Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW G1 Climax 30 Results & Report! (9/30/20)
G1 Climax starts Round 4!
Will the number 4 be bad luck for someone in the G1?
The Switchblade already feels he’s won the “Jay1 Climax,” but there are more rounds to go! Does White go 4-0 or be taken down by the Aerial Assassin?
NOTE: NJPW no longer wants to feed AXS TV now that it is with Anthem and Impact Wrestling. But never fear, I will cover NJPW in the spirit of AXS in providing the most important matches of the show.
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- A Block – Minoru Suzuki VS Yujiro Takahashi; Suzuki wins.
- A Block – Jeff Cobb VS Kota Ibushi; Ibushi wins.
- A Block – Kazuchika Okada VS Taichi; Okada wins.
- A Block – Will Ospreay VS Jay White; Ospreay wins.
- A Block – Tomohiro Ishii VS Shingo Takagi; Ishii wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Here are the current A Block standings!
Taichi: 3-0, 6 points
Jay White: 3-0, 6 points
Minoru Suzuki: 2-1, 4 points
Kota Ibushi: 2-1, 4 points
Will Ospreay: 2-1, 4 points
Shingo Takagi: 1-2, 2 points
Kazuchika Okada: 1-2, 2 points
Jeff Cobb: 1-2, 2 points
Yujiro Takahashi: 0-3, 0 points
Tomohiro Ishii: 0-3, 0 points
A Block – Minoru Suzuki VS Yujiro Takahashi!
The Meanest Man in the World defeated the Stone Pitbull and Hawaiian Hulk, but he still seems upset he lost to protégé, Taichi. Will he take all of that out on the poor Tokyo Pimp?
As soon as Suzuki gets in the ring, Yujiro starts shoving him! So Suzuki shoves back! The ref gets them to settle down and rings the bell, and Yujiro boots Suzuki! Suzuki boots back, Yujiro comes back to boot again. Suzuki boots again, they egg each other on, and Yujiro runs into Suzuki’s boot! Suzuki drags Yujiro up but Yujiro throws him out! Yujiro goes after Suzuki and whips Suzuki into railing! Suzuki grits his teeth but Yujiro goes after him with the pimp cane! The ref rushes in to stop Yujiro, and he stops choking Suzuki at 3. Suzuki staggers away but Yujiro snapmares him, runs and BOOTS! Fans cheer as Yujiro stands over Suzuki. Yujiro drags Suzuki up but Suzuki hits back. Yujiro rakes Suzuki’s eyes to put him in the ring.
Yujiro stands on Suzuki’s face then stomps him down. Yujiro toys with Suzuki giving those kicks, then bumps him off buckles. Yujiro stomps, forearms and CHOPS! Yujiro slaps Suzuki, whips him corner to corner, but Suzuki reverses to BOOT Yujiro, and throw him out! Suzuki now whips Yujiro into railing! Suzuki gets a chair and SMACKS Yujiro down! The ref grabs at the chair but Suzuki shoves him down. Suzuki just gets another chair and SMACKS Yujiro again! Suzuki SMACKS railing and breaks the chair. Fans cheer Suzuki’s rage as he drags Yujiro up and bumps him off the timekeeper’s table. And chokes him with the microphone cable! Suzuki lets Yujiro go and demands the fans clap. The fans do clap, the ref comes back to tell Suzuki to get this in the ring.
Yujiro forearms but Suzuki hits back. They brawl at ringside, Suzuki DECKS Yujiro! Fans cheer but the ref says this still needs to get in the ring. Suzuki gets in and a ring count starts. Suzuki eggs Yujiro on as Yujiro stands at 8 and is in at 10 of 20. Suzuki drags Yujiro up for the sleeper hold! Suzuki leans on Yujiro and brings him down to the mat already. Fans rally as Yujiro endures but Suzuki makes it a cover, TWO! Suzuki keeps his cool as he sits Yujiro up. Yujiro blocks the Penalty Kick, throws Suzuki down and runs to basement boot! Fans rally as Yujiro flounders back up to his feet and heads for Suzuki. Suzuki throws body shots and stiff knees, then reels Yujiro into a guillotine facelock! Suzuki cranks on Yujiro’s head, but Yujiro counters with a FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, ONE!
Fans rally as Yujiro rises and Suzuki grits his teeth. Yujiro reels Suzuki in but Suzuki elbows away to avoid the fireman’s carry. Suzuki kicks Yujiro around and eggs him on. Fans rally up, Yujiro fires up and throws forearms! Suzuki gives them back and the two brawl again. Yujiro gets the edge, eggs Suzuki on, but Suzuki ROCKS him! Fans cheer as Suzuki grins and digs his foot into Yujiro’s head. Yujiro gets up and fires up again, but Suzuki ROCKS him again. Suzuki runs into a LARIAT! Yujiro fires up and the fans rally behind him. Yujiro fireman’s carries, but Suzuki slips off to get the sleeper! Yujiro grabs at the ref, Suzuki clubs Yujiro but Yujiro ROCKS Suzuki! SUPERKICK!
Yujiro drags Suzuki back up, but no Pimp Juice as Suzuki throws Yujiro down, spins him around and puts on the sleeper! Yujiro grabs at the ref more but Suzuki just cranks harder on the sleeper! The ref gets free, Suzuki spins Yujiro around and reels him in, Gotch PILEDRIVER! Cover, Suzuki wins!
Winner: Minoru Suzuki, by pinfall; gains 2 points, Yujiro earns 0
It seems there was no hope for Tokyo Pimp, no matter how hard he fought. The NEVER Openweight Champion storms around the ring before leaving. Will anything quell Suzuki’s rage other than the G1 Climax trophy?
A Block – Jeff Cobb VS Kota Ibushi!
The Golden Star beat one solid opponent in Tomohiro Ishii, but he’s up against another one! Will Ibushi be able to become a wrestling god as he promised at Cobb’s expense? Or will he take a Tour of the Islands instead?
The bell rings fans rally already with “I-BU-SHI” clapping. Ibushi and Cobb circle, approach, circle a little more as they feel things out, and then Ibushi kicks. Cobb backs away for a moment but comes back to try again. Ibushi tries some jabs but Cobb shoots in to get the leg takedown. Cobb uses the leg he has to then turn Ibushi over for a facelock. Ibushi uses the leg to get a ropebreak, and fans cheer as Cobb lets off. Cobb and Ibushi reset and go again. They tie up, Cobb gets the facelock back but Ibushi slips around to a waistlock. Cobb throws Ibushi down by an arm, wrenches the wrist but Ibushi headscissors him off. Cobb pops out and tries a cover but Ibushi has the ropes. Cobb lets go again, Ibushi keeps his guard up, Cobb waits for him to stand before he CHOPS!
Ibushi fires off furious forearms, but Cobb takes them all to ROCK Ibushi with one! Cobb eggs Ibushi on, so Ibushi KICKS! Cobb throws a forearm, Ibushi kicks, repeat! Cobb hobbles but comes back with forearms. Fans rally as they pick up the pace, but Ibushi fakes Cobb out to back kick to then chest kick and standing moonsault! Cover, TWO! Fans fire up as ibushi goes to Cobb at the ropes. Ibushi whips but Cobb holds the ropes to deny. Cobb still holds on so Ibushi knees low. Cobb reverses the whip, things speed up as Cobb hurdles and dropkicks! Fans cheer, Cobb covers, ONE! Cobb keeps on Ibushi with knees and even a European Uppercut to his back. Cobb drags Ibushi up, headbutts and Ibushi sits down. Ibushi shakes his head, saying that wasn’t enough.
Cobb brings him up for more headbutts but Ibushi fires off forearms. Cobb DECKS him! Cobb drags Ibushi up, bearhug and OVERHEAD SUPLEX! Fans cheer the strength while Ibushi rolls to a corner. Cobb runs corner to corner at Ibushi but Ibushi boots him first! Cobb comes back but Ibushi goes up and over, comes back with the SNAP RANA! Cobb bails out, fans rally up and Ibushi aims, PLANCHA! Direct hit and down goes Cobb! Fans rally for “I-BU-SHI” as he gets back up. The ring count begins and climbs to 10 of 20 before Ibushi brings Cobb up and in. Ibushi aims from a corner, Cobb rises, and Ibushi springboards but Cobb gets under. Cobb runs back but Ibushi jumps over the tackle to DOUBLE STOMP Cobb down! Ibushi claps along with “I-BU-SHI” as he rises.
Cobb sits up, Ibushi KICKS him! Cobb eggs Ibushi on now so Ibushi KICKS him again! Cobb catches the third, ducks the counter kick and hits a big back suplex! Fans rally up again as both men slowly rise. Cobb stands up first and runs at Ibushi to run him over. And again! Cobb tackles Ibushi to a corner, rams in over and over, then whips Ibushi out to send him back in. Cobb hits the big leaping uppercut! Cobb yanks Ibushi up by his legs, and cradles him for the ATHLETIC PLEX! Cover, TWO! GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO!! Ibushi survives and fans rally up! Cobb looms over Ibushi, drags him up, and powers up as he runs. Ibushi boots Cobb first but Cobb still throws the right hand! Ibushi middle kicks, Cobb SUPERKICKS! Ibushi clotheslines, but Cobb stays up to LARIAT!
Fans fire up as both men are down! Cobb rises first, drags Ibushi up, gut wrench and suplex! Cobb holds on for a second gut wrench suplex! He holds on and lifts Ibushi up but Ibushi tries to huricanrana out! Cobb blocks that, brings Ibushi back up and into the fireman’s carry, for the F 5 THOUSAND! So many rotations! Cobb high stacks, TWO!?! Ibushi barely escapes and the fans are thunderous! Cobb says he’ll end this with a little tour! Cobb whips Ibushi, Ibushi holds ropes and boots back. Ibushi runs, into a pop-up, fireman’s carry, but Ibushi fights out of that to ROUNDHOUSE! Ibushi has the wrists, KAMI- NO! TOUR OF- NO! V-TRIGGER!! KENNY!! Wristlocks and KAMIGOYE!! Cover, Ibushi wins!!
Winner: Kota Ibushi, by pinfall; gains 2 points, Cobb earns 0
A split second different, and Ibushi might’ve taken that Tour of the Islands and another loss! But he makes it through round 4, can he still secure his place in back-to-back G1 Climax finals?
A Block – Kazuchika Okada VS Taichi!
The Rainmaker hasn’t had the smoothest G1, with losses to Ibushi and Jay White. The Sliest Wrestler in the World, meanwhile, has yet to lose! Will fortunes change in this fourth round? Or can Taichi avoid being put Deep In Debt?
As soon as Okada takes off his elaborate entrance attire, Taichi attacks! The bell rings to get Taichi clubbing away on record! Taichi throws Okada out of the ring, then brings him around the way to whip into railing! The ref reprimands but Taichi brings Okada up to whip him into more railing! The ref tells Taichi to put Okada in the ring, so Taichi whips Okada into more railing! Taichi searches around the ring, but El Desperado is on commentary so he helps out. The ref stops Desperado from giving Taichi his chair, but this distracts from Taichi finding his own chair to JAM Okada with! And SMACK him on the back! Desperado goes back to commentary because the damage is done. Taichi drags Okada up and POSTS him! Okada’s back is already taped up, it’ll definitely need more now.
Taichi puts Okada in the ring and fans cheer. Taichi has a cocky cover of just one hand, Okada gets up before the count. Fans rally up, “O-KA-DA,” but Taichi mocks it. Taichi snapmares and KICKS Okada in the back! And again! Taichi kicks Okada out of the ring then goes out to follow. Okada drags Taichi up, RAMS him into the apron, the ring count starts, but Taichi RAMS Okada again! The count is at 10 of 20 but Taichi puts Okada in at 11. Fans cheer as Taichi continues things in the ring. Taichi pokes the bad back to toy with Okada but fans rally up. Taichi kicks at the back again, brings Okada up and rams him into buckles! Taichi snapmares Okada, kicks at the back and then slaps Okada around. Taichi gives toying knees but Okada gets up to throw forearms.
Taichi back kicks hard and Okada goes to a corner. Taichi runs in, Okada boots back but Taichi tries again, to get more boots! Okada RUNNING EUROUPPERS Taichi down! Fans rally up as both men slowly stand. Okada stalks Taichi to the ropes, brings him up for forearms, then whips. Taichi reverses but Okada elbows him down! Okada fires up for Korakuen and drags Taichi back up. Okada whips him corner to corner, runs in and back elbows, then kicks and DDT’s! Cover, TWO! Okada drags Taichi up, wrenches and goes for the cobra clutch but Taichi powers him into the corner! Taichi staggers away but runs back in, but Okada dodges to hoist him up top! Okada dropkicks Taichi down to the floor! Fans cheer while Okada rests his aching back.
