Hardy gives them back. Hardy whips, Sheamus reverses but Hardy clotheslines! Atomic drop and takedown to the leg splitting leg drop! Basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! Hardy keeps moving, falling splash! Cover, TWO! Hardy is too tired to be frustrated, but the crowd still has energy to give him. Hardy watches Sheamus stand and he calls his shot. Kick and Twist but Sheamus rolls him up! TWO, and Hardy tries again. Sheamus blocks but gets the spinning mule kick! Sheamus comes back, Hardy dodges the Brogue to hit a SLINGBLADE! Hardy drags himself to the corner while Sheamus is in the drop zone. The crowd cheers Hardy as he climbs, but Sheamus intercepts Hardy with forearms! Sheamus climbs up to join Hardy, but Hardy fights him back with body shots.
Hardy pushes Sheamus down hard, then adjusts to stand up. But Sheamus trips him up and Hardy falls to the mat! Sheamus brings Hardy up, WHITE NOISE!! Cover, TWO!?! Sheamus can’t believe Hardy survives again! Sheamus looms over Hardy as the crowd rallies hard as ever. Hardy staggers to a corner but Sheamus has his legs. Sheamus stomps Hardy down then laces the legs for the CLOVERLEAF! Hardy endures, reaches and crawls, and gets the ROPEBREAK! Sheamus lets go at 4 but he’s still frustrated. Sheamus stomps Hardy and kicks him to a corner. Hardy gets to the apron but Sheamus drags him up by his torn up shirt. “Do you know how long I’ve waited for this? I’m gonna help you with those demons!” He uses the Bodhrain to beat those demons out of Hardy! And then again!
Hardy flops to the apron but Sheamus drags him inside. Sheamus drags Hardy all the way to the far corner and hoists him up top. Hardy holds onto the top rope for dear life, and slips off to POST Sheamus! TWIST OF FATE!! Hardy hurries up top and the crowd is fired up again! SWANTON BOMB!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!? Sheamus saves himself by mere seconds and no one can believe it! Hardy and Sheamus head out, and Hardy uses the steps to get up on the barriers. Hardy runs and leaps, into a BROGUE!! Sheamus puts Hardy in and wants another. Hardy stands, to get another BROGUE!! Cover, Sheamus wins!!
Winner: Sheamus, by pinfall
The Celtic Warrior makes Hardy look at him while he’s down on the mat. Hardy has fought off his inner demons, but he was just mauled by a Great White. Will Hardy be able to recover from this defeat? Or will he be stuck wallowing in shame?
Backstage interview with The Miz & John Morrison.
Oh hi, Kayla. No time for media, they are preparing to become co-Universal champions. Well, that’s just it. It was announced earlier that the rules of the Handicap Match changed. The one who pins Strowman becomes the SOLE Universal Champion. What? Well, that’s fine. As long as one of them becomes champion instead of Strowman, that’s good enough. Strowman may have fixed his windshield, but he won’t be able to fix how it feels when his title is in THESE hands. But just then, Otis and Mandy Rose walk over. Otis says that while these two said some mean things about him, like he’s pregnant with a roasted turkey, he wants them to know he MIGHT cash in. So even if Miz and Morrison win, they may not be champion for very long. Will the Greatest Tag Team of the 21st Century have the title in their hands at all tonight?
Raw Women’s Championship: Asuka VS Nia Jax!
The Empress of Tomorrow won the Ms. Money in the Bank match, but she won so much more than she realized. Becky Lynch gave the title to her as she stepped away to become a mother, but the Irresistible Force says Asuka is not worthy. Will Asuka prove Nia wrong once and for all?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and this collision a long time coming finally happens!
Asuka and Nia circle and Nia runs in. Asuka fires off strikes but Nia shoves her. Asuka boots the punch but Nia blocks the back hand. Nia scoops, but Asuka slips to a sleeper! Nia elbows free but Asuka comes back to tilt-o-whirl! Asuka wants the arm but Nia powers her away again. Nia grabs Asuka by the head to headbutt! Asuka ends up in a corner, but she ROUNDHOUSES back! Nia stays up but Asuka bumps her off buckles again and again! Nia swats Asuka away with a back hand of her own, but she runs into a tilt-o-whirl! IRON OCTOPUS! Asuka cranks on the arm but Nia endures! Nia stays standing, pries free, and tosses Asuka off! Asuka gets to her feet but Nia CLOBBERS her down! Asuka sits up but Nia drags her up. But Asuka goes after the arm again!
Nia swats Asuka off but Asuka does it again. Nia shoves, Asuka returns, Nia runs her over! Nia tosses Asuka by her hair to a corner! Asuka flounders up and Nia corner splashes, to then toss Asuka the other way. The crowd rallies for Asuka but Nia scoops Asuka for a slam. Nia covers, TWO! Nia pushes Asuka towards ropes but the crowd continues to rally. Nia brings Asuka up and stretches her against the ropes. She lets up at 4 then stalks Asuka to a corner. Nia toys with Asuka but Asuka kicks back. Nia drags Asuka up but Asuka keeps fighting. Nia shoves Asuka, then pops her up for a SPINE BUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Asuka survives and Nia grows annoyed. The crowd keeps rallying but Nia looms over Asuka. Nia drags Asuka up to a cobra clutch and leans on her. Asuka endures, the crowd continues to rally, and Asuka fights with elbows.
Asuka spins out and jumps on for a guillotine! Nia powers her way free to suplex Asuka up and JACKHAMMER her down! Cover, TWO!! Asuka survives and Nia is losing her cool. Nia cools off and toys with Asuka. Asuka gets mad as Nia taunts her with, “Where’s Kairi?” Asuka back hands and back kicks and runs, but into a firemen’s carry! Asuka sunset flips but Nia stays up! Nia jumps but sits down on the mat! Asua runs to SHINING WIZARD! Cover, TWO!! Asuka keeps on Nia with kick after kick, then goes after the arm again. Nia denies the whip and sends Asuka the other way. Asuka goes up and missile dropkicks Nia down! Asuka keeps going, HIP ATTACK! Cover, TWO! Still not enough but Asuka covers out of exhaustion! TWO, and Asuka gets angrier.
The crowd continues to rally as Asuka and Nia go forehead to forehead. Asuka fairs off kick after kick, but Nia catches one for a POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Asuka survives and Nia can’t believe it. Asuka gets to a corner, Nia gets up in a huff, and Nia runs corner to corner. Asuka dodges and POSTS Nia! Nia drags herself out while Asuka fires up with the crowd. Asuka goes up top but Nia headbutts her first! Nia climbs to join Asuka, but Asuka gets her with a hanging armbar! Asuka drags Nia over and out to the floor! Asuka aims at Nia, FLYING ARMBAR! The ref counts as Nia shifts to dead lift Asuka and swing her into barriers! The count is passed 5 and climbing! Nia drags Asuka up at 8, but Asuka slips free to ROUNDHOUSE! THE COUNT HITS 10!!
Double Count-Out; Asuka is still Raw Women’s Champion
Asuka survives Nia but not even she is satisfied with that! She goes to the apron to hit a FLYING HIP ATTACK! Nia goes down in a heap and Asuka leaves with the belt. Is this furious feud far from over?
MVP is on the phone.
He wants 20- no, 30! 30 bottles of the best champagne. They’re going to celebrate Bobby Lashley’s win tonight, so nothing but the best. Speaking of, the security team- Wait, he’ll have to call back. Lana walks over and says this is the greatest night in “my Bobby’s” career. She claims this is because of her work as his wife and manager. MVP stops her right there and says this is something she and Bobby need to talk over. And by the way, it was NOT his idea to keep Lana backstage, so perhaps she needs to talk with her husband. But she isn’t going to, because she’s too scared to hear the truth. Now if she’ll excuse him, MVP is going to attend to the NEW WWE World Champion. Will Lana finally get to the heart of the problem between her and “her Bobby”?
WWE Universal Championship Handicap Match: Braun Strowman VS The Miz & John Morrison!
The Monster Among Men hasn’t had the best time when outnumbered. Sami Zayn, Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura took the WWE Intercontinental Championship from him together, so the Greatest Tag Team of the 21st Century will try to do the same. However, just like when Strowman took on the Artist Collective, only one man from the opposing team can be champion. Will the A-Lister and the Guru of Greatness agree to let what happens happen and support the other in becoming champion? Or will neither of them #GetTheseHands on the title?
But before the match, Miz & Morrison grab the mics to speak. They know that only one can become champion, but that means they need something to pump them up. How about they share something extra special with the WWE Universe? That’s right, the music video sweeping the nation! The PPV debut of their hit single, “HEY! Hey Hey!” Roll it! The video begins, and actually gets past the intro this time. And to the chorus! That’s incredible! But the second verse barely begins before the #StrowmanExpress barges in! The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and this numbers game begins!
Miz starts with Strowman and they circle. Morrison starts up the chanting of “Hey Hey! Ho ho!” and then Miz backs off to tag him in. Morrison circles with Strowman but Miz gets a cheap shot! Strowman tries to go after Miz but Morrison fires off strikes. Strowman clubs and throws Morrison to a corner! Morrison dodges in the corner, then dodges the boot! Morrison kips up, gets away and tags Miz back in. Strowman seethes as Miz takes his time getting in the ring. Miz goes around the way but Morrison sneaks up behind Strowman. Strowman senses it and runs Morrison off, but Miz fires haymakers! Miz dodges Strowman, tags Morrison in, double shotgun dropkicks put Strowman in a corner! Morrison runs in but Strowman puts him on the apron. Morrison hits back and springboards, but Strowman catches him! Morrison gets away with parkour, but he runs into a HARD right hand!
Morrison crawls and Miz tags in. Miz realizes he’s going to be alone with Strowman and hesitates on the apron. Strowman rushes over but Miz hotshots him back! Miz throws haymakers and backs Strowman down, then BOOTS! But Strowman stays up! Miz is afraid again and tries to reason with Strowman. Miz goes to tag out but no Morrison. Strowman BOOTS Miz down and Morrison returns, but Strowman sends him into Morrison! That counts as a tag, oddly enough, but Strowman tosses Miz out hard! The Strowman Express builds up speed but Miz and Morrison get back in the ring. FLYING CHUCK takes Strowman down! Miz tags in to hit a wrecking dropkick! Morrison FLIES to wreck Strowman into barriers! The Monster is in trouble as Miz and Morrison stalk up behind him. Miz puts Strowman in and slithers up behind him. Strowman sits up to get an IT KICK! Cover, ONE!
Miz clamps on with a chinlock and leans on Strowman. Strowman endures but he’s already turning red. The crowd rallies and Strowman powers up with Miz as a backpack. He powers Miz to the corner, Morrison tags in and chop blocks the leg! Morrison kicks Strowman down, stomps him, then moves to ground ‘n’ pound! Strowman powers out but Morrison kicks and stomps more. Morrison sits Strowman up for a point-blank Wizard! Tag to Miz and they bring Strowman up together, DOUBLE DDT! Cover, ONE?! Strowman is still tough but he’s slowing down. Miz stalks Strowman and throws more It Kicks! He kicks and kicks and kicks, then kicks even more. Miz and Morrison sing Hey! Hey Hey, but Miz runs into a RIGHT! And a back elbow, and a BOOT! Strowman ROCKS Morrison, then TOSSES Miz!
Strowman runs corner to corner but Morrison tags and saves Miz! Strowman POSTS himself, and Morrison hits Antone FLYING CHUCK! Strowman staggers about, swings on Morrison, but gets a THIRD Flying Chuck! SHINING WIZARD! Tag to Miz and Miz climbs up top, for a flying ax handle! Miz looks to finish this, he full nelsons, DOUBLE STOMP FINALE COMBO!! Morrison covers, but Miz drags him off?! Instinct or ego? Miz realizes his mistake and lets Morrison cover, TWO!! Morrison is tossed out of the ring! Miz panics and hurries, but into a CHOKE SLAM! Morrison springboards, into an uppercut! Strowman scoops Morrison, for the MONSTER SLAM!! Cover, Strowman wins!
Winner: Braun Strowman, by pinfall (still WWE Universal Champion)
One major Miz-take and now neither Miz nor Morrison is champion! The Strowman Express is still on the track and he laughs at the Greatest Tag Team. Will the Monster Among Men continue to build momentum until he is completely unstoppable?
Backstage interview with the NEW Intercontinental Champion, AJ Styles!
The Phenomenal One is congratulated, but he has a special announcement. He could’ve taken the night off, and he certainly neared it last Friday. He has a special invitation open to everyone for this coming SmackDown. The greatest champion in the WWE should have the greatest presentation! He wants everyone to be there, including Daniel Bryan. Why? Because Bryan has the most to learn. Bryan fights for his dreams, but Styles makes his dreams happen. Styles lives in the real world. Bryan is certainly one of the greatest to lace up the boots, he’s just not phenomenal. Just what will this championship presentation be this Friday Night SmackDown?
WWE World Championship: Drew McIntyre VS Bobby Lashley w/ MVP!
The Scottish Stud waited a long time to finally have a shot at the world title. He not only won the Royal Rumble to earn his shot, he finally slayed The Beast, Brock Lesnar, at WrestleMania! But the Rocky Mountain Machine has also waited a long time to have his shot at the world title. Montel Vontavius Porter motivated Lashley to finally free Lashley, and here we are. Will this finally be Lashley’s moment to make it to the top of the WWE mountain? Or will the Claymore kick him all the way back down?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and the moment of truth is here!
But before the bell, MVP gets in McIntyre’s face, McIntyre shoves him away, and Lashley clamps on the FULL NELSON! The ref tries to pry Lashley off but he thrashes McIntyre about! The ref calls for back-up and more refs rush out! But Lashley drags McIntyre down to the mat with body scissors! Lashley is like a bear trap clamped onto McIntyre, and he doesn’t let go until McIntyre is red and gasping for air. Lashley paces, a shark smelling blood in the water. McIntyre manages to breathe and the refs ask if he wants this match. McIntyre DEMANDS this match still happen, so the bell rings. Lashley rushes in to tackle McIntyre to a corner! Lashley rams his shoulder in over and over, then clubs McIntyre’s back. He bumps McIntyre off buckles and throws haymakers. The crowd boos as Lashley suplexes and SLAMS McIntyre down! Cover, ONE!?
McIntyre still has a lot so Lashley tries another cover. ONE, and Lashley is shocked. MVP says Lashley needs to keep on McIntyre, and Lana watches proudly backstage. Lashley bumps McIntyre off buckles and throws more hands. The ref counts as Lashley digs his boot in, and Lashley lets up at 4. Lashley clubs McIntyre more then roars in frustration. Lashley runs corner to corner, into a KNEE! McIntyre CHOPS Lashley back, then runs, but Lashley follows to LARIAT! Cover, ONE! Lashley tries again, ONE! Lashley digs his knee into McIntyre then cranks on an arm. He pulls McIntyre’s jacket off and then rams his knee into McIntyre’s spine over and over. Lashley clamps on with a chinlock and bends McIntyre back. MVP says that’s how to do it, and Lashley waistlocks. McIntyre fights out, standing switches, but Lashley spins around, only to get a NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, ONE!
Lashley spins McIntyre for a neckbraeker! Cover, ONE!! Lashley grows frustrated as he looms over McIntyre. Lashley knocks McIntyre down and McIntyre is gasping again. MVP says to not let up, so Lashley drags McIntyre up in a corner. Lashley chokes McIntyre on the ropes, the ref counts, but Lashley lets up at 4. McIntyre coughs and sputters, but Lashley stands on McIntyre’s throat! The ref counts, Lashley lets up, and then brings McIntyre up for a scoop. The crowd rallies and McIntyre sips out to shove and clothesline Lashley out! McIntyre keeps on Lashley and rams him into barriers! And then again! The ref starts the ring count and MVP gets in McIntyre’s face again. MVP backs off, but McIntyre whips Lashley. Lashley reverses to scoop and TOSS McIntyre to the floor! MVP says Lashley has him, so finish him! Lashley fireman’s carries McIntyre to POST him!
McIntyre is down in a heap and Lashley high-fives MVP. Lashley taunts McIntyre before dragging him up and into the ring at 8. McIntyre manages to roll out the other side but Lashley pursues. Lashley runs at McIntyre, but McIntyre TOSSES Lashley into barriers! Both men are down but MVP keeps coaching Lashley. McIntyre drags Lashley up for a snap suplex to the floor! McIntyre drags Lashley up again to put in the ring at 7. McIntyre doesn’t want a count-out win, and the crowd rallies behind him for it. Lashley mule kicks but McIntyre haymakers. The two behemoths brawl and CHOP! Lashley kicks but McIntyre CHOPS again! And again! McIntyre whips, Lashley reverses, but McIntyre comes back to LARIAT! McIntyre keeps moving, and BOOTS Lashley! Lashley wobbles, McIntyre goes up top, and hits a flying ax handle! McIntyre is down, but he still manages to kip up!
