Coverage
Andrew’s NJPW Strong Ep. 8 Results & Match Ratings 9.25.2020
Episode 8 of NJPW Strong brings us the first round of Lion’s Break: Crown. A breakout tournament, for the lack of better description. Who advances?

Episode 8 of NJPW Strong brings us the first round of Lion’s Break: Crown. A breakout tournament, for the lack of better description. Who advances?
Now I’m still very much of the same mindset I had last week. There is an obvious gap between skill and quality almost cutting the field perfectly in half. I suppose we’ll get to see how match ups effect second round advancement, and if there’s any surprising upsets.
Clark Connors has to be the assumed favorite, but with the fact they’ve been trying to build a story around Danny Limelight, I won’t be surprised if Limelight upsets Connors in the Finals.
Let’s see if my prediction is ruined immediately!
Ratings:
- The DKC vs Logan Riegel: Riegel wins via Roll-Up – ** 1/2
- Clark Connors vs Jordan Clearwater: Clark wins via Boston Crab – ***
- Barrett Brown vs Danny Limelight: Limelight wins via Triangle Tornado DDT – *** 1/4
- Blake Christian vs Adrian Quest: Christian wins via Elia – *** 1/2
Results:
The DKC vs Logan Riegel
Ugh, I think we know how much I hate DKC and this doesn’t do much to change my perspective on him. Riegel tries to go hold for hold, but apparently DKC is proficient in grappling or something. I guess between yelling and trying not to swallow his own tongue, he learned a joint lock or two.
At least he focused on the arm that was banged up last week in the 8 man tag, so for the better portion of the match Reigel was on his heels and with only one arm. Things are looking like a DKC victory, but Riegel gets lucky, sneaks a Roll-Up and manages to steal the victory. A very basic match, with simple psychology, DKC still looks like an idiot in the ring though.
Clark Connors vs Jordan Clearwater
Similar to the first match, we see a slower pace with Clearwater working a Top Wristlock and Armbar variation. Clark gets worked over a lot early on, Clearwater hits a few Leg Drops, and just a lot of offense focused on the neck and upper body area, most likely setting up for his Big Boot finish. When Clark finally gets some space, we get a load of the intensity he’s known for. A violent Pounce, a dodge of the Midas Touch, with a rope running Spear followed with the Young Lion special Boston Crab.
It was simple, but it was an improvement on the first since both were more active and much better in the ring.
Barrett Brown vs Danny Limelight
The way the two men worked the match was a little different than we’ve seen so far on Strong. Brown responded with a cold but wild look in his eyes, and Limelight actually showed off a few spots to validate his arrogant persona. Most of this match was built around Limelight shining, and Brown was relegated to a few burst oriented moves like a well timed Single Leg Drop Kick, Barrel Snap Suplex in the corner and a nice Wheelbarrow Facebuster. But Limelight either kicked out or found answers. The way he dodged a corner attack by walking the middle rope like something Fenix or El Phantasmo would do, and then hitting a Springboard Lariat, was a cool spot.
Brown uses a desperate Uraken, but misses completely, allowing Limelight to rock him and then connect with a triangle style Tornado DDT for the win. Probably the best Limelight match I’ve seen.
Blake Christian vs Adrian Quest
This was a blistering pace from the onset that rarely slowed down. Starting with Christian throwing Cradle and Roll-Up attempts at Quest; Quest kicked out, only to eat a huge lariat and then a back of the head dropkick with violent intent. Quest wasn’t going to take that and roll over, so we see great Junior style action of Frankensteiners and quick strikes.
Christian trips up Quest, plants a hand down and hits a low break dance variation of a bottom rope 619. Christian goes to the top, but Quest interrupts with a Dropkick. At this point commentary starts trying to explain he was hampered by an oblique injury prior to the match, so when Quest focuses on the chest and ribs, Christian sells like he’s being murdered (in a good way).
Living up to his all heart moniker, Christian manages to knock down Quest and hit a Springboard Moonsault, but can’t make a timely cover since he sells the ribs and crawls to the pin. With all the damage you’d think Quest had this in the bag eventually, but when an opening hits, Christian hits his Reverse Twisting Splash, for the pinfall.
Overall Score: 6.25/10
Now this was a fairly solid episode when it came to wrestling and they even added some of the backstage promos for the winners, so it was a different feel. I still have the ever present issue where this feels more like a UWN Prime Time episode and not New Japan. There was nothing that connected this to NJPW save for the logo on the mat and I suppose Clark Connors (though Karl Fredericks was on the past UWN episode).
So the fact we’re going to be getting a banged up Logan Riegel vs Clark Connors, and Danny Limelight vs Blake Christian; I guess we’ll see how this goes. They did say next week there will be an 8 man match including KENTA, Jay White and Jeff Cobb; so that also tells me that some of this was filmed a little bit ago.
