Coverage
Mitchelll’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (9/28/20)
And STILL…!!
The Raw champions all still reign!
The Clash of Champions has come and gone, and from World to United States to Raw Women’s and Raw Tag Team, the champions are still here! But that just means the door is open to new challengers! Who step up to Drew McIntyre, Bobby Lashley, Asuka and The Street Profits?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Raw Women’s Championship: Asuka VS Zelina Vega; Asuka wins and retains the Raw Women’s Championship.
- Andrade Almas VS Keith Lee; Keith wins.
- WWE 24/7 Championship Chess Shenanigans: R-Truth VS Akira Tozawa w/ Ninja; Tozawa wins and becomes the new WWE 24/7 Champion.
- WWE 24/7 Championship Shinobi Surprise: Akira Tozawa VS R-Truth VS Drew Gulak; Gulak wins and becomes the new WWE 24/7 Champion.
- WWE 24/7 Championship Always Be Prepared (to Lose): Drew Gulak VS R-Truth VS Akira Tozawa; Truth wins and becomes the new WWE 24/7 Champion.
- Natalya & Lana VS Mandy Rose & Dana Brooke; Rose & Brooke win.
- Kevin Owens VS Aleister Black; Kevin wins, by disqualification.
- WWE 24/7 Championship Triple Threat: R-Truth VS Drew Gulak VS Akira Tozawa; Truth wins and retains the WWE 24/7 Championship.
- Dominik Mysterio VS Buddy Murphy; Murphy wins.
- Six Man Tag: The Hurt Business VS Apollo Crews, Ricochet & Mustafa Ali; Crews, Ricochet & Ali win.
- WWE World Championship Open Challenge: Drew McIntyre VS ???; McIntyre wins and retains the WWE World Championship.
PLAY BY PLAY
Ric Flair is here!
The Nature Boy is back! And he isn’t alone! Here comes The Big Show! And Christian! And Shawn Michaels! They all had a part in exacting revenge on Randy Orton and helping Drew McIntyre retain the WWE World Championship. HBK says it’s been a long time but he can still do this: “Welcome to Monday Night Raw!” And without further ado, let him introduce the man who defeated Orton at Clash of Champions, Drew McIntyre! The Scottish Stud struts like Flair before joining the four legends in the ring. McIntyre gets a mic and says “This is pretty cool.” Standing in the ring with four legends who all made a surprise appearance last night. But McIntyre has known each of these men a long time. He grew up traveling with Big Show and Christian, them looking after him and helping him improve. And when things got tough, Show was the big brother giving him advice.
And of course, HBK was a mentor to McIntyre, especially in NXT. McIntyre wouldn’t be here without him. And Flair, what great stories and advice. McIntyre isn’t sure if he’s told many people this, but Flair was still on the main roster when McIntyre was starting. To be in the same locker room as him was amazing. But to think they’d all be united against Randall Keith Orton. That brings the good news: McIntyre and Orton went to war, beat the hell out of each other, and in the end, McIntyre put Orton’s ass in the ambulance and kept the WWE World Championship. McIntyre revels in the reaction from the fans.
HBK says that’s why these four are here. They thank McIntyre for whooping Orton’s ass. And as they were all off and recovering, they all obviously got together, showed up last night, and surprised McIntyre by “evening the odds” while getting their own revenge. Hopefully McIntyre isn’t upset by that. But if he is, blame Naitch. Well, McIntyre proved he can beat Orton at SummerSlam. Things were so personal, it didn’t matter, he welcomes others beating Orton up. Now is there a party set tonight?
But Orton speaks via the titantron! He hopes McIntyre is enjoying his moment, because it will not last! It isn’t over until Orton says it’s over! If you thought you went through hell last night, “you’ve got no idea what hell is. But you will.” Orton won’t be finished with McIntyre until Orton is WWE Champion! So he’s begging for another match, is he? McIntyre doesn’t get it. Orton doesn’t need to beg! He’ll be given the match because he IS Randy Orton! The 13-time WWE world champion, and the ONLY reason Orton is here is to remind McIntyre and everyone else around him that there is a price to be paid for crossing the Legend Killer. Cameras back up, Orton walks over, and takes his leave. What price is Orton going to make McIntyre pay?
Well, Orton has left the building, but all this title talk gives McIntyre an idea. He’s among four legends and wants to cement his own legacy. Whether we’re talking a fighting champion, a decorated champion, whatever, McIntyre wants to defend his title tonight. He issues an OPEN CHALLENGE to anyone he has NOT faced him for the title! Who wants to be the man around here?! And now that that’s out there, McIntyre promises to join these four for the after party later. Just don’t overdo it before then, alright? McIntyre shakes hands with each legend, but who looks to become a legend off McIntyre’s name?
Raw Women’s Championship: Asuka VS Zelina Vega!
La Muneca lost but did not show any respect to the Empress. Kayla Braxton asks her before the match about being a “poor sport,” and came up short. Look who’s talking! But Vega is just getting started! Everyone will feel so bad for Asuka when Vega proves she IS ready! But then Asuka comes by and tells Vega she is more than ready! Asuka hopes Vega is ready to lose AGAIN! They both talk trash, one in Japanese and the other Spanish, but security hurries to keep this from starting backstage! Will Asuka beat Vega twice in two days? Or will Vega have tricks up her proverbial sleeves this time?
Raw returns and Vega waits in the ring. Asuka makes her entrance, the introductions are made and the belt is raised. This Clash of Champions rematch begins, and we see if history repeats itself!
Asuka and Vega rush each other, Vega knocks Asuka down with forearms! Asuka turn things around to rain down fists then gets the ARMBAR! Vega gets the ropebreak and Asuka lets go fast. Asuka throws Vega down by her hair, talks trash in Japanese then goes after the arm. Vega gets the arm to kick it! Vega is continuing where she left off but Asuka pushes her away. Vega tilt-o0whirls, Asuka throws her down, but Vega gets the arm again! Vega rolls Asuka forward for a GROUND OCTOPUS! Asuka endures, powers up and pops out of the headscissor. But Vega gets the arm with that leg and throws elbows! Asuka endures, fights against the hold again, but Vega keeps throwing elbows. Asuka makes it a cover, TWO!
Vega basement dropkicks Asuka out of the ring! Vega leaps from the apron, but Asuka ROUNDHOUSES her down! The Empress grits her teeth and clutches her elbow as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Vega kicks Asuka’s bad arm! Asuka scrambles but Vega keeps on her with kicks! Veg dares Asuka to just give up then she SLAPS her! Asuka fires off fast hands! Asuka whips, pops Vega up for the KNEE! Vega flounders, Asuka runs corner to corner for a hip attack! Back kick! GERMAN SUPLEX! Vega sits up, Asuka runs and SLIDING KICKS! Cover, TWO! Vega survives the onslaught but Asuka is right on her. Asuka waistlocks, Vega fights with elbows and then wrenches the bad arm. Vega ROCKS Asuka, ducks Asuka’s kick, and hops on for the KIMURA! Asuka blocks the body scissor takedown and powers Vega off. Vega hops back on to go after the arm again! Asuka clubs Vega, powers her through to a SUPLEX!
Both women are down and fans clap on their screens. The ref checks, both women are okay to continue and Asuka sits up first. Asuka drags Vega up for kicks to the face! Asuka drags Vega into the chicken wing, but Vega arm-drags before the chinlock! EUROCLUTCH, TWO!! ASUKA LOCK!! Vega scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Asuka goes after Vega but she holds on. The ref pulls Asuka way, Vega hits a BACKSTABBER! Cover, ROPEBREAK! Vega is losing her cool and is throwing a tantrum! Vega stomps Asuka over and over then goes to a corner. Vega climbs up, MOONSAULTS onto knees! ASUKA LOCK!! Vega taps, Asuka wins again!!
Winner: Asuka, by submission (still Raw Women’s Champion)
Asuka makes Vega suffer for her disrespect last night, then lets her go. With this, La Muneca is done and Asuka is moving on to new competition! But who will that be?
Flair, Show, Christian and HBK are backstage, playing cards over dinner.
Will they have to wait long for McIntyre to defeat his new challenger before he joins them?
Raw returns to Andrade Almas in the ring.
And he is telling Vega that she is NOTHING without him! El Idolo was to blame for everything? But look at her now! Asuka beat her TWICE. “You are the weak link!” Garza was weak, too. That is why Garza got hurt last night. Almas was the one holding their team together! He is the greatest in WWE! And now, he dares someone to face him! Does anyone answer the challenge? Yes, it’s KEITH LEE!!
Andrade Almas VS Keith Lee!
El Idolo no longer looks that confident now that the Limitless One is here! Will Keith make Andrade #BaskInHisGlory?
The bell rings, Keith and Almas stare down. They approach, Almas gets a waistlock but Keith pries free. Almas clubs him on the back, runs, but into a back elbow! Keith drags Almas up by a knuckle lock, wrenches the wrist, and lifts Almas with one arm! He lets Almas down to wrench the wrist more, but Almas throws forearms. Keith throws Almas! Keith runs but Almas dropkicks the legs out! Keith hits buckles, Almas fires off forearms and knees! Almas has Keith in another corner but the ref counts. Almas lets up at 4 but comes back with kicks and CHOPS! Almas whips, Keith reverses and HURDLES Almas! Keith drops down to then CROSSBODY Almas down!
Keith is seething as he runs and corner splashes Almas! Keith then TOSSES Almas across the way! And hits another corner splash! Keith runs, Almas dodges and dropkicks the legs again. Almas fires off in a corner, the ref counts, Almas stops at 4 but Keith puts him on the apron! Almas climbs up, leaps, but Keith catches him with one hand! Keith scoops, Almas slips out and chop blocks the leg! And dropkicks Keith in the back! Almas takes aim, fires himself up, and runs corner to corner. CIEN SHADOWS! Keith flounders and Almas fires up more. Almas drags Keith up, hammerlocks, but Keith powers out to pop Almas up for a SPIRIT BOMB! Cover, Keith wins!
Winner: Keith Lee, by pinfall
If you blink, you might’ve missed something! Keith moves as fast as Almas, but has so much more power! Will the Limitless One soon take over Monday Night Raw?
The Hurt Business discusses business over a meal.
MVP tells Shelton Benjamin that you need the V12. Some random staffer sits at their table, and this upsets Bobby Lashley. The guy moves over but stays at their table… Uh, that’s Lashley’s seat, too. The staffer realizes where he is and apologizes. He hurries off but Lashley says the guy is taking his plate. It isn’t his plate, but the guy gives it up anyway. Anyone want some of this? The three enjoy their meal now, but will the All Mighty United States Champion satisfy his hunger for competition later on?
Raw returns to R-Truth playing chess against Lil’ Jimmy.
The WWE 24/7 Champion is very careful considering his next move. “CHECKMATE!” Pay up, Jimmy! That’s how good Truth is. He feels like a winner. Maybe Truth should challenge McIntyre? Wait, a ninja?! He delivers a message to Truth. Truth opens the envelope, and then a briefcase is presented. Wait, this is in Japanese. Oh, English on the back. “R-Truth, if you are reading this, I was eaten by a shark. Our battles were epic. It would make my sense, Kung Funaki proud. At heart, I was a ronin, until I met you. Wear this with honor. Regards, Akira Tozawa.” The briefcase opens, and Tozawa’s black belt is given to Truth! Oh, Tozawa! Why did you have to get devoured!? But wait, he’s not dead or eaten or anything! Tozawa is here, and he rolls Truth up!! Tozawa wins!!
Winner: Akira Tozawa, by pinfall (NEW WWE 24/7 Champion)
Tozawa deceived Truth and has the treasure! But then the ninja messenger BOPS Tozawa with the briefcase! The ninja covers Tozawa and wins!! But this ninja, is DREW GULAK! “That’s why I am always prepared!”
Winner: Drew Gulak, by pinfall (NEW WWE 24/7 Champion)
But then he turns around and Truth BOPS HIM with the briefcase! Cover, Truth wins!!
Winner: R-Truth, by pinfall (NEW WWE 24/7 Champion)
FORTY FIRST! Truth has won this title for the 41st time! Gulak and Tozawa get mad at each other but chase after Truth! This title is being given a Triple Threat match later tonight! Who finishes the night with this title in their possession?
Buddy Murphy is backstage, texting.
But then Seth Rollins heads over and Murphy puts his phone away. Rollins is glad to see his disciple again. But what is wrong? Tonight is a beautiful night! It is Monday, after Clash of Champions! And most importantly, the Mysterio Family will be on King’s Court tonight. We all get to see what they’ll say about stuff! Be in a great mood, because this is a great night for them! Wait, why is he dressed to compete? There’s no matches tonight. Dress up and get ready to celebrate! Go on, you look great in it anyway. Murphy leaves, but he left his phone behind. Rollins picks it up, and puts it away in his pocket. What is The Architect planning in that devious mind?
Raw returns to The King’s Court!
Jerry Lawler is already in the ring and welcomes us back. Last week, Seth Rollins tried to play mind games by saying Rey Mysterio might not be the father of either of his children! So please welcome, The Mysterio Family! Rey, Angie, Dominik and Aalyah make their way to the ring together. Aalyah sits first, making sure to have the mic. Jerry thanks them all for being here and gets to business. Can they comment on what happened last week? Rey says Rollins has been running his mouth, trying to disrupt the family, but can’t even control his own house. It is obvious these are his kids, he is their father, and that he and Angie worked so hard to build a strong, loving family. The family means the world to him. His kids have been his whole life since they were born> It takes a truly evil human to fabricate such lies like Rollins did.
Dominik says this has gone on for way too long and gone way too far. Next time they see Rollins, Dom will end it. Jerry understands the frustrations, and Rollins might be lying, but we did see Aalyah upset by what Rey said. Rey called her “naïve, and knows nothing about our world.” Aalyah stormed off to the back, and then was approached by Murphy. Aalyah, you’ve had time to reflect, but how are you feeling? “I am still a little bit upset about what happened,” because of how her parents see her, but she is 19 years old and is an adult. Murphy engaged her, so she wasn’t sure what to think. Rey seems concerned by that, but Aalyah says that whoever hangs around Rollins should reevaluate their life. Rollins is an awful person, and a fraud.
Rollins is on the titantron as he chuckles at their harsh words. He knows he might be the last person they want to see right now after last week. He understands completely. But what he has to say tonight is important. He promises this bothers him as much as it will them, but it is the truth. “The truth is, one of you isn’t being 100% honest with the family.” The truth is that Aalyah is fibbing about her feelings towards Murphy. Rollins knows they are wondering why they should even believe him for a second. But the thing is, don’t believe Rollins. Just believe these text messages! They’ve been having conversations! Murphy apologized, she thanked him, and wished him a happy birthday!
