Coverage

Mitchell’s NJPW New Japan Cup 2020 Results & Report Part 7!

It’s the Final Four!!

Published

4 years ago

July 3, 2020

Steven Mitchell

It’s the New Japan Cup Semifinals!

Four of NJPW’s best battle as Rainmaker takes on Timebomb, and Cold Skull takes on the King of Darkness! Will it be an ALL LIJ FINALS?!

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

SANADA VS EVIL; Evil wins and advances to the finals.
Hiromu Takahashi VS Kazuchika Okada; Okada wins and advances to the finals.

PLAY BY PLAY

SANADA VS EVIL!

On the right side of the bracket, former IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions face each other! The Cold Skull knows the King of Darkness wants to win by any means necessary, but is Evil really that evil?

Because of what Evil has done to his opponents so far, Sanada is wary of his former tag partner. Evil lets Sanada be as he enters the ring and takes off the jacket. The bell rings, and the two stare down. Sanada offers a handshake. As faction members, he wants this to be respectful. Evil steps closer, and takes the handshake. To reel Sanada in! Sanada gets free of the STO, dragon sleepers, but Evil spins out and gets away. The tag partners know each other well, and the two reset. They circle, approach, but Evil kicks low! Evil headlocks, Sanada powers out, but Evil runs him over! Things speed up, Sanada hip tosses but Evil blocks! So Sanada hits low, flips back and arm-drags Evil away.

Evil bails out but Sanada builds speed. Sanada tumbles out as Evil evades, and then slingshots back into the ring. Sanada wants Evil to get back in but Evil takes his time thinking on strategy. Sanada holds the ropes open for Evil, and Evil returns. Evil tries to sucker punch but Sanada boots! So Evil clotheslines Sanada out! Evil pursues Sanada, drags him up, and whips him to the railing! Evil brings Sanada up to whip him the other way! Sanada crashes even harder this time and the ref checks on him. Evil doesn’t miss a step and he grabs a chair! Evil shoves the ref away and puts the chair around Sanada’s head! To POST him!! Evil is truly willing to do anything to win against anyone in his way! He stands on Sanada’s head but the ref reprimands him.

Evil goes to the ring and leaves Sanada to the ring count. Sanada slowly stirs but the count reaches 10 of 20 before he sits up. Sanada stands at 13, gets in the ring at 15, but Evil is on him with knees. Evil throws Sanada down to then dig his elbow into Sanada’s face! The ref reprimands but Evil stops, just to do it again! The ref counts and Evil lets up, to wrap Sanada in a chinlock. Evil digs his knee into Sanada’s back hard! Sanada kicks and reaches as he endures, then fights his way up and out. Evil knees low again, runs, but into the basement dropkick! Sanada takes out the legs to even things with Evil. Both men slowly rise, and Sanada is up first. Sanada throws forearms on Evil, whips him, but Evil reverses. Sanada dropkicks the leg again!

Evil runs again, but into a huricanrana! Evil bails out, Sanada slingshots for the PLANCHA! Direct hit! Sanada brings Evil up as the ring count begins. Sanada puts Evil in at 8 and follows to cover. TWO, but Sanada keeps his cool. Sanada brings Evil up, but Evil blocks the back suplex! Evil elbows Sanada’s neck then rakes Sanada’s face! Sanada kicks back, Evil catches it and hands it to the ref! To mule kick Sanada down! Sanada tumbles to a corner while Evil catches his breath. Evil runs in but blocks the boots. He turns Sanada sideways, lariats, and Tree of Woe STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Evil drags Sanada up and fisherman but Sanada slips out. Evil elbows Sanada first, whips him to a corner, but Sanada tumbles over and out! Sanada springboards, Evil gets under, Sanada comes back to get another mule kick!

Evil fisherman but Sanada fights it off! Sanada suplexes Evil to the ropes, DRAPING MAGIC KILLER! Cover, TWO!! Sanada grows frustrated but he drags Evil around. Evil resists but Sanada still brings him up to a fireman’s carry. Evil slips out, Sanada elbows him, Sanada runs but Evil uses the ref as as shield! Evil suplexes Sanada and uses the ref for ASSISTED MAGIC KILLER! Everyone is down after the tag partners use their team move on each other! Evil drags Sanada up and throws a forearm. Sanada forearms back, but Evil does, too. Sanada forearms again, Evil returns it, and we have a brawl! They pick up speed as they go back and forth, but Evil gets the edge! Evil ROCKS Sanada, but Sanada comes back with a European Uppercut!

Sanada runs, Evil goes to the corner, LARIAT! Evil fireman’s carries, DARKNESS FALLS! Cover, TWO!! Sanada survives but Evil keeps his cool. Evil drags Sanada up, and slashes Sanada’s throat! Evil drags Sanada up more, spins him around, but Sanada fights the STO again! Sanada elbows but Evil still tries! Sanada slips out, full nelson spin to a cravat, Shiranui into dragon sleeper! Evil fights free, Sanada ducks the lariat and dropkicks! But Evil stays up, only to run into the full nelson! Sanada shifts it to double chicken wings, TIGER SUPLEX! Bridge cover, TWO!! Sanada can’t believe Evil escapes! Sanada drags Evil up, dragon sleepers, but Evil fights back! Sanada stays clamped on as Evil starts to fade already! The ref checks, and raises the arm once. He raises it twice. Evil revives!

Evil hits back again and again, but Sanada cranks on the hold! Sanada stands with Evil, then drops back, but Evil pops out! Evil reels Sanada in, Sanada dodges the lariat and runs, into a LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! Sanada survives but Evil is too tired to be frustrated. Evil stands and slashes his throat. Evil brings Sanada up, reels him in, but Sanada denies the STO! Sanada wants to steal the STO! Evil gets free of that, but Sanada Shiranuis. Evil denies that, so Sanada uses the corner! SLICED BREAD! Sanada lands on his head but he still covers, TWO!! Both men are down and the ref checks on them. Sanada stirs even after spiking himself, but it’s Evil who heads over to him. Evil lets Sanada stand on his own before he runs at Sanada. Sanada dodges the lariat, O’Conner rolls, DRAGON SLEEPER! SKULL END!!

