Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW Dominion Results & Report! (7/12/20)
Is Everything Evil’s?
The fate of NJPW is on the line!
The New Japan Cup’s finale was above and beyond expectations, but it’s not over yet! Will Evil reign supreme over NJPW? Or can Naito hold on?
NOTE: NJPW no longer wants to feed AXS TV now that it is with Anthem and Impact Wrestling. But never fear, I will cover NJPW in the spirit of AXS in providing the most important matches of the show.
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- NEVER Openweight Championship: Shingo Takagi VS SHO; Takagi wins and retains the NEVER Openweight Championship.
- IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: The Golden Aces VS Dangerous Tekkers; The Dangerous Tekkers win and become the new IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions.
- IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental Double Championship Match: Tetsuya Naito VS EVIL; Evil wins and becomes the new IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental Double Champion.
PLAY BY PLAY
NEVER Openweight Championship: Shingo Takagi VS SHO!
The Last Dragon suffered a sho-cking defeat to one half of the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions, and things have been building towards this rematch! The title is on the line, can Takagi stay Mr. NEVER Openweight? Or will Sho truly become a shock master!
The introductions are made, the NEVER singles title is raised, and this high stakes, “high voltage” rematch begins!
Sho and Shingo tie up right away! The fans rally, Shingo pulls hair and headlocks but Sho powers out. They collide shoulders and neither falls. Sho runs, Shingo stays up and the two start shoving. Shingo kicks low then whips Sho to a corner. Sho comes back, they ram shoulders over and over, but Sho throws a forearm. Sho runs, bumps Shingo, but Shingo comes back to shoulder and elbow. Shingo runs but Sho runs him over! The fans cheer as Sho dodges Shingo, but Shingo spins Sho around, only for Sho to hit the suplex! Cover, TWO! Sho keeps on Shingo with an attempt at the armbar. Shingo resists but Sho gets his hands apart, so Shingo gets a ropebreak with his foot. Sho lets go as the ref counts, and Shingo bails out. Sho gets to the apron and Penalty Kicks Shingo down!
The fans cheer as Sho hops down to kick Shingo more. Sho puts Shingo on the apron then climbs up to join him. Sho wants space but Shingo holds ropes was Sho waistlocks. Shingo elbows and breaks free to fireman’s carry Sho. Sho gets in and sweeps the legs. Shingo is down. Sho runs and basement dropkicks Shingo to railing! Sho builds speed again, but Shingo gets in to run him over! Shingo drags Sho up, throws him out now, then goes after him. But Sho hits back with forearms! Sho whips, Shingo reverses, Sho hits railing hard! Shingo brings Sho up to whip even harder the other way! Sho floundres and writhes while the ref has Shingo stand down. Shingo fires up the crowd as he drags Sho back up. Shingo puts Sho in, drags him back up and reels him in, for a BIG suplex! Cover, TWO!
Shingo keeps his cool as he sits Sho up. Shingo goes after Sho’s arm with elbows, then elbows away on Sho’s shoulder and chest! Sho flops down and Shingo gives him toying kicks. The fans rally up as Shingo eggs Sho on. Sho slowly sits up but Shingo kicks him on the back. Sho gets right up, kicks back, then snapmares to KICK! Shingo gets up, gritting his teeth. Sho throws forearms but Shingo gives them back. They start brawling faster and faster and the fans rally with them. Sho gets the edge but Shingo double CHOPS him down! Fans cheer while Shingo catches his breath. Shingo goes to Sho, whips him to ropes and knees him low. Shingo runs, and blocks Sho’s spear to a DDT! Sho sits up, Shingo runs, but the sliding lariat misses! Sho SPEARS outta nowhere!
Both men are down but the fans rally up again. Sho gets to ropes and uses them to get up. Sho aims from the corner, runs out, bumps Shingo to the other corner, then hits a corner clothesline! Sho whips Shingo corner to corner but Shingo reverses, only for Sho to come back with a LARIAT! Fans cheer as Sho grits his teeth and brings Shingo up. Shingo swings a chop but Sho gets under ot GERMAN SUPLEX! Sho holds on to GERMAN SUPLEX again! Shingo resists the third and elbows back. Sho ducks, kicks and runs, but Shingo follows! Sho sees him coming, side steps and SNAP GERMAN! Bridging cover, TWO!! Sho grits his teeth again as he knuckle locks Shingo to a Cording hold. Shingo reaches for ropes but Sho cranks on the arm. Shingo throws body shots but the hip toss doesn’t work.
Sho wrenches to a shoulder breaker, then wrenches more, only for Shingo to power out. Sho swats Shingo’s punch away, then runs, but into a back elbow! JAB! LARIAT! Sho is down and Shingo catches his breath again as fans cheer. Shingo drags Sho up, for a SNAP SAIDO! Cover, TWO! Sho survives but Shingo keeps his cool. The fans rally up for Sho as Shingo drags him back up. Shingo tries the Gory Especial but Sho resists. Shingo whips Sho to a corner but blocks the boot. Shingo corner clotheslines then runs, but Sho corner clotheslines back! Sho runs, Shingo ducks, SNAP SAIDO! But Sho is up!? Sho staggers to dead lift GERMAN Shingo!! Both men are down and the fans are loving this! Sho flounders to his feet while Shingo struggles to sit up. Sho runs but into another back elbow! And JAB!
But Sho LARIATS! Only for Shingo to stand right up and LARIAT back! But Sho gets up to SUPERKICK! Both men are down again and the fans cheer. The rallying returns as both men stir. Shingo sits up first and he goes forehead to forehead with Sho. They start throwing forearms on their knees, then as they get to their feet. Shingo fires up and the fans cheer. Shingo eggs Sho on, Sho clotheslines! Shingo doesn’t fall so Sho dares him to give it back. Shingo clotheslines back! Sho does, too! Shingo hits again, and again, then runs, into a KNEE! AX BOMBER outta nowhere! Shingo drags Sho back up for the SLIDING LARIAT! Then Gory Especial, NOSHIGAMI! Cover, TWO!! Sho survives and Shingo can’t believe it!
The fans rally up again as Shingo stands. Shingo brings Sho back up, fireman’s carry but Sho resists. Sho elbows and grabs the arm for a double wristlock. But Shingo powers through, only for Sho to hit a BACKSTABBER! Sho pushes Shingo up, and pops him up for a POWERBOMB! Sho’s strength is incredible! Sho brings Shingo back up, for the POWER BREAKER! Always a bit double edged for those knees, but Sho powers through. The fans rally behind him as he runs, LARIAT! Cover, ONE!? Shingo isn’t down so easily, but Sho dead lifts him again! SNAP GERMAN!? Bridging cover, TWO!! Shingo survives that shocker, but Sho hasn’t given up yet. Sho aims his bow and brings Shingo up. Double underhook pump handle, but Shingo back drops free!
Shingo and Sho slowly stand again and Sho blindside clotheslines! Sho brings Shingo up but Shingo throws forearms. Sho eggs him on so Shingo slaps him! Shingo throws elbows from all sides, but Sho ROCKS Shingo back! Sho throws elbows from all side just like Shingo, but Shingo is on the ropes. The ref stops Sho and Sho knocks the ref over! Sho clotheslines Shingo on the ropes, and again! And again! Sho runs, but Shingo follows to clothesline on the ropes! Shingo runs, double clotheslines! But neither falls! Sho staggers around, brings Shingo around but Shingo blocks the punch! Sho resists Shingo’s pump handle so Shingo knees, and GUT BUSTERS! Shingo drags Sho back up, gets the pump handle, MADE IN JAPAN!! Cover, TWO!?! Sho survives but Shingo is too tired to be upset.
Shingo fires up with the fans, waits for Sho to stand, and then runs to PUMPING BOMBER! Cover, ONE?!?! Sho is in a daze but he still lives! Shingo drags Sho back up, pump handle torture rack, but Sho slips out to a sleeper! Sho is a backpack, so Shingo drops him with a backpack stunner! But Sho gets the armbar! Shingo turns and powers through but Sho tries a Triangle Hold. Shingo dead lifts but Sho lets go to underhook straitjacket! SHOCK DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Shingo survives but Sho just fires up! He aims his bow! Sho drags Shingo back up, pump handles, but Shingo pushes him away. So Sho Penalty Kicks the arm out! Shingo clutches the elbow but refuses to let this stop him. Shingo sees Sho coming, fireman’s carries, but Sho arm-drags out to get the armbar again! Shingo makes it a cover, TWO, and Sho still has the arm!
Shingo endures as Sho cranks on the arm, but he turns over again. Sho gets the Triangle Hold again, squeezes tight, and the fans rally up. Shingo starts to fade! The ref checks, and the arm drops once. The arm drops twice! But Shingo revives and dead lifts again, and gets the fireman’s carry, DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! But Sho rises?! Only to fall again! Shingo drags Sho up but Sho fires off slapping palm strikes from all sides! Sho slaps and slaps, Shingo JABS! HEADBUTTS! Both men wobble but Sho is back up first! Shingo block shis kick, puts it in the ropes, then DRAPING GTR!! Shingo learned much from his battles for this title with Hirooki Goto! The fans rally up, Shingo drags Sho up again, pump handle torture rack, LAST OF THE DRAGON!! Cover, Shingo wins!!
Winner: Shingo Takagi, by pinfall (still NEVER Openweight Champion)
There is still a NEVER Openweight Double Champion! Shingo stops Sho’s run at the title and stays Mr. NEVER Openweight! What will it take to stop the Last Dragon?
But wait! Desperado attacks Shingo at the stage! Suzuki-Gun’s masked wrestler picks up the NEVER Openweight title, and then SMASHES Shingo with it! Young Lions try to get Desperado to stop but Desperado slaps Shingo around. “Oi, Champion, what’s wrong?” Desperado is clearly issuing a challenge and dares Shingo to fight him already. Desperado gets away with the belt and Shingo has help getting to the back. Will Shingo catch up to Desperado and make him regret making such a move?
IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: The Golden Aces VS Dangerous Tekkers!
Hiroshi Tanahashi and Kota Ibushi each lost to Taichi during the New Japan Cup, but mostly because the Sliest Wrestler in the World had help from his friends in Suzuki-Gun. Assuming things stay at 2v2, can Tanahashi and Ibushi trump whatever The Holy Emperor and Zack Sabre Jr. throw at them?
The introductions are made, tensions run high already, and brawls break out! Tanahashi fires off on Taichi while ZSJ throws European Uppercuts and Ibushi KICKS back. Red Shoes rings the bell so this is grudge match is on record.
Tanahashi stomps a mudhole into Taichi and Red Shoes tries to restore order. Ibushi stomps Taichi, then the Golden Aces double whip and double elbow Taichi. ZSJ returns but gets double kicks, whips and elbows! The Tekkers bail out, the Aces DOUBLE PLANCHA! Fans are fired up as Ibushi and Tanahashi control the ring. Tanahashi puts ZSJ in and coordinates with ZSJ. Tanahashi scoops and slams ZSJ for an elbow drop! Ibushi corkscrew splashes, Tanahashi somersault sentons! Tanahashi air guitars and fans cheer. Tanahashi tags Ibushi in and they mug ZSJ. Ibushi swings on Taichi but Taichi catches him. ZSJ dumps Tanahashi out and boots Ibushi. Taichi comes in as ZSJ throws EuroUppers. The Tekkers double whip Ibushi, but Ibushi dodges, elbows and snap-ranas!