The truth hurts, doesn’t it? But Rollins promises this is for the greater good. Rey is upset, Aalyah defends Murphy, then hurries off again. Rey shouts after his daughter but then gets out of the ring. Rey helps Angie down the steps and they both hurry after her, with Dominik following behind. Rollins mumbles the messages, but Murphy confronts him! What’s Murphy upset about? This is his decision. So he had to put it out there? Murphy says Rollins doesn’t know anything! Oh, but Murphy thinks he can hide things? Does he think the truth isn’t important? Murphy gets upset that Rollins is chuckling, but Dominik attacks MURPHY! The brother is defending his sister but perhaps from the wrong man!
Security pulls them apart, but they keep trying to go after each other! Maybe Murphy being dressed to compete wasn’t such a bad idea after all!
Lana and Natalya head to the ring!
The Ravishing Russian and the #BOAT, Best of All Time, are here as part of Raw addressing the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships. Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler weren’t cleared for last night but will be ready down the line. What will be the decision towards the title defense? We find out, after the break.
Raw returns and Natty and Lana both have mics. They are here waiting until Nia and Shayna are STRIPPED of those titles! The titles that are rightfully Lana’s and Natty’s. Now when Lana thinks about it, the only reason there IS a Women’s Tag Division is because of Lana and Natty. In fact, they’re celebrities, influencers and followed by MILLIONS. They want those titles right here tonight! Adam Pearce interrupts the ranting and asks they calm down. They can’t just strip Nia and Shayna of belts.
But in the spirit of competition, Lana and Natty can earn a shot in a match against the newest members of the Raw Women’s Division. MANDY ROSE is here! And she is joined by… DANA BROOKE! The Golden Goddess and the Flex Appeal are BOTH on Raw! Will they sink the #BOAT and Lana with it?
Natalya & Lana VS Mandy Rose & Dana Brooke!
The teams sort out and Dana starts with Natty. Natty headlocks, throws Dana down, but Dana headscissors. Natty pops out, Dana kicks her low and whips her to the corner. Dana handsprings in for the back elbow! Tag to Mandy, Mandy brings Natty out and tags Dana back in. Snap suplex then handspring BOOT! Cover, TWO! Dana keeps on Natty, whips her to ropes, but Lana tags in. Natty kicks Dana away, Dana dodges but Lana throws her down by her hair! Lana ROUNDHOUSES Dana down then covers, TWO! Lana keeps on Dana with a whip into the corner. Tag to Natty, they stomp away on Dana then let up at the ref’s count of 4. Natty fires off more, the ref counts again, Natty lets off to taunt Mandy.
Tag to Lana, Natty snapmares Dana and Lana runs to sliding KICK! Cover, TWO! Lana keeps on Dana with a chinlock and grinds her down. Dana endures, Mandy and fans rally up for her, and Dana fights up to her feet. Dana fights out with elbows, Lana throws her down by her hair again! Lana gloats, then SLAPS Mandy! Mandy gets in but the ref keeps her away. Dana rolls Lana! Lana gets away before the ref sees, grabs Dana’s foot, but Dana enziguris! Hot tag to Mandy! Mandy rallies on Lana and Natty! Mandy drags Lana up, SNAP GUT WRENCH! Cover, TWO!! Natty gets in but Dana LARIATS her out! Lana shoves Mandy, Mandy dodges Lana to KNEE FROM A ROSE! Cover, Mandy and Dana win!
Winners: Dana Brooke & Mandy Rose, by pinfall
And that’s a wrap on the first #MandyNightRaw! Will Mandy and Brooke take over the Women’s Tag Division before the Draft shakes things up again?
Aleister Black speaks.
“Negligence, Kevin. Negligence. You’re a good man, right, Kevin? At least you claim to be.” Good men wouldn’t let bad things happen, but there it is. Kevin thrives in a system where he can manipulate viewers. It took one sentence for fans to forget and forgive the man who betrays those who rely on him. Kevin said he was sorry but he was with his family. Aleister sees family representing cruelty. Aleister’s father was a cruel man. Has Kevin’s son learned of betrayal from his own father? It doesn’t matter who forgets and forgives, because Aleister will never do either for Kevin. That darkened eye stares into Kevin’s soul, will it be Kevin’s future that #FadeToBlack?
Raw returns to the legends’ game of Texas Hold ‘Em.
Big Show is the dealer and HBK hopes for something good. Show says Flair is winning this on chips. HBK says he was only hoping to see what happens with McIntyre. Well it’s an Open Challenge so we don’t know. But unlike the other three, Show hasn’t officially retired so maybe… No, you lost at WrestleMania, too. Just deal! But here come the Street Profits to liven up the party! Cheers, dog!
Kevin Owens VS Aleister Black!
Kevin paces in the ring as Aleister makes his entrance. The Embodiment of the End has new music to go with this new darkness inside him! Aleister storms his way down the ramp, takes off the headband and vest, and the bell rings. Kevin dropkicks Aleister right out of the ring! Kevin goes after Aleister at the barriers, they brawl and Kevin throws and CHOPS Aleister around! Kevin bumps Aleister off the apron, clubs him and puts him in. Aleister knees Kevin down at the ropes, clubs and stomps away, then drags Kevin up for forearms. Kevin gives them back but Aleister throws body shots. Aleister whips, runs in to back elbow, then snapmares Kevin to a cover. ONE, but Aleister clamps on with a facelock.
Kevin powers Aleister to a corner, the ref counts but Kevin CHOPS Aleister again. Kevin clubs Aleister, Aleister elbows him back. Aleister chokes Kevin on ropes, brings him up and kicks him! Kevin kicks back, punches Aleister then clubs him in a corner. Kevin whips Aleister corner to corner hard, then eggs Aleister on. Kevin stomps on Aleister’s hand, kicks him and CHOPS him again! Aleister throws haymakers back, has Kevin on the ropes and chokes him more! The ref counts, Aleister lets up and Kevin coughs and sputters. Aleister drags Kevin up in a corner, clinches for knees, then throws body shots. Aleister whips but Kevin reverses and elbows him down!
Kevin paces, stomps Aleister in the chest, then paces more. Mule kick! Kevin CHOPS Aleister again, Aleister boots back! Aleister throws haymakers and forearms at the ropes, then chokes Kevin more. The ref counts, Aleister stops at 2, Kevin rolls him up! TWO, Kevin throws haymakers and CHOPS again! Kevin whips, Aleister kicks him away, Kevin LARIATS! Kevin stalks Aleister, whips him again, for another LARIAT! BACK SENTON! Aleister staggers away but Kevin GERMAN SUPLEXES him! Aleister flops out of the ring and the ref starts a ring count. Kevin goes out to SENTON from the apron! The fans fire up with Kevin as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns again and Kevin DDT’s Aleister! Cover, TWO! Kevin grows frustrated, but fans clap and rally up. Kevin stands, Aleister sweeps the legs! Kevin clutches a knee, Aleister stomps Kevin in the shoulders and back! Aleister rains down right hands, drops elbows, then covers, ONE! Kevin pushes Aleister, Aleister KICKS Kevin! Aleister paces Kevin, Kevin talks trash but Aleister kicks him more! Kevin CHOPS Aleister, Aleister KICKS Kevin to a corner! Aleister digs his knee into Kevin’s face! The ref counts, Aleister lets up at 4.5 and argues with the ref. Aleister goes back to Kevin and Kevin kicks low! Kevin kicks and CHOPS and throws forearms! Aleister knees low, snapmares and PENALTY KICKS Kevin down! Cover, TWO!
Kevin sputters and Aleister clamps on with a facelock. Aleister tries to squeeze what little air inside Kevin out of him. Fans rally up as Kevin endures, fights up and arm-drags Aleister away. Aleister ROUNDHOUSES Kevin down! Cover, TWO!! Kevin survives and Aleister seethes as he stands. Aleister drags himself up with the ropes, aims from a corner, and watches Kevin rise. Kevin dodges the knee to SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO!! Aleister still lives but Kevin is too tired to be frustrated. Kevin rains down furious right hands then stomps Aleister before going to the corner. Kevin climbs, bad leg and all, but Aleister intercepts with haymakers!
Aleister climbs up to join Kevin, Kevin resists the suplex. Aleister clubs, Kevin throws body shots. Kevin sends Aleister down! Kevin adjusts, SWANTON BOMB onto knees! Kevin is up, RUNNING KNEE!! Cover, TWO!! Another try, TWO! Aleister still covers, TWO!! Aleister is furious that Kevin still lives! Aleister pulls at his own hair as Kevin sits up. Aleister KICKS and punches and stomps Kevin at the ropes but the ref has to pull him away. Aleister glares at the ref, the ref warns him to respect his authority, and Aleister turns around. Kevin ROCKS Aleister with a right, Aleister fires off more! The ref gets hit in the crossfire! The ref calls for the bell!
Winner: Kevin Owens, by disqualification
Aleister doesn’t even realize he hit the ref! The ref was too close! And Kevin gives Aleister a STUNNER for good measure! The Prizefighter himself is a bit disappointed in that result, but a win is a win. Will Kevin be satisfied enough to leave things at this?
The Hurt Business returns to their locker room.
But Mustafa Ali walks out of it? Why was he in there at all? Ali apologizes, he got turned around in the ThunderDome. Now, he lost his damn mind! They push Ali, but Apollo is here to keep this from firing off. Ricochet says this isn’t over. They’ll see each other soon. Then see them tonight in the “office.” A Six Man Tag is set between the Hurt Business and Apollo’s Crew once again! But while Apollo couldn’t strike gold at Clash of Champions, can he, Ricochet and Ali turn their fortunes around?
WWE 24/7 Championship Triple Threat: R-Truth VS Drew Gulak VS Akira Tozawa!
The Stamina Monster let everyone believe the shark had made him a snack, but he is back and got away with a sneak attack! Only for Gulak to surprise him! And then Truth got back on Gulak and has his baby back! But for how much longer?
Introductions are skipped as Raw is returning from break. The title is raised, and we see if Truth can keep this 41st reign going!
The three circle, every man wary of the other two. But then Gulak and Tozawa go after Truth together! They kick and stomp him in the corner, then drag Truth out for more kicks and stomps. They bump Truth off buckles, kick and stomp more, then double whip corner to corner hard! Truth hits the mat, Tozawa covers but Gulak drag shim off. Gulak covers, Tozawa returns the favor. They shout at each other, Truth double clothesline them! Cover on Gulak, TWO! Cover on Tozawa, TWO! Truth is annoyed so he stomps Tozawa and punches Gulak. Truth rains down rights, Tozawa CLOBBERS Truth! Tozawa CHOPS Truth, then puts Truth in a corner.
Gulak and Tozawa work together again to double suplex Truth high and hard! Tozawa covers, Gulak drags him off! These two argue again, but Gulak says they take care of Truth first. Gulak wrenches an arm, Tozawa stomps the arm, then grabs the other arm. Truth endures a double chinbar armlock! Gulak and Tozawa crank as hard and says if Truth give sup, they’ll be co-champions! Truth refuses to quit, powers out, so Gulak covers Tozawa! TWO, and Gulak apologizes. They both go after Truth, Truth hits them both, but they hit him back. Gulak then throws Tozawa out of the ring, almost into the ref! Gulak goes after Truth alone but Truth throws hands!
Gulak clubs Truth, scoops and slams him, then drags him into the GuLOCK! Truth endures, Tozawa climbs up top, SUPER SENTON! Truth moves out of the way in time and only Gulak gets hit! Truth gives Tozawa the GOURD BUSTER! Gulak runs in, into a fireman’s carry! Truth powers up like John Cena for an AA!! Cover, Truth wins!
Winner: R-Truth, by pinfall (still WWE 24/7 Champion)
The 41-time 24/7, 7/11, 747, I-95 South ThunderDome European Television Champion keeps his gold and books it! The chase is on again, will anyone catch Truth off guard?
Backstage interview with Mandy Rose & Dana Brooke!
The newest members of the Raw roster will also be on tonight’s Raw Talk, but Charly Caruso asks them now how this duo came together. Mandy has had her ups and downs, but Dana’s always been there. Dana is a great athlete, so there was no doubt. Dana thanks Mandy for that, but Mandy is a great inspiration. Mandy gets knocked down, gets up again and fights back. The Riott Squad still have their shot at the tag titles, but the winners better be ready for Mandy and Dana. Will Ruby and Liv, as well as Nia and Shayna, take note of the message sent?
Dominik Mysterio VS Buddy Murphy!
El Hijo del Mysterio is defending the honor of his family and specifically his sister, but the Aussie Juggernaut isn’t going to take the attack lying down. Dom is without Rey, is he going to settle things with the supposed disciple mano e mano?
Murphy throws his shirt at Dom before the bell, and that only serves to anger him more. Dom rushes Murphy and tackles him to the corner! Dom rams in again and again then throws clubbing forearms! The ref back shim off and Murphy BOOTS Dom away! Murphy goes after Dom but Dom trips him up! They brawl on the mat, Murphy pushes Dom away to BOOT him down! Murphy stomps Dom, drags him up and whips but Dom reverses to send Murphy out. Murphy drags Dom out but Dom RAMS Murphy into barriers! Dom throws him into the barriers again, throws haymakers then puts Murphy in the ring.
Dominik climbs, Murphy bails out, but Dom just hops down to build speed! Dom slides, Murphy gets under but Dom sends Murphy into the announce desk! The ref wants this to get back in the ring and starts a count. Murphy throws Dom OVER the desk! Murphy gets back in the ring, the count continues to climb but then Murphy goes back out. Murphy fetches Dom to bump him off the apron, and again! Murphy gets on the apron, stands on Dom’s head, then stomps! Dom dodges to sweep the legs! Murphy crashes down, Dom drags him up and throws him into the ring. Dom goes back to a corner, climbs back up top, and LEAPS! Big crossbody, but Murphy rolls through to cover, TOW!
Murphy kicks low, brings Dom to a corner but Dom blocks the bump to give the bump. Dom gives Murphy more buckles, then stalks him at the ropes. Dom throws haymakers, whips but Murphy reverses. Dom ROCKS Murphy with that right!! Dom says, “I told you not to mess with my sister!” Dom stomps Murphy, drags him up, punches him, then runs. Murphy reels him in but Dom elbows him back! Dom runs, into a KNEE TRIGGER! Both men are down but Murphy gets up to say, “This doesn’t concern you!” He stomps Dom, then KICKS him in the back! Murphy stomps Dom more and more, toys with him even, but Dom still gets up. Jawbreaker!