The crowd rallies as McIntyre fireman’s carries Lashley. Lashley fights free and runs, into a SPINE BUSTER! Jackknife cover, TWO! Both men are down and MVP coaches Lashley again. McIntyre and Lashley stand, but Lashley spins McIntyre to shove. McIntyre kicks back, runs, but into the ROCKY MOUNTAIN SPINE BUSTER! Cover, ONE?!?! HOW?!? MVP is still shouting to stay on McIntyre, so Lashley drags him back up. Lashley POSTS McIntyre again, then hauls him up for a COMPLETE SHOT! Cover, ONE!! McIntyre is not slowing down but MVP says Lashley should use something he can’t kick out of. Lashley waits for McIntyre to get up. McIntyre gets to ropes, stands, but walks into the FULL NELSON! McIntyre resists, Lashley keeps trying, but McIntyre uses the buckles. Lashley bumps McIntyre off the buckles, then climbs up to club him from above!
McIntyre Electric Chairs, Inverted Alabama, but Lashley holds on for dear life! Not enough, and McIntyre SLAMS Lashley down! Cover, TWO! MVP is relieved that Lashley survives. Lashley stands first and gets back to a corner. The crowd rallies and McIntyre goes to the far side. McIntyre runs in, but Lashley puts him on the apron. McIntyre hotshots Lashley then climbs up again. McIntyre leaps, but into a takedown! CROSSFACE! McIntyre endures as Lashley cranks back, but McIntyre fights back to his feet. McIntyre scoops and gut wrenches Lashley, for a TOMB- NO! Lashley gets a takedown to an ANKLE LOCK! McIntyre flails, rolls, and kicks Lashley away. Lashley comes back, but the Spear is turned into a KIMURA! McIntyre learned something from Lesnar and is using it on Lashley! Lashley endures, reaches, and gets the ropebreak! McIntyre lets go at 4 and MVP grows worried.
Lashley gets up on the apron, McIntyre brings him over and bumps him off buckles. McIntyre climbs, drags Lashley up, and clubs away with forearms. McIntyre brings Lashley to the very top, SUPERPLEX! But both men are down! The crowd hopes they “Fight Forever!” at this rate but it has to end at some point. MVP gives Lashley more tips but McIntyre kips up again! McIntyre gets to the corner and starts the countdown! But he runs into a SPEAR!! Cover, TWO!?! Lashley and MVP cannot believe it! And to make matters worse, here comes Lana! The Ravishing Russian doesn’t care about things, she is saying the ref is cheating. McIntyre shoves Lashley at Lana, Lashley stops himself, but Lashley turns around into the GLASGOW KISS! Lashley bumps into Lana, who falls on MVP! CLAYMORE!! Cover, McIntyre wins!!
Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall (still WWE World Champion)
MVP gets up and is distraught! All the hard work to turn the Rocky Mountain Machine around, and it was ruined by a Ravishing Russian. Lashley doesn’t even help Lana up off the ground! Is the romance finally through? As for McIntyre, he survived so much from Lashley and comes out on top. Will anyone ever be able to conquer #ClaymoreCountry?
There’s a brawl in the parking lot?!
The Street Profits and the Viking Raiders are throwing hands! They’re supposed to battle over the Raw Tag Team Championships tonight, but what happened to the respect found during the Anything You Can Do Series?! Erik throws hands on Ford while Dawkins and Ivar brawl. They’re dangerously close to Strowman’s Grand National, and then Ford HIP TOSSES Erik onto the windshield!! “Fam, that’s Braun Strowman’s car!” RUN FOR IT! The Profits and Vikings bail, but the brawling continues all the same! Ivar rocks Dawkins but Dawkins bounces him off trunks. Dawkins helps Ford against Erik, and then throw him into a garage door! Then the golf clubs come out! Except, Erik and Ivar get their axes back. And bowling balls? References abound, and the Profits bail!
The Vikings pursue down the hall towards gorilla. The Profits make a stand with the clubs, the Vikings storm up with ax and bowling ball, and Ford has to point out how crazy this is. Let’s all just drop the weapons and fight like men. All at the same time. Good, good, good. The four stand back up tall, and Ford has a question. What did the five fingers say to the face? SLAP! And the brawling continues! Uppercuts and forearms, but then Ford hits a wall jump Superman punch! Erik comes back with Ace Ten Mao! Dawkins DECKS Erik and they continue down the way. Ivar and Ford slowly recover, and Ivar grabs his bowling ball. Ivar remembers back to their great night of bowling and all the strikes the Vikings were serving. Ivar prepares for one last one, and hits Ford right down the middle! STRIKE! Ivar pats him on the back before heading after Erik and Dawkins.
But when Ivar finds Erik, he’s down and out. Dawkins SPEARS Ivar through glass! Both men are wrecked, and Ivar goes back to his happy place: all the times turkey legs appeared as if from nowhere. And it was more often than you’d think. “Anything you can do…” “We can do better!” Ford and Erik catch up to these two and see just what happened. They help their tag partners up, and all four men hobble out of the lobby. No serious injuries, thankfully. They argue about who is to blame over this escalating. Let’s take this outside! But, they already are outside. What is Ivar doing? The two teams vow to finish this and they dig deep. But wait, who is this rolling in on motorcycles? It’s a whole biker gang of sorts! Led by… AKIRA TOZAWA?! It’s a bunch of biker ninjas! “Anything you can do, we ninja can do better!” CHECK! Helmet toss.
The Vikings and Profits huddle up and realize they’re up against ninja bikers. You know what that means? “It’s time, fam.” They must do this together. A storm rolls in, and Ford calls upon the powers of his red solo cup! Dawkins has a golf club, Erik has an ax, and Ivar has a turkey leg. They have combined to become the VIKING PROFITS!! Time to live by four words: WE WANT THE SMOKE! Tozawa and his shinobi power up, and it’s a 8v4 brawl! Shield smash! Cup splash! Drumstick smack! Golf club… club! Oh no, Ivar has been disarmed! But he still punches the ninja. Ford uses some street style while Dawkins rocks ’em! The Vikings give one ninja the Ivar SLAM on top of a car! They leap frog and ROCK more ninja, to then dosido BOOT!
The ninjas have been defeated and the Viking Profits super fist bump freeze frame! Tozawa ask they wait and show mercy. But then he waves over… THE SHOGUN!! He draws his sword, but Ivar summons Turkey Mjolnir! Ivar takes a big bite but Tozawa is confident in his ace’s ninja sword. Erik wants this one but the Profits keep him back. The four retreat to the top of the production truck! And then across the row of trucks, which is a lot of running for Ivar. Maybe if he wasn’t so obsessed with turkey legs, he’d be faster. Erik says Ivar is tired from beating up all the ninjas. No, the Profits did that. What did the five fingers say to the face? BRAWL! So much for that alliance. Dawkins clubs ERik and says it’s SMOKE SEASON! SUPER BULLDOG into the dumpster!
Ford and Ivar hurry over. What happened to being Viking Profits? Ivar pushes Ford into the dumpster! AIR IVAR SUPER SWANTON! All four are down in the trash and blame each other for starting it. Ivar goes back to his happy place: all the times the ladies complimented him on being cute; and said Erik isn’t as much. Good times, good times. The referee finally finds them and says their match is next. And by the way, Ivar, you’re cute. Erik? Not so much. Ouch. “She wants Ivar~ and not Erik~!” Wait, is there something in here with them?! This is straight outta Star Wars, yo!! C3PO, shut down the trash compactors on the detention level!! Also, what does this mean for their title match tonight?
Edge VS Randy Orton!
The Rated R Superstar’s return was the Royal Rumble. His return to a 1v1 match was in a Last Man Standing at WrestleMania. The Viper wants to see if Edge can do it “in a straight-up wrestling match.” Edge knows Orton is among the best, but this life was handed to him. Philosophies, motivations and determination will all be put to the test. The WWE has already deemed this the GREATEST Wrestling Match EVER, but will that be the undeniable truth when it is all said and done?
The introductions are given old school, in the spirit of the late, great Howard Finkel. The referee has the two approach to explain the basic rules. There will be no hair pulling, eye gouging, choking or low blows. Shake hands and come out fighting. They do NOT shake hands, and the crowd is thunderous already. The bell rings, Orton and Edge circle, they tie up and go around. They end up in a corner, then come back out, then Orton throws Edge down. They stay tied up and Edge gets to his feet. Orton SLAMS Edge down on his face but Edge gets to a corner. Edge gets up and shakes it off. They circle again, tie up, and Orton headlocks. Edge powers out but Orton runs him over. Things speed up, Edge hurdles and arm-drags Orton, then again! Orton fakes Edge out of the third, and Edge has to keep his cool over being fooled. Edge and Orton reset and circle again.
They tie up, Edge headlocks, Orton pulls hair but the ref reprimands. Edge hits a takeover, Orton turns it to a cover, ONE and Edge holds on. Orton pulls hair again then moves around to get a headscissor. Orton pries Edge off the headlock and squeezes tight, but Edge moves around. Orton cranks on the neck but Edge endures. Edge works to get free, gets up and pops out. Orton avoids the headlock and Edge again has to contain his frustration. Edge backs off and Orton grins as they circle again. Orton and Edge tie up once again, and Edge headlocks. Orton powers Edge to ropes and the ref calls for the break. Orton powers out but Edge hurdles and ducks under and keeps moving. Orton trips Edge and Edge tumbles out of the ring. Edge is growing frustrated and Orton eggs him on. The ring count climbs but Edge takes his time focusing himself. Edge is up and in at 7 and Orton gives him space.
Orton and Edge approach, tie up, and go around. Orton puts Edge in a corner, the ref calls for the break, but Orton knees low! The crowd boos as Orton whips Edge corner to corner. Edge slides out, Orton pursues, and it’s cat and mouse. Orton goes around the corner into Edge’s BOOT! Edge tricked Orton this time and Orton is down. Edge brings Orton up and around into the ring. Cover, TWO, but Orton gets to a corner. Edge walks over into Orton’s kick, then Orton throws a European Uppercut. Edge falls but Orton takes a moment to check his own jaw. Orton drags Edge up by his hair and whips to ropes. Edge slides under, keeps moving and slides again. Edge whips Orton and arm-drags him again! Edge wants the arm for a keylock and he smothers Orton to the mat.
Orton endures as Edge traps the arm, and Orton tries to headscissor again. Edge shakes that off, keeps on the arm, and stands to wrench the shoulder. Orton scoops Edge but Edge cranks again to bring Orton down. Orton fights his way towards ropes but Edge brings him back. Edge cranks on the arm more but Orton gets around to waistlock. Edge pries at the hold, the crowd rallies up, and Edge breaks free to another arm-drag! Edge has the headlock again but Orton keeps his shoulders up. Orton fights his way up, throws body shots, but Edge cranks on the headlock. Orton gets to his feet, powers Edge to a corner again, and the ref calls for the break. Edge lets go but Orton stomps Edge’s foot! The Viper bends the rules and he whips Edge corner to corner. Edge goes up and heasdcissors Orton out!
Orton gets up but Edge climbs up top?! Edge aims for Orton but Orton gets up to ROCK him with a right. Orton throws more haymakers, then measures out where he and Edge are. Orton climbs up and brings Edge up, and the crowd anticipates what he’s up to. Edge does, too, and he resists the suicide superplex! Edge throws hands, headbutts Orton, but Orton comes back. Edge headbutts Orton again and Orton falls to the apron! Edge adjusts, leaps, FLYING CLOTHESLINE takes both men out! Orton is busted open!! But he just grins through it! “This is Awesome!” but far from over. Orton gets to the apron but Edge is on him. Edge grabs Orton’s arm and wrenches to wring it into the apron! Orton clutches the arm and is still bleeding from somewhere on his forehead.
Edge stalks Orton and dares him to get up. Orton gets to a corner but Edge CLUBS him down! Edge keeps clubbing Orton, not letting him get away. Edge brings Orton up, whips him to ropes, and then KNEES him low! Edge whips again, KNEES low again, and brings Orton up for a Russian Leg Sweep! INTO A CROSSFACE! Orton endures as Edge cranks back as hard as he can! Orton reaches, crawls, and gets around to use a leg for the ropebreak! Edge lets go at 4 but the damage is done. Orton leaps but Edge avoids the RKO! Edge goes for the arm triangle but Orton hurries to get the ropebreak again. Edge lets go quick and throws forearms. And CHOPS! Edge whips Orton again but Orton reverses, to get the back2backbreaker! But he made it more a neckbreaker! Edge sputters and clutches his neck as he rolls out of the ring.
Orton takes his time resting in the ring while the ring count climbs. He then slithers out to follow Edge as the crowd duels. Edge gets up but Orton is on him with a SHOVE to the barriers! Edge’s neck is again in danger but ORton bumps Edge off the apron! And back into the barriers! Then more barriers! Then the announce desk! Orton refreshes the count as it passes 5, to go after Edge more. Orton SLAMS Edge into the steel steps! The crowd boos while the ring count climbs again. Orton SLAMS Edge into the steps again! Orton refreshes the count yet again, and looms over a dazed Edge. Orton drags Edge up and over to the announce desk to bump him off it again. And then BACK SUPLEX him onto it! Orton whispers to Edge, “I’m gonna effing kill you.” He drags Edge into the ring, covers, TWO!! Edge refuses to give in!
Orton keeps his cool and looms over Edge again. Orton stands on Edge’s hand to then stomp it! The Viper picks Edge apart as he stomps the knee then the ankle. And then the other hand! Orton drags Edge up to scrape his laces off Edge’s face! Orton pulls Edge up by his hair to then wrap on a chinlock. The crowd rallies up as Orton thrashes and grinds Edge down to the mat. Edge endures but he is turning red. Orton cranks, Edge claws at the arm, and Edge fights his way up. Edge throws elbows and body shots, and even stomps his foot in return! Edge throws forearms but Orton shoves him backwards into buckles! Edge clutches his neck again and Orton drags him up. Orton looks up at the ceiling as he suplexes Edge! Uno amigo! Eddie Guerrero’s move! Dos Amigos!
But Edge blocks tres, and gives Orton the suplex! Then Edge goes to do DOS AMIGOS! Edge brings Orton up and hits the THIRD! The Rated R Superstar does it for Latino Heat! Both men are down but the crowd rallies up. Orton SLAPS Edge on the chest while they’re on the mat, but Edge SLAPS back! They CHOP each other more, and more, and more! They stand up, the CHOPS keep flying, but Orton gets an edge. Edge puts Orton in a corner to CHOP and CHOP and CHOP again! Orton flounders away, ducks a chop and dropkicks Edge down! Edge bails out but Orton pursues. The ref counts but Orton comes around the way. Orton grabs Edge’s arms through the corner gap, to YANK Edge into the crossbar! Edge goes down, again in a daze as he struggles to breathe.
Orton goes back into the ring as Edge flounders up onto the apron. Orton drags Edge up top as the crowd rallies. Orton gets Edge in position but Edge fights back. The two throw body shots and clubbing forearms but Orton gets the edge on Edge. Orton wants it, and hits another SUPERPLEX!! Both men are down and Orton crawls to a cover, TWO!?! Edge still lives and no one can believe it! The crowd rallies up for Edge, even as Orton looms over him at the ropes. Edge crawls up the ropes but Orton brings him up to uppercut! Orton brings Edge up again to whip to ropes. Edge ducks, but DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! Both men are down again but the crowd rallies. A standing count begins but Orton sits up first.
Edge stirs and heads for a corner at 6. Orton and Edge stand at 8, but Orton runs into a back elbow! Edge slips out and swing kicks Orton down! Edge leans on the corner, but he climbs up top. Orton throws haymakers to stop Edge, then adds uppercuts. Orton brings Edge forward, and drags him out along the rope! Edge denies the draping DDT, to hit EDGE-UCUTION! Edge crawls to a cover, TWO!!! The crowd hopes they “Fight Forever!” at this point, but it has to end somehow. “This is Awesome!” as Edge flounders to ropes. Orton gets to his feet, Edge runs in and knee lifts him down! Orton flounders back up but Edge runs in to KNEE him down! Edge runs again, basement sliding elbow! Cover, TWO! Orton survives and Edge is at a loss for what to do. Edge climbs up top again, leaps at Orton, and hits a crossbody! Cover, TWO!! Orton survives and crawls towards a corner.
Edge and Orton rise, Edge runs in but Orton goes up and rolls him up! TWO, and Edge wants the arm! CROSSFACE!! Orton endures, Edge shifts to a deeper choke! Orton turns red but Orton rolls to a cover! TWO!! Edge goes after an arm, Orton goes around, rolls and wrenches, to an OLYMPIC SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Edge survives as Orton uses Kurt Angle’s move. The crowd rallies up as Orton and Edge get back up. Orton brings Edge up, whips him and jumps, into a POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO! Edge caught Orton off guard but still can’t put him away. The crowd duels as Edge and Orton stir and sit up. Orton and Edge go to opposite ends, Edge runs in, but Orton back drops him out of the ring! Edge hits the ground hard but manages to crawl towards the ring. Edge stares at the LED that reads “Greatest Wrestling Match Ever,” but Orton drags him in through the ropes! DRAPING DDT!!