The fans cheer as Ibushi is alone with ZSJ. Ibushi throws forearms on ZSJ in the corner. Ibushi keeps standing ZSJ up for more and then kicks, but ZSJ turns it into a heel hook! ZSJ drags Ibushi’s head into it while Taichi throws Tanahashi into barriers! Ibushi gets his head free and gets the ropebreak! ZSJ lets go, then drags Ibushi from the ropes for a standing toehold! ZSJ turns Ibushi around, drags him back and tags Taichi in. Taichi takes his time getting in, and stands on Ibushi’s head. Taichi digs his heel into Ibushi but Red Shoes counts. Taichi stops, but he cranks and claws at Ibushi’s face! Fans rally up for Ibushi as Taichi lets go. Ibushi eggs Taichi on but Taichi stands on his neck. ZSJ adds his boot but Red Shoes reprimands. The Tekkers let up, for Taichi to snapmare and kick Ibushi.
Ibushi stands up, but Taichi claws his face again! Taichi runs but into a dropkick! Ibushi crawls and hot tags Tanahashi! Fans fire up with Tanahashi as he drags Taichi up. Tanahashi fires off fast hands and has Taichi in a corner. Tanahashi whips corner to corner, runs in, but blocks Taichi’s boot! DRAGON SCREW! ZSJ runs in, boots, but he gets a DRAGON SCREW, too! Fans fire up with Tanahashi again as he looms over Taichi. Tanahashi drags Taichi up, scoops and slams him, then goes to the corner. Second rope somersault senton! Cover, TWO! Tanahashi keeps his cool as he watches Taichi stand. Tanahashi runs, but ZSJ kicks him! Red Shoes reprimands but Tanahashi DECKS ZSJ! But Taichi has a tag rope, and uses it to choke Tanahashi!
Red Shoes reprimands, he knows something’s up. Taichi stops, drags Tanahashi out, and chokes him more! ZSJ goes after Ibushi as Taichi brings Tanahashi to railing. Taichi chokes Tanahashi harder this way, but Red Shoes reprimands. ZSJ stands on Tanahashi before going back to the ring. Taichi just chokes Tanahashi with camera cables! Red Shoes reprimands, Taichi stops, the Tekkers put Tanahahsi in. Ibushi hurries over but ZSJ ROCKS him with a EuroUpper! Taichi keeps choking Tanahashi but Red Shoes counts. Taichi stops again while ZSJ throws Ibushi into railing. ZSJ tags in and the Tekkers mug Tanahashi in the corner. ZSJ straitjacket stretches Tanahashi down but Red Shoes says Tanahahsi is in the ropes.
Taichi digs his foot into Tanahashi again! Red Shoes keeps reprimanding them, and Taichi exits. ZSJ cravats and cranks Tanahashi’s neck. Tanahashi endures, ZSJ snapmares to NECK WRENCH with his feet! Tag to Taichi, and Taichi keeps twisting Tanahashi’s head around. Fans rally as Tanahashi endures, and Taichi lets up. Taichi stomps Tanahashi down, tags to ZSJ, and ZSJ drags Tanahashi up for another cravat. Tanahashi fights free but swings into a takedown! ANOTHER neck wrench! Cover, TWO! ZSJ wraps Tanahashi up in a headscissor hold immediately! Taichi BOOTS Ibushi off the apron for good measure! Fans rally as Tanahashi endures this modified Triangle Hold ZSJ has, and Tanahashi rolls to a ropebreak. ZSJ lets go at 4, fans rally up as ZSJ toys with Tanahashi now.
ZSJ brings Tanahashi up, Tanahashi fights out and throws forearms. ZSJ EuroUppers, but Tanahashi swings. Into a standing Cobra Twist! ZSJ puts his own twist on it but Tanahahsi powers up to fight free! They go around and around, Tanahashi gets the leg but ZSJ slips out. ZSJ Peles but into a DRAGON SCREW! Both men are down and the fans rally up again. Hot tag to Ibushi! Springboard missile dropkick! Taichi runs in to get forearms and a whip. Taichi reverses but Ibushi hits a leaping leg lariat! ZSJ runs into the spinning powerslam! MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Ibushi fires up with the fans and watches ZSJ stand. Ibushi fires off palm strikes and kicks but ZSJ dodges to EuroUPper! Ibushi PELE, but ZSJ catches it to an ankle lock!
ZSJ reels Ibushi into a waistlock but Ibushi standing switches. ZSJ resists the Half ‘n’ Half to Pele the arm and sweep the legs! Tag to Taichi and Taichi looms over Ibushi. Taichi toys with Ibushi, but the fans rally up. Ibushi eggs Taichi on so Taichi kicks. That doesn’t bother Ibushi. Taichi keeps kicking, and pushing Ibushi around. Ibushi KICKS back and Taichi doubles over! Ibushi dares Taichi to get up, so Taichi does. Taichi KICKS and Ibushi has to take a moment. Ibushi shakes his head and then KICKS back. Ibushi eggs Taichi on again, so Taichi KICKS again! Ibushi still KICKS back! Taichi has to take a moment, but he KICKS. And then sobats! Taichi smirks but is still stinging as he drags Ibushi up. Ibushi sobats back! Ibushi runs to the corner, but Taichi dodges to enziguri!
Taichi brings Ibushi out, runs, but Ibushi ducks. Taichi boots, Ibushi stays up, but he runs into a dragon sleeper cobra! Tanahashi runs in but ZSJ intercepts with a flying guillotine! The Tekkers have dual submissions! Tanahashi fights, ZSJ keeps him down in a Triangle, and both Golden Aces start to fade! But Tanahashi gets a second wind, as does Ibushi. They both power out, Cloverleaf for ZSJ and Ibushi fireman’s carries! But Taichi slips out ot get the dragon cobra again! Tanahashi dumps ZSJ out to dragon sleeper Taichi! The fans cheer as Tanahashi squeezes tight. Ibushi and Tanahashi scoop Taichi for the GOLDEN BLADE! ZSJ runs in, he also gets a GOLDEN BLADE! Tanahashi throws ZSJ out and Ibushi drags Taichi back up. Ibushi lifts, POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!!
Taichi survives but Ibushi drags Taichi up. Taichi tires to low blow the Kami-Goye away, but Ibushi blocks! Ibushi still KNEES Taichi down! Ibushi vows to finish this, and he brings Taichi around. But ZSJ jumps in to get Ibushi with a sleeper hold! ZSJ brings Ibushi down with body scissors and Ibushi starts to fade! Taichi gets up as ZSJ stands Ibushi up. ZSJ feeds Ibushi to Taichi’s ROUNDHOUSE! Taichi STEALS the Last Ride! High stack cover and ZSJ intercepts Tanahashi, TWO!?! Ibushi keeps the Aces golden but the match is still going! Taichi crawls and gets up. Off come the pants! Taichi aims at Ibushi as he rises, SUPER- NO! Ibushi blocks the kick, reels Taichi in, pops him around, but Taichi slips out. Ibushi ROUNDHOUSES!
Both men are down and the fans rally up! Tanahashi is back at the corner, hot tag to the Once in a Century Talent! Tanahashi fires up as Taichi sits up. Tanahashi runs, Taichi stops the Slingblade but Tanahashi fights off the suplex. Taichi reels Tanahashi in, back suplex but Tanahashi SLING BLADES! Tanahashi DECKS ZSJ then fires up again. The fans are with him as he waits for Taichi to stand. Tanahashi runs, but Taichi ducks to ROCK him with that right! Tanahashi wobbles but gets back up, to get the GAMANGIRI!! Both men are down but the fans rally up again. ZSJ tags in, drags Tanahashi up and runs, to Penalty- NO! Tanahashi blocked! ZSJ slaps and slaps Tanahashi, but Tanahashi SLAPS him back!
Tanahashi runs, ZSJ ducks the Sling Blade to Gory Especial, but Tanahashi slips out, TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! SLING BLADE! Cover, but Taichi breaks it! Ibushi goes after Taichi and gets him out. Tanahashi goes to the corner and the top rope. HIGH FLY FLOW-BODY! Taichi SUPERKICKS! Ibushi V-TRIGGERS! ZSJ counters Kami-Goye to ZACK DRIVER! All four men are down and the fans are thunderous! The teams regroup, ZSJ and Tanahashi stay in the ring. Both men stand as the fans rally, ZSJ runs into a SLING BLADE! Tanahashi goes up top fast, HIGH FLY FLOW ONTO KNEES!! Cover, Ibushi breaks it in time! But Red Shoes is down as Taichi gets in! Taichi has the metal hand and he JABS Ibushi!! Taichi aims at Tanahashi while ZSJ keeps Red Shoes distracted!
Tanahashi ducks the Iron Fingers to SHOTEI! Tanahashi runs, but no Sling Blade, SAIDO!! Taichi shouts for ZSJ to help, and the Tekkers coordinate to finish Tanahashi. Taichi double chicken wings to hold Tanahashi up while ZSJ gives dragon screw after dragon screw after dragon screw! Tanahashi is down, but the Tekkers drag him up to keep going! SIX dragon screws in all! But the Tekkers show no mercy as they drag Tanahashi back up! MORE dragon screws!! EIGHT dragon screws, four for each leg! Can Tanahashi even stand at this point? The fans still rally as Taichi talks trash to Tanahashi. The Tekkers have Tanahashi stand again, EuroUPper to GAMANGIRI! ZSJ scoops, Taichi SUPERKICKS into the ZACK DRIVER! Cover, the Dangerous Tekkers win!!
Winners: The Dangerous Tekkers, by pinfall (NEW IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions)
Taichi and ZSJ won all by themselves, and celebrate by mugging the Young Lions that want to help Tanahashi! Ibushi is still down on the outside so no one can help Tanahashi as Taichi and ZSJ stand over him with the belts. Taichi goes out to fetch Ibushi so that he can be part of this. Taichi drags Ibushi up, Alabama lift, ASSISTED Black Mephisto! The Golden Aces are placed on top of each other and the Dangerous Tekkers stand on them. Will Tanahashi and Ibushi be able to stand for a rematch? Will another team step up to the Tekkers?
IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental Double Championship Match: Tetsuya Naito VS EVIL!
The leader of Los Ingobernables de Japon is truly a man with everything to lose! The King of Darkness is willing to win by any cost, and that even includes betraying LIJ to join Bullet Club! Will this change in allegiance bring about a change in the NJPW power balance?
With being on a new team comes having a brand new entrance and look to Evil! Even so, his biggest fan, Milano, holds out hope as he holds the old toy scythe. Naito makes his entrance with the usual attitude, not letting what happened yesterday affect him. The Bullet Club gives a Low Sweet for luck but Naito just takes off his entrance suit. Red Shoes wants Bullet Club to leave, and fans cheer him on. Bullet Club protests and Gedo tries to get special permission but Red Shoes won’t have it. They either leave or this match is off. Bullet Club concedes, and take their leave. The introductions are made, both title belts are raised, and this moment no one saw coming finally begins!