Murphy staggers, Dom knees low and throws hands, Murphy fires off a strike fest, stomps a foot but Dom dodges the knee. Dom POSTS Murphy, goes up and around to TORNADO DDT! Murphy flounders, Dom stalks Murphy to a corner and stomps a mudhole into him! The ref counts, pulls Dom off but Dom goes back for more! Dom keeps going, the ref again backs him down. Murphy bails out, Dom heads out there and throws clubbing forearms. Dom bumps Murphy off barriers, apron and repeat! The ref has the ring count climbing, Dom puts Murphy in. The apron skirt is up, and Dom sees the kendo stick. The signature weapon of this battle is now in the hands of Dominik! The ref warns Dom, and now Aalyah hurries out ringside!
Aalyah tells Dom to put the stick down but Dom tells her to go back to the family. Dom gets in, with the stick, Murphy says this isn’t what Dom thinks! Dom argues with Aalyah, Murphy rolls Dom up! Murphy wins!
Winner: Buddy Murphy, by pinfall
But now Dom goes after Murphy with the kendo stick!! Aalyah defends Murphy but Dom says this is for the FAMILY! To protect the legacy! Has she not seen what Murphy has done!? Aalyah says Dom doesn’t need to do this, but he says she IS naïve. So she SLAPS him! Aalyah storms off, angry at her brother as much as she is her father. Is Rollins’ plan working out after all?
The Hurt Business heads for gorilla.
But as they pass by a janitor, MVP throws his water bottle down. “Hey, pops. Clean this up.” The Hurt Business again acts like they run this place, but will they be run down by Apollo and his crew?
Raw return to Dolph Ziggler talking with Adam Pearce.
The Show-Off tells Pearce that he has the perfect guy for McIntyre’s WWE World Championship Open Challenge. But Ziggler, you’ve already challenged and lost to McIntyre, you’re not eligible. He knows that! He was pointing someone else out. He and Pearce should talk. Then let’s do that. Hopefully it is someone good.
Six Man Tag: The Hurt Business VS Apollo Crews, Ricochet & Mustafa Ali!
Conspicuous by his absence is Cedric Alexander, but MVP did say Sunday that there are special plans in place for him. Will the business model be on course for all four men? Or will things be set back a bit by battling Apollo, the King of Flight and the Beacon of Light?
MVP grabs a mic to tell Apollo that “this is an official announcement from The Hurt Business. The generally agreed upon definition of insanity his doing the same thing over, and over, and over, and expecting a different result.” That means Apollo is insane, because he is making the same dumb moves over and over. Cedric had a slip-up, sure, but that is why he went to “Hurt Business Boot Camp” to stop making those mistakes. Unlike Apollo, who keeps stepping to them! They told him, and MVP told him, that they would repo the United States title and that Apollo would never see it again! It looks better on Bobby anyway.
And to add insult to injury, all that talk at Payback, Apollo talking about getting the title back from them, it didn’t happen! Apollo stepped to Lashley, Lashley beat him down, and Apollo got dropped! Then at Clash of Champions, Apollo tried to get his gold rush on and stepped to Lashley again. Same result! “You got dropped.” And because Apollo keeps hitting the wall again and again, he got his recess friends, and is stepping to them again, expecting a different result. But you know what is going to happen? “You gonna get dropped!” But Ricochet, Ali and Apollo make their entrances! Despite all the talk, will the results change this time?
Teams sort out and Lashley starts against Apollo, but Ali and Ricochet hit MVP and Benjamin down first! The three go after Lashley but MVP drags Ali out to throw forearms! MVP throws Ali into steps! Benjamin clobbers Ricochet! Lashley whips Apollo into barriers! Lashley drags Apollo up but the lights start flickering! Can it be?! Retribution hijacks the screens, but where are they? Raw goes to break while things sort out.
Raw returns, this match continues and Benjamin stomps Apollo. Benjamin drags Apollo back up to reel him in for a clothesline! Benjamin wraps on with a chinlock but Apollo endures. Ricochet and Ali coach Apollo, Apollo endures but MVP tags in and the Hurt Business mugs Apollo. MVP throws forearms, kicks low and has Apollo in a corner. Apollo hits back, MVP throws forearms, then whips Apollo corner to corner. MVP runs in, Apollo dodges and MVP boots buckles! Apollo enziguris MVP down, but Lashley blast Ali and Ricochet! So Apollo GERMAN SUPLEXES Lashley!
MVP crawls after Apollo and clubs him on the back. MVP whips Apollo to a corner, Apollo boots him back. Apollo hits Benjamin away, and hops up to FROGGY CROSSBODY to hit MVP down! Both men crawl for their corners, hot tags to Benjamin and Ricochet! Ricochet springboards to crossbody Benjamin! Ricochet fires off strikes and ROCKS Benjamin, to then QUEBRADA! Ricochet hits the STANDOING SHOOTING STAR! Cover, TWO! Ricochet keeps going, dragging Benjamin to a drop zone, PHOENIX SPLASH! Benjamin dodges, Ricochet rolls through to a corner, Benjamin runs in to KNEE Ricochet down! Tag to MVP and they double whip to double FLAPJACK Ricochet! Cover, TWO!
MVP keeps on Ricochet with clubbing forearms. MVP reels Ricochet in, Ricochet slips out of the Playmaker. Enziguri misses but not the mule kick! Both men hurry, hot tag to Ali! Ali rallies on MVP, whips him to ropes but MVP reverses. Ali dodges and dropkicks MVP down! Ali goes after MVP in the corner with haymakers and a whip. MVP reverses, knees low and scoops. Ali slips off to shove MVP into buckles, run and NECKBREAKER! Cover, Lashley drags Ali off! Lashley brings Ali out, Ali fights, Apollo wrecks Lashley with a dropkick! And a MOONSAULT! Apollo flounders about, Benjamin CLOBBERS him! Ricochet is on the apron and SWANTONS Benjamin!!
Ali and MVP are alone in the ring, MVP stalks Ali and rolls him up! TWO, Ali has the cover, TWO! Ali goes up the corner, leaps, TORNADO DDT! Ali puts MVP in a drop zone, goes up top, 450 SPLASH! Cover, Ali and team win!
Winners: Mustafa Ali, Ricochet & Apollo Crews, by pinfall
No one is going insane, but that was a crazy ending! The Hurt Business just busted against Apollo’s crew, but will they go bankrupt soon enough? And what of Retribution?
We check back in with the legends and their card game.
HBK is all but out, and Christian has Three Jacks. HBK has Full House, but Flair has a ROYAL FLUSH! Impossible! No it isn’t, because here it is. Fargo strut and a WOO~ baby! The Nature Boy is winning hand after hand, but will McIntyre win his own Open Challenge?
Bianca Belair is the FastEST.
She proves so on the track against Performance Center prospects. Ready, set, GO! Bianca blazes past them all on that 40! And she’s just getting started because she’s the ToughEST. They go another heat, she gives them a head start, and STILL beats them! One more round! She even says it’ll be easier cuz she has hurdles. But even with those extra obstacles, she still wins! Well, thanks for the warm up. You can’t whoop the EST of WWE. But will Bianca be back in the ring soon enough to whoop some superstars?
WWE World Championship Open Challenge: Drew McIntyre VS ???
Even after an Ambulance Match against The Viper, the Scottish Stud still wants a fight! He put this challenge out to anyone that has yet to challenge him for this title, and is willing to take a Claymore to the face! Who will step to the champ? Will it be Ziggler’s choice? We find out after the break!
Raw returns and McIntyre has the mic to say he won’t leave us waiting any longer. “Who’s ready to step up?” No one? He can talk for ten minutes. How is commentary doing tonight? But here comes Dolph Ziggler! He’s dressed for business but he tells McIntyre “this is going to be special.” The one Ziggler chose is… the GLORIOUS Robert Roode!! Roode was with Ziggler in that trade, but he is finally back on television! Will Roode make his return truly glorious with a championship victory?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and this GLORIOUS surprise match up begins!
Roode and McIntyre approach, Roode gets around to kick away at the legs! Roode puts the leg on the rope and pulls, but the ref counts. Roode lets off to then stomp the leg! Roode CHOPS, McIntyre shoves him away. Roode goes after the leg again, McIntyre clubs Roode away. McIntyre gets his legs working, brings Roode up to scoop, but Roode slips off to RAKE the back! Roode kicks the legs again, and CHOPS! Roode watched Clash of Champions so he knows what to hit! Roode wraps the legs on the ropes again, the ref counts but McIntyre clubs Roode again. McIntyre kicks and CHOPS Roode in return now!
McIntyre throws haymakers, drags Roode up to whip him corner to corner. Roode goes up but is kicked out of the air! McIntyre seethes as he watches Roode bail out. McIntyre pursues, inverted Alabama SLAM to the apron! Roode is down in a heap as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns again and McIntyre has Roode up top! Roode fights McIntyre back and throws haymakers! Roode trips McIntyre up and McIntyre lands on his claymore! Roode punches more and McIntyre falls into a Tree of Woe! But McIntyre sits up to SUPER BELLY2BELLY Roode away! Both men are down, Ziggler coaches Roode up but the fans rally for McIntyre. McIntyre aims, runs, but Ziggler gets Roode out to escape the Claymore! McIntyre grabs Ziggler by his hair, to throw him into the ring! The Show-Off scrambles up but McIntyre has him by his hair! But Roode chop blocks from behind! The bad legs are again targets as Roode stomps and drops elbows on them! Roode jams McIntyre’s knee between his own!
McIntyre gets to a corner, Roode goes out and brings McIntyre to the post. Roode clubs the leg then swings it into the POST! And then the other leg! And then back to the left leg! The ref counts but Roode gets in at 7. Roode goes back out, fans give thumbs down but Roode has the leg again. McIntyre boots Roode away then hobbles after him. Roode kicks the leg again, then borrows an idea from Orton with the SHIN BREAKER to the desk! Roode gets in the ring to refresh the count! Roode drags McIntyre up and in, goes to a corner and climbs up top. McIntyre is up, Roode hits a flying clothesline! Cover, TWO!
Roode keeps on the legs, steps through, and gets the FIGURE FOUR! McIntyre endures as Roode tortures his legs! Roode knows Flair is here so maybe he’s trying to show Flair how his own hold is done! McIntyre endures as Roode cranks harder and harder. McIntyre glares, grits his teeth and works to turn this over! He does! Roode suffers the pain now! Roode drags himself and McIntyre and gets the ropebreak! McIntyre gets free but the damage has been done both ways. Ziggler coaches Roode, Roode stands and hobbles to McIntyre. Roode brings McIntyre up, for a GLASGOW KISS! The headbutt rocks Roode, McIntyre rallies with clotheslines and a whip, for an OVERHEAD SUPLEX!
Roode flounders, McIntyre fires up and he rams Roode to a corner, for ANOTHER OVERHEAD SUPLEX! And a kip up!! But the bad leg buckles! McIntyre made a mistake, and walks into a GLORIOUS SPINE BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Fans clap but Roode is after the legs. McIntyre boots Roode into buckles! McIntyre stands, runs in, but Roode boots him back! Roode runs but McIntyre spins him, underhooks but a jackknife takedown! TWO, FUTURE SHOCK!! Cover, TWO!?! Roode survives and Ziggler is greatly relieved! McIntyre crawls to ropes, Roode is on the other side. McIntyre aims at Roode, runs at him, but Ziggler saves him again, but taking the BOOT! Roode grabs McIntyre for a GLORIOUS DDT!! Cover, TWO!?!? Roode is shocked!!
Fans clap as Roode fires himself up and dares McIntyre to get up. Roode drags McIntyre into position, but no second chance! McIntyre gut wrenches, spins out of the facelock, runs, CLAYMORE!! Cover, McIntyre wins!!
Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall (still WWE World Champion)
That was definitely glorious, just not victorious for Roode! McIntyre is a fighting champion, fights through the pain, and still has the title! But with another superstar checked off the list, who is left to challenge McIntyre in the future?
The janitor is lurking?
The same janitor the Hurt Business mistreated… has a chair!? He stalks into the “Legends Lounge” where Flair, Show, Christian and HBK are having fun. The janitor takes off the gloves, and removes his hood and mask to reveal he’s RANDY ORTON! Orton puts on goggles, and then barges in to turn off the lights! The goggles are for night vision as he attacks the legends in the dark!! Chair shot after chair shot on Flair, Show, Christian and HBK!! And when the lights come back on, the entire room is a wreck, as are the legends! Orton puts his disguise back on and hurries away. Referees and security go right by him as the Viper slithers into the night. Is this the price Orton meant?
My Thoughts:
Much like NXT (and AEW) last Wednesday, much like Clash of Champions on Sunday, COVID-19 concerns changed much of what was meant to happen tonight. No Retribution because each of them are on quarantine isolation protocol, and it seems Raw Underground was affected because there wasn’t even one segment with it tonight. But even with a change of plans, this Raw turned out to be a really good one. I was surprised we were just given a rematch of Asuka VS Vega for the title, but I suppose that’s just to get it out of the way. As I said last night in the Clash of Champions article, I think the plan for Asuka’s next challenge is supposed to come down to Mia Yim or Mercedes Martinez, but Retribution is out so they have to wait.
Retribution did keep their presence known with the little part in the Hurt Business VS Apollo’s Crew Six Man, which was good enough given the circumstances. MVP gave a great promo, and the match was really good, and it was great for Apollo’s team to win with the returning Mustafa Ali getting the pin. I would love if Mustafa Ali got to move up and challenge Lashley, or at least teamed with Ricochet against Benjamin and either MVP or Alexander. In fact, Ali and Alexander having interaction would be great, because Alexander was his friend as much as he was Apollo’s. We got a lot of great stuff from the 24/7 Championship as perhaps a way to make up for what couldn’t happen tonight. It was great for the title to hot potato before Triple Threat, and it’s pretty great for Truth to retain in that match.
Lana and Natty VS Mandy and Dana was really good, and a great way to have Mandy make her debut on Raw after the whole “trade” as created by Miz. And I suppose the WWE Draft will leave them off the board, as most midcarders are in favor of the big names. We got good stuff out of the Mysterio Family. It may be a bit Romeo & Juliet, girl falls for boy who family doesn’t approve of, but Aalyah is doing great in her part. Dom and Murphy have a really good match, and I just knew Aalyah would go out there to try and stop it. I still feel like this story could turn into Murphy’s redemption given how Murphy is losing respect for how Rollins is behaving. That has to be the pivotal moment in this feud now, where it looks like Rollins is going to finish Rey or Dominik but it’s Murphy who stops Rollins.