Edge looks like he is out cold! Orton slithers around but keeps his eyes on Edge. Orton hears the voices in his head while Edge sits up. Edge stands up and Orton leaps, but no RKO! Edge gets the chicken wings but no Unprettier! Orton leap frogs, but into an EDGE O’MATIC!! Cover, TWO!?! That sequence has the crowd fired up again! Edge glares at Orton as he goes back to a corner. Orton slowly sits up as Edge builds up energy. The crowd builds with him, and Orton stands as Edge takes aim. Edge runs at Orton, but Orton hops the Spear! Edge fakes out the powerslam, to hit UNPRETTIER!! For Christian!! Cover, TWO!! Captain Charisma’s move could not do it! The crowd still believes “This is Awesome!” as both men slowly rise again.
Edge CLUBS Orton on the back, then whips him to ropes. Orton reverses, picks Edge up, and flapjack hotshots him on the ropes! Edge flops to the mat and gasps for air. Edge rises, Orton kicks low, and reels Edge in. Orton underhooks a la The Game, PEDIGREE!!! Cover, TWO!?!? Orton cannot believe it, but neither can the crowd! Edge checks his face and is okay. The crowd again wants them to “Fight Forever!” and they just might. Orton brings Edge up, whips him again, but Edge reverse into a ROCK BOTTOM!?! Cover, TWO!!! The Great One would not like that his move didn’t help Edge win this. Edge grabs Orton’s legs, steps through, but Orton powers him away! Orton gets up and Edge follows, Edge ducks the clothesline to go for a backslide. Orton fights it off, but Edge mule kicks a leg! The cover, TWO!!
Orton is up, to UPPERCUT Edge down! Orton walks over as the crowd rallies back up. Orton drags Edge up by his hair again, and back through the ropes. Edge knows that and pops free to hotshot Orton back! Edge gets back up, slides in to sunset flip, TWO! Oklahoma Roll, TWO! Cradle, TWO! RKO OUTTA NOWHERE!!! Cover, TWO!?!?! Orton finally hit his move and it didn’t work!?! The crowd loses its mind as Orton deals with the shock of Edge surviving. Orton argues the count with the ref, but the ref defends it was two. Orton hobbles back over to Edge, looms over him, and calms himself. Edge stirs, but Orton backs up. Orton wants to bring out a deadly classic of his. A move that ended careers! Orton runs at Edge, but into the SPEAR!! Edge has a wild look in his eyes but he doesn’t cover!
Edge gets to another corner, builds the energy, and SPEARS again!! Cover, TWO!?!? Just what are these two men made of?! Perhaps they really will “Fight Forever!” Edge gets back up, watches Orton get to his feet, and stalks up behind him. Edge whips Orton corner to corner, Orton reverses, but Edge goes up and leaps, INTO AN RKO!!! Cover, TWO!?!?!?! No one knows what to make of this! Orton glares down at Edge as Edge slowly rises. Orton brings Edge up but Edge clamps on the ANTI-VENOM ARM TRIANGLE! Orton KNEES low, but how low?! Was it a low blow? The ref doesn’t know, and the PUNT hits!! Cover, Orton wins!!!
Winner: Randy Orton, by pinfall
Greatest Wrestling Match Ever? That may still be up for debate. But this was surely the greatest match between Randy Orton and Edge, though with a controversial ending. Orton crawls to Edge and tells him, “Go home. Go home to Beth and your beautiful girls. And tell them that Uncle Randy said hi.” Orton takes his time leaving while a medical team heads to the ring. A stretcher is prepared and they help Edge up, but he refuses to be helped. Edge forces himself to stand and the crowd cheers, but it doesn’t look good. Has The Viper ended the Rated R Superstar’s career once and for all? Is there no next chapter for Adam “Edge” Copeland?
My Thoughts:
For a PPV not even used last year, Backlash came back with a vengeance! Firstly, I was a bit bummed that the WWE United States Championship got bumped to the Kickoff Show to add the Raw Tag Team Championships, but then that Raw Tag Team Championship match turned into one of the wildest cinematic matches in a year of great cinematic matches. So much of that insane brawl was great, and I hope this means Tozawa has a tag team partner to join the tag division now. If that is truly Brennan Williams, aka Dio “The Shogun” Maddin, as the super tall ninja, that’d be awesome. He and Tozawa sound like a great combo and I want them in the mix with Profits, Vikings and all the factions, like Seth Rollins’ disciples and Vega’s stable. Also, Apollo wins with a little help from Kevin, but I’m not sure I want to see them as a tag team going for titles. Kevin should’ve had a tag title reign with Sami Zayn and no one else.
The Women’s Triple Threat Tag was incredible, especially as a main card opener. I knew Bayley and Banks would retain, and I do like that they’re trying to get a new tag name with “Golden Role Models.” Bayley and Banks are finally fulfilling their goal of bringing these titles to NXT for a match, and while Shotzi Blackheart and Tegan Nox are a new team, it would be insane if they found a way to beat Bayley and Banks. Hardy VS Sheamus was pretty good, definitely better than their WWE Intercontinental Championship tournament match, and I’m a bit surprised Sheamus won. But that makes them 1-1 so I think Extreme Rules is the tiebreaker. By the way, that new Extreme Rules logo is not only ugly, but way too late 90’s, early 2000’s extreme sports. And yet I now have to make a thumbnail with it…
Asuka VS Nia was pretty good, but I was really hoping Asuka was going to win flat out. A double count-out obviously extends the story, so at least the concerns of Charlotte swooping in are momentarily eased. Extreme Rules could still give us a Triple Threat, but an Extreme Rules match for the title could be a way for Asuka and Nia to settle things to prevent Champion’s Advantage. That way, when Asuka wins, she definitively wins. The last minute change to how the handicap match crowns a champion was actually very smart, and it was smart to have Miz cost himself and Morrison so that Strowman wins without damaging their power rankings too much. Maybe the hacker returns and their targets are Miz & Morrison. And Otis and Mandy were smart to put the cash-in in the back of their minds, as all Mr. MITB’s should do.
I did not think McIntyre VS Lashley would be before the Raw Tag segment, but it was such a good match I didn’t mind. I just felt Lana would show up and cost Lashley in some way. It preserves some of Lashley’s power ranking, and I hope we get a rematch for at least SummerSlam. Lashley also looks completely done with Lana, and it’s about time. I don’t know what Lana does other than focus on herself, as she implied last Raw, but at least Lashley can finally be Lashley again. If nothing else, whoever is “traded” to in return for AJ Styles can be thrown into the mix to bide some time. I feel like Baron Corbin is a good choice given there’s also story to be settled between him, Aleister Black and Rey Mysterio for MITB’s “thrown off the roof” spots.
And then while it was constantly being called “The Greatest Wrestling Match Ever,” Orton VS Edge really did turn into an incredible match. We could’ve done without the piped in crowd audio from great matches past, but I did enjoy using old Howard Finkel audio for introductions. Referee Charles Robinson being dressed old school was a bit odd, like they were trying to tell us visually that this was already one of those classics from the 80’s. But the genuine cheers from the crowd of NXT and trainee wrestlers were still great to hear, because surely they were enjoying the match. One thing that’s a bit funny to me was Orton and Edge burying the finishers of past legends and icons, though the shout outs to them were all greatly appreciated. I actually liked the controversy to the ending of the maybe-maybe-not low blow and then the infamous return of Orton’s punt kick. The series is 1-1, and the damage done definitely gives reason for Edge to rest until say, Survivor Series, so that they can try again in some other match type befitting these two.
My Score: 8.7/10
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Is Orange Cassidy coldblooded? Or just in control?
Before their AEW World Championship match at Full Gear, Jon Moxley puts Wheeler Yuta in Orange Cassidy’s way! Will Cassidy destroy The Decoder before going for The Maniac?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- 8 Man Tag: Will Ospreay, Mark Davis, Ricochet & “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs VS The Don Callis Family; The Don Callis Family wins.
- Kris Statlander VS Hikaru Shida; Kris wins.
- 2v1 Handicap: Bobby Lashley w/ The Hurt Syndicate VS Joe Keys & Cheeseburger; Lashley wins.
- Darby Allin VS Claudio Castagnoli; Claudio wins.
- Orange Cassidy VS Wheeler Yuta w/ The Death Riders; Cassidy wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
8 Man Tag: Will Ospreay, Mark Davis, Ricochet & “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs VS The Don Callis Family!
This All-Star 8 Man is going to make for a massive match! The Aerial Assassin, Dunk Zilla, The One & Only and the man the family foolishly forgot are now teamed together against Konosuke Takeshita, Kyle Fletcher, Brian Cage & Lance Archer! Will Ospreay lead this team to victory ahead of the grudge matches at Full Gear? Or will Callis’ Alpha, Aussie Arrow, Machine & Murderhawk Monster make sure #EverybodyDies?
Well forget sorting out, Ospreay leads his team in attacking the Callis Family right on the ramp! The fans fire up as Hobbs is after Archer, Davis is after Cage, and of course Ricochet is after Konosuke while Ospreay is after Kyle! Hobbs smacks Archer off railing, Kyle CLUBS Ospreay on the back, but Ospreay kicks low. Ospreay sends Kyle into railing, rips the tearaway pants right off him, and then LASHES him with them! Davis sends Cage into railing while Ospreay uses those pants to SLING Kyle into more railing! Davis CLUBS away on Cage, Ospreay blows snot on Kyle’s pants, and Davis sends Cage into more railing.
Kyle turns things around to send Ospreay into railing! Konosuke helps Cage against Davis but Hobbs still throws hands on Archer. Kyle CLUBS Ospreay, CLUBS Ricochet, but Konosuke puts Davis in the ring. The bell rings and this is finally a match. Konosuke headlocks Davis but Davis fires body shots. Davis powers up and out, but Konosuke RAMS him! The fans fire up as Davis stays up. Davis runs to RAM Konosuke! Konosuke stays up and the fans rally. Konosuke runs to RAM Davis, but Davis runs. Konosuke bypasses, leaps, but Davis catches him for a TOSS! And a SENTON! The fans fire up with Davis, and Ricochet reaches out.
Davis tags Ricochet in , then holds the way open, for Ricochet to FOSBURY FLOP onto Konosuke! But Cage CLOBBERS Davis! Cage then RAMS Ricochet into the apron, POSTS him, but Ospreay PENALTY KICKS Cage! The fans fire up as Ospreay goes up, but Kyle UPPERCUTS him! The fans boo as Kyle goes up, CLUBS away on Ospreay, and Ospreay falls to the floor. But now Hobbs is up! Kyle says wait! Then he fires hands! Hobbs just CHOPS Kyle! Hobbs climbs up to get Kyle, but Archer CLUBS Hobbs! Archer drags Hobbs down, throws hands, then puts Hobbs in between steps and post! Hobbs fights back, but Cage sends Ospreay into the steps!
The fans boo as Hobbs’ leg is crushed between steps and post! Archer puts Ricochet in the ring while a medic checks Hobbs. Archer brings Ricochet up but Ricochet slips free to fire off fast strikes! Hobbs is being helped to the back and Ospreay is concerned that this is now 4v3. Ricochet still fires strikes on Archer, but Archer grabs Ricochet by the neck! CHOKE- NO, Ricochet RANAS Archer first! Archer tumbles, stands up, and Ricochet springboards, but Archer CLOBBERS Him out of the sky! Archer BLASTS Davis, then catches Ospreay out of the air! Archer TOSSES Ospreay away and fans boo. But Ricochet springboards back in!
Archer catches Ricochet, and he CHOKE SLAMS Ricochet out onto Ospreay and Davis! The fans boo as the Don Callis Family is in control, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Cage & Kyle flex to soak up the heat, then Archer goes out after Ospreay and the rest. Konosuke fetches Ricochet into the ring, waistlocks, and then brings him away from the corner. Archer beats up on Ospreay while Konosuke fires knees into Ricochet. Ricochet tumbles to ropes but Konosuke is on him. Davis fires hands on Archer, then sends him into railing! Davis fires more hands, but Konosuke CHOKES Ricochet at the ropes! The ref counts, Konosuke steps off and tags Kyle. Kyle stays between Ricochet and his corner. Kyle taunts Ricochet, stomps him around, then whips him to ropes. Kyle ELBOWS Ricochet down, then stalks him to a corner.
Kyle stomps away on Ricochet while Archer intimidates commentary. Kyle shouts at the camera while the ref counts, and Kyle steps off of Ricochet’s neck. Kyle bumps Ricochet off buckles, tags Cage, and Cage stands Ricochet up. Cage CHOPS Ricochet, then whips him to ropes for an ELBOW! Cage flexes while he taunts Ospreay & Davis. Cage drags Ricochet up but Ricochet RAMS him! And RAMS him! And fires forearms! Cage ROCKS Ricochet, then runs, but into a tiger wall kick and ENZIGIRI! Konosuke tags in and storms after Ricochet. Konosuke stomps Ricochet, then rains down fists! The ref reprimands while Dynamite returns to single picture.
Konosuke argues with the ref while Ospreay rallies the fans. Konosuke stays between Ricochet and his team, but Ricochet SLAPS Konosuke! Konosuke ROCKS Ricochet for it! Ricochet fires forearms and an UPPERCUT! Konosuke keeps Ricochet from his corner, reels Ricochet in, but Ricochet victory rolls! TWO, and Ricochet ducks a chop to handspring BACK ELBOW! The fans fire up while both men are down! Ricochet and Konosuke crawl, hot tags to Kyle and Ospreay! The fans fire up as these two fire fists and forearms! Kyle kicks and whips but Ospreay ducks ‘n’ dodges to CLOBBER Kyle!
Ospreay whips, Kyle reverses, Ospreay handsprings to NEURALIZER KICK! Kyle staggers, Konosuke tags back in! Ospreay dodges Konosuke to BLAST Cage & Archer! Ospreay fires fists on Konosuke, but Konosuke CLAWS Ospreay’s face! Konosuke runs, but Davis intercepts with a fireman’s carry! AUSSIE DENTAL PLAN! Or maybe in this case, just a United Empire Dental Plan! But in any case, Davis scoops Konosuke, for the LAWN DART CUTTER! Cover, TWO!! Konosuke survives but the fans fire up. Ospreay & Davis bring Konosuke up, double pump handle, but the #MurderMachines make the save!
Archer puts Davis in a corner, Cage ducks Ospreay’s haymaker to waistlock. Archer runs up, BOOT GERMAN SUPLEX COMBO! Davis fires hands on Archer but Cage waistlocks, ripcords, and ROCKS Davis! Then fireman’s carry into the ASSISTED NECKBREAKER! The fans boo but the Murder Machines DOUBLE RIPCORD Ospreay up for Konosuke’s BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay survives and shocks everyone! Archer argues with the ref but the count was fair. Konosuke tags Kyle while fans rally up behind Ospreay. Kyle smirks as he stalks Ospreay. Kyle BOOTS Ricochet off the apron for good measure!
Kyle tells Ospreay that this is how he wants it, right? All about Ospreay! Kyle stomps away on Ospreay in the corner, then digs his boots in! The ref counts but wait! Here comes Hobbs! Hobbs hobbles but Kyle hurries to send Ospreay to the Callis corner. Tag to Konosuke and then Kyle slides out. Kyle runs up on Hobbs, but Hobbs CLOBBERS him! The fans fire up as Hobbs makes his way to the corner. Ospreay fights free of the corner but Konosuke holds him back! Ospreay fires forearms, reaches out, repeat! The fans rally as hard as they can, but Konosuke reels Ospreay in! Konosuke hits a back suplex, but Ospreay lands out!
Ospreay dodges Konosuke, hot tag to Hobbs! The Powerhouse powers up to rally on Konosuke! The fans fire up as Hobbs TOSSES Kyle, but the Murder Machines attack! They reel Hobbs in, but Hobbs fights the double suplex! The fans fire up but the Murder Machines double whip. Hobbs DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up as Hobbs has targets in all corners! SPLASH for Konosuke! SPLASH for Cage! SPLASH for Kyle! SPLASH for Archer! The fans are thunderous and Hobbs brings the straps down. Archer kicks low, then runs, but Hobbs dodges, to SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up again, and Hobbs tags Davis!
Davis runs up to BOOT Konosuke, BOOT him again, but Konosuke just fires up! Ospreay CANNONBALLS onto Kyle while Konosuke fires hands! Konosuke spins, but Davis DECKS him! Davis roars, stands Konosuke up, but Konosuke backdrops back! POWER- NO, Davis stops the knee to ENZIGIRI! Davis gut wrenches Konosuke, for a PILEDRIVER!! Cover, KYLE BREAKS IT! The fans boo but now Aussie Open is face to face! Kyle pie faces Davis, talks trash, but Davis glares at him. Kyle SLAPS Davis, so Davis TACKLES Kyle! Davis throws hands, Kyle gets up, and Davis runs up! Kyle dodges and Konosuke DECKS Davis!