Fans cheer already as Naito and Evil stare down. Evil and Naito slowly circle, but then Evil pulls a page from Naito’s book and bails out of the ring. Naito doesn’t mind, and waits for Evil to come back. Evil slides in but then right back out. Again, Naito isn’t bothered. Evil walks around ringside just to take his time with his former leader. Evil gets back in only to exit again, but then Naito wrecks him with a dropkick! Naito whips Evil into barriers! And then into m ore barriers! Evil falls down and Naito brings him up to whip into yet even more barriers! And then shotgun dropkick him down! Naito brings Evil out to bump off tables! And again! Fans cheer as Naito bumps Evil off the table a third time. Naito pulls Evil along by his hair to put back in the ring.
Naito stomps Evil at the ropes, then drives elbows in. Fans rally as Naito stands Evil up to throw forearms. Naito puts Evil through the ropes to bend backwards! Red Shoes counts, Naito lets up, but Naito bends Evil back again! Naito stops but uses Evil’s hair to keep him up against the ropes. Red Shoes counts so Naito lets go, then he stomps Evil down. Naito drags Evil up to a cravat and cranks on the neck. Evil endures, gets to ropes, but Naito elbows him on the back. Naito whips, Evil reverses but Naito holds ropes. Naito boots back but Evil clotheslines him out! Evil takes a moment to catch his breath before pursuing Naito outside. Evil whips Naito into barriers now! Evil drags Naito up and wraps his leg around the railing! Evil pulls on the foot, Red Shoes counts, but Evil BOOTS the leg!
Naito falls down and Evil keeps stomping him! Evil confiscates the timekeeper’s table and brings it over! Evil brings Naito up and around for a fireman’s carry, but Naito fights out. Evil kicks Naito’s legs out then walks around to commentary. Evil snatches the toy scythe from Milano! And he BREAKS it! Then he throws the pieces back at Milano!! Milano jumps the rails! But Evil kicksd and WHIPS him into them!! Evil is truly living up to his name tonight! Red Shoes reprimands but Evil just soaks up all the heat. Evil goes back to Naito, drags him up and wraps the leg around railing again! Evil pulls, Red Shoes counts, but Evil stops at 4 to BOOT the leg again.
Naito and Milano are both hurting from what Evil did, but now Evil copies Toru Yano and undoes a corner buckle pad. There’s an exposed corner now as Evil waits for Naito. Fans rally for Naito as he gets up and into the ring. Evil stomps Naito’s legs then drags him up. Evil whips Naito into the exposed buckles! Naito writhes but fans rally for him. Evil drags Naito back up, and whips him back into the bare buckles! Naito writhes more and Evil stomps the legs again. Evil stomps and stomps and stomps, then drops an elbow on the knee! Evil traps the foot in a toehold and Naito endures. Naito fights back but Evil keeps cranking on the leg. Evil digs an elbow into the knee but Naito gets the ropebreak! Evil lets go at 4 and keeps his cool. Evil paces about and taunts Naito.
Evil watches Naito stand and the fans rally again. Evil mocks Naito with the Too Sweet but Naito CHOPS him! But the chops don’t bother Evil, even as Naito keeps going. Evil eggs Naito on and Naito switches to forearms. Evil kicks the bad leg! He brings Naito up but Naito resists the suplex! Evil keeps trying but Naito keeps blocking. Naito tries now but the bad leg doesn’t help. Evil suplexes, Naito slips out but the bad leg jams! Evil kicks Naito then slaps him around before stomping the bad leg. Evil runs, but Naito manages to one-leg shotgun dropkick! Both men are down but fans fire up again. Naito rises and hobbles over to Evil. Naito brings Evil up, fires off forearms and kicks then whips Evil, to run him over with an elbow and basement dropkick!
Naito whips again, runs in to rocket kick! Leg sweep and swinging dropkick, Combinacion Cabron! Naito drags Evil up, turns him and hits a neckbreaker! Cover, TWO! Naito keeps his cool as he grabs Evil’s hair. Naito drags Evil up, fans rally but Evil breaks free. Evil swings into the inverted DDT and leg nelson! Naito claws Evil’s face, Red Shoes reprimands, and Evil crawls around uses his legs. Naito cranks harder on his hold but Evil squirms and reaches to get the ropebreak. Red Shoes counts but Naito says he needs him. Naito just uses that as an excuse to crank harder. Red Shoes “helps” Naito let go, and Naito stomps Evil’s head! Evil sits up but Naito stomps him more. Naito brings Evil up and reels him in, but Evil fights off the waistlock with elbows. Evil throws Naito down by his hair!
Fans rally up as Naito stirs. Evil SLAPS Naito around! Evil drags Naito up, slaps him more and eggs Naito on. Evil has the leg but Naito elbows him away. Naito hits the atomic drop, throws more and more and more elbows into Evil, then stands him back up for even more! Evil falls and the fans cheer as Naito keeps cool. Naito drags Evil up by his hair again, but Evil ducks the elbow to kick back. Evil whips, Naito reverses but the enziguri misses! Evil knows that trick too well, and he SMASHES Naito’s knee into the mat! Evil looms over Naito, turns him around and SMASHES the knee again! Naito gets to ropes but Evil stalks over. Evil drags Naito up on the apron, goes after the leg, but Naito fights him off.
Naito elbows Evil again, turns him, APRON NECKBREAKER! Fans cheer as Naito evens things with Evil. Naito grabs the table from before, brings it closer, and fans rally up as they anticipate Naito’s plan. Naito brings Evil around, but Evil holds ropes for dear life! Evil rakes Naito’s eyes! Red Shoes reprimands but Evil lets up to lift, SUPER SHINBREAKER THROUGH THE TABLE!!! It was double edged for Evil, too, as he hits the floor! But is Naito’s knee even still there!? Evil doesn’t care, he fetches his friends, the chairs! Evil puts a chair around the leg, but Red Shoes shields Naito using a piece of the table! Fans cheer Red Shoes’ courage and Evil stands down. Red Shoes frees Naito’s leg from the chair while Evil goes into the ring. Fans rally as Naito stirs, but a ring count starts.
The count passes 5 of 20, then 10. Naito sits up with help from the table debris but we’re already at 15! Naito crawls at 18, stands and is in at 19.5! Evil argues with Red Shoes but then he stomps Naito’s legs. Evil steps through for the SHARPSHOOTER! Naito endures despite all the pain in his legs and back! The fans rally as Naito grits his teeth and reaches for ropes. Evil sits deep, Naito starts to fade! Naito feebly flails but he keeps reaching! Naito shouts as he gives it one last try, but Evil just sits deeper! Naito fades again! Is he out!? No, Naito revives to ROPEBREAK! Evil holds on until Red Shoes counts 4. Evil stomps Naito’s legs and then grins as he stands over him. Naito glares up at Evil but Evil brings him up. Naito resists the fireman’s carry and elbows away, but Evil kicks the leg.
Evil whips, Naito reverses but Evil reverses back to send him into bare buckles! Evil LARIATS! Cover, TWO!! Naito survives and fans cheer! Evil grows annoyed, and he drags Naito back up. Fireman’s carry, DARKNESS FALLS! Cover, TWO!!! Naito almost didn’t kick out! Evil sits Naito up and slashes the throat. Some things never change as Evil stands and spins Naito, but Naito elbows him away. Evil kicks the leg, tries again, but Naito slips out to SLAP Evil! Naito leaps up and over, ESPERANZA! Cover, TWO! Naito dug deep into his arsenal for that one but Evil still lives! The fans rally up, Naito and Evil stir, and Naito crawls towards Evil. Naito grabs Evil’s hair and brings him over for a forearm! Evil forearms back and we have a brawl!
Naito forearms, Evil wobbles but forearms back. Naito hits again, but so does Evil. Evil hits more and more, but so does Naito! Evil falls over and fans cheer for Naito as he stands. Naito brings Evil up, throws more forearms, and grins. But Evil kicks the bad leg! Naito fires off more forearms, but Evil rakes the eyes! Red Shoes reprimands, Naito pushes Evil away but Evil whips. Naito reverses, reels Evil in, and hits a tornado DDT! Naito drags Evil up and hammerlocks, but Evil fights Naito off. Naito hits a rolling kick! Hammerlock and lift, GLORIA! Cover, TWO!! Evil survives but Naito just strikes a pose. Naito drags Evil up, wrenches, but Evil grabs his hair! The two head for the bare buckles, but it’s Evil who gets sent in!
Naito brings Evil up to the top rope, climbs up to join him, and SUPER STEINERS Evil down hard! Evil writhes whlie Naito steadies himself. Fans rally as Naito aims. Naito runs, tilt-o-whirl, DESTINO!! Cover, TWO!?! Evil lives but Naito isn’t bothered. Naito drags Evil back up, wrenches and tries again, but Evil blocks Destino with a dragon sleeper! Evil and Naito fight for control as fans rally up. Naito clubs, Evil knees low. Evil whips Naito into Red Shoes, into bare buckles! LARIAT! And here comes Jado for Bullet Club! Jado takes his time heading for the ring with his kendo stick, and it’s Taiji Ishimori who gets there first. Ishimori aims at Natio, springboard seated senton! Bone Soldier wants the Master Heater to hurry up.
Taiji keeps Naito down, Jado has the stick, but here comes LIJ! Hiromu Takahashi SUPERKICKS Jado! And baits Taiji into a belly2belly into buckles! Hiromu bails out and throws Taiji into Jado! This brawl continues at the railing and down the aisle as Naito revives. Naito grins, he still has allies he can trust. Naito stalks over to Evil, but Evil has a chair! Evil was playing possum and he JAMS Naito! Then a chairshot to the head!! Evil kicks the evidence away but fans rally up again. Red Shoes revives and returns as Evil paces. Evil drags Naito up, spins him around, but Naito slips out! Evil elbows Naito but Naito enziguris back! Naito baits Evil into a flapjack into corners! Naito hops up, reels Evil in, INVERTED TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO!! Evil survives but Naito fires up!
Naito drags Evil up, scoops, VALENTIA! But he’s not done there! Naito wrenches the arm, but Evil grabs Red Shoes! Evil LOW BLOW MULE KICKS! Wait, who is this now? Bushi is here and coaching Evil up. Naito stands, but Bushi DECKS Naito! And uses a rope to CHOKE Naito! Has Evil turned Bushi!? Naito fades out and Bushi hides the evidence. The ref spots Bushi and asks what he’s doing here. Bushi distracts Red Shoes, Evil drags Naito away, for the EVIL STOMP!! Evil drags Naito up and spins him for EVERYTHING IS EVIL!! Cover, EVIL WINS!??!
Winner: EVIL, by pinfall (NEW IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental Double Champion)
The King of Darkness dethrones Naito! Naito has lost both belts, and two allies within his faction! Evil and Bushi Too Sweet as the World of Darkness Era begins! Evil grabs both belts and stands over Naito with them. Evil then grabs a mic to speak even as fans boo. “Oi, you bastards!” Evil isn’t just a double but a TRIPLE Champion because of the NEVER Openweight Six Man titles! And he introduces his “pareja” (partner). This isn’t Bushi, after all! This is DICK TOGO!! He did look a little too beefy… Togo and Evil stomp Naito, but Hiromu rushes back! The Ticking Time Bomb shields Naito while Young Lions tend to the former double champion. Evil and Togo stick together while the Young Lions get Naito out.