Fans rally up as Okada goes out to fetch Taichi. The ring count begins, Okada drags Taichi up but Taichi RAMS him into railing! The ref tells them to get in the ring now with the count stopped. Taichi whips but Okada reverses and now Taichi goes into railing! Okada DDT’s Taichi to the floor! The ref goes back out to check on them, Taichi is okay to continue but Okada gets the fans to clap and stomp. The ring count returns, Okada walks off the pain and brings Taichi up at 8 of 20. They’re in the ring at 10, and fans cheer again. Okada goes up top, Taichi slowly rises, Okada missile dropkicks but MISSES as Taichi moves!
Fans rally up as Okada clutches his back. Taichi talks trash as he brings Okada up but Okada throws forearms. Taichi kicks but Okada catches it to elbow it! Okada runs, into a tilt-o-whirl backbreaker! Taichi gets the leg for a Half Crab and stomps on Okada’s head before sinking it in deeper! Okada endures as Taichi pulls back, and Okada manages to crawl for ropes. Taichi stands on Okada’s head to keep him where he is, but Okada fights to get the ropebreak! Taichi lets go fast and brings Okada up. Okada blocks the bomb lift so Taichi clubs away on his back. Taichi tries again, Okada still resists, so Taichi tries Kowata Kicks! Taichi tries again, Okada turns that to the Alabama and REVERSE NECKBREAKER! Both men are down but the fans fire up!
Okada rises first and aims at Taichi. Okada runs corner to corner but Taichi dodges to GAMANGIRI! Taichi powers up, runs, but Okada boots him first! Okada runs but Taichi dodges and then fakes out the dropkick! Taichi BUZZSAWS fast, and fans fire up! Off come the pants! Taichi focuses his power now, Okada rises, Okada dropkicks the superkick away! Okada gut wrenches, Taichi slips out but Okada blocks the saido. Okada wrenches but Taichi counters the Debt with DANGEROUS SAIDO! Okada sits up in a daze but falls back, and fans fire up again! Taichi sits up now, slashes the throat and drags Okada up! Taichi reels Okada in, lifts, but Okada slips out to gut wrench, JUMPING TOMBSTONE!
Fans rally up as Okada grits his teeth and rises again. Okada has the arm, MONEY CLIP! Taichi kicks his legs and claws at Okada’s arms but Okada cranks harder. They stand, Taichi chokes Okada! The ref counts, Taichi won’t let go so the ref tries to pry the hand away! Taichi lets go, but Okada spins him to a backslide! Taichi slides off, POINT-BLANK RAINMAKER! Okada still has the wrist and fans rally up! Okada drags Taichi back up, but will he go for lariat or submission? Taichi is up, but uses the ref as a shield! Okada shoves the ref aside, Taichi LOW BLOW KICK! GEDO CLUTCH, TWO!?! Taichi almost had Okada but maybe using the ref was part of the problem!
Fans rally up and both men slowly stir. Taichi gets to ropes and then GAMANGIRIS Okada down again! Taichi fires himself up and fans rally up. Taichi wobbles but he focuses again. SUPER- NO! Okada blocks the kick, uppercuts, but Taichi ROCKS him with that right! Taichi brings Okada up, reels him in, but Okada resists the saido, spins and spins but the lariat misses. Taichi STEALS the ripcord to make this an AX BOMBER RAINMAKER! Cover, TWO!!! Fans are thunderous as Taichi and “O-KA-DA!” stir. Taichi fires himself up and drags Okada back to his feet. Taichi Alabama lifts but Okada slips out, MONEY CLIP! Taichi fights off the hold to throw Okada!
Taichi tries the Alabama again, Okada puts him BACK in the submission! Taichi endures, fades, but gets a second wind! Taichi reaches but Okada hits a back2back backbreaker! Okada has Taichi deep in the hold now, Taichi is fading again and fans are rallying! The ref checks on Taichi, he is OUT! Okada wins!!
Winner: Kazuchika Okada, by submission; gains 2 points, Taichi earns 0
The Money Clip put Taichi #DeepInDebt, and he could not withstand it! He has and his G1 streak ends! Will Okada return to the finals with this huge comeback?
A Block – Will Ospreay VS Jay White w/ Gedo!
Wait, this can’t be right. If this is the “Jay1,” why isn’t The Switchblade in the main event? Will he sort this out while staying undefeated? Or will Ospreay strike him down and end White’s arrogance?
White double guns while he and Ospreay take off their jacktes. After White and Gedo Low Sweet, the bell rings and White bails out. What else is new? White keeps saying he’s ready but he paces around the outside. Ospreay waits and White returns, they circle, but White uses the ropes as defense. White comes back, they tie up, and Ospreay powers White to the ropes. White shouts for Red Shoes to help, but Red Shoes takes his time to count Ospreay. Ospreay lets up fast but White bails right out. White complains and paces again but Ospreay waits. White returns, he ties up with Ospreay again and White puts Ospreay on the ropes. Ospreay turns it back around, Red Shoes is a bit faster on the check but Ospreay lets off. White tries to bail out but Ospreay grabs White’s hair!
Ospreay reels White in for a headlock, White pulls hair to put Ospreay in a corner. Red Shoes calls for the break, White lets off only to RAM into Ospreay over and over! White fires off with forearms and CHOPS, but Ospreay CHOPS him off his feet! Fans fire up with Ospreay while White checks the mark left on his chest. Ospreay dares White to give it back, White CHOPS, but Ospreay just laughs and fires up more. White puts his arms back to give Ospreay a turn, but then he kicks low before Ospreay can chop! White throws forearms, EuroUppers, and whips. Ospreay reverses and pops White up for a BIG back drop! Ospreay clotheslines White out and runs, but he fakes White out to superhero landing! White rushes in, Ospreay dodges and CHOPS White off his feet again!
Ospreay drags White up for a scoop slam and a knee drop! Cover, ONE! Fans rally and Ospreay stomps away on White. Ospreay drags White up to throw haymakers at the ropes. Ospreay whips, White grabs ropes but Ospreay keeps him from escaping again. White elbows back, Ospreay runs in, White EXPLODERS Ospreay OUT of the ring! Ospreay crashes off the apron on the way down! White mocks the applause again while Red Shoes checks on Ospreay. Ospreay is okay to continue so White goes out to whip him into railing! White has media clear out so he can whip Ospreay into more railing! Gedo applauds and White asks if Despy wants to cheer. White goes to the ring and leaves Ospreay to the ring count. Ospreay is in at 9 but White stomps away on him!
White has Ospreay in a facelock, Ospreay fights back but White throws him down! White gets the leg to turn Ospreay for a Half Crab! White sits down deep as Ospreay endures. Fans rally up as Ospreay powers up and crawls. White shifts to make the hold an STF, but Ospreay still gets the ropebreak! White hooks Ospreay’s face but Red Shoes counts. White lets off to then throw forearms on Ospreay while he’s down! White has Ospreay in a corner, Gedo claps as White scoop slams and drops a leg! Cover, ONE! Fans applaud but White wraps Ospreay up in a chinlock. Ospreay endures and White cranks back but Ospreay gets up to throw body shots. White clubs Ospreay, Ospreay throws forearms back! Ospreay goes to chop but White clubs him first!
White whips, Ospreay reverses and runs in but White dodges to CHOP back! Ospreay comes back, White ducks and gets the leg, GROUND DRAGON SCREW! White mocks the “OS-PU-REAY” clapping and goes back after the leg but Ospreay boots him away. White hurries after Ospreay again but Ospreay frees his leg to CHOP White! Ospreay whips, White reverses, Ospreay handsprings to NEURALIZER! Both men are down and the fans rally up! Ospreay shakes out the bad leg, gets to his feet and to a corner. White runs in, blocks a boot but not the enziguri! Atomic drop, CHOP and STANDING SHOOTING STAR! Ospreay keeps going as he goes to the corner. Ospreay springboards, PIP PIP CHEERIO!
White bails out and fans fire up again! Ospreay runs, Gedo gets White clear but Ospreay pursues. Gedo wants Ospreay to understand, but White gets Ospreay at the apron! Ospreay counter punches White, but Red Shoes has his eyes on Gedo. Ospreay does, too, and White gets him for a DRAPING DDT! Fans rally up as Ospreay gets to a corner. White is in the other, runs corner to corner and uppercuts! ANARCHY SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! White grows annoyed and Gedo protests but fans rally for Ospreay. White drags Ospreay up, Ospreay fights back but White kicks low. White runs into the dropkick flip, but the leg slows Ospreay down! White gets the leg, Ospreay enziguris! Fans cheer again while Ospreay makes sure the leg works. Ospreay hobbles over to the corner while White is down.
Gedo is on the apron but Ospreay’s glare backs him off. White grabs Ospreay at the ropes but Ospreay elbows him away. Springboard, but Pip Pip is turned into COMPLETE SHOT! DEAD LIFT GERMAN! Fans fire up but not as much as Gedo as he shouts to White. White talks trash and mocks the applause as he drags Ospreay back up. White hoists Ospreay up top, throws forearms and climbs up. White clubs Ospreay but Ospreay throws body shots. They brawl, White hammers away and brings Ospreay up. Ospreay slips out of the superplex, clubs White on the back and then climbs up behind! Gedo shouts, White resists and rakes eyes! White clubs and elbows Ospreay down, but Ospreay is back for a springboard dropkick to White’s back!
White is in the Tree of Woe, fans rally up as Ospreay grins. Ospreay goes to the corner, Gedo freaks out, and Gedo gets White out of the Tree before the Coast2Coast. But Ospreay SASUKE SPECIALS them both down! Fans fire up as Ospreay puts White back in the ring. Ospreay springboards again, 450 SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! White survives and fans fire up again for Ospreay! Ospreay calls his shot but White anchors a foot. Ospreay drags White with him, stomps and kicks him toyingly, but White refuses to let go. Ospreay drags White up, White slaps Ospreay!White grins, but so does Ospreay. White is ready for Ospreay’s retaliation to throw body shots, but Ospreay SUPERKICKS back! White hobbles, Ospreay springboards but White dodges the cutter! BIG URENAGE!
Both men are down and fans fire up again! White sits up first, drags Ospreay up and fisherman, KIWI KRUSHER! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay lives but White slashes the throat! White drags Ospreay up, but no Blade Runner as Ospreay slips up and over to SIT OUT BOMB!! There was so much power to that Liger Bomb that Ospreay can’t make the cover! But Ospreay fires up and the fans follow him! Ospreay runs, springboards, OSCUT- NO! White reels Ospreay in, Ospreay slips out, tries again, OSCUTTER! Cover, TWO!! White survives but fans rally behind Ospreay. Ospreay prepares the arm as he aims from the corner. White sits up, but he flops over. Ospreay watches White flounder, so he rains down rights! Red Shoes calls for Ospreay to let off but he has to pull Ospreay off.
White laughs while he flounders more, because this, too, is one of his favorite tactics. Ospreay gives him Kowata Kicks for it, then underhooks, but White manages to drop toehold Red Shoes! But Ospreay sees Gedo and those brass knuckles coming! Ospreay blocks the punch and points this out to Red Shoes. Ospreay then ROLLING ELBOWS Gedo down! Red Shoes takes care of moving him out of the ring while Ospreay brings White up. Ospreay also sees the low blow punch coming and blocks! BUZZSAW HEEL REWIND! And HIDDEN- NO! White catches Ospreay, but Ospreay spins out of Blade Runner, only for White to get him with SNAP SLEEPER SUPLEX, but Ospreay lands on his feet! ROLLING ELBOW!
Fans fire up with Ospreay as White sits up, HIDDEN BLADE!! Ospreay won’t end it there! He underhooks, lifts, and STORM BREAKERS!! Cover, Ospreay wins!!
Winner: Will Ospreay, by pinfall; gains 2 points, White earns 0
The Assassin just ended the “Jay1” and is the 1 in 3-1! Will Ospreay use this to rebound back and prove he IS the best wrestler in the world?
A Block – Tomohiro Ishii VS Shingo Takagi!
The Stone Pitbull has yet to win, but he isn’t giving up yet! However, neither has The Dragon! Will Ishii find that sliver of hope and sink his teeth into it? Or will Takagi keep Ishii from spoiling his own chances?
The two get in each other’s face right away but they wait for the bell. Fans rally up as Takagi and Ishii approach and tie up. Takagi headlocks, Ishii powers out and the two collide but neither falls. Ishii runs, he and Takagi collide again but neither falls. Takagi shoves Ishii but Ishii choke grips to back Takagi down. Ishii CHOPS Takagi but Takagi eggs him on. They start throwing forearms back and forth now and the fans rally behind the fast and furious action! It gets faster, Ishii gets the edge, and runs to bump Takagi. Takagi rebounds, he bumps Ishii but Ishii comes back. They ram, ram and RAM into each other! Takagi doesn’t fall but he does clutch the shoulder. Ishii eggs him on and fans rally as Takagi forearms and runs. But Ishii runs Takagi over! Fans cheer again as Takagi gets up.