Evil endures as he’s caught in the middle of the ring! The ref checks on him again. The arm falls once, twice, but it flails on the third! Is Evil really okay? Evil pops out but Sanada goes to the corner, MOONSAULT, onto knees!! Evil saves himself at the last second! Both men are down again, but they crawl for opposite corners. Sanada runs in but Evil sends him into the ref! Evil then sends Sanada in again! The ref flops out of the ring, Evil LOW BLOWS!! He really IS evil! Both men are down and the ref is recovering. Evil gets more chairs! Evil brings one chair over to Sanada, to put around his head again! He staggers to the other chair, for the HOMERUN!! Sanada writhes while Evil hides the evidence. Well he less hides it as he kicks it out of the ring.

Evil still staggers around, grabs Sanada’s legs, and STOMPS THE BALLS!! He did this to Goto, now he does this to his ally! Evil gets the ref back in the ring, drags Sanada up, and spins him for EVERYTHING IS EVIL! Cover, Evil wins!

Winner: Evil, by pinfall

Evil said what he meant and meant what he said. He won by any means necessary, and is now a New Japan Cup 2020 finalist! Will the King of Darkness get to do whatever he must against the Rainmaker? Or will it be an LIJ VS LIJ finals?!

Hiromu Takahashi VS Kazuchika Okada!

On the left side of the bracket, the Ticking Timebomb takes on the Rainmaker! The IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion has had more, more and MORE fun than he’s had in a long time. But is that fun going to end when Okada puts him Deep In Debt?

After Okada has his time on the corner, Hiromu gets in his face. Hiromu backs off and both men take off their elaborate jackets. The bell rings and both men just stare down from the corners. Hiromu shouts, “O! KA! DA!” but Okada doesn’t respond. Hiromu steps forward and the two start to circle. They approach, feel out the grapple, back away, and then approach again. They tie up, and are in a deadlock as Okada just keeps Hiromu back. Okada pushes Hiromu to ropes and Red Shoes calls for the break. Okada lets up, has Hiromu let him go, and fakes the chop to pat him on the shoulders. But Hiromu turns things around fast! Hiromu has Okada on the ropes, and returns the shoulder pats. Then he clotheslines Okada against ropes!

Hiromu eggs Okada on, dodges him and throws forearms. Hiromu runs, dodges the boot and huricanranas Okada down! Okada sits up while Hiromu paces. Hiromu brings Okada up, whips him to forearm him and put him on the ropes. Hiromu kicks the ropes, runs, but Okada dodges the dropkick. Hiromu dodges the elbow, fireman’s carries but Okada slips! Okada wraps on Deep In Debt! Hiromu runs around but Okada stays on tight. Hiromu gets the ropebreak and Okada lets go. Hiromu bails out but Okada pursues. Okada clubs Hiromu with double ax handles, then brings him up for a neckbreaker! Hiromu writhes while Okada calmly adjusts his knee pads. Okada goes into the ring and leaves it to the ring count.

The count reaches 10 of 20 but Hiromu gets up. Hiromu takes his time returning and is in at 15. Okada kicks low, elbows Hiromu down, then brings him up for a scoop slam! Slingshot senton! Okada paces again as Hiromu writhes. Okada finally covers, ONE, but Okada is still calm. Hiromu chops but Okada shrugs it off. Hiromu keeps chopping but Okada knees low and turns him for another neckbreaker! Okada looms over Hiromu as the Junior Heavyweight writhes. Hiromu gets up and chops away, but Okada knees low again! Okada whips, Hiromu reverses, but Hiromu runs into a boot! Hiromu comes back with a corner clothesline! Hiromu snapmares Okada, runs and basement dropkicks him down! Okada stirs and Hiromu brings him up. Hiromu CHOPS Okada and he feels that one.

Hiromu whips, forearms, puts Okada on ropes and kicks again! Hiromu runs and shotgun dropkicks Okada out of the ring! Okada stands as Hiromu gets on the apron, FLYING SHOTGUN DROPKICK! Okada is sent through the gate and to the commentary! Hiromu leaves Okada there and goes back to the ring. The ring count begins, Hiromu grins as Okada stirs at 6 of 20. But Hiromu goes out at 8 to fetch Okada and bring him back. Hiromu covers, TWO! Hiromu drags Okada back up, suplexes, but Okada blocks. Okada spins out but Hiromu ROCKS him with a forearm. Hiromu tries again but Okada still fights the suplex off. Okada clubs Hiromu, runs but into Hiromu’s SUPERKICK! Hiromu suplexes for the FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO!! Okada survives but Hiromu keeps his cool.

Hiromu toys with Okada and even eggs him on. Okada stands, Hiromu tries to fireman’s carry but Okada blocks. Okada clubs Hiromu, Hiromu elbows back, then runs. Okada FLAPJACKS Hiromu high and hard! Hiromu flounders to the corner and Okada watches him stand. Okada runs corner to corner for a back elbow! Then the kick and DDT! Cover, TWO! Okada keeps his cool as he brings Hiromu up. Okada scoops, slams and heads to the corner. Classic Okada climbs up, but he has to leap over Hiromu. Hiromu runs into Okada’s uppercut, but still reels him in for a GERMAN SUPLEX! Both men are down but stirring. Red Shoes checks on them, and both men slowly rise. Okada throws forearms on Hiromu but Hiromu gives them back.

Okada hits again and eggs Hiromu on with his glare. Hiromu hits back and eggs Okada on. Okada forearms, Hiromu forearms, and they pick up speed. They brawl back and forth but Okada ROCKS Hiromu! Hiromu comes back, throws more forearms, and they start where they left off. Okada EuroUppers, Hiromu wobbles, and Okada just keeps adding on. Hiromu staggers back, Okada shotgun dropkicks Hiromu! Okada hoists Hiromu up and dropkicks him down! Hiromu tumbles from top rope to the floor! Hiromu writhes but Okada goes out to fetch him. Okada whips Hiromu to railing! Then BOOTS him over! Red Shoes wants this back in the ring but Okada brings Hiromu back up along the railing. Okada gives Hiromu a DRAPING DDT!