Hiromu talks to Evil now. “Oi, Evil. How does it feel?” What does it feel like to betray his friends? Hiromu wants to hear Evil’s response but Evil doesn’t speak. Hiromu doesn’t care about anything else, just what Evil is thinking! “Now. Now. Now!” Still Evil stays silent. In that case, Hiromu has one favor to ask. “Let me challenge you for those belts you just took!” But if Evil’s too afraid to do that, just put one or the other up. Evil gets back in the ring, grabs the mic, but then just drops it. The King of Darkness no longer has time for those from his past. He and the Bullet Club are paving a new future in NJPW! Hiromu is raging, screaming, and running around, but he and everyone else must come to terms that #ThisIsEvil!
My Thoughts:
Incredible stuff. Andrew Balaz has the full event with his own ratings covered, but for the three matches I chose, they were all incredible. The NEVER Openweight was above my expectations and I was already expecting something great. But as I said in yesterday’s article, Shingo was going to retain because his reign still needs to be built to be strong. This was a great start to that, and it definitely built up Sho as a singles competitor. Desperado surprising us all as Shingo’s next challenger was a great move, too. Desperado always felt like the cooler half of his team with Yoshinobu Kanemaru, he and Shingo will have a great match. The IWGP Heavyweight Tag match was incredible, hard to call as I figured, and had a pretty brutal ending. ZSJ and Taichi have the titles, which felt like the plan from before the lockdown, but I’m still surprised they went through with it.
Evil coming out of nowhere to not only join Bullet Club but to be the NEW Double Champion is wild, and probably because of the changes from COVID. And as I addressed last time, what happens to the NEVER Openweight Six Man titles? Evil said it himself that he is a THREE BELT champion because he still has a part in that. Hiromu made a bold challenge, but clearly Evil didn’t care. We might only get the Heavyweight VS Junior Heavyweight Champion exhibition match at like New Japan Road or some other event, even though it’s Evil and not Naito. At the same time, there are any number of ways Bullet Club and LIJ could tie in the Six Man championships, subbing one of the other LIJ members in where Evil was on the trio. The obvious answer is Hiromu, but I wish it’d be Sanada so that he has a belt at all. Either way, can’t wait to see what happens.
My Score: 9.5/10
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Main Event Jey goes for gold!
While Drew McIntyre wants the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, it’s Jey Uso who gets his shot at Seth Rollins tonight on Monday Night Raw!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Drew McIntyre VS Sami Zayn; McIntyre wins.
- Shayna Baszler VS Nia Jax; Nia wins.
- Best 2 Out of 3 Falls: #DIY VS Imperium; wins.
- The Creed Brothers w/ Ivy Nile VS JD McDonagh & Dominik Mysterio w/ Rhea Ripley; win.
- Natalya & Tegan Nox VS Kayden Carter & Katana Chance; win.
- Cody Rhodes VS Shinsuke Nakamura; wins.
- WWE World Heavyweight Championship: Seth Rollins VS Jey Uso; wins and
PLAY BY PLAY
Drew McIntyre is here!
The Scottish Warrior is ready to tear it all down, all because he didn’t get another title match with Seth Rollins when he wanted. But before he tears into Sami Zayn, McIntyres the mic to say, “It’s been awhile since I’ve done this, but welcome everybody to Monday Night Raw!” Fans cheer that! And McIntyre says Raw is the land where it feels like everyone’s lost their minds lately! “Liars, hypocrites, cowards, just plain idiots. Apparently, you can get fired, released, leave, do what you want for a bunch of time, come back, and you’re instantly forgiven these days!” Fans chant “CM PUNK!” but McIntyre says he could be talking about anyone.
Now, Rollins tried to pull a fast one on McIntyre. Rollins could’ve given the match to anyone, but McIntyre beat Jey Uso weeks ago. So Rollins sticks it to McIntyre, slaps him metaphorically, so he headbutts Rollins in his stupid face. And speaking of Jey, O M G, Jey can apologize! He ran to Randy Orton, tail between his legs, “Oh, I’m so sorry, Randy!” Well Jey, your time’s coming. And there’s someone McIntyre is forgetting. Oh, right! Sami Zayn! And wouldn’t you know? Here comes Sami! Fans cheer and sing Sami’s song as he makes his way to the ring, a mic of his in hand. The fans then chant for ‘SAMI! SAMI!” as he sits up top.
Sami tells McIntyre, he clearly has a lot to say about everybody, including Sami, so he may as well say it to Sami’s face. Oh, yes, McIntyre sure does. Last week, Sami wanted to say how alike they are, but they are not. McIntyre has something to say to Sami and it is the truth: Sami is the one person in the world who deserved to get screwed over by The Bloodline. The fans boo but McIntyre says he will explain. Sami was the Bloodline’s lapdog errand boy, he joined them because he was running away from McIntyre, and then what? Sami screwed Bloodline over! What did Sami think was gonna happen to him? Isn’t Sami supposed to be smart?
McIntyre says Sami deserved what he got, it’s the truth. Sami says McIntyre is right about one thing: Sami was wrong. Sami thought they were alike but the more Sami is seeing, the more “truth” he’s hearing, Sami realizes they are NOT anything alike! Sami is not a delusional person. He isn’t someone who points a finger at everyone else for his own shortcomings. And big difference here: When Sami lost in front of his family and let everyone down, he stayed hungry, driven and motivated and that carried him to victory in the main event of WrestleMania! Fans fire up for that! So Sami got his redemption. Sami got to make his family proud. Does McIntyre think he’s making his family proud?
McIntyre glares at Sami, and then says one of them is NOT walking out of here. Get a ref and ring the bell! Fans fire up as we get their match now! Will McIntyre absolutely explode after Sami set him off?
Drew McIntyre VS Sami Zayn!
The bell rings and fans are behind Sami in this one. Sami and McIntyre circle, then McIntyre RAMS Sami into a corner! And OVERHEAD Belly2Belly suplexes! McIntyre asks if it was a good idea to talk bad now. McIntyre ROCKS and DECKS Sami, then stalks him. Fans rally with “Let’s Go, Sami!” as he bails out. McIntyre pursues, and SMACKS him off the apron! McIntyre scoops Sami, but Sami slips free to POST McIntyre! Sami aims at the apron, McIntyre body shots and SMACKS Sami off the apron! McIntyre puts Sami in but Sami builds speed to FLY! Direct hit and down goes McIntyre! Fans fire up with Sami as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns and fans rally as McIntyre has Sami in a motorcycle stretch. But Sami flips then BOOTS McIntyre away! But McIntyre CHOPS Sami back! Sami bails out, McIntyre pursues, but Sami kicks and CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Sami throws hands, whips, but McIntyre reverses. Sami goes up the barriers to QUEBRADA! Down goes McIntyre again and fans fire back up! The ring count climbs, the fans fire up with Sami, and Sami brings McIntyre around to put him in at 7 of 10. Sami slides in, but McIntyre LARIATS Sami back down! McIntyre seethes while fans boo, and McIntyre throws fists down on Sami!
Fans rally even harder for Sami and Sami sits up. McIntyre drags Sami up, to CHOP! Sami flops right back down, McIntyre grins, and he drags Sami up. McIntyre CHOPS and Sami wobbles around! Sami shakes his head, grits his teeth, and CHOPS in return! And CHOPS! McIntyre CHOPS and Sami falls over! McIntyre stomps Sami, smother shim, then stomps his head again! McIntyre stomps Sami’s leg, then stomps the other leg! McIntyre paces around Sami, waits on Sami to get up, and Sami goes to a corner. McIntyre runs in but Sami ELBOWS him away! Sami goes up, McIntyre runs in but into a BOOT!
Sami leaps, AX HANDLE! Sami fires up with the fans, he kicks McIntyre and reels him in, but McIntyre is a little too big to suplex! McIntyre suplexes, Sami slips free, then he lures McIntyre into the corner to POST him! Sami kicks and reels McIntyre in, to SUPLEX! Fans fire up while both men are down! Sami clutches the ankle, but he stands up to fire off haymakers! Sami whips, McIntyre reverses but Sami ducks ‘n ‘ dodges to tilt-o-whirl DDT! Cover, TWO!! McIntyre survives and Sami is stunned! Sami hurries to the apron while fans fire up! Sami climbs, leaps, but into an OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! And then another OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY!
McIntyre hits a NECKBREAKER, then kips up! Fans are torn as McIntyre shakes the ropes. But then Sami clotheslines him up and out! Sami aims, and PLANCHAS! McIntyre catches him! And SLINGS him over the desk! Fans lose their minds and McIntyre seethes as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and McIntyre ELBOWS Sami, then Reverse Alabama Lifts! For the REVERSE ALA- NO, Sami victory rolls! TWO!! Sami runs up, into a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife bridge, TWO!! But McIntyre deadlift POWERBOMBS! Cover, TWO!?! Sami survives and surprises even himself! The fans declare “This is Awesome!” but McIntyre snarls. McIntyre sits Sami up, fireman’s carries, and then goes up a corner! SUPER- NO, Sami flails and fights to a SUPER SUNSET FLIP BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! McIntyre survives and Sami is beside himself! Sami hobbles up, fans rally behind him and he brings McIntyre around.
Sami reels McIntyre in but McIntyre fights the lift! Sami CLUBS away on McIntyre and fans fire up! Sami tries again, BLUE- NO, McIntyre fights free to GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTT! McIntyre then aims from the corner! Sami flounders up as the countdown begins! “THREE! TWO! ONE!” BOOT from Sami! BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! McIntyre survives again and Sami can’t believe it! “This is Awesome!” as Sami and McIntyre rise again. Sami throws a haymaker, McIntyre gives it back. They stand, Sami CHOPS! McIntyre CHOPS in return! Both men wobble, McIntyre CHOPS again! Sami BOOTS! And BOOTS!
Sami whips, McIntyre reverses but Sami goes up and over. The leg jams! The ref keeps McIntyre back but he storms in, Sami ELBOWS McIntyre, then TOSSES him out! Sami thinks about it, he wants to build speed but the leg won’t let him do it! McIntyre sees a target, and he gets in to CHOP BLOCK! The ref reprimands and backs McIntyre off. McIntyre just aims, to CLAYMORE!!! Direct hit and McIntyre covers, McIntyre wins!
Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall
No mercy from McIntyre, and that is how he wins! Will the Scottish Warrior force everyone’s hands by fighting his way to a title opportunity?
Zoey Stark finds Shayna Baszler backstage.
The Queen of Spades is getting ready, but then Byron Saxton walks over to ask a few questions. Shayna faces a former tag partner in Nia Jax- Look, she has one goal tonight. Shayna put Nia on the shelf by breaking her arm. So she’ll remind Nia of that, limb by limb. Shayna heads out, Zoey follows. Will the Irresistible Force run into that immovable object again tonight?