Again, not a bad episode, I just find myself caring less and less about this since it’s further and further away from resembling a real NJPW show.
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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
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420 Honor Club!
Can’t go wrong with ROH on a Friday afternoon! But will Dustin Rhodes & The Von Erichs still be World Six Man Tag Champions after facing #MXMTV?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Bandido & Komander w/ Alex Abrahantes VS The Infantry w/ Shane Taylor Promotions; win(s).
- Sammy Guevara VS Lee Johnson w/ Blake Christian; wins.
- The Frat House VS ???
- Evil Uno & Alex Reynolds VS Jon Cruz & Rosario Grillo; win.
- ROH World Six Man Tag Team Championships: Dustin Rhodes & The Von Erichs VS Johnny TV & MXM Collection; win and
PLAY BY PLAY
[Due to scheduling conflicts, coverage will be on delay]
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
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Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Coverage
Andrew’s TNA iMAPCT! & Unbreakable Results & Match Ratings: 4.17.2025
iMPACT is the Pre-Show, Unbreakable is a TNA+ Special! See what happened!

iMPACT! is getting the old Heat treatment as a TV episode pre-show. While nothing about the iMPACT episode seems overly intriguing, they all actually have narrative weight, and since the last two weeks have been devoid of weight and general cohesion…this might be a surprisingly good episode which would serve as a better pre-show than expected.
I’m still mad that it’s a damn Thursday and they want to have 4-5 hours of show because WrestleMania reasons. Even WWE realized doing long shows before workdays was stupid, so NJPW giving them the idea to break Mania into two nights is a boon for everyone over thirty.
Also the main reason I’m doing a joint article. Since Unbreakable starts immediately after iMPACT, I’m not gonna put up back to back articles. One stop shoppin it!
Will @AJFrancis410 be crowned the FIR$T TNA International Champion TONIGHT at #TNAUnbreakable?!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/rT1TusIxJd pic.twitter.com/rxiBn6PxPw
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 18, 2025
iMPACT! – Ratings:
- Laredo vs Jason Hotch w/Tasha Steelz: Laredo wins via Laredo Fly – ** 1/4
- Jazmyn Nyxx w/Fatal Influence vs Xia Brookside w/Lei Ying Lee: Xia wins via Small Package – **
- KC Navarro vs Cody Deaner: KC wins via Loaded Fist – **
- Maggie Lee & Heather by Elegance w/Personal Concierge vs Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley: Hot Topic Hotties win via Cemetery Drive – ** 1/4
- Jakara Jackson w/Lash Legend vs Dani Luna w/Jody Threat: Dani wins via Luna Landing – ** 1/4
- Leon Slater vs Brian Myers: Myers wins via Roster Cut – ** 1/2
Unbreakable – Quick Ratings:
- Zachary Wentz vs Eric Young vs AJ Francis: Young wins via Piledriver – *** 1/4
- Ace Austin vs Steve Maclin vs Eddie Edwards w/Alisha: Steve Maclin wins via KIA – *** 1/2
- X Division Championship: Moose(c) w/Alisha vs Akeem: Moose wins via Lights Out – Long Squash
- Mustafa Ali & Nemeths vs Hardys & Mike Santana: Jeff Hardy wins via Swanton Bomb – ***
- Kaz & Tessa vs Joe Hendry & Masha: Hendry wins via Standing Ovation – ** 3/4
- Barb Wire Massacre: Sami Callihan vs Mance Warner w/Steph De Lander: Callihan wins via Cactus Driver ’97 – ** 1/2
- Inaugural International Championship: AJ Francis vs Steve Maclin vs Eric You: Maclin wins via K.I.A. – *** – TITLE CHANGE!!!
Results:
Laredo vs Jason Hotch w/Tasha Steelz
Laredo starts quick with a Straight Right, Tijeras, a few quick strikes, kicks Hotch out of the ring, wants a Plancha, but Tasha gets in the way to stop Laredo’s offense which gives Hotch an opening. Quick trip, a few chops and a hard Irish Whip has Laredo trying to catch his breath. Hotch tries to go for another Strong Irish Whip but Laredo reverses, two kicks, Flying Neckbreaker into a Missile Dropkick sending Hotch to the outside. Laredo finally pulls off his Suicida, and he’s rolling. Corner Forearm, Uno Mass Corkscrew Moonsaults, but Hotch manages to get away after two. A Snap Jab staggers Laredo, Ali style Outside In Rolling Neckbreaker and Hotch tries to take things to the top. But Laredo counters and Avalanche Michinoku Driver…only for two.