Ishii CHOPS Takagi, Takagi forearms back, repeat! Ishii CHOPS, CHOPS and CHOPS Takagi off his feet! Takagi sits up, Ishii kicks him in the back, but Takagi eggs him on again. Ishii KICKS again so Takagi gets up. Ishii keeps kicking, Takagi keeps egging him on. Ishii gives more kicks, Takagi blocks one to put it on the rope, then he has Ishii draped! Ishii slips out before Takagi can drop an elbow, but Takagi knocks him off the apron. Fans cheer as Takagi goes out after Ishii and Ishii kicks back. Ishii whips Takagi into railing, then he talks trash. Ishii brings Takagi up to whip the other way and into more railing. Takagi comes right back but his shoulder ram doesn’t knock Ishii down! Ishii throws forearms but Takagi throws them back. They brawl on the outside as fans rally up.
Takagi slows down and Ishii gets the edge. Ishii eggs Takagi on and whips, but Takagi reverses! Ishii hits railing, comes right back, but Takagi runs him over! Fans fire up while Takagi and Ishii are both down on the outside! Red Shoes checks on them, Ishii is okay to continue and a ring count begins. The count reaches 7 before Takagi sits up, and 10 before he stands. Takagi brings Ishii up and in at 14. Takagi drops an elbow and another, then the back senton! Fans rally up again as Takagi drags Ishii up into a chinbar. Ishii endures so Takagi shifts to elbow away on Ishii’s shoulder and chest. Takagi pushes Ishii down to drop a knee on the back! Takagi talks smack on Ishii and fans rally up. Takagi brings Ishii into a facelock and grinds him down.
Ishii endures, Takagi stands and cranks on the hold then elbows Ishii on the back. Ishii is in the corner, Takagi grins as he pushes Ishii in. Takagi does the same cornering Ishii did to Ospreay and Ibushi! Ishii throws forearms over and over, Takagi takes them all! Takagi headbutts Ishii down and fans cheer. Takagi talks some smack, kicks at Ishii, but Ishii gets up. Takagi forearms, Ishii CHOPS but Takagi doesn’t flinch. Ishii CHOPS, Takagi CHOPS, repeat! They CHOP again and again, faster and faster, and the fans rally up! Takagi eggs Ishii on, Ishii CHOPS and CHOPS, Takagi DOUBLE CHOPS! Takagi catches Ishii into chicken wings, spins him for a facelock, but it’s Ishii that suplexes Takagi! Both men are down and the fans fire up!
Takagi and Ishii stir, Ishii gets up and heads over. Ishii kicks Takagi, slaps him and pushes him, then CHOPS him in the corner. And again! And again! Takagi throws elbows but now Ishii uses that cornering. Takagi keeps throwing elbows, but Ishii CHOPS and forearms on repeat! Fans fire up as Ishii keeps hitting Takagi! Takagi sputters as Ishii throws more forearms. Ishii kicks at Takagi, stands on his head, but Red Shoes counts. Fans rally up as Ishii gives more toying kicks. Takagi gets up, Ishii whips but Takagi reverses. Ishii comes back into the elbow, JAB and LARIAT! Fans cheer while Takagi catches his breath. Takagi drags Ishii up, for a SAIDO SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Takagi gets the fans rallying as he waits on Ishii. Ishii stays down and Takagi eggs him on again.
Takagi gives those toying kicks back then KICKS harder! Ishii sits up and gets in Takagi’s face. Ishii dares Takagi to kick him again? Takagi kicks and kicks, Ishii back elbows over and over! These are STIFF CHOPS to the chest and throat! Red Shoes warns Ishii but Ishii keeps going! Takagi sits down, Ishii stands him up and CLOBBERS him again! Ishii toys with Takagi and gives those kicks back. Ishii scuffs Takagi’s head a few times, Takagi tells him to leave the hair alone to hit him in the cheek. Ishii does, then runs, but Takagi blocks the boot! Takagi returns the hard CHOPS to the chest and throat! Red Shoes warns Takagi now but Takagi shifts to punching from all sides, before one last CHOP!
Ishii leans on ropes and fans cheer but Red Shoes again reprimands Takagi. Takagi says Ishii started it. Ishii coughs and sputters as Takagi brings him up. Gory Especial for NOSHIGAMI! Takagi reels Ishii into a wheelbarrow for a dead lift GERMAN! Fans fire up again as Takagi brings Ishii up once more. Takagi runs, SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Ishii still lives but the fans rally up with Takagi again. Takagi has the rhythm change, “OI! OI! OI!” Ishii rises, Takagi runs at him, but Ishii gets around and dodges more. Takagi also dodges, Ishii counters and spins Takagi to run. Takagi follows to clothesline Ishii at the ropes! Ishii follows Takagi to return the clothesline! Ishii runs, dodges Takagi, but PUMPING BOMBER gets through! But Ishii is up right away to LARIAT!
Takagi is back up right away, too, and the two collide with clotheslines! Both stagger, come back and collide again! Fans are thunderous as both men wobble and fall! Takagi gets to a corner as the fans rally. Takagi drags himself up with the ropes but so does Ishii. Ishii runs in to clothesline Takagi! Ishii hoists Takagi up top, climbs up to join him, and fans rally for the SUPER BRAIN BUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Takagi survives and fans rally again while both men are down. Ishii rises, brings Takagi up, but Takagi resists the lift. Takagi powers up to back drop Ishii away! Fans cheer as Takagi runs but Ishii boots him. Ishii swings, Takagi swats it away, and Takagi pump handles. Ishii fights but Takagi knees and knees, for the NIPPON GUTBUSTER!
Fans fire up again as Takagi drags Ishii up. Takagi pump handles again, Ishii pops out to spin Takagi but Takagi spins out to DDT! Takagi brings Ishii up, pump handles, MADE IN JAPAN! Cover, TWO!! Ishii survives but Takagi isn’t done! Takagi has the fans rally again, Ishii gets up, PUMPING BOMBER! Cover, TWO!?! Ishii survives and fans fire up again! Takagi brings Ishii back up, Ishii fights off the fireman’s carry but Ishii LARIATS! Ishii falls over and fans fire up again. Takagi has Ishii in the corner but he blocks the boot to clothesline! Takagi runs, but into Ishii’s SAIDO! Takagi still comes back, but into another SAIDO! Both men are down and fans rally again.
Takagi and Ishii slowly rise, Ishii brings Takagi up but Takagi gets forehead to forehead with Ishii. Takagi JABS, CHOPS, repeat! JAB then JAB but Ishii dodges the chop! Ishii waistlocks, Takagi elbows free, LARIAT! Ishii stays up to DECK Takagi! Fans cheer again and Ishii drags Takagi back up. Ishii gets Takagi up, POWERBOMB! High stack, TWO! Takagi lives but Ishii is too tired to be frustrated! Fans rally again as Ishii gets the bad arm moving. Ishii stands, runs, LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! Takagi still lives but Ishii again gets back up. Ishii roars, brings Takagi up to suplex but Takagi fights it off. They fight for suplex control, Ishii tries again but Takagi silps out! POP-UP DEATH VALLEY! Ishii staggers up but blocks the lariat to a DRAGON SUPLEX! Takagi is right up, but he runs into a LARIAT!!
Takagi flounders up but falls back down and Ishii is frustrated! The fans rally up again, Ishii drags Takagi up and runs, SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! Takagi sputters but he survives! Ishii is determined to end this! Ishii suplexes, Takagi fights out but Ishii headbutts! Takagi ducks the enziguri to SLIDING LARIAT! Both men are down again but the fans stay fired up! Takagi heads for Ishii, Ishii gives him junkyard dog headbutts. And then a harder one! Takagi gets pissed and stands up. They headbutt each other over and over, Takagi HEADBUTTS! Takagi fires off forearms from all sides, over and over! Ishii just glares at him to give them all back!
Ishii rocks Takagi, but runs into his DRAPING GTR! Takagi drags Ishii up, runs, and PUMPING BOMBERS!! Cover, TWO!?!? Takagi can’t believe it but the fans love it! Fans rally up as Takagi drags Ishii up, for a DDT! Takagi fires himself up and the fans rally with him. Takagi wristlock fireman’s carries but Ishii fights out to wrench and lariat! Takagi forearms and LARIATS back! Takagi fires up once more, steadies himself and brings Ishii back up. Ishii slips out to suplex, but Takagi scoops! Ishii spins to TORNADO DDT! Fans fire up again as both men are down.
Ishii and Takagi are in opposite corners, the fans rally up and they both run at each other! They collide with clotheslines, trade headbutts, Ishii swats the lariat away to enziguri! Ishii fires up with the crowd! Ishii runs, and LARIATS Takagi! High stack, TWO!! The Dragon still lives but the Pitbull vows to slay him! Suplex, BRAIN BUSTER!! Cover, Ishii wins!!
Winner: Tomohiro Ishii, by pinfall; gains 2 points, Takagi earns 0
Ishii is finally on the board! He is not going to be 0-4 but is 1-3! Is this what Ishii needs to have a chance? Or is even this win too little, too late? But much like how Ishii was with Ibushi, Takagi isn’t done fighting with Ishii! They both hit each other on the mat, but the Young Lions separate them. Even as Takagi is outside, Ishii tries to headbutt him! Will we see this battle of undying fighting spirits come back around in the future?
Here are the NEW A Block standings!
Taichi: 3-1, 6 points
Jay White: 3-1, 6 points
Minoru Suzuki: 3-1, 6 points
Kota Ibushi: 3-1, 6 points
Will Ospreay: 3-1, 6 points
Kazuchika Okada: 2-2, 4 points
Tomohiro Ishii: 1-3, 2 points
Shingo Takagi: 1-3, 2 points
Jeff Cobb: 1-3, 2 points
Yujiro Takahashi: 0-4, 0 points
My Thoughts:
A really great round 4 for A Block, and I did not think things would turn out like this, but I am actually glad it has. Jay White not being back in the main event should’ve foreshadowed him not winning. Ospreay gets up to 3-1, White drops to 3-1, and if it comes down to them as the top two, we now know who would take the block because of the head-to-head. Okada gets to 500 off of Taichi, and I think I finally heard commentary call the hold “Money Clip.” I was only calling it Deep in Debt because I saw Wikias/Fandom sites calling it that. Either way, I think I’ve been right about Okada wanting to prioritize a submission finisher to save his body as well as his opponents’, he has been winning with that more and more.
Yujiro just keeps spiraling down. Is he going to have one of the worst G1 win-loss records ever? If he goes 0-5, he’s pretty much done. Ibushi and Suzuki stay strong to bring us a total of four at 3-1 with 6 points, but other than Taichi having a win on Suzuki, we haven’t had the other match-ups. Those are all going to be pivotal and incredible, I can’t wait. And in the end, Ishii VS Takagi for Ishii’s first win was a good main event choice, but at a point it just felt like it went longer than it had to. I love that they’re behemoths hitting each other as hard as they can, but there seemed to many of the usual “both men are down and fans rally” moments. Cut a few of those out and it’s better paced.
There was also no closing promo, but Ishii still wanting to fight is good enough. I suppose if anyone else had the main event spot to speak, it’d just be more of what we’ve gotten. Naito in B Block has gone 3-0 but it’s obvious he uses 90% of the same talking points for each one. Ospreay would’ve just repeated his vow to be the best, Ibushi would’ve just repeated his vow to be the next wrestling god, and at this point, Okada might’ve simply repeated things from Summer Struggle, reworked for the G1. Less is more at this point and that’s Ishii to a tee.
My Score: 9.2/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Who has WrestleMania hangover here in Vegas?
There are so many new champions in the WWE, but none bigger than JOHN CENA as the SEVENTEEN TIME WWE Champion! What will happen now that he is back on top?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Lyra Valkyria & Becky Lynch VS Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez; Liv & Raquel win and become the new WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions.
- Iyo Sky VS Stephanie Vaquer; Iyo Sky, by disqualification.
- WWE Intercontinental Championship: Dominik Mysterio w/ Judgment Day VS PENTA; Dom wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
A car pulls into the parking lot.
Out steps The Wise Man, Paul Heyman, and The Visionary, Seth Rollins. What will be next for the new Paul Heyman Guy?
JOHN CENA is here!
Las Vegas is still just as torn as they were last night, but we sure hear a lot of “JOHN CENA SUCKS~!” as the NEW Undisputed WWE Champion, the SEVENTEEN TIME world champion, walks down the ramp. Cena drapes the towel over his head and he wears the title backwards, but he doesn’t care what the fans think as he steps into the ring. Cena has his music fade out, and he points to someone. Cena tells them to come closer, and it’s the ring announcer. Cena has Mark Nash join him in the ring while the fans duel, “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” Cena hands something to Nash for him to read to the fans.
Nash says, “My sincerest apologies. I have been informed that my announcement has been deemed disrespectful. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the Greatest Of All Time, the Never Seen Seventeen, gracing Las Vegas with his presence for the final time… The Last Real Champion, JOHN CENAAA~!” The fans boo as Cena holds up the title. Cena then has Nash hand over his mic, and says, “Winners write history. You (fans) are not worthy. You think that on Friday, you can bully me? And then I step in a ring with gold around my waist, and just because you cheer, I’m supposed to forgive you?” Fans cheer in hopes of that.