Jey Uso speaks.
“Tonight, I have a chance to do something I thought I’d never be able to do again. A few months ago, I had a chance to dethrone the Tribal Chief and become the WWE Undisputed Universal Champion. That moment was ripped away from me by the one man in this world I love the most, my Day One. My own twin brother. Man, that hurt me more than you could ever know. I couldn’t be around this business anymore, I had to walk away. I really convinced myself I was done. Until I got a call from Cody Rhodes.” Cody told Jey he couldn’t quit, he could have a fresh start to be his own man. And the more Jey thought about it, the more he realized Cody was right.
Jey’s whole life, he’s fought for others. For Roman, for his brothers, for his father. From now on, Jey fights for HIS legacy. Before the Bloodline, before record-breaking reigns, before the Uso Penitentiary, before the Day One, before the dance, the face paint, FCW and long ass training nights, making money, being broke… There was just Jey, Uce! So Seth Rollins, we know you’re about game. Rollins has fought against Jey, fought with Jey, but now you’re fighting a starving individual ready to eat! It’s just Jey now. Jey proves to the whole world, to Rollins, to his family and himself why he IS Main Event Jey Uso! But will he become World Champion Jey Uso?
Backstage interview with Sami Zayn.
Jackie Redmond shows Sami being checked by medical staff, but then McIntyre attacks! McIntyre throws Sami into road cases, rains down fists, and says Sami can’t talk about McIntyre’s family! They’re nothing alike! NOTHING! Sami brought this upon himself! Then he STOMPS the bad ankle!! Producers rush in to get McIntyre to leave, but has McIntyre just sidelined Sami for the rest of 2023?
Raw returns as Sami is being reevaluated.
The medics check the leg, Jey hurries over to say it’ll be alright, Uce. Jey looks around for McIntyre, will Jey be able to focus on his main event after this just happened?
Backstage interview with Becky Lynch.
Byron is with The Man and asks about last week, her statement that… Oh, Nia walks in now. She tells “Barney” she has this. And Becky, she talked about some fights on the horizon. Does one include anyone in particular? Yes, Nia, it does. Nia would be number one because Becky had forgotten about her, as everyone had, but then Nia showed up on Becky’s interview and they never got to this. Becky still owes Nia a receipt. A receipt, huh? Well, once Nia squashes Shayna, she is all Becky’s. Becky can’t wait. The music hits, will we see a big time grudge match in the near future?
Shayna Baszler VS Nia Jax!
The bell rings and Nia runs in, but Shayna dodges to KICK and KICK! Nia blocks one, SLAPS Shayna, then TOSSES her! Shayna gest up in a corner, but Nia SPLASHES in the corner! Shayna flounders, Nia pushes her around and slaps her some more. Nia talks trash then TOSSES Shayna across the way! Nia runs back in, but Shayna dodges! Nia hits buckles, Shayna KNEES Nia down! Shayna then knuckle locks and twists that wrist, then goes up the corner for a HANGING ARMBAR! Nia endures, powers up, and POWERBOMBS Shayna down! Shayna gets out of the ring, Nia pursues, and fans rally up as Nia drags Shayna up.
Nia SMACKS Shayna off the desk, then SMACKS her off the apron! Nia brings Shayna around, fireman’s carries, but Shayna fights free! And she POSTS Nia! Shayna slides into the ring, then goes to the apron to PENALTY KICK the arm! Shayna isolates that arm, lets her hair down, and says Nia’s done! But Nia SWEEPS the legs! Shayna hits the apron, and Nia gets up to APRON LEG DROP! Fans boo as Shayna writhes and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Nia has Shayna in a neck wrench. Shayna endures, even as NIa leans on the hold. Fans rally, Shayna fights up, and she JAWBREAKERS free! Nia staggers, Shayna fires body shots and KICKS! Shayna ROCKS Nia into a corner, then runs, but Nia URENAGES Shayna down! Nia then drags Shayna up to POST her! Nia goes to the apron, lines up the shot, runs in and HIP ATTACKS against the post! Cover, TWO!! Shayna survives but Nia drags her up. Nia puts Shayna in a corner, throws body shots and slaps Shayna around, but Shayna fires off forearms! Shayna runs, but Nia scoops her! SIDEWALK SLAM!
Nia dribbles Shayna while taunting her, then she covers, TWO! Nia is frustrated but she drags Shayna up into a cobra clutch. Shayna endures, fans rally up, and Shayna throws elbows! Then kicks! And KICKS! And KICKS! Shayna runs, KICKS, then runs again. Another KICK but Nia still stays up! Shayna runs, dodges Nia, but Nia scoops to SAMOAN DROP! Shayna crawls to a corner, Nia runs in, but Shayna ducks and the hip attack hits buckles! Then Shayna hits a roll up into buckles! Shayna goes to the far corner, Nia crawls after her, but Shayna runs in to KNEE Nia down! Cover, TWO!! Nia survives and Shayna is frustrated.
Nia rises, Shayna KICKS! And KICKS! And KICKS, KICKS, KICKS! Fans fire up with each shot but Nia blocks one! Shayna gets free to BUZZSAW! Shayna runs, but Nia CLOBBERS her at the ropes! Nia pushes Shayna down, runs and SENTONS! Cover, TWO?!? Shayna survives and fans fire up! Nia is in disbelief, but she drags Shayna to a drop zone. Nia stomps Shayna, climbs up, but Shayna grabs a leg! ANKLE LOCK! Nia kicks Shayna away, but then Shayna returns, SUPER GERMAN SUPLEX!! Both women have a crash landing and fans fire up! Shayna drags herself up while Nia stirs, and the fans rally behind her!
Shayna stalks Nia, KIRAFUDA KLUTCH!! Nia endures but she has Shayna on her as a backpack! Fans fire up, but Nia stands up! Shayna drags her back down! Shayna rear mounts again, leans all her weight on the hold, but Nia fights back up! BACKPACK SENTON!! Both women are down again as Nia sputters and coughs. But then she gets mad, and she drags Shayna to the drop zone! Nia climbs, soaks up the heat, A-NIA-LATOR!! Cover, Nia wins!
Winner: Nia Jax, by pinfall
Shayna tried but she could not be the immovable object to the Irresistible Force. Nia crushes the Queen of Spades, but here comes Becky! Fans fire up but Nia backs down! This collision is coming, but will Becky be that big time roadblock to Nia?
DIY talks backstage.
Gargano & Ciampa know what they gotta do, but then in walk Candice & Indi. They’ll be cheering DIY on, ready for back to back wins, and then they all stand at attention because Imperium walks in. Oh, yes, good, show respect. Look at this lovely couple. Yes, a lovely couple of losers! Oh, ow, wow. But it’ll be embarrassing to get beat twice in one match. Hopefully Papa Gunther won’t be too mad after. The Way heads out, and Ludwig reminds Giovanni this is important. Don’t mess up out there. Oh, he’s got it. He hopes Ludwig does, too. The dysfunction between Impeccable German and the Pride of Italy is growing, will it be their downfall?
Best 2 Out of 3 Falls: #DIY VS Imperium!
Raw returns as Imperium makes their entrance. The teams sort out and Ciampa starts against Ludwig. The fans rally behind DIY as we start this first fall, and the two circle. Ciampa and Ludwig tie up, go around, and Ludwig puts Ciampa in a corner. The ref counts, Ludwig lets off slowly, but Ciampa avoids the cheap shot to ROCK and CHOP and repeat! Ciampa whips corner to corner, Ludwig reverses and runs in. He blocks a boot, “NEIN!” UPPERCUT! Ludwig stands over Ciampa, drags him up and bumps him off buckles. Ludwig ROCKS Ciampa, tags Vinci, and Vinci RAMS into Ciampa! Vinci then stays between Ciampa and Gargano to stomp Ciampa.
Vinci throws hands and UPPERCUTS, but Ciampa hits back! They brawl, Ciampa has the edge and whips, but Vinci ducks ‘n’ dodge to CROSSBODY! Fans boo but Vinci stomps Ciampa. Vinci KNEES Ciampa in the back, then he stomps Ciampa more. Vinci talks trash, stands Ciampa up and UPPERCUTS! Vinci CLUBS Ciampa in the back, tags Ludwig, and Imperium mugs Ciampa. Ludwig looms over Ciampa, then scrapes his soles off Ciampa’s face! Ludwig taunts Gargano, fans boo, but Ludwig smirks as he whips Ciampa. Ludwig ELBOWS Ciampa down, covers, TWO! Fans rally but Ludwig clamps onto Ciampa with a chinbar and armlock.
Ciampa fights up, fans rally harder as they go around and around, and Ciampa sends Ludwig into buckles! Fans fire up, Ciampa crawls, but Ludwig anchors the feet! Ciampa ENZIGURIS, but Ludwig still holds on! Ciampa fires forearms, Ludwig keeps him from Gargano to then dodge. But Ciampa dodges, hot tag to Gargano! Fans fire up as Gargano JUMP KICKS Ludwig, then schoolboy rolls and KICKS Vinci! Gargano rallies on Ludwig, whips him to ropes, but Ludwig reverses. Gargano ducks ‘n ‘dodges to tilt-o-whirl, LA MYSTICA! Fans fire up with Johnny Wrestling and he runs in at the corner, but Ludwig puts him on the apron!
Gargano GAMANGIRIS, then he avoids Vinci to SUPERKICK! SLINGSHOT SPEAR on Ludwig! Fans fire up again and Gargano tags Ciampa back in. DIY set up in corners, Ludwig sits up, but Vinci trips Gargano! Ludwig avoids the knee, rolls Ciampa with tights, Imperium scores!
DIY: 0; Imperium: 1
Fans boo as Imperium takes the crucial first fall! But while Vinci & Ludwig gloat, Gargano gets back up, CANNONBALL takes out Vinci! Ciampa PLANCHAS Ludwig down! DIY sits on the desk, and they pat themselves on the backs while applauding! Fans applaud and Raw goes to break.
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Sure #EverybodyDies, but who will tranquilo?
The World Tag League round robin is almost over, and B Block is looking saucy! Will Lance Archer & Alex Zayne burn Yota Tsuji & Zandokan Jr?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- BUSHI & Shingo Takagi VS SHO & Yoshinobu Kanemaru; win.
- Six Man Tag: Kaito Kiyomiya, Ryohei Oiwa & Oskar Leube VS The Gates of Agony & Boltin Oleg; win.
- Six Man Tag: Toru Yano, Tomohiro Ishii & Tomoaki Honma VS The United Empire; win(s).
- Six Man Tag: Shota Umino, Ren Narita & Ryusuke Taguchi VS The House of Torture; win(s).
- Six Man Tag: TMDK VS Bullet Club; wins.
- 2023 World Tag League, B Block: Taichi & Yuya Uemura VS Bad Luck Fale & Jack Bonza; Fale & Bonza win.
- 2023 World Tag League, B Block: El Phantasmo & Hikuleo VS Atlantis Jr. & Soberano Jr; ELP & Leo win.
- 2023 World Tag League, B Block: Bishamon VS Yuji Nagata & Minoru Suzuki; Bishamon wins.