Laredo tries to keep things going, Back Handspring Crossbody, but Hotch catches him, big Tilt-a-Whirl Backbreaker for two. Hotch looks to the corner and then gets scared because he thinks Santana might strike, Hotch and Tasha argue, Laredo recovers and runs up the corner and hits the Laredo Fly for the win.
If @CodyDeaner can take down @KCwrestles tonight on #TNAiMPACT he punches his ticket Ultimate X at #TNARebellion! @milanmiracle
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/rT1TusIxJd pic.twitter.com/T5zqKHVr24
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 18, 2025
Jazmyn Nyx w/Fatal Influence vs Xia Brookside w/Lei Ying Lee
Jazmyn and Xia go for a chain wrestling or World of Sport kind of start. Xia even gets out of the Head Scissors with the classic Hand Stand and pop. After a little taunting, Jazmyn tries to charge but Xia loops around for a flash Cradle, Nyx kicks out quick and retreats to her Fatal Influence friends for a breather. Xia catches her with a Dropkick, a few strikes and starts putting things together until Jazmyn catches her in the corner and Snake Eyes Xia the hard way and then starts leaning her into the ropes, a few Leg Sweeps, PK kicks and Jazmyn is in control. Fisherman’s Suplex Hold from Jazmyn but Xia kicks at two. She tries to fight back up but Jazmyn is using her positioning to keep control. Bulldog into the middle buckle, puts Xia between the ropes and lays in a Round Kick to her chest and Xia has been eating offense for the last few minutes. The crowd tries to rally the little British Angel, but Jazmyn lays in some forearms, hits the ropes, Xia ducks and they hit stereo High Kicks to double down for a few moments.
Xia starts to rally, gets a few shots in, Tijeras, Xia tries Angel Wings but Jazmyn moves. Jazmyn tries to stay on her, but a Jawbreaker gives Xia time to go to the corner, Xia hits the Crossbody, Angel Wings, and looks for a DDT or something but Fatal Influence get involved distracting everyone. Lei has Fallon hanled, but Jacy is mouthing off causing Rosemary to come down and make a Mist save. Jazmyn tries to be opportunistic, but Xia blocks her move and hits the Small Package for the win.
Overbooked and timing was a bit shoddy in some spots, but not offensive. Not bad, but not good either.
KC Navarro vs Cody Deaner
This is for a spot in the Ultimate X match. Here’s to hoping the Blessed One beats the hell out of the loser who’s about as over as Herpes. Meaning he never goes away, and he’s unlikable. Anyone that says “Funny Underdogs are needed on shows”, isn’t that like 60% of the roster? No one is funny if everyone tries to be funny. KC however, he’s fucking hilarious and amazing.
KC tries to pay off Deaner and get him to forfeit, Deaner of course does the underdog thing of fighting back, dumb looking punches, goofball corner spot that he lengthens to the put of looking dumb and not funny. Oh thank God KC hits the Spiderman in the ropes, ducks Deaner and 305 gets hit for a near fall. Now KC is rolling, nice quick offense, Snapmare, Front Roll Neck Snap, Stomp into Split into cover for only two. Deaner goes for the comeback, and a few Lariats, Bulldog, and everything looks soo stupid. Deaner puts KC in the Airplane spin, gets dizzy and then goes again, TKO for two.
Navarro tries to powder, Deaner goes after him but the ref gets Deaner off of him since KC was in the ropes, KC wraps his necklace around his knuckles and a quick Jab to the face as Deaner tries to suplex him, 1-2-3, Blessed WIN.
If Deaner was the only doofus guy he’d be fine, but when we have Santino, Arianna, Laredo, KC, Great Hands, Brian Myers, Dango, Alisha, Hendry (while not a doofus isn’t close to serious), Kaz, Elegance Brand (all 3 of them), Ryan Nemeth and those are just off the top of my head. Everyone can’t be silly or no one is silly and nothing matters.
Maggie Lee & Heather by Elegance w/Personal Concierge vs Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley
I’m gonna keep any Gigi drooling to a minimum since I respect my boy Wentz, but I will say, you gotta love Hot Topic Hotties. Yes I like walking red flags, I’m self aware, and okay with it.
Maggie and Gigi start, a few quick counters, Gigi manages the Double Hook Cradle for two, then Hot Topic Hotties go tandem with a Dropkick and a Twisting Elbow for another two. Tatum is officially legal, Maggie looks for the tag but Heather wants to push Maggie more. Which is exactly how ASH treated her. Tatum turns it around, Gigi tags in, Poetry Bronco, and then Kawada Kicks from Gigi. Concierge distracts, Maggie grabs her, Heather takes the cheap shot, Suplex from Maggie for two. Heather and Maggie get some offense in together, and Heather is working Gigi over in the heel corner. Unicorn Stampede essentially. Heather goes for a pinfall and its only 2. Heather is getting frustrated, Gigi with an Upkick headscissors, Heather tries to stop the tag out, but eats the Mule Kick.