Cena says that is not how a functional relationship works! Does this man up front think that’s how it works with his wife? Well, it’s not. Cena asks if the parents treat their children like that. No, because that’s not how it works. The fans might show up in a good mood, Cena will still tell them to go straight to Hell. Every damn one of them owes Cena an apology, but they don’t have the guts to do it! And yeah, go ahead, make the noise. This is always the night fans hijack Monday Night Raw, right? All of WrestleMania, and this is a sacred ticket where the fans can take control, right? They have gotten soft.
Wait, some fans chant “We Are Sorry!” And others say, “NO, WE’RE NOT!” Cena explains that it’s “We Aren’t Sorry.” He does a quick once over, and yeah, this is an arena full of the sorriest lowlifes he’s ever seen! Each and every one of them ARE sorry! And here’s the best part: They don’t mean anything to Cena. The fans tell Cena off and Cena just soaks it in. Cena say she may be an anus, but they’re all idiots. For 25 YEARS, they have called him so much worse. He has taken their best shots, and has always gotten back up. What makes them think THIS is the crowd that’ll crack him? Go ahead! You mean NOTHING to him! The noise means NOTHING!
“The only thing that means to all of our lives… is that!” The number on screen says “36 dates.” Cena says he told us at the beginning of the year, 36 shows, and he’s gone. Time passes so quickly! Let’s countdown the time we’ve already lost. Netflix debut, Indianapolis, Toronto, London, Brussels, Glasgow, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Las Vegas! That leaves us with 27 dates. Not matches, but appearances. The fans boo but Cena says yeah! You say he can’t wrestle? He doesn’t have to! He can just show up and do this! “When that hits zero, the professional wrestling timeline stops cold. I am not stupid like you. I know there will be another Monday Night Raw. I know you will ‘decide’ another champion.
“But the title held by Bruno Sammartino, the title held by Roman Reigns for over 1000 days, the title taken from me in Chicago by CM Punk, the title held by Triple H ‘The Game,’ by ‘Heartbreak Kid’ Shawn Michaels, and ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin comes home with ME! I am the Last Real Undisputed Champion of the WWE!” The fans boo but Cena says getting the title was the hard part. The rest is a cake walk. He can just keep playing us like the puppets we are. The best chance the fans had was Cody Rhodes. The fans boo and Cena says, “You heartless bastards. You boo him on Friday, and then you cheer him on Friday, and then you boo him on Sunday. And I say his name?
“And the man we all put on our shoulders last year because he finished his story now disgusts you? That’s what’s wrong with this! And that’s why last night, Cody Rhodes was outshined, outclassed, outwrestled and flat-out destroyed. It’s time for you to take a bold look in the mirror, and here’s the truth: There is NO ONE in the WWE with the strength, the speed, the wisdom, or the ruthless aggression… of John Cena! But unlike you, I have a heart. And I would like to do something nice for you right now. Get out your cameras, please, you’re gonna wanna remember this moment.” Cena waits, and then says make sure to get a great picture. Because the Last Real Champ is here.
AND RANDY ORTON IS, TOO!! Cena turns around and R K O!! The fans are thunderous as The Viper strikes Cena down! Orton then looks at the title. Orton picks it up, smirks, and then holds it up. The fans like the look of that! But is this a vision of the future? Is Cena bout to face some serious backlash for what he’s done?
WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Lyra Valkyria & Becky Lynch VS Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez!
The NEW champions just won these titles last night, but the former champions are cashing in their rematch! Will Liv & Raquel redeem themselves just 24 hours later? Or will The Morrigan & The Man be 2-0 already?
Raw returns and we see Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley watching from the crowd. They’re set to challenge for these titles tomorrow night as part of NXT, but just who will they be facing? Moving on, Lyra & Becky make their entrance together, and the fans sing along with Becky’s “Whoa Oh, Oh Oh, Oh-oh Oh!” The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who holds the gold!
The teams sort out, and Liv goes right after Becky! The fans are torn as Liv fires hands! The ref counts, Liv stomps away, but then she shrieks at the ref to back off. Liv runs in, back body blocks, then SHINING WIZARDS! Snapmare, SHINING WIZARD again! Cover, TWO! Becky stays in this but Liv stays on her by pulling hair and CLUBBING Becky in the side! Liv KICKS Becky, brings her up, but Becky ROCKS Liv! Liv ROCKS Becky, the shots keep going, and the fans fire up! Becky fires off a strike fest, then brings Liv up to whip. Liv reverses, Lyra tags in, and Becky BOOTS Liv! Lyra & Becky double whip to DOUBLE HIP TOSS!
Lyra CROSSBODIES Liv down, then brings her around. Lyra whips Liv to a corner hard, and Liv slumps down. Lyra stomps a mudhole, then brings Liv out. Liv breaks fee but Lyra SOBATS, KICKS, RAMS, and ENZIGIRIS! Raquel runs up, Lyra headlocks her first. Raquel whips, Lyra springboards to CROSSBODY Liv! Then WHEEL KICK for Raquel! The fans fire up with Lyra, she calls to Becky, and they both WRECK Liv & Raquel with dropkicks! The fans fire up for the lass kickers as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Raquel has Lyra in an Argentine Backbreaker! Lyra endures, fights free, and then ROCKS Raquel! Raquel trips Lyra, but Lyra flips to her feet! ENZIGIRI! Both women are down and the fans fire back up! Lyra and Raquel crawl, the fans rally up, but Raquel grabs at a foot. Lyra kicks free, hot tags to Becky and Liv! Becky rallies on Liv, CALF KICKS her down, then runs at the corner to ROCK Liv with a forearm! Raquel runs up but is sent into Liv! JUMP KICK for Raquel! JUMP KICK for Liv! Then BECKSPLODER for Liv! Cover, TWO! Liv stays in this but Becky stays focused. Becky dares Liv to get up, the fans rally, and Becky clinches!
Liv wheelbarrows to victory roll! ONE and Becky has it! TWO and Becky BLASTS Raquel! But Liv hits a CODE BREAKER! Then OBLIV- NO, Becky blocks to MANHANDLE SLAM!! Cover, RAQUEL BREAKS IT! The fans fire up as Raquel drags Liv away to the corner. Liv tags Raquel and Raquel drags Becky up. But Becky JAWBREAKERS! Becky runs up, Raquel BOOTS her down! Raquel goes up, but Becky CLUBS her first! Becky fires shots, climbs up after Raquel, but Raquel fights the lift! Lyra climbs up, tags in, and then joins in! But Raquel still fights it! Liv flips in, SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB for Becky!
Lyra hops up, SUPER STEIN- NO! Raquel blocks, and she brings Lyra up! SUPER POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO?!? Lyra survives and the fans can’t believe it! “This is Awesome!” while all four women are down. Lyra and Raquel rise, Raquel lifts, but Lyra slips free! Raquel tries again but Lyra DROPKICKS her away! Lyra hobbles and stumbles but she makes it to Raquel. Lyra tries to fireman’s carry, but Raquel pushes her away. Lyra goes up, TORNADO DDT! Lyra then drags Raquel back up, fireman’s carries again, NIGHTWING DRIVER!! Cover, Liv gives Raquel the ropebreak!! The fans boo but here comes Becky!
Becky hits a THESZ PRES and rains down fast hands! Liv gets free, fights off the urenage and POSTS Becky! Lyra WRECKS Liv with a dropkick! Liv climbs up, Raquel rises, TURN OF FOR- NO, Raquel dodges and BOOTS Lyra down! Cover, TWO!! Raquel is furious but Liv calls to her. Liv runs in, Raquel pops her up, POWERBOMB SENTON onto knees!! Lyra saves herself and takes out Liv in one go! Raquel freaks out, runs up, but her boot gets stuck on the ropes! Lyra DUMPS Raquel, but turns into OBLIV- NO, Lyra grabs ropes! Liv falls, Lyra ENZIGIRIS! Fireman’s carry, but Raquel saves Live!
Becky goes after Raquel, Raquel kicks her away! Lyra BLASTS Raquel onto Becky!! OBLIVION!!! Cover, LIV & RAQUEL WIN!
Winners: Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez, by pinfall (NEW WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions)
FOUR TIMES, Liv & Raquel are tag team champions! Becky regroups with Lyra, both of them a bit stunned this happened. But then Becky DECKS Lyra?!? Becky blames Lyra for this failure and Lyra is absolutely devastated! The Man storms off, only to come back and attack Lyra with a rain of forearms! The fans boo as Becky dribbles Lyra off the mat! Becky stops, Lyra is in shock, but Becky comes back again!? Lyra pleads for mercy but Becky just MANHANDLE SLAMS her!! Becky hits another MANHANDLE SLAM!! And A THIRD MANHANDLE SLAM!!! The Man is acting more like a monster, what is going on with her?
The New Day walks around backstage.
They admire their newly won WWE World Tag Team Championships, but then they cross paths with Karrion Kross. Mr. Doomsday smiles, perhaps proud of his handiwork? Either way, Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods are headed to gorilla. Just how will this New Day celebrate their reign?
The New Day heads to the ring.
Las Vegas wasn’t happy during WrestleMania and they aren’t happy now that Kofi & Woods have the titles back in their possession. Kofi & Woods bring those belts to the ring, rubbing it all in our faces. Kofi has a mic to say, “We are your new W, W, E, World, Tag, Team, Championssss…!” Woods says, “So get down on your knees before us! Raise your hands to the sky! And scream out in unison, ‘THANK GAWWWWD~! FOR THE NEW DAAAAY~!” The fans boo instead. Kofi says, “There is no tag team alive or dead that is better than ya bois, the NEW~ DAY~!” The fans chant, “New! Day Sucks!” This annoys Woods & Kofi.
The fans felt the New Day couldn’t beat The War Raiders, but they did! Wait, is that The Alpha Academy? Maxxine Dupri has the mic and asks, “Hold on, hold on, hold on. Did I just hear you say that The New Day is the greatest tag team ever? I mean, you might be. But the last time you faced Otise & Tozawa, they beat you in 60 sweet seconds! And now here we are at the Raw after WrestleMania, in Las Vegas, Nevada! And by the sound of it, I think we would all love to watch you two put your money where your mouth is, and put those shiny tag titles on the line right here, right now!” Woods asks if that’s what Vegas wants. “YES!” Then the answer is NO!
Oh, are the “minutemen” scared? M-Minutemen!? The fans chant that at Woods & Kofi, and Kofi says if they wanna do it right now, let’s do it right now! Get a ref right now! The fans fire up, and we have another tag title match already! Except the lights change… And then… RUSEV IS HERE!! Vegas goes nuts because it is now Rusev Day! The Bulgarian Brute, the Redeemer, has returned to the WWE, and he storms right into the ring! New Day bail out, no title match after all. Rusev DECKS Otis! And he CLOBBERS Tozawa! The fans fire up as Rusev glare at The New Day. Tozawa gets up, climbs up, and he leaps, but Ruzez catches him! FALL AWAY SLAM!
Otis rises, the fans fire up, and now we get some “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” ROUNDHOUSE from Rusev! Then MACHKA KICK! The fans fire up as Rusev roars, “RUSEV! CRUSH!!” Rusev stomps away on Otis, and clamps on the ACCOLADE!! Otis taps but it won’t change anything! Rusev thrashes Otis around, and lets go as the fans chant “RUSEV DAY! RUSEV DAY!” Maxxine is freaking out, but will this show now become Rusev Day Raw?
The Judgment Day regroups in the clubhouse.
They’re all excited over Liv & Raquel becoming FOUR-TIME Women’s Tag Team Champions! And Dom is the NEW Intercontinental Champion, and they toast with a title clink. Dom says this was the greatest weekend of his life! That deadbeat dad missed Mania, and now both Dom & Liv have gold again! But then in steps Finn Balor… The Prince looks at the belt on Dom’s shoulder, and Liv says hey, a win for one is a win for all. As long as someone in Judgment Day has the title, that’s all that matters. Finn says what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. They fist bump and Finn says he’ll be out there with Dom tonight against Penta.
Finn turns around, Carlito is there, and Carlito says even though they don’t have titles, it feels like they have titles, right? Oh, Carlito has to go see the doc, he’s still sore. Carlito hobbles off, but Finn gives a bit of a scowl behind Dom’s back. Is everything (not) fine in Judgment Day?
Iyo Sky is here!
The fans cheer as the Evil Genius makes her way to the ring, still WWE Women’s World Champion! But what will she have to say about that WrestleMania victory? We find out, after the break.
Raw returns and Iyo has the mic. The fans cheer Iyo on, even get some “You Deserve It!” in there, and Iyo says last night was the best night of her career! The fans cheer, and Iyo says she is over the moon! She beat the best there is, which means SHE is the best! The fans cheer that! Rhea Ripley tried to forget Iyo, and Bianca Belair tried to forget Iyo. But now, ALL OF YOU will never forget her! The fans cheer that, too! Iyo adds in Japanese, and then translates to English that she is The Genius of the Sky, and she is the Women’s World Champiooon~! The fans cheer more, but wait! Is that Stephanie Vaquer?! The NXT Women’s Champion is headed to the ring!
