Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW G1 Climax 30 Results & Report! (10/18/20)
Are you ready for the Climax?
Could history be made for NJPW in the 30th G1 Climax?
This is it, NJPW fans! Either Kota Ibushi becomes a wrestling god in his THIRD CONSECUTIVE G1 Climax finals appearance, or his ascension meets a Skull End!
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
- Hiromu Takahashi & Shingo Takagi VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru & Minoru Suzuki; Hiromu & Takagi win.
- Kazuchika Okada & SHO VS Will Ospreay & Great-O-Khan; Ospreay & Khan win.
- Tetsuya Naito & BUSHI VS EVIL & Yujiro Takahashi; EVIL & Yujiro win.
- G1 Climax 30 Finals: Kota Ibushi VS SANADA; Ibushi wins and earns the WrestleKingdom 15 title match contract.
PLAY BY PLAY
Hiromu Takahashi & Shingo Takagi VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru & Minoru Suzuki!
While the Ticking Time Bomb wants after the Heel Master for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships, there is definitely a NEVER Openweight Championship rematch in the future! Will Hiromu help The Dragon build more momentum? Or will Kanemaru help the King of Pancrase get even for the round robin defeat?
As he makes his entrance, Suzuki gets in Takagi’s face with the belt, so Takagi throws forearms! They brawl, Hiromu and Kanemaru brawl, the ref rings the bell so this is all on record! Takagi headbutts and throws Suzuki out, leaving it to the Junior Heavyweights. Kanemaru rakes Hiromu’s eyes while Takagi whips Suzuki into railing! Takagi fires off forearms and headbutts by commentary while Hiromu speeds things up on Kanemaru. Hiromu dodges and hits a huricanrana, and fans cheer as Kanemaru is sent scrambling to a corner! Hiromu runs in and corner clotheslines Kanemaru to then roll him for a basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up as Hiromu drags Kanemaru up. Hiromu whips Kanemaru back to a corner but Kanemaru boots him. Kanemaru runs, Hiromu dodges the basement dropkick to give a basement dropkick!
Hiromu fireman’s carries but Kanemaru slips out to shove Hiromu at ropes, and Suzuki gets a cheap shot in! Hiromu swings on Suzuki but into a DRAPING ARMBAR! Kanemaru sucker punches Takagi while the ref reprimands Suzuki! The ref counts, Suzuki lets go, Kanemaru goes out after Takagi. Takagi hits back, Suzuki whips Takagi into railing! Suzuki boots Takagi, Takagi forearms and those two brawl again! Suzuki body shots and forearms again while Kanemaru throws Hiromu out. Kanemaru POSTS Hiromu while Suzuki grinds Takagi’s head into railing. Suzuki punches and knees Takagi while Kanemaru puts Hiromu on the apron. Kanemaru runs and dropkicks Hiromu on the edge! Suzuki bumps Takagi off the timekeeper’s table but Takagi hits back! Hiromu is stuck in a Tree of Woe on the apron, Kanemaru dropkicks him down!
Takagi and Suzuki brawl, CHOP, and Suzuki DECKS Takagi! Fans cheer as Suzuki eggs Takagi on. Kanemaru gets in the ring and the count starts. Suzuki KICKS Hiromu to railing and the count reaches 10 of 20. The count reaches 15 as Hiromu crawls around the way, but Hiromu is in at 17! Kanemaru drags Hiromu over, tags in Suzuki, and they mug Hiromu! Suzuki stomps Hiromu down, drags him back up and ROCKS him with a forearm! Suzuki drags Hiromu around by the legs and turns him over for a BOSTON CRAB! Hiromu endures but Takagi is in to grab Suzuki in a sleeper! Suzuki doesn’t budge so Takagi drives in elbow after elbow! Suzuki lets Hiromu go to kick and punch Takagi! Takagi goes down, Suzuki stalks Hiromu. Fans rally for “HI-RO-MU!” but Suzuki has the legs for another Boston Crab!