Ricochet springboards, FLYING LARIAT on Konosuke! But Cage POP-UP POWERBOMBS Ricochet! Hobbs SPINEBUSTERS Cage! Archer CHOKE SLAMS Hobbs! Ospreay hits the PIP PIP CHEERIO FOREARM on Archer! Ospreay dares Kyle to man up and fight him! Kyle snarls, gets in, and they fire forearms again! Kyle swings, Ospreay catches him, but Kyle breaks the full nelson with an elbow! Ospreay HOOK KICKS Kyle! Ospreay runs, Kyle dodges, but then Ospreay slips through the lariat! Kyle slips through the bomb, hoists Ospreay up, but Ospreay slips free! Kyle ducks the hook kick to SUPERKICK! Kyle runs, into the SPANISH FLY!!
The fans are thunderous as Ospreay takes aim from a corner! Kyle rises, so does Davis, and Ospreay runs up, Kyle uses Davis as a shield from the HIDDEN BLADE!! Ospreay freaks out, Kyle SUPERKICKS Ospreay out of the ring! Then Kyle DIVES onto Ospreay! Konosuke brings down his kneepad, aims at Davis, POWER DRIVE KNEE!!! Cover, Don Callis Family wins!!
Winners: The Don Callis Family, by pinfall
The Alpha stands tall over Davis as friendly fire takes out Ospreay’s team. But what happens when things divide into 1v1 matches? Will Konosuke still be International Champion after he and Ricochet go #OuttaThisWorld? Will Kyle prove that he IS The Protostar after tearing down Will Ospreay?
Jon Moxley & The Death Riders speak.
“Despite recent discoveries that Orange Cassidy is a snake, coldblooded, uncaring, unmoving, a serpent lurking in the darkest corners of the battlefield, my objective remains the same, my job on Saturday night remains the same. You may be this borderline sociopath, you may be a great guy just like everybody thinks. I don’t care if you’re a great guy. I don’t care what kind of person you are. When the bell rings on Saturday night, and the AEW World Championship hangs in the balance, you are a threat to my people. And I will destroy you.
“There’s so much more going on behind Orange Cassidy’s eyes than any of us could’ve imagined. You may make it to Full Gear with your mind in tact, but your body… For that matter, Darby Allin’s body… Still up for grabs.” Claudio jumps in, speaking in German about what he’ll do to Darby. Then in English, he says, “Tonight, I’m gonna end you.” Moxley pats Claudio on the shoulder. Will The Maniac’s top henchmen do his dirty work for him when they dismantle Cassidy & Darby? Or will it just be fuel on the fire for Freshly Squeezed & The Relentless One? Speaking of…
Darby Allin speaks.
“Claudio, I’m gonna keep this really short. Let’s not forget you’re the one who put the chair around Bryan’s neck and pulled the trigger on his career. Every single one of you Death Riders will have your day. And Claudio, today’s your day.” Will Moxley’s men be dealt with in brutal fashion before he suffers the same?
The Hurt Syndicate arrive.
Renee Paquette waits in the parking lot as an SUV pulls up, and she welcomes Montel Vontavious Porter, Shelton Benjamin & Bobby Lashley to the show. She heard MVP has a surprise in store, what’s he got planned? MVP says yes, there is a special treat for the AEW audience, and that is this announcement: The All Mighty Bobby Lashley will be in action here tonight on Dynamite in Reading, Pennsylvania, prior to his PPV debut on Saturday! Renee asks if MVP is at all concerned to put Lashley in a match- OH NO, Swerve attacks!! Swerve knocks Lashley over, then laughs as he gets away!
Shelton helps Lashley up but that ambush might’ve been with Swerve’s own silver chain. Will Lashley elect not to compete tonight after all? Or is he about to make an example out of whatever poor soul is put in front of him?
Adam Cole is here!
Reading fires up as the Panama City Playboy makes his way to the ring. They join in with the “BOOM!” and “ADAM COLE, BAYBAY!” Cole grabs a mic to ask, “Who’s ready for Storytime with Adam Cole, Baybay?” Reading sure is ready! Cole wishes so so badly that he could get his hands on MJF this Saturday, but he’s not. MJF did everything in his power to make sure he and Cole didn’t fight on Saturday, and he succeeded. But do you know who else succeeded last week? Roderick Strong did! The fans cheer as Cole says he and Roddy have the exact same goal: Give MJF the ass whooping of a lifetime! And that is exactly what happens at Full Gear!
The fans cheer, and wait, Kyle O’Reilly makes his way out here. The longtime friend of Cole & Roddy makes his way out here, and already has a mic. Kyle isn’t sure if Cole remembers, but 14 years ago, right here in Reading, PA, Cole and Kyle had their second match ever against each other. They’ve come a long way. Being associated with Cole has given Kyle some incredible highs, and some serious lows. And through those lows, Kyle knows Cole better than anyone. Which makes Kyle the only one willing to tell Cole the truth. The truth is, this crusade against MJF has got to end before someone gets hurt.
This obsession, Cole needs to wash his hands of it. His ankle has already been reconstructed, what’s next? Cole has friends willing to take a bullet for him, Kyle included, but Cole has got to stop having his friends fight his battles. Roddy barely makes it out alive last week, and now he wants to fight MJF! He wants to END MJF, all because of Cole. Kyle just doesn’t have a good feeling about any of this. Cole asks Kyle what he’s trying to say here. Kyle doesn’t think Roddy can handle MJF? Kyle asks Cole if he really thinks MJF isn’t already three steps ahead. MJF hasn’t been here for weeks but he’s pulling all the strings.
Cole should know that dealing with MJF is like playing with fire, and Kyle doesn’t wanna see his friends get burned. Cole needs to realize why so many of his friends are willing to go to war for him, and it’s because he is a great leader, an elite pro-wrestler, and a great friend, who doesn’t wanna see his friends get hurt. At least, so Kyle thinks. But Cole has to face facts: MJF is more of an evil bastard than Cole will ever be, and that is a good thing. Kyle drops his mic and walks away. Cole drops his mic, and has a lot to think about. Does Kyle have a point? Can Cole just let Roddy handle MJF and then move on?
Orange Cassidy speaks.
“A little later tonight, I’m gonna make an example out of you, Wheeler Yuta. And I’m gonna show everybody exactly what I’m gonna do this Saturday to you, Jon Moxley. And that’s walk down to that ring and beat you, alone.” But The Conglomeration steps in. Mark Briscoe has Rocky Romero & Tomohiro Ishii with him as he asks Cassidy, “What sense does that make, man?” Moxley said himself, there’s five Death Riders, one Cassidy. Conglomeration has his back, they are here for him. Cassidy says no, no one else needs to get hurt. Get hurt? What’s Cassidy talking about? The Conglomeration are ready to scrap!
PLEASE!! Cassidy is asking them… They don’t have to believe him or even understand him. But just promises him they’ll stay back here. If Cassidy insists, then so be it. Cassidy says there you have it, Jon. Five of you, one of him. Do what you’re gonna do. Because at Full Gear, Moxley’s gonna need all the help he can get. Cassidy is himself wanting the best for his friends, but will that work out for the betterment of AEW? Or is he just playing into Moxley’s hands?
Kris Statlander VS Hikaru Shida!
The #BornAgainKristen bodied the bullies that are Mercedes Mone & Kamille the last time she saw them, but she still needs to tune up for Full Gear. However, taking on the THREE-TIME AEW Women’s World Champion might be more than just a workout. Win, lose or draw, will the Shining Samurai get Kris ready for The CEO?
The bell rings, Kris and Shida shake hands and the fans applaud. The two circle, tie up, and Kris wrenches to a wristlock. Shida handsprings and wrenches back, then hammerlocks. Kris reaches back, hits a headlock takeover, but Shida headscissors. Kris kips free and the fans cheer while the two reset. Shida and Kris circle again while the fans fire up. The two tie up, Shida wrenches and hammerlocks, then CLUBS Kris on the back. Shida CLUBS Kris again, then waistlocks. Kris fights the lift with elbows, then switches. Kris SLAMS Shida, then flips her over. Shida kips up to arm-drag Kris! Kris ends up in a corner, and Shida runs up to KNEE her!
Shida climbs up and the fans cheer as she rains down fists! But Kris stops Shida at 5 and carries her out of the corner! Shida slips free, Kris blocks a lariat to SWEEP the leg! STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Shida is tough and she goes to ropes, but Kris whips her to a corner. Kris runs up but into a RANA! Kris cartwheels through! Then she CLOBBERS Shida! The fans fire up while Kris flexes. Kris drags Shida into a motorcycle stretch but Shida endures. The fans rally up and Shida fights to her feet. Shida arm-drags Kris down, and wraps her in a straitjacket stretch! Kris fights up with a bridge, but Shida hops on!
The fans rally while Kris RAMS Shida into a corner! Shida holds onto the straitjacket and pulls! The ref counts, Shida lets go at 4, and then MISSILE DROPKICKS! Kris tumbles and the fans duel as Shida fires up! Shida goes outside, drags Kris to the apron, and CLUBS her! Shida runs to KNEE LIFT! Kris flops to the floor and fans cheer while Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Shida brings Kris up again, and whips her into railing hard! Kris writhes, Shida drags her up, and then Shida whips Kris into more railing! Kris writhes again and Shida refreshes the ring count. Shida sits Kris in a corner to rain down fists! The fans fire up but the ref reprimands, so Shida stops. Shida brings Kris around, pushes her into the ring, and then stalks her. Shida stomps Kris around, brings her up, and snap suplexes! Kris writhes but Shida brings her up again. Shida then snap suplexes Kris into a corner! Shida drags Kris to a cover, TWO! Kris stays in this but Shida stays on her with a chinlock stretch!
Kris endures being bent back, and she reaches out with her free arm. Shida pulls back more but Kris rises up! Shida is again a backpack, but then she slips down. Kris fires body shots, slips around and lifts for a BIG back suplex! Kris huffs ‘n’ puffs as she rises up, but then Shida dodges the sliding forearm! Ghost pin! TWO, and Kris has a cradle! TWO! Shida ROCKS Kris, but Kris PELES! Shida staggers, but she comes back to ENZIGIRI! Both women are down and the fans fire up! The ref checks both women and they’re okay to continue, so a standing count begins. Shida and Kris stir at about 4 of 10, then rise up at 6.
Kris grabs Shida, but Shida fires a forearm! Dynamite returns to single picture as the shots go back and forth. Shida fires a flurry, then whips Kris to ropes. Kris ducks ‘n’ dodges, then dodges a knee! SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up with Kris as she whips Shida to a corner. Kris runs up to UPPERCUT, then she goes side to side for a KNEE LIFT! Shida ends up in ropes but Kris reels her in. Fisherman BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Shida survives and the fans fire up again! Kris hoists Shida up, gut wrenches, but Shida slips free! DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Shida eggs Kris on, then dodges her to fire forearms! Kris just shakes her head!
Shida fires more shots, but Kris fireman’s carries! But Shida slips free, straitjacket roll-up! TWO!! KNEE STRIKE! And then short arm LARIAT! Shida takes aim, but she starts to doubt the Katana! Shida runs up but Kris dodges the boot to then scoop and INVERTED SLAM! Then Kris aims, DISCUS- NO, Shida backslides her! TWO!! Shida reels Kris in, suplexes, FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO?!? Kris survives and Shida is shocked! Shida brings Kris up but Kris fires body shots and forearms! Shida ROCKS Kris, but Kris wrenches to kick! Kris runs, but into the JUMP KNEE! Shida hurries to suplex, but Kris turns it around!
Shida slips out of Kris’ suplex to slip around, GERMAN SUPLEX! Shida roars, aims, KATA- NO, Kris gut wrenches! Tuck and STATURDAY NIGHT FEVER!! Cover, Kris wins!!
Winner: Kris Statlander, by pinfall
Shida gave Kris a powerful match, but clearly Shida has to iron out her own crisis of confidence. Kris still shows Shida respect by helping her up. But wait, here comes Mercedes Mone & Kamille! The fans boo The CEO & Brickhouse but Mone has a mic. “Readiiiiing~! Say hello to your C E O!” The fans boo instead. Mone asks Kamille if she wants to hear a fun fact about Pennsylvania. The 76ers have had yet another terrible season! Embarrassing~! But shoutouts to Mone’s Celtics for another incredible victory. The fans boo Boston but Mone says another person with an incredible win was Kris Statlander. Mone is rarely impressed by her competition.
Does anyone else want to hear another fun fact? “NO!!” Well, Mone has held the TBS Championship longer than Kris! So at Full Gear, Mone will NOT lose, because she is The CEO, the greatest TBS Champion of all time! And she will NEVER lose this title! Fans tell The CEO to STFU, but Mone tells Kamille go get the job done! She is so pissed off! GO! NOW! Kamille walks up the steps past Mone, but with only one good arm! Mone says hurry up, but Kamille looks at both Shida and Kris. Kamille takes as swing, but Kris blocks to ROCK her! Shida QUESTION MARK KICKS Kamille! Then Kris & Shida TOSS The Brickhouse!
Shida goes out after Kamille, but then Mone goes after Kris! Mone goes for the backstabber, but Kris holds onto ropes! Mone is almost stuck up there, but Kris pops her around! STATURDAY NIGHT FEVER!! The fans fire up as Kris stands tall over The CEO! Will Kris once again become the Face of TBS? Or will Mone find a way to win even without her insurance policy?
The Hurt Syndicate has a cameraman with them.
MVP says hold on, he and Shelton have found Swerve. They go after the man in the big fur jacket, but that’s not Swerve! Swerve gave his jacket to the guy, but MVP & Shelton still beat this guy up for helping Swerve. MVP says they’ll find Swerve later, Lashley has his match up next. And it’ll be a 2-on-1 Handicap?! The All Mighty really IS mad, what poor duo is about to be destroyed?
AEW hears from Jay White and Hangman Adam Page.
“Hangman. You and I are on that same path to that same destination, trying to grasp at that same prize. 2024 still has some time left for The Switchblade to share the spotlight with Hangman once more!” But the Blackhat Cowboy asks White if he knows “Who the hell I am?! I am the Hangman! I am THE man! They named this whole godforsaken PPV after ME!” White says when he makes Hangman TAP, it will be a public declaration! But Hangman says White can’t make him tap, even if his life depended on it! These two vicious gunslingers will write one more chapter in their storied rivalry, but who comes out riding off into the sunset?
2v1 Handicap: Bobby Lashley w/ The Hurt Syndicate VS Joe Keys & Cheeseburger!
The All Mighty thought he’d have an easy night getting in a little warm-up, but The Realest quickly reminded him why he’s the most dangerous man in AEW! Lashley’s now doubling down to make a point, will there be nothing left of Keys & Cheese after tonight?
The bell rings and while the fans rally for Cheeseburger, he and Keys each argue the other should start. Lashley runs up and TOSSES Burger across the ring! Keys runs away, Lashley runs to RAM into Burger! Lashley brings Burger up, Keys runs in, but Lashley catches him for a COMPLETE SHOT DDT COMBO! Lashley drags Keys up and TOSSES him out! Lashley then turns to look at Burger in the corner. The fans rally for Burger, but Lashley CLOBBERS him! The fans boo but MVP & Shelton high-five Lashley. Lashley drags Burger up to gut wrench, Canadian Rack, and DOMINATOR! Keys runs in to break the cover!
The fans cheer Keys as he fires hands, but Lashley just gets angrier! Keys short arm LARIATS, but Lashley stays up! Keys runs, into a MILE HIGH SPINEBUSTER! Lashley storms around, then aims at Keys. Keys staggers into the SPEAR! Lashley isn’t done there, and he clamps on the HURT LOCK! Keys can’t open that lock, he is OUT! Lashley wins!
Winner: Bobby Lashley, by submission
MVP & Shelton join Lashley in the ring to celebrate, but then “Whose House?” “SWERVE’S HOUSE!” The fans fire up, and here comes Prince Nana with a chair! Nana eggs the Hurt Syndicate on so Shelton storms out after Nana. MVP watches the rest of ringside for Swerve, but Swerve slides out from under the ring! The fans fire up as Swerve slips in to CHAIN PUNCH Lashley!! MVP gets on the apron but Swerve DECKS MVP with a chain punch! And then Shelton eats a chain punch! The fans are thunderous as Swerve aims, and hits a HOUSE CALL on Lashley! Swerve hurries to the top rope, and he gives Lashley a KILL STOMP!!
The fans are thunderous as Swerve stands over Lashley! MVP & Shelton get up and get in, but Swerve escapes, chain draped on his neck! Will AEW then, now and forever be whose house? “SWERVE’S HOUSE!”
Backstage interview with Mariah May & Mina Shirakawa.