- 2023 World Tag League, B Block: Lance Archer & Alex Zayne VS Yota Tsuji & Zandokan Jr; Tsuji & Zando win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Here are the current B Block standings.
Alex Zayne & Lance Archer: 4-1, 8 points
Taichi & Yuya Uemura: 4-1, 8 points
ELP & Hikuleo: 3-2, 6 points
Bishamon: 2-2-1, 5 points
Atlantis Jr. y Soberano Jr: 2-2-1, 5 points
Yota Tsuji & Zandokan Jr: 2-3, 4 points
Yuji Nagata & Minoru Suzuki: 1-4, 2 points
Bad Luck Fale & Jack Bonza: 1-4, 2 points
2023 World Tag League, B Block: Taichi & Yuya Uemura VS Bad Luck Fale & Jack Bonza!
The Holy Emperor & Heat Storm are just outside the top after their loss to Monster Sauce, but that’s way better than being at the bottom like the Rogue Army. But can Fale & Bonza ruin things for Taichi & Yuya? Or will B Block belong to Just5Guys?
The teams sort out and Yuya starts against Bonza. The fans rally up as the bell rings and the two stare down. They circle, tie up, and Bonza wrenches to hammerlock then waistlock. Yuya switches to then hammerlock, but Bonza switches the hammerlock back. Yuya reaches back, sits down, rolls and wrenches to a wristlock. Bonza spins, breaks free and pie faces Yuya! Yuya keeps cool, and he resets with Bonza. They tie up, but Bonza kicks low! Bonza runs, runs Yuya over, and says he’s pathetic! Bonza runs, Yuya stays low to then hurdle, and then he hip tosses Bonza down! Yuya scoops and SLAMS Bonza, then arm-drags him!
Fans fire up as Yuya has the armlock, but Fale runs in to throw body shots and scoop! Yuya slips free, but Fale’s too big for an arm-drag! Fale scoops again, and SLAMS Yuya! Then Fale DECKS Taichi for the hell of it! Bonza stomps Yuya around, brings him up, and bumps him off buckles. Tag to Fale and the Rogue Army mugs Yuya. Fale brings Yuya around to CLUB him down, then looms over him. Fans rally but Fale stands on Yuya! Fale goes surfing on the Heat Storm! Fale steps off, covers, TWO! Fans cheer but Fale tags Bonza. Bonza storms up on Yuya, drags him around, and then he goes surfing!
Bonza lets off to then drop an elbow! And then springboard stomp! Yuya sputters, Bonza drags him back up but Taichi rallies the fans. Yuya CHOPS Bonza, ROCKS Fale, repeat! Bonza ROCKS Yuya! Bonza bumps Yuya off buckles, whips him corner to corner, then runs in to elbow! Bonza keeps moving, but Yuya DROPKICKS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Yuya crawls, hot tag to Taichi! Taichi storms up to Kawada Kick! Bonza says F U and ROCKS Taichi, but Taichi SOBATS back! Taichi tells Bonza off and BOOTS him in the corner! Fale runs in, but into a BOOT! Fale comes back, Taichi steps aside to GAMANGIRI!
Bonza kicks Taichi, whips him to a corner, but Taichi comes back to AX BOMBER! Fans fire up with Taichi, and OFF COME THE PANTS! Taichi then aims, but Bonza blocks the kick to ELBOW! Bonza whips, DISCUS LARIAT! Bonza fires up, he drags Taichi up, and he reels Taichi in to suplex! Taichi fights that off to suplex back! Bonza fights that off, they fight for suplex control, and fans rally up! In the end, Bonza gets Taichi up, but Taichi slips free! SAI- NO, Bonza fights with elbows! Bonza runs, into a RIDGE HAND! Taichi runs, but Bonza deflects the boot to hit a BIG back suplex! Tag to Fale and he storms up on Taichi.
Fale stomps Taichi, drags him up and CLUBS away on the back! Taichi falls over but Fale stalks him to the ropes. Fale drags Taichi up, but Taichi fights and wrenches to HOOK KICK! Fale runs up, into a clinch! Taichi is using sumo! Fale and Taichi hobble around, Fale tries to counter sumo with sumo! But Taichi still THROWS Fale!! Fans are thunderous and Taichi takes aim! BUZZSAW! Both men are down, fans rally up, hot tag to Yuya! Yuya roars, runs in and CHOPS Fale! Bonza runs in, but gets an arm-drag! And then a DROPKICK! Bonza bails out, Fale staggers up into a DROPKICK! He stays up, so Yuya DROPKICKS again!
Fale rebounds, into an ARM-DRAG!! The fans are thunderous and Yuya runs in at the corner. DOUBLE CHOP! Taichi adds a BOOT! Yuya runs in again, DROPKICK! Fale hobbles, Yuya pushes him out and goes up the corner! CROSSBODY! Down goes Fale! But Yuya isn’t done there! Yuya drags Fale up, wrenches and traps the arm, but Fale swings the other! Yuya catches it! But Fale’s too big for Kamuki! Fale TOSSES Yuya to a corner then SPLASHES! Fireman’s carry, but Yuya flails around! Sunset flip, but Fale stays up! So Taichi GAMANGIRIS him into it! High stack, TWO!! Fale escapes, but Yuya has an ARMBAR!!
Fans fire up as Fale endures! Fale fights around, but Yuya powers him down!! ARMBAR!! Fale flails and kicks around, reaches out, but Yuya shifts grip! Bonza sends Taichi into railing before he gets in, Fale has the ROPEBREAK! Bonza CLOBBERS Yuya for good measure! Fans fire up as Bonza BLASTS Taichi off the apron! Yuya CHOPS Bonza, CHOPS him again, and powers up, but Bonza dodges! Only for Yuya to catch the arms! But Bonza knees low! Yuya roars, but Bonza scoops him! BACKBREAKER to ELBOW DROP!! Cover, TAICHI BREAKS IT! Fans fire up but Bonza scoops Taichi! FIRE THUNDER DRIVER!!
Fale hoists Yuya up! Crucifix lift, for BAD LUCK FALL!!! Cover, Rogue Army wins!!
Winners: Bad Luke Fale & Jack Bonza, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Taichi & Yuya earn 0)
The Rogue General & Red Commander just brought down two of the five guys! Did they just blow up the chances of Taichi & Yuya going on to the semifinals? Or will luck be with J5G in the seventh?
2023 World Tag League, B Block: El Phantasmo & Hikuleo w/ Jado VS Atlantis Jr. & Soberano Jr!
The NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Champions take on the NWA World Historic Light Heavyweight Champion and a former World Middleweight Champion, but both teams are on the bubble in this block. Who pops off and who drops off right before the end?
ELP tries to get the fans cheering Soberano but it takes a second to warm them up. The fans fire up and the sons of lucha appreciate it. “AT-LAN-TIS!” and “SOBER-RA-NO!” then return the favor helping in a “HI-KU-LEO~!” chant. They all shake hands and high-five, and then the teams sort out. ELP starts against Soberano and fans rally up. The two wind up, and shake hands! Fans cheer and the two circle. They tie up, ELP headlocks, but Soberano powers up and out to then reel ELP back and run. ELP sidesteps, he avoids Soberano’s handspring, and fans cheer. Soberano flexes and fans cheer a little more.
ELP gives a mocking golf clap and then circles with Soberano again. Soberano headlocks, ELP throws body shots and powers out. Soberano runs ELP over, then things speed up. ELP hurdles but Soberano front flips! Fans fire up and Soberano looks off into the distance. Soberano then runs in, ELP dodges, Soberano RANAS but ELP handsprings through, then does his drop steps! Fans cheer as ELP flexes and kisses the biceps. ELP gives Soberano a push, Soberano pushes back. They start pushing a little harder, then things speed up again! Soberano ducks ‘n’ dodges and rolls off ELP’s back to then run and RANA!
ELP flounders out of the ring and Soberano builds speed! FOSBURY FLOP! Direct hit and fans fire up again! Soberano gets the fans rallying behind him then has the ref tranquilo. Soberano puts ELP in, then gets fans to actually chant for “PHAN-TAS-MO!” Soberano slides in, brings ELP around, and tags Atlantis. The luchadores mug ELP, and the fans still chant for “PHAN-TAS-MO!” but the luchadores double whip to DOUBLE ELBOW! Then wheelbarrow and ENZUGIRI FACEBUSTER COMBO! Cover, TWO! Atlantis keeps cool as he stomps ELP around. Atlantis drags ELP up, keeps him from Leo, and CLUBS away!
Atlantis suplexes but ELP blocks! ELP tries to suplex but Atlantis blocks! ELP RAMS Atlantis into the corner, CHOPS him, then tags Leo. ELP CHOPS again, then hushes the fans. Leo swings, Atlantis dodges to CHOP them in return! CHOP after CHOP then Atlantis runs, ducks ELP’s hurdle but ends up right in Leo’s DDT! Cover, TWO! Leo drags Atlantis up but Atlantis throws forearms and CHOPS! Leo CHOPS right back! Leo then fireman’s carries, but Atlantis fights free! Atlantis dodges the chop, tries to whip but Leo blocks and reverses! Leo runs in, Atlantis dodges and Leo’s boot gets stuck on the ropes! Atlantis dropkicks that leg!
Leo hobbles and Atlantis keeps moving, Atlantis dropkicks the legs out! Fans fire up as Atlantis stomps Leo’s leg, then SPLASHES down on a knee! Atlantis stomps the leg some more, but Jado & ELP coach Leo. Leo CHOPS Atlantis, but Atlantis stomps him down. Atlantis has the leg and works to turn Leo over! HALF CRAB! Leo endures and fans rally up! Leo fights his way over, ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Atlantis lets go at 4, and Leo clutches his knee. Atlantis eggs Leo on, Soberano tags in, and they both taunt Leo to go taunt ELP. Leo crawls over, but then the luchadores bring Leo away. “Chotto matte ne!”
Fans applaud as the Mexican luchadores know some Japanese. Then they get LEo’s hands, bend the fingers, and then Soberano BOOTS Leo down! ELP protests, the ref reprimands, but Soberano BITES Leo’s foot! Soberano keeps Leo from ropes with a chinlock, then he and Atlantis get Leo up again. They double whip Leo to a corner, Atlantis runs in but is put on the apron. Leo DECKS Atlantis, and he catches Soberano’s splash! Soberano BELL CLAPS then BOOTS Leo! Soberano taunts ELP by blowing a kiss, then he goes back for Leo. Atlantis returns, they double whip but Leo breaks the line to DOUBLE LARIAT!
Fans fire up and Leo crawls, hot tag to ELP! ELP grins as he runs up to BOOT Soberano! Mule kick for Atlantis! Atomic drop for Soberano! ELP mocks Soberano’s pain, then he atomic drops Atlantis, into a RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! ELP clotheslines Soberano up and out, but Atlantis kicks him low! Atlantis whips ELP to the corner but ELP goes up and over then springboards to CROSSBODY! Somersault, LIONSAULT! Another somersault, to PLANCHA Soberano! Fans fire up with ELP and he goes back to the corner. ELP waits on Atlantis to rise up, then he springboards in, FLYING TORNADO DDT!
