Coverage

Andrew’s NJPW Sengoku Lord Results & Match Ratings 7.25.20

NJPW Sengoku Lord! EVIL’s first double gold defense! A battered Shingo Takagi has to defend his NEVER Openweight belt and Yujiro tries to cheat his way over The Rainmaker! How was the whole show? Did we get the rain to fall or did the Rainmaker himself fall?

Published

5 years ago

July 25, 2020

Andrew Balaz

Sengoku Lord, started as a promotional title for the Sengoku Enbu mobile game, hell some of us may remember when Ryusuke Taguchi portrayed Sengoku Enbu for a while back in 2018. So even though it’s not considered a big show historically, these have been elevated, and this card looks solid.

With how they’ve build Shingo’s newest challenge, Yujiro trying to drag down Okada and Hiromu trying to deal with family betrayal…this is a heavy storyline show.

OH! Before we jump into the show, New Japan showed this new graphic for NJPW Strong, a show on Friday’s at 10 eastern, on NJPWWORLD.com. No clue what exactly it is…but it could be interesting.

Now on to the show!

Ratings:

Yuya Uemura vs Taiji Ishimori: Ishimori wins via Yes Lock @8:00 – **
Toru Yano, Gabriel Kidd & Tomohiro Ishii vs Togi Makabe, Satoshi Kojima & Ryusuke Taguchi: Makabe wins via German Suplex Hold @10:25 – ***
SANADA, BUSHI & Tetsuya Naito vs SHO, YOSHI-HASHI & Hirooki Goto: SANADA wins via Skull End @10:30 – ** 1/2
Master Wato, Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Yuji Nagata, Hiroshi Tanahashi & Kota Ibushi vs DOUKI, Taichi, ZSJ, Yoshinobu Kanemaru & Minoru Suzuki: Ibushi wins via Kamigoye @12:55 – ** 1/4
Yujiro Takahashi vs Kazuchika Okada: Okada wins via Cobra Clutch @13:45 – ***
NEVER Openweight Championship: Shingo Takagi (c) vs El Desperado: Shingo retains via Last of the Dragon @17:05 – ****
IWGP Intercontinental & Heavyweight Double Gold Match: Hiromu Takahashi vs EVIL (c): EVIL retains via Everything is Evil @33:55 – **** 1/4

Results:

Yuya Uemura vs Taiji Ishimori

Aside from Yuya wavering during a Springboard Crossbody (he saved it, but it was noticeably almost a botch), the match wasn’t offensive. The main problem with the match is the fact that these two are very clunky together. Everything looked to take an extra second or a lot of double clutching or mishandling of sequences. Not saying it always needs to be smooth, but extra time or extra attempts at grabbing an arm break immersion as much as a Triple Lindy off the balcony.

So the match never looked overly competitive, even when Taiji got caught a few times. Glad it was the opener.

Toru Yano, Gabriel Kidd & Tomohiro Ishii vs Togi Makabe, Satoshi Kojima & Ryusuke Taguchi

Well Gabriel Kidd going right after Makabe made this match more interesting than it had any rights to be. Taguchi and Yano added their usual comedy effects, hell Taguchi actually got the Double Irish Whip into his Butt play to go off without a hitch. So it was just a surprising match all around.

Since it started around Makabe and Kidd, it ended with those two, and the Young Lion brought it fairly well to the Unchained Gorilla. He had a few decent upset spots, and even got the advantage in a few strike exchanges. Eventually though, he just pissed off Makabe too much, so he put the young wrestler in his place.

After the match Makabe stared down Kidd for a while. Kidd fought back to his feet to continue to be defiant, and it seems like Makabe challenged him to a singles match to prove himself. That could be interesting.

SANADA, BUSHI & Tetsuya Naito vs SHO, YOSHI-HASHI & Hirooki Goto

Well, this was a match. SANADA got to be cute with the Paradise Lock, which he hasn’t really done a lot since the return from hiatus. As for the rest of the match, sure it wasn’t bad, but there’s not much to work with. Maybe we’ll see Goto and Naito work toward something, maybe YOSHI-HASHI will try to prove himself in the future with a win over Naito or something. But for now…this did nothing really.

IF it did anything, it just makes me wonder what they’re doing with SHO since YOH is injured. After taking Shingo to his limit for the NEVER Openweight title, SHO gets tapped out by Skull End. So I’m not sure if this is their way of trying to keep him in the Junior Division by having him pick up losses to heavyweights.

Match was decent enough to get us to intermission, but nothing special. Though after the match Naito continues to abuse the referee and even SANADA attacks him a little. So it gets the point across that even though they are fan favorites, LIJ is not a face stable.

Video package hypes up Summer Battle in Jingu Stadium on August 29th. Only the second time they’ve done a show there, and the first time since 1999.