Hiromu is in a daze as Okada brings him up and in. Okada climbs the corner and waits for Hiromu to stand. HUGE missile dropkick! Hiromu flounders, Okada covers, TWO! Okada stalks Hiromu as he crawls, then watches as he stands. Okada dropkicks Hiromu in the back! Okada whips but Hiromu denies the dropkick this time! Hiromu aims, runs, and shotgun dropkicks Okada into the corner! Both men are down again but Hiromu sits up first. Hiromu watches Okada drag himself up the corner, and runs in for a corner clothesline! Hiromu puts Okada up top, climbs up to join him, but Okada resists already. Hiromu clubs away on Okada’s back but Okada clubs him back. Okada throws forearms and clubs Hiromu more. Hiromu staggers down, but CHOPS back!

Hiromu runs corner to corner, to shotgun dropkick Okada down!! Okada tumbles from top rope to floor, just as Hiromu did! Hiromu rests in the ring while Okada stirs on the outside. Okada stands and gets on the apron, but Hiromu runs and SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMBS Okada down!! Red Shoes checks on Okada but he’s okay to continue. A ring count begins as both men slowly stir. Hiromu stands at 10 of 20, brings Okada up, and puts him in at 14. Hiromu lifts Okada in the fireman’s carry, DYNAMITE PLUNGER! Cover, TWO!! Okada still lives but Hiromu won’t let up. Hiromu drags Okada up, another fireman’s carry, but Okada slips out to waistlock! Hiromu elbows out, ducks the clothesline to SUPERKICK! Hiromu runs into the dropkick!

Both men are down again but stirring. Okada rises, brings Hiromu up, gut wrenches him, and hits the TOMBSTONE! And then Okada grabs the arm, DEEP IN DEBT! Hiromu manages to stand, pulls at Okada’s hair, but then powers through to a fireman’s carry! CORNER DEATH VALLEY! Both men are down again, but Hiromu stands up. Hiromu fireman’s carries Okada again, but Okada fights free. SUPERKICK, and Hiromu fireman’s carries again, but Okada slips out to roll Hiromu. Okada dropkicks, but Hiromu gets right back up! Hiromu clotheslines but Okada stays up! Hiromu runs but into a tilt-o-whirl! Hiromu slips out, and STEALS RAINMAKER!! Cover, TWO!?!? Hiromu doesn’t waste time being shocked, he fireman’s carries, for TIMEBOMB!! Cover, TWO?!?! Okada survives his move AND Hiromu’s?!

Hiromu gets back up and drags Okada up. Hiromu has Okada in a dragon sleeper, powers him up to a gut wrench, but Okada slips out! Okada shoves Hiromu, discus- Hiromu catches Okada in a triangle hold! Okada stays on his feet, dead lifts and POWERBOMBS! Hiromu holds on, powers to a cover, TWO!! Hiromu wheelbarrows, for a COMPLETE SHOT! Both men are down again but sit up. Okada’s in a daze but he heads for Hiromu. Hiromu runs, but into another dropkick! But he gets up, too! Hiromu LARIATS Okada down! Hiromu fires himself up, drags Okada into the dragon sleeper and lifts again, hooks the leg, but Okada pops out! Gut wrench, JUMPING TOMBSTONE!! Okada drags Hiromu up and into DEEP IN DEBT!

Hiromu endures the clutch even as Okada cranks harder! Hiromu powers up, fireman’s carries, but Okada slips out again! Okada shoves Hiromu, ROLLING RAINMAKER! Okada throws off his elbow pads, to put Hiromu DEEP IN DEBT! Hiromu reaches but fades as Okada leans on the hold! Red Shoes checks but Okada lets Hiromu go. Okada drags Hiromu up again, for a RAINMAKER! But Okada doesn’t let go, he just brings Hiromu up again. RAINMAKER! Then, DEEP IN DEBT?! Hiromu is out of it, how can he possibly survive?! Red Shoes calls it, Okada wins!!

Winner: Kazuchika Okada, by referee stoppage

Okada completely devastates the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion! And we have our finals set for July 11th! It will be Okada VS Evil, Chapter 5! As such, Okada takes up the mic. “Oi, Hiromu.” As far as IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champions go, Okada respects Hiromu. Clearly he gave Okada a hell of a match. But this shows Hiromu is not ready to face a true heavyweight champion. Okada says this is the power of pro-wrestling. Now, for Evil and Naito, Okada is ready to face them both. Whether fans are live or watching at home, he thanks us all for supporting NJPW. We know Evil wants to win at all costs, but will Okada leave him with nothing after their epic encounter?

My Thoughts:

An incredible semifinals. Granted, I skipped the 8 Man Tag and Six Man Tag matches, but in regards to the 8 Man, when you see a Young Lion on one side, it’s just obvious that that side loses. For those matches, make sure to follow Andrew Balaz here on The Chairshot. Evil did pretty much all his evil tactics to Sanada, and that was pretty brutal. But with how Evil has been going, it is really great that he gets the nod for the finals. Okada and Hiromu had an amazing main event, they went above and beyond for just the semifinals, but it was natural for Okada to win. The Rainmaker clothesline does return, but Okada still makes Deep In Debt what finishes the match. Okada’s raise in aggression there promises for his match with Evil to be something truly incredible.

My Score: 9.2/10

Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

Up Next

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (7/3/20)

Don't Miss

Andrew’s New Japan Cup Results & Match Ratings 7.2.20: Day 7

Coverage

Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 5.2.2024

Under Siege is tomorrow! Yeah the card looks pretty awful, but maybe this Go Home will spice things up!

Published

7 hours ago

May 2, 2024

Andrew Balaz

Not gonna mislead anyone here, Under Siege looks nearly as bad as a Steven Segal film by the same name. Lots of useless tag matches, only really the X Division title to care about. It reminds me of a “Road to” show that New Japan does. Bunch of worthless matches with a few story wrinkles but entirely skippable.

Hopefully something crazy happens or the show is good enough to cover the bad card. But let’s hope something happens tonight to maybe create some reason to watch.