Suzuki drags Hiromu over, Kanemaru tags in, and as Suzuki sits deep, Kanemaru stands on Hiromu’s head. The ref reprimands and counts, Suzuki lets Hiromu so Kanemaru can stomp him. Kanemaru brings Hiromu up but Hiromu fires off CHOPS! Kanemaru rakes eyes again, then reels Hiromu in for a suplex! Cover, TWO! Hiromu is still in this but Kanemaru BOOTS Takagi down from the apron! Fans rally up again as Kanemaru bumps Hiromu off Suzuki’s boot. Suzuki tags in, toys with Hiromu, then kicks him. Suzuki throws knees, Hiromu CHOPS! Suzuki CHOPS Hiromu back then runs corner to corner to BOOT! Suzuki snapmares and runs but Hiromu blocks the kick! And the slap! DRAGON SCREW with an arm included! The fans fire up while Suzuki scowls!
Hot tag to Takagi and he runs at Suzuki. Takagi blocks the boot and stomps that leg! Kanemaru comes in and clubs Takagi. Kanemaru whips, Takagi reverses and corner clotheslines Kanemaru! Takagi runs back to clothesline Suzuki, then he runs Kanemaru over! Suzuki boots Takagi and facelocks, but Takagi suplexes Suzuki! Fans fire up with Takagi and now the clap is for “TA-KA-GI!” Takagi toys with Suzuki now but Suzuki laughs and forearms! Takagi laughs and forearms! Suzuki forearms, Takagi gets mad and takes off armbands. Takagi ROCKS Suzuki, Suzuki ROCKS Takagi! Suzuki eggs Takagi on so Takagi ROCKS Suzuki! Suzuki laughs and he ROCKS Takagi! Takagi stays up to come back with a forearm! Takagi and Suzuki go back and forth and the fans rally.
Takagi gives forearms from all sides and he ROCKS Suzuki to top it off! But Suzuki stays up and laughs to ROCK Takagi back! Suzuki runs, into an elbow! Takagi runs into a BOOT! Suzuki runs and Takagi clotheslines at the ropes! But Suzuki sleeper holds, spins and reels Takagi in, but Takagi back drops out of the piledriver! Takagi runs but Suzuki ducks the slide to boot again! Takagi comes back, Suzuki spins him for the sleeper! And then spins him for the Gotch, but Takagi fights out to a fireman’s carry, DEATH VALLEY! But Suzuki’s up!? And he PENALTY KICKS Takagi down! Fans fire up as the two hot tag to Hiromu and Kanemaru! Hiromu fires off forearms, whips Kanemaru for another forearm and then puts him on ropes. Hiromu kicks the ropes, runs but Kanemaru dodges the dropkick!
Kanemaru scuffs Hiromu with his boot, whips him but Hiromu reverses, tilt-o-whirl denied! Hiromu kicks and runs but Kanemaru dropkicks a leg out! Suzuki-Gun go after Hiromu together, whip and Kanemaru back elbows, followed by Suzuki’s BOOT! Hiromu tries to fight back but Suzuki gets a sleeper! DOUBLE KICK COMBO! Cover, TWO!! Hiromu survives but Suzuki drags him back up. Kanemaru is up top, DEEP IMPACT!! Cover, Takagi breaks it! Suzuki is after Takagi with a sleeper, then a spin, but Takagi lariats! Takagi runs, Suzuki follows and gets the sleeper again! Suzuki throws Takagi out and goes out after him but Takagi throws Suzuki into railing! Kanemaru scoop slams Hiromu to a drop zone then goes up top. Kanemaru MOONSAULTS, but Hiromu dodges!
Kanemaru lands on his feet but that takes a lot out of his leg. Takagi returns but Kanemaru boots him. Takagi still pops Kanemaru up for a DEATH VALLEY! Fans fire up with “OI! OI! OI!” Hiromu is up, Takagi whips him in to elbow Kanemaru! Takagi corner clotheslines then snapmares Kanemaru, SLIDING SHOULDER BASEMENT DROPKICK SANDWICH! Cover, TWO! Hiromu drags Kanemaru up, fireman’s carries and CORNER DEATH VALLEYS! Fans fire up with Hiromu and he drags Kanemaru, but Kanemaru victory rolls! TWO!! Hiromu kicks and runs, Kanemaru uses the ref as a shield! Kanemaru BOOTS Hiromu then grabs the whiskey! Hiromu dodges the shot of whiskey to SUPERKICK back! Hiromu runs to LARIAT Kanemaru! Takagi smothers Suzuki with the whiskey while Hiromu fireman’s carries! TIME BOMB!! Cover, LIJ wins!!