Master Wato, Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Yuji Nagata, Hiroshi Tanahashi & Kota Ibushi vs DOUKI, Taichi, ZSJ, Yoshinobu Kanemaru & Minoru Suzuki

Okay, unpack the cluster time! ZSJ and Taichi are still saying that Tanahashi isn’t a worthy partner for a challenge, so this is of course furthering that storyline. Wato has had his issues with DOUKI and Kanemaru, with Kanemaru getting the better of him. Suzuki wants a one on one fight with Nagata, and the grandpa throwdown is the best thing in this match. Tenzan made the save for Wato when he was getting jumped, so Tenzan is basically along for the ride to watch Wato’s back.

Much like the stories, Nagata versus Suzuki is what we all want. Their constant ignoring of everyone else, and everyone letting them just hit each other, is the most entertaining portion of the past tag matches. Interactions with Taichi/ZSJ and Tanahashi/Ibushi are fun, but a little played out already. Wato is getting build as a decent mid carder or eventual Junior threat. This match really just suffered from clunky spots and bad pacing.

There was a stacked Senton spot for Tanahashi, where Kanemaru was ontop of Taichi, and it looked like Tana kinda missed. A lot of the everyone slide in and get your crap in moments seemed awkward and off by a few beats. While it was still entertaining for the story implications, the match was a forgettable cluster.

Yujiro Takahashi vs Kazuchika Okada

Yujiro came out with a believable plan to try and drag Okada down to his level. A decent bit of powdering to lure out the Rainmaker, gave a few openings to Yujiro. This was a much slower match than we’ve come to expect from Okada, but at the points Yujiro was leading, it makes sense. His offense has never been very high energy since adopting the Tokyo Pimp persona.

Yujiro did counter the Cobra Clutch a few times by biting Okada’s hand, so that was clever and falls into kit perfectly. Gedo did try to get involved with the wrench, which allowed Yujiro to hit Okada with the Pimp cane, and then Miami Shine…but only for two. There were a few teases to Pimp Juice, and Yujiro got closer than I think most of us were expecting, but Okada winning was pretty widely anticipated.

One of Yujiro’s better matches in a few years, but that’s also not saying much.

NEVER Openweight Championship: Shingo Takagi (c) vs El Desperado

Desperado continued his plan from New Japan Road, and focused on Shingo’s left knee. Dragon Screws, Knee Breakers, Chairs to the knee, Stretch Mufflers, Indian Deathlocks…all of Despy’s offense was focused on the injured leg and trying to take the base away from the power fighter. It was a great plan, that Despy played into really well through the match.

Shingo’s selling is amazing, where he knows how to sell awkward movements in the ring, he sent a message to Desperado early in the match when he had him in the ropes, blocked a kick, grabbed both legs and Double Dragon Screwed Despy from the ropes to the mat. This was fun to watch since it told a great story of Desperado trying to methodically cripple the champion, while peppering in cheating tactics, with Shingo fighting from underneath most of the match.

He only needed to hit it once, and once he did, Shingo retained the title after Last of the Dragon. The beauty in this match is Shingo’s ability to sell the injury and the story. Always making sure to sit out on certain moves, to alleviate pain on his knee, leaning to the good side to carry the burden of weight and moving around the ring, sometimes scooting around the ring, because he really couldn’t move well. Desperado did well, but these last few matches really help to get across how fantastic Shingo is at everything.

IWGP Intercontinental & Heavyweight Double Gold Match: Hiromu Takahashi vs EVIL (c)

Hiromu cuts deep immediately as he comes out with the jacket that EVIL was holding while he was injured. So that tells you exactly where his head’s at with how betrayed he feels. EVIL continues to not go back into Awesome Kong’s closet, so he looks much better. Dick Togo comes out as his second, looking really sharp. White suit, black shirt, plum tie, shades and a black beret…they come off like a meme with a dad trying to teach the kid about fashion, but the kid just learned about Hot Topic. Personally amusing, but it brought my interest up immediately.

As for the match, it built slowly in a beautiful way. EVIL controlled a little bit of the early goings, including hitting his Homerun Chairshot, but Hiromu started building momentum. It seemed like Hiromu was pulling a lot of inspiration from all over the place. After countering a Darkness Falls attempt on the apron, Hiromu hits the Death Valley Driver on the apron. This was a great turning point, where even the fans in attendance became more animated.

After a big Senton to the outside that wiped out two Young Lions and EVIL, Dick Togo starts making his presence felt more often. Hiromu dispatches him nearly every time and starts surprising EVIL. Hiromu counters Everything is Evil is The D, a Wheelbarrow Flatliner, Victory Royal, Dragon Sleeper and generally hitting a beautifully frenetic pace. Landing Time Bomb and Time Bomb #2, it looked like Hiromu was going to actually do it; but Dick Togo pulls Red Shoes out of the ring after the two count.