.@TheSamiCallihan debuts the first episode of #DMTV! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/OWrTeBtRZ6

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) May 3, 2024

Ratings:

Mustafa Ali vs Chris Bey w/Ace Austin: Ali wins via 450 – **
Dani Luna w/Jody Threat vs Alisha Edwards w/Masha Slamovich: Lish wins via Russian Death Device – ** 1/4
Hammerstone vs Cody Deaner: Hammerstone wins via Torture Rack – *
#1 Contender Match: Ace Austin w/Chris Bey vs Trey Miguel w/Zachary Wentz: Ace wins via The Fold – ***
TNA Knockouts Championship: Jordynne Grace (c) vs Miyu Yamashita: Grace retains via Juggernaut Driver – *** 1/2

Results:

Mustafa Ali vs Chris Bey w/Ace Austin

Ali with a simple Headlock takeover, Bey fights back up and tries to create something with a rope run; but Ali gets the best of things with a Back Elbow. Ali gets cocky as Bey retreats to the corner, Bey turns things around quickly, lands the 10 Count Punches in the corner, Ali tries to fight back but Bey snaps off a quick DDT for a near fall. As Bey goes to continue the offense, Ali Drop Toe Holds Bey into the ropes neck first. Ali again, demonstrating some of the worst in-ring trash talk, Bey turns things around since Ali is running his mouth too much. Ali gets set in the Tree of Woe, Bey goes across to another corner and does a Coast to Coast Elbow Drop as Ali tries to sit up. Honestly, stupid looking since its obviously too coordinated. No one would stay half sat up just to eat an elbow.

While the move looked cool, I now care significantly less about what’s going on. Illogical spots just because “they’re cool”, should not be rewarded. Bey controls the match after the stupid spot, hits his Corner Uppercut Hip Attack, Ali tries to duck a few moves and create something but eats a Spinebuster for 2. Art of Finesse attempt, but Ali shoves him to the outside. Working back inside Ali goes for his Rolling Neckbreaker but Bey connects with a Roundhouse Kick to stop Ali in his tracks. Fighting Spirit spot, they run into the ropes, Ali has a bad Double Leg takedown that he tries to turn into a Cradle with feet on the ropes, but Ace pushes the feet off.

As security starts to move on Ace, Ali hits a Suicida, then Bey connects on a Tope con Hilo. Bey starts rocking Ali, hits the Kudome Valentine but Ali manages to pull himself under the bottom rope just enough to avoid losing. Bey climbs the corner, Ali German Suplexes Bey to the apron, Ali goes for the 450, misses, Bey goes to finish the match but the security get involved again, hit Bey with the flag and then Ali lands the 450 for the win.

I liked when the Security Guards were window dressing instead of mooks to cheat with. This just makes the matches dumber and significantly less interesting, especially when its nameless mooks and its not even a talent getting heat.

Dani Luna w/Jody Threat vs Alisha Edwards w/Masha Slamovich

Dani starts strong and fast, forearm shots, lariats and a quick near fall sends Alisha retreating to the ropes to get some advice from Masha. Dani goes to attack Lish, Lish with a Drop Toe Hold, Masha takes advantage of the distracted ref and Lish hits a Satellite DDT and then taunts entirely too much. As Lish talks too much, Dani stands up and starts beating the hell out of Lish, Suplex into the rope assisted Blue Thunder Bomb. Dani goes for the Luna Landing, but Masha climbs on the apron, distraction happens, then Lish goes after Jody and the ref stays distracted with Lish. Masha slides into the ring, Roundhouse Kick into the Russian Death Device and Lish turns around for the win!

Sami’s little segment is aptly named DMTv since it feels like a weird hallucination or trip with the way he does stuff.

Hammerstone vs Cody Deaner

Am I supposed to care about this? Hammerstone looks like he’s chiseled out of granite and Deaner looks like he’s fished out of a trailer park. Hammerstone says a lot of how I feel that the Deaner schtick is pathetic. Deaner says he’s given the power to add a stipulation, Hammer says Arm Wrestling Match, Deaner wants a Sin City Street Fight. So we know what the crowd will pick. Christ this is so carny even Court Bauer blushed.

Deaner bonks Hammer with the mic, low dropkick, goes to grab a trash can lid and hits Hammer…but it just pisses off Captain Hammer. Stomps a mudhole in him, Irish Whip into a Back Elbow and Hammer deposits him to the outside to utilize the gimmick I would assume. This is going on much longer than it should, Deaner finds a chair, clocks Hammer once, goes for Twice, but this isn’t Kpop; so Hammer says no and hits him with a Backbreaker. Then Hammer hits him with a chairshot, 10 Count Punches in the corner, Sack of Shit, Deaner goes for the Ricky Morton lean against the ropes and sell to the crowd spot, but Hammer leans into him and starts using the chair again.

Deaner does his nerd Hulk Up, tries to call for a Body Slam but Hammer doesn’t move and drops the dweeb down. Deaner is back to the begging the crowd Ricky Morton spot…but the crowd doesn’t care since Deaner is a jabroni. Hammer tosses Deaner like a pizza ribs first into the back of the chair and just takes a few moments to revel in his handwork. Deaner fights back, lands a few right hands, tries to call for the Body Slam again like an idiot, gets Hammer half way and falls over so Hammer just rains down punches (can we end this waste of time please). Hellavator, I mean Nightmare Pendulum but Deaner floats over and lands the Scoop Slam onto the steel chair for only 2.

The crowd starts chanting for table, so of course Deaner obliges…this is going on so damn long. Hammer no sells the forearm, Vertical Suplex, goozle, and then Hammer Chokeslams Deaner through the table and calls to for the Torture Rack. Deaner is Rack’d and dead. ‘Bout damn time.

Like a Torpedo, Something is there…

Trent The Seventh and Ball Of Speed, alongside Broken Matt Hardy, are geared up to render The System obsolete tomorrow night at #TNAUnderSiege! pic.twitter.com/laEOlXayIc

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) May 3, 2024

I’m mad at myself that I popped for Ball of Speed. I’m not even sure why, but I like it.

"Can you please get fired?"