Fans fire up and ELP drags Atlantis to a cover, TWO! Atlantis survives and the fans rally up again. ELP fires up and Soberano coaches Atlantis. ELP drags Atlantis up, reels him in, tucks the arms, but Atlantis fights! Atlantis ROCKS ELP, ELP ROCKS Atlantis, they go forearm for forearm! ELP whips, Atlantis reverses and Soberano jumps in! Double hip toss into TU LO SABE! Cover, TWO! ELP survives and that surprises Atlantis. The fans rally, Soberano stalks ELP to a corner and eggs him on. ELP slaps Soberano, Soberano SLAPS ELP! Atlantis BOOTS Leo, ELP throws hands on Soberano, but Atlantis kicks ELP low.
Atlantis puts ELP up top, Soberano GAMANGIRIS! Then the sons of lucha vow to end this! They both climb up after ELP, CLUB away on him, and bring him up. But Leo gets in, TOWER OF DOOM!! Fans fire up for the double powerbomb double superplex combo! Leo drags Soberano up to POWERBOMB onto Atlantis! Fans fire up again as Leo helps ELP up! Leo scoops, but Atlantis slips free to shove Leo into ELP! Then Atlantis dodges Leo to SUPERKICK ELP! And DROPKICK Leo! Leo runs back in but Atlantis dumps him out! ELP runs in but Atlantis goes up and over, rolls and SPIN POWERSLAMS!
Fans fire up as Atlantis goes up a corner! But ELP hurries to GAMANGIRI! Soberano sneaks a tag! ELP goes up to the very top, brings Atlantis up with him, SUPER STEINER! ELP goes up but Soberano is there! He springboards up to SUPER SPANISH FLY!! Fans are thunderous with everyone down, and Soberano crawls to a cover! Leo breaks it! Fans fire up again and Atlantis regroups with Soberano. Leo UPPERCUTS Atlantis, choke grips each of them, meeting of the minds! But then the luchadores double basement dropkick the legs out! Fans rally for Leo but Soberano & Atlantis have him! DOUBLE-
NO, Leo fights the suplexes to UPPERCUT Soberano! Atlantis dodges the haymaker but not the BOOT! Leo aims at Soberano now, choke grip! GOD- FLIP! Soberano ENZIGURIS! Leo roars! Soberano SUPERKICKS! ELP SUDDEN DEATH!! Fans fire up with ELP and he DIVES to take out Atlantis! Leo hits GODSEND!! ELP returns, he goes up, SUPER THUNDERKISS 86!!! Cover, ELP & Leo win!
Winners: El Phantasmo & Hikuleo, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Atlantis & Soberano earn 0)
The sons of lucha are eclipsed by the Guerrillas of Destiny! Will the “Big Blue Sexy Boys” still have a fighting chance of entering the semifinals?
2023 World Tag League, B Block: Bishamon VS Yuji Nagata & Minoru Suzuki!
Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi vow to break the curse that keeps IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions from winning the league! Will they pull it off? Or will Blue Justice & The Meanest Man in the World not only stop Bishamon, but get golden tickets at the same time?
The teams sort out and Suzuki stares Hashi down. Fans rally up and the two start. They circle, feel things out, and knuckle lock. But then Suzuki kicks one, wrenches the other to a hammerlock, but Hashi switches the hold onto Suzuki. Suzuki reaches back to cording hold and chinbar Hashi to ropes. The ref counts and Suzuki lets off slowly, then with strong pats on the shoulder. Fans cheer and Hashi keeps cool as the two reset. They step up, and Hashi fires a forearm! Suzuki fires back! They go back and forth and the fans rally as they pick up speed! Suzuki ROCKS Hashi, ROCKS him again, but Hashi comes back to CHOP!
Suzuki eggs Hashi on so Hashi CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Hashi CHOPS more and more but Suzuki stays standing on sheer anger! Hashi drags Suzuki over, tags Goto, and Bishamon double whip to then double shoulder tackle! Hashi BLASTS Nagata for good measure, then Goto stomps Suzuki. Goto drags Suzuki up, CLUBS him, then whips. Suzuki reverses to then headlock, but Goto powers out. Suzuki pulls hair to HEADBUTT! Suzuki CLUBS Goto down and Goto bails out! Nagata runs in to BLAST Hashi as payback, and then the murder grandpas go out after them! Suzuki whips Goto into railing, then brings him around while Nagata sends Hashi hard into railing!
Suzuki RAMS Goto into railing in front of commentary, then has a railing crossface! The ref reprimands, Suzuki lets off of Goto, but Nagata POSTS Hashi! Suzuki stomps Goto around, the ring count starts, and Suzuki stomps Goto again before sliding in. The count reaches 7 of 20, then 10 as Goto crawls. Goto clutches his neck, the count is 15! Goto stands at 17, and slides in at 19! Fans cheer but Suzuki clamps onto Goto with a camel clutch! Goto endures, Suzuki shifts to bring him up for a facelock. Nagata tags in and he CLUBS Goto on the neck! And CLUBS him again! Nagata wraps on a chinlock to grind Goto down!
Hashi coaches Goto as he fights around, and Goto gets the ROPEBREAK! Nagata lets go, to KICK Goto in the back! Nata then drags Goto up with a facelock and tags Suzuki. Suzuki snapmares Goto to KICK him! And then Suzuki pulls at the tape around the neck and shoulders! The ref reprimands but there’s nothing he can really do! Suzuki reels Goto in but Goto resists the Gotch lift! Suzuki powers up but Goto still fights. Suzuki CLUBS Goto, tags Nagata, and Nagata BOOTS Hashi down! Nagata KICKS Goto in the chest, then KICKS him again! Goto grits his teeth, Nagata eggs him on, but Goto blocks the next kick!
Goto CLUBS the leg, but Nagata ROCKS Goto with a forearm! Nagata whips, Goto reverses, but Nagata BOOTS back! Nagata runs, Goto follows to LARIAT! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Goto and Nagata crawl, hot tag to Hashi! Hashi runs to run Nagata over! Hashi BLASTS Suzuki off the apron and fans fire up as Hashi ROCKS, body shots and CHOPS! Then he fires off forearms over and over in the corner! Nagata sits down and Hashi keeps going! The ref reprimands, the fans fire up, and Hashi lets off to bring Nagata back up. Nagata shoves Hashi so Hashi eggs him on. The forearms go back and forth now!
Hashi gets the edge with forearms, then CHOPS Nagata back to the corner. Hashi whips corner to corner, Nagata reverses, but Hashi comes back to LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Fans rally again and Hashi fires up. Hashi reels Nagata in, suplexes, but Nagata fights it to suplex, and MAGIC SCREW! Hashi flounders, Nagata stands, and Nagata stomps Hashi. Nagata ROCKS Hashi, whips him to ropes, but Hashi holds ropes. Goto tags in, Hashi sidesteps Nagata and Goto ROCKS him! Hashi CHOPS Nagata down, then he BLASTS Suzuki. Hashi hauls Nagata up, turns him, and Goto adds on, HEAD BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Fans rally as Nagata hangs in there.
Bishamon set up in opposite corners, and they aim at Nagata. But Suzuki pushes Nagata to save him from the DOUBLE LARIAT SANDWICH! Hashi CHOPS, Goto CLUBS and then GOTO GO TO HUNTER! Bishamon have Nagata in a corner, Goto clotheslines! Hashi clotheslines! Feed to the fireman’s carry, FIERCE FLASH! Cover, TWO! Nagata survives and fans rally up again! Goto hauls Nagata up, Hashi calls the shot! Dragon sleeper and leg lift, but Suzuki catches Hashi to a SLEEPER! Nagata drags Goto down into a CROSSFACE! Goto endures, Hashi is turning red! Fans rally up as Goto fights his way around!
Goto reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Fans cheer, and Suzuki sends Goto to a corner! Suzuki BOOTS! Nagata BOOTS! Snapmare, DOUBLE PENALTY KICK SANDWICH! Then EXPLODER!! Cover, TWO!! Goto survives and fans fire up again! Nagata drags Goto up, but Goto fights the saido with elbows! Nagata knees low, and again, then CLUBS Goto’s neck! Goto falls and writhes, but Nagata drags him back up! Suzuki keeps Hashi out with an ANKLE LOCK, as Nagata SAI- NO, Goto fights free! Hashi also gets free, to SUPERKICK Nagata! Goto has a SLEEPER, then rolls it to GOTO NISHIKI!! Cover, Bishamon wins!!
Winners: Bishamon, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Nagata & Suzuki earn 0)
The murder grandpas almost had it, but Goto finds a way to survive! Does this mean the Fierce Warrior & Headhunter have a chance to #GetBackUp to the WTL finals after all?
2023 World Tag League, B Block: Lance Archer & Alex Zayne VS Yota Tsuji & Zandokan Jr!
The Monster Sauce is leading the way but they have to finish strong! Will they stay hot going into the seventh and final round? Or will they be sunk by The Gene Blast & King of the World?
Wait, Tetsuya Naito is coming out here? What a great surprise! It sure takes Shingo Takagi by surprise as he’s been on commentary this entire time. Naito joins commentary, even! And he puts his feet up on top of Milano Collection AT’s notes. He makes Milano hold the Right to Challenge bag while he puts his headset on. Monster Sauce then makes their entrance, and Archer suckers a Young Lion in by offering a high-five to then DECK him! He pats another on the shoulder, assuring him it’s fine. Then he RAMS him into railing! Zayne apologizes to each Young Lion in turn, it’s nothing personal. Archer and Zayne then have Red Shoes and Abe-san put on the jackets to see how they look.
Zando and Tsuji make their entrances, the teams sort out, and Archer says that smile of Tsuji’s is gonna be missing some teeth soon. However, Zayne and Zando step up to start and the fans rally up with the bell. They circle, tie up, and Zando powers Zayne to ropes. Zando lets off, fakes the chop, and tells Zayne to take it easy. Zayne and Zando reset and fans rally again. They tie up, Zayne puts Zando on ropes now, and Zayne fakes the chop to twirl his hair. Fans cheer and Zando smirks. The two reset again, tie up again, and Zando headlocks. Zayne wrenches out, but Zando wrenches back to wristlock.
Zayne rolls, handsprings, wrenches and wristlocks, but Zando spins, CHOPS, and whips Zayne to a corner. Zayne reverses, runs in and back elbows! Zayne slips out to the apron and slingshot RANAS! Things keep moving, Zayne ducks ‘n’ dodges and IMPLODER KNEE DROPS down on Zando’s dropdown! Zayne then rolls to STANDING MARIPOSA! Fans fire up and Zayne smirks as he twirls his hair again. Zayne stands Zando up, Zando throws hands but Zayne bobs ‘n’ weaves to body blow! Zayne runs, but Tsuji kicks him! Zayne swings on Tsuji, but Zando reels him in, chicken wings and DODON DROP!
Archer runs in to kick Zando low! Archer reels Zando in to CLUB him, then he runs. Tsuji trips Archer, Zando basement dropkicks! Tsuji then drags Archer out to RAM him into railing! Fans fire up with Zando, and Tsuji sends Archer into more railing! Zando TOSSES Zayne out of the ring, Tsuji fires off on Archer, then CHOPS him! Tsuji holds Archer out along railing, Zando runs in, LEAP FROG ATTACK! Fans fire up while Archer falls over! Tsuji finds Zayne and stomps him, to then put him in the ring for Zando. Zando storms up, drags Zayne up and has him on ropes. Zando lifts Zayne up and Tsuji runs, to LEAP FROG ATTACK!