From there EVIL and Dick (kek, Evil Dick…okay I’ll be an adult) hit the Magic Killer, Dick goes to the top rope, most likely to hit his Diving Senton, but Hiromu pushes EVIL into the rope to have Dick land on his…well…you know. The last glimmer of hope was quickly extinguished by EVIL hitting a low blow, Darkness Falls and then Everything is Evil.

Hiromu brought all the fight and then some that EVIL could handle, and EVIL needed a good bit of help to stop the “little brother” of his former group. Afterwards, Taiji Ishimori picks the bones and makes his challenge to Hiromu for the Junior title…and Naito eventually comes out to stop the beatdown and challenge EVIL under the pretext of “okay you had your fun, time for me to take them back”.

Overall Score: 7.25/10

The last two matches were great, and if it wasn’t for the excessive, though expected, interference, that match would’ve been much higher rated. For a show that basically has stayed on the tour because of crossover promotion with a mobile card game, this was a damn solid show. Shingo has to be an early front runner for MVP at least through Tokyo Sports, if not most other places. EVIL is doing a great job with his character progression and telling stories with his matches, instead of focusing on breakneck workrate.

Okada recently said in an interview that he doesn’t have any designs on the double championship because he feels it diminishes the prestige of the Heavyweight championship. So maybe, if Taichi and ZSJ really double down on not accepting Tanahashi’s challenge; maybe we get Ibushi/Okada as a possible challenge? Plus all of the other threads from the 10 man do bode well for future stories and tours leading toward the G1 Climax.

With the announcement of a new Friday show on NJPWWORLD and the Jingu Stadium show…it’s a good time to pay attention to New Japan.

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Up Next

Mitchell’s NJPW Sengoku Lord Results & Report! (7/25/20)

Don't Miss

Mitchell’s WWE 205 Live Results & Report! (7/24/20)

Coverage

Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (4/18/25)

ROH says TGIF!

Published

4 hours ago

April 18, 2025

Steven Mitchell

420 Honor Club!

Can’t go wrong with ROH on a Friday afternoon! But will Dustin Rhodes & The Von Erichs still be World Six Man Tag Champions after facing #MXMTV?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Bandido & Komander w/ Alex Abrahantes VS The Infantry w/ Shane Taylor Promotions; Bandido & Komander win.
ROH World Six Man Tag Team Championships: Dustin Rhodes & The Von Erichs VS Johnny TV & MXM Collection; Dustin & The Von Erichs win and retain the titles.
Sammy Guevara VS Lee Johnson w/ Blake Christian; wins.
The Frat House VS ???
Six Man Tag: Atlantis Jr, Fuego & Esfinge VS Euforia, Barbaro Cavernario & Zandokan Jr; win.
Evil Uno & Alex Reynolds VS Jon Cruz & Rosario Grillo; win.

PLAY BY PLAY

Bandido & Komander w/ Alex Abrahantes VS The Infantry w/ Shane Taylor Promotions!

The Most Wanted is once again ROH World Champion, but the Commander of the Skies just lost his ROH World Television Championship. Meanwhile, Captain Shawn Dean & “Bad News & Tattoos” Carlie Bravo want to take over the ROH Tag Division. Will someone be getting Two 2 Da Head? Or will the luchadores be dealing out a Blackjack 21?

The fans rally for Bandido already, which annoys The Infantry. The Code of Honor is not upheld as The Infantry strike first! The bell rings, the ref reprimands and the fans boo as Dean fires forearms with Komander while Bravo has Bandido. Dean kicks Komander, then Bravo SUPERKICKS Komander! Bandido BOOTS Dean, then he brawls with Bravo! They go back and forth, Bandido ROCKS, KNEES, and headlocks. Dean tags in as Bravo powers out, and then Bravo drops down for Dean to take a swing. Bandido blocks that to DECK Dean, but Bravo CHOP BLOCKS Bandido! Bravo shoves Bandido out for Dean to whip hard into railing!

The fans boo but Bravo says, “That’s how we get down! S T P!” Dean drags Bandido up and into the ring, then stays between him and Komander. The fans rally, but Dean RAMS Bandido into the corner! The Infantry mugs Bandido, the ref counts, and The Infantry lets off. Tag to Bravo and he CHOPS Bandido! Bravo puts a leg in the ropes, stomps it, then CHOPS! Bravo stomps Bandido again, then backs off as the ref reprimands. Bravo brings Bandido out, but Bandido fights the suplex! Bravo hooks a leg to FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect, but Bravo drags Bandido from Komander with a HEEL HOOK!