.@joehendry's live apology transformed into a new hit about @AJFrancis410! The "apology" song took things HIGHER than ever! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/6P7pDFbK3p

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) May 3, 2024

If I’ve said it once I’ve said it at least 3 dozen times, Joe Hendry is a treasure. Starting with a medley of the insult songs to lead into the Creed parody is genius. Odd apology, but I respect it. “Can you please get fired…”, such a great song.

#1 Contender Match: Ace Austin w/Chris Bey vs Trey Miguel w/Zachary Wentz

Typical Junior style start with counters and some chain wrestling and then a quick tension spot where Trey slaps Ace and then they fire off on each other for a few seconds before they get broken up because its just a shmoz. Trey baits Ace to the outside, Up and Over but Ace lands on the apron and then Wentz picks the ankle as Trey feigns injury to distract the referee. Back Rake back into the ring and just insulting Knife Edge Chops at a deliberate pace. Commercial break happens and Trey is still in charge. Ace shoots the Double and turns it into a Jacknife Cradle for 2 but Ace is still visibly hobbled.

Trey tries to keep Ace grounded but he tries to fire up and Trey finds different ways to keep Ace grounded including a Running Bodyscissors into Full Mount. Kick combination rush from Trey as he goes for the Asai Moonsault to punctuate it but Ace gets the knees up. Short range Knee Strike, Click Click Boom, Corner Splash Seated Lariat spot into a Triangle Kick for 2! Ace looks to set up The Fold, Wentz distracts, Trey grabs tights! But Ace kicks out! Trey with the Backflip Back of the Head Dropkick. Bey levels Wentz and Trey is talking shit to the fans, Ace goes for the Crucifix Pin, but kicks out at 2.

Jackie Bryant Headlock Kick from Trey, but Ace blocks it. Triangle Kick misses, Ace tries to jump on him but misses, Cheeky Nandos, then Trey heads up but Ace cuts him off. They struggle on the top rope, Trey Bell Claps Ace, Ace tries to duck but Trey turns it into the Sunset Flip, locomotion float away, Ace Face Stomp into The Fold! Ace wins!

.@TheEricYoung and @Walking_Weapon make their intentions clear: they're walking into #TNAUnderSiege ready to take down @SteveMaclin and @FrankieKazarian! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/idI78rvsYJ

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) May 3, 2024

The Bald Bearded Canadians, good ole team BBC…wait…

TNA Knockouts Championship: Jordynne Grace (c) vs Miyu Yamashita

They start off respectfully, which is what you expect since Miyu is well respected in this generation. A few Headlock Takeovers, Shoulder Blocks and finally Miyu drops Jordynne with a Switchblade Kick. Miyu goes to follow up, but Jordynne catches the kick and T-Bone Suplex gives Jordynne a near fall. Juggernaut Driver early, but Miyu counters, rams Jordynne into the corner, Triangle Kick from Miyu for 2! Cravat into Knee Strikes and then a PK to the spine keeps Miyu in control. Miyu lets Jordynne up and they trade strikes a bit, Jordynne’s arms prove to be a little stronger than Miyu’s legs, takes out the legs and then the Jackhammer on the floor from Jordynne!

Jordynne tries to roll Miyu back in, but Miyu continues to roll out to buy some space, Jordynne goes for a dive and eats a foot. Miyu looks for an Apron Death Valley Driver, Jordynne fights it a while but Miyu eventually gets her over and down on the apron for 2. Miyu with a Headlock Takeover, but both ties the other one up and the ropes save the awkward but effective exchange. Strike exchange number 2. Miyu no sells a few Scoop Slams and lands Round Kicks. Spinning Backfist and Round Kick connect simultaneously for both women to drop.

Jordynne charges, Pink Striker tries to block with the front kick, but Jordynne plows through with a Back Elbow. Kinniku Buster attempt but Miyu knows how to get away from that and fights off with Knee Strikes, Jordynne is rocked but fights back up and Avalanche Back Body Drop for 2! Jordynne no sells a Roundhouse Kick, Miyu no sells a Lariat then another kick from Miyu and a Back Kick to the face for 2. Skull Kick attempt, blocked, Juggernaut Driver out of nowhere to retain!

Overall Score: 6.25/10

The second half of the show was pretty damn good, but God was the first half useless. Hammerstone and Deaner went on far too long, that was dumb, it looked dumb, I felt dumb watching it. Ali’s match was garbage with the stupid spot monkey indie garbage spot. If I want to watch wrestling that makes less sense than Chinese Dramas with Hindi subtitles, I’ll watch AEW and have a stroke.

Thankfully, Joe Hendry got a good chunk of time, the Trey and Ace match was pretty good and overlooking the stupid run in after match stuff, the Knockouts match itself was pretty damn good. So the new bookers have really consistently done this stuff, where there’s a ton of overbooked stupidity, but they sprinkle in enough okay stuff to make me not completely lose faith. OH – and we do get Kushida versus Gresham tomorrow, so at least that strengthens the lackluster card.

Lets see if they ever figure out how to really book, or if they eventually go full TNA 2015.

Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

Coverage

Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (5/2/24)

The Queen is chasing the crown!

Published

10 hours ago

May 2, 2024

Steven Mitchell

Will the One and Only become the #1 contender?

Queen Aminata wants after Athena and the ROH Women’s World Championship, but she will still earn her way to a shot, starting with a match tonight!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

The Infantry VS The Outrunners; The Infantry wins.
Nyla Rose VS Camron Branae; Nyla wins.
ROH World Tag Team Championships Proving Grounds: The Undisputed Kingdom VS The Qrown; The Kingdom wins and denies The Qrown a title match.
Toa Liona VS Jimmy Wild; Liona wins.
Six Man Tag: The Dark Order VS Adam Priest, Zicky Dice & Sean Maluta; The Dark Order wins.
Aaron Solo VS Jon Cruz; Solo wins.
Queen Aminata VS Robyn Renegade; Aminata wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

The Infantry VS The Outrunners!

Captain Shawn Dean & Carlie Bravo have had it with Turbo Floyd & Truth Magnum! It’s one thing to use the same finishing move and rename it, but then The Outrunners’ new gear is camouflage, and they start using the Infantry’s catchphrases! Will Turbo & Truth get sent to Boot Camp? Or will Dean & Bravo be sent into Miami Overdrive?