The thread of the night was of course McIntyre’s open challenge and the presence of the legends that helped him beat Orton. We wondered all night who would go after McIntyre, and I was personally hoping for Keith Lee, but he accepted Almas’ open challenge instead. Maybe in kayfabe, Keith is willing to wait until he’s earned another shot at McIntyre given the fighting they just brought to each other before. Aleister and Kevin fight each other, but the ref bump causing a disqualification clearly means they’re having another match down the line. I like that they used this opportunity to bring Roode back, we get to revisit even just a bit of Roode VS McIntyre from back in NXT, and it was still a really good match either way. McIntyre retains, but we close with a somewhat corny way of doing an attack on the legends.
The foreshadowing was there with us knowing the legends were hanging around. Orton’s night vision goggles didn’t even look like night vision goggles, but using “lights out” is the only way to “censor” someone attacking Flair since we all know Flair can’t take a serious bump like that anymore, but we also can’t see someone take it easy on him, either. Of course, kayfabe logic keeps getting bent and twisted again as referees rush to the scene after the fact, but totally forgot that Orton was in disguise! But either way, this is obviously how Orton forces McIntyre to give him a Hell in a Cell rematch, and it will most definitely be IN the Cell.
My Score: 8.6/10
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Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW World Tag League Results & Report! (12/14/25)
We have reached the finish line!
Who wins the 2025 World Tag League Championship?
Gabe Kidd & Yota Tsuji have held it together, but can they take the World Tag League trophies? Or will TMDK make them #JustTapOut?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- NJPW World Television Championship Open Challenge: El Phantasmo VS Hartley Jackson; ELP wins and retains the title.
- 10 Man Tag: Bishamon, Boltin Oleg, Katsuya Murashima & Tatsuya Matsumoto VS Taichi, Satoshi Kojima, Lance Archer, Alex Zayne & Masatora Yasuda; Taichi, Kojima, Archer, Zayne & Yasuda win.
- Six Man Tag: El Desperado, Shuji Ishikawa & Shoma Kato VS SHO, Don Fale & Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Sho, Fale & Kanemaru win.
- Six Man Tag: Shingo Takagi, “Drilla” Dan Moloney & Taiji Ishimori VS Yujiro Takahashi, Chase Owens & DOUKI; Takagi, Drilla & Taiji win.
- Six Man Tag: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Shota Umino & Yuya Uemura VS OSKAR, Yuto-Ice & Daiki Nagai; Tanahashi, Shota & Yuya win.
- David Finlay & Hiromu Takahashi VS Great-O-Khan & Callum Newman; Finlay & Hiromu win, by disqualification.
- NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championships: Toru Yano, YOH & Master Wato VS EVIL, SANADA & Ren Narita; Yano, Yoh & Wato win and retain the titles.
- 2025 World Tag League Finals: Gabe Kidd & Yota Tsuji VS Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa; ZSJ & Oiwa win and will challenge for the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships.
PLAY BY PLAY
NJPW World Television Championship Open Challenge: El Phantasmo VS ???
The Headbanga fought hard, but he and Hiroshi Tanahashi couldn’t get to the playoffs. Now he must defend his title, but against who? It’s TMDK’s Hartley Jackson! Now this is a BIG surprise! But can ELP overcome? Or will it be Hartley Jackson Number One?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see whose 15 minutes of fame are up!
ELP polls the fans, and it sounds pretty even between them. The bell rings and we’re on the clock as the two tie up. Hartley SHOVES ELP away, ELP is a bit stunned, but he comes back. Hartley SHOVES ELP away again, and ELP steadies himself before coming back again. ELP waistlocks, but Hartley’s too big to lift! Hartley switches, ELP fires elbows, but ELP headlocks. Hartley powers up and out, they RAM shoulders, and Hartley says, “No, no, no.” ELP runs to RAM Hartley again, but Hartley is solid! ELP runs again to RAM Hartley, but he still doesn’t budge! ELP fires forearms, but Hartley CLOBBERS ELP!
Hartley says, “Jackson Number One!” But ELP mule kicks! ELP whips but Hartley blocks! Hartley whips ELP to a corner hard, and ELP tumbles up and out to the floor! The fans rally, Hartley goes out to stomp ELP, then he opens the gate. Hartley drags ELP out to the crowd, just to scoop and POST him! The fans rally again while ELP writhes. Hartley drags ELP along, opens another gate, and he again brings ELP to the crowd. Hartley scoops, but ELP slips free! ELP POSTS Hartley! The fans cheer while Hartley slumps down. ELP closes the gate and the fans applaud. ELP brings Hartley up, whips, but Hartley blocks again!
Hartley reverses, ELP leaps over railing, then he ROCKS Hartley! ELP jumps up, but he’s caught! DEATH VALLEY DRIVER to the floor! A bit double-edged with both men down, but the ref checks on ELP. ELP is still in this, and Hartley rolls into the ring. The ring count starts, but ELP slumps against railing at 3 of 20. ELP stands at 5, slumps back down, but crawls his way over at 8. ELP stretches out his back before he rolls in, but Hartley is on him for a cover, TWO! Another cover, TWO! Hartley is annoyed but the fans rally up. Hartley drags ELP up, puts him in the corner, and CHOPS! ELP staggers away to another corner.
Hartley storms up and he CHOPS again! ELP sits down this time, but the fans rally up. Hartley waits on ELP to stand, but ELP dodges the chop to CHOP! CHOP! CHOP! Hartley swings, ELP dodges, and he CHOPS, fires fast hands, then ROCKS and ENZIGIRIS! Hartley drops to a knee and we pass five minutes! ELP goes to suplex, but Hartley’s too big! Hartley suplexes high and hard in return! Hartley paces, the fans rally up, and Hartley runs, but ELP moves! The senton FLOPS and the fans rally again. ELP storms up to fire forearms, then he whips, but Hartley again blocks! ELP KICKS Hartley’s leg again and again!
ELP whips, Hartley reverses, but ELP ducks ‘n’ dodges to springboard and CROSSBODY! Somersault and LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Hartley is still in this and the fans rally up. ELP brings Hartley up, he still tries, but Hartley is too much to suplex! ELP wrenches to RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP, then covers, TWO! Hartley is still in this, but ELP goes up the corner. The fans cheer as ELP lines up the shot! “Say cheese!” FALLING AX HANDLE! The fans cheer as ELP now air guitars a la Tanahashi! But Hartley runs up! ELP dodges, Hartley hits buckles, and ELP ENZIGIRIS! ELP goes up, TORNADO DDT!
Hartley stands, staggers, then falls! ELP covers, TWO! ELP calls for the Brain Salad! The fans rally up, ELP straitjackets and- NO, Hartley is too big to torture rack lift! Hartley whips ELP to a corner, SPLASHES, then short arm LARITS! SENTON onto knees! Ghost pin, TWO! Mule kick! ELP tucks Hartley in, but Hartley wrenches out! ELP dodges to SUDDEN DEATH! ELP runs, but into a LARIAT! SENTON!! Cover, TWO!! The fans fire up and Hartley hurries, DEATH VALLEY BOMB!! Cover, TWO!!! ELP survives and the fans fire up again! Hartley stalks ELP, drags him up, and fireman’s carries!
Hartley goes to the corner, puts ELP up top, and then climbs. Hartley fireman’s carries, but ELP CLUBS free! ELP fires forearms as we hit 10 minutes, and he ROCKS Hartley! ELP SUPER SUNSET FLIP, but Hartley holds onto ropes! ELP avoids the punch! Mule kick to the leg! Mule kick to the other leg! And the corner helps with the torture rack! BRAIN SALAD!! Cover, TWO?!? Hartley survives and the fans fire up! ELP tucks Hartley in, and lifts?! C R 2!! ELP hurries to the apron, climbs up the ropes, and THUNDERKISS 86!! Cover, ELP WINS!
Winner: El Phantasmo, by pinfall (still NJPW World Television Champion)
Hartley was definitely a big challenge, but ELP found a way to make it through! The Headbanga Show continues on, but who will be next on the list?
After Six Man Tag: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Shota Umino & Yuya Uemura VS OSKAR, Yuto-Ice & Daiki Nagai…
A HIGH FLY FLOW on Daiki Nagai scores the win for The Ace and his team! There’s a tense stare down between Hontai and the Knock Out Brothers, but that’s all it is for now. Tanahashi then gets the mic, and he says, “NJPW has finally returned to Kumamoto! Everyone, today was my last match here in Kumamoto, thank you for the support. And from now on, it will be the work of all our young wrestlers to carry NJPW forward! We look forward to your support, and even though we haven’t finished the show… Kumamoto, AISHITEMAAASU~!” The fans cheer President Ace as he and #YuSho make their exit. Shota & Tanahashi even do photo-ops with baby fans.
Tanahashi may not have gone far in his final World Tag League, but he still leaves Kumamoto on top. Now he must prepare for his final WrestleKingdom and his final match with Kazuchika Okada. Will The Ace stay high? Or will he be brought down to earth by The Rainmaker?
David Finlay & Hiromu Takahashi VS Great-O-Khan & Callum Newman!
The Rebel & The Timebomb brawled with The United Empire all over Kagoshima in a Six Man Tag, but that was just the opening salvo! Will Finlay & Hiromu finally humble the Dominator & Prince of Pace? Or will Khan & Callum conquer the Unaffiliated War Dogs?
But turnabout is fair play, Finlay & Hiromu attack the Empire from behind this time! They mug Callum, knock Jakob Austin Young down, then go after Khan! The fans rally while Hiromu CHOPS Callum! And CHOP again! Callum hits Hiromu back, but Finlay brings Khan around to SMACK off the apron! Gedo cheers Finlay on, but Callum CHOPS Hiromu, then CHOKES him using his jacket! Finlay brings Khan up to whip, but Khan reverses to send Finlay into railing! The ref reprimands, Callum drags Hiromu to ringside and whips him into railing! Hiromu hobbles away while Jakob applauds, and Khan has taken things into the crowd!
Khan BOWLS Finlay into chairs and railing! Callum brings Hiromu out to whip, but Hiromu reverses to BOWL Callum! STRIKE! The fans rally for Finlay but Khan tells them to shut up. Finlay fires body shots and forearms, then he HEADBUTTS Khan! And HEADBUTTS again! And again! Khan stumbles into railing, Finlay whips him into the wall! Callum drags Hiromu up to CHOP! Hiromu staggers towards ringside, Callum clears out chairs, and he brings Hiromu up to SMACK off the apron! Finlay drags Khan along, but Khan fires body shots! Khan KNEES low, Callum RAMS Hiromu into railing, and Khan POSTS Finlay!
Callum lounges on the apron for a moment, then he gets Hiromu up. Khan CHOKES Finlay with a chair! Callum puts Hiromu in the ring, wants the bell, but the ref wants him to back off first. Callum waits, and the bell rings as Hiromu sits up. Callum stomps Hiromu down, then rains down forearms! The ref wants to check Hiromu so Callum backs off. Hiromu eggs Callum on, so Callum rains down more forearms! Hiromu still eggs Callum on, so Callum gets the wrists to STOMP Hiromu! Cover, TWO! Callum BLASTS Finlay off the apron, goes back to Hiromu, and fires forearms! Hiromu CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS, but Callum kicks low!
Callum runs, Hiromu dropkicks the leg! Callum stays up, and he BLASTS Finlay again! And he BOOTS Hiromu down! The fans rally, Callum bumps Hiromu off buckles, tags Khan, but Hiromu goes out after Callum! Hiromu goes after Callum, CLUBS him, then whips, but Callum reverses! Hiromu hits railing, Callum brings him around, and whips him back into railing! Khan keeps the ref distracted while Callum puts Hiromu back in. Khan then talks some trash, sits Hiromu up, and DECKS him with a haymaker! And again! And again! The ref reprimands the closed fists but Khan shoves him aside, to then BLAST Finlay off the apron!
Khan rains down more fists, the ref reprimands again, but then Khan BODY BLOWS Hiromu while he’s on the mat! Cover, TWO! The fans rally, Khan argues the count, but Gedo still protests the closed fists. Khan scuffs Hiromu, drags him up, and suplexes. Hiromu slips free to CHOP, CHOP, and CHOP! Khan Mongolian Chops! And then IRON CLAW! Hiromu fights the grip, breaks free, and stomps a toe to KICK! Hiromu runs, HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER! But Khan stays up! And he IRON CLAWS again! And ELIMIN- NO, Hiromu victory rolls, TWO! But then SUPERKICK! Hiromu runs, HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER!
The fans fire up while both men are down! Khan and Hiromu crawl, hot tag to Finlay! Finlay CLOBBERS Khan, BLASTS Callum, and CLOBBERS Khan again! Finlay whips, Khan reverses, but Finlay UPPERCUTS! Callum kicks, runs, but Finlay ELBOWS him down! Finlay LARIATS Callum up and out! Finlay runs in and UPPERCUTS Khan in the corner! The fans bark with Finlay, and he fires LARIAT after LARIAT! Finlay goes all the way to TEN and the fans fire up. Finlay reels Khan in for a BROKEN ARROW! The fans cheer, Finlay flexes, and Khan writhes. Finlay drags Khan up, reels him in, but Khan fights the lift!
Khan BACKDROPS, Finlay sunset flips, but Khan stays up to IRON CLAW! Khan drags Finlay right up, and THROWS him away! Finlay tumbles to the corner, Khan fires up, and Khan runs in! Finlay BOOTS Khan away, then BOOTS him again! Finlay runs up, ROLLING- IRON CLAW! Khan clinches and lifts, but Finlay slips free and ROLLING ELBOWS! The fans fire up again and Finlay drags Khan up. Finlay lifts to POWERBOMB! The fans fire up again and Finlay vows to end it! Finlay drags Khan up, reels him in but Callum CHUCKS a chair! The ref says that’s it, disqualification!
Winners: David Finlay & Hiromu Takahashi, by disqualification
Callum stopped caring about the rules, and that cost the team! But he says fine, all bets are off! He POSTS Finlay! Hiromu goes after him, but Callum whips him into more railing! Callum puts Hiromu in the ring, takes aim with Hiromu’s on GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship, and CLOBBERS him! Then Callum SPITS on the title, puts it down, and smears Hiromu’s face in it! Then EXCALIBUR STOMP onto the belt! The fans boo, but Jakob throws Gedo in! Callum says bang bang, PENALTY KICK to the face! The fans boo more, but Callum puts a chair around Gedo’s neck! Finlay has the SHILLELAGH!!
Callum runs away from Finlay, and Finlay snarls as he circles. Finlay is bloodied but he still has fight in him! Callum dares Finlay to do something, so he CLOBBERS Jakob!! And OVERKILL!! Drilla & Shingo are also out here to reinforce Finlay. Callum smirks like it doesn’t even matter, but Finlay grabs a mic. “Callum! Thank you for reminding me! Thank you for painting a little picture in my own effin’ blood! I was beginning to forget who I am. These people were beginning to forget who I am. More importantly, the boy sin the back were beginning to forget who I am! You are marching down a very, very dangerous road.