Tag to Dean, Dean stomps Bandido, and Bravo says #TAIGASTYLE taught him that. Lee Moriarty gives a thumbs up, and Dean stomps Bandido. Dean puts Bandido’s leg on the ropes, then HIP DROPS it! The fans rally for Bandido but Dean stomps him down. Cover, TWO! Bandido stays in this but Dean drags him around by the leg. Dean drops an elbow on the knee! Then he drops an elbow on the other knee! Then back to the right knee! Then the left knee! The fans boo but Dean drags Bandido to the corner. Dean runs to ELBOW Bandido, then he tags Bravo. Dean scoops Bandido, Bravo goes up, ELBOW DROP BACKBREAKER!

Bravo swaggers while the fans boo, but then he goes back to cover Bandido. TWO, and the fans rally up. Bravo drags Bandido up to HEADBUTT, then he tags Dean. Dean sends Bravo in, but Bandido TOSSES Bravo out! Dean runs up, Bandido BOOTS him! Dean comes back, Bandido dodges and hobbles, hot tag to Komander! Komander springboards and salutes for the CROSSBODY! Bravo rushes back in, he has Komander, but Komander BOOTS Dean to go up and over Bravo! Komander shoves Bravo into Dean, then knuckle locks Bravo to CHOP! Komander goes up, jumps around, and FLYING RANAS Bravo away!

The fans fire up as Komander dodges Dean, ROCKS Bravo, then mule kicks Dean! Komander sends Dean into Bravo, then springboards to DROPKICK Bravo into giving Dean the DDT! Cover, but Bravo breaks it! Bandido runs up, Bravo wrenches and ROLLING ELBOWS! Bravo is fired up, but Komander SUPERKICKS him! Komander fires off on Dean with forearms and puts him in the corner. Bravo sneaks a tag while Komander climbs up. Komander rains down five punches, then whips Dean corner to corner. Dean reverses, Bravo runs up, CARLIE CROSSOVER! Then feed to Dean’s FLYING LARIAT!

The Infantry then hoist Komander up, wrench and URENAGE DOUBLE BACKBREAKER!! Bravo covers, but Bandido breaks it! The fans fire up as Dean whips but Bandido TOSSES him! Bravo runs up, Bandido SUPERKICKS him! The fans fire up as Bandido rises, but then Bravo distracts the ref. Shane Taylor gets on the apron, talks trash on Bandido, then ROCKS Bandido! Komander storms up, Shane grabs him, but Bandido comes back! Komander gives Bandido the boost to SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB Shane onto Moriarty & Dean! The fans are all fired up as Komander then BOOTS Bravo, ENZIGIRIS, and calls to Bandido!

Komander tags Bandido, then he ROCKS Bravo! Komander goes corner to corner to go up, up, and ESCALARA MOONSAULT onto STP! Bandido scoops Bravo for the X KNEE!! Bravo is on the ropes. Bandido runs, BLACKJACK 21 PLEX!! Bridging cover, Bandido y Komander win!

Winners: Bandido & Komander, by pinfall

A big victory for Bandido y Komander! With Sueprcard of Honor just a few weeks away, who will step up to take on The Most Wanted for his most wanted ROH World Championship?

ROH World Six Man Tag Team Championships: Dustin Rhodes & The Von Erichs VS Johnny TV & MXM Collection!

The Natural may have been literally robbed of his belt, but he is still a champion alongside Marshall & Ross Von Erich. The Von Erichs are back to help Dustin take back that belt, will the Sons of Texas ride off into the sunset tonight? Or will they find they’re NOT #TVReady?

Speaking of not ready, Johnny, Mansoor & Mason Madden attack the Sons of Texas at the ramp! The fans boo the blindside attack, but Mansoor CLUBS Ross, Johnny CLUBS Marshall, and Mason stomps Dustin. Johnny kicks Marshall, Mason whips Dustin into the railing, and Mansoor RAMS Ross into the steel steps! The fans boo more, Mansoor tells them to shut up, but Marshall fights back! Marshall fires forearms, but Johnny CLAWS Marshall’s eyes! Mason sends Dustin into more railing, then LEG LARIATS Dustin down! Mansoor fires more shots on Ross, then he puts Ross in the ring for Johnny.

The ref checks on Ross, but Ross says he wants the match! The bell rings, and Johnny BOOTS, KICKS, ROCKS, and fires more shots on Ross! Taya Valkyrie shows off the remodeled ROH World Six Man belt while Johnny gives Ross some ground ‘n’ pound. The fans boo but Johnny drags Ross up. But Ross jumps to RANA! And then he arm-drags! And arm-drags again! And DROPKICKS! The fans fire up as Ross brings Johnny up, tags Marshall, and then whips so Marshall can DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Johnny rolls to his feet, mule kicks Marshall, then hot tags Mansoor! But Marshall dodges to BLAST Mason!