Wait a minute, wait a minute. Who is this accompanying The Outrunners? Lazer Linda? So now they’re copying Infantry in having a female team member? Trish Adora steps into the ring to get a good look at Linda. Linda flexes on Adora, so Adora gives her a LARIAT TUBMAN! The Outrunners are upset but then Dean & Bravo storm up to throw hands! The ref reprimands but The Infantry keep throwing hands. Dean whips Truth and Bravo whips Turbo, but the Outrunners both reverse that. Dean and Bravo both dodge, then they both fake the Outrunners out! Those dropkicks get nothing, and then The Infantry DROPKICK The Outrunners!

The Outrunners bail out, The Infantry fire up and Daily’s Place fires up with them! The ref says they finally need to sort out, so Bravo falls back. Truth flounders in, the bell finally sounds, and Dean arm-drags Turbo around! Dean keeps Turbo from Truth, tags Bravo in, and then Dean wrenches while Bravo hops up. Bravo AX HANDLES Turbo’s arm, then brings him around to wrench. Tag to Dean, he goes up and AX HANDLES! Then the Infantry double whip, and double atomic drop, for a double HIP TOSS! The Infantry now mock The Outrunners, before the double FIST DROP! Turbo flounders away and tags in Truth!

Truth runs up, but into a DOUBLE HIP TOSS! Then another DOUBLE FIST DROP! Cover, TWO! Truth stays in this but Dean storms up on him. Turbo distracts the ref, Truth pokes Dean in the eye! Truth blames it on the sunset, then bumps Dean off buckles. Tag to Turbo and the Outrunners mug Dean. Tag back to Truth, he goes up, BACKBREAKER, and then Truth winds up! But Bravo sneaks behind enemy lines to get Dean outta there, Truth’s knee drop turns into an accidental atomic drop! The Infantry then get in and TOSS Turbo! Bravo aims to PLANCHA! Down goes Turbo and the fans fire up again!

Dean brings Truth up, throws hands, then tags in Bravo. Dean scoops Truth, Bravo goes up, and they hit the BACKBREAKER and “Grenade” KNEE DROP! The fans fire up more and Bravo brings Truth up. Truth throws a shot but Bravo hits back. Bravo whips, Truth reverses, but Bravo gets around! Turbo tags in before the O’Conner Roll! Turbo runs up but Bravo dodges him to SUPERKICK! Turbo ends up on ropes, and Bravo ROCKS Truth! Bravo whips, Truth reverses and Turbo BODY SHOTS! Turbo BLASTS Dean, gets Bravo, and sends him into Truth’s BOOTS! Bravo staggers, Turbo CLAWS him on the back!

Tag to Truth and the Outrunners mug Turbo. The fans are torn, but Truth CHOPS Bravo in a corner! Truth spins around while the fans “WOO~!” Truth then storms back up, whips corner to corner, but Bravo reverses. Bravo runs up, but slides under as Truth goes up! Bravo then trips Truth, and asks if he should. The fans say yes, so Bravo YANKS Truth backwards into the POST! Bravo high-fives fans, but then Turbo FLYING AX HANDLES off the apron! Dean protests but there’s nothing he can do as Turbo puts Bravo back in. Truth drags Bravo over, tags Turbo, and Turbo drops an elbow! Cover, TWO!

Turbo drags Bravo up, tags Truth back in, and they mug Bravo with a big kick! Bravo sputters while the Outrunners flex. Truth whips, Bravo sunset flips, but Truth flails! Truth reaches for the literal sunset but Bravo finishes the flip, TWO! Bravo reaches for Dean but Truth trips him up! Tag to Turbo, and he drops down into a CROSSFACE! Bravo endures, fights up, but Turbo tags Truth. The Infantry get Bravo up, but Bravo BOOTS Turbo away! Bravo ELBOWS Truth, then ROCKS Turbo! And repeat! And repeat! Bravo runs, but into the DOUBLE HIP TOSS! The Outrunners shake hands and flex, DOUBLE ELBOW DROP!

Turbo BLASTS Dean, Truth covers, but Dean gets back in to kick it! Truth is upset but he stomps Bravo. Truth whips Bravo to the corner, then he BLASTS Dean again! Truth runs at Bravo but Bravo slips out to the apron! Truth hits buckles, Turbo storms up but Bravo dodges by going back inside! Bravo then slips out the other side, and Truth runs into Turbo! Bravo slingshots in for a STUNNER! The fans fire up as Bravo crawls for his corner, but Turbo grabs a foot! Turbo drags Bravo up, back suplexes, but Bravo lands out! Bravo avoids both Outrunners to hot tag Dean! The fans fire up as The Captain rallies on The Outrunners!

Dean fires haymakers and LARIATS! Then a back drop for Truth! The fans fire up as Dean runs in to give Turbo a FLYING BACK ELBOW! Dean goes corner to corner, blocks Truth’s boots, and puts him in ropes for an ENZIGIRI! Truth flops down, Turbo takes a swing, but Dean slips around to DDT! Dean kips up, the fans fire up, and they join Dean in an “OORAH!” JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, Truth breaks it! Truth TOSSES Dean out, but Bravo runs up! CARLIE CROSSOVER! Down goes Truth, but Turbo CLUBS Bravo! BIG back suplex! But Dean’s up top! FLYING SPLASH! Cover, Truth runs in, but Dean moves! The AX HANDLE hits Turbo!

Truth panics and apologizes, but then sees Dean! Truth wants mercy, but then he goes to poke eyes! Dean blocks those, bends those fingers, but Turbo CLUBS Dean down! The Outrunners shift into gear, MIAMI OVER- NO, Dean slips around and the BOOT hits Truth! Tag to Bravo and they get Turbo, for BOOT CAMP! Cover, Infantry wins!

Winners: The Infantry, by pinfall

Often imitated, never duplicated! The one, true Russian Leg Sweep Boot combo shines through, and that’s no cap! Dean & Bravo finally settle things with Turbo & Truth, will they march forward to settle things with The Undisputed Kingdom next?