The fans cheer as we get La Primera and Genius in the same ring! Vaquer congratulates Iyo in three languages, and then wishes to properly introduce herself. She is THE NXT Women’s Champion, La Primera, Stephanie Vaquer. The fans cheer, and Vaquer says she wants to come out here to show Iyo respect. The fans chant for “LA PRIMERA!” Vaquer tells Iyo that she is amazing. Vaquer says Iyo is right that Iyo is the best. But Vaquer is also the best. And Vaquer wants to fight the best of the best! Iyo says if Vaquer wants to face her, then challenge accepted! And what about right here, right now?! The fans cheer as this dream match is made!
Well, hold on, Adam Pearce makes his way out here, and he wants everyone else to hold on. The fans boo the Raw General Manager for ruining the fun. But Pearce double checks, does Vegas want the match? “YES!” Then so doe she! Sky VS Vaquer, and it’s RIGHT NOW! NOW the dream match is official! But who between these two champions will prove they are THE best?
Iyo Sky VS Stephanie Vaquer!
The bell rings and the two shake hands. The fans rally, the two tie up, and Iyo waistlocks. Vaquer switches, SLAMS Iyo down, but Iyo fights up. The fans duel as Iyo fires body shots. Iyo wrenches and wristlocks, but Vaquer shifts around to roll, trip, and she has the toehold. Iyo stands, wrenches, and wristlocks, but Vaquer rolls, handsprings, and wrenches back to arm-drag! The fans fire up, Iyo runs up, Vaquer sweeps and covers, ONE! Iyo sweeps and covers, ONE! The two stand off again and the fans fire up! Iyo and Vaquer go again, and Iyo whips. Vaquer tilt-o-whirl RANAS, but Iyo handsprings through!
Iyo wags her finger, Vaquer smirks, and things speed up. They clinch, Vaquer waistlocks, but denies Iyo’s escape! Iyo CLUBS Vaquer, wrenches and reels her in, but Vaquer switches. Vaquer goes to ropes, Iyo bucks the O’Conner this time, and the fans cheer the standoff. Things get going again, each woman dodges, and then Vaquer avoids the handspring, only for Iyo to DROPKICK! Vaquer bails out, Iyo builds speed, and Iyo DIVES! Direct hit and the fans fire up with the Women’s World Champion! Iyo drags Vaquer up, whips, but Vaquer tiger feint kicks back! Vaquer runs up, Iyo puts her in the timekeeper’s area, but Vaquer goes up! CROSSBODY to the floor!
The fans fire up as now the NXT Women’s Champion stands tall! Vaquer has Iyo on the defense, but Raw goes to break.
Raw returns, Vaquer is up top, but Iyo SHOTEIS first! Iyo then climbs up after Vaquer, throws hands, and the fans rally. Vaquer fires body shots, HEADBUTTS, and Iyo falls back! Vaquer adjusts, Iyo runs back up, and SUPER ARM-DRAGS! Both women are down and the fans fire up again! The fans rally, Iyo stands, and she runs up to SHOTEI! And SHOTEI! And DROPKICK! Iyo drags Vaquer up, whips her, but Vaquer reverses. Iyo goes up, out, and ROCKS Vaquer! Iyo then climbs the corner to MISSILE DROPKICK! Vaquer tumbles away, Iyo kips up, and the fans fire up! Vaquer is in the corner, Iyo runs in, SHINKANSEN!
Iyo drags Vaquer to a cover, TWO! Vaquer stays in this, but Iyo drags her into the drop zone. Iyo steps on Vaquer as she goes to the corner. Iyo goes up, up, and OVER THE- NO, Iyo has to land out as Vaquer moves! Vaquer then dodges again, comes back, and she blocks the boot for a DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! Vaquer runs, and she METEORAS! Vaquer drags Iyo to a cover, TWO! Iyo is tougher than that but Vaquer stays calm. The fans rally up, Vaquer reels Iyo in, but Iyo flips free of the backbreaker! Vaquer ducks a kick, Iyo ducks a kick! Iyo wheelbarrows, victory roll, STOMP 182! Cover, TWO!
Iyo is a bit frustrated but the fans rally back up. Iyo drags Vaquer up, “This is Awesome!” as Vaquer JAWBREAKERS, and SUPERKICKS! And BIG back suplex! Vaquer sits Iyo up, wraps on the headscissors, and she turns Iyo over for the DEVIL’S KISS! The fans echo Booker T’s sentiments, “Yeeeeeeeeah!” Cover, TWO! Iyo survives and the fans chant, “One More Time!” Vaquer smiles, and she drags Iyo up to tuck her in. Iyo wrenches out, kicks and sunset flips, ONE! Vaquer runs, tilt-o-whirl, RANA feint to roll up! TWO!! Iyo is surprised she got free, and she has Vaquer with underhooks! TIGER BACKBREAKAR! Cover, TWO!!
The fans rally while Iyo isn’t sure what to do. “This is Awesome!” as Iyo drags Vaquer into a waistlock. Vaquer fires elbows, gets free, and runs. Iyo ELBOWS Vaquer first! Iyo runs, but Vaquer ROCKS her! Vaquer runs, but Iyo dodges, waistlocks, and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Iyo drags Vaquer back up, but Vaquer reels Iyo in! GERMAN SUPLEX! Both women are down and the fans are thunderous! Now fans hope they “FIGHT FOREVER!” Vaquer goes up a corner, but Iyo rises to SHORYUKEN! Iyo climbs up after Vaquer, fires hands, then clinches. SUPER SPANISH FLY!! The fans are thunderous while both women are down again!
The fans rally and duel as both women stir. Iyo goes to ropes, Vaquer goes to a corner. Both women stand, but here comes ROXANNE PEREZ! She CLOBBERS Iyo!
Winner: Iyo Sky
The Prodigy grins at Vaquer, who she’s set to face for the title just tomorrow night! And Vaquer is pissed about it, only for GIULIA to attack Vaquer?!? The Beautiful Madness and The Prodigy then beat up on the champions! The fans boo, but here comes RHEA RIPLEY!! Roxie panics as Mami is here on Monday Night Raw! Rhea slides in, and she picks Roxie up to THROW her away! Then HEADBUTT her down! Giulia almost sneaks up, but she backs off as Rhea stares her down. Rhea and Giulia circle, and Rhea warns her. Giulia backs off, but is it only a matter of time before she’s back for more?
As for Rhea, she looks at Iyo while she’s down. Rhea picks up the title, and Iyo sits up to see this. Rhea hands the title over to Iyo and the fans cheer. Rhea says something to the effect of Iyo better be ready for when Rhea comes back for the belt. The Genius nods, and she’ll surely be ready for whoever wants a shot at her.
Jey Uso is here!
The NEW WWE World Heavy-YEET Champion makes his way in from the concourse and sports his new merch! The fans fire up and bounce along as Jey makes his way down the bleachers and to ringside. Jey daps it up with Pat & Cole, then goes to the ring to keep the bouncing going! The fans chant “You Deserve It!” as Jey grabs a mic. Jey nods, and fans “YEET!” some more, then they chant, “One More Time!” Jey hears that, and he sets the mic and belt down to say okay! The song starts up again and fans sing along, “DAY ONE ISH!” Jey then picks the mic and belt up again, and he says, “The World Heavyweight Champion is now in your citaaaay~!”
The fans cheer more, and Jey says he is here, “YEET!” He’s been wanting it. “YEET!” Since he was a kid. “YEET!” He is here now. “YEET!” Jey says it was a long, hard road. It was not easy. WrestleMania, Jey gave it all he had to beat Gunther. And Jey made him TAP! The fans cheer that! But Jey will be the first one to say that he is very grateful that he has this world title. He will show up every week, every day, and put in the work like he always has. And if you’re excited to have Jey Uso as your World Heavyweight Champion, then dammit, lemme hear ya say, “YEET!” “YEET!!” Wait! Sami Zayn is here! The fans cheer as the Underdog from the Underground returns!
Sami waves to the fans, high-fives a few in the front row, then goes to the ring to join Jey. The fans sing along with Sami’s song, and then Sami grabs himself a mic. Sami smiles as he looks at Jey, and then they hug it out! The fans cheer, and then they chant, “UCEY! UCEY!” “SAMI USO! SAMI USO!” Sami smiles again, and says he has so much he wants to say, he isn’t sure where to begin. First of all, not being here the last eight weeks or so, not being here while Jey was going through what he was going through with Gunther, Sami wants to know how hard that was for him. Sami wishes he could’ve been here.
And missing WrestleMania this year, that was also very hard on Sami. Sami and Jey aren’t that different. They’re gameday players. To be honest, Sami almost didn’t come to Vegas at all. But Sami had to, because he had to make sure that he was the first one to stand in this ring across from Jey, look him in the eyes, with that title on Jey’s shoulders, and say how proud he is of Jey Uso. The fans cheer, Jey thanks Sami, and Sami says Jey is his brother, his dawg, his Uce, he loves him, is proud of him, and knows Jey deserves that title! Sami knows it, Jey knows it, and everyone in this arena knows Jey deserves it!
The fans cheer and chant “You Deserve It!” Sami says it’s the Raw After Mania, not to get sentimental, but we are here to celebrate! So hit Jey’s music! “DAY ONE ISH!” The fans cheer, Sami and Jey hug it out again, and then they both go to the corners. The fans YEET with Jey & Sami, and it’s time to bounce! Sami hops off his corner first, and he looks at Jey. Jey hops down, they hug it out again, and the fans cheer. But wait, is that Jimmy? The fans fire up as #BigJim joins in! The three do the secret handshake, and then they group hug! Jimmy & Sami raise Jey’s hands in victory, and the fans fire up for this feel good moment!
Jey is on top of the world now that he’s World Heavyweight Champion, but how long will it last? Who will be the first one to step up to Main Event Jey Uso?
Backstage interview with Logan Paul.
After WrestleMania last night, Cathy Kelley congratulated him on the big win against AJ Styles, but does he feel he could’ve still done it without his friend and manager, Jeff, or the help from Karrion Kross? Logan asks what was that. What’s she implying? He still won, didn’t he? And we’re talking about what if’s? That’s irrelevant. He won. Next question. Then what is next for Logan? Whatever he wants, that’s what. Because this company knows he is the best and he is the future. He’ll face anyone anywhere. Anyone that he faces becomes a victim. He will continue his WrestleMania win streak. Logan is always confident, but will that ever change?
Backstage interview with AJ Styles.
In present, Jackie Redmond is with the Phenomenal One, and she says just 24 hours after his loss to Logan Paul, where is he after that? Styles says he won’t lie, it is a hard pill to swallow. But Logan plays his games, gets his lackeys involved, and Styles was prepared for that. But the truth is, Styles took an L. But he’ll move on, he’ll be okay. Because part of being phenomenal is being able to bounce back and- Karrion Kross interrupts! Kross asks if Styles said “bounce back.” Yeah, good bounce back from getting pinned by Logan Paul! Styles is literally the best of us, meaning Logan winning is so much more painful, because now, Styles has legitimized him!
Oh, really? Kross is the one who said Styles is the best of us, so does Kross expect Styles to go back a year ago and be that guy? Why is Kross so adamant about this? Styles hated who he was then. He’s never going back. Kross does not understand. If Styles used the brass knuckles to beat Logan, it would’ve meant nothing! If Kross wants to be angry at the world, fine. Don’t drag Styles down with you! In fact, go solve that problem yourself! Styles storms off, Scarlett calms Kross down, and Kross says, “Maybe I will.” What will Mr. Doomsday do if he’s to “save” WWE?
Raw returns and…
Gunther is berating Pat & Cole on commentary! The fans taunt Gunther, “YOU TAPPED OUT!” Gunther dares Cole to say something to his face. Cole asks why Gunther is so upset, Cole is just doing his job. Gunther storms up around the way, yanks Cole’s headset off, and Pat tries to stop this. But Gunther SHOVES Pat, then drags Cole into a SLEEPER! So Pat fires hands! The fans fire up as Pat stands up for Cole, and now refs, security, and producers rush out here! Adam Pearce tells Gunther to stand down, but Gunther just busts through to grab Pat! SLEEPER!! Gunther drags Pat down while security is now busy with Pat’s friends/entourage!!
The fans go nuts as Pat’s friends are only making this worse for Pat! Pearce tells Gunther to let Pat go, but Pat is already red in the face and out cold on the floor! Gunther refuses to let go, even as producers claw at the beefy arms wrapped around Pat’s neck! The fans tell Gunther off as he finally lets Pat go. Gunther paces, then he finally leaves through the crowd side. Fans boo, refs and security follow Gunther while the others check Pat. Pat coughs and sputters as he wakes up, and Pearce is chewing Gunther out. Fans remind Gunther, “You Tapped Out!” while Cole helps Pat to his feet. The fans cheer Pat while he’s helped to the back.
Pat needs a second as they make it to the ramp, coughing and gasping, but he gets back to his feet and keeps walking. The fans cheer his resilience, Pearce calls for more medical help just to be safe, and Pat takes another moment to catch his breath. What consequences will there be for Der Ring General after he lashed out against innocent commentary?
Raw returns again and…
Pat is still gasping for air, but he does get a drink of water to help with his throat. Cole and Pearce help Pat to the trainer’s room, and then Pat, his entourage, and refs go inside. Pearce tells Cole that Joe Tessitore can cover for Cole, Cole should get himself checked out. Cole tells Pearce, “How can we do our jobs when we’re not allowed to have an opinion? We’re not allowed to talk about this stuff? We’re not allowed to have fun? You gotta do something.” Pearce knows, he will handle this. Cole should just take the rest of the night off. Cole says no, he is not going to let Gunther bully him. Cole heads back for commentary and Pearce says good for Cole.
Cole returns to ringside and the fans cheer. Tessitore commends Cole for this, and they’ll do their best with the rest of the show from here.
WWE Intercontinental Championship: Dominik Mysterio w/ Judgment Day VS PENTA!
Twenty years ago, he was just a little boy whose loving and loyal father was fighting with Uncle Eddie for his future. And now, “Dirty Dom” is an Intercontinental Champion, just like both Rey Mysterio & Eddie Guerrero. But will Dom’s first defense also be his last? Or will Dom not care about #CeroMiedo?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who has more Latino Heat!
The bell rings and the fans rally up. Dom talks a bit of trash, then he kicks Penta low! Dom CLUBS Penta, whips, hurdles, but Penta KICKS Dom out of the handspring! Penta fires up, but Dom fires back with hands! Dom stomps Penta in a corner, lets off as the ref counts, then whips corner to corner. Penta goes up and over, keeps moving, and he ducks’ n’ dodges. Penta RANAS Dom out of the ring and the fans fire up! Penta builds speed, but Dom is back to DROPKICK! Dom storms up but Penta bails out and the ref holds him back. But then Finn creeps up! The ref sees Finn and has him back off. Dom builds speed, but Penta GAMANGIRIS!
Dom staggers back, Penta climbs up, and Penta CROSSBODIES! Dom flounders back out, Penta builds speed again, and Penta FLIES! Down goes Dom and the fans fire up! Finn coaches Dom but Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Penta SLING-DOGS Dom! Then GAMANGIRIS in the corner! Dom sits down, Penta runs and headstands, to DROPKICK! Penta drags Dom, covers, TWO! Dom stays in this but Penta stays calm. Finn coaches Dom but Penta drags Dom up! PENTA- NO, Dom slips free of the driver to shove, scoop and MICHINOKU DRIVER! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up while Dom and Penta go to corners. Dom runs up, but Penta SUPERKICKS, mule kicks, and then goes up! Penta calls his shot, jumps, but into a kick! Dom hits a TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO! Dom drags Penta to a drop zone, then goes up while fans actually cheer.
But Penta is up to GAMANGIRI! Dom wobbles, Penta climbs, but Dom fires body shots! Penta hops down to CHOP Dom! Penta then runs, jumps, and RANAS Dom away! The fans fire up, Penta runs in, DESTROYER! Dom flops down and the fans fire up again! Penta reaches out, but Dom rolls away to the outside! Dom stays safe and the fans rally up again. “CERO! MIEDO!” “DIRTY DOM!” Finn coaches Dom, Dom says look out! Penta RANAS Finn into Dom! The fans fire up and Penta drags Dom up. Penta puts Dom in, then he climbs up the corner again. But Carlito distracts the ref! JD MCDONAGH IS HERE!? JD SHOVES Penta down!!
Dom DROPKICSK Penta onto ropes, then dials it up to 619!! Dom goes up, FROG SPLASH!! Cover, DOM WINS!
Winner: Dominik Mysterio, by pinfall (still WWE Intercontinental Champion)
Just when it looked like Penta had the hot hand, Judgment Day pulls out the Irish Ace! Even Finn is surprised that his guy is back, and now this title stays with Judgment Day! Judgment Day celebrates on stage, and Finn feels like the odd man out for a moment. Will Judgment Day (not) smooth out the problems now that they’re back to full strength?
El Grande Americano has a new video.
“Rejoice! Despite insurmountable opposition from his jealous, desperate, rule-breaking foes, El Grande Americano has emerged victorious on the Grandest Stage of Them All! The children sang of his honesty and humility. The world stands in awe of his talent and honor! He has reclaimed his throne as the king of lucha libre. Today, we celebrate the legend, the icon, the hero, El Grande Americano!” Given the obvious AI art, photoshopped pictures and cheesy sepia film reel filter, this propaganda is not convincing anyone. But when and where will El Grande Americano face justice for what he did to Rey Fenix?
Seth Rollins heads to the ring!
We saw him arrive at the start of the night, and now Las Vegas sings along, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” as The Visionary and his Wise Man make their way down the ramp. Rollins certainly did #BurnItDown when he got Heyman to burn the bridges with CM Punk and Roman Reigns on WrestleMania Saturday. Rollins revels in the singing as he struts around in his canary yellow suit. Heyman fetches a mic, the fans continue to sing, and Rollins continues to soak it all in. Some fans even chant, “Thank You, Seth! Thank You, Seth!” Others come back with “C M PUNK! C M PUNK!” and “O T C! O T C!” but Heyman hands his mic to Rollins, like he used to do for The Tribal Chief.
Fans now chant “F YOU, HEYMAN!” but Heyman is merely amused by it. Rollins takes his time turning around to face the main camera, and he takes his sunglasses off to say, “I am a Visionary. I am a Revolutionary. I took a Wise Man from Roman Reigns. I stole CM Punk’s best friend. I am the winner of the main event of WrestleMania. I. Am.” CM PUNK IS HERE! The fans go nuts for Cult of Personality while Rollins gets ready for a fight! Punk has his hands taped up for one, too, and the brawl is on! The fans fire up as haymakers fly fast ‘n’ furious! Punk puts Rollins in a corner to fire hands from all sides!
Punk stomps a mudhole into Rollins, but Heyman creeps up. Punk stops stomping just in time to turn around and see Heyman. Heyman tells Punk that Heyman didn’t betray Punk, Punk ruined things for him and Roman! Punk storms up and shoves Heyman into a corner! But Rollins runs up and CLAWS Punk’s eyes! Rollins THROWS Punk down, the fans boo, but Rollins hits the CURB STOMP! Punk is down and Rollins stands over him, but now fans chant for “O T C! O T C!” Heyman picks the mic back up while fans chant, “We Want Roman!”
Heyman sighs, and says, “We are going to conclude the weekend of WrestleMania 41… by propelling the news all the way to WrestleMania 42! There is a NEW reigning, defending, undisputed number one top star in this entire industry! Ladies and gentlemen, Seth FREAKIN’ Rollins!” Heyman holds up Rollins’ hand in victory, then tosses the mic aside. BUT NOW ROMAN SHOWS UP!! Rollins is pissed off again, and he hurries to TOSS Punk out of the ring! Rollins prepares for round two, and Roman is making his way out here after all! Heyman steps back as Rollins stares Roman down, and here comes another brawl! No, wait, Roman dodges to SPEAR Rollins!!
The fans are thunderous and Heyman is in shock! Roman now runs up to SUPERMAN PUNCH Heyman!! Down goes The Wise Man and the fans fire up! Roman throws off the shirt, gets the fans even more fired up, and he aims again! “OOOAH~!” SPEAR FROM BRON BREAKER?!?! The Badass just took out the Tribal Chief! And then he stares down Rollins! The fans are going nuts, but Bron SPEARS PUNK!! Punk was back up only to get knocked back down, and Rollins grins as he pats Bron on the shoulder! “That’s my boy!” The Visionary has an attack dog with him now, and the fans are losing their minds!
Rollisn points out that Roman is up on the outside. Bron goes out there, but Roman UPPERCUTS Bron first! Bron staggers, but he stays on his feet! Bron then builds speed around the way, and uses that lap to SPEAR ROMAN THROUGH BARRIERS!!! The fans go nuts all over again, and Rollins says to get Roman’s ass back in the ring! Bron obeys and he drags Roman into the ring. Bron sets Roman up for Rollins, and Rollins tells Roman to watch what’s gonna happen to him! CURB STOMP for Punk again!! Rollins tells Roman to learn that the future of this business runs through him! CURB STOMP for Roman!!
The fans are torn, but Heyman now stands over his former best friends to embrace his new guys! Will these three soon take over the WWE together?
My Thoughts:
After a great WrestleMania Weekend, this Raw After Mania ended up being perhaps one of the best. My only gripe might be how they handled the Women’s Tag Team Championships. Bayley being “taken out” and Becky taking her place was fine. But then doing the tag title rematch here seemed random when we had NXT to look forward to. And then, Liv & Raquel win the belts back already, and Becky snaps on Lyra. I suppose if you look at this for Judgment Day, the title change needed to be tonight to coincide with what happened in the main event with Dom VS Penta. But now we don’t get the fun interaction of Tatum, Lyra and Becky I was hoping for.
What would it have hurt if Becky & Lyra didn’t defend the belts tonight, went to NXT and had a really fun match with Tatum & Gigi? Becky & Lyra, Liv & Raquel, neither team is losing to Tatum & Gigi. At least, I would think that’s the case… And then you can give Liv & Raquel their rematch later, and they still win like they did tonight, and then Becky snaps because “Lyra let her down.” But I suppose we’re fast-tracking to Becky VS Lyra for the Intercontinental Championship. And they kinda have to, given Backlash is May 10, just 20 days away. Maybe Becky wins that to reestablish herself and also juice up that title.
Great promo from John Cena, and honestly, I can’t help but agree with Cena on a lot of his points towards the fans. Also, I like how he explained he has 27 remaining dates/appearances, not matches. And of course Orton was next for Cena, the signs were all there: Backlash is in St. Louis, Orton’s hometown; Cena teased it with saying “Ruthless Aggression,” the era both men rose to fame in; and Cena and Orton have faced each other so many times, they gotta get one last one in. And on top of that, Orton is a fan favorite that won’t be hurt by a loss to Cena because Orton’s been around just as long, this will be a good one.
Great stuff with New Day, including passing by Karrion Kross. Alpha Academy coming out and wanting a title match, that was already a bit fishy right from the start. RUSEV returning to annihilate Alpha Academy and “cancel” the world tag title match was quite the way to return, mostly because of how big and beefy Otis is. Rusev VS Otis will be a good match to help get Rusev back into WWE action, and then Rusev can go for whatever title he wants. I’m thinking it should be the World Heavyweight Championship, though that might be a tough choice given Jey Uso only just got the belt. Speaking of Jey, good promo but much better moment between him, Sami and Jimmy. Though, I did appreciate the tiniest tease they gave of Sami going Heel in the absence of Kevin Owens.
Great promo from Iyo, and what a great surprise to see Vaquer. They had an awesome match, but given they’re both champions and they’re both so awesome, it had to be “ruined” by Roxie showing up. But at the same time, what a surprise that Giulia also showed up. Roxie VS Vaquer for tomorrow night is an interesting move, and Giulia got to beat up on Iyo a bit more. I’m thinking both Roxie and Giulia are just one step away from being called up to main roster, and probably to Raw for the Women’s World Championship. Great save from Rhea, and maybe we get some Rhea & Iyo VS Giulia & Roxie before shaking out a title story.
Good promo from Logan Paul to dismiss the interference on his match, as a Heel would/should. And good response from Styles, only for Kross to interrupt. I don’t know if we get another Styles VS Kross match, or maybe Kross goes wild and goes after other people, but there’s still some intrigue here. Also, Kross had quite the rant as part of the WrestleMania post show, so I hope WWE uses that to push him forward towards things like title feuds. Gunther going after Cole and Pat was certainly a wild direction to take his story. I’m not sure what kind of meta commentary they’re making, it has actually been a long time since a WWE commentator got into it with a wrestler, other than perhaps when Drew McIntyre and Wade Barrett got physical.
And as for Gunther and Pat specifically, maybe Pat is gonna get into ring shape so he and Gunther can have it out over the summer. In the meantime, I think Gunther is kayfabe suspended, that’ll let him stay home with wife and newborn child for a bit, so good for him. Hilarious El Grande Americano vignette, all the elements make it such an obvious troll but you can bet someone out there will still get mad. Hopefully we can still get El Grande VS Rey Mysterio, though I’m not sure if Backlash is too soon. Maybe Grande faces Dragon Lee or some other luchador on Rey’s behalf, and then we can arrange El Grande VS Rey Mysterio for either Worlds Collide or Money in the Bank in Los Angeles for June, all commemorating WWE acquiring AAA.
Great stuff with Dom VS Penta for the Intercontinental Championship, but something felt like Finn was going to try and screw Dom out of the title. JD McDonagh showing up was a great surprise, especially given how he got hurt hitting that desk SO hard. Finn himself seemed so surprised (in kayfabe), and we have some more intrigue in this Judgment Day dysfunction. And then a great closing segment with Rollins & Heyman making their debut as the new duo. Punk of course interrupted and we got a great brawl there. And then great stuff with Roman showing up right as the credits were showing up. It has been a minute since HHH has done something like this, and this actually ended up the longest episode of Netflix Raw because of it.
Bron Breakker helping Rollins fight off Roman and Punk was some wild stuff, mostly because I never thought Bron would ever join someone else. I could see a tag match of Punk & Roman VS Rollins & Bron, but maybe not for some time as Roman still isn’t really known for doing matches that often. That is to say, not sure Backlash is big enough, but perhaps MITB or SummerSlam are. And already, there are ideas about what kind of faction Rollins is going to make, perhaps as a second try at what he had with Buddy Murphy and Austin Theory, but just no “Monday Night Messiah” gimmick.
My Score: 9.2/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW Road to Wrestling Dontaku Results & Report! (4/19/25)
Parting is such sweet sorrow…
There are more goodbyes than just The Ace’s Final Road.
NJPW already knows Hiroshi Tanahashi will retire with this year, but his final match with Jeff Cobb will also be Jeff Cobb’s farewell to NJPW! Will The Ace never tire out? Or will he take a Tour of the Islands?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- 8 Man Tag: Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima, Yuji Nagata & Tiger Mask VS Togi Makabe, Tomoaki Honma, Katsuya Murashima & Daiki Nagai; Tenza, Kojima, Nagata & Tiger Mask win.
- 8 Man Tag: Toru Yano, Boltin Oleg, YOH & Master Wato VS TMDK; Yano, Oleg, Yoh & Wato win.
- Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Jeff Cobb; Tanahashi wins.
- Six Man Tag: Bullet Club War Dogs VS House of Torture; House of Torture wins.
- Six Man Tag: Hirooki Goto, El Desperado & Ryusuke Taguchi VS Callum Newman, Templario & Jakob Austin Young; Goto, Desperado & Taguchi win.
- 10 Man Elimination Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Yuya Uemura, Shota Umino, Taichi, Taka Michinoku & YOSHI-HASHI; LIJ wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Jeff Cobb!
The Ace’s Final Road continues on, but it would seem the Imperial Unit has hit the end of his run in NJPW. Will the President give Cobb a proper sendoff? Or is there one last Tour of the Islands planned?
The bell rings and the fans rally up for “COBBU! COBBU!” Tanahashi nods, and Cobb is emotional hearing that. Cobb and Tanahashi circle, tie up, and Tanahashi waistlocks. But Cobb’s a bit too big to lift even for The Ace. Cobb walks over to the ROPEBREAK, and Tanahashi lets go. The fans applaud and the two reset. They tie up, Tanahashi wrenches and wristlocks, but Cobb powers through, wrenches and wristlocks in return, then hammerlocks to headlock. Tanahashi puts Cobb on the ropes, the ref counts, and Tanahashi lets go cleanly again. The fans applaud the continued sportsmanship, and the two reset again.
Cobb runs up, and he SLINGBLADES?! Cover, TWO!! The “Cobby Cat” strikes again but Tanahashi survives his own move. Cobb whips Tanahashi, Tanahashi grabs ropes, but Cobb runs up. Tanahashi BOOTS Cobb, runs up, but Cobb scoops! Cobb SLAMS Tanahashi, and then air guitars before the GACHIMUCHI- NO, Tanahashi avoids the moonsault! Then Tanahashi sets up, to MOONSAULT!? But Cobb moves so Tanahashi belly flops on the floor! The fans fire up while both men are pulling out all the stops. Cobb steps on Tanahashi, pretends he didn’t see Tanahashi there, and then brings Tanahashi up.
Cobb ROCKS Tanahashi with a forearm, then headlocks. Cobb brings Tanahashi to the ropes to show everyone as he messes with Tanahashi’s hair. Cobb then CLUBS Tanahashi, brings him around, and suplexes. Cobb holds Tanahashi up, the fans cheer as Cobb marches around with him, and then Cobb pops Tanahashi for a POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Tanahashi stays in this but Cobb stays on him with a GROUND COBRA! Cobb uses Tanahashi as the guitar, then CLUBS him in the ribs and chest! Cobb eggs Tanahashi on, and Tanahashi growls and rises up. Tanahashi fires body shots and forearms, but Cobb just HEADBUTTS back!
Tanahashi staggers away to a corner, and Cobb runs up, only for Tanahashi to dodge! Tanahashi dropkicks Cobb’s legs! Tanahashi then grabs one, and Cobb asks for mercy! Cobb apologizes, but Tanahashi says bye-bye! DRAGON SCREW! The fans cheer while Cobb clutches his leg. Tanahashi storms up on Cobb to fire more fast hands! Tanahashi then says, “MY POWER!” And he SCOOP SLAMS Cobb! The fans fire up as Tanahashi climbs the corner. Tanahashi hits the SUNSET SENTON! Cover, TWO! Cobb is tougher than that but Tanahashi gets moving. But Cobb ROCKS Tanahashi! Cobb winds up, he runs, but Tanahashi dodges the slingblade!
Tanahashi waistlocks, Cobb switches, but Tanahashi throws elbows. Cobb picks Tanahashi up to SLAM him down, and FALLING HAMMER! Cover, TWO! Tanahashi stays in this, but the GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT hits! Cover, TWO!! Tanahashi survives the double impact, but Cobb looms over him. Cobb drags Tanahashi up, fires his own fast hand combo, then scoops to SLAM Tanahashi! Cobb grins as he looks to the corner. The fans fire up as Cobb hops up, air guitar and the pose, SUNSET FLOP as Tanahashi moves! Tanahashi runs, but Cobb grabs tights! Cobb reels Tanahashi in, but Tanahashi elbows free!
Cobb SHOTEIS! Tanahashi SHOTEIS! Tanahashi hits a TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! The fans fire up as Tanahashi goes up the corner! But Cobb stands! Tanahashi HIGH FLY ATTACKS, but Cobb catches him! Cobb pops Tanahashi up, shifts around, and ATHLETIC- SLINGBLADE?!? Cover, TWO!! Tanahashi rises, the fans fire up, and Tanahashi runs to SLING- NO, Cobb gets around to GERMAN SUPLEX! But Tanahashi rises again! SLING- NO, Cobb scoops Tanahashi, but then pops him around again! TOUR OF THE ISLANDS!! Cobb roars, but he’s not done!! Cobb ripcords Tanahashi for the RIPCORD- CRADLE COUNTER!! TANAHASHI WINS!!
Winner: Hiroshi Tanahashi, by pinfall
Cobb got cocky and it to cost him! Tanahashi still tells Cobb he’s proud of him and of Cobb’s time here in NJPW. The two shake hands and hug it out while the fans cheer. Tanahashi’s Final Road rolls on, and The United Empire is here to say farewell to their friend. Cobb is handed a mic, and Chris Charleton is there to interpret. Cobb says he was not expecting to lose tonight. But first and foremost, he wants to thank the people that don’t even get seen by the fans. The NJPW staff, the music team, the NJPW World techs, the boys ‘n’ girls in the back, and all the wrestlers Cobb calls “family.” The fans applaud and Cobb says Chris’s Japanese is good.
Cobb takes a moment before he says he had a speech ready, but he’s kinda blanking out from the pressure. Online, there has been an outpouring of love, #ThankYouCobb. But really, he should be thanking each and every one of the fans. Cobb gets emotional again while Chris translates for him. Cobb knows it’s a bit of a crappy situation, but he wants Callum Newman to know, he’s got the ball, so run with it. Cobb lets Chris translate now, and then Cobb wraps by thanking the Empire members here, from Khan, to Templario, to “Jakob Change Your Name,” to Akira and to Callum.
And lastly, Cobb says this is not goodbye, but more see you later. Thank you, NJPW. Thank you, fans. Domo arigato gozaimasu! The fans cheer for Cobb one more time, and he bows deeply to them all. When and where will we see Cobb in the ring, any ring, again?
10 Man Elimination Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Yuya Uemura, Shota Umino, Taichi, Taka Michinoku & YOSHI-HASHI!
Well, not only is The Ace on his Final Road, but it would seem Tetsuya Naito and Bushi are on their own way out of NJPW. Then will they and their amigos start their Road to Wrestling Dontaku with a celebration? Or will the Heat Storm, Roughneck, Holy Emperor, Blue Playmaker and Headhunter make this anything but tranquilo?
The teams sort out and there’s a lot of entrance attire to put aside. Once Naito is done putting the pants away, LIJ fist bumps while Just4Guys/Hontai shake hands. Yuya steps up against Naito and the fans fire up already. Naito and Yuya stare down while the fans cheer “NA-I-TO! NA-I-TO!” Naito and Yuya step up, but then Naito tags to Bushi. The fans cheer Bushi on now, he circles with Yuya, but then Bushi tags out to Yota. The fans rally as Yuya and Yota feel things out, giving us a taste of their IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship match. They tie up, are in a deadlock, and Yuya wrenches Yota to a wristlock.
Yota slips around, full nelsons, but Yuya breaks that to hammerlock. Yota reaches back to facelock, then he wrenches again. Yuya rolls, wrenches, and arm-drags Yota down. But Yota headscissors! Yuya kips free, and the fans cheer the standoff. Yota and Yuya reset, tie up, and Yota headlocks. Yuya powers up and out, drops down, then hurdles over to arm-drag again! The fans cheer as Yuya has the armlock. Yota fights up, fights around, but Yuya brings him over and Taka tags in. Taka kicks Yota, CLUBS him, then stomps him. Taka knees low, runs, but Yota dropkicks a leg out! LIJ rushes in and BLASTS Hontai! Then they bring Taka to the ropes!
Hontai rushes in to save Taka! The fans fire up as everyone fights at the ropes, and Taka lands safe on the apron! Taka scurries around the way and back into the ring! The fans cheer, but then Takagi & Yota split the wishbone! Hiromu tags in, he brings Taka up and CHOPS! Hiromu whips corner to corner, runs up and LARIATS! Hiromu snapmares and runs to basement dropkick! The fans fire up and Hiromu brings Naito in. They double whip to TENDEDERO! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up as Hiromu bumps Taka off buckles, then he tags Takagi. Takagi RAMS into Taka again and again, but Taka fires body shots.
Takagi HEADBUTTS Taka down, then suplexes high and hard! Cover, TWO! Takagi sits Taka up, runs to BLAST Shota, and the fans cheer! Takagi drags Taka up to HEADBUTT the arm, then wrench it. Tag to Bushi and he CLUBS the arm. Bushi CLUBS Taka down, stomps him, then has the legs. Bushi stands on Taka’s groin! Red Shoes reprimands, Bushi steps off at 4, then stomps Taka around. Tag to Naito and the fans rally as he brings Taka up. Naito cravats Taka, then Hiromu sits in the ropes. Hiromu claims Hontai is up to something, Red Shoes looks over, and Naito SMACKS Taka off Hiromu’s boots!
Taichi protests, but Naito throws hands on Taka. Taka tries to hit back but there’s not much there. Naito CLUBS Taka, but Taka fires a flurry! Naito just ROCKS Taka! Naito runs, but Taka goes the other way to BOOT Naito down! The fans rally up, hot tag to Taichi! Taichi runs at Naito in the corner and BOOTS him! Yota gets in, kicks Taichi then whips, but Taichi BOOTS Yota! Takagi runs up, Taichi dodges to wrench and HOOK KICK! Hiromu gets up but Taichi BLASTS him! Bushi backs off, but Naito CLUBS Taichi. Naito whips, but Taichi reverses to RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up while Naito crawls.
Taichi paces, waits on Naito to sit up, but Naito ducks the buzzsaw! Naito shoves Taichi, Bushi trips him up! Bushi tags in and stomps Taichi around. Bushi ROCKS Taichi, whips, but Taichi grabs ropes. Bushi runs up again but Taichi BOOTS him down! Taichi tags Hashi and Hashi drags Bushi up. Hashi ROCKS and CLUBS Bushi, whips him, but Bushi reveres. Hashi dodges to ELBOW Bushi, then runs, but into a DROPKICK! LIJ blasts Hontai’s corner again! Hashi rolls out under the bottom rope, Bushi BLASTS him off the apron, then Bushi builds speed. But Hashi gets back in to CLOBBER Bushi!
Hashi drags Bushi up, hooks a leg, but Bushi fights free! Hashi blocks a kick, ducks the enzigiri, but the REWIND HEEL hits! Bushi runs in from the corner, but Hashi stops the Code Breaker! Taka joins in, DOUBLE SUPERKICKS! Cover, TWO!! Bushi survives, but Hashi clamps on the BUTTERFLY LOCK! Bushi endures, fights around, and Naito gets on the apron, only for Taichi to BOOT him down! Taichi intercepts Hiromu, and Bushi TAPS! Hashi ELIMINATES Bushi! Takagi CLOBBERS Hashi, then drops ELBOW after ELBOW! Takagi SENTONS but misses as Hashi moves! Shota storms in and stomps Takagi!
Shota drags Takagi up to UPPERCUT, and Hashi CHOPS! Hashi & Shota double whip, then Hashi runs up, only to be put on the apron! Takagi CLOBBERS Shota, then runs up on Hashi! Hashi RAMS Takagi, they trade forearms, but then Takagi HOTSHOTS Hashi! Hashi holds onto the ropes, then ROCKS Takagi! Takagi staggers, Shota runs up, but Takagi throws him into Hashi! Hashi falls to the floor, Takagi ELIMINATES Hashi! The teams are even again after that friendly fire, and Takagi rolls Shota! TWO, and things speed up! Takagi ELBOWS, JABS, and YUKON LARIATS! The fans fire up while Takagi fires up, “TOKI GA KITA!”
The fans rally as Takagi runs up, but he blocks a boot to then LARIAT! JAB, CHOP, repeat, then Takagi JABS, JABS, JABS, and CHOPS! Takagi brings Shota up, suplexes, but Shota fights it so Takagi hits the TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Cover, TWO! Shota stays in this but Takagi stays focused. The fans join in with “OI! OI! OI!” and Takagi storms up on Shota. Takagi pump handles but Shota fights the lift. Shota switches, Takagi fires elbows, but Shota ducks! Shota wrenches and SWINGING NECKBREAKERS! The fans are torn but Shota drags Takagi up. Shota CHOPS Takagi in the corner, CHOPS, and CHOPS again! Shota whips corner to corner, runs up, and UPPERCUTS!
Shota reels Takagi in, FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect, but Shota clamps on an STF! Takagi endures, fights around, and he drags Shota along towards the ropes! ROPEBREAK, the fans cheer, and Shota lets go. Shota brings Takagi up, but Takagi denies the tornado DDT! Shota fires forearms to ROCK Takagi again and again, but Takagi just headbutts the buckles to fire up! The fans fire up and Shota fires another forearm, only for Takagi to fire back! Shota headbutts the buckles to fire up! The forearms start flying again, but then Takagi fires boxing elbows! Takagi ROCKS Shota, but Shota fires boxing elbows now!
Shota ROCKS Takagi, then runs, but Takagi follows! LARIAT at the ropes! Takagi runs, Shota follows, LARIAT at the ropes! Shota runs, but DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Neither man falls, so DOUBLE LARIATS collide again! Shota roars, but Takagi ELBOWS! JABS! YUKON- SHOTA LARIATS! But Takagi’s up to PUMPING BOMBER! Shota is in a daze but he manages to stand, and he swats a lariat to ENZIGIRI! Takagi rebounds to SLIDING LARIAT! Shota staggers back up, but Takagi whips him. Shota reverses and reels Takagi in, TORNADO DDT! But Takagi’s right up, and he PUMPING BOMBERS Shota and himself up and out! DOULBE ELIMINATION!!
The fans go nuts as we go to 3v3 now. Yuya and Yota step back in and the fans rally. Yota grins, runs up, but Yuya dodges to CHOP, CHOP, CHOP! Yuya whips, Yota reverses, but Yuya goes up and over. Yuya arm-drags, then DROPKICKS! Yuya roars and the fans fire up again! Yuya reels Yota in but Yota fights the saido. Yuya still hits a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Yuya drags Yota back up, clinches, but Yota fires elbow after elbow to get free. Then he SUPER- NO, Yuya blocks! Yuya swings, but into the BACKBREAKER! FLATLINER! But he avoids the stomp! Yuya CHOPS then runs, but Yota SUPERKICKS himdown!
LIJ BLASTS Hontai’s corner again, and Yota looms over Yuya. Yota drags Yuya up, bumps him off buckles, then hoists him up top. Yota CHOPS, then he fires up before climbing up. The fans rally up, and Yuya fires forearms! Yota falls back, stands up, and he avoids Yuya’s leap! Yuya comes back, into the GENE TRIGGER! Yota TOSSES Yuya, but Yuya lands on the apron! Hiromu lets Yota know that, so Yota goes up the corner! Yota aims for an APRON MARLOWE- NO, Yuya dodges! Yuya CHOPS, CHOPS and CHOPS! Yota ROCKS Yuya, but Yuya fires up! Yuya DOUBLE CHOPS! And DOUBLE CHOPS! And DOUBLE CHOPS!
Yota SLAPS Yuya! And then swings, but into the cording hold! Yuya grabs the other arm but Yota resists! Yota HEADBUTTS again and again, then DOUBLE HEADBUTTS hit! Both men fall, another DOUBLE ELIMINATION!! Now it’s just TakaTaichi VS Naito & Hiromu! The fans rally up as the four stare down. Hiromu runs up, but into TENDEDERO! Naito dodges but then Taichi BOOTS him down! TakaTaichi double whip to DOUBLE BOOT! Taka has Hiromu but Hiromu fires forearms! Taka pokes Hiromu in the eyes! Taka whips Hiromu to a corner, but Hiromu blocks the shining wizard!
Hiromu runs, RANA, but Taka SHOVES it down! JUST FACELOCK!! Taka CLUBS away on Hiromu, but Naito stomps Taka down! Taichi runs up but Naito kicks him and throws him out! Naito kicks Taka, he and Hiromu double whip, but Taka redirects! And redirects! But then Naito & Hiromu undo Tendedero to let Taka pass! Taka comes back, ducks Tendedero, and he waistlocks Naito. Naito switches, shoves Taka at Hiromu and Hiromu wrenches. Pump handle, HIROMU-CHAN ROLL! Cover, Hiromu ELIMINATES Taka! And that leaves it 2v1, Hiromu & Naito against Taichi! Taichi paces as he considers his options.
Taichi rushes in, but into TENDEDERO! Naito & Hiromu double whip Taichi to a corner, and Hiromu runs to LARIAT! Naito ROCKS Taichi, ENZIGIRIS, and Hiromu SUPERKICKS! Hiromu gives Naito the boost for the TOR- Well, no, the tornado fails but the DDT still hits! Hiromu brings Taichi up, suplexes, but Taichi fights it! Taichi suplexes, but Hiromu fights it! They end up by the ropes! Hiromu is on the apron, Naito runs up, but Taichi dodges and Naito BLASTS Hiromu! Hiromu falls and is ELIMINATED! Friendly fire in return for before, and the fans fire up as it is Taichi and Naito 1v1!
Taichi and Naito reset, and the fans cheer for “NA-I-TO!” as hard as they can. Naito fires a forearm, but Taichi fires back! Naito fires another, so Taichi fires back! Naito and Taichi both smirk as the shots keep going back and forth! Taichi then KCIKS, but Naito still throws forearms! KICK, forearm, repeat, but then Naito ROCKS Taichi again and again! Naito SLAPS Taichi! Taichi SOBATS! Naito fires the heavy elbow, but Taichi URAKENS! Naito runs, Taichi BOOTS him down, then Taichi drags Naito back up, just so he can AX- NO, Naito lifts Taichi, but Taichi fights off the atomic drop! Taichi shoves Naito to then AX BOMBER! Cover, TWO!
Naito survives but Taichi runs, and SLIDING AX BOMBERS! Taichi fires up, the fans are torn, but Taichi suplexes! Naito fights free to kick low! Naito uses the ropes to TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up and Naito drags Taichi up. Naito fires those heavy elbows again and again! Naito has Taichi down in the corner, then climbs up. Naito reels Taichi in, but Taichi sneaks the pants off! GAMANGIRI! Naito falls off the corner, but he holds onto the ropes! Naito dangles off the apron but his feet do not touch the floor! Taichi fires shots, Naito ROCKS him in return! Taichi runs up, Naito slides under! Naito DUMPS Taichi over!
Taichi is on the apron but Naito fires a flurry! HOTSHOT! Taichi wobbles, but he ROCKS Naito! Naito ROCKS Taichi, HOTSHOTS again, then ROLLING KICKS! Taichi falls, LIJ WINS!
Winners: Los Ingobernables de Japon, by ring out
It came down to the leaders as the last men, but the Uncontrollable Charisma found a way to win for the team! LIJ regroups and Naito is given the mic. “Buenas tardes, Korakuen Hall!” The fans cheer, and Naito says, “First and foremost… Bushi, why don’t you say something to the fans?” The fans applaud and Bushi takes a quick drink of water before he takes up the mic. “Now that I have this time, I’ll say this. As previously announced by NJPW, my departure was a decision made after a lot of thought. I have no regrets.” The fans applaud that, and Bushi continues, “My feelings haven’t changed since I spoke here 10 years ago. It’s been a deeply fulfilling experience.”
The fans applaud that, too, and Bushi says, “This Dontaku tour is only getting started. When I step into this ring, I’ll show my gratitude in my own way. Thank you.” The fans applaud again, and Bushi hands the mic back to Naito. Naito also notes that the Road to Wrestling Dontaku has just begun. He and Bushi will be leaving NJPW after May 4th. “Whether Bushi and I will compete in this ring again or not, you already know, don’t you? Yes, the answer is of course, TRANQUILO! Assen na yo!” The fans applaud Naito being Naito even now. Naito then asks if they want to do the roll call, and the fans cheer!
Naito notes they haven’t had one at all this year, so this will be the first roll call of 2025. Are you ready? The fans cheer, so Naito says that the only way to close out tonight in Korakuen Hall is naturally with… “Bushi! Hiromu! Takagi! Titan! Yota! Y Naito! NOSOTROS! LOS! INGOBERRRRRRNABLEEEEES~! DE! JA! PON!!” The fans cheer the first LIJ roll call of 2025, but will we get more of them before May 4th? Will we get one on May 4th?
My Thoughts:
A great night to kick off the Road to Wrestling Dontaku, though of course it had to be on one of the busiest weekends of the year. Great goodbye match for Cobb with Tanahashi. It was a big awkward because while Tanahashi is still going to retire this year, Cobb was leaving, and so Cobb leaving NJPW trumps Tanahashi retiring, meaning Cobb had to lose. It’s the unwritten tradition of pro-wrestling. Very good farewell promo from Cobb, too, and I can’t wait to see where he goes next. Word is, it isn’t AEW, and perhaps the WWE rumors have still been true all along, they just leaked out way too soon.
And then very good 10 Man Elimination Tag in the main event, and it works out that LIJ won. Naito & Bushi needed a chance to address the fans about their own departure from NJPW, and so giving them the win so they can do a main event promo was fitting. In my estimation, I don’t see Naito going to any other company, even if it’s another Japanese based company. He’s done plenty in his career, he’s pushed his body pretty hard, so he needs to enjoy retirement, or at least make a lateral movement to be working with Young Lions in the NJPW Dojo as a teacher. Bushi, could probably keep going a little longer, or he could also call it a day on the other hand, only Bushi really knows how his body feels.
My Score: 8.8/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
4 Corners Podcast: Houston Still Has a Problem
This week, we discuss the NCAA Final Four, the NHL Playoff chase, the end of the Gr8 Chase and much...
4 Corners Podcast: Chalk & Chase
This week we talk a little MLB, discuss the red-hot Blues, the GR8 Chase, and whether a chalky NCAA Tournament...
4 Corners Podcast: March Madness Bracket Breakdown
This week on 4 Corners Podcast we break down the Men's NCAA tournament bracket. Which of the top seeds will...
4 Corners Podcast- The Fantastic Four Nations Faceoff
The guys discuss Canada's big win in the Four Nations Faceoff and take a look at some early Spring Training...
Oblong Ball Foot Show: One For The Road
The Philadelphia Eagles are Super Bowl Champions! Tune in as we recap an excellent NFL season and touch on a...
Bandwagon Nerds #285: Celebratory & Gratuitous
Daredevil: Born Again finale, loaded trailer park, plenty of Star Wars news and the Elite Eight round of VILLAIN MADNESS!
Bandwagon Nerds #284: Mission Unlikely
The Nerds break down a tremendous Episode 8 of Daredevil: Born Again. Plus, the Sweet 16 of Villain Madness and...
Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu News Report! (4/10/25)
It's gonna be May!
Bandwagon Nerds #283: Ice, Ice, Baby
Daredevil vs Muse, Villain Madness, news about Spider-Man 4, Superman, and the Nintendo Switch 2, plus the Nerds pay their...
Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu Results & Report! (4/1/25)
Happy Sixth Anniversary!
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (4/21/25)
The Raw After Mania!
Mitchell’s NJPW Road to Wrestling Dontaku Results & Report! (4/19/25)
Parting is such sweet sorrow...
Mitchell’s WWE WrestleMania 41 Results & Report! (4/20/25)
This is more than just a gamble!
DWI Podcast #472: NXT Stand & Deliver plus WrestleMania Trivia
Rey Cash joins AJ Balaz and PC Tunney as the gents review NXT Stand and Deliver! With the Trivia Trickster...
Mitchell’s WWE WrestleMania 41 Results & Report! (4/19/25)
Viva Las Vegas!
Mitchell’s NXT Stand & Deliver Results & Report! (4/19/25)
Who defies the odds?
Mindless Wrestling Podcast: WrestleMania Madness!
Join DJ, Rob and Jason as they break down WrestleMania 41 weekend!
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (4/18/25)
It's WrestleMania SmackDown!
Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (4/18/25)
ROH says TGIF!
Greg DeMarco’s WWE WrestleMania 41 BOLD Predictions
WWE WrestleMania 41 is upon us, and—it's time to throw logic out the window and dive headfirst into the wild...