Winners: Hiromu Takahashi & Shingo Takagi, by pinfall
But Takagi is still brawling with Suzuki! Young Lions try to stop it but just end up casualties! The two finally let off, but they both grab for the NEVER Openweight title. Suzuki again rubs it in Takagi’s face and then eggs Takagi on. Of course, Hiromu grabs the junior heavyweight tag belt to show it off and then call Kanemaru out. Takagi and Suzuki brawl more but the Young Lions finally keep them apart this time. Suzuki makes Gabriel Kidd pay for that as he kicks him down. Kanemaru lets Hiromu hold onto the belt, for now. Will LIJ take some gold back from Suzuki-Gun soon enough?
Kazuchika Okada & SHO VS Will Ospreay & Great-O-Khan w/ Bea Priestley!
High Voltage Sho may have been a shock master during the New Japan Cup, but it was the Assassin that shocked us all on the last day of A Block action! Ospreay betrayed the Rainmaker with the help of girlfriend Bea Priestley and The Dominator, Tomoyuki Oka! Will Ospreay and O-Khan begin their domination of NJPW and establish a new empire?
The second Okada’s in the ring, he attacks Ospreay! Sho goes after Khan and it’s another brawl to start the match! Okada throws Ospreay out an dlets Sho start with Khan. Okada clubs Ospreay all around but Khan rakes Sho’s eyes! Khan scoops Sho but Sho slips out and kicks low. Sho KICKS and KICKS but Khan stays up. Khan blocks a kick but Sho forearms and runs. Khan flapjack tosses Sho! Ospreay throws Okada down and Khan stands on Sho’s face! Khan drags Sho up by his ear to the CLUB the ear! Bea applauds but no one else does. Khan brings Sho up by his nose and CLUBS the nose! Khan headlocks and grinds Sho’s face on ropes! The ref reprimands, Khan stops and tags in Ospreay. Ospreay stomps and stomps and then bumps Sho off buckles to CHOP him in the corner.
Ospreay whips Sho corner to corner, then runs in to back elbow. Ospreay wrenches and back suplexes Sho high and hard, covers, TWO! Fans cheer for Sho but Ospreay just smirks. Ospreay drags Sho by his leg and wrenches the foot. Ospreay turns Sho over, SMASHES the knee on the mat, then stalks Sho as he flounders around. Ospreay drags Sho over, tags Khan in and “the empire” mugs Sho. Khan drags Sho up but Sho CHOPS. It doesn’t even make Khan flinch! Sho throws forearms but Khan gives a SCREAMING Mongolian Chop! And then another! Khan focuses his power for ANOTHER chop! Cover, but Sho has the ropes! Fans rally up as Khan brings Sho to the corner. Khan keeps Sho trapped as he sits on him on the top rope!
The fans rally, Okada protests, but this allows Ospreay AND Bea to get cheap shots in! Khan just sits there as the other two get away with it. The ref returns to finally count, Khan lets off at 3. Khan tags Ospreay in, he drags Sho up to stomp the leg. Sho throws forearms back! Ospreay KICKS a leg out and Sho staggers to ropes. Ospreay wrenches the arm and gets the leg for a BIG SHIN BREAKER! Tag to Khan and Ospreay digs his knee into Sho’s head while Khan stands on the bad leg. Khan drags Sho up while smothering his face with the taped up hand. Khan spins Sho around, whips him to a corner and runs in, but Sho dodges! Sho waistlocks, Khan resists and elbows free! Khan whips, Sho dodges and SPEARS! Fans fire up as Sho and Khan are down! Sho and Khan crawl, hot tag to Okada!