Matthew Menard & Angelo Parker speak.

Cool Hand Ange tells Daddy Magic that things have been rather weird lately, to say the least. Not too long ago, Parker was on Rampage, going to make an announcement he told no one about, and the truth is, he was ready to retire. He felt he didn’t have anything left to fight for. Then he got the biggest news of his entire life, he found out he’s gonna be a dad! And if that doesn’t light a fire under your ass, then what does? So now, Ruby Soho is going to be at home, being a mom to their child, and Parker had to think, “What’s next?” Then he realized, there is a hell of a lot to fight for now, isn’t there?

Menard says how ’bout it? Ruby’s at home, nesting. Cool Hand Ange has priorities in order and Menard loves it! And tell ya right now, Menard has a problem with The Undisputed Kingdom. The ROH World Tag Team Champions, right? So how about this? They get the van, they pack it up, and they start taking a road trip! Van, train, airplane, who cares?! They’re heading to a certain place called The Promised Land! So get ready, boys! No doubt! Ever-Rise, 2Point0, X-JAS, will the next titles Menard & Parker go by be ROH World Tag Team Champions?

ROH World Tag Team Championships Proving Grounds: The Undisputed Kingdom VS The Qrown!

Speaking of, Matt Taven & Mike Bennett are here to defend those titles! Or at least, make teams earn their way to a shot at the titles. Will The Kingdom check another team off the list? Or will Leonis & Maximus Khan be one step away from the crown?

The teams sort out, Bennett starts against Leonis, and the Code of Honor is kept. The bell rings, the fans rally up, and the two circle. They tie up, and the bigger Leonis powers Bennett to the corner. The ref counts, Leonis lets off, but Bennett kicks low! Bennett CHOPS, then brings Leonis around to ROCK him! Bennett stomps and CHOPS Leonis, then tags Taven. The Kingdom double whip, dropkick the legs out then Taven ELBOW DROPS! Cover, TWO! Taven throws down hands, stomps Leonis over and over, even at the ropes! Taven CHOKES Leonis, lets off, and the fans cheer as Taven tags Bennett.

Taven CHOPS Leonis, Bennett stomps and CHOPS, then ROCKS him again! And stomps, and ROCKS! Bennett ROCKS Leonis again, talks trash, then tags Taven. Taven CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Taven then reels Leonis in, but Leonis throws body shots! Taven CLUBS Leonis down, tags Bennett, and they bring Leonis in. But Leonis powers out, ROCKS Taven, then ROCKS Bennett! Leonis throws haymakers, then an UPPERCUT for Bennett! Then Leonis catches Taven to OVERHEAD SUPLEX him away! Maximus reaches out but Bennett whips Leonis into a BOOT! Bennett FOREARMS, Taven LARIATS! Bennett covers, TWO!

The fans rally and Bennett stomps Leonis. Bennett CHOPS Leonis, tells him to get up, then brings him to a neutral corner. Bennett ROCKS Leonis, brings him over, and tags Taven. Taven fires up Daily’s Place before he swings, but Leonis dodges to CHOP! And CHOP! Taven knees low, tags Bennett, and The Kingdom double whip. Leonis holds ropes, KICKS Bennett, then TOSSES Taven! Bennett kicks Leonis first, then reels him in, but Leonis back drops free! Hot tag to Maximus! Maximus rallies on The Kingdom with big LARIATS! Bennett runs up, Maximus dodges then URENAGES! The fans fire up with Maximus and he brings Bennett up.

But Taven springboards, KICK OF THE KING! Bennett BLASTS Leonis, Taven goes up! HAIL MARY PILEDRIVER!! Cover, The Kingdom wins!

Winners: The Undisputed Kingdom, by pinfall (denies The Qrown a title opportunity)

Taven & Bennett just showed The Qrown aren’t #NeckStrong enough, and now The Kingdom is moving on. But will they soon cross paths with Menard & Parker?

JD Drake speaks.

“You ever been lost? Lord knows I have. I’ve been lost for the last month. In light of recent events, my brain’s been foggy, I haven’t been able to articulate words, I don’t know whether I’m coming or going. It’s showing up in my in-ring work, it’s showing up in my personal life at home. Hell, it’s showing in my bowling game at home, too. The other night during league, I asked myself, ‘Hey, where do I go from here?'” JD asked the lady cashier for change on $5, he only got back four bills. Three ones, and a $2! Yeah, a real $2, those still exists.

JD says his grandfather recently passed away, February of this year, God rest his soul, would put a $2 in every grandchild’s picture frame. JD once asked why he did that, he said it’s because they’re gonna need to talk to him one day, and this $2 was gonna be the message. Granddad would also say, when times get tough, you’ve got two choices: quit, or tighten your bootstraps up and get back to work. So while the Workhorsmen may not be a thing for the foreseeable future, time for JD to be a workhorse man. The Blue Collar Badass is gonna punch in, knockout, and give ROH a $2 ass kicking. Scrap Metal is ready to scrap, will he turn that $2 into championship gold?

The Iron Savages speak.

Bulk Bronson says, “Underappreciated. Underutilized. Undervalued. We, the Iron Savages, have been parading around like a circus act for an entire year, winning over the hearts of the ROH fans and keeping them all entertained.” Jacked Jameson asks, “Are we in any tournaments?” Bronson & Boulder both say, “No.” Are they on any PPVs? No. And y’know what? No more goofy savages, no more popping the crowd! Boulder says the adoration is not bringing them success. Time for the Iron Savages, yes, the Iron Savages, to live up to their potential! Jameson says frankly, fat morons and skinny idiots don’t deserve their entertainment.

They aren’t changing their game plan, it just means they’re done winning over “Low T losers!” They’re just gonna win. They’re sippin’ sauce, livin’ hoss, and EVERYBODY is going to #TiddyCity! Will these three start tearing their way through the ROH Tag & Trios Divisions until they’re sinking their teeth into titles?

Aaron Solo VS Jon Cruz!