“Are you absolutely sure you wanna make me a target? Do you really think you can kill me off? Consider this a baptism in my own blood! The Savage King is reborn!! The same Savage King that beat your old leader so bad, he had to limp off into Uncle Tony’s arms! So here’s what I’m gonna do. How ’bout this? At the Tokyo Dome…! At a sold-out WrestleKingdom, I am going to give the Empire a chance. Come get revenge, or come get killed! If there’s one thing about blood, boys, if you’re gonna draw it, you better be damn ready to effin’ spill it!” Finlay has put out the challenge but Callum shrugs it off with a smirk and a finger gun.
Did Callum just get the Empire dragged into another war with the War Dogs? Will this Rebel make sure to put the Empire down once and for all?
NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championships: Toru Yano, YOH & Master Wato VS EVIL, SANADA & Ren Narita!
The challenge was put out for Tokyo Dome, but the King of Darkness didn’t want to wait! Will Evil become the King of NEVER with the help from the Cold-Blooded, Souled-Out Snakes? Or will The Producer, The Direct Drive & The Way to the Grandmaster stay golden for the holidays?
The introductions are made, but of course the House attacks! The fans boo and the ref reprimands, but Evil TOSSES Wato while Ren TOSSES Yano! Sanada SMACKS Yoh off buckles, then dumps him out! Ren CHOKES Yano with Yano’s own sash! Evil stomps Wato, Sanada stomps Yoh, and Fale gets a BODY BLOW in since this isn’t a match yet! Ren SMACKS Yano with a water bottle! Sanada puts Yoh in the ring, the bell sounds, and now this is a match! Sanada stands Yoh up, but Yoh fires forearms! Sanada CLAWS eyes, SMACKS Yoh, then headlocks. Yoh powers up and out, drops down, then bypasses to drop toehold!
Yoh keeps moving, basement DROPKICK! But Evil & Ren attack! They double whip, but Yoh ducks the lariats to DUOBLE EYE POKE! The fans fire up and Yoh storms over to Sanada. Yoh drags Sanada around by his legs, and then he ties Sanada up, only for SAanada to kick free! Sanada blocks a kick, trips Yoh, and he ties Yoh up! But Yoh kicks free! Yoh dodges Sanada, O’Conner Rolls, and bridges! But Evil YANKS the ref out! Ren BLASTS Wato & Yano, Yoh hurries to check on the ref, but Sanada KICKS the ropes to jam him up! Wait, now Douki & Yujiro are out here to add onto the mugging! The fans boo, but Sanada puts Yoh in the DRAGON SLEEPER!
Wait a minute, KANEMARU is a ref now?! SKULL END!! Kanemaru asks Yoh, and Kanemaru claims Yoh gave up! Sho rings the bell, and the music plays!? Evil drags the belts into the ring while Sho makes the BS announcement! The House of Torture are NOT the new NEVER Openweight Six Man Champions, but they mug Yano, Yoh & Wato all the same! Sho claims that Yoh, Yano & Wato are NOT going to the Tokyo Dome now! Kanemaru raises everyone’s hands in victory, and the whole House thinks this farce will stand with NJPW officials! The fans boo as the House starts to leave, but Yoh picks up the mic!
“Oi! What’re you idiots talking about? You really think we’ll let you get away with this?! We need to have this happen, NOW! Restart the match!” The fans chant for that, too! And now AARON WOLF is here, and he’s bringing ref Marty Asami! The fans cheer as justice is being served! Asami also lays down the law, telling Kanemaru and all the extra players to back off! But then Ren & Sanada CLOBBER Team Hontai from behind! The fans boo again as the mugging continues, and even Wolf gets in there! Evil CLAWS Wolf’s eyes! Asami shouts at them all to stop it, and the other Young Lions get in there to usher the cornermen out!
Evil, Ren & Sanada are without Fale, Douki, and the rest, but even Wolf has to back down for the time being. The fans rally for Wolf but he’s sent to the back. Things are finally just 3v3, and we do get our restart! Evil TOSSES the blue buckle pad! Evil drags Yano up, whips him to the corner, and Yano hits the bare steel! Evil tags Ren, Ren stomps Yano’s leg and AX HANDLES him down! Ren drags Yano up and whips him back into the bare steel! Tag to Sanada, Sanada drags Yano, and Sanada TOSSES Yano out! Ren sets Yano up for Evil to JAM him up with a chair! Evil puts Yano in the ring and Sanada covers, TWO!
The fans cheer as Yano toughs it out. Sanada tags Evil, Evil brings in a towel, but the ref stops Evil! The ref confiscates the towel, but Evil has the tag rope! Evil CHOKES Yano with the rope, laughs as he gets away with it, then covers, TWO! Yano survives but Evil covers again, TWO! Another cover, TWO!! The fans fire up as Yano stays in this for the team! Evil tags Ren, and they split the wishbone! Ren drags Yano up, whips him to ropes, and ELBOWS him down! Cover, TWO! Ren is annoyed but the fans cheer. Ren drags Yano up, but Yano pulls hair! The fans cheer, but Ren hits a leg roll! Evil & Sanada BLASTS Yoh & Wato! FIGURE FOUR KNEEBAR!!
Yano endures, reaches out, but Ren puts on the pressure! Yano still fights his way around, and he makes the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Ren lets go in frustration. Ren stands Yano up, kicks the leg, then whips. Yano reverse and THROWS Ren down by his hair! The fans rally while both men crawl, hot tag to Wato! Wato BLASTS Sanada & Evil, then he goes after Ren with forearms! Wato ROCKS Ren, whips him, but Ren reverses. Wato RANAS Ren! Evil & Sanada return, they double whip Wato to a corner, then Sanada runs in. Wato dodges and he RANAS Evil! Then he dodges Sanada to RANA Sanada, too!
The fans fire up as The House regroups on the outside! Wato builds speed and he FLIES! Down goes the House! The fans fire up with Wato now and he drags Ren into the ring. Wato then goes up the corner, MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Ren survives but the fans still rally for Wato. Wato waistlocks to GERMAN- NO, Ren fights the lift and switches, SLEEPER! Wato arm-drags free, ducks and ZIGZAGS! The fans fire up, Wato covers, TWO! Ren toughs it out but the fans rally for Wato again. But Ren CHOKES Wato! Wato breaks free, kicks low, then runs, but Evil trips him! Ren tags Sanada while Evil BLASTS Yano & Yoh!
The House double whip Wato to a corner, then Evil LARIATS! Sanada ELBOWS! Ren ELBOWS! Snapmare, and Evil has Yano’s red chair! This is to distract the ref while SHO slithers back out here! Sanada & Ren set Wato up upside-down, Sho goes up, and DICK CHOP! The fans boo but Sanada covers, TWO!! Wato survives and the fans fire up! Sanada drags Wato up and around, fireman’s carries, but Wato slips free! Sanada ELBOWS Wato, runs the ropes, but Wato DROPKICKS him down! The fans fire up and Wato crawls for the corner! Hot tag to Yoh! Yoh drags Sanada around, and ties him up in Paradise!
The fans cheer as Yoh hurries to kick and whip Ren into railing! And then he does the same to Sho! The fans fire up and Yoh hurries back into the ring! Yoh encourages the fans to get louder a la the old Sanada, and he DROPKICKS Sanada out of Paradise! The fans cheer again, and Yoh reels Sanada in! FALCON- NO, Sanada slips free! Yoh ELBOWS and ROCKS Sanada, but Sanada FALLING LOW BLOWS! The fans boo, but Sanada gets his guitar! The ref stops Sanada, but this is so Sho can sneak in! SPOILER CHOKER on Yoh! The fans boo but “Dick Togo Junior” scurries away! Ren now distracts the ref, and Sanada takes aim!
But WOLF has Sho in a sleeper! Revenge! Evil is furious, Sanada takes a swing, Yoh dodges! SMASH HIT on the post! Yoh then waistlocks, but Sanada fights the lift! Yoh avoids the low blow, Sanada ROCKS him, but Yoh FALLING LOW BLOWS! Ren freaks out, but Yoh kicks the ropes to JAM Ren up! Yoh then SHOVES Sanada into Ren, and then cradles Sanada! HONTAI WINS!!
Winners: Toru Yano, Yoh & Master Wato, by pinfall (still NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championships)
Justice has truly been served, and then Wolf and Evil are brawling full on! Evil CLAWS at Wolf, the Young Lions get in there and back them both off, but not for long! Evil CLAWS Wolf’s eyes, fires some knees, and things spill into the crowd! Wolf ROCKS Evil! And ROCKS him again! Wolf is not backing down, so Evil THROWS Young Lions at him! Evil drags Wolf up with a headlock, CLAWS his eyes again, but the Young Lions pry him off of Wolf! Evil tells Wolf to know his place, but Wolf isn’t gonna be bullied! They take their fight to the back! Is it all but official that Evil will be defending his NEVER title at WrestleKingdom, too?
Hiroshi Tanahashi joins commentary!
He may have missed out on the finals, and he may have already had his last match in Kumamoto, but he wants to watch this main event match that very well affects the future of NJPW.
2025 World Tag League Finals: Gabe Kidd & Yota Tsuji VS Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa!
Both teams fought hard to make it up the ranks, make it to the playoffs, and make it to this point. The Mad Man & Gene Blast smoothed out the rough patches, but The Chin & The Mullet have always been in sync. Will Gabe & Tsuji make The Mighty kneel? Or will ZSJ & Oiwa be more than #WarReady?
The teams sort out, and while Gabe wants after someone, Yota has him stand down. Yota starts against Oiwa and the bell rings. The fans rally up already as Oiwa and Yota stare down. The “YOTA! YOTA!” seems to outweigh the “OIWA! OIWA!” They slowly circle, feel things out, and while Yota reaches in, Oiwa steps back. They tie up with collar ‘n’ elbow, then Yota wrenches to wristlock. Oiwa rolls, wrenches back, and wristlocks. Yota moves around, the fans rally, and Yota spins to slip through and full nelson. Yota spins Oiwa, snapmares, but Oiwa rolls to wrench. Yota rolls, wrenches, but Oiwa headlocks.
Yota powers up and pries the hold open, to then top wristlock! Oiwa fights it but Yota still powers him down, so Oiwa bridges! The fans cheer as Oiwa stands and headlocks again! Yota endures the grind, powers up, but can’t power out as Oiwa holds on tight! Yota powers up to lift, Oiwa hits the takeover, bu tYota rolls to a cover! ONE, and Yota fights up. Yota fires body shots, powers up and powers out, to then drop down and sidestep! Yota then runs, slips around and arm-drags Oiwa! And leg sweeps! Cover, ONE! Yota hits a takeover, Oiwa headscissors, and Oiwa holds on tight! The fans cheer as Oiwa pushes up for pressure!
Yota fights around, pops out, and he has Oiwa’s legs trapped in a butterfly! Yota floats to a headlock, Oiwa headscissors, but Yota kips free! The fans cheer the standoff! Oiwa and Yota back away, and they take Gabe and ZSJ. The fans rally as Gabe and ZSJ circle, then they step up. They feel things out, knuckle lock, but ZSJ rolls, wrenches, and wristlocks. Gabe spins, slips through, wrenches, and wristlocks. ZSJ hooks a leg, but Gabe puts pressure on the wristlock. ZSJ rolls, hooks the leg again, and even chinbars. Gabe cranks the wristlock again, but ZSJ bridges, spins, wrenches, slips through, and wrangles Gabe with a top wristlock!
Gabe fights up fast, rolls, rolls back, then handsprings! Gabe breaks free, ZSJ avoids the chop, and the fans cheer! ZSJ and Gabe reset, circle again, and test the waters. They tie up, ZSJ wrenches an arm then makes it a COBRA CLUTCH! Gabe fights it, but ends up in a straitjacket! ZSJ digs his head into Gabe’s shoulder blades, then keeps him from the ropes. Gabe powers up to turn the jacket onto ZSJ! ZSJ drops, bridges, scoots under, but Gabe blocks him! Gabe keeps the jacket on ZSJ, but ZSJ tries again! Bridge, spin, waistlock! Gabe switches, ZSJ switches, O’Conner, but Gabe trips ZSJ to a SLEEPER! ZSJ rolls back, has the wrists, but Gabe flips over!
Gabe smothers ZSJ into a cover, TWO!! ZSJ avoids another chop and the fans fire up! Gabe and ZSJ back off in their stalemate, and ZSJ tags Oiwa. Gabe doesn’t tag out, but he pretends like Oiwa isn’t there. Gabe and Oiwa circle, and Gabe eggs Oiwa on. They tie up, Gabe headlocks, but Oiwa powers up and out! Gabe RAMS Oiwa, RAMS him again, and RAMS him again! Oiwa stays up and the fans fire up! Gabe runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Oiwa arm-drags him down! The fans cheer while Oiwa grinds the armlock. Gabe fights around, rises up, and fires forearms! Oiwa grinds the armlock harder and Gabe drops to a knee.
Gabe fights back up, Yota coaches him, and Gabe KNEES low! Gabe whips Oiwa to a corner, but Oiwa dodges, to arm-drag again! Oiwa has the armlock again, and ZSJ BOOTS Yota down for good measure! Red Shoes reprimands, but Gabe fights up. Oiwa wrenches and YANKS the arm! Oiwa UPPERCUTS the arm, then RAMS the shoulder! Tag to ZSJ, he steps on Gabe’s arm, and he pulls the arm around to bend the fingers! Red Shoes reprimands but Gabe endures. ZSJ has the top wristlock, floats to turn Gabe over, and he traps the arm in an omoplata! Then roll to a cover, TWO! ZSJ keeps the arm to wrench, wrench, and he tags Oiwa.
Oiwa takes the handoff and wrenches the arm again. And again, and then he top wristlocks! Oiwa STOMPS the arm down! A very ZSJ move, and Oiwa SPLASHES down! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer but Oiwa keeps Gabe down. Oiwa drags Gabe over and tags ZSJ. TMDK double whip and DOUBLE ELBOW! Then they get the legs, DOUBLE TOEHOLDS! Red Shoes reprimands but they shift to DOUBLE STRAIGHT ARMBARS! Yota storms in and stomps them both! Yota coaches Gabe, but TMDK trips Yota up! DOUBLE TOEHOLDS! Then they both top wristlock and STOMP the arms! Yota rolls out of the ring while he writhes.