Renee is now with the AEW Women’s World Champion and her best friend, the Rev-Pro Undisputed British Women’s Champion. They are planning their Championship Champagne Celebration for Full Gear, BUT Friday Night Rampage will feature the two of them teaming up for the first time in just over a year. Mariah says no champion deserves a celebration more than her. Her rise to the top was meteoric, and her reign will be historic. She takes ish and makes it shine, any time and any show, against anyone. In Mariah’s division, you hold this title, or you die.
Mina says yes, Mariah has been working so hard. She came back to tell her she is so very proud. And Mina will give Mariah a celebration she’ll never forget! Mariah says the “H Cup Angel” (Mina) and the “Woman from Hell” (Mariah herself) are going to make Rampage into Glampage. Everyone wants Mina, but Mina wants Mariah. And then… They’ll dance! These two shimmy and shake their way out, will they finally be toasting their victories at Full Gear?
Darby Allin VS Claudio Castagnoli w/ The Death Riders!
The Relentless One told The Swiss Superman that revenge was coming, and here is Darby’s chance! Will Darby avenge Bryan Danielson? Or will he just be the next to fall?
The bell rings and Darby stares Claudio down. Darby takes some deep breaths then circles with Claudio. Darby slips around to waistlock but Claudio flings him off, only for Darby to roll to his feet. They circle again, and the fans rally behind Darby. Darby and Claudio feel things out, tie up, and Darby headlocks. Claudio lifts Darby but Darby thrashes the hold. Claudio throws Darby off, runs up, but Darby uses that to get around and springboard arm-drag! The fans fire up while Claudio bails out, and Darby taunts Claudio with some drop steps. Claudio snarls, but then Darby fakes him out with a slingshot!
Claudio is annoyed and takes a swing but Darby slingshots up and over! Darby taunts Claudio again while the fans rally up. Claudio cools off before he storms up the steel steps. Claudio pops Darby up but Darby keeps from hitting buckles! Darby ELBOWS Claudio away, goes up, then leaps, but Claudio catches him! Claudio SLAMS Darby down, flips him back to his feet, but Darby slips around to waistlock. O’Conner Roll, TWO! Darby springboards to SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Claudio bails out but the fans fire up. Darby goes up a corner, and he SUPER COFFIN SPLASHES into a waistlock! Claudio swings and THROWS Darby away!
Darby staggers to his feet but Claudio runs up, to POUNCE Darby into railing! Darby writhes against the railing, but Claudio runs up to UPPERCUT Darby up and over! Fans freak out as Darby hits the floor! Claudio leaves Darby behind while the ring count climbs, but Darby drags himself up at 7. Claudio goes back out after Darby to suplex! Claudio holds Darby up while he marches up the steps! The fans fire up for this feat of strength and balance, and then Claudio TOSSES Darby back into the ring! Darby writhes again while Claudio steps back in. Claudio stalks Darby, talks some trash, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Claudio looms over Darby, then deadlift gut wrenches for a GUTBUSTER! And then another GUTBUSTER! And then another GUTBUSTER! Darby writhes while Claudio stands over him again. Claudio watches Darby crawl towards a corner and stalks him. Claudio drags Darby up, brings him around, and ROCKS Darby with a forearm! Darby pushes Claudio, then CHOPS! Claudio DECKS Darby! Darby tumbles out of the ring! The ref wants Claudio to stay back while Darby drags himself up. Darby is back in before the count starts, but then Claudio DOUBLE STOMPS him! Claudio kicks Darby around, then clamps on with a neck wrench!
Darby endures, fights up, but Claudio powers him down. Darby BITES Claudio’s hand! The ref reprimands but Darby fires off forearms on Claudio. Claudio HIP TOSSES Darby up and out of the ring! Darby hits the floor and flounders around while the ref reprimands Claudio. Claudio again waits on Darby, and then he DOUBLE STOMPS Darby the moment he’s in! The ref counts as Claudio stands on Darby at the ropes. Claudio steps off at 4, brings him around, and clamps on an armlock and chinbar. Darby endures, fights around, and manages to fireman’s carry Claudio! But Claudio rains down elbows! HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL even!
Claudio clamps on with a double wristlock and he grinds Darby down. Darby still endures and the fans rally up again. Darby fights around and Dynamite returns to single picture. Darby fires body shots but Claudio knees low! Claudio then HIP TOSSES Darby into a corner! Darby tumbles out of the ring but Claudio pursues! Claudio SWINGS Darby into railing! Then Claudio fireman’s carries, to TOSS Darby back in the ring! Claudio storms in while Darby flounders away. Darby flops back out of the ring but Claudio pursues him again. Darby trips Claudio up and traps him in the apron skirt! Darby then fires forearms, and BITES Claudio’s ear!
The fans fire up but Claudio shoves Darby away. Darby slides into the ring then DIVES onto Claudio! And then runs to DIVE again! Down goes Claudio and the fans fire up! Darby crawls over to bring Claudio up and into the ring. The fans fire up as Darby climbs up a corner, though slowly given all the damage to his back. That lets Claudio trip Darby up! Darby is stuck up top, and Claudio climbs up after him. Claudio gut wrenches for a SUPER GUT WRENCH PLEX!! Cover, TWO!! Darby survives and Claudio can’t believe it! The fans fire up but Claudio calls for the swing! Claudio grabs the legs, but Darby twists to a victory roll! TWO!!
Claudio escapes and runs up, but Darby ducks ‘n’ dodges, roll and- WHOA, Claudio has to fight to stay up, and then he deadlifts Darby! Darby pops through to CODE RED!! Cover, TWO!! Claudio survives and the fans fire up again! “This is Awesome!” as Darby and Claudio crawl for ropes. Claudio runs up to UPPERCUT! And UPPERCUT again and again and again! The ref backs Claudio off, but then Claudio fires off body shots! Darby flops over but Claudio has the legs. Claudio FLIPS Darby up and over the ropes, but Darby lands on the apron! Claudio BOOTS Darby down! The ref wants Claudio to hold on but Claudio goes out after Darby.
Claudio drags Darby by his legs, then SWINGS him around! Into steel steps!! The fans lose their minds, the ref reprimands Claudio, but Claudio doesn’t care. The fans tell Claudio he is sick, but Claudio TOSSES Darby over the announce desk!! Schiavone, Excalibur & Matt Menard narrowly avoid becoming collateral damage! But Claudio clears the desk and brings Darby up. Claudio puts Darby on the desk, then stands over him. The ref reprimands but Claudio just ignores him. Claudio drags Darby up, and gorilla presses him! SUPER DUPER TOSS onto the timekeeper’s table!! The fans lose their minds as Darby is down but that table’s somehow still standing!
The ref checks on Darby but Claudio storms right over! The ref tells Claudio to stop so they go to the ring. Claudio lets the ring count start, and yet Darby somehow stirs at 4 of 10! The fans rally as hard as they can and Darby crawls his way over! Darby is still far away at 7! But then he powers up and LEAPS in at 9!! But Claudio LARIATS Darby inside-out!! Cover, Claudio wins!
Winner: Claudio Castagnoli, by pinfall
Darby truly is relentless, with durability like no other, but it just wasn’t enough against the strength and brutality of Claudio! Will no one stop The Death Riders from running roughshod over AEW?
Backstage interview with Private Party.
Renee is with Marq Quen & Isiah Kassidy and brings up that at Full Gear, the AEW World Tag Team Championships are on the line in a Fatal 4 Way. Private Party takes on The Acclaimed, The Outrunners and The Kings of the Black Throne. In such a match, the champs do NOT have to be pinned or submitted to lose their titles, so what is their strategy? Brother Zay says they obviously can’t tell her that, the other teams are watching. But it seems like the odds are against them. Fortunately, the odds have been against them their whole lives, their whole careers, just like against The Young Bucks.
But look what happened: Private Party defied the odds, beat The Bucks, and are your AEW World Tag Team Champions. That is the same thing that happens on Saturday. They leave Newark, New Jersey still your tag team champions. Because there ain’t no party like a Private Party, that’s a flex. Oh, speaking of! It’s AJ & Big Justice! They’re fired up to be here, but Justice wants to know what that face Zay made was last week. Oh, right, this one, with the chin scratching. And AJ says they’ve got a BIG announcement coming up after this! Maybe some double chunk chocolate cookies? BOOM!!
A green Porsche Taycan pulls up to the middle of nowhere.
And out steps MJF. The Wolf of Wrestling tells the hobo to “go get it” as he throws spare change off to the side like birdseed. MVP then sits back and tells Roderick Strong, “You’ve been through so much. The kid who grew up trailer park trash with two abusive alcoholic parents. For crying out loud! Your own mother shot your father right in front of you. That’s traumatizing. And as you know, Roddy, trauma is the result of an overwhelming sense of danger, powerlessness and fear. However, healing is a result of feeling safe, empowered and supported. That’s why you’d do anything for Cole. He makes you feel all those positive things that you lacked.
“It’s why I was no different than you. It’s why I trusted him. Unfortunately, the difference between you and I: Cole for me was a mirage of what I wanted him to be. A fraud, a liar. And whilst Cole is a fraud, I do actually believe deep down, in his narcissistic, sociopathic, frail, feeble frame, is a man who cares about Roderick Strong. This is precisely why upon further contemplation, I am happy you won, Roddy. Because I want Adam Cole to watch a person he cares about suffer! And because of your White trash upbringing, you aren’t intelligent enough to realize that you don’t have a prayer. And I’m sending you back to where you belong. To your grimy little trailer park.
“And after the match, you’ll be in so much physical anguish, you’ll wish your mother hadn’t shot your father, but instead shot you.” As if this scumbag couldn’t stoop any lower, he brings up Roddy’s past to hurt him. But will Roddy make sure MJF’s future is the one full of pain and suffering?
Backstage interview with AJ & Big Justice.
Renee is with the Costco Tiktok sensations and says that in the Full Gear Zero Hour, we will see #BigBoomAJ take on QT Marshall in a match 20 YEARS in the making. AJ says it may have been 20 years in the making for QT, this all started for AJ when QT threw the double chunk chocolate cookies down! Renee says AJ has not been in the ring in those 20 years, is he concerned about how his body will hold up? AJ isn’t worried about that, because he just has one strategy, and that’s the strategy they use each and every day. That strategy is to bring the BOOM~! But hey, there’s another special announcement.
Because when AJ rings QT’s bell, and he Power-Booms QT right in the middle of that ring, there is only one guy they want ringing the bell: Big Justice’s best friend, THE RIZZLER! Time to bring the BOOM~! Will QT be sleeping on the mat for The Rizzler? Will he be skibidi? Fanum Tax? Why are those even words?
Tony Schiavone is on stage.
And he welcomes out The Undisputed Kingdom! The fans cheer as Roderick Strong makes his way out, accompanied by Matt Taven & Mike Bennett. Schiavone brings up Roddy VS MJF at Full Gear, and we just heard all that disgusting stuff MJF had to say. Roddy’s response is that to be honest, he has not slept a wink since last week. IT is finally happening! Roddy feels like a kid on Christmas morning. He finally gets his hands on “MAAAAAX~!” The fans echo that, and Roddy says if MJF was here tonight, and not hiding out there, Roddy would ask him: Is Roddy supposed to be ashamed of his childhood?
Is Roddy supposed to be ashamed of his parents? You don’t think Roddy’s heard that stuff before? His whole LIFE, that is what people brought up! His mom’s an addict, his dad’s an addict, mom shot dad. Good job, Max, you made Roddy feel like he was in elementary school again. And people may look at Roddy’s past and feel sorry for him, but Roddy asks us not to. Because looking at MJF, Roddy feels sorry for him. Understand this, Max. With Roddy’s life, he learned that to get the most out of life, you have to earn it. If you wanna break the cycle, you have to earn it. And that is what Roddy’s done ever since he was a kid!
And now looking at MJF, he’s been spoon-fed everything. And when something doesn’t go his way or something happens and he doesn’t like it, MJF throws a temper tantrum like a baby until that changes. So Roddy wants MJF to do something for him: Look in the mirror and think about all the things that MJF has done to people. The manipulating, the backstabbing, the using. MJF needs to realize, when the bell rings at Full Gear, MJF will pay for all those sins. With every chop, with every punch, with every elbow, with every backbreaker! And when it is all over, Roddy walks to his hotel room for the best night of sleep in his life because he earned it.
Especially because Roddy will know he has broken MJF’s back, and left him humbled! Roddy is all fired up, and the fans are with him! Will MJF finally get what’s coming to him? Or will he give Roddy nightmares for the rest of his life?
AEW shares footage taken from last Saturday night.
First, a recap video of Daniel Garcia thwarting Jack Perry’s attempts to abduct and torture Matthew Menard, as well as the joyride they took in the Scapegoat bus, with Perry as the hood ornament. And now, they have Perry strapped into a chair, the bus headlights as the only source of light. Menard is behind the camera as he asks Perry how he’s feeling. How’d that work out for him, huh? Garcia splashes Perry with water to wake him up, and says “Let’s have a conversation. I’m all ears.” Perry chuckles and says Garcia thinks he’s so much better than him. Look at where they are! Garcia shouts back that he doesn’t wanna be here!
Garcia just wants to wrestle, but AEW is full of savages! Perry tried to take Daddy Magic’s life! And those in power just sit back and watch, pretending that nothing’s going on. So what do they do? Gotta take the power back, right? Perry counters with, “Everybody’s got a code. Everybody cares about right and wrong until it costs them something. Until they have to SACRIFICE!” Garcia gets in Perry’s face, grabs him by the mouth, and says Perry’s always going on about sacrifice but Perry has no idea what Garcia’s had to go through! Perry has NO idea what Garcia’s had to sacrifice to be here!
Garcia knows where Perry wants him to go, but Garcia promises that he’s never gonna go there. Perry smirks, then SPITS in Garcia’s face. Garcia wipes that off his face and says bet. Garcia’s got something for Perry, so just wait right there. Garcia goes to the bus while Perry mockingly asks what he’s gonna do. Menard tells shut up, Jack! Life must be so hard for him! What’s Jack got to be sad about?! Garcia comes back and he has a crowbar! Perry dares him to go ahead. Garcia raises the bar, but he SMASHES up the bus! Garcia throws the crowbar away and Perry laughs. Is that it? Garcia tells Menard they’ll get out of here. What? Where’s Garcia going?
Perry says yeah, walk away. Menard tells Perry that Garcia’s gonna whoop his ass! Just wait! Menard leaves, Perry shouts into the night, but will The Face of TNT soon be the one sacrificed for the greater good?
Renee Paquette presides over the ROH World Championship contract signing.
She welcomes us backstage to the signing for this match, which will happen next week, Dynamite: Thanksgiving Eve, in Chicago. The challenger, Tomohiro Ishii, is on her left, and the champion, Chris Jericho, is on her right. Jericho, as champion, you have the honors to sign first. Jericho smiles and waves as he says, “Hi, guys.” But Renee, you should know better. A champion of Jericho’s caliber does not just sign a contract thrust at his face randomly. He has a whole legal team that needs to approve this contract. Renee says it was sent to said legal team last week. Oh, really? What about today? The now! Jericho lives in the now!
Jericho says he’ll get this checked by his legal eagles one more time. But for now, wait here. Choto matte kudesai. Jericho steps around the corner and then down the hall. He smiles at his own picture on the wall. What a good looking guy. But wait, Ishii has followed Jericho to the hall. Jericho is a bit worried as he keeps moving. Jericho tries to block Ishii’s path but a trash can isn’t enough. Jericho tells staffers that Ishii wants to talk to them. They step in the way but Ishii pushes them aside. Jericho moves faster, pushes more people in the way, but Ishii pushes them aside. Was that RJ City?
Jericho goes up some stairs but Ishii follows. Ishii’s even gaining ground! Jericho goes through a doorway and ends up in the concourse! Fans cheer as Jericho and Ishii keep up their cat ‘n’ mouse game. Jericho decides to go into the stands! Ishii follows, and they head down the bleachers towards ringside! Jericho hurries over railing but so does Ishii. They go into the ring, and now Jericho tells Ishii to stop following him! Jericho wants a mic, a mic is brought, and Jericho says hey, listen, Ishii. Jericho would sign this contract, but he doesn’t have a pen. Ishii has a pen! Oh. Ishii clicks it for Jericho, and pushes it into him.
Jericho takes the pen, looks at the contract again, and still hesitates. Jericho signs his part, and then hands things over to Ishii. But then BRYAN KEITH & BIG BILL ATTACK! It was all a massive set-up! Bad Apple & Redwood beat down Stone Pitbull, and then sit him up! Jericho has the pen ready, but here comes The Conglomeration! Mark Briscoe & Rocky Romero rush in, and Mark TACKLES Jericho! Rocky fires off on Bill while Mark CHOKES Jericho! Keith saves Jericho from Mark but Mark fires hands on Keith! The fans fire up, but then Bill SKYSCRAPER- NO, Mark UPPERCUTS Bill first! Rocky adds on!