Tatum starts beating on Heather, rams Heather into Maggie, Cartwheel Peach Sunrise, tags in Gigi, Double Headbutts and Cemetery Drive from the Hot Topic Hotties and everyone wins. Jesus…will never leave this chat, he started it.
Jakara Jackson w/Lash Legend vs Dani Luna w/Jody Threat
Things start a little slow, Collar & Elbow tie up that they won’t relent for a while, Jakara tries to turn it into a Headlock Takeover, but Dani is too strong. Dani gets a few shots in, hops the rope for something but Lash makes her present felt and trips Dani while Jakara distracts the referee. The referee didn’t see anything but ejects Lash anyway. Lash won’t go, tries to intimidate the ref and say no. Jakara keeps things moving against Dani while Lash takes her sweet time slowly walking away. Jakara tries a Roll-Up but Dani too thicc to keep down. Dani fights back up, scoops Jakara and drops her unceremoniously.
Jakara starts laying in a bunch of Falling Knees and gets a quick two, before locking in a Cravat that Dani tries to fight out of. Dani counters out of it, ducks the Line, and they crash into each other with Forearms. The Double Fall Down spot is a little played out and this is only the pre-show really.
Dani levels Jakara with a few Lariats, looks for the Luna Landing, Jakara slips it so Dani comes off the ropes with a Busaiku Knee. Luna wants a Blue Thunder but Jakara gets away until Luna grabs her again for the Rebound Blue Thunder Bomb and a near fall. Luna charges the corner, misses, Jakara hits the Tornado DDT, but only two. Jakara tries to ram Dani’s head into the buckles, but Luna blocks, fires and takes Jakara’s head off, Luna Landing gets his and Dani wins!
Elijah has a promo segment and they have a really Sesame Street style “Walk this Way” words on the screen thing. When they did the bouncing ball lyrics with Ron Killings, it was at least cool. This comes off as corny and low budget public broadcasting crap just for Elijah to announce an open challenge at Rebellion or something. Admittedly I zoned out cause I figured it would be nothing of note.
Leon Slater vs Brian Myers
Myers and Slater start in a shoving match jawing at each other, and then Leon lays in a Shoulder Tackle off the ropes, some jumping crap and Myers is getting bounced from corner to corner like a dork. Leon tries to continue the Around the World but a punch, Thrust Kick and Irish Whip across the ring gives him some confidence, but he eats the Feint Mule Kick, Back Handspring Back Elbow…and again System matches are “look stupid and get beat up for 70% of the match until a shortcut can be taken”. Speaking of short cuts, Leon goes for his Corner Leap, Myers guards from it, Leon repositions but gets tripped and eats a Spear. Then…we go to commercial.
Coming out of the commercials Myers is still in control. Leon slips out of a suplex and then connects with a flurry of offense, Myers eats more kicks than I can count, powders, Leon does his corner post leap, comes in and looks to win but an Implant DDT, dick kick and Roster Cut gives Myers the win.
Overall iMPACT! Rating: 5/10
Nothing special but at least it made some sense and was a better than the last few episodes. Low bar comparatively. Now immediately onto Unbreakable! So because this is a long night, I figured I’d do a Watch A Long with Mat Sarpraicone over on Dirt Sheet Radio because I have zero faith in Unbreakable being worth the 2-3 hours it will take to watch it.
So you’ll get quick results with ratings and an overall thoughts at the end of Unbreakable from me, because it’s late and I needed something to keep me awake.
Overall Unbreakable Rating: 4.5/10
The iMPACT! episode was easier to watch and digest, three Triple Threats is too many and the Main Event being a slow paced triple threat after a Barb Wire match and a bunch of faster matches really doesn’t resonate well with fans. Even though I didn’t love the Sami vs Mance match, ending on carnage and the “babyface” winning would’ve been a much better way to send the crowd home happy and we wouldn’t have needed so much time fill during the last hour of the show.
Maclin being the inaugural International Champion is cool, setting up the first defense against Eric Young is good for their story, so most of the marks were hit. It just was too damn slow and had no business being a main event. Champions vs Challengers was okay, but it only really picked up when Masha and Tessa were mixing it up. I liked Moose having the extended squash match for shits and giggles, but two Triples back to back to open the show is an easy way to burn out a crowd. Sure the Moose match was an extended piss break to recharge the crowd, but the card was just laid out awkwardly and things felt like far more of a chore than they should have.
All in all this was a very lame event. Yes I get it was purely stop gap to take advantage of WrestleMania weekend, but with Rebellion next week, we all knew it wasn’t gonna shake things up too much. But hot damn was I about to fall asleep if I wasn’t doing the watch-a-long to not pass out.
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!