Gabe sits up, ZSJ kicks him again and again and again. Gabe stands, ZSJ wrenches the arm and wristlocks. ZSJ bends the arm, wrangles Gabe to the mat, and JAMS his own hand into his side! ZSJ twists the arm more, then DOUBLE WRISLTOCKS! Gabe endures while the fans rally, then fights up. ZSJ wrenches, Gabe whips him away, but ZSJ goes up and- CHOP! Yota is back, he and Gabe BLAST Oiwa together! Yota goes out after Oiwa while Gabe CHOPS ZSJ! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Yota sends Oiwa into railing, then stomps him down. Gabe RAMS ZSJ into railing, then CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS!
ZSJ flops down, Gabe shakes out his arms, and Gabe drags ZSJ up to whip him into railing! The ring count starts but Gabe CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! The count is 8 of 20, Gabe rolls in at 10. ZSJ is still down and the count is climbing. We pass 15, but ZSJ rolls in at 17! The fans cheer, but Gabe is there to CHOP ZSJ in the corner! And CHOP again! Gabe snarls, CHOPS again, and ZSJ drops to the mat! Gabe paces, glares at Oiwa, then tags Yota. Yota BLASTS Oiwa for good measure before he brings ZSJ up. Yota whips ZSJ to a corner, RAMS into him again and again, then CHOPS! The fans cheer and rally up while Yota snapmares ZSJ.
Yota digs his knee into ZSJ’s back while he clamps on the chinlock. ZSJ bends Yota’s fingers, but Yota ELBOWS ZSJ in the head! Yota tags Gabe back in, Gabe drags ZSJ up, and Gabe suplexes. CHASING THE DRAGON!? Cover, TWO!! ZSJ survives that but Gabe sends ZSJ to Yota’s scoop, BACKBREAKER! Gabe scoops, SIDEWALK SLAM! Cover, Oiwa breaks it! Oiwa stomps Gabe, but Yota kicks and TOSSES Oiwa. Gabe snarls as he looms over ZSJ. Gabe drags ZSJ up to CHOP him to the corner! And CHOP him down! Tag to Yota, he and Gabe stand ZSJ against the ropes to CHOP, CHOP, CHOP, and repeat!
The fans cheer but Red Shoes reprimands. The CHOPS continue, and then they stop at 4. Yota & Gabe tell Red Shoes to tranquilo, then they double whip ZSJ. But ZSJ double wrenches and PELES the arms! Hot tag to Oiwa! He DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up, and Oiwa runs to LARIAT Gabe in a corner! And he LARIATS Yota in the other corner! Oiwa winds up, Yota ducks the lariat, but he runs into a DROPKICK! Oiwa fires up, he dodges Gabe, and DROPKICKS! Oiwa handsprings and the fans fire up again! Oiwa drags Gabe up, he suplexes, but Gabe fights it! Oiwa holds on!? And he suplexes again for the SLAM!
The fans fire up, but Yota RAN- NO! Oiwa stops the rana to LIGER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Yota survives but the fans cheer Oiwa’s sheer strength! Oiwa drags Yota up, but Yota fights the Tenzan Plex! Oiwa still tries but Yota sunset flips it! TWO, and Yota clinches! BACKBREAKER, FLATLINER, and STOMP! The fans cheer the Gene Combination while Oiwa sputters. Yota takes a moment to check his own neck, then he sees Oiwa go to the corner. Yota runs corner to corner, and STINGER SPLASH! Then Yota hoists Oiwa up top, and he ROCKS him with a forearm! Yota fires the fans up, and he smiles as he climbs! Yota fires a flurry, but Oiwa fires back!
Oiwa fights the clinch, HEADBUTTS Yota down, and now Oiwa fires up! The fans cheer, but Gabe SMACKS Oiwa! Gabe climbs up, he has Yota move aside, and Gabe has Oiwa on the very top! SUPER DUPER PLEX! Yota covers, TWO! Oiwa is tougher than that, but Gabe barks. The fans bark with Gabe, Yota stands Oiwa up, and Gabe runs up! Oiwa dodges and knees collide! Oiwa then SHOVES Yota into Gabe! Oiwa then gets around, TENZAN PLEX! All three men are down and the fans rally up again! Oiwa crawls, hot tag to ZSJ! ZSJ runs up, tilt-o-whirls, and has the arm for the IRON OCTOPUS! But Yota powers up to BACKDROP free!
ZSJ runs up, but into a FLATLINER! Both men are down and Yota calls to Gabe! Yota rolls, hot tag to Gabe! Gabe puts some stank on the CHOP! ZSJ falls, Gabe covers, TWO!! ZSJ almost didn’t get out of that, but Gabe stands him up. Gabe CHOPS, then CHOPS again! ZSJ staggers around, and Gabe CHOPS again! Gabe eggs ZSJ on, CHOPS, but ZSJ blocks! And top wristlocks to STOMP the arm! Gabe writhes, ZSJ PENALTY KICKS! But Gabe sits up to flip ZSJ off! ZSJ PENALTY KICKS and high stacks! TWO!! Gabe survives and escapes, but ZSJ stays focused. The fans rally up, ZSJ reels Gabe in, scoop and- NO, Gabe fights that to suplex!
ZSJ slips free, Oiwa is there, LARIAT GERMAN SUPLEX COMB! EURO CLUTCH! TWO!! Gabe is up, but ZSJ BOOTS! Oiwa backslides, ZSJ jackknifes, but Gabe rolls through to cover! Oiwa breaks it!! Oiwa almost didn’t notice the turnaround, but he manages to save this for TMDK. But Gabe ROCKS ZSJ, CHOPS Oiwa, and repeat! Oiwa ducks a chop, puts Gabe in a corner, ENZIGIRI to CHAOS THEORY!! Then the jackknife bridge! YOTA BREAKS IT!! Yota almost didn’t get there in time, but he kicks Oiwa and whips! Wrench and GENE TRIGGER! Oiwa falls, but ZSJ snapmares Yota to NECK TWIST! Gabe BOOTS ZSJ!
ZSJ is on the ropes, the fans rally up even harder, and ZSJ BOOTS Gabe! Gabe BOOTS ZSJ! ZSJ BOOTS Gabe! Repeat! ZSJ rebounds, Gabe blocks a boot to KNEE ZSJ down! The fans are thunderous while everyone is down! Gabe calls to Yota, crawls his way over, and he hot tags Yota! The fans fire up as Yota runs in, but ZSJ dodges the knee! ZSJ comes back, blocks a boot, but Yota uses the British Reel and he DOUBLE STOMPS ZSJ down! The fans fire up again and Yota goes up the corner! MARLOWE- NO, ZSJ avoids the crush! ZSJ runs up, jumps on, GUILLOTINE FACELOCK! But Yota powers through to suplex free!
ZSJ lands out, but Yota avoids the Pele to have the BOSTON CRAB! Simple yet effective and the fans fire up! ZSJ endures, but Yota powers him down! ZSJ still fights forward, but Yota drags him back! ZSJ tucks and rolls, and he drags Yota into the RINGS OF SATURN! Oiwa intercepts Gabe into the ARC CLUTCH!! Gabe endures while ZSJ shifts angles on Yota, CLARKY CAT!! Yota endures, Gabe fights around, ZSJ shifts things again for the BAD BALLOON REMIX!! Gabe THROWS Oiwa onto ZSJ! The fans are thunderous as all four men are down again! We’ve hit 25 minutes, the longest match of this whole tournament, but there’s no limit on this one!
The fans rally up again as ZSJ drags Yota up. ZSJ UPPERCUTS Yota, then UPPERCUTS again! Yota wobbles but ZSJ UPPERCUTS him down! Yota rises, ZSJ reels him in, scoop and- NO, Yota slips free! And he catches ZSJ to a backslide! Roll through, GENE TRIGGER! ZSJ flops into the corner, Yota runs up, GENE TRIGGER!! Yota roars, the fans fire up, and MARLOWE CRUSH!! But Yota doesn’t cover, he just powers up again! Yota aims from the corner, GENE- NO, ZSJ scoops for the SABRE DRIVER!! But he can’t make the cover! The fans rally as hard as they can as both men crawl! Hot tags to Oiwa and Gabe!
Gabe and Oiwa fire forearms back and forth, faster and faster! The fans rally with every shot! Gabe ROCKS Oiwa, ROCKS him again, then looms over Oiwa. Gabe eggs Oiwa on, so Oiwa stands up. Oiwa ROCKS Gabe, but Gabe shakes that off to come back. Gabe ROCKS Oiwa, and Oiwa staggers to the ropes! Gabe shouts for Oiwa to bring it! This is NJPW, get up and fight! Oiwa fires another forearm, and another, and another! That left knocks Gabe down!! The fans fire up while Red Shoes checks. Oiwa storms up, Gabe SHOVES Oiwa away, and Gabe checks his mouth. He lost a tooth!? Gabe stands up, and he SMACKS Oiwa!
Gabe SMACKS Oiwa again, and again, and Oiwa staggers around! Is Gabe trying to knock out Oiwa’s teeth? Oiwa fires forearms in return, then SMACKS Gabe! Oiwa reels Gabe in, DOCTOR- RANA! Gabe runs up and STRAIGHT RIGHT! Then Gabe says, “I’m a Mad Man!” MADMAN BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Oiwa survives but Gabe snarls again! Gabe brings down the kneepad! Oiwa rises up, O- NO! Oiwa flops down! Gabe is annoyed as Oiwa is down, but Gabe hits a three point stance! He runs up like Yota, but Oiwa stops his Gene Blaster! DOCTOR BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! The fans are thunderous as we hit 30 minutes!
Gabe sputters as he sits up, but he reaches out for Oiwa. Gabe and Oiwa are forehead to forehead, and then Gabe SMACKS Oiwa! Oiwa SMACKS back! Gabe fires a flurry of palm strikes, but Oiwa LARIATS! Gabe stays up, ducks ‘n dodges, Yota joins in! WAR BLASTER!!! Cover, ZSJ BREAKS IT! Yota gets ZSJ up, he and Gabe DOUBLE HEADBUTT! Then DOUBLE KNEE! Yota TOSSES ZSJ out, then he DIVES! Direct hit and ZSJ hits railing! Gabe has Oiwa, PILEDRIVER!! Cover, TWO!?!? Oiwa survives and Gabe is as shocked as anyone! The fans are thunderous for “OIWA! OIWA!” while Gabe shakes his head.
Gabe says a quick prayer, perhaps asking to forgive what he’ll do next. Gabe runs, Yota is back, but ZSJ trips Yota to an ANKLE LOCK! DOUBLE LARIATS collide and both Gabe and Oiwa stagger away! Yota hops around on one foot as ZSJ has him on the outside! Gabe and Oiwa run up, THE GRIP!! But Gabe pops right up! STRAIGHT RIGHT! But THE GRIP returns!! Cover, TMDK WINS!!!
Winners: Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa, by pinfall (2025 World Tag League Champions)
Both teams were firing on all cylinders, but truly, the mightier team won out! Yota apologizes to Gabe for failing to get him across the finish line. Will these rivals just have to fight that much harder next time? Will there be a next time?
As for TMDK, they have their hands raised, and then they’re handed the trophies! ZSJ & Oiwa hold those up high while the fans cheer. Then they sit down for a moment to rest and catch their breath. ZSJ makes sure the fans all cheer Oiwa properly for scoring the fall. Oiwa is then handed the mic, and he starts by saying, “TMDK just captured World Tag League! It’s been 15 months since I came back to NJPW, and I haven’t won any championships. To some, it may’ve seemed like I was lingering in the shadows, but now, Zack and I have won the World Tag League trophies! I’m not an NPC, I am a lead character!” The fans cheer that!
Oiwa continues by saying that ever since he came into NJPW, he is glad to fight and get stronger with TMDK. Zack, thank you! The fans applaud as ZSJ side hugs his young sidekick. Oiwa says that in 2025, you cannot stop TMDK’s momentum! And when this year is done, in 2026, TMDK will be at the top and put NJPW on top of the wrestling world! Oiwa vows to stay true to himself and his pro-wrestling style, and that wrestling you saw here tonight was TMDK, that was pro-wrestling! Thank you for all your support, but they’re not done yet! TMDK will keep getting stronger, and will be even tougher the next time you see them in Kumamoto!
So when they come back, Oiwa hopes this entire venue will be decked out in orange! With that, Oiwa does the mic drop, and both he and ZSJ lift the trophies again! The fans cheer and the streamers fly! The streamers are blue and silver, but will The Chin & The Mullet soon be decked out in IWGP Heavyweight Tag gold?
My Thoughts:
Another great event, especially as the 2025 WTL finale. ELP VS Hartley to open with the NJPW World TV title was good stuff, Hartley looked good even in defeat, but ELP retaining is good stuff. ELP could face any number of possible opponents now for WrestleKingdom, I’m sure that’ll be another great match. Tanahashi’s team winning here was the right move, Daiki was there to take that loss, and it was good for Tanahashi’s last Kumamoto match to be a win. Tanahashi is probably going to build more momentum with win after win up until WrestleKingdom, where he more than likely loses to Okada one last time.
Great stuff from Finlay & Hiromu VS Callum & Khan, because of course we got another brawl to be the majority of the segment. Callum disqualifying things was a bit of a surprise, and I kinda dread the possibility of another “Dog Cage” match… The first one was rough and cost Alex Coughlin his in-ring career. The second was alright but it was just to keep things going between War Dogs VS House of Torture in other forms. Again, Finlay’s contract is just about up, will Dog Cage 3 be how they write Finlay out of NJPW? Or will it give away that Finlay is staying in NJPW when the War Dogs/Unaffiliated win?
Really good stuff in the NEVER Six Man title match, and they used overbooking just right here. The House was so involved that of course it was a mess and they tried to literally steal these belts. Aaron Wolf getting involved again telegraphs that we’re getting Evil VS Wolf for WK20 now, but hey, that’s a great spot for Wolf’s first match. Yoh, Yano & Wato probably face another combination of the House of Torture since all the other factions are gonna be busy with other stuff, maybe involving Sho so that Yoh and Sho can continue their feud through these titles.
And we got an awesome, stellar main event for the WTL finals. As I’ve been saying, Gabe & Yota weren’t gonna win, Yota has his match with Konosuke. TMDK winning is awesome for Oiwa, he and ZSJ are going to have another awesome match with the Knock Out Brothers, and that could go either way honestly. Oskar & Yuto-Ice have been doing so well, I wouldn’t be surprised if they retained at their first WK to really solidify themselves. At the same time, TMDK needs a lot going for them right now in the mainstream NJPW. I haven’t seen Shane Thorne & Mikey Nicholls on these shows in a long time, and no idea if they’re helping Tamashii or NJPW Strong, no idea if their contracts are almost up, too. Getting the heavyweight tag titles would be just the spark for TMDK to get going in 2026.