Marshall ROCKS Mansoor with counter punch after punch, but Mansoor puts him in a corner for body shots and stomps! The ref counts, Mansoor digs his boot in, but then Mansoor stops at 4. Mansoor argues with the ref while sneaking kicks. Mansoor whips corner to corner, but Marshall comes back to LARIAT! Marshall fires more hands, then he UPPERCUTS! Marshall ROCKS Mansoor, wrenches and whips corner to corner, but Mansoor comes back! Marshall runs through the lariat to then LARIAT Mansoor! The fans fire up and Marshall calls his shot! CANNONBALL for Mansoor! Cover, TWO!

Marshall drags Mansoor up, headlocks, and Ross tags in. They mug Mansoor and the fans cheer that CHOP! Ross headlocks and grinds, but Mansoor hooks Ross’ nose! Mansoor headlocks now, but Ross powers up and out. Mansoor jumps the dropdown, Mason tags in, and Mason BLASTS Dustin off the apron to then LEG LARIAT SPINEBUSTER COMBO! The fans boo, Marshall protests, but MXM mugs Ross! Johnny joins in and they all stomp away! The fans rally for Dustin while Mason TOSSES Ross out. MXM distracts the ref so Taya can stomp away on Ross with those bright green boots!

The ref has to hold Marshall back, and Mason goes out to fetch Ross. Mason puts Ross in the ring, throat chops him, then fires body shots as he says he’s H O T T, O~ G~ O~! Tag to Mansoor, Johnny lets Chappell Roan know they’re big fans, and Mansoor BLASTS Marshall off the apron! Mason scoops Ross, Mansoor runs up, CATWALK SLAM! Cover, TWO! Ross survives and Mansoor snarls. Mansoor clamps on with a chinbar and armlock! Ross pries at the grip, reaches out for the ropes, and Marshall coaches him. Ross fights up, Mansoor holds him back, but then Mansoor THROWS Ross down by his hair!

The fans boo, but Mansoor drags Ross back to tag Johnny. Johnny stomps Ross, then drags him up, only for Ross to fire body shots! Johnny gets up and under Ross, Alabama ROLLING SLAM! Cover, TWO! Johnny stands over Ross and pulls on the arms while he tags in Mason. Mansoor runs around the outside to blindside Dustin! The fans boo and Marshall protests, but there’s nothing to be done as Mason drops an ELBOW on Ross! And another ELBOW! And then a JUMP ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Mason is annoyed, Dustin is down, and Mansoor tags in. Mansoor tells Marshall that he saw the Iron Claw movie, and it SUCKED!!

The fans boo but MXM hoist Ross up! Mason runs, but Marshall DUMPS him out! Ross CLUBS away on Mansoor, reaches for Marshall, but Mansoor holds onto a hand! Ross fires a forearm, the fans rally up, but Mansoor still holds on! Mansoor ducks the shot, back suplexes, but Ross lands out! DOUBLE LARIATS take both men down! The fans fire up as Ross and Mansoor crawl! But Mason is creeping up! Mason YANKS Marshall down, then THROWS him into the steel steps! And he CLUBS Dustin for good measure! Mansoor rolls up Ross, TWO! Ross feints high to BACKDROP Mansoor! Dustin rises up!

The fans are thunderous as Mansoor and Ross crawl, hot tags to Johnny and Dustin! The Natural rallies on the Guru of Greatness, then whips, but Johnny reverses! “Not Today!” UPPERCUT! SNAP POWERSLAM! Mansoor is in, but Dustin kicks and “Not Today!” UPPERCUT! SNAP POWERSLAM! Mason is in, but again, “Not Today!” But Mason grabs Dustin first! CHOKE- NO, Dustin slips free, and feeds Mason to a DOUBLE DROPKICK from the Von Erichs! Johnny CLUBS Dustin, whips, but Dustin hits a BULLDOG! Cover, Mansoor breaks it! The fans boo but Mansoor CLUBS Dustin. Mansoor whips, Dustin reverses, but Mansoor avoids the powerslam!

Mansoor DDTS Dustin, but Ross RANAS Mansoor! Johnny SUPERKICKS Ross! Marshall DISCUS LARIATS Johnny! Mason LEG LARIATS Marshall! Dustin storms up, Mason HEADBUTTS him! Mason runs, but Dustin dodges! Mason’s leg is in the ropes, and he begs Dustin not to. Dustin pokes Mason in the eyes! And then he puts Mason’s other leg in the ropes! Dustin takes a deep breath, but Johnny runs up! Dustin gets around and lifts Johnny, to stick him right in there with Mason! Taya protests, but that lets Dustin hit DOUBLE SHATTERED DREAMS!! Mansoor runs up, Dustin dodges, DESTROYER!!