The fans fire up as The Conglomeration pinballs Bill, and then Ishii CLOBBERS him! Bill tumbles out, but Rocky DIVES! Bill is sent into railing! Keith stands up, into a kick and underhooks! JAY DRILLER! Jericho stands up, Ishii has him, and hits a BRAINBUSTER!! Conglomeration stands tall over The Learning Tree and his Branches, and now Ishii signs his part! The match is now official, and Ishii is looking to take a bite out of Jericho! Will The Conglomeration have the ROH World Championship to be thankful for this year?
Backstage interview with Jamie Hayter.
Renee is with the former AEW Women’s World Champion and notes that last time, we were going to hear from her, only for her to be interrupted by Julia Hart. What is Hayter’s reaction to that? Well, yeah, she isn’t angry, but she is baffled why Julia chose to interrupt Hayter. They’ve never really spoken or interacted, or even wrestled each other. Hayter is just curious as to why Julia felt it was okay to do that. Granted, Julia can do whatever she wants, Hayter moves to the beat of her own drum just as much as Julia. But… if Julia wants to have a chat-
Uh oh, something is happening to the video! Brody King’s message echoes, “It’s time to come home.” Julia Hart walks through the woods. Brody says The House is her foundation. She has seen her rebirth. Now it is time to rebuild. She has woken up stronger, more determined, and more dangerous than ever. Julia aims her arrow to shoot down a target: her past self. Her obstacles are just bull’s eyes. She is the Princess of the Black Throne, and the Keeper of Secrets. She is Julia Hart, and her heart grows harder. She hits her mark, but will she find Hayter Hits Hard?
Orange Cassidy VS Wheeler Yuta!
Freshly Squeezed has been accused of being coldblooded and uncaring, but he got pretty heated as he told The Conglomeration to keep themselves safe tonight. He goes 1v1 with The Decoder, a young man who was once Cassidy’s student, and who left him behind to join the then Blackpool Combat Club. If anyone is uncaring, it is Yuta with how he would then follow Jon Moxley’s lead in the destruction of Bryan Danielson and Chuck Taylor. Who will be the more ferocious fighter tonight, this close to Full Gear?
The bell rings and Yuta SHOTGUNS Cassidy! Yuta follows Cassidy to a corner to CHOP, then ROCK, then CHOP again! Yuta whips corner to corner but Cassidy goes up and out. Cassidy bumps Yuta off buckles, climbs up top, but has to leap over. Yuta comes back but Cassidy catches him to a backslide! TWO, but Cassidy reels Yuta in for a cradle! TWO! Yuta pulls on an ear! But Cassidy arm-drags and wrangles Yuta into the SEATBELT! TWO!! Yuta escapes and the fans fire up as these two stand off. Yuta huffs ‘n’ puffs, but Cassidy shows he wants a grapple. They feel things out, knuckle lock, but Cassidy blocks a kick!
Cassidy reels Yuta in for a headlock, but Yuta powers up and out. Cassidy ducks ‘n’ rolls, tilt-o-whirls, but Yuta suplexes! Into STUN DOG MILLIONAIRE! Yuta tumbles out and fans fire up! Cassidy builds speed to DIVE! Down goes Yuta and the fans fire up again! Cassidy brings Yuta up, whips, but Yuta reverses to reel Cassidy in! Cassidy fights the suplex, but then Yuta fights a suplex. Yuta suplexes, to RAILING BRAINBUSTER!! Cassidy writhes and fans are stunned! Yuta stomps Cassidy, then leaves him behind for the ring count. Cassidy crawls into the ring, Yuta exposes a crossbar, and then he GRINDS Cassidy’s face into the steel!
The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but Yuta steps off at 4. Cassidy seethes as he rises up, but Yuta has him at the corner. Cassidy kicks Yuta’s legs out and Yuta falls onto a turnbuckle! Yuta falls back, Cassidy climbs, but Yuta grabs Cassidy first! Yuta drags Cassidy down but Cassidy fires hands. Yuta squeezes the facelock tight, then hits an APRON DDT! The fans boo Yuta while Cassidy writhes, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Cassidy clutches his neck while Yuta waits in the ring. A ring count starts and Yuta eggs Cassidy on. Cassidy reaches up as the count reaches 5 of 10, but he doesn’t sit up until 6. Cassidy hobbles up, stumbles and falls, but springs back to life! He slides in at 9! Only for Yuta to be right on him! Yuta reels Cassidy in, but Cassidy turns that into BEACH BREAK! Cover, TWO!! Yuta survives but Cassidy is too sore to be frustrated. They both sit up, and Yuta crawls his way over to a corner. Cassidy rises, checks his neck, then runs up, but into an ELBOW! Yuta goes up, but Cassidy JUMP FOREARMS! Cassidy positions Yuta just right before he climbs the corner.
Yuta resists but Cassidy still brings Yuta up. Yuta continues to fight the suplex, throws body shots, then shoves Cassidy down. Cassidy rolls back to his feet, runs back up the corner, but Yuta again fights the suplex! Cassidy fires hands, but Yuta fires back! They brawl up top, Cassidy HEADBUTTS Yuta! But Yuta HEADBUTTS back! They both wobble, but then Cassidy BITES Yuta! The ref reprimands, but Cassidy CLAWS Yuta’s back! This is very Moxley of him to do! And then Cassidy hits the SUPERPLEX! Both men are down and the ref checks. They’re both okay to continue, so a standing count begins!
Cassidy sits up, spots Yuta, and heads that way. Yuta sits up, they fire forearms as they stand! Dynamite returns to single picture as these shots go back and forth. The fans fire up for Cassidy but boo Yuta as the shots go faster and faster! Yuta BITES Cassidy’s forehead! Yuta spits then runs, but Cassidy dodges! BODY BLOW! SUPERKICK! Yuta sits down, Cassidy runs, PENALTY KICK! Cassidy slashes his throat, hauls Yuta up, BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Yuta survives but Cassidy seethes. Cassidy rains down fists on Yuta! The ref reprimands about closed fists and hair pulling, but Cassidy doesn’t stop until the ref counts 4.
Cassidy stands, and he throws off the elbow pad! Cassidy aims at Yuta, runs up, but Yuta ducks the punch! GERMAN SUPLEX! Yuta runs to CHOP in the corner! And then a wrench and PAIN THRILLER! The fans boo while Yuta seethes and stands over Cassidy. Yuta sits Cassidy up, for HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! But Cassidy blocks one! And bends fingers, to then SNAP them! The fans fire up as Cassidy SNAPS finger after finger! Yuta swings, Cassidy BOOTS him, then serves up SOLE FOOD! Scoop and MICHINOKU DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Cassidy is busting out all his best friends’ best moves, but he hasn’t gotten it done!
Cassidy aims, loads up, and ORANGE- NO, Yuta ducks! Orange fights the suplex, switches to O’Conner Roll! TWO, Yuta dodges Cassidy, scoops him, and CROSS LEG TOMBSTONE!! Cover, TWO?!? Cassidy survives and Yuta is furious! The fans are thunderous, but Yuta rains down HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! Cassidy grits his teeth but he’s almost a ragdoll! Yuta lets off to then hook the arms, CATTLE MUTILATION!! Cassidy endures as Yuta thrashes him around! Cassidy powers up as the fans rally, and he kicks around to the ROPEBREAK!! Yuta holds on, the ref counts, and Yuta finally lets go at 4!
The ref reprimands Yuta, but Yuta pushes past the ref to go outside the ring. Yuta grabs a chair! Yuta storms into the ring while the fans boo, and the ref says don’t do it! Cassidy dodges the chair shot! Victory roll, CASSIDY WINS!!
Winner: Orange Cassidy, by pinfall
Yuta is in disbelief! Cassidy beat him with a technical move! Yuta snarls but the ref keeps him back. Cassidy did what he promised in beating Yuta, but then he stares his former student down. Is Cassidy going to offer a handshake? WAIT, PAC ATTACKS! The Bastard BOOTS Cassidy down so we’ll never know what Cassidy was going to do! The fans boo more but Pac & Yuta stand on Cassidy. The rest of the Death Riders appear, and Marina Shafir has duct tape! The AEW World Trios Champions stomp away on Cassidy, like vultures picking the bones. Moxley steps into the ring while Marina hands the tape over to Pac.
Claudio puts Cassidy’s hands in his pockets, and then Pac tapes them in! Cassidy is physically bound, and Moxley paces around. Cassidy is pushed around by all the Death Riders, then Moxley DECKS him! Claudio hauls Cassidy back up, the Death Riders keep bullying him, and then Moxley SLAPS Cassidy down! But the bullying continues as they stand Cassidy up. Cassidy “kicks” Moxley! Defiant to the end! But Moxley DECKS him again! Moxley paces around more, then stomps Cassidy right on the face! Moxley leads The Death Riders away, and The Conglomeration finally comes out here.
Mark has scissors to cut Cassidy loose, and the fans boo as The Death Riders still retreat. Cassidy tries to stand up, but he has to use ropes to do it. Even so, Cassidy stands on his own two feet. Moxley eggs on the fans while Cassidy puts his sunglasses on. And then hands up, and then into the pockets! Try as they might, The Death Riders could not break the Freshly Squeezed fighting spirit! Will Cassidy finally become AEW World Champion? Or will Moxley find a way to break Cassidy at Full Gear?
My Thoughts:
A great go-home Dynamite here, though it felt like it contracted Go Home Syndrome. A lot of recap and other promos, but good promos all the same. Good follow-up from last week with Hayter and Hart, that will probably really get going after Full Gear. Good promo from Mariah & Mina to hype up their celebration segment for Full Gear, and with Toni Storm’s announcement of her retirement, you can bet Toni is anything but retired! Toni Storm most assuredly will return very soon, maybe even to ruin the celebration and spark another feud. I still want us to get to Mariah VS Mina but maybe Storm moves things back so that Mariah VS Mina happens in 2025.
Good promo from Private Party to also have AJ & Big Justice show up. The promos didn’t really add much to any of the matches, though. I’m very sure AJ does hit the BOOM on QT to win, and then Private Party finds a way to survive the Fatal 4. Great stuff with Perry, Garcia and Menard, that was another very action movie kind of promo, maybe even like that grittier Batman movie. But with Garcia not sinking to the same lows as Perry, that will be why Garcia loses. Honestly, why not just have Perry blatantly get himself disqualified? What great heat for Perry while keeping Garcia strong in not becoming TNT Champion.
Great promos in this MJF story. I appreciate Cole throwing his support behind Roddy was good, as well as Kyle O’Reilly wanting Cole to just leave it at this. MJF of course insults Roddy over his past while also trashing Cole at the same time, but great response from Roddy. Also I’m not a car guy so it took me a little too long to Google out what car MJF was driving. Anyway, given all these promos, I am very confident MJF wins at Full Gear and then Cole still wants after MJF, only for Kyle to have to fight Cole to make him stop. Then we’ll maybe get Cole VS MJF at Worlds End, or even some time in 2025.
Very good stuff with The Hurt Syndicate, even with them getting jumped by Swerve. Poor Cheeseburger, that’s one fan favorite that got fed to Bobby Lashley. But Swerve getting the better of the Hurt Syndicate again and again tonight, all the more reason Lashley wins at Full Gear. Very good promo vignette from White and Hangman to hype up their grudge match, which still feels it could go either way since they’re tied on the year. And Jericho and Ishii had perhaps simultaneously the most clever and most ridiculous contract signing segment ever. And of course Jericho worked out some sort of trap, only for it to go badly for him and his team. But with that, that means Ishii is losing next week, as I figured he would.
Awesome opening match with the 8 Man, and I liked that they had Hobbs do the “fighting through the pain” angle in the match. Also, great bit with Kyle Fletcher sending Davis into harm’s way so that the Callis Family can get the better of Ospreay’s team. I thought the Faces were going to win here, but the math now says Ospreay finds a way to beat Kyle, and maybe Ricochet takes the International Championship from Konosuke Takeshita. The Continental Classic is coming, and they could easily use that round robin to get Konosuke back to a feud with Kazuchika Okada and they battle for the Continental Championship at Worlds End like we should’ve gotten at WrestleDream.
Awesome match from Kris VS Shida, and I appreciate the crisis of confidence for Shida. Kris gets a great win to go into Full Gear, and then Kris and Shida get the better of Mone & Kamille, so all the more reason Mone finds a way to survive. As for Kamille, I feel like she should ditch Mone for being treated like crap by Mone, and maybe we can get a feud of Mone VS Kamille going into 2025. And of course, plenty of promos from Death Riders and “Team AEW” members. Moxley just kinda went on and on about stuff he’s already said in reference to Cassidy, but I did like Claudio going bilingual in talking trash on Darby.
Awesome matches from those stories, of course. Darby really got thrown around but he continues to show that toughness. Claudio getting the win mostly keeps Darby back so that Darby can build towards a world title match at Worlds End. Cassidy VS Yuta was great stuff, too, with great back and forth of Cassidy wanting to end it quick, having to grit it out with Yuta, and then Cassidy still finding a way to end it with a quick pin. And they did a good job muddying the math. Cassidy wins the match, but the Death Riders beat him down, only for Cassidy to literally stand tall at the end of the show. I still don’t see him taking the world title from Moxley, though, with Darby still in the wings, but this could end up Cassidy’s best match yet.
My Score: 8.9/10
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Will this be the mightiest Tag League yet?
It’s time for NJPW World Tag League 2024, and this year already looks mighty good as IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, Zack Sabre Jr, is in the A Block! Will he and Ryohei Oiwa make everyone #JustTapOut?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kickoff – Shoma Kato VS Masatora Yasuda; Kato wins.
- Six Man Tag: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Jado & Katsuya Murashima VS Taiji Ishimori & The Filip Brothers; Taiji & The Filip Brothers win.
- Six Man Tag: Toru Yano, Boltin Oleg & Tiger Mask VS The House of Torture; The House of Torture wins.
- Six Man Tag: Taichi, Douki & Taka Michinoku VS The United Empire; Taichi, Douki & Taka win.
- Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS TMDK; TMDK wins.
- World Tag League 2024 A Block: Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma VS Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman; Cobb & Callum win.
- World Tag League 2024 A Block: Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji VS Alex Zayne & Ryusuke Taguchi; Takagi & Tsuji win.
- World Tag League 2024 A Block: Bishamon VS KENTA & Chase Owens; Bishamon wins.
- World Tag League 2024 A Block: Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa VS Gabe Kidd & SANADA; ZSJ & Oiwa win.
PLAY BY PLAY
World Tag League 2024 A Block: Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma VS Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman!
The Roughneck is bringing Everyone’s Kokeshi along for the ride, but this league might already be too much to handle. Can Honma help Shota bring about his Paradigm Shift? Or will they just get conquered by the United Empire?
The teams sort out and Shota starts against The Imperial Unit. The bell rings and Shota runs up to RAM Cobb! And RAM! And RAM! Cobb stays up so Shota kicks low. Shota runs to RAM Cobb, but Cobb rebounds to CLOBBER Shota! The fans cheer while Cobb stalks Shota. Cobb brings Shota up to whip him to a corner. Shota comes back to RAM Cobb! Cobb stays up, so Shota clinches! Cobb fights free with elbows, but Shota dodges a lariat to RAM Cobb! Cobb falls over! The fans fire up with Shota, and he brings Cobb up again. Callum runs in so Shota shoves Cobb aside to catch Callum. Shota shoves Callum at Honma for a shoulder tackle!
The fans fire up as Shota keeps moving and he SOMERSAULT SENTONS Callum! Shota then sets up so he and Honma can tabletop Cobb! Cobb sits up into Shota’s SHOTGUN! The fans fire up and Shota tags Honma. The fans rally behind Honma as he CLUBS Cobb. Honma reels Cobb in, but Cobb suplexes first! Cobb SLAMS Honma down, then calls for Callum. Callum rises but Cobb says hold on. The “Cobby Cat” mocks Honma by bopping himself on the head. Cobb then runs to FALLING KOKESHIÂ FLOP! Honma winds up and runs, but Callum is in the way! Cobb runs up, Honma dodges the lariat but Callum tags in.
Cobb dodges Honma, then shoves him at Callum. They pinball Honma around, and Callum BOOTS Honma while Cobb BLASTS Shota! Then Callum & Cobb coordinate to HIGH LOW with a shoulder tackle and leg sweep! The fans cheer and Cobb says You Can’t See Him! Callum stomps Honma, then KICKS him in the back. Honma gets mad but Callum scuffs him again and again. Honma rises, CHOPS, and CHOPS again! Callum CHOPS and pretends that hurt his hand. Callum CLUBS Honma down but the fans rally up. Honma rises to CHOP! And CHOP! And CHOP! Callum kicks low, reels him in, but Honma fights the suplex!
Honma catches Callum’s lariat to spin and DDT! The fans fire up while both men are down! Callum and Honma crawl, but Honma hot tags Shota! Shota rallies on Callum with big elbows! Shota whips, Callum reverses, but SHota ducks ‘n’ dodges to CLOBBER Callum! Cobb runs up, but Shota arm-drags him, then dropkicks the legs out! Cobb bails, Shota fires up, and the fans rally again. Shota whips Callum corner to corner, runs up on him, and UPPERCUTS! Shota reels Callum in for a FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect but Shota doesn’t let that slow him down!