My Score: 9/10
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Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event Results & Report! (12/13/25)
The Last Time IS Now!
Thank You, Cena!
After 25 years, The Last Time IS Now as John Cena has his final match PERIOD, against Der Ring General, GUNTHER, on Saturday Night’s Main Event!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Cody Rhodes VS Oba Femi; Cody wins, by disqualification.
- Bayley VS Sol Ruca; Sol wins.
- AJ Styles & Dragon Lee VS Je’Von Evans & Leon Slater; Styles & Dragon win.
- John Cena VS GUNTHER; Gunther wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
G.O.A.T.
Triple H narrates, “The Goat. You hear it so much, you forget what it means: Greatest Of All Time. Is it measured in titles? Records? Or calibrated in time? Games and matches morph into seasons, seasons into years, years into decades. But The GOAT perseveres in a style all his own every damn night, until he’s an era unto himself. John Cena made his WWE debut June 27, 2002. But what marks the intervening quarter-century, and that which makes Cena the GOAT, nothing less than the sacred currency of professional wrestling: The connection. That communion with the crowd. Oh, he sees you. He hears you. He feels you. Loves you. Every last one.” So, for one last time, #ThankYouCena!
Cody Rhodes VS Oba Femi!
While The American Nightmare wants to settle things with the Scottish Terminator once and for all, The Ruler made it clear that “Quarterback Number One” needs to focus on him now! Will the NXT Champion prove he is The Destroyer and the Bringer of War? Or will Cody show us why HE is undisputed?
The bell rings and the fans fire up as the two champions stare down. They circle, feel things out, and tie up. They’re in a deadlock as Cody cannot push Oba back, but then Oba SHOVES Cody! The fans duel and sing as Cody shrugs that off. Cody and Oba reset, circle again, and they tie up. Cody headlocks, shifts, hammerlocks, then ducks an elbow! Oba says it was that close. The two go again, Cody avoids the grapple to headlock, but Oba powers up and carries Cody to the ropes! Oba then powers up and out, but Cody ducks the boot to DROPKICK a leg! But Oba stops the Rhodes Uppercut with a guzel! And an URENAGE BACKBREAKER!
The fans fire up and Oba fires body shots on Cody in the corner! Oba HAMMERS Cody, CLUBS him down, and he snarls as the ref counts 4. The fans cheer, Cody goes to a corner, but Oba is right on him. Oba wrenches and whips corner to corner hard! Oba storms up on Cody again, but Cody fires forearms! Oba KNEES low, Cody goes back to a corner, and Oba TOSSES him across the ring! The fans fire up with Oba, and Cody hurries back to his feet. Oba whips corner to corner, but Cody goes up and over! SNAP- NO! Oba blocks the powerslam! Oba scoops to SLAM Cody back! Cover, TWO! Cody toughs it out but Oba stays focused.
Oba brings Cody up to ROCK him with a forearm. Cody goes to a corner, Oba storms up, btu Cody kicks low! Oba UPPERCUTS first! Oba huffs ‘n’ puffs and stalks Cody along the ropes. Oba whips, scoops, and he carries Cody with one arm! Oba “takes a puff” and hits the BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Oba drags Cody up and CLUBS him back down! Cody sputters and crawls, but Oba stays close. Oba drags Cody up, lifts, but Cody slips free of the bomb! Cody then dodges and Oba POSTS himself! Cody runs, ROCKS Oba, but Oba stays up! Cody goes up and over, and he SNAP POWERSLAMS! The fans fire up with Cody as he stands!
Cody springboards, CODY CUTTER! Cover, TWO! Oba survives and Cody is frustrated, but the fans rally up. Cody goes up the ropes again, but Oba catches him this time! Oba whips, Cody reverses, and Cody TOSSES Oba out! Cody runs and DIVES into a FOREARM! The fans fire up while Cody flounders back. Oba rolls in, watches Cody stagger, and Oba runs up! But Cody DUMPS Oba out! Oba staggers, Cody builds speed, and Cody DIVES! Down goes Oba and the fans fire up again! Cody hurries to get back in the ring, but so does Oba! Cody runs up into a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Cody survives and the fans fire up again!
The fans rally, Oba stalks Cody, and he drags Cody up to scoop. Cody slips free, kicks low, and RHODES UPPERCUTS! Cody goes to the ropes, but Oba LARIATS him out! Oba snarls, the fans fire up, and Oba goes out the side. Oba runs in around the way! Oba CLOBBERS Cody, they BOTH go over the desk! The fans are fired up again, Cody is bleeding from an ear or cheek, and Oba gets him up and into the ring! Oba pops Cody up, SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Cody survives again and Oba is beside himself! The fans rally up, Oba snarls as he looms over Cody. Oba whips, Cody slips free of the pop-up! SUPER CODY CUTTER!! Cover, TWO!!
The fans fire up as Oba survives! But wait! DREW MCINTYRE IS HERE!! AND HE ATTACKS CODY!!
Winner: Cody Rhodes, by disqualification
The fans boo as the Scottish Terminator just HAD to ruin the match! So much for an “unsafe working environment” when he’s the one on the attack! But now OBA gets in Drew’s face! The fans fire up for this, and Drew says Oba is too dumb to understand what’s going on here. Oba SHOVES Drew! And then CODY CUTTER!! Cody gets the better of Drew, and Oba adds on! CHOKE SLAM! The fans fire up for Oba as he stands up for both himself and Cody Rhodes. Cody shows him respect by giving Oba his title, and raising his hand! The fans cheer, but what will it take for Cody and Drew to finally put this one to bed?
Bayley w/ Lyra Valkyria VS Sol Ruca w/ Zaria!
The Role Model has been working on getting back to titles, the same as the Soul Surfer of NXT. But now Sol gets a chance to really show what she’s capable of going against a WWE Grand Slam Champion! Will Bayley get her soul snatched in DC? Or will she prove to everyone else that she’s still got what it takes?
The bell rings and Bayley circles with Sol. The fans rally, the two tie up, and Bayley headlocks. Sol fights around, Bayley shifts to a waistlock, but Sol fights up to switch. Bayley headlocks for the takeover, Sol rolls to a cover, ONE! Bayley has the armlock now, CLUBS the arm, and wrenches. Bayley WRINGS the arm, but Sol handsprings through! The fans cheer, the two tie up, Bayley waistlocks then headlocks. Bayley wrenches and YANKS the arm, YANKS it again, then whips. Sol ducks ‘n’ dodges, handsprings and handstand walks, to handspring again! RANA! The fans fire up and Bayley scrambles to a corner!
The fans fire up and Sol waits on Bayley. They circle, tie up, and Sol waistlocks. Bayley switches to YANK the arm again and again, then whips. Sol handsprings through the hip toss to X-FACTOR! Bayley tumbles out of the ring, the fans rally up, and Sol watches Bayley closely. Sol drags Bayley up, but Bayley HOTSHOTS her down! Sol tumbles out the side, Bayley runs up, DAREDEVIL- NO, Sol stops the dropkick! And she spins Bayley around, goes up the apron, handsprings to dodge and then PENALTY KICK! The fans fire up as Sol goes up and ASAI M OONSAULTS! Bayley avoids it to then DECK Sol! The fans fire up and Bayley brings Sol up.
Bayley puts Sol in the ring, storms in after her, and ROCKS her with a forearm. Bayley fireman’s carries but Sol slips free and rolls her up, TWO! Sol stands, trips Bayley, then floats to a cover, TWO! Sol trips Bayley, handsprings over her, then SUPERKICKS! The fans rally, Sol TOSSES Bayley out, and then Sol builds speed! Sol handsprings to SASUKE SPECIAL! The fans are thunderous for the “Sol-suke,” including Zaria! Sol then puts Bayley back in, springboards, but Bayley avoids the splash! Sol belly flops, and Bayley LARIATS her down! The fans rally up while Bayley huffs ‘n’ puffs. Bayley staggers around, but she lines up a shot.
Bayley runs up to SUNSET FLIP BUCKLE BOMB Sol! Cover, TWO! Sol survives but Bayley stays focused. Bayley looms over Sol, sits her up, and KNEES her in the back! Bayley clamps on a chinlock, grinds Sol down, but Sol endures. The fans rally and duel as Sol fights up! Sol fires body shots, rolls Bayley, but Bayley rolls through to KNEE Sol away! Sol staggers to a corner, Bayley runs up again, btu Sol dodges! The knee hits buckles, and Sol mule kicks! ELBOWS! And CHOPS! The fans “WOO~” and Sol whips to UPPERCUT Bayley down! And UPPERCUT! And then a whip to the corner! Sol SNAP GERMANS Bayley on the rebound!
Sol kips up, the fans fire up, and Sol goes up the corner! Bayley stands, Sol BOOTS her away, then Sol cartwheels, ARCH DDT! Cover, TWO!! Bayley survives but Sol keeps moving! Springboard, but into the BAYLEY2BELLY!! Cover, TWO!! The fans rally up, Zaria coaches Sol and Lyra coaches Bayley. Bayley hoists Sol up, puts her on the top rope, and then in the Tree of Woe! Bayley CLUBS away on Sol, runs corner to corner, and jumps up to ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Sol survives again and the fans rally up. Sol goes to a corner, Bayley runs back up, but into a SUPERKICK! Sol runs up, backslide, TWO!!
Bayley and Sol stand up, still hooked up, and Bayley swings Sol around! Step over and- NO, Sol handsprings through the Rose Plant! SHINING WIZARD! Cover, TWO! Bayley survives but Sol stays focused. Sol goes to the corner, SOLUL- NO! Bayley YANKS her out of the Snatcher to ROSE PLANT!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Bayley is furious now, and she HAMMERS Sol! The ref counts as they’re still in the ropes, and Bayley drags Sol up. Bayley clinches, SAIDO! Then she drags Sol around to the drop zone! Bayley goes up, up, and MACHO ELBOWS onto knees! Then O’Conner Roll! TWO, Sol goes up, SOUL SNATCHER!! BUT BAYLEY’S HALF OUT OF THE RING!
Sol drags Bayley back in, and Bayley snatches her to a cover! TWO, Sol has it! SOL WINS!!
Winner: Sol Ruca, by pinfall
Even #ZaRuca is shocked as Sol scores! Bayley & Lyra show them respect and they all raise hands in celebration. They also salute to Cena, “You Can’t See Me!”
AJ Styles & Dragon Lee VS Je’Von Evans & Leon Slater!
The Phenomenal One & The Boy Wonder are still WWE World Tag Team Champions after their war with the War Raiders, but there could be a new challenge as they face the Young OG & Youngest In Charge. Win or lose, will this match of present and future be absolute cinema?
The teams sort out and Je’Von & Leon DOUBLE SUPERKICK! Then Je’Von FLIES out onto Styles! Leon LEG LARIATS Dragon! Dragon tumbles out, Leon builds speed to FLY over the corner! Direct hit and DC fires up as Leon puts Dragon in! CROSSBODY! Tag to Je’Von and he goes up, FIVE STAR FROG SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Dragon survives and the fans are fired up again! Je’Von drags Dragon over, tags Leon, and they mug Dragon. Je’Von whips Leon in, SPLASH! Snapmare, cover, TWO! Dragon is tougher than that but Leon drags Dragon up to put him in the corner. Dragon BOOTS Leon, ELBOWS Je’Von, then dodges Leon!
Leon POSTS himself, but Je’Von hurries to run up on Dragon! Dragon DUMPS Je’Von out, crawls, but Leon anchors Dragon! Leon back suplexes, Dragon lands out, and Dragon slips through to lift Leon! LIGER BOMB! Both men are down, the fans rally up, and Styles is back! Leon and Dragon crawl, hot tags to Je’Von and Styles! Styles fires the Phenomenal Blitz! LARIAT! SLIDING FOREARM! The fans fire up with Styles and he runs in at the corner, LARIAT! Then fireman’s carry and USHIGOROSHI! Leon is back, but Styles gets him for an atomic FACEBUSTER! Styles runs in at Je’Von, but Je’Von puts him on the apron!
Je’Von SMACKS Styles down, then builds speed, and he slides, but Styles dodges! Styles throws Je’Von to the apron, but Je’Von goes up, up, and ASAI MOONSAULTS! Styles dodges, Je’Von lands on his feet, but Styles RAMS him into barriers! Dragon runs to FLYING RANA Leon into Styles’ hands! STYLES- SUPERKICK from Je’Von! Dragon runs up, but Je’Von POSTS him! Je’Von & Leon put Styles in the ring, and Je’Von goes up, up, SUPER O G CUTTER!! Je’Von drags Styles over, tags Leon back in! “This is Awesome!” as Leon goes up, SWANTON SPLASH!! Cover, Dragon DROPKICKS Je’Von onto it!
The fans are thunderous as all four men are down. Dragon goes to a corner, he takes off the elbow pad, “This is Awesome!” as Dragon runs up! Je’Von SUPERKICKS, but Dragon V-TRIGGERS! Dragon ducks a roundhouse but not the SUPERKICK! Je’Von handsprings, RED DOT- DRAGON BLADE!! Je’Von tumbles out, Dragon builds speed, and Dragon FLIES! Down goes Je’Von at the ramp! Leon sees Styles is down, so he hurries to reel him in! And he calls his shot! But Styles BACKDROPS free! Leon sunset flips, Styles rolls through, but Leon fights the Clash! Styles still tries, but Leon DUMPS Styles to the apron!
Styles ROCKS Leon! He prepares the elbow pad, for the PHENOMENAL- NO, Styles slips off the rope! Leon covers, TWO!! The ropes might still be a mess from this wild night, but Leon hurries back up top! Styles stands, Leon leaps, but into a POWERBOMB! And then a STYLES CLASH!! Cover, Styles & Dragon win!
Winners: AJ Styles & Dragon Lee, by pinfall
The tag team champions got a lot more out of Je’Von & Leon than they expected, but there’s no question the future of pro-wrestling will be bright! The champs show them great respect, too, and the fans applaud. Will it only be a matter of time before the Youngest In Charge are truly in charge?
The MIZ interrupts?!
He does it by shouting “AWWWWWESOME~!” over commentary talking! “Y’know what would’ve really been awesome? If this Last Time Is Now Tour didn’t pretend like I didn’t exist! Like I didn’t happen! I’ve been a main character in the history of John Cena! But here we are! Here we are, focusing on the new and up-and-coming superstars, when the guy that beat John Cena in the main event of WrestleMania, in this outfit, in this gear, is standing right here! I demand respect! I demand-” R-TRUTH is here! The fans fire up as Truth runs down the ramp a la John Cena and slides right into the ring! He’s even in a baseball cap, shirt, and jorts!