Ross is in, and he gives Mansoor an IRON CLAW!! Marshall has Mason, and SLAM DUNKS him into Johnny’s TV! Johnny sits upright, right into Mansoor’s runway! Ross keeps Mansoor in a corner, and Dustin brings Johnny up! Dustin puts one out, then hits the FINAL RECKONING!! Cover, Sons of Texas win!!

Winners: Dustin Rhodes & The Von Erichs, by pinfall (still ROH World Six Man Tag Team Champions)

Taya is beside herself! Dustin gets his belt back as the Von Erichs keep theirs! Will no one ever truly stop The Last of His Kind from running the ROH Tag Division?

[Due to scheduling conflicts, coverage will be on delay]

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Coverage

Andrew’s TNA iMAPCT! & Unbreakable Results & Match Ratings: 4.17.2025

iMPACT is the Pre-Show, Unbreakable is a TNA+ Special! See what happened!

Published

19 hours ago

April 18, 2025

Andrew Balaz

iMPACT! is getting the old Heat treatment as a TV episode pre-show. While nothing about the iMPACT episode seems overly intriguing, they all actually have narrative weight, and since the last two weeks have been devoid of weight and general cohesion…this might be a surprisingly good episode which would serve as a better pre-show than expected.

I’m still mad that it’s a damn Thursday and they want to have 4-5 hours of show because WrestleMania reasons. Even WWE realized doing long shows before workdays was stupid, so NJPW giving them the idea to break Mania into two nights is a boon for everyone over thirty.

Also the main reason I’m doing a joint article. Since Unbreakable starts immediately after iMPACT, I’m not gonna put up back to back articles. One stop shoppin it!

Will @AJFrancis410 be crowned the FIR$T TNA International Champion TONIGHT at #TNAUnbreakable?!

WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/rT1TusIxJd pic.twitter.com/rxiBn6PxPw

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 18, 2025

iMPACT! – Ratings:

Laredo vs Jason Hotch w/Tasha Steelz: Laredo wins via Laredo Fly – ** 1/4
Jazmyn Nyxx w/Fatal Influence vs Xia Brookside w/Lei Ying Lee: Xia wins via Small Package – **
KC Navarro vs Cody Deaner: KC wins via Loaded Fist – **
Maggie Lee & Heather by Elegance w/Personal Concierge vs Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley: Hot Topic Hotties win via Cemetery Drive – ** 1/4
Jakara Jackson w/Lash Legend vs Dani Luna w/Jody Threat: Dani wins via Luna Landing – ** 1/4
Leon Slater vs Brian Myers: Myers wins via Roster Cut – ** 1/2

Unbreakable – Quick Ratings:

Zachary Wentz vs Eric Young vs AJ Francis: Young wins via Piledriver – *** 1/4
Ace Austin vs Steve Maclin vs Eddie Edwards w/Alisha: Steve Maclin wins via KIA – *** 1/2
X Division Championship: Moose(c) w/Alisha vs Akeem: Moose wins via Lights Out – Long Squash
Mustafa Ali & Nemeths vs Hardys & Mike Santana: Jeff Hardy wins via Swanton Bomb – ***
Kaz & Tessa vs Joe Hendry & Masha: Hendry wins via Standing Ovation – ** 3/4
Barb Wire Massacre: Sami Callihan vs Mance Warner w/Steph De Lander: Callihan wins via Cactus Driver ’97 – ** 1/2
Inaugural International Championship: AJ Francis vs Steve Maclin vs Eric You: Maclin wins via K.I.A. – *** – TITLE CHANGE!!!

Results:

Laredo vs Jason Hotch w/Tasha Steelz

Laredo starts quick with a Straight Right, Tijeras, a few quick strikes, kicks Hotch out of the ring, wants a Plancha, but Tasha gets in the way to stop Laredo’s offense which gives Hotch an opening. Quick trip, a few chops and a hard Irish Whip has Laredo trying to catch his breath. Hotch tries to go for another Strong Irish Whip but Laredo reverses, two kicks, Flying Neckbreaker into a Missile Dropkick sending Hotch to the outside. Laredo finally pulls off his Suicida, and he’s rolling. Corner Forearm, Uno Mass Corkscrew Moonsaults, but Hotch manages to get away after two. A Snap Jab staggers Laredo, Ali style Outside In Rolling Neckbreaker and Hotch tries to take things to the top. But Laredo counters and Avalanche Michinoku Driver…only for two.

Laredo tries to keep things going, Back Handspring Crossbody, but Hotch catches him, big Tilt-a-Whirl Backbreaker for two. Hotch looks to the corner and then gets scared because he thinks Santana might strike, Hotch and Tasha argue, Laredo recovers and runs up the corner and hits the Laredo Fly for the win.