Okada goes after Khan with forearms and a whip. Khan reverses but Okada dodges to elbow him down! Fans fire up as Okada swings on Ospreay. Ospreay gets away, Okada dodges Khan and elbows him again! Okada kicks low and DDT’s Khan down! Cover, TWO! Khan survives but Okada tells Bea to hush. Okada has the fans rallying as he watches Khan rise. Okada Alabama lifts but Khan clubs him down. Khan dodges and waistlocks for an atomic FACEBUSTER! Fans have to admit that was a great show of power. Khan whips Okada corner to corner and follows to clothesline from behind! Khan hoists Okada up top backward, to Mongolian CHOP Okada on the back! Fans rally for Okada but Khan stomps Okada while he’s in the Tree of Woe!
The ref counts, Khan stops but then goes corner to corner for a roaring basement dropkick! Cover, TWO!! Okada survives and fans rally up! Khan drags Okada back up, suplexes, but Okada resists. Khan hits another Mongolian CHOP, then suplexes Okada. Okada slips out and throws forearms! Okada rocks Khan with an uppercut but runs into a BOOT! Tag to Ospreay and Ospreay springboards, PIP PIP CHEERIO! Cover, TWO! Ospreay is furious already but he aims from a corner. Okada stands, blocks the superkick and Ospreay is afraid. Okada throws a forearm but Ospreay throws it back! They brawl fast and furious and fans rally up! Okada ROCKS Ospreay with an uppercut but Ospreay CHOPS back! Ospreay reels Okada in, inverted suplex, but Okada slips out! MONEY CLIP!
Khan gets in but Okada throws him out! Okada gets Ospreay in the gut wrench but Ospreay fights out. Okada elbows Ospreay away but runs into the dropkick flip, but ducks the enziguri! Okada waistlocks and GERMANS, but Ospreay lands on his feet! Ospreay SUPERKICKS and whips, Okada reverses to dropkick Ospreay down! Fans fire up as Ospreay goes to a neutral corner. Okada hot tags Sho! Sho goes at Ospreay to throw forearm after forearm, then knees! Bea protests, the ref reprimands but Sho shoves him away! Sho fires off more forearms and knees, then even more forearms! Fans rally as Sho ROCKS Ospreay! Sho whips Ospreay corner to corner, runs but Ospreay boots him! Sho stays up to LARIAT! Sho suplexes, Ospreay fights out and ducks the lariat to CHOP BLOCK!
Sho hobbles, Ospreay whips but Sho reverses! Ospreay handsprings, into Sho’s waistlock and GERMAN SUPLEX! Sho holds on, to GERMAN SUPLEX again! Sho holds on to try the third, but Ospreay resists! Sho powers through to GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Okada DECKS Khan and RAMS him into railing! Sho lifts Ospreay, Ospreay escapes the bomb but Sho ducks the Hook Kick! Sho ROCKS Ospreay then kicks, but Ospreay blocks to put the leg on the rope! ROLLING ELBOW! Ospreay traps Sho’s leg before throwing him down! Ospreay stomps away but the ref backs him off. Sho hobbles up but BEA gets his leg for a DRAGON SCREW through the ropes! Ospreay runs, wheelbarrows and hooks up the legs, FIGURE FOUR! Sho endures, Khan catches Okada for the CLAW SLAM!! Ospreay bridges back, Sho taps! THE EMPIRE WINS!!
Winners: Will Ospreay & Great-O-Khan, by submission
They have left Chaos behind but are creating havoc of their own! Will Ospreay, Bea and Khan soon build a new ruling force in NJPW?
Tetsuya Naito & BUSHI VS EVIL & Yujiro Takahashi!
The King of Darkness beat the IWGP Double Champion in the round robin, but the joke’s on him because he’s not in the finals, either! Will LIJ continue to get revenge on the traitor? Or will Tokyo Pimp help make sure Everything is Evil?
Naito doesn’t wear his usual elaborate entrance gear but he still takes his time getting into the ring. LIJ fist bumps and Bullet Club Low Sweets. Yujiro starts against Naito and fans rally at the bell. Naito and Yujiro slowly circle and approach. They tie up, Evil comes in to attack! Yujiro DECKS Bushi then tags Evil in. Evil drags Naito up, scoops and slams him down, then stands on him for a cocky cover. The ref sees it’s more a subtle choke so he counts for different reasons. Evil lets off, tags Yujiro back in, and Yujiro stomps Naito. Yujiro drags Naito up, kicks low and throws forearms, then CHOPS! Yujiro runs but Naