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
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They’re the best around! Nothing’s ever gonna keep ’em down!
With quite a lot of pro-wrestling crossover in both blocks, this might be the most star-studded tournament ever ever! But will the Rogue Luchador still be THE Best of the Super Juniors?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Ninja Mack & Katsuya Murashima VS Taiji Ishimori & Robbie X; Taiji & Robbie win.
- Six Man Tag: Master Wato, Ryusuke Taguchi & Kevin Knight VS MAO, Tiger Mask & Shoma Kato; Wato, Taguchi & Knight win.
- YOH & Toru Yano VS Robbie Eagles & Hartley Jackson; Yoh & Yano win.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: Nick Wayne VS SHO; Nick wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Dragon Dia VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Dia wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Kosei Fujita VS Francesco Akira; Fujita wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Hiromu Takahashi VS KUSHIDA: Hiromu wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: El Desperado VS Titan; Desperado wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: Nick Wayne VS SHO!
The Prodigy isn’t just the historic youngest ROH World Television Champion ever, he is now the historic youngest entry into the BOSJ ever! But will he make The Patriarchy proud? Or will the Murder Machine ruin all the fun right in round one?
Well to start, Sho grabs a mic to tell Nick, “Congratulations on your first BOSJ. To commemorate this moment, here’s this towel as a present.” It is in fact a House of Torture rally towel, but as Nick cannot read Japanese, he doesn’t realize Sho is pranking him. It reads, “I am a country bumpkin.” Nick still bows in thanks for the gift, and Sho talks more trash, this time on Chiba. Chiba is so far removed into the countryside and from civilization that no one’s phones get reception. Sho tells Nick again congrats on being here, and he’ll let Nick introduce himself to the “country idiots.” Nick takes the mic, but Sho ATTACKS!
The fans boo as Sho CLUBS away on Nick, then talks more trash. The bell rings and Sho puts Nick against ropes. Sho wraps an arm around ropes, pulls on the arm, but stops as the ref reprimands. Sho stops to whip Nick, Nick reverses and hurdles, then bypasses Sho to UPPERCUT him down! Nick handsprings up and the fans cheer! Sho bails out but Nick builds speed, only for Sho to use a Young Lion as a shield! Nick stops short and goes to the apron, only for Sho to YANK him down! The fans boo more but Sho just grins. Sho drags Nick up, brings him to a corner, and SLAMS Nick’s arm off the post! Sho then goes to fetch a chair!
The ref stops that, so Sho knuckle locks Nick and brings him to the crowd! Sho wrenches Nick to a wristlock and ELBOW BREAKER, then he aims at the chairs! The fans hurry away and Sho BOWLS Nick into the chairs! STRIKE! The ref reprimands but Sho just takes a chair and digs it into Nick’s side! Sho stands on Nick’s hand, has another chair, but the ref reprimands. Sho puts the chair aside and drags Nick to his feet. Sho wrenches the arm, pulls it through the corner, and wraps it around the post! The ref reprimands again and Sho lets go at 4. Sho puts Nick in the ring, and then he SLAMS the bad arm against the post!
Sho hurries off to go snatch the bell hammer! The ref stops Sho, and Sho grabs a chair! Sho SMACKS Nick’s arm against the post! The fans boo but Sho laughs as he gets away with it! Nick shakes out the bad arm but Sho is right on him with a cover, TWO! The fans cheer as Nick stays in this, but Sho grins as he drags Nick up to knuckle lock. Sho wrenches, ELBOW BREAKERS, and Nick falls back. Sho stands Nick up to wrench again, then pushes him down to kick, KICK, and SUPER- NO, Nick blocks the kick! Sho ducks the lariat to POP-UP ARMBAR TAKEDOWN! Nick clasps hands, but Sho pries it free, ARMBAR!!
The fans rally up and Nick scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, the ref counts, and Sho lets go at 4. Nick clutches his bad arm but Sho goes outside to grab the ROH World TV title! The ref reprimands, stops Sho as he steps in, and Sho sets the belt down. To step on it! The fans boo and Nick gets pissed! Nick fires hands, but Sho CLAWS his face! Sho whips Nick, Nick grabs ropes, but that also hurts his arm! Nick still ELBOWS Sho away, ELBOWS him again, then runs up. Sho SWATS the lariat, whips, and the ref almost gets hit! Sho runs up, but Nick BOOTS him away! Nick goes up, and MISSILE DROPKICKS!
The fans fire up and Nick goes back to a corner. Nick runs in and UPPERCUTS! Nick snapmares Sho, runs up, and he spins Sho for an ASAI DDT! Cover, TWO! Sho survives but the fans rally for Nick. Nick shakes out the bad arm, storms over to Sho, and waistlocks to drag Sho up. Nick then shifts to a half nelson, but Sho fights the full nelson! Sho swings Nick into ropes! Nick falls in a heap, clutches the bad arm, and stands up, only for Sho to run in! Nick TOSSES Sho, builds speed, and FLIES! Direct hit on Sho and the fans fire up with Nick! Nick drags Sho back up, puts him in the ring, and the fans rally as Nick goes up the corner.
Nick aims, FROG- NO, Nick has to roll through as Sho moves. Nick goes back, but Sho dodges again! Nick still pursues, but Sho uses the ref as a shield again! And then SPEAR! Both men are down, but Sho crawls his way over to the corner. Sho grabs Nick’s title again and the ref stops him! Sho SHOVES the ref, then grabs his Torture Tool! Sho aims, but Nick dodges! Nick kicks low, and then he has the torture tool! The ref stops Nick, Nick apologizes, but Sho LOW BLOWS in the distraction! The fans boo but Sho reels Nick in! POWER BREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Nick survives and Sho is shocked while the fans fire up!
Sho “aims his bow” and reels Nick in. Sho tucks the arms but Nick fights the lift! Nick BACKDROPS, Sho sunset flips, TWO! Sho stands, ducks a kick, and then GERMAN SUPLEXES! But Nick’s right up! Only for Sho to LARIAT Nick back down! Sho laughs and drags Nick back up. Nick trips Sho to a jackknife bridge! TWO! Sho shoves the ref, but Nick blocks the low blow! Nick slips around, DRAGON SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Sho survives but the fans fire up with Nick! Nick waits on Sho to rise up, then he ROUNDHOUSES him! Nick brings Sho around and hooks a leg, PRODIGY PLEX!! Cover, Nick wins!!
Winner: Nick Wayne, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Sho earns 0)
Sho tried a lot of different tricks, but Nick still gets the better of him! The Prodigy has his first win in his first BOSJ, will he soon be the youngest man to win Best of the Super Juniors?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Dragon Dia VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru!
After a tough time last year, The Infinite Carat Diamond is back and ready to shine! But will he overcome the Heel Master’s many antics? Or will he crack under the pressure?
Classic House of Torture, Kanemaru attacks Dia during his introductions! The fans boo but Kanemaru SMACKS Dia off the commentary desk! And then POSTS him! The bell rings to get this on record as Kanemaru stomps Dia. Kanemaru drags Dia up, brings him around, and whips him at another post! Dia uses that to swing into the ring! Dia then DROPKCIKS Kanemaru off the apron, slingshots out, but Kanemaru YANKS him down! Kanemaru puts Dia in the ring, but then on the apron, SUPER KNEE SMASH to the floor! The fans boo and the ref checks Dia. Dia is somehow okay to continue, but Kanemaru leaves him behind.
The ring count starts, Dia hobbles up and rolls in at 7 of 20. The fans cheer but Kanemaru stomps Dia’s leg! Kanemaru has Dia on the ropes but the ref counts. Kanemaru whips Dia to then dropkick the leg out! Dia writhes but Kanemaru drags him up, for a SHIN BREAKER to the mat! Dia writhes more but Kanemaru brings him around by that leg. Kanemaru YANKS the leg, then looms over Dia. Dia clutches his knee so Kanemaru stomps him on the side. Kanemaru then grabs the leg and twists it in a standing toehold! The fans rally as Dia endures, but Kanemaru puts on even more pressure! Dia fights around and has the ROPEBREAK!
The fans applaud, the ref counts, and Kanemaru lets go at 4, just to stomp the leg again! Kanemaru drags Dia to center while the fans rally, and Kanemaru has another standing toehold! Dia endures as Kanemaru uses his own leg for leverage. Kanemaru pushes on the foot, but Dia fires hands from below. The fans rally, but Kanemaru turns Dia over for a HALF CRAB! Dia endures, fights forward, and the fans rally, only for Kanemaru to pull back more! Dia still scrambles his way over to the ROPEBREAK! The fans applaud and Kanemaru lets go, only to SMASH the knee on the mat again! Dia writhes but he refuses to let this take him out.
Kanemaru drags Dia around, drops an ELBOW on the knee, then he pulls on the leg! Dia still endures, even as Kanemaru puts on more pressure. Dia tries to fight back with a chinlock but Kanemaru thrashes the leg! Kanemaru then drops KNEE after KNEE on Dia’s knee! Kanemaru kneels on the leg, slaps Dia around, then kicks him around. The fans rally and Dia rises up to CHOP! Kanemaru gives Dia more mocking kicks, but Dia CHOPS again! Kanemaru kicks the leg out! Dia writhes, Kanemaru stomps him more, but the fans continue to rally. Kanemaru stomps the leg, digs his boot in, but he also uses ropes for leverage!
The ref reprimands and counts, so Kanemaru steps off at 4. Kanemaru stalks Dia as he crawls away. Dia still refuses to give up, so Kanemaru drags him up and grabs the leg. Dia fights the lift with elbows! Kanemaru kicks the bad leg again! Kanemaru whips Dia to a corner, runs up, but Dia BOOTS him! And BOOTS him again! Dia runs, slides, and then tilt-o-whirl arm-drags! And DROPKICKS! The fans fire up while Kanemaru tumbles out! Dia fights through the pain to build speed, but Kanemaru gets away! Dia sees Kanemaru go to the side, and intercepts him with a 619! Kanemaru falls to the floor, Dia sets up, and ASAI MOONSAULTS!
The fans fire up as Dia takes Kanemaru down again! The ref checks and both men are okay to continue. Dia rises, the fans fire up again, and Dia hobbles over to Kanemaru. Dia puts Kanemaru in the ring, the fans rally, and Dia SOBATS! And LEG SWEEPS! And STANDING MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! Dia stays fired up and the fans stay with him. Dia goes up the corner, shakes out the bad leg, and DD- NO, Kanemaru dodges the 4D! Kanemaru then DROPKICKS Dia’s leg! Kanemaru steps through to FIGURE FOUR! Dia endures as the fans rally up, but Kanemaru puts on the pressure! Dia drags Kanemaru along as he grabs the ROPEBREAK!
The fans cheer but Kanemaru doesn’t let go. The ref counts and Kanemaru lets go at 4. Kanemaru drags Dia up, scoops him, BRITISH FALL! Cover, TWO! Dia survives but Kanemaru brings him right up. Kanemaru suplexes, but Dia cradle counters! TWO, and Dia leaps up! Kanemaru stops the rana to SMASH the knee! Step through and FIGURE FOUR!! Dia endures and the fans rally up again! Dia keeps his shoulders up but Kanemaru puts on the pressure! Dia works to move around but Kanemaru turns against him! Dia rolls through, and crawls his way over to the ROPEBREAK! Kanemaru lets go cleanly this time while the fans applaud.
Dia clutches his knee but Kanemaru brings him right up. Kanemaru scoops and SLAMS Dia into the drop zone! Kanemaru goes up, MOONSAULT! Kanemaru has to bail out as Dia moves! Kanemaru returns, blocks a boot, and CLUBS the leg! Kanemaru whips, Dia reverses, but Kanemaru reverses back, to send Dia at the ref! Dia stops short, but Kanemaru CLOBBERS Dia into the ref! The fans boo but Kanemaru hurries to bring Dia up. Kanemaru THROWS Dia down, then grabs his whiskey! Kanemaru takes a swig, but the ref grabs the bottle! Kanemaru lets him have the bottle, but then Dia ENZIGIRIS! The whiskey mist goes to waste!
Dia puts Kanemaru up top, climbs, and the fans fire up for the ASTRO SCISSORS! Kanemaru tumbles away, but Dia runs up to REPTIALIAN!! Cover, Dia wins!!
Winner: Dragon Dia, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Kanemaru earns 0)
Much like Sho to open, Kanemaru had his tricks up his sleeve, but none of them paid off! Dia is already shining with this win, but will he be the centerpiece of the whole A Block?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Kosei Fujita VS Francesco Akira!
The Japanese Young Punk and the Italian Crown of Fire are both former IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions looking to spark something all on their own. But will Fujita prove The Mighty Don’t Kneel? Or will Akira blaze a trail to the top of the block?
The bell rings and the fans rally as the two circle fast. They tie up, Fujita powers Akira to the mat then goes for an arm. Akira slips around, Fujita waistlocks, but Akira keeps moving. The two separate and the fans applaud this opening exchange. The two reset and circle again. They tie up, Fujita waistlocks but Akira wrenches out to hammerlock. Fujita switches the hammerlock, but Akira sits down, rolls, and hammerlocks in return. Fujita spins, steps over, and he holds Akira down so he can CHOP Akira on the back! The fans applaud but Akira is annoyed. Akira says okay, and he fires a forearm!
Fujita eggs Akira on so Akira fires another forearm! And then a CHOP! Fujita comes back to CHOP! The fans fire up, Fujita runs, but Akira CALF KICKS him down! The fans fire up more while Fujita bails out. Akira storms out, saying if Fujita wants to play, let’s play! Akira POSTS Fujita, brushes himself off, then drags Fujita back up. Akira CHOPS Fujita against the apron! Akira sits on the apron and wraps Fujita up with the headscissors! The ref reprimands but Akira lets go at 4. The fans rally, Akira drags Fujita back up, and then ROCKS him with a forearm! Akira talks some smack, ROCKS Fujita again, but then Fujita ROCKS him in return!
Fujita RAMS Akira into the apron, CHOPS, and CHOPS, and then KNEES low again and again! The ref reprimands and wants this in the ring. Fujita puts Akira in, the fans applaud, and Fujita runs corner to corner. Akira puts Fujita on the apron, but Fujita springboards, only for Akira to stop him and trip him up! Fujita flops to the mat, Akira covers, TWO! The fans rally while Akira drags Fujita up. Fujita breaks free to fire a forearm, but Akira eggs him on. Fujita fires another forearm, but Akira blocks the chop! Akira KNEES low, scoops and SLAMS, then covers, TWO! STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally as Fujita stays in this, but Akira stays on Fujita with a rear bearhug! Fujita endures, even as Akira squeezes tight and talks more trash. Fujita crawls, reaches out, and has the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer and Akira lets go in frustration. Akira drags Fujita up, bumps him off buckles, then RAMS into Fujita! Akira RAMS in again, then whips corner to corner. Akira runs up and LARIATS! Akira then snapmares and covers, TWO! Fujita toughs it out and the fans rally up, but Akira stays focused. Akira drags Fujita up, but Fujita breaks free to CHOP! Akira mule kicks, whips, but Fujita reverses. Akira dodges the chop but not the LEG LARIAT!
The fans fire up while both men are down! Fujita and Akira go to corners and the fans rally. Fujita runs corner to corner and CHOPS! Akira is stinging, but Fujita whips corner to corner. Fujita runs up again, but Akira puts him on the apron! Fujita ducks a shot to ROCK Akira, then he springboards, MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Fujita sits Akira up to PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! Akira stays in this but Fujita stays focused. Fujita waistlocks to deadlift, but Akira fights with elbows! Akira runs, but Fujita drop toeholds, and then has the legs tied up! Akira fights the rest of the hold, but Fujita still grabs the arms!
Fujita and Akira struggle against each other, and Akira slips an arm free to have the ROPEBREAK! Fujita lets go and the fans rally up again. Fujita stands Akira up and suplexes, but Akira fights that off! Akira wrenches, Fujita ducks the lariat to waistlock, but Akira runs to ropes! Akira TOSSES Fujita out with that and then runs to WRECK him with a dropkick! The fans fire up as Akira builds speed, and he FLIES! Down goes Fujita and the fans fire up more! Akira roars, the fans cheer, and the standing count starts. The fans chant for “A! KI-RA!” and he puts Fujita in at 6 of 20, Akira goes to the corner, springboards and LIONSAULTS onto knees! Cover, TWO!!
Akira survives the turnaround and the fans rally up. Fujita stalks Akira, waistlocks and deadlifts, but again Akira fights with elbows! Fujita still reels Akira in and GERMAN SUPLEXES! But Akira lands on his feet! Akira SUPERKICKS, but Fujita CHOPS! Akira ENZIGIRIS! Fujita HEEL KICKS! The fans fire up with Fujita now and he brings Akira around. Fujita suplexes, but Akira slips free! Akira has the arms, pops Fujita up, TIGER GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Fujita survives and Akira is stunned! The fans rally up while Akira drags Fujita up. Akira reels Fujita in, SPEEDFIRE! But Akira isn’t done, he goes to the corner!
The fans rally for “A! KI-RA!” and he runs in, NOVA- NO, Fujita ducks the Fireball to DOUBLE CHOP! But Akira comes back to LARIAT! The fans fire up again as Fujita flounders around! Akira roars and he gets moving, but Fujita sidesteps! Akira bucks the O’Conner and runs in, only for Fujita to drop toehold! Fujita wants the legs but Akira cradles him, TWO!! Both men rise and the fans rally again! Fujita dodges to SNAP GERMAN!! But Akira manages to stand?! Akira runs back in, but Fujita pops him up! Fujita has the waistlock, and he holds on even as Akira fights with elbows! GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!!!
Akira survives and the fans fire up again! Fujita hauls Akira up again, half nelson then facelock, but Akira fights with knees! The fans rally as Akira fires knees down low, only for Fujita to hook one! Fujita suplexes Akira into a torture rack! BURNING HAMMER DDT!! Cover, Fujita wins!!
Winner: Kosei Fujita, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Akira earns 0)
Akira brought the heat, but he was put out like a light with that one! Whatever Fujita calls that new move, will it be the key to his success in this tournament?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Hiromu Takahashi VS KUSHIDA!
Two of the most decorated Super Juniors battle once more, all to help kick off this year’s tournament! Will the Ticking Timebomb make things more and more fun? Or will the Time Splitter turn back the clock to his former glory?
As soon as Hiromu’s ringside, Kushida wants to dive out onto him! Hiromu scrambles away from one corner, only for Kushida to hurry and DROPKICK him off the apron! The fans fire up as Kushida climbs and the bell rings, but Hiromu hurries up top! Hiromu trips Kushida, then brings him to a fireman’s carry! The fans fire up but Kushida fires elbows! Kushida has the HOVERBOARD way up there! The fans rally, the ref reprimands, but Hiromu throws Kushida off! Kushida finally takes his jacket off, and he HANDSPRING KICKS Hiromu down! Kushida builds speed, but then Hiromu slides back in!
Kushida lands safe on the apron, only for Hiromu to SUNSET FLIP! Kushida holds onto the ropes, throws hands, then RAN- NO! Hiromu stops the rana, brings Kushida back up, but Kushida fights free of the powerbomb! Hiromu dodges the boot, and then DROPKICKS Kushida’s leg! Kushida writhes and the ref checks him while the fans rally up. Hiromu stands and catches his breath. Kushida is still in this, so Hiromu drags him around, and SMASHES the knee on the floor! Kushida hobbles and flounders around, but Hiromu stomps him down. The ref reprimands but Hiromu drags Kushida around to SMASH the knee again!
Kushida writhes and Hiromu paces. Hiromu keeps Chiba fired up while Kushida rolls into the ring. Hiromu slides in but Kushida hurries to bail back out. Hiromu pursues, then pushes Kushida back into the ring. The fans rally as Hiromu keeps Kushida from escaping again. Hiromu CHOPS, then whips Kushida to a corner. Hiromu runs in and LARIATS! Then he snapmares to basement DROPKICK the legs! Kushida writhes but Hiromu turns him over for the MAXIMUM THE HOLDING! But Kushida scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Hiromu lets go, only to drag Kushida back. Hiromu fakes the knee smash so he can grapevine the leg!
Kushida endures the modified leg lock and he crawls his way forward! Hiromu puts on the pressure with his modified Trailer Hitch, but Kushida still manages the ROPEBREAK! Hiromu lets go and the fans rally up. Hiromu taunts Kushida, but Kushida CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Kushida runs, but Hiromu drop toeholds and leg scissors! Kushida endures the modified calf slicer as Hiromu puts on the pressure! The fans rally, Kushida crawls, and Kushida reaches out again for another ROPEBREAK! Hiromu lets go and the fans applaud. Hiromu drags Kushida back, turns Kushida over, and SMASHES the knee again! And again!
Kushida writhes and the fans rally but Hiromu looms over Kushida. Hiromu stomps Kushida’s leg! Kushida hobbles to the corner but Hiromu stomps a mudhole into that leg! The ref counts, Hiromu backs off, and Kushida hobbles up. Kushida CHOPS, and CHOPS, and CHOPS, but Hiromu kicks the bad leg! Kushida CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS again! Kushida whips, Hiromu reverses, but Kushida manages the handspring and BACK ELBOW! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Kushida and Hiromu go to corners while the fans rally. Hiromu stands up first, but Kushida runs up! Kushida blocks boots, and has an ANKLE LOCK!
Hiromu hops around, reaches out, and has the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Kushida lets go at 4, but he has Hiromu stuck on the top rope. Kushida runs to DROPKICK Hiromu down to the floor! The fans rally while Kushida crawls to the apron. Hiromu rises up and Kushida takes aim, FLYING RANA! Hiromu tumbles and the fans rally up again as Kushida puts Hiromu in the ring. SOMERSAULT DDT, and then ARMBAR! Hiromu scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Kushida lets go in frustration, but he aims for an arm! Kushida runs up and DROPKICKS Hiromu’s left arm! Then he KICKS, KICKS, KICKS, only for Hiromu to block the last one!
Hiromu also blocks the fastball to DRAGON SCREW! Kushida writhes but Hiromu gets the legs, MAXIMUM THE HOLDING!! Kushida flails, reaches out, drags Hiromu along, ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer but Hiromu holds on. The ref counts so Hiromu lets go at 4. Hiromu grows frustrated but the fans continue to rally. Hiromu drags Kushida up, fireman’s carries, but Kushida fights free! Kushida runs in, Hiromu BOOTS him, then Hiromu runs, only for Kushida to dodge! Kushida tilt-o-whirls, LA MYSTICA! Then he slips around to drag Hiromu into the HOVERBOARD!! Hiromu endures and the fans fire up more!
Kushida puts on the pressure as Hiromu fights around, but then Kushida headscissors Hiromu to keep him down! Hiromu flails, reaches out, and the fans rally as he fights the scissors. Hiromu rises, clasps hands behind his back, but Kushida puts on more pressure! They go around and around, but Kushida fires elbows! Hiromu CLUBS away on Kushida in return! The armlock is undone, but Kushida fires Kawada Kicks! And it’s back to the HOVERBOARD! But Hiromu fireman’s carries free! He throws Kushida into a dragon sleeper, makes it a facelock, suplexes, only for Kushida to fight free! Hiromu SUPERKICKS! Kushida KICKS a leg!
Kushida KICKS Hiromu’s leg again and again, and Hiromu falls! Kushida runs, but into a HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER! Both men are down again and the fans fire back up! Hiromu and Kushida slowly rise, and Hiromu fireman’s carries! But Kushida hits a crucifix takedown! TWO, and Kushida steps over for LA MAGISTROL! But Hiromu stuffs it to his own cover, TWO! Oklahoma Roll, TWO! Hiromu wrenches and tucks, HIROMU-CHAN ROLL, but Kushida rocks it back! JAPANESE LEG ROLL CLUTCH!! TWO!!! Kushida ducks a shot, spins Hiromu, and ROLLING ELBOWS! Hiromu SUPERKICKS! Kushida PELES!
Kushida runs, but Hiromu follows! Kushida dodges, they both run, but Hiromu hits a CODE BREAKER! Shoutout to Bushi before the MAXIMUM THE HOLDING!! Hiromu steps over to make it MTH 2.0!! Kushida endures, reaches out, but Hiromu turns it back over, and makes it a BACKBREAKER! Then back to MTH 2.0!!! Kushida endures, but he TAPS!! Hiromu wins!!
Winner: Hiromu Takahashi, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Kushida earns 0)
The Ticking Timebomb’s arsenal continues to evolve, and he manages to make one of the best Junior Heavyweight technical wrestlers tap out! Is this a sign that Hiromu can make his way back to the top of this division? Is there still time for Kushida to do the same?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: El Desperado VS Titan!
The Rogue Luchador finally won a BOSJ trophy with last year’s tournament, but now he wants to go back to back! Will Desperado start strong with this main event? Or will El Inmortal bring down THE IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion?
Titan offers a handshake, Desperado takes it, and the fans cheer. The bell rings and the fans rally as the two circle. Despy gets Chiba even more fired up, then he ties up with Titan. They go around, Despy waistlocks, but Titan spins to facelock. Despy wrenches out, Titan rolls, then Titan kips up, bridges, and handsprings. Titan wrenches, WRINGS Despy, then covers, ONE! Despy trips Titan to cover, ONE! The two stand off and the fans cheer. Titan and Despy reset, circle, and feel things out. They knuckle lock, but then Titan trips Despy. Things speed up, Titan ducks ‘n’ dodges, but he avoids Despy’s hurdle to dropkick the legs out and DOUBLE STOMP!
The fans fire up and Titan watches Despy rise. Titan runs but Despy puts him on the apron. Titan blocks a shot to CHOP, then he springboards to CROSSBODY! Titan keeps moving and he DROPKICKS Despy out of the ring! The fans fire up and Titan builds speed, but Despy avoids the slide! Despy comes back, Titan dodges and returns to tilt-o-whirl, but Despy blocks the DDT! Despy suplexes Titan to the floor! The fans rally and Despy stretches out his back. Despy drags Titan up, brings him around the way, and CHOPS him! Titan leans against the railing and the fans rally up. Despy paces, then he brings Titan around, only for Titan to CHOP!
Despy eggs Titan on and CHOPS in return! And CHOPS again! Titan snarls while he and Despy go around the way. Despy CHOPS again and Titan falls to his knees. Despy puts Titan in the ring, the fans applaud, and Despy storms in so he can hit a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Titan is tougher than that and the fans applaud, but Despy clamps onto Titan with a chinlock. Titan pries at the hold but Despy shifts into a modified motorcycle stretch. Despy leans on Titan and folds him up. Titan endures, and Red Shoes notices Despy pulling at the mask strings. Despy stops that and whips Titan to a corner. Despy runs in and LARIATS!
Titan tumbles and sits up while the fans rally. Despy looms over Titan, eggs him on, and then stands him up. Titan CHOPS! Despy eggs Titan on so Titan CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Despy KNEES low, runs, but Titan follows! Titan trips Despy, goes to the apron, and then GAMANGIRIS! Despy staggers away, Titan springboards in, FLYING RANA! Despy tumbles out, Titan DIVES and Despy is sent into the Young Lions! Titan rolls back into the ring and fires up! The fans rally with Titan and he builds speed, but Despy moves! Titan just changes course to DIVE again! Down goes Despy and the fans fire up!
Titan rises and the fans cheer. Titan drags Despy up, puts him in, and kicks him down. Titan then fireman’s carries Despy for a DEATH VALLEY BOMB! Cover, TWO! Despy toughs it out but Titan steps through, only for Despy to cradle! TWO, and Titan SUPERKICKS! Despy stumbles into the corner and Titan fires up again. The fans rally up, Titan runs corner to corner, FRAME OUT LARIAT! Despy falls and Titan goes up! Titan aims for DIVING- NO, Despy avoids the stomps! Titan comes back, but into a SPINEBUSTER! High stack, TWO, but into the STRETCH MUFFLER! Titan endures, fights around, but Despy wants that arm!
Titan pushes up to have both legs and RANA Despy away! Despy goes back outside but Titan FLIES! Down goes Despy but it’s a hard landing for both! Even commentary is stunned seeing that! The fans fire up even more and Red Shoes checks on both men. Titan rises, drags Despy up, SMACKS him off the apron then pushes him in the ring. Despy sputters his way to center, and Titan rises up! The fans fire up for the springboard, DIVING BODY PRESS! Titan bounces off but crawls back to the cover, TWO! Despy survives and the fans fire up more! Titan roars and the fans rally behind him again as he grabs a leg.
Titan steps through, but Despy kicks and kicks and kicks! Titan lets go, but he comes back to CLUB Despy! Titan stands Despy up but Despy fires body shots and CHOPS! Titan ducks the haymaker to fire off a strike fest! But the LOCO MONO finds him! Despy runs, but Titan goes Matrix to then CALF KCIK! Titan roars and reels Despy in, but Despy suplexes first! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! The fans rally and Despy rises. Despy drags Titan up, reels him in and underhooks the arms, but Titan fights the lift! Despy still tries, but then he KNEES Titan low! Despy roars, the fans fire up, and Despy whips, but Titan reverses!
TORNADO- NO, Despy stops the DDT again! Despy suplexes, Titan slips free and shoves, TORNADO DDT! Then Titan suplexes for the GOURD BUSTER, and SUPER- NO, Despy blocks and rolls Titan up! STRETCH MUFFLER! NUMERO DOS!! Titan fights, Despy wants the other arm, but Titan uses his core to sit up! DESTROY- NO, Despy blocks the rolling piledriver, and he tucks Titan in! DUDEBUSTER!! Cover, TWO!! Titan survives and the fans fire up again! Titan rolls away to one corner, Despy crawls to the other, and the fans rally as hard as they can. Despy aims as Titan rises. Despy runs in, but Titan SOBATS, KICKS, and fires off strikes! WHEEL KICK!
The fans fire up as Titan now skins the cat to the top rope! Titan aims, and DIVING DOUBLE STOMPS!! Direct hit, but Titan clutches his foot! Titan crawls to the cover, TWO!!! The delay saves Despy and the fans fire up again! Titan drags Despy around, has the leg, and rolls to have LLAVE IN- NO, Despy pushes through to turn Titan over! STRETCH MUFFLER! NUMERO DOS!! Titan fights around, Despy grabs the other arm, NUMERO DOS PLUS!!! Titan QUITS, Despy wins!!
Winner: El Desperado, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Titan earns 0)
While Titan won against Desperado last year, and even the year before that, third time is the charm as Desperado has avenged himself! But with this only being round one, is there still a chance Titan will make this his tournament?
As for Desperado, he grabs the mic to tell Titan in Espanol that this was their third BOSJ battle. Despy knows he won today, but that is just one out of three. “I can’t let that go. I don’t know when, but next time, I’ll even the score. I want to face you more. Perhaps you can come to Japan more? Alright. When can we fight for this title? Where can it be? Arena Mexico? Korakuen Hall? Tokyo Dome?” Titan jokes they could do it here in Chiba. Despy thanks Titan, and says he’ll now address the fans.
The fans applaud, and Despy apologizes for the side conversation. He admits he doesn’t have the best long-term memory. But he’s pretty sure he tapped out to Titan the last two times, even in last year’s opener. That much he does remember, so he’s glad he won today. He explains how that makes him and Titan 2-1 and that Despy wants to make the score even. He also explains how he wants to face Titan for the title even. The fans like the sound of that, and Despy also explains about asking where to do it, and how Titan was down for doing it here. The fans applaud, and Despy says Titan sure is cool, huh?
Despy says that in a tournament like this, whether you’re a champion or a Young Lion, you’ve got an equal chance of winning. There are no real byes here. It doesn’t matter where you come from or how long you’ve been in the business, “that’s what’s so interesting. A Young Lion might beat me. Or someone from another promotion might beat the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion. That’s what makes the Super Juniors exciting. But it doesn’t matter if you’re young, a masked man, or whatever, I’m still the champion. It doesn’t matter that I won last year and could repeat this year. Hiromu won three times in a row, four total.
“One time isn’t enough. That guy is always ahead of me. Even if we’re not fighting, I’m always competing with my rival.” The fans applaud that! Despy then says, “It’s too early to talk about how emotional and cool this series is. Doesn’t matter how dirty or clean you do it. It’s about the man raising the trophy at the end! And it’ll be me!” The fans cheer as Despy drops the mic to hold up the title. Will he still be the Best of the Super Juniors after another grueling gauntlet of a tournament?
Here are the A Block standings!
Hiromu Takahashi: 1-0, 2 points
Dragon Dia: 1-0, 2 points
Kosei Fujita: 1-0, 2 points
KUSHIDA: 0-1, 0 points
Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 0-1, 0 points
Francesco Akira: 0-1, 0 points
Here are the B Block standings!
El Desperado: 1-0, 2 points
Nick Wayne: 1-0, 2 points
Titan: 0-1, 0 points
SHO: 0-1, 0 points
My Thoughts:
A great opening to the BOSJ this year, but rather surprising to see a mixed bag of matches. I suppose part of it was the various schedules needing to be accommodated, what with Clark Connors still in California last night for Resurgence. Good stuff with both House of Torture guys losing, giving Nick Wayne and Dragon Dia great wins to start their runs. Sho pranking Nick was pretty clever, too, made me think of Edge & Christian pulling stuff like that on Kurt Angle. Great stuff from Fujita VS Akira, carrying from their rivalry when United Empire and TMDK were fighting over the Junior Heavyweight Tag titles. It really feels like these two can make a singles feud out of it, too.
Hiromu VS Kushida was great, especially with how fast it got going. Great win for Hiromu, he’s always a frontrunner in the block so I expect big stuff for his run. And similarly great stuff from Despy VS Titan, with a great win for Despy. Just as his promo after said, he finally got one on Titan, and it would be great if Titan could spend more time in NJPW but he is still more a CMLL talent than anything. There is still potential for them meeting again in the semifinals, but it really depends on the plans they have for everyone else. And a lot of Despy’s promo did kinda nod to how Nick Wayne is in the block, being the youngest in this tournament while also from AEW. Despy VS Nick could really steal the show, whenever it’s set to happen. Actually, is it the next round?
My Score: 8.8/10
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The storied rival has its final chapter!
For the last time, John Cena and Randy Orton battle over the WWE Championship! This time, it is on Backlash, in Orton’s hometown of St. Louis!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- WWE United States Championship Fatal 4 Way: Jacob Fatu VS Drew McIntyre VS LA Knight VS Damian Priest; Fatu wins and retains the title.
- WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Lyra Valkyria VS Becky Lynch; Lyra wins and retains the title.
- WWE Intercontinental Championship: Dominik Mysterio VS PENTA; Dominik wins and retains the title.
- GUNTHER VS Pat McAfee; Gunther wins.
- Undisputed WWE Championship: John Cena VS Randy Orton; Cena wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
It’s the WWE Backlash Countdown Show!
Join Michael Cole, Wade Barrett & Big E in discussing, analyzing and predicting all the action on this highly anticipated night!
Backstage interview with Lyra Valkyria.
Byron Saxton is with The Morrigan and asks how she is feeling tonight. She looked up to Becky Lynch for so long, only for her to stab her in the back. And at the same time, Lyra has dedicated this match to Bayley. How is Lyra going to manage all her emotions? Lyra says there is so much going on in her head, but the way to deal with it is focusing on the main emotion: embarrassment. She gave herself “the ick” looking back and seeing how she ate everything Becky fed her. Becky would’ve had a friend for life in Lyra, but then Becky turned on her. And what did The Man expect? For Lyra to run home to Dublin and cry?
No! That shows Lyra that Becky underestimated her. Lyra meant it when she said she is the better wrestler now. Becky may still be the bigger star, but when that bell rings, Lyra will show that she was never a stepping stone. Becky becomes Lyra’s stepping stone, as well as the crowning name on the long list of opponents when Lyra retains the Women’s Intercontinental Championship. Lyra is locked in, but will the Luck of the Irish favor her in the end?
Vic Joseph joins the panel!
The Voice of NXT helps plug Battleground, but he also gives Lyra her props. From NXT UK to NXT USA, Vic has seen Lyra achieve her potential every step of the way. The NXT Women’s Championship match between Lyra and Becky was all about someone from the NXT roster stepping up and proving herself, and Lyra did just that. Lyra took the NXT Women’s title off Becky, but will Lyra keep the Women’s Intercontinental title from Becky? Or is #BeckyHogan going to step on Lyra to get ahead?
Jackie Redmond & Peter Rosenberg tag in for the panel.
Cole & Barrett have to go prepare for calling Backlash, so Jackie and Peter join Big E in looking back on memory lane. John Cena VS Randy Orton as a rivalry predates the iPod, Wikipedia, and even the original Xbox! 25 years later, will this truly be the end of an era for WWE?
Pershard Owens sings the Star Spangled Banner.
Talkin’ ’bout a detonator…
The fuse is let, and tonight is about to be explosive. Egos, attitudes, grudges, ambitions, motivations, and glory, it’s overflowing! WrestleMania was historic, but now everyone will face the Backlash!
WWE United States Championship Fatal 4 Way: Jacob Fatu VS Drew McIntyre VS LA Knight VS Damian Priest!
The Samoan Werewolf only just took this title “for the family” at WrestleMania, and yet now the stakes are raised! The Scottish Warrior wants to fight a real fighter, the Mega Star wants to redeem himself from his loss, and the Archer of Infamy wants to kill two birds with one stone by avenging his own loss while putting gold back around his waist. Will one of these challengers get what they want? Or will Fatu dog walk all of ’em, YADADA MEAN!?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who’s really all gas and no brakes with it!
The bell rings and the fans rally up as all four men look at each other. Knight talks some smack but St. Louis is loud for “FATU! FATU!” Knight runs up to throw hands on Fatu, Priest and Drew go after each other! Fatu fires back and they trade shots. Priest and Drew are on the outside while Knight throws hands “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Priest CLUBS Drew, Fatu TOSSES Knight, and then Fatu runs corner to corner. Knight dodges, Fatu hits buckles, and Knight hits a JUMP NECKBREAKER! Priest is back in the ring, but Knight gives him a BIG back suplex! Knight WRECKS Drew with a dropkick, then RAMS into Fatu!
Knight slingshots to SHOUDLER TACKLE Fatu! Knight sunset flip BACKBREAKERS, then he dodges Drew to pop-up and POWERSLAM! The fans fire up as The Mega Star is unlocking that kavorka! Spell it out, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” ELBOW- NO, Priest catches Knight, but Knight kicks free! DDT! Knight runs and DOUBLE ELBOW DROPS! Fatu shoves Knight, scoops, but Knight slips free, REVERSE DDT! Cover on Fatu, ONE!! Fatu is tougher than that, but Knight drags Fatu up. Fatu RAMS Knight into a corner, fires hands, then he ROCKS Priest! Knight ROCKS Fatu, Priest ROCKS Fatu, and Knight runs, they HIGH-LOW COMBO!
The fans fire up for that teamwork, and then Priest & Knight POST Fatu! Fatu flops out of the ring, but Priest avoids Knight’s cheap shot! BELL CLAP! Drew RAMS Knight into Priest, then OVERHEAD SUPELXES Knight! Priest runs up, but into a SPIENBUSTER! Drew has Knight again, NECKBREAKER! Then a NECKBREAKER for Priest! Fatu is back, but Drew gives him a NECKBREAKER! Drew kips up, the fans fire up, and Drew aims at Fatu. Drew runs up, but Knight LARIATS! Fatu SUPERKICKS Knight! Fatu kicks Knight out, ELBOWS Priest away, then goes up. Priest JUMP KICKS! Priest climbs up to the very top, SUPER STEINER!
Fatu flounders, Priest rises, and Priest clinches Knight for a FLATLINER! Priest goes out to run around the ring, and he FLYING AX HANDLES Fatu! Priest puts Fatu back in, then dodges a shot to ROUNDHOUSE Fatu! Priest knuckle locks Fatu, St. Louis wants tables, but Priest goes Old School to CROSSBODY Drew! Fatu runs up, Priest dodges, COMEBACKER LARIAT! Fatu flounders out, Priest runs to ELBOW Drew! And ELBOW Knight! Priest runs, and he LARIATS Drew up and out! Knight swings, misses, and Priest DREAMCAST KICKS! The fans fire up and Priest goes back out. Priest runs in but Fatu POP-UP SAMOAN DROPS Priest onto the barriers!
The fans fire up with Fatu, and then Fatu stares down with Drew. The fans fire up even more as these alpha males step into the ring. This is the match-up Drew wanted all along, and the two men step up. The hands start flying and the fans fire up! The fans are strongly on Fatu’s side, but the hands keep going faster and faster! Fatu gets the edge, but Drew HEADBUTTS! Drew runs, but Fatu BODY CHECKS him! Drew is right up, ducks ‘n’ dodges, but runs into a POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! The fans are thunderous, and Fatu runs in, HIP ATTACK on Drew! The fans fire up again, and Fatu drags Drew to the drop zone.
Fatu climbs the corner as St. Louis declares, “This is Awesome!” Fatu nods, reaches the top, but Drew is up to CLAW Fatu’s face! The ref reprimands but that’s all he can do! Drew goes up to the top, but Knight trips Drew up! Knight puts Drew in the Tree of Woe to stomp away, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight then runs corner to corner and back again, KNEE for Drew! Knight then climbs up, has Fatu on the very top, but Fatu HEADBUTTS Knight down! Fatu adjusts, but Drew sits up! SPIDER SUPLEX throws Fatu onto Knight! But Fatu’s right up to HIP ATTACK Drew!! And then he DIVES onto Priest!! Fatu is all fired up and the fans are thunderous!
Fatu goes up again, SEWANTON BOMB on Drew! Fatu geeks out, but gets B F T!! Priest has Knight, SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Drew hits a CLAYMORE on Priest!!! Priest falls on Knight for a cover! DREW BREAKS IT!! The fans are electric as all four men are down! “This is Awesome!” and that might be an understatement now! Priest flops out of the ring, Fatu and Drew go to corners, and Knight finds his way to another. The fans rally, Fatu geeks out, and Fatu runs, into a FLYING HEADBUTT! And then a kick and FUTURE SHOCK!! Then Drew has Knight, but Knight wrenches out! B F- NO, Drew powers out, reels Knight in, FUTURE SHOCK!!
Drew kips up, the fans fire up, and Drew calls his shot! Drew gives the countdown, “THREE! TWO! ONE!!” CLAYMORE for Knight!! Cover, PRIEST yanks the ref!! Priest really does screw Drew this time! Drew is furious but Priest drags him out now! Priest and Drew throw hands and the fans fire up! Drew THROWS Priest and himself over the barriers! Fatu is up, he brings Knight around for HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT! Fatu has Knight down, goes up, up, BEST MOONSAULT FLOPS!! Knight rises up, goes to the corner, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” BOX JUMP FLYING AX HANDLE! And then the BOX JUMP ELBOW DROP!! Cover, TWO!?!
Fatu survives and Knight is beside himself! Priest and Drew are brawling in the crowd! Priest SMACKS Drew off a road case! Priest makes Drew look into the camera, “He’s bored at work!” Priest ROCKS Drew, but Drew ROCKS Priest! They go up to some upper deck, and Priest ROCKS Drew again! They stand on road cases, but Drew HEADBUTTS! Drew reels Priest in, takes aim, but Priest CLAWS Drew’s face! Priest decides to do what Drew was planning, and with the straps down, SOUTH OF HEAVEN DOWN THROUGH THE TABLES!!! The fans go nuts with Priest and Drew down in the wreckage!!
Producers and medical hurry to check Drew and Priest, but that just means Knight and Fatu are the only two left! Knight RAMS Fatu into the apron, then POSTS him! Knight hobbles but he brings Fatu back up to SMACK him off the desk! Fatu is on the desk, and Knight uses a piece that fell off to SMACK Fatu! Knight keeps Fatu on the desk, and he looks for a perch. The fans fire up as Knight climbs the corner! “L! A! KNGIHT!” NO, Solo Sikoa gets Fatu clear! Knight is furious but Solo tells him it’s not going down like that. Knight storms up on Solo, but a LARIAT hits outta nowhere!! IS THAT JEFF COBB?!?
The fans go nuts as now the Imperial Unit is Solo’s new enforcer! Cobb THROWS Knight around, POSTS him, and then runs to SPLASH Knight against the post!! Cobb drags Knight up, puts him in the ring, and Fatu sees what’s going on. Fatu is not happy with Solo bringing in reinforcements when he didn’t want it, but Solo still serves Knight up on a silver platter. Fatu doesn’t look the gift horse in the mouth, and he gives Knight a HIP ATTACK!! Fatu puts Knight in the drop zone, goes up and up, BEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, Fatu wins!
Winner: Jacob Fatu, by pinfall (still WWE United States Champion)
The Samoan Werewolf may not like Solo bringing in a ringer, but he still keeps his gold. Will nothing stop “the family” now that they’ve reloaded the arsenal?
WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Lyra Valkyria VS Becky Lynch!
When they say, “Never meet your heroes,” perhaps those people were talking about this scenario right here. The Morrigan & The Man were bonded by their Irish blood, and by how the younger followed in the footsteps of the elder. They’ve battled over the NXT Women’s Championship and even won the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships at WrestleMania. But the moment they lost those titles, Becky showed her true colors and betrayed Lyra! Becky called Lyra “recycling,” or rather, “less offensive trash,” but will Becky be the one thrown out this time? Or will Becky take away a title just as Lyra did to her back in the day?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who the real Lass Kicker is around here!
The bell rings and the fans rally up. Lyra and Becky circle, tie up, and they go around. Becky puts Lyra in the corner, the ref counts, and Becky lets off to talk trash. Becky shoves, Lyra shoves, and the two reset. They tie up, Lyra waistlocks, Becky switches, and Becky SLAMS Lyra down. Becky smothers Lyra into the mat, then waistlocks again. Lyra fights up, ELBOWS free, then runs. Becky dodges and RUNS Lyra over! Becky flexes, talks trash, then soaks up the heat. Things speed up, Lyra drops down then hurdles, but Becky hits an arm-drag, only for Lyra to ghost pin! TWO, and Becky arm-drags again!
The fans boo but Becky soaks it up. The two reset, tie up, and Lyra waistlocks. Becky elbows Lyra, whips her to ropes, but Lyra slides under! Lyra blocks a kick, trips Becky, and then turns Becky over with the REVERSE CRAB, to then go for the arms! MEXICAN SURFBOARD! Becky endures as Lyra swings her around! Lyra drops Becky, stands on the legs, and then hooks the legs up! Becky resists but Lyra still gets the arms to pull her back, into the ROMERO SPECIAL! Becky endures, Lyra rolls and pulls Becky back into the ROMERO SPECIAL! Becky still endures, but Lyra rolls her and pulls her back again! A third ROMERO SPECIAL! Then a cover, TWO!
Becky escapes, but Lyra waistlocks. Becky switches, Lyra spins through and NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! Becky scrambles and Lyra says she told her she’s the better wrestler! Lyra then dodges to ENZIGIRI! Becky bails out, the fans “WHEW~” with Lyra, and she WRECKS Becky with a dropkick! The fans fire up and Lyra puts Becky in the ring. Lyra climbs, but Becky trips her up! Becky THROWS Lyra down, then snarls as she rains down fists! The fans boo but Becky seethes as she paces around. Becky signals that she will be champion! She CLOBBERS Lyra, smothers her into the mat again, then HAMMERS away on Lyra! Cover, ONE!!
Lyra is tougher than that, but so is Becky given she has a bloody cut on her elbow. Lyra ELBOWS Becky but Becky CLUBS Lyra! Becky stands Lyra up to SLAP her! And CHOP her! And CHOP again! Lyra falls into a corner but Becky soaks up the heat. Becky stands Lyra up, runs corner to corner, but Lyra dodges! Becky hits buckles, but then she dodges to JUMP KICK! And BECKSPLODER! Lyra writhes, Becky covers, ONE!! Becky argues the count with the ref, then goes back to Lyra. Becky talks trash on Lyra, CHOKES her on the ropes, but stops as the ref counts. Lyra goes to the corner but Becky brings her around to TOSS her out!
Lyra is on the floor, Becky builds speed, and Becky WRECKS Lyra with a dropkick! Becky THROWS Lyra into barriers, then SMACKS her off more barriers! “Is this your girl?” Becky tells Lyra’s fiancé to thank her! Lyra fires forearms off on Becky! Becky POSTS Lyra in return! Becky puts Lyra in the ring, covers, TWO! The fans rally for Lyra but Becky talks more trash. Becky SLAPS Lyra, pie faces her, but Lyra just stares defiantly! Then Lyra SLAPS Becky back! The SLAPS fly, Becky clinches, but Lyra cradle counters! Roll through, into a RUNNING FISHERMAN BUSTER!! Both women are down and the fans fire up!
Lyra feeds off that energy and she rises up! Lyra runs and LARIATS! And LARIATS! And SOBATS! KICKS! HEADBUTTS, KICKS again, then runs, cartwheel and ENZIGIRI! Becky staggers around, Lyra GUT WRENCH BOMBS! Cover, TWO!! Becky survives and Lyra is beside herself! Becky goes to the apron but Lyra drags her up. The fans rally m ore, but Becky ROCKS and ROUNDHOUSES Lyra! Becky climbs, but Lyra ROCKS her first! Lyra reaches the top, and fans actually duel as Lyra stalling SUPERPLEXES!! Cover, TWO!! Becky survives, reminding us why she’s a Grand Slam Champion!
The fans rally up and Lyra has Becky for a fireman’s carry! Becky fights free, waistlocks, but Lyra switches! O’Conner Roll, TWO! Becky has the O’Conner, but wants the rope! The ref stops that! The fans boo and Becky “apologizes,” but then she runs up on Lyra! Lyra scoops, Becky slips free, EYE OF THE HURRICANE! Cover, TWO!! Lyra survives and Becky is growing frustrated. The fans rally for Lyra more and Becky dares Lyra to get up. Lyra rises, Becky clinches, but Lyra slips free to shove Becky into buckles! Lyra runs up, Becky dodges, but Lyra stops the jump kick! Lyra DUMPS Becky out, takes aim, and PLANCHAS! Down goes Becky!
The fans fire up as Lyra hurries to put Becky back in. Lyra climbs the corner, takes aim, TURN OF FORTUNE!! Cover, TWO!!! Lyra is frustrated, but she hurries back up! MOONSAULT onto knees! Becky turns that around on Lyra while the fans fire up! Becky crawls her way over to Lyra, both women stand, and the forearms fly! Becky ROCKS Lyra but Lyra ROCKS Becky right back! The shots pick up speed, Lyra gets the edge, but Becky KNEES low! UPPERCUT into a hook! Becky fights the backslide, SLAMS Lyra down, ARMBAR!! Lyra clasps hands, rolls through, and she has the ARMBAR!!
Becky fights, rolls, high stacks, TWO! Becky steps over, DISARM-HER!! Lyra rolls Becky to a cover, TWO!! Becky clinches, MANHAND- ARM-DRAG! Cover, TWO!! MANHANDLE SLAM!!! Cover, TWO?!?! Lyra survives and Becky cannot believe it! St. Louis is thunderous, “This is Awesome!” Becky is freaking out trying to figure out what to do. Becky just HAMMERS away on Lyra! The fans boo but Becky goes to the outside. Becky grabs a chair! The fans boo but The Man is getting desperate! Becky brings the chair in, the ref stops her, and they tug-o-war over the chair! Becky give sit up to the ref, but that lets her untie a buckle pad!
Becky drags Lyra up, brings her around and whips, but Lyra reverses! Becky stops from hitting steel but Lyra GERMAN SUPLEXES! And HEEL KICKS! MOONSAULT!! Cover, TWO!! Becky survives and Lyra is beside herself! The fans rally while Lyra now thinks on what she must do. Lyra drags Becky up, fireman’s carries, but Becky fights free! Becky shoves Lyra into a buckle! MANHANDLE SLAM!! Cover, TWO?!?! Lyra survives one thing after another and Becky is going berserk! Becky HAMMERS away on Lyra again, and even DRIBBLES Lyra head off the mat! The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but Becky stands Lyra up.
Becky aims but the ref sees the bare buckle! The ref stops that, goes to fix things, but Lyra fireman’s carries! NIGHTWING DRIVER!!! The ref is too busy with the buckle! Cover, TWO!?!?!? Becky survives thanks to her shenanigans and Lyra is completely frazzled! Lyra drags Becky up, fireman’s carries, but Becky still fights! Clinch and MAN- NO, wheelbarrow for the victory roll! TWO, and Becky SLAPS Lyra! Roll-up, high stack, TWO! Lyra has a victory roll, LYRA WINS!!!
Winner: Lyra Valkyria, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion)
Becky attacks Lyra! The Man is a sore loser! DISARM-HER!! The ref reprimands, pries at Becky’s grip, but Becky refuses to let go! More refs rush in, Becky still doesn’t stop, so producers are needed! Adam Pearce shouts right at Becky, and only now does Becky let go!! Lyra is down, potentially her arm and even her nose broken by the woman she once looked up to! Becky scowls, wants to go back for more, but the producers stand in her way. Did Becky still coset Lyra her title with all the damage she did? Or can The Morrigan rise up and keep her #ShinyShiny?
WWE Intercontinental Championship: Dominik Mysterio VS PENTA!
Though it took a Fatal 4 Way to win it, and an Irish Ace in the hole to keep it, “Dirty Dom” thinks he is already the greatest Intercontinental Champion of all time, as well as the greatest Mysterio and the greatest luchador ever. But now, the Man with Zero Fear gets another shot, and hopefully it’ll be a fair one. Will Penta prove he is the greatest? Or will Dom have another dirty trick up his sleeve?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is truly El Campeon!
The bell rings and Dom circles with Penta. Dom talks trash but the fans rally behind Penta. Dom shoves Penta, so Penta DROPKCISK Dom! Penta runs up, Dom dodges and fires hands! Dom whips, Penta ducks ‘n’ dodges and RANAS! Dom tumbles, the fans fire up, and Penta runs in. Dom dodge the kick, comes back, ducks ‘n’ dodges to RANA! The fans cheer because that was impressive, and Dom runs up again. Penta pops him up to SUPERKICK him upside-down! Then BACKSTABBER! Cover, TWO! Dom stays in this and Penta nods respect. The fans rally for Penta while Dom goes to a corner.
Penta runs in, Dom pops him up to crotch him on the ropes! Dom then DROPKICKS Penta down to the floor! The fans cheer, Dom builds speed, and Dom DIVES to TORNADO DDT! Dom flexes and fans cheer because that was impressive, too! Dom refreshes the ring count then mocks Penta’s swagger. Dom stomps Penta, fans actually sing for “Dirty, Dirty Dom~!” Dom stands Penta up to CHOP, but Penta CHOPS in return! The CHOPS go back and forth, then Dom dodges to SHOVE Penta into steel steps! Dom rolls into the ring and flexes. The fans cheer, Dom goes out to drag Penta up, and Dom puts Penta in.
Dom hears the fans dueling, tunes out the taunts, and he slingshots to SENTON! Cover, TWO! Penta stays in this and Dom argues the count. The ref defends it, so Dom just stomps away on Penta! Dom uses the Finn style jump stomps, then he rains down fists! Dom lets off to soak up cheers and jeers, then covers, ROPEBREAK! Dom is annoyed and he CLUBS Penta into the chinlock. Penta endures, claws at the hold, and fights up. Penta fires body shots, but Dom fires knees! Dom whips, Penta KICKS him, then Penta dodges to come back, SLING-DOG! The fans fire up and Dom bails out. Penta goes up, up, and from the post, SUPER CROSSBODIES!
The fans fire up as Dom and Penta crash down! The ring count starts, both men stir at 3 of 10, and Penta rises up. Penta pushes Dom into the ring, huffs ‘n’ puffs, and he climbs up the corner. Penta leaps, but into Dom’s kick! Dom snap suplexes, that’s Uno Amigo! Then another suplex, but Penta slips free! Penta shoves Dom, but Dom drop toeholds him onto ropes! Dom dials it up, but Penta ducks the 619! Penta GAMANGIRIS, then slingshots to CRUCIFIX DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Dom survives and both men are down! The fans rally up and Dom DROPKICKS Penta! Dom runs up, OBLIVION!! Cover, TWO!!
Penta survives Liv’s move and Dom is furious! Dom runs up, Penta puts him on the corner, and Penta GAMANGIRIS! Penta climbs, but Dom shoves him down! Penta CHOPS from the apron, then runs up, but Dom BOOTS him! Dom hops down, reels Penta in, but Penta fights the suplex! Penta ENZIGIRIS, then runs up, APRON DESTROYER!!! Both men are down and the fans go nuts! But wait, here comes Carlito! Judgment Day let Dom come out here alone, but Caribbean Cool isn’t gonna let this go down! But this is all so Finn & JD can get Penta up! Finn gets an idea and grabs a chair!
But the ref sees Finn! Finn’s improvising just cost him his chance! The ref EJECTS Judgment Day!! The fans fire up as now things are 1v1 again! Carlito can’t believe Finn messed this up! Penta FLIES onto Judgment Day! The fans fire up but wait, Finn avoided disaster! Where’d he go? Penta hobbles, rolls into the ring, and SUPERKICKS Dom down! Penta vows to finish this, but Finn returns! Finn distracts the ref now, and EL GRANDE AMERICANO is here! Grande HEADBUTTS Penta with that loaded mask!!! Dom goes up, FROG SPLASH!!! Cover, DOM WINS!
Winner: Dominik Mysterio, by pinfall (still WWE Intercontinental Champion)
The Prince almost screwed things up, but then he managed to turn things around with help from the supposed other greatest luchador in history! Will Judgment Day owe Chad Gable- Er, uh, El Grande Americano big time for this?
GUNTHER VS Pat McAfee!
Once again, Der Ring General lost a championship, at WrestleMania, against someone he surely felt was beneath him. And while his ego was still hurting, he lashed out against Michael Cole in an attempt to intimidate and silence commentary. Pat stepped up for his friend, got beat up for it, but he isn’t going to back down just because Gunther is a bully. In fact, Pat has always believed in standing up to bullies, which is why he’s getting back in the ring! Will Pat win one for all the underdogs out there? Or will Gunther unleash all of his anger and silence Pat for good?
The bell rings and Pat throws his shirt to the crowd! The fans fire up as Pat and Gunther circle. They feel things out, Gunther smirks but Pat is stone cold serious. The fans taunt Gunther with, “You Tapped Out!” but Gunther ignores that. He and Pat tie up, and Gunther shoves Pat to a corner. Pat sees what he’s dealing with now, but he still comes back to circle with Gunther again. They tie up, Gunther headlocks and THROWS Pat! The ref checks Pat but Pat stands back up. Pat and Gunther circle again, tie up, and Gunther grabs an arm! Gunther wrenches Pat, wrangles him down and steps over. Gunther pie faces Pat around and the fans boo.
Gunther wrenches, wristlocks, but Pat rolls, rolls, handsprings, and wrenches! But Gunther breaks free! Pat avoids the chop and the fans fire up! Pat and Gunther circle again, and Gunther is oddly amused. Pat and Gunther tie up, and Pat headlocks! Gunther powers Pat to ropes, Pat shifts to a facelock, but Gunther puts Pat on the apron! Pat holds on, the ref counts, and Pat lets go slowly. Gunther pats Pat on the head, and Pat says okay. Pat ROCKS Gunther! Pat slingshots, runs, and fires forearms! Pat runs, into a CHOP! Pat is right down and coughing for air! Gunther drags Pat up, just to CLUB him back down!
Gunther stomps and kicks Pat around, pushes Pat, but Pat comes back to JAB! JAB! HAYMAKER! Pat fires hands, and even CHOPS! Gunther eggs Pat on! Pat CHOPS, the fans fire up, but Gunther wants more! Pat CHOPS, but Gunther CHOPS Pat down again! The fans boo as Gunther glares at Michael Cole. Gunther stalks Pat to a corner, talks trash, “You wanna play with the big boys, huh?” Gunther CHOPS Pat in a corner, CHOPS again, then stomps a mudhole! Gunther stops and Pat puts up his dukes! The fans rally, but Gunther CHOPS Pat down! The fans boo and Cole tells Gunther fine, just pin and finish it!
Gunther decides not to do that, he wrenches and whips Pat instead. Gunther CLOBBERS Pat, but Pat avoids the elbow drop! Pat KICKS Gunther! That NFL punt wasn’t quite enough, and Gunther snapmares Pat! Gunther KICKS Pat now! Pat writhes, but he still rises up! The fans rally behind Pat and he stands again. Pat roars, Gunther eggs him on, and Pat spins to CHOP! Gunther CHOPS, but Pat stays up to CHOP! Gunther BOOTS Pat down now! Gunther glares at Cole, dares Cole to help Pat, but Wade Barrett tells Cole to just sit down. The fans still taunt Gunther with, “You Tapped Out!” as Gunther goes back to Pat.
Gunther talks trash on the fans, then he brings Pat up. Gunther dares Cole to keep cheering his guy on. Cole says stop toying with Pat then! Pat SLAPS Gunther! Gunther CHOPS Pat, and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Pat sputters, Cole says just end it then! Gunther looms over Pat, eggs him on, and Pat still rises up! Gunther clamps onto Pat’s head, and then has the SLEEPER!! Pat is already red from everything else, but wait! Pat pries at the grip! Gunther is amused as Pat manages the ROPEBREAK, but then Gunther GERMAN SUPLEXES! Pat flounders and Gunther paces. Gunther laughs as the fans boo, because Gunther knows only he can end this.
Gunther soaks up the boos and he stalks Pat to ropes. Pat sits up, Gunther clamps onto him again, and Gunther uses a facelock to put Pat in a corner. Gunther CLUBS Pat, reels him in, and hoists Pat up top! Gunther CLUBS Pat, then climbs up. The fans rally for Pat, and he holds on for dear life! Pat fires elbows and he knocks Gunther down! Pat adjusts, and manages to MOONSAULT! Gunther moves, Pat lands out, GERMAN SUPLEX! Pat lands out?! PUNT!! PUNT!! And then a PUNT!!! Cover, ONE?!?! Gunther takes all those shots and is just pissed!! Gunther eggs Pat on, so Pat SLAPS him! Gunther eggs Pat on more, so Pat SLAPS again!
Pat SLAPS, Gunther CHOPS, but Pat just feeds off that now! The CHOPS keep going, and then Pat ELBOWS Gunther! The forearms go back and forth, Pat fires fast hands, Gunther guards! Pat runs, and he BOOTS Gunther! Pat keeps moving, to SUPERKICK! Shoutout to the Panama City Playboy, but Gunther reels Pat in for a POWERBOMB!! Cole says fine, just end this match already! Gunther clamps on the BOSTON CRAB!! But Pat endures! Cole goes to the apron to tell Pat to keep fighting! But Gunther drags Pat back to rain down HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! The fans cheer on Cole, but Gunther grabs him through the ropes!!
The fans boo as Gunther drags Cole into the ring! The ref reprimands and Cole says Gunther should just pin Pat already! Gunther pushes Cole around, has him by his tie, then reels Cole in! But Pat BOOTS Gunther! Gunther BOOTS Pat!! Gunther glares at Cole as Cole is on the outside again. Pat O’Conner Rolls! TWO!! Pat bails out, Cole coaches him, but Gunther is on Pat again! Gunther suplexes, but Cole trips Gunther!! Cole holds Gunther’s foot down as Pat covers, TWO!!! Gunther is pissed, but Pat puts on the SLEEPER!!! Gunther flails, powers out, and short arm LARIATS!! Gunther drags Pat back up, and he stares Cole down before putting on the SLEEPER!!!
Pat is down in the body scissors and he’s turning purple! The fans rally as Pat still fights, but Gunther traps his arms, too!! Pat is still fighting even now!! Pat rises up, throws elbows, and the fans are thunderous! Pat fires shot after shot but Gunther wrangles him back down!! Pat is caught again, and NOW he’s out! Gunther wins!!
Winner: Gunther, by submission
Gunther pushes Pat away and Cole is distraught. Cole goes to Pat’s side, feeling just a bit responsible for letting it go this far. Der Ring General grins as he still returns to his winning ways. Pat manages to sit up again now that he can breathe, and Cole helps him stand. Gunther and Pat stare each other down, and Gunther shows Pat a nod of respect! Gunther leaves, but will he be just as ruthless as he heads back for the mountaintop?
Undisputed WWE Championship: John Cena VS Randy Orton!
Both men have been here in the WWE for 25 years, never wrestling anywhere else, and never wanting to go anywhere else. And while he’s “gone Hollywood,” Cena still became the #NeverSeenSeventeen. The Viper is still only at 14, but he hopes to change that tonight as he now has the homefield advantage. Will the Legend Killer add one more name to that hit list? Or will Cena still be the Last Real Champion?
The fans obviously sing along with Voices as their hometown hero makes his entrance. Orton already seems to be getting chills hearing his hometown sing that for him. Then things turn to “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” even before the music plays. Then things turn to “JOHN CENA SUCKS~!” with the music, even as Cena wears his St. Louis Blues inspired merchandise. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is truly the greatest of their generation!
The bell rings and the fans fire up as Cena and Orton circle. They feel things out, tie up, and are in a deadlock. The two break, the fans applaud, and the two reset. Orton and Cena circle again, tie up again, and are in another deadlock. They break again and the fans again applaud. St. Louis rallies behind “RANDY! RANDY!” which annoys Cena, but then he offers a handshake. The fans boo and Orton smirks. Orton steps up, Cena still offers, and Orton accepts. But then Cena pokes Orton in the eyes! Cena fires hands, headlocks, but Orton powers up and out. Orton runs Cena over, then he pokes Cena in the eyes!
The fans cheer, Cena bails out, and Orton goes to the corner so he can look down at Cena. The fans cheer more and Cena slides in. The two tie up, go around, and Orton puts Cena in a corner. The ref counts, Orton lets off at 4, but he counters Cena’s punch! Orton ROCKS Cena, headlocks, and the fans duel, “You Can’t Wrestle!” “YES, HE CAN!” Cena powers up and out, ducks down, and hurdles over! Orton still runs Cena over again! The fans fire up as Orton headlocks, hits a takeover, but Cena keeps his shoulders up. Cena endures, fights up, and powers out. Orton runs Cena over yet again! Cena bails out and the fans boo.
Cena wants to walk!? The fans boo more but Cena doesn’t care. But Orton rushes out to CLUB Cena from behind! Orton ROCKS Cena, ROCKS him again, and they return to ringside. Orton ROCKS Cena, Cena rolls into the ring, and Cena comes back to LARIAT! Cena rains down fists, the fans boo, but Cena stops to catch his breath. Cena brings Orton up to bump him off buckles. Cena climbs up and fans boo more as Cena rains down fists! The fans still count along, and Cena goes to 7 before he hops down. But Orton kicks low! Orton bumps Cena off buckles, then climbs up to rain down fists! The fans count and Orton goes past TEN, to hit TWENTY!!
The fans fire up and Orton backs off. Cena staggers around, Orton reels him in, and UPPERCUTS Cena down! Cover, TWO! Orton drags Cena to center to stomp a leg! The fans cheer and Orton stomps Cena’s other leg! Cena clutches his ankle, but Orton stomps Cena’s hand! The fans cheer as Orton picks Cena apart, with a stomp to the other hand! Orton pushes Cena down and runs up, to KNEE DROP! Cover, TWO! Cena stays in this but Orton stays focused. Cena goes to ropes, rises up, but Orton is on him with a kick down low! The fans cheer Orton and he whips, but Cena reverses. Cena clamps on a SLEEPER! And becomes a backpack!
Orton stays on his feet and Cena slips down. Orton powers up and out, and he catches Cena for a SLEEPER! Cena endures, but he drops to a knee. Cena fights up, powers out, and he grabs the SLEEPER again! The fans boo but Orton powers up and out. Orton has the SLEEPER! Cena powers out, to have the SLEEPER! Orton slips around to hit a BIG back suplex! The fans rally while both men are down. Orton and Cena stir, Cena goes to the ropes, and Orton is up. Cena ducks ‘n’ dodges to start up those SHOULDER TACKLES! And then the SPIN OUT BOMB! The fans boo but Cena smooths his hair. Cena smirks, raises his hand, and says the fans can’t see him!