If @CodyDeaner can take down @KCwrestles tonight on #TNAiMPACT he punches his ticket Ultimate X at #TNARebellion! @milanmiracle

WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/rT1TusIxJd pic.twitter.com/T5zqKHVr24

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 18, 2025

Jazmyn Nyx w/Fatal Influence vs Xia Brookside w/Lei Ying Lee

Jazmyn and Xia go for a chain wrestling or World of Sport kind of start. Xia even gets out of the Head Scissors with the classic Hand Stand and pop. After a little taunting, Jazmyn tries to charge but Xia loops around for a flash Cradle, Nyx kicks out quick and retreats to her Fatal Influence friends for a breather. Xia catches her with a Dropkick, a few strikes and starts putting things together until Jazmyn catches her in the corner and Snake Eyes Xia the hard way and then starts leaning her into the ropes, a few Leg Sweeps, PK kicks and Jazmyn is in control. Fisherman’s Suplex Hold from Jazmyn but Xia kicks at two. She tries to fight back up but Jazmyn is using her positioning to keep control. Bulldog into the middle buckle, puts Xia between the ropes and lays in a Round Kick to her chest and Xia has been eating offense for the last few minutes. The crowd tries to rally the little British Angel, but Jazmyn lays in some forearms, hits the ropes, Xia ducks and they hit stereo High Kicks to double down for a few moments.

Xia starts to rally, gets a few shots in, Tijeras, Xia tries Angel Wings but Jazmyn moves. Jazmyn tries to stay on her, but a Jawbreaker gives Xia time to go to the corner, Xia hits the Crossbody, Angel Wings, and looks for a DDT or something but Fatal Influence get involved distracting everyone. Lei has Fallon hanled, but Jacy is mouthing off causing Rosemary to come down and make a Mist save. Jazmyn tries to be opportunistic, but Xia blocks her move and hits the Small Package for the win.

Overbooked and timing was a bit shoddy in some spots, but not offensive. Not bad, but not good either.

KC Navarro vs Cody Deaner

This is for a spot in the Ultimate X match. Here’s to hoping the Blessed One beats the hell out of the loser who’s about as over as Herpes. Meaning he never goes away, and he’s unlikable. Anyone that says “Funny Underdogs are needed on shows”, isn’t that like 60% of the roster? No one is funny if everyone tries to be funny. KC however, he’s fucking hilarious and amazing.

KC tries to pay off Deaner and get him to forfeit, Deaner of course does the underdog thing of fighting back, dumb looking punches, goofball corner spot that he lengthens to the put of looking dumb and not funny. Oh thank God KC hits the Spiderman in the ropes, ducks Deaner and 305 gets hit for a near fall. Now KC is rolling, nice quick offense, Snapmare, Front Roll Neck Snap, Stomp into Split into cover for only two. Deaner goes for the comeback, and a few Lariats, Bulldog, and everything looks soo stupid. Deaner puts KC in the Airplane spin, gets dizzy and then goes again, TKO for two.

Navarro tries to powder, Deaner goes after him but the ref gets Deaner off of him since KC was in the ropes, KC wraps his necklace around his knuckles and a quick Jab to the face as Deaner tries to suplex him, 1-2-3, Blessed WIN.

If Deaner was the only doofus guy he’d be fine, but when we have Santino, Arianna, Laredo, KC, Great Hands, Brian Myers, Dango, Alisha, Hendry (while not a doofus isn’t close to serious), Kaz, Elegance Brand (all 3 of them), Ryan Nemeth and those are just off the top of my head. Everyone can’t be silly or no one is silly and nothing matters.

Maggie Lee & Heather by Elegance w/Personal Concierge vs Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley

I’m gonna keep any Gigi drooling to a minimum since I respect my boy Wentz, but I will say, you gotta love Hot Topic Hotties. Yes I like walking red flags, I’m self aware, and okay with it.

Maggie and Gigi start, a few quick counters, Gigi manages the Double Hook Cradle for two, then Hot Topic Hotties go tandem with a Dropkick and a Twisting Elbow for another two. Tatum is officially legal, Maggie looks for the tag but Heather wants to push Maggie more. Which is exactly how ASH treated her. Tatum turns it around, Gigi tags in, Poetry Bronco, and then Kawada Kicks from Gigi. Concierge distracts, Maggie grabs her, Heather takes the cheap shot, Suplex from Maggie for two. Heather and Maggie get some offense in together, and Heather is working Gigi over in the heel corner. Unicorn Stampede essentially. Heather goes for a pinfall and its only 2. Heather is getting frustrated, Gigi with an Upkick headscissors, Heather tries to stop the tag out, but eats the Mule Kick.

Tatum starts beating on Heather, rams Heather into Maggie, Cartwheel Peach Sunrise, tags in Gigi, Double Headbutts and Cemetery Drive from the Hot Topic Hotties and everyone wins. Jesus…will never leave this chat, he started it.

Jakara Jackson w/Lash Legend vs Dani Luna w/Jody Threat

Things start a little slow, Collar & Elbow tie up that they won’t relent for a while, Jakara tries to turn it into a Headlock Takeover, but Dani is too strong. Dani gets a few shots in, hops the rope for something but Lash makes her present felt and trips Dani while Jakara distracts the referee. The referee didn’t see anything but ejects Lash anyway. Lash won’t go, tries to intimidate the ref and say no. Jakara keeps things moving against Dani while Lash takes her sweet time slowly walking away. Jakara tries a Roll-Up but Dani too thicc to keep down. Dani fights back up, scoops Jakara and drops her unceremoniously.

Jakara starts laying in a bunch of Falling Knees and gets a quick two, before locking in a Cravat that Dani tries to fight out of. Dani counters out of it, ducks the Line, and they crash into each other with Forearms. The Double Fall Down spot is a little played out and this is only the pre-show really.

Dani levels Jakara with a few Lariats, looks for the Luna Landing, Jakara slips it so Dani comes off the ropes with a Busaiku Knee. Luna wants a Blue Thunder but Jakara gets away until Luna grabs her again for the Rebound Blue Thunder Bomb and a near fall. Luna charges the corner, misses, Jakara hits the Tornado DDT, but only two. Jakara tries to ram Dani’s head into the buckles, but Luna blocks, fires and takes Jakara’s head off, Luna Landing gets his and Dani wins!

Elijah has a promo segment and they have a really Sesame Street style “Walk this Way” words on the screen thing. When they did the bouncing ball lyrics with Ron Killings, it was at least cool. This comes off as corny and low budget public broadcasting crap just for Elijah to announce an open challenge at Rebellion or something. Admittedly I zoned out cause I figured it would be nothing of note.

Leon Slater vs Brian Myers

Myers and Slater start in a shoving match jawing at each other, and then Leon lays in a Shoulder Tackle off the ropes, some jumping crap and Myers is getting bounced from corner to corner like a dork. Leon tries to continue the Around the World but a punch, Thrust Kick and Irish Whip across the ring gives him some confidence, but he eats the Feint Mule Kick, Back Handspring Back Elbow…and again System matches are “look stupid and get beat up for 70% of the match until a shortcut can be taken”. Speaking of short cuts, Leon goes for his Corner Leap, Myers guards from it, Leon repositions but gets tripped and eats a Spear. Then…we go to commercial.

Coming out of the commercials Myers is still in control. Leon slips out of a suplex and then connects with a flurry of offense, Myers eats more kicks than I can count, powders, Leon does his corner post leap, comes in and looks to win but an Implant DDT, dick kick and Roster Cut gives Myers the win.

Overall iMPACT! Rating: 5/10

Nothing special but at least it made some sense and was a better than the last few episodes. Low bar comparatively. Now immediately onto Unbreakable! So because this is a long night, I figured I’d do a Watch A Long with Mat Sarpraicone over on Dirt Sheet Radio because I have zero faith in Unbreakable being worth the 2-3 hours it will take to watch it.

So you’ll get quick results with ratings and an overall thoughts at the end of Unbreakable from me, because it’s late and I needed something to keep me awake.

Overall Unbreakable Rating: 4.5/10

The iMPACT! episode was easier to watch and digest, three Triple Threats is too many and the Main Event being a slow paced triple threat after a Barb Wire match and a bunch of faster matches really doesn’t resonate well with fans. Even though I didn’t love the Sami vs Mance match, ending on carnage and the “babyface” winning would’ve been a much better way to send the crowd home happy and we wouldn’t have needed so much time fill during the last hour of the show.

Maclin being the inaugural International Champion is cool, setting up the first defense against Eric Young is good for their story, so most of the marks were hit. It just was too damn slow and had no business being a main event. Champions vs Challengers was okay, but it only really picked up when Masha and Tessa were mixing it up. I liked Moose having the extended squash match for shits and giggles, but two Triples back to back to open the show is an easy way to burn out a crowd. Sure the Moose match was an extended piss break to recharge the crowd, but the card was just laid out awkwardly and things felt like far more of a chore than they should have.

All in all this was a very lame event. Yes I get it was purely stop gap to take advantage of WrestleMania weekend, but with Rebellion next week, we all knew it wasn’t gonna shake things up too much. But hot damn was I about to fall asleep if I wasn’t doing the watch-a-long to not pass out.