Zayne flops over, fans rally up, and Zando tags Tsuji. Zando & Tsuij drag Zayne up to double whip. Archer returns, Red Shoes keeps him back, Zayne ends up in the POP-UP KICK! Zando & Tsuji run, basement dropkick sandwich! Fans cheer but Red Shoes reprimands. Zando exits, Tsuji digs his knees into Zayne at the ropes before a knee drop! Tsuji drags Zayne up while Archer and Zando shout at each other. Tsuji whips Zayne but reverses direction to send him into the red corner! Tsuji stomps Zayne, Zando CLUBS him, and then Zando tags in. Zando snapmares Zayne to a seated abdominal stretch! Zayne endures and the fans rally up.
Zayne reaches out, but then reaches up to drag Zando into a cradle! TWO, and Zando stomps away! Zando hits Archer, then laughs as he gets away. Zando drags Zayne back, CLUBS him, then grabs a leg. Zando steps over, then clinches, modified cobra twist! Zayne endures, hops on his one free leg, and fans rally up! Zayne reaches out, hot tag- NO, Tsuji drags Archer down and RAMS him into railing right in front of commentary! Zando wrangles Zayne to a cover, TWO! Fans cheer and Zando drags Zayne up. Zando wrenches, wristlocks, then he tags Tsuji. Tsuji BOOTS Zayne’s arm, then brings him around to ROCK with a forearm!
Fans rally up, Zayne ROCKS Tsuji back! And CHOPS! And ROCKS him again! Tsuji knees low, then wags his finger. Tsuji swings, Zayne counter punches! And again! Tsuji runs in, Zayne gets around, roll up and EDDY GORDO KICK! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Tsuji and Zayne crawl, hot tag to Archer! Archer storms around, fires up, and BLASTS Zando! It was a fake out at first, but now he runs to ELBOW Tsuji! “Ichi!” Archer keeps moving, and ELBOWS! “Ni!” Zayne runs in, tilt-o-whirl RANA CANNONBALL! But Zando SUPERKICKS Zayne! Archer CHOPS Zando but Zando just fires up!
Zando CHOPS Archer, and Archer just smiles! Archer CHOPS back! Archer eggs Zando on so Zando CHOPS! Archer CHOPS, eggs Zando on, and fans fire up as Zando CHOPS again! They CHOP back and forth, faster and faster! Archer CHOPS Zando down! Fans fire up with the Murderhawk and he storms up. Zando swings, but into a full nelson that Archer makes into a dragon sleeper. Tsuji runs in, but gets caught! URENAGE REVERSE DDT COMBO! Archer then drags Tsuji up, shoves him to a corner, and DOUBLE CHOPS! Zayne then LEAP FROG MISSILE DROPKICKS! Archer suplexes Tsuji! Then CHOKE SLAM SAULT! Cover, TWO!!
Tsuji survives and fans fire up but Archer fires himself back up. Tag to Zayne, he goes up, but Zando GAMANGIRIS! Archer grabs Zando, but Tsuji DUMPS Archer! Tsuji then rushes the corner, but Zayne jumps and over! Zayne comes back but Tsuji BOOTS him! Tsuji goes up, but Zayne returns, NO HANDS STEINER! Fans fire up as Zando hurries in. Zayne dodges the chop but Zando blocks the chip to CHOP after all! Zando suplexes, Zayne slips free to shove, but Zando blocks the kick! Zando ducks the enziguri, wheelbarrow GERMAN SUPLEX! Archer BOOTS Zando, ripcords, and HELLICOASTERS! Fans fire up with Archer again!
Archer hauls Zando back up, reels him in, but Tsuji saves Zando from the suplex! Tsuji & Zando mug Archer, then go to double suplex! Archer fights it, he wants to double suplex, but they fight it! Zando & Tsuji try again, DOUBLE SUPLEX! All four men are down and the fans fire up again! Zando stirs, flounders out of the ring, and Tsuji rises. Tsuji tags Zando in, they get Zayne up. They double whip, hip toss and SLAM! Then SPLASH, to LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Zayne hangs in there and Zando pounds the mat in frustration. The fans clap along, Tsuji & Zando get Zayne up, ANCHOR!! Cover, TWO!! Zayne survives and fans fire up again!
Zando pounds the mat some more and the fans clap along again. Tag to Tsuji, and he climbs up onto Zando’s shoulders! But Archer caches Tsuji, to CHOKE SLAM him into Zando! Then Archer fireman’s carries, Zayne runs in, ROLLING NECKBREAKER SAMOAN DROP COMBO!! Cover, Zando breaks it! Fans fire up, Archer runs in, but he doesn’t fall for the dump trick. Archer CLOBBERS Zando against ropes, then clotheslines him up and out of the ring! Fans fire up with Archer again and Zayne pounds the mat. Archer hauls Tsuji up, sets him up for Zayne, ROLLING- NO, Tsuji avoids the ax kick! Then he dodges Archer, and now Zando dumps him out!
Zayne mule kicks Tsuji, runs, but into the GENE BLAST SPEAR!!! Cover, LIJ WINS!!
Winners: Yota Tsuji & Zandokan Jr, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Archer & Zayne earn 0)
Monster Sauce drops, making the top of this block really interesting! If #EverybodyDies, are their chances at the finals in danger of dying off?
As for Tsuji & Zando, Tsuji gets the mic to say, “It looks like it’s someone’s birthday today.” It’s also someone in Los Ingobernables de Japon. “HIROMU-CHAN!” Oh wait, is he even here? Well, maybe Hiromu was too busy to be here, but Tsuji hopes tonight’s win is a good birthday gift. Fans applaud that, but then Tsuji says he also has some bad news. It would seem after tonight’s penultimate-penultimate results, there mathematically isn’t a chance for Tsuji & Zando to make it to the semifinals. He asks if that’s true or not. Even commentary has to check the math on that. So then, is there a chance?
Milano is sure it’s not zero percent. Really? Pretty sure. Then there IS a chance! The fans cheer and Tsuji says that even if it seems unlikely, should they win next round, Zandokan will be LIJ! Fans cheer for that, too! Tsuji then brings up that the other day, he talked with the others and hoped Takagi & Naito wouldn’t lose today. Takagi stands up from commentary to say that he does need to get better. Well, hey, tranquilo, right? Tsuji then lets Zando say a few words. “WATASHI WA…! ZANDOKAN JUNIOR!” AKA, he is Zandokan. Fans cheer the introduction, and then he says he’s a BIG DEAL! Fans also cheer that.
Zando then shouts in Spanish, Milano asks for a translation, but Tsuji asks if they’re ready for the tournament’s home stretch. Are you ready for him and Zando to do this? VAMOS, AMIGOS!! Fans cheer, but will Gene Blast & The King of The World really make it to the end?
Here are the NEW B Block standings!
Alex Zayne & Lance Archer: 4-2, 8 points
ELP & Hikuleo: 4-2, 8 points
Taichi & Yuya Uemura: 4-2, 8 points
Bishamon: 3-2-1, 7 points
Yota Tsuji & Zandokan Jr: 3-3, 6 points
Atlantis Jr. y Soberano Jr: 2-3-1, 5 points [ELIMINATED]
Bad Luck Fale & Jack Bonza: 2-4, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
Yuji Nagata & Minoru Suzuki: 1-5, 2 points [ELIMINATED]
My Thoughts:
A great round, and now with some really complex stuff at the top of the block. Monster Sauce lost to go down to 4-2 so that they’d be tied with ELP & Leo and with Taichi & Yuya. Monster Sauce VS ELP & Leo is next, and so one team will go to 5-2 with 10 points, the other will be 4-3 with 8. This scenario alone seems to be creating confusion because while commentary was not prepared to speak on who is still in this, NJPW’s official website has determined Tsuji & Zando are out despite that great main event win. Even if Tsuji & Zando beat Atlantis & Soberano next round, they’ll get to 8 points, BUT they lost to Taichi & Yuya.
And even if Taichi & Yuya lose, they’d be losing to Bishamon, who would then stand at 9 points, making THEM second place flat out. And if Taichi & Yuya win, they are in as second place, not Bishamon. So despite the moment of cheers and hope at the end of that main event, Tsuji & Zando are really just fighting for pride and apparently for Zando to become Sanada’s replacement so that LIJ maintains six members. That’d be cool stuff, but I wonder if Atlantis & Soberano being CMLL like Zando is CMLL comes into play…
My Score: 8.8/10
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Down the Wire: NFL Coaches Are on Fire, NCAA Playoff Picture, and Where Your Favorite Free Agent Lands
Join the Brothers Wortz as they cover professional sports in unprofessional ways!
Chairshot NFL: Eagles & Ravens Flying High
Rob Bonnette sits in for Andrew Balaz this week as the gents run down the NFL docket for Week 13.
Down the Wire: NFL No Cap Recap Week 12
Join the Brothers Wortz as they cover professional sports in unprofessional ways!
Down the Wire: A Thanksgiving Special
Join the Brothers Wortz as they cover professional sports in unprofessional ways!
Down the Wire: Scatergories, MLB Awards & Week 11 Picks
Join the Brothers Wortz as they cover professional sports in unprofessional ways!
Bandwagon Nerds #212: Lesbian Sex & Masturbation
DJ steps in for Dave this week as the Nerds attack a loaded trailer park and a plethora of news...
Talk the Kēki: Fall Premier
It is now time for the Fall premiere of Talk the Kēki! Join Mat and Ethan as they talk about...
Bandwagon Nerds #211: Villain Patrol
Patrick returns to the Bandwagon to recap the latest from Doom Patrol, watch epic trailers, and embrace Dave Filoni as...
Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu Results & Report! (11/23/23)
Hungry, hungrier, hungriest!
Bandwagon Nerds #210: He Who Reymains
The Bandwagon returns to the insanity of Doom Patrol, checks out all the latest trailers, and addresses some big Fantastic...
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (12/4/23)
YEET!
Mitchell’s NJPW World Tag League Results & Report! (12/4/23)
B Block, round 6!
Mitchell’s NJPW World Tag League Results & Report! (12/3/23)
A Block, round 6!
Mitchell’s NJPW World Tag League Results & Report! (12/2/23)
B Block, round 5!
Mitchell’s AEW Collision Results & Report! (12/2/23)
The American Dragon is back in action!
Mindless Wrestling Podcast: Punk Survives The Series
On this week's show we recap Survivor Series and discuss the huge return of CM Punk to WWE TV. Not...
Mitchell’s AEW Rampage Results & Report! (12/1/23)
Best Friends are on a Rampage!
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (12/1/23)
SmackDown hears voices!
Mitchell’s NJPW World Tag League Results & Report! (12/1/23)
A Block, round 5!
DWI Podcast #405: Punk, Orton and Truth Walk into an Arena
Plenty to discuss this week on the podcast known as DWI with three huge returns at Survivor Series and an...