Shota waits on Callum, then runs, but Callum avoids Ignition to hook Shota! Shota fights the backslide so Callum whips him to a corner. Callum runs up but Shota dodges! Shota runs up but Callum goes up and over! Callum keeps moving, but Shota ROCKS him, UPPERCUTS him, and runs! Callum follows to ROCK Shota at the ropes! Callum runs, but then stops to fake out Shota’s dropkick! Shota sits up, but he ducks the Penalty Kick! Shota rolls Callum but Callum rolls through. Shota ROCKS Callum, then spins, but Callum dodges the rolling elbow! DREAMCAST KICK! Shota drops to his knees and the fans fire up!
Callum and Shota crawl, hot tag to Cobb! Cobb runs up to waistlock Shota for a deadlift! Shota fights with elbows, goes to run, but Cobb reels him in for a forearm to the back! Cobb runs, but Shota DROPKICKS him! The fans fire up again and Shota heads for his corner. Hot tag to Honma! The fans rally as Honma CHOPS Cobb, and CHOPS, and CHOPS! Honma puts Cobb in a corner, whips him corner to corner, then runs up. Honma ELBOWS Cobb and hits a BULLDOG! The fans fire up as Honma shows Cobb how it’s done! FALLING KOKESHI- NO! Now Honma FLOPS as Cobb moves! Callum runs up to SHOTGUN Shota off the apron!
The fans fire up as Cobb RAMS Honma into the corner! Callum runs up to forearm SMASH! Callum drops down and Cobb LEAPS over to ELBOW Honma! Callum comes back and Cobb pops him up to the apron! ENZIGIRI, then fireman’s carry! Callum climbs, DOUBLE STOMP ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT! PENALTY KICK and GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT! Cover, Shota breaks it! The fans fire up and Shota TOSSES Callum! Cobb kicks Shota, whips, but Shota reverses to TORNADO DDT! Shota shouts to Honma and the fans fire up again. Honma rises and he storms up on Cobb. Honma & Shota double whip corner to corner!
Honma runs up to LARIAT! Honma feeds Cobb to Shota’s UPPERCUT! Honma LARIATS, Shota clinches, EXPLODER!! The fans cheer and Honma runs, SLIDING KOKESHI! Shota keeps moving, IGNITION! Honma covers, Callum breaks it! Shota stomps Callum out of the ring and leaves the rest to Honma. Honma drags Cobb up, but Cobb fights the suplex! Cobb ROCKS Honma, whips him, but Honma grabs ropes! Honma BOOTS Cobb, and Shota joins in! DOUBLE RUNNING KOKESHI! And then they DOUBLE FALLING KOKESHI! Cover, TWO!! Cobb survives but Shota goes after Callum! CANNONBALL to the floor!
The fans fire up again as Honma climbs! FLYING- NO, Cobb catches Honma! SPINEBUSTER, and FALLING HAMMER! Cover, TWO!! Honma survives and the fans fire up again! But then Cobb reels Honma in, for a TOUR OF THE ISLAND!! Cover, United Empire wins!
Winners: Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Shota & Honma earn 0)
A powerful showing from “The Kokeshi Brothers,” but they could not bring down Callum & Cobb. With the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships already on Great-O-Khan & Henare, will The United Empire completely dominate the NJPW Heavyweight Tag Division?
World Tag League 2024 A Block: Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji VS Alex Zayne & ???
Los Ingobernables de Japon’s heavy formation is in this block, ready to rampage like twin dragons. If only The Sauce could’ve brought his own monster back. Who will be the substitute for Lance Archer? And can he help heat things up?
Zayne makes his entrance before anyone else, and asks to speak on the mic. A mic is given, and Zayne says, “Kon’nichiwa.” The fans applaud, and Zayne explains that when he was contacted this year for WTL, he was also informed that Lance Archer could not make it. Zayne knew he had to do one thing: find the most “delicious” tag partner he could find. And that man is… RYUSUKE TAGUCHI!? The fans can’t believe the Funky Weapon is joining Zayne in this tournament! And he wears a green version of Zayne’s gear! Are things about to get really spicy now?
The teams sort out, and Takagi is in disbelief. LIJ fist bumps and the fans applaud. Taguchi and Zayne bow, “Itadakimasu,” and Zayne starts against Yota. They circle, tie up, and Yota powers Zayne back. But Zayne powers Yota back! Yota powers up to power Zayne onto the ropes, but Zayne turns things around. The ref counts, Zayne lets off slowly with a pat on the shoulders, but Yota plays with Zayne’s hair. Zayne smirks and Yota grins as the two reset. They circle, tie up, and are in a deadlock. Yota headlocks, but Zayne powers up and out. Yota RAMS Zayne but neither man falls. Fans cheer as Yota grins and Zayne plays with his own hair.
Things speed up suddenly, and Zayne sidesteps. Yota bucks the O’Conner Roll, then gets around Zayne. Zayne ELBOWS Yota away to a corner. Zayne runs up to BACK ELBOW and go to the apron in one go! Then he slingshots to RANA! Yota has a rough tumble, but he stands back up. Zayne runs up again, dodges the lariat and waistlocks, only to bring Yota back and run. Yota sidesteps Zayne then drops down, only for Zayne to IMPLODER KNEE DROP! The fans fire up but Zayne keeps moving, STANDING MARIPOSA! The fans cheer more while Zayne grins at Takagi. Zayne brings Yota up, tags Taguchi, and they double whip.
“Funky Sauce” misdirects Yota to hit a BULLDOG then basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer and Taguchi stomps Yota. Taguchi brings Yota up, kicks low, then whips. Yota reverses but Taguchi RANAS! A little slippery, but then Zayne BLASTS Takagi off the apron! Funky Sauce takes aim, Taguchi PLANCHASÂ but flops as Yota moves! Zayne is on the apron but Takagi YANKS Zayne down! The fans rally but Takagi hauls Zayne up to whip him into railing! Yota drags Taguchi up and puts him in the ring. Takagi gets the fans fired up, then he stands Taguchi up. LIJ double whip Taguchi to then DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE!
The fans cheer and then Takagi SENTONS! Yota SPLASHES down! Cover, TWO! Taguchi stays in this but Yota tags Takagi. The fans rally and duel while Takagi stands Taguchi up. Takagi bumps Taguchi off buckles, RAMS into him again and again, then digs his shoulder in. The ref counts, Takagi steps back, and he snapmares Taguchi down. Tag to Yota and Yota drags Taguchi up. Yota snapmares Taguchi to ROCK him in the back! Taguchi falls back, Yota tags Takagi, and LIJ drags Taguchi up. They DOUBLE ATOMIC DROP! Taguchi hobbles in pain, falls to his knees, and Takagi BLASTS Zayne off the apron!
Takagi gets annoyed with this Funky Sauce, but Taguchi fires off CHOPS! Taguchi runs, but Takagi easily dodges the hip attack! Takagi then suplexes Taguchi high and hard! Cover, TWO! Taguchi survives and the fans fire up. Takagi hears the fans dueling as he stomps Taguchi. Takagi KNEES Taguchi against the ropes again and again, then whips, for another KNEE! Takagi runs, but into a SOMERSAULT HIP ATTACK! The fans fire up while both men are down! Taguchi and Takagi crawl, hot tag to Zayne! Zayne jumps in and DECKS Takagi, then he BLASTS Yota! Zayne swats a lariat to fire elbow after ELBOW!
Takagi blocks the superkick to CLUB the leg! Yota joins in, LIJ whips Zayne, but Zayne KICKS Takagi, mule kicks Yota, and runs, DOUBLE SOMERSAULT KICKS! The fans fire up and Zayne runs at Takagi. Takagi ELBOWS Zayne, BOOTS him, then goes up. Zayne returns to JUMPING STEINERS! The fans fire up while Zayne covers, TWO! Takagi stays in this but Zayne brings him right up. Zayne goes to scoop but Takagi fights it! Zayne CHOPS, scoops, and BAJA- NO, Takagi slips free! SLIDING- NO, Zayne dodges! Zayne mule kicks, runs, but into the ELBOW! JAB! YUKONÂ feint and DDT! Both men are down again and the fans fire back up!
Takagi pounds the mat, the fans rally behind him, and he crawls, hot tag to Yota! Yota fires up and the fans are with him. Yota brings Zayne around to whip, but Zayne stops himself. Zayne dodges Yota, Yota dodges Zayne, and both men kick low! Yota comes back to BOOT! The fans cheer and Yota brings Zayne up again. Yota fireman’s carries but Zayne fights free. Yota ROCKS Zayne first! Yota tries another fireman’s carry but Zayne sunset flips it! TWO, and both men stand! Zayne rolls Yota, BASEMENT ENZIGIRI! Zayne hurries to hot tag Taguchi! Taguchi HIP ATTACKS in a corner! Taguchi goes corner to corner, for another HIP ATTACK!
Taguchi keeps moving, but Yota runs up! Taguchi dropkicks Yota’s legs out! The fans fire up and Taguchi keeps going! Another dropkick to legs, then a LEG SWEEP! Taguchi rolls Yota into the OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Zayne BOOTS Takagi off the apron! Yota scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Taguchi lets go but he brings Yota back up. Taguchi traps Yota and Zayne runs in to ELBOW! Zayne then sets up and Taguchi runs, SHOTGUN IN MOTION! Taguchi then brings Yota out to GOURD BUSTER! The fans fire up as Zayne climbs! But Yota KICKS Taguchi away, then GAMANGIRIS Zayne off the corner!
Taguchi kicks Yota, runs, but into a scoop and BACKBREAKER! Takagi slides in, and he finds the camera, “TOKI GA KITA!” The fans fire up as the time has come, and they join in on a chant of “OI! OI! OI!” LIJ whips Taguchi to a corner, then Yota runs in to ELBOW! Takagi whips Yota back in to SPLASH! Takagi adds a LARIAT, then feeds Taguchi to a BOOT! BLINDSIDE LARIAT! SUPERKICK! Taguchi is down, Yota covers, TWO! Taguchi stays in this and the fans fire up. Takagi stands Taguchi up and throws him to Yota for a POWERBOMB! Cover, Zayne breaks it! Takagi drags Zayne up, LIJ mugs him, but he fights back with CHOPS!
The fans fire up but Yota spins Zayne around to facelock, and Takagi wheelbarrows. Yota helps Takagi swing Taguchi down, then up for a BOOSTED WHEELBARROW GERMAN!! The fans fire up and Takagi leaves it to Yota. Yota takes aim and the fans rally. Taguchi rises, Yota runs in, GENE- LEG DROP!? And then La Magistrol! TWO!! Yota escapes in time, but Taguchi spins him to a backslide! TWO!! Yota escapes again! But Taguchi ENZIGIRIS! Taguchi fires up and the fans are with him! But Takagi LARIATS! GENE TRIGGER! PUMPING BOMBER!! And now Yota loads up, for the GENE BLASTER!! Cover, LIJ wins!
Winners: Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Zayne & Taguchi earn 0)
The Funky Sauce was hot, but they’re the ones that got burned! Will they be able to spice things up in the second round? Will Takagi & Tsuji keep the tag league tranquilo?
World Tag League 2024 A Block: Bishamon VS KENTA & Chase Owens!
Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi once again clash with The Fang & The Jewel, both sides hungry for gold. Will it be Lights Out in the opening round? Or will someone just #Go2Sleep?
The teams sort out but then Bullet Club just attacks! Chase is after Goto and Kenta is after Hashi, and they put each man in corners. The bell rings to get this on record as Kenta TOSSES Hashi. Chase CHOKES Goto in the corner, then stands on him! The ref reprimands and Chase lets off to bring Goto up. Chase ROCKS Goto, whips him, and Kenta POSTS Hashi! Chase hits a big hip toss then covers, TWO! The fans rally up while Chase stomps Goto’s leg. Chase scrapes his sole off Goto’s face, and Kenta whips Hashi again. Hashi reverses and Kenta hits railing in front of English commentary! Chase ROCKS Goto, CHOPS him, then whips.
Goto grabs ropes to stop, then he BOOTS Chase! Hashi returns and Bishamon DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! Then ZENMAI! Kenta returns but Bishamon kicks him first. “Se no!” Bishamon BEATS Kenta like a drum! The fans cheer and Bishamon flexes. Goto then goes back to Chase to stomp and CLUB him down. Goto kicks Chase, Chase shoves Goto and ROCKS him with a forearm! Goto knees Chase low, runs, but Chase TOSSES Goto out! Goto hurries back up, he counter punches Chase, and then counter punches Kenta! Chase slips out to YANK Goto down and THROW him into railing! Kenta intercepts Hashi with a kick!
Kenta whips Hashi away into railing while Chase sends Goto into other railing! The ref reprimands but Chase brings Goto through the gate. Chase has fans move out of the way, but then brings Goto back to ringside. Chase grins as he trolls the fans and pushes Goto into the ring. Kenta CLUBS away on Hashi before leaving him behind. Chase pulls on Goto’s arms then TWEAKS Goto’s neck! Not a twist, but equally painful. Chase tags Kenta while the fans rally for “GO-TO-O! GO-TO-O!” Kenta pushes Goto into the corner, Goto hits Chase, but Kenta RAMS Goto! The ref reprimands and counts as Kenta RAMS Goto more!
Kenta sits Goto down, and digs his boot in! The ref counts, Kenta stops at 4, and he tags Chase back in. They stomp Goto more, then Chase headlocks for a sucker punch! Cover, TWO! Chase drags Goto up and he bumps Goto off Kenta’s boot. Tag to Kenta and Bullet Club double whips. They DOUBLE ELBOW Goto down then Kenta covers, TWO! Kenta covers again, TWO! Kenta argues with the ref but the count was fair. Kenta drops an elbow, drops another elbow, then covers, TWO! Kenta gets mad at Hashi for no reason, but the fans rally up for Goto. Kenta CLUBS Goto, but Goto fires CHOPS in return!
Kenta knees low, whips Goto to a corner, but Goto reverses. Goto runs up but into a BOOT! Kenta runs but Goto follows! Goto avoids Chase’s cheap shot to LARIAT Kenta! The fans fire up while Goto and Kenta are down! Goto crawls, hot tag to Hashi! The fans fire up as Hahsi BLASTS Chase! Kenta kicks Hashi low then whips him to a corner. Kenta runs up but Hashi CHOPS in return! And mule kicks! And turns Kenta for a NECKBREAKER! The fans fire up and Hashi watches Kenta. Hashi waits on Kenta to rise, then runs up to CHOP! Hashi hoists Kenta up to hang him out to dry! The fans fire up as Hashi runs, and he DROPKCISK Kenta down! Cover, TWO!
The fans cheer Hashi on as he brings Kenta up. Hashi reels Kenta in, lifts, but Kenta fights with fists! Kenta slips free of the bomb, then slips around Hashi to spin and- NO, Hashi suplexes first! But Kenta slips free again, and he spins Hashi around, to SPIKE DDT! Hashi is stood up on his head before falling over, and Kenta tags in Chase. Chase brings Hashi up and fireman’s carries. Hashi fights free of that, but Chase slips around to half nelson, lift, and SWINGING FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Hashi survives but Chase says time to end this! Chase takes aim, C- NO, Hashi dodges the trigger! Chase knees low, runs, but Hashi dropkicks the legs!
The fans fire up whiel both men are down! Chase clutches his leg while Hashi crawls. Hot tag to Goto! Goto runs at Chase to LARIAT in the corner! Goto whips corner to corner, runs up again, but Chase BOOTS him! But Goto comes back! Only for Chase to BUCKLE SHOT and STO, then SENTON! Kenta steps in and Bullet Club drags Goto up. But Goto fires forearms and CHOPS! Kenta SOBATS! Chase KICKS! Kenta ROUNDHOUSES! Goto sits up into the “I HATE YOU!” PENALTY KICK! Cover, but Hashi breaks it! Kenta TOSSES Hashi then goes out after him. Chase drags Goto up and reels him in.
Chase tucks the arms but Goto fights the lift! Goto wrenches out but Chase ROCKS him first! Chase runs, Goto follows, but Chase ENZIGIRIS! Goto stays up, but the C-TRIGGER hits! Cover, TWO!! Goto survives but Chase hurries up! C-TRIGGER POINT BLANK!! And then the tuck for the PACKAGE PILE- NO, Hashi hits a BLOCKBUSTER! The fans fire up, Kenta BOOTS Hashi! Goto fireman’s carries Kenta but Kenta slips free! Kenta shoves Goto into Hashi, then waistlocks Goto. Goto fights the lift, and then ducks, HIDDEN GAP SUPERKICK for Kenta! The fans fire up as Bishamon regroups.
Hashi drags Chase up, whips him to Goto, but Chase BOOTS Goto! Chase swings on Hashi but Hashi ducks the lariat. Hashi powers Chase to ropes, Goto BLINDSIDE LARIATS, and then Hashi rolls Chase. Goto drags Chase up, Hashi has the legs! Chase BOOTS Hashi away! Chase then slips around to dragon sleeper, to steal G T- NO, Goto drops down to victory roll! Chase stands up, into a SUPERKICK! Goto drags Chase around while Hashi BLASTS Kenta! Dragon sleeper and SHOTO!! Cover, Bishamon wins!!
Winners: Bishamon, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Kenta & Chase earn 0)
Another classic in this storied rivalry, worthy of the titles themselves! Will this first win be the win that leads the Fierce Warrior & Headhunter back to the titles? Can Kenta & Chase borrow a page from Bishamon and #GetBackUp in the next round?
World Tag League 2024 A Block: Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa VS Gabe Kidd & SANADA!
TMDK has a team in each block, doubling their chances of taking this league. But perhaps burying the lead is the fact that THE IWGP World Heavyweight Champion is joining in the fun! Will The Front Man & The Mullet rock this league right from the start? Or will the Mad Man and the turncoat Cold Skull get this tournament #WarReady?
The teams sort out but Oiwa gets in Gabe’s face. Gabe pushes Oiwa, they start, and they tie up at the bell. The fans rally as Oiwa and Gabe are in a deadlock. They go around at center, then Oiwa digs his heels in to push Gabe back. Gabe turns things around to put Oiwa on ropes, but Red Shoes calls the break. Gable lets off, to then CHOP! Gabe scoops and SLAMS Oiwa, then he goes for legs. Oiwa UPKICKS Gabe, then stands up to scoop and SLAM Gabe! Gabe UPKICKS back, both men get up and go face to face. Then they go forearm for forearm! The fans rally as Oiwa gets the edge, but Gabe CHOPS!
Gabe headlocks. Oiwa powers up and out, and they RAM shoulders! Gabe eggs OIwa on and he runs to RAM Gabe! They both run now, and they RAM shoulders again, and again, and again! Gabe CHOPS then runs, but Oiwa CLOBBERS Gabe! The fans fire up while Gabe bails out. Oiwa eggs Gabe on and Gabe snarls. Gabe shakes the railing in frustration, then he paces around the outside. Gabe cools off, slides in, but then tags Sanada. Sanada steps in slowly, so Oiwa tags in ZSJ. The two rivals circle and the afns rally behind “ZAKKU! ZAKKU!” ZSJ and Sanada feel things out, knuclke lock, and ZSJ rolls to wrench.
Sanada is already frustrated so he kicks ZSJ low! Sanada TOSSES ZSJ out and then Gabe goes after Oiwa! Gabe CHOPS away on Oiwa while Sanada sends ZSJ into railing! And then more railing! Gabe does the same to Oiwa, and Sanada storms up on ZSJ. Sanada CLAWS ZSJ’s back, a definite attitude change showing. Gabe Too Sweets with Taiji Ishimori on commentary while Sanada pushes ZSJ into the ring. Sanada whips ZSJ to a corner, but ZSJ goes up, under, around, and RAMS into Sanada! ZSJ snapmares, Sanada handsprings through, but ZSJ UPPERCUTS him down! Tag to Oiwa and he BLASTS Gabe!
Oiwa goes back to Sanada and stands him up. Oiwa wrenches an arm, YANKS it, then wrenches to YANK it again. Oiwa tags ZSJ and ZSJ brings Sanada around to wrench, step over, and wrangle into a mounted armbar! Sanada endures as ZSJ bends the fingers and isolates the arm, to STOMP it! The fans cheer, ZSJ tags Oiwa, and Oiwa CLUBS Sanada’s arm. Oiwa headlocks for a takeover, then isolates the arm in an short arm scissor! The fans rally while Sanada endures and kicks around. Sanada reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Red Shoes calls it, Oiwa lets Sanada go, but then Oiwa brings Sanada up.
Oiwa whips, Sanada reverses, and Gabe trips Oiwa up! Sanda BLASTS ZSJ while Oiwa drags Oiwa out of the ring! Now things spill out into the crowd! Gabe CHOPS Oiwa, then SMACKS him off empty chairs! Sanada BOWLS ZSJ into chairs! Not quite a strike, so Sanada JAMS ZSJ up with a chair! That picks up the spare, and we can hear Gabe’s CHOPS on Oiwa echo out. Gabe stomps Oiwa while Sanada CHOKES ZSJ with a chair! Red Shoes reprimands the War Dogs, but Gabe POSTS Oiwa! Gabe says War Dogs run this, but Red Shoes starts a ring count. Gabe flexes on Oiwa, then drags him up at 7 of 20.
Gabe puts Oiwa in at 10 and Sanada covers, TWO! Oiwa stays in this and the fans rally behind him. Sanada is annoyed but he brings Oiwa up. Sanada CLUBS Oiwa, then bumps him off Gabe’s boot. Oiwa sputters while Sanada tags Gabe in. Gabe drags Oiwa up, mockingly asks where Zack-senpai went, then he UPPERCUTS Oiwa down. Gabe TOSSES Oiwa out, and he BLASTS ZSJ off the apron! Sanada whips Oiwa into railing! Gabe lifts ZSJ bu tZSJ wrenches free to KIMURA! Gabe powers through, to BITE ZSJ on the forehead! Sanada sends Oiwa into more railing, Gabe sends ZSJ through railing and into chairs!
Sanada BOWLS Oiwa into chairs now, there is the strike! Sanada continues to show his new edge as he JAMS Oiwa up with a chair. Red Shoes reprimands so Sanada brings Oiwa back to ringside. Sanada puts Oiwa in for Gabe and Gabe pushes Oiwa to a cover. Red Shoes says no, all the shenanigans were not right. Gabe gets in Red Shoes’ face about that, but Red Shoes stands his ground. Gabe storms around while the fans rally behind Oiwa. Gabe drags Oiwa up, to CHOP! Oiwa wobbles but he rises up. Oiwa CHOPS, and CHOPS, and fires forearms! Gabe DECKS Oiwa with just one! The fans still rally for Oiwa but Gabe stands on Oiwa’s face!
Gabe soaks up the heat, scuffs Oiwa and stomps him around. Oiwa sits up, Gabe runs, but Oiwa reels him in! Gabe fights the waistlock, runs, but into a SNAP GERMAN! The fans fire up while both men are down! Oiwa and Gabe crawl, hot tags to ZSJ and Sanada! The fans fire up as ZSJ dodges Sanada, full nelsons, then spins him to a headlock. Sanada powers out but ZSJ catches him to a COBRA TWIST! Sanada powers out to HIP TOSS, but ZJS UP KICKS! Sanada avoids the Penalty Kick, blocks the boot, but ZSJ steps through the dragon screw to NECK TWIST! And basment DROPKICK! The fans fire up and we’ve only hit 10 minutes!
ZSJ drags Sanada up, UPPERCUTS him, then UPPERCUTS again! Sanada blocks the next to spin and suplex, but ZSJ says no to the Magic Screw! NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! Sanada escapes but ZSJ stays focused. ZSJ stands Sanada up to scoop, but Sanada slips free. ZSJ fights the waistlock, runs, but into a dropkick to the legs! Sanada then DROPKICKS ZSJ down! Sanada fireman’s carries but ZSJ slips free, to have the IRON OCTOPUS! The fans rally while Sanada endures, and Sanada powers out to have a leg! DROPPING DRAGON SCREW! ZSJ clutches the leg and Sanada takes aim! SHINING-
NO, ZSJ ducks, but Sanada catches him to a backslide! ZSJ rolls through to NECK TWIST! Tag to Oiwa and Oiwa BLASTS Gabe off the apron! Oiwa goes back to Sanada and brings him up. Oiwa whips Sanada to ropes, ELBOWS Him down, then ZSJ PENALTY KICKS Sanada! Oiwa deadlift GUT RWENCH PLEXES! Cover, Gabe breaks it! Gabe CHOPS away on ZSJ and Oiwa, but ZSJ blocks! Oiwa DOUBLE CHOPS! ZSJ UPPERCUTS! ZSJ & Oiwa DOUBLE DROPKICK Gabe down! The fans fire up with Oiwa and he clamps onto Sanada with a SLEEPER! Sanada endures and fights up, but Oiwa thrashes him around!
Sanada still fights to his feet, slips around the back, and shoves Oiwa to ropes. Gabe trips Oiwa up! Oiwa kicks at Gabe but Sanada kicks ropes to jam Oiwa up! Sanada suplexes Oiwa into the MAGIC SCREW! Both men are down but the fans rally up again. Sanada crawls over, tag to Gabe, and Gabe storms right up on Oiwa. Gabe UPPERCUTS Oiwa right down! Gabe then puts Oiwa in a corner to fire off forearm after forearm! Red Shoes reprimands and counts, but Gabe digs his boots in while talking trash. Gabe shoves Red Shoes aside so he can keep stomping away on Oiwa! The fans rally and Red Shoes backs Gabe off.
Gabe seethes but the fans continue to rally for Oiwa. Oiwa grits his teeth as he sits up, but Gabe ROCKS him with another shot! Oiwa still looks up defiantly at Gabe, so Gabe fires shots! Gabe says Oiwa’s not worthy of being his NJPW Strong Openweight Challenger. Gabe says Oiwa’s just some “weak ass kohai!” Gabe SPITS on Oiwa, but Oiwa gets in Gabe’s face! Gabe fires slapping strikes, blocks a shot, then SLAPS Oiwa again! Oiwa spins to DOUBLE CHOP Gsbe down! Sanada runs up and kicks low! Sanada whips, Oiwa reverses, but Sanada reverses back, RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! ZSJ PENALTY KICKS Sanada!
Gabe runs up, ZSJ BOOTS him first! Gabe runs back in, slips out of the scoop, and he scoops ZSJ for EMERALD FLOWSON!! But Oiwa spins Gabe! Gabe avoids The Grip, runs, but into a LARIAT!! Cover, TWO!! Oiwa is frustrated but the fans rally behind him. Oiwa hauls Gabe up, ANACONDA PLEX!! Cover, TWO!! Gabe survives again but Oiwa roars! Oiwa drags Gabe up, reels him in, but Gabe fights the gut wrench! Gabe CLUBS Oiwa on the back, then he gut wrenches! Oiwa fights back, wrenches out, and he blocks a lariat to spin. Gabe HAYMAKERS, and SAIDOS!! Gabe crawls his way to the cover, TWO!!
The fans are thunderous as Oiwa survives! Gabe snarls and he drags Oiwa up. Gabe says this is the end. But Oiwa fights the suplex! Oiwa suplexes, but Gabe fights it! Oiwa still tries, but Gabe slips out to waistlock. Sanada DROPKCIKS Oiwa, Gabe UPPERCUTS! Gabe & Sanada work together to DOUBLE SUPLEX! Gabe suplexes again, BRAINBUSTER!! Cover, ZSJ BREAKS IT! Sanada TOSSES ZSJ out and tells Gabe to finish this! ZSJ RAMS Sanada, they brawl outside, and Gabe slashes his throat. Gabe drags Oiwa up, reels him in, but Oia slips through the gut wrench to backslide! TWO, and Gabe UPPERCUTS!
Gabe runs, but ZSJ is back! He BOOTS Gabe but Gabe SLAPS ZSJ! ZSJ KICKS the haymaker away to then ROUNDHOUSE Gabe! Sanada’s in to dragon sleeper! ZSJ arm-drags free, but Sanada comes back to SHINING WIZARD! Sanada then drags ZSJ up, but ZSJ scoops first! ZACK DRIVER!! ZSJ and Sanada flop out of the ring, leaving Oiwa and Gabe to rise up. They run at each other, to DOUBLE LARIAT! neither man falls, they DOUBLE LARIAT again! Gabe UPPERCUTS! Oiwa PALM STRIKES! Gabe PALM STRIKES, CHOPS, JABS, rebounds, into a roll-up! Hig stack, TMDK WINS!!
Winners: Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa, by pinfall
Gabe is in shock! He gets right in Red Shoes’ face but Red Shoes says it was a fair count! Gabe then goes after Oiwa to CLOBBER him! The fans boo and Young Lions rush in, but Gabe eggs Oiwa on! So Oiwa obliges and they brawl among the fans! The Young Lions rush in to separate the two, but Gabe gets loose to CLOBBER Oiwa! They scrap, ZSJ joins in, and he pulls the two apart. Gabe kicks a chair in frustration, then goes into retreat. Wait, Oiwa chases Gabe to the ramp and beats him down! Young Lions again scramble in to stop this, but it just heads to the back! Sanada shrugs it off, will the #ColdWarDogs just have to try harder in the next round?
As for the winners, well, they’re no longer ringside so there won’t be any in-ring closing words. Backstage interviews begin, Gabe promises Oiwa will be put in the ground! Will the Mad Man show The Mullet what it takes to be NJPW Strong? As for ZSJ, he gathers himself, and tells NJPW Media that he doesn’t know where The Mullet went. Actually, no, he has an idea: The Mullet must be smashing the s*it outta Gabe. “Roy The Mullet” is the next NJPW Strong Openweight Champion! Oiwa will hit Gabe so hard, his legs will turn into trombones! As for ZSJ, there is something rare happening in this year’s WTL, isn’t it?
Yes, it’s that the IWGP World EFFIN’ Heavyweight Champion is involved, as this should be! The first time the world champion’s been in this tournament in roughly a decade! ZSJ said he was gonna be a different kind of world champion for NJPW, and that he promises to take NJPW back to the top! Now obviously, a conflict of interests, as this tournament is Shane Haste’s & Mikey Nicholls’ to win, but ZSJ won’t give the boys an easy ride. ZSJ is dreaming~ of an all TMDK World Tag League finals! Then who knows, maybe Zack & Roy get the job done.
But ZSJ knows the Tokyo Dome is coming soon. And Shota Umino wants to be ZSJ’s challenger. ZSJ says he will be keeping his eyes wide open for Shota. ZSJ says he’ll have a DOUBLE main event in the Tokyo Dome, it’s in the bag. What about you, Shota? The Front Man heads out, having put the pressure on his challenger, but will all of NJPW soon belong to TMDK?
Here are the A Block standings!
Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa: 1-0, 2 points
Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman: 1-0, 2 points
Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji: 1-0, 2 points
Bishamon: 1-0, 2 points
Gabe Kidd & Sanada: 0-1, 0 points
Kenta & Chase Owens: 0-1, 0 points
Alex Zayne & Ryusuke Taguchi: 0-1, 0 points
Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma: 0-1, 0 points
My Thoughts:
A great start to World Tag League 2024, with just A Block opening things tonight. I will say those tune-up matches were interesting. Even though David Finlay is the Global Champion, it’s Taiji Ishimori that has apparently become Bullet Club’s international ambassador. Taiji brought Robbie X into the group, now he teamed with The Filip Brothers, Tome & Stevie, who knows who else Bone Soldier will recruit. Taiji’s team beating Tanahashi’s team, House of Torture cheating and beating Tanahashi’s friends, this is all putting the pressure on The Ace, meaning The Ace will win out at WrestleKingdom 19.
Shota Umino teaming with Tomoaki Honma, I wonder if this is to hold Shota back somehow. He is apparently still heading for WrestleKingdom and a world title match with ZSJ, so it’s not like Shota needs to win WTL, but I guess NJPW just wants Shota to give the fans a good time alongside a fan favorite like Honma. Also, Callum & Cobb have a fun new shirt for their team-up. I figured Zayne would need to improvise now that #MonsterSauce is no longer happening, and Taguchi was a great surprise choice. But #FunkySauce making its debut against a team as strong as Takagi & Tsuji was a shame because of course LIJ was winning that. Maybe Zayne & Taguchi can pull off a spoiler victory later on, but I don’t see Funky Sauce going that strong.
Bishamon VS Kenta & Chase really was an awesome match, and it is so surprising how Chase has grown in just the past couple years. Great win for Goto & Hashi, though, as they’re clearly the solid utility choices in the tag division. And what an awesome main event, with Sanada bringing out the most Heel stuff he’s done perhaps ever. A bit jarring really, but that’s just kinda old fashioned Heel turns for ya. Great win for TMDK, though, and definitely an unorthodox way of closing by having Oiwa and Gabe brawl all over ringside and into the back.
While ZSJ says it is big for the world champ to be in this tournament, which I do agree with on some level, it also makes some of the A Block action seem secondary. Gabe and Oiwa having their grudge was kinda the main motivator behind this match, and then it’ll be similar when Shota & Honma VS ZSJ & Oiwa happens. There is the added drama of, “What if someone pins ZSJ? Will they get a world title match before WK19?” Maybe Shota solidifies his WK title match by being the one that pins ZSJ in their match, but it all just feels like more flash than substance. No one else is going to pin ZSJ, Oiwa probably takes whatever losses their team will take, so A Block’s story suffers for it.
My Score: 8.9/10
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