Aaron is tired of riding solo and going nowhere, so in order to get back in the good graces of Johnny TV, he’s gotta get that W back! Or in this case, he just has to get wins period! Will he be able to do that here at Daily’s Place where he became All Elite? Or will Serpentico’s human friend get his own great homecoming win?

Cruz gets the fans fired up as he offers The Code of Honor. Solo takes it, the bell rings, and then Solo kicks low! Solo DECKS Cruz, has him in a corner, and bumps him off buckles. Solo stomps a mudhole in, digs his boots in and laughs, but lets off as the ref counts. Solo brings Cruz up, snap suplexes, then smiles as he soaks up the heat. Cruz flounders, the fans rally, but Solo throws hands. Solo whips, Cruz ducks ‘n’ dodges and RANAS! Solo flounders, Cruz keeps moving and he LARIATS! The fans fire up with Cruz and he brings Solo around. Cruz scoops to POWERSLAM, then fires up as he shakes the ropes!

The fans cheer as Cruz points to a corner. Cruz goes up, aims, and then FROG SPLASH FLOPS as Solo moves! GERMAN SUPLEX! Cruz springs up but Solo gives him the DREAMCAST KICK! Cover, Solo wins!

Winner: Aaron Solo, by pinfall

Solo makes sure Johnny TV saw that! There’s the first win, will he get more and more until he proves he’s TV Ready like Johnny & Taya?

Queen Aminata VS Robyn Renegade!

The One and Only African Woman Wrestler is an uncrowned queen here in ROH, but she is going to fight her way back up to her revenge! Will she be unstoppable as she chases down Athena and Billie Starkz? Or will this Renegade defy Aminata’s authority?

The Code of Honor is kept, the bell rings, and the fans rally for Aminata with “YES, QUEEN!” The two tie up, Aminata headlocks and she grinds Renegade. Renegade brings Aminata down, pops out the back and headlocks in return. Aminata endures, brings Renegade to her knee, and pops out the back to wrench, step over, and twerk attack! The fans cheer but Renegade is frustrated. Aminata hammerlocks, headlocks and hits the takeover. Renegade moves around, fights up, and powers up, only for Aminata to hold on tight. Aminata wrenches, Robyn breaks free and ENZIGIRIS! Then BACKSTABBER!

Aminata crawls, Robyn soaks up the heat and she kicks rocks before she runs up. Aminata puts Renegade on the apron, shoulders in but gets a DOUBLE STOMP for it! Renegade talks trash, kicks Aminata to the floor, then brings her back up to put her in the ring. Renegade brings Aminata up, reels her in, but Aminata turns things into a cradle! TWO, and Aminata runs up to LARIAT! Renegade gets up, Aminata LARIATS again! Renegade swings, but into a spin, snapmare, and PENALTY KICK! Back of the onion bag with that one! Aminata fires the fans up, runs side to side, and she DROPKICKS Renegade through ropes!

Aminata reminds us, she’s the one and only! But then we see Athena & Billie watching this backstage! Athena whispers something to Billie, perhaps some opening or weakness in Aminata’s game. Billie seems to concur while Aminata scuffs Renegade. Cover, TWO! Renegade holds on but Aminata brings her up. Alabama Lift, but Renegade sunset flips and high stacks! TWO, and Renegade swings, but into a wrench and facelock, snap suplex! Emphasis on the snap as Renegade flounders to a corner. The fans fire up and Aminata runs corner to corner, but Renegade ELBOWS back! Renegade runs in, gets around, half nelson FACEBUSTER!

Renegade sits Aminata up, runs and SHOTGUNS her down! Cover, TWO! Aminata is tougher than that but Renegade snarls. The fans taunt Renegade, “ROBYN SUCKS!” Renegade drags Aminata up, fireman’s carries, and swing into the DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO! Aminata stays in this but clutches her neck and back. Robyn is frustrated, but she drags Aminata up. Robyn DOUBLE CHOPS! Aminata is annoyed, but Robyn pushes her around. Robyn winds up, Aminata BOOTS the lariat, then DOUBLE CHOPS in return! And CHOPS again! And waistlocks, to GERMAN SUPLEX!

Robyn ends up in the corner again, and Aminata runs up, SWEET HIP MUSIC! But Aminata goes side to side to add the BOOT WASH!! Aminata says it is done now! She drags Robyn back up to HEADBUTT, Alabama Lift, and AIR RAID CRASH! Cover, Aminata wins!

Winner: Queen Aminata, by pinfall

Athena & Billie are not happy with that result, they storm off. Aminata is not just ready, she is looking better than ever! Will not even The Fallen Goddess be able to deny The Queen her crown?

My Thoughts:

A very good episode of ROH, mostly because it was under an hour. Yes, I still skipped things but c’mon, it was obvious Nyla was going to win, as were Liona and The Dark Order. Great opener from Infantry VS Outrunners to settle their feud, and I love that the Outrunners went as far as to get a female member of the team to parody Adora, just as I was thinking they would. Great win for Infantry, they’ll definitely get back in the ROH Tag title conversation in time for the next ROH PPV. And very good Proving Ground match, good showing for The Qrown in their first ROH match. But even so, of course The Kingdom was winning.

As such, we got a really good promo from Menard & Parker. I really hope they get a strong showing here in ROH now that they’re teaming together again. And there’s still Maria wanting Griff & Karter going after the titles, there’s needs to be something big in the works for the ROH Tag Division. And really good promo from JD Drake. Granted, this is another case where Tony Khan does something in his booking/running of the company that kinda forces his talent into these worked shoot promos, what with Anthony Henry being released while he’s injured. But JD did a great job referencing that without having to say it, and I hope he gets going in the singles division.

Good promo from The Iron Savages to officially go Heel, but given the unified AEW & ROH Trios champs are also Heels, we aren’t seeing Bronson, Boulder & Jameson holding gold any time soon. Good match from Solo, but I was hoping he’d have to struggle a little longer before he could win and do what Johnny TV dared him to do. And then very good match from Aminata VS Robyn, especially with the detail of Athena & Billie watching. Aminata of course wins, and I would think she skips revenge on Billie to go right to the head of the snake. Aminata VS Athena will be a great match, and really should be the moment Athena passes on the torch as far as being ROH Women’s World Champion.