The fans cheer and sing, “What’s Up?” Truth says he saw what Miz did! In the Last Time is Now tournament, Miz did something real inappropriate with Nick Aldis’ balls! He took someone else’s opportunity! And that person… is right here! Truth holds up the lottery ball Miz swapped out! Miz snatches that away from Truth, opens it up, and reads the paper. “Joe Hendry?” “SAY HIS NAME AND HE APPEARS!” And Joe Hendry SPINS into view! Miz says NO! NO! NO! Turn the stupid music off and stop dancing! Miz is so sick of this! STOP CLAPPING! Truth says this is what Miz is asking for, though! Nd Hendry fires hands!
Miz swings, misses, and Hendry catches him! FALL AWAY SLAM! And kip up! And… Truth joins in for the TURN! They even pose for pictures! Hendry joins in with saying, “You Can’t See Me!” TEN KNUCKLE SHUFFLE! And then Hendry guzels for the STANDING OVATION! Cover, Truth count sit, Hendry “wins!” The fans in DC all now believe in Joe Hendry, he’s so prestigious. But will Miz ever be humble enough to let anyone else have the spotlight?
John Cena VS GUNTHER!
All good things must come to an end, and the same is true for the great careers of living legends. Truly, the last time is now, and the only one who doesn’t want to celebrate it is Der Ring General! Gunther won the right to face John Cena, and he wants to make it so that for the first time and the last time, John Cena finally gives up. Will Gunther make Cena’s moment all about him? Or will Cena go out on top in one last main event?
The fans already chant “Let’s Go, Cena!” while waiting on the entrance. And then the lights go down, and the music hits! The tron slideshows as many of the classic John Cena looks from the past 20 years as it can, and Cena tells Stu that this might be weird, but hold on. Cena takes the camera so he can film Stu! Stu asks if Cena’s ready, and Cena says yes! Cena asks the fans if they’re ready, and he shows the towel that says “The Last Time Is Now!” in Washington Wizards style. Cena runs down the ramp, slides into the ring, and the fans erupt with cheers! Cena makes sure to see all sides of the crowd, and again hopes they’re ready for this.
Cena then steps back out to shake hands with Trish Stratus, Eve Torres, RVD, Kurt Angle, Mark Henry, Michelle McCool, Elias, Kevin Owens, Haku, Booker T, Sami Zayn, and Sami’s son. Cena returns to the ring so we can get the big time main event introductions! The fans are already fire dup, and they only keep it going as the bell rings. Gunther and Cena circle, feel things out, and they tie up. They’re in a deadlock, the fans all cheer Cena on, and the two break. Cena is surprised there isn’t a “Cena sucks” in the chant but he and Gunther reset. They feel things out again, but Gunther backs off.
Gunther steps out of the ring and the fans boo, but Gunther is doing this just to cool the fans off. Gunther steps back inside, he and Cena tie up again, but the fans tell Gunther off. Gunther UPPERCUTS Cena, stomps him down, then soaks up all that heat. Gunther goes back to Cena, stands him up again, and he UPPERCUTS Cena back down! The fans boo as Gunther puts Cena in a corner. The fans tell Gunther off more, Gunther just CHOPS Cena for it! Gunther stalks Cena to the other corner, and he CHOPS Cena again! Cena falls and sputters, the fans boo Gunther, but Gunther soaks up that heat. Gunther stands Cena up to CHOP him again!
Cena sputters while Gunther looms over him. The fans taunt Gunther with “You Tapped Out!” Gunther shakes his head, and he scoops Cena to SLAM him! Gunther stalks Cena to a corner, and he whips Cena corner to corner hard! Cena flops down but the fans rally behind him again. Cena rises up, but Gunther CHPOS him! Cena catches it! Cena fires haymakers and the fans fire up! Cena whips, Gunther reverses, but Cena ducks ‘n’ dodges, to SHOULDER TACKLE! And SHOULDER TACKLE! The fans fire up as Cena hits the SPIN OUT BOMB! Cena raises his hand, the fans are thunderous again, and “YOU CAN’T SEE ME!” FIVE KNUCKLE SHUFFLE!
The fans fire up, Cena waits on Gunther, fireman’s carry and- NO, Gunther slips free to GERMAN SUPLEX! The fans boo but Gunther runs, to LARIAT! Gunther snarls, drags Cena back up, SLEEPER! Cena fights it, but Gunther squeezes tight! Cena arm-drags free! Drop toehold! S T F!! Gunther endures and the fans are thunderous! Gunther reaches out, crawls forward, but the fans chant “TAP! TAP! TAP!” Cena pulls Gunther back, Gunther still fights, so Cena lets go to get the legs. Gunther BOOTS Cena away! T-REX SHOTGUN DROPKICK! Then the GUNTHER BOMB!! The fans boo but Gunther says it is done!
Cena sputters, sits up slowly, and the fans tell Gunther off again. Gunther aims from the corner, runs up, and LARIATS Cena back down! Gunther wants the ref to either call it or ask Cena. Cena refuses to give up as he sits back up. The fans rally behind Cena, but Gunther runs to LARIAT him back down! Gunther talks trash on the fans while they boo. Gunther paces, circling like a shark with blood in the water. The fans rally for Cena as hard as they can, and Gunther eggs him on. Cena stands, Gunther LARIATS again! Gunther shouts at Cena to give up already. Gunther is foaming at the mouth and the fans say that’s gross.
Cena stands, Gunther runs, LARIAT! Gunther is piling on the punishment as he insists Cena say he’s done. Cena rises up, the fans tell Gunther off again, so Gunther runs again. LARIAT! Cena is still conscious so Gunther looms over him. The fans rally for “SUPER CENA!” That might be the first time ever. Cena dodges a lariat to SHOULDER TACKLE! SHOULDER TACKLE! SPINE OUT BOMB again! FIVE KNUCKLE SHUFFLE! Gunther staggers, Cena fireman’s carries! ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT!! Cover, TWO!! Gunther survives and the fans can’t believe it! The fans chant “One More Time!” and Cena agrees!
Cena waits, fireman’s carries again, btu Gunther slips free! Gunther CHOPS Cena on the back! Then SLEEPER! Gunther drags Cena down into the body scissors! Cena flails, reaches out, and the fans rally as hard as they can! Cena rises, the fans are thunderous, and Cena shoves Gunther away! Cena has the SLEEPER!! The fans are going nuts as Cena has Gunther caught now! Gunther flails, flashbacks to Jey Uso at WrestleMania! Gunther kicks and kicks and fights to the ROPEBREAK! Cena lets go and Gunther bails out! The fans boo, but Cena storms in around the way! Gunther CHOPS! And then APRON BACK SUPLEX!
Cena sputters and slumps back down, but Gunther whips him into steel steps! Cena falls in a heap while the steps are knocked apart! The fans boo but Gunther refreshes the ring count. Gunther brings the other steel steps around, closer to the desk! Gunther then steps up so he can soak up all the heat. Gunther tells DC to shove it, then he fetches Cena. The fans tell Gunther off in return but he just chuckles. Gunther CLUBS Cena to be on the steps, then throws down fists! The fans boo, but Gunther clears the desk! Gunther then goes back up the steps, reels Cena in, but Cena fireman’s carries! ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT DOWN THROUGH THE DESK!!
The fans are electric as both men are down on the ground! The ref checks both men, and Cena is already rising up! Cena drags Gunther back to ringside, puts him in the ring, “This is Awesome!” as Cena covers, TWO!!! Gunther survives and no one can believe it! But the fans all rally for Cena harder than ever before! Cena decides to go for broke, and he climbs the corner! FLYING FAMOUSER!! Cover, TWO!! Gunther survives and both men are down again! The fans let Cena know, “You Still Got It!” Cena says hold on, let’s get one more! The fans cheer as Cena raises his hand. The last one, either way! He needs to hear us all!
The fans are thunderously cheering as Cena sets it up! “YOU CAN’T SEE ME!” BUT GUNTHER IS UP!! HE BOOTS CENA DOWN!! And GERMAN SUPLEXES! And then the GUNTHER BOMB!! High stack, TWO!!! Cena survives, but Gunther just drags him around to the drop zone! Gunther goes up top, but Cena UPPERCUTS first! The fans fire up as Cena hops up to get Gunther! Fireman’s carry, and the SUPER ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT!! Cover, TWO!?!? Gunther survives and everyone is shocked! “This is Awesome!” as both men are down. Cena finds the energy to rise up, as does Gunther. Both men stand, and Cena fires a haymaker!
Gunther fires back, so Cena kicks low! Gunther fires a haymaker, Cena fires a haymaker! Gunther UPPERCUTS, Cena UPPERCUTS! The fans rally as both men wobble, and Gunther fires a shot! Cena fires back! Cena eggs Gunther on, then dodges, and fireman’s carries! ATTITUDE- NO, Gunther lands out!! And lifts, GUNTHER BOMB!! Gunther goes right to the corner, right up top, GUNTHER SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!!! CENA SURVIVES! The fans are electric while Gunther wants Cena to get up again! Cena slowly rises, the fans cheer him on, but Gunther clamps on the SLEEPER!! Cena flails, reaches out, but is he fading?!
The fans rally for Cena, they boo Gunther, but Cena gets a second wind! Cena pries the hold open! But Gunther clamps it back on! Cena is fading again! Gunther sits Cena down, wraps on the body scissors, but Cena refuses to give up! A third wind and Cena shifts around! Gunther stays between Cena and ropes, but Cena pries the hold open, and fireman’s carries! But Gunther slips free, back to the SLEEPER!! Cena is turning red, but so is Gunther as they are in this war of attrition! Cena gets a fourth wind, if you will, but Gunther becomes a backpack! Cena stays on his feet, but that look on his face isn’t good… Gunther shifts to get as much weight as he can on Cena!
But Cena still turns around!? And he RAMS Gunther into buckles! Cena is free, but Gunther rushes up to clamp the SLEEPER on! Cena is fading again, and he’s back on the mat! The fans boo Gunther and rally again! Cena gets a fifth wind! Cena has Gunther as a backpack again, RAMS him into more buckles, and is again free! Then fireman’s carries! ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT!!! Cover, TWO?!?! Gunther survives, and then HAS THE SLEEPER!! The fans rally as hard as they have all night, “DON’T GIVE UP! DON’T GIVE UP!” Cena fights up as much as he can with Gunther still latched on! Gunther drags him back down, body scissors are on!
Cena is fading! The ref checks the arm, it drops once! The arm drops twice! Is it over?! The arm… STAYS UP!!! Cena rises from the dead! Gunther shifts to HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOW away!! Then the SLEEPER is back on!! Cena grits his teeth, all of DC and perhaps the entire WWE Universe behind him! But Cena is back on the mat! CENA TAPS?!? Gunther wins!!!
Winner: Gunther, by submission
The entire arena is shocked! Over 19 THOUSAND fans witnessed Cena fight beyond human expectations, and not one of them expected Cena to tap out. Many call BS, but those subside so that they can all give Cena one final standing ovation. “Thank You, Cena!” Cena sits up, and he gives a deep bow of respect. Cena is then surprised to see Triple H, Stephanie McMahon, Shawn Michaels, and pretty much everyone else walks out from the back. CM Punk and Cody Rhodes each talk with Cena in the ring, and they want to “pay it forward.” They let Cena hold their belts one last time, and the fans all cheer.
Cena is humbled as he looks out at everyone around ringside. The fans continue to cheer, “Thank You, Cena!” while they and the superstars, producers and management all clap. The fans boo a bit seeing HHH on the apron, but they cheer when Cena raises both world titles one last time. Corner to corner, side to side, all 360 degrees, Cena makes sure everyone sees him with the belts one last time. And then the fans boo a bit as HHH and Cena hug it out. HHH then cues up one final tribute video to Cena. #ThankYouJohn. Cena bows to each side of the ring one last time, and he takes off his sneakers and wristbands to leave them in the ring.
The fans cheer once more as Cena slides out of the ring, and heads back up the ramp, high-fiving the front row as he goes. Cena takes one final bow on stage, and salutes. “It’s been a pleasure serving you all of these years.” The fans continue to cheer as Cena then steps back through the curtain and to the backstage area. Truly, thank you, Cena, for 25 years of hustle, loyalty, and respect.
My Thoughts:
An awesome Saturday Night’s Main Event, certainly more like what these should be versus what we usually get. Though, this might have been a unique case since it was Cena’s final match and they also did what were to be “showcase” matches for NXT. Cody VS Oba was a great opener, but I pretty much nailed my prediction of Drew attacking. But great stuff for Oba to help beat up Drew in return. Obviously, we’re going to get Cody VS Drew one last time, maybe in Last Man Standing or I Quit so that they finally have something decisive and noncontroversial. And either way, Oba has established himself to fans who don’t watch NXT, they’ll understand he’s a big deal when he finally gets his call-up.
Great match from Bayley VS Sol, Sol also got to show fans what she’s capable of, and I’m actually rather surprised she won. But perhaps Sol & Zaria can make the jump to the main roster as a tag team to even further add to a pretty powered up tag division. That’d be pretty cool, as it doesn’t seem they want to split these two up, or else we would’ve gotten that on NXT by now. Styles & Dragon VS Je’Von & Leon having such a wild start was great, but also a bit surprising. Even so, Je’Von & Leon got to show what they can do with their aerial moves, but I figured Styles & Dragon would win out as they’re still tag champs.
Miz “interrupting” and being confronted by Truth was some good stuff. It was also a great way to get Joe Hendry back on a main roster special, he might be fast tracked to main roster after this next phase in NXT fighting for that chant at New Year’s Evil. And of course, the main event (despite what stupid fans were speculating would be the opener) was Cena VS Gunther. An awesome main event, of course, really pouring on the false finishes and the drama of that sleeper. The fans obviously made it clear they hated the tap out, and honestly I’m not really for that, either. Obviously Cena was losing, he isn’t one to buck tradition, but Cena doing a pass out with a smile on his face plays so much better than him tapping out with like half a smile on his face.
For that matter, what was that look on Cena’s face in that moment anyway? Cena’s a great actor but I’m not sure he chose the right motivation in this “scene.” Frustrated, upset, reluctant, those are the emotions I’d expect because I’d be like that myself. Not sure if HHH is all to blame, per what the fans were doing, but feels like we need an episode of Unreal on this right away to explain how we got here. In the end, we can’t let this ruin the great night, Cena’s in-ring career has come to an end, and it really makes you look back over the last 25 years and tear up a bit. Truly, for everyone at The Chairshot, #ThankYouCena.
My Score: 9/10
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