Cena runs, and FIVE KNUCKLE SHUFFLES! Orton staggers, Cena fireman’s carries, but Orton slips free! Orton shoves Cena and LARIATS! And LARIATS again! Orton dodges then SNAP POWERSLAMS! The fans fire up while Cena flounders to the apron! Orton storms over there, drags Cena through the ropes, but Cena slips through to roll Orton up! TWO, and Cena has a leg! Orton fights off the crossface, but Cena powers through! STFU!! Orton endures, reaches out, but Cena drags him from the ropes! Orton BOOTS Cena away and Cena goes back to the apron! Orton runs up, has Cena in the ropes, DRAPING DDT!
The fans fire up while Cena sputters, and Orton starts to hear those voices! Orton watches Cena rise up, R K- NO, Cena powers out, fireman’s carries, and ATTITUDE- RKO?!?! Orton turns that around at the last second and the fans are losing their minds! “This is Awesome!” while both men are down again! Both men slowly rise up, Cena has Orton, but Orton ROCKS Cena! Cena ROCKS Orton! Orton kicks Cena low, but then Cena fires a body shot! Orton HEADBUTTS Cena, but Cena HEADBUTTS back! Orton ROCKS Cena again, but Cena ROCKS Orton again! Orton UPPERCUTS! Cena HAYMAKERS! Cena fireman’s carries, ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT!! Cover, TWO!?!
The fans fire up as Orton survives while Cena grows frustrated. Cena waits on Orton to rise up, the fans duel again, and Cena fireman’s carries! Orton grabs ropes, Cena pries him free, but Orton slips off the carry! Cena ducks ‘n’ dodges to start more shoulder tackles, but into an RKO!!! The fans fire up but Cena flounders away to a corner! Orton clutches his shoulder, the RKO continues to be a double-edged move when you get right down to it. But wait! Orton wants to go yard! But Cena avoids the Orton Punt! Fireman’s carry and ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT!! Cover, TWO!!!! Orton survives again and Cena is beside himself!
The fans rally as hard as they can for Orton but Cena stalks Orton to a corner. Cena talks trash, and he mocks hearing those voices! Cena smirks as the fans boo, and then Cena decides to further copy Orton! Cena aims from a corner, runs up, but Orton dodges Cena’s kick! RK- NO, Cena shoves Orton into the ref!! The ref goes down, Cena has Orton again, ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT!! But no ref means no pins! Cena smirks again, and he tells the fans, “Shh.” Cena goes outside, grabs the title belt, and Cole asks why he’s resorting to this. Cena says, “History.” Cena slips back into the ring with the belt, but Orton hits an RKO!!!
The ref stirs, Orton covers, and the ref counts! TWO!!!! The delay saves Cena and Orton is beside himself! Cena flops out of the ring, crawls off towards barriers, but Orton pursues. Orton huffs ‘n’ puffs and storms up on Cena. The fans call BS, but Orton thinks this is a good a place as any. Orton clears the desk! The ref reprimands but then Cena RAMS Orton into the ref!! The ref hits steel steps! Cena POSTS Orton, and the fans are dueling again! Cena sees the desk, and then smirks again. Cena decides to use another of Orton’s ideas, and he fireman’s carries Orton. But Orton slips free and fireman’s carries! ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT onto the desk!!
Cena tumbles off the desk and to the floor! Then the desk breaks! They really made those sturdier than before. Orton mutters something while he clears space. Orton drags Cena up, SMACKS him off the pieces of the desk, then goes back to the ring. The fans fire up as Orton starts looking underneath the ring! Orton goes around the way, and tada! Orton brings out a TABLE! St. Louis fires up again as Orton sets the table up right where he found it, then he drags Cena over that way. Cena fires hands and SMACKS Orton off barriers! And off the steps! Cena fireman’s carries Orton, but Orton fights free! Orton fireman’s carries again!
Orton hits another ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT, through the table!!! Once again, Orton gives Cena his move! Orton drinks some Prime Hydration, then goes back to Cena. Orton steps over Cena to drag him back up, and he puts Cena in the ring. “This is Awesome!” but the ref is still down! Orton huffs ‘n’ puffs and he hears those voices again! Cena stirs, rises to his feet, and RKO!!! Cover, here comes a spare ref!! The count, TWO!??!?!? Another delay saves Cena and Orton is at a loss for words! The ref defends the count was fair, but Cena has the belt again! Cena aims, runs up, but Orton dodge! BELT SHOT on Eddie Durango! RKO AGAIN!!!!
Orton covers, he would’ve won ten times over! Nick Aldis and his producers hurry to ringside to finally check on both refs. Orton argues with Aldis, they need another official! Aldis says okay but there aren’t many left to work tonight! Orton is furious, so he just RKOS Aldis! And RKO for each and every producer! Even Jamie Noble!! The fans are thunderous as Orton unleashes that 2009 Viper! Orton looms over Cena, seethes, and goes with the last thing he has in his arsenal. Orton lines up a shot, Cena rises up, BUT R-TRUTH gets in the way! Truth pleads with Orton to spare his “childhood hero!” Orton just RKOS Truth!!
Cena is up, and he LOW BLOWS Orton!!! The fans boo, but Cena isn’t done there! He has the belt, and he CLOBBERS Orton with it!!! Cena puts the belt outside, the first ref returns, and he counts the cover! CENA WINS!!!
Winner: John Cena, by pinfall (still Undisputed WWE Champion)
Cena’s first defense of his 17th world title is certainly one for the history books! It took multiple referees, tables, distractions, and even a friend/fan biting the bullet for him, and Cena comes out the other side still the champion. Cena takes the mic, and he shouts to cut the damn music! Cena says he doesn’t need the music, he needs competition. And he sure as hell doesn’t need the fans. “Drink it in, St. Louis. Because this is what the Last Real Champion looks like.” The fans boo as Cena holds up the title at the corner, but if this is what the Last Real Champion needs to survive the Viper, what more will it take for him to finish his Farewell Tour?
My Thoughts:
Despite the concerns from right after WrestleMania, this Backlash turned out amazing! It didn’t need a two hour preshow when there wasn’t gonna be a preshow match, but I get that they did so because this was the final Backlash for Cena, they needed time to talk about Cena becoming the 17 time world champion, and what facing Orton one more time meant to everyone. Cena VS Orton: The Final Time was definitely better than Cody VS Cena at Mania. There was a lot of talk of Cena “purposefully” giving a bad match at Mania and whether that saved it from actually being a bad match because of the meta, but I think they realized that this time, it had to be a legitimately good match.
And it was! It was great stuff from two icons of wrestling, no matter what anyone says. It’s that saying of “I’m not as good as I once was, but I’m as good once as I ever was.” It didn’t flip the classic moment of Orton slapping the ref to get disqualified, but Cena did still took out two refs through the course of this. Great stuff with Aldis and all those producers, aka former/retired wrestlers, taking RKOs so Orton could unleash his anger. And while I figured R-Truth would play a part, I didn’t think we’d get him taking an RKO. Cena of course resorts to all the cheating ways to win, but this is Heel Cena after all, what else would he do? And now there is some real intrigue as to who is next for Cena as he continues his farewell tour.
To go back to the top, awesome move with the Fatal 4 Way opening tonight. All four guys got their stuff in, it was wild, and yet, Solo Sikoa still gets involved, just as they implied last night. Additionally, Solo brought in a new member to the team, also as they implied. Personally, I still wanted Hikuleo, just so that Solo would be leading the entire Guerrillas of Destiny, but maybe they want to wait until Tama and Loa are health. At the same time, I can’t fault them for going with Jeff Cobb because he’s Jeff Cobb. Cobb is sturdy, strong, athletic, and anyone who has watched NJPW, ROH and/AEW already knows what he’s capable of. You can tell already that this only ups the tension within the faction, and we might get Cobb VS Fatu very quickly.
Lyra VS Becky was great, with Becky really doing her best to Heel her way through this. I really thought she was going to pull off a cheap win thanks to the buckle or some other trick, but Lyra does prove herself the better wrestler tonight. Now, with Lyra holding her nose and then playing up the damage to the rest of her body, they could be setting up some injury angle where she has to take time off, maybe even vacate the title. Lyra’s fiancé was right there, this could be Lyra’s out so the two of them can have their wedding and honeymoon and all that while Becky goes for the vacated title. Bayley could even return to be a major roadblock to that title, and we get a great match from Bayley VS Becky to crown a new champion.
Dom VS Penta was great, and St. Louis seems to be a Dom friendly crowd. Naturally, Judgment Day had to help, but also a logical move for El Grande Americano to get involved because of how Penta superkick’d Gable. Penta will surely confront Gable and get a match with El Grande, this can lead us into something for either Worlds Collide or Money in the Bank in June. As for Dom, things seem patched up in Judgment Day for now, but that could easily change at a drop of a hat. Honestly, Worlds Collide needs to be built starting this Monday, and maybe some AAA stars show up to call out “the greatest Intercontinental Champion/greatest Mysterio ever.”
And of course, for being a bit sudden, Gunther VS Pat was great stuff. It went about how I expected, with Pat just taking damage and getting back up. A little surprised Cole tried to help Pat cheat Gunther out of this, but it didn’t change the outcome. Gunther make Pat take a nap to get the win, but I did like the modicum of respect Gunther showed on his way out. Logan VS Jey is set for Saturday Night’s Main Event in a couple weeks, but much like Rollins, perhaps Gunther tries to change plans? Or maybe Gunther wants the Intercontinental Championship? Gunther should go for something, I’m just not sure what with all these other stories going on right now.
My Score: 9/10
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!
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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
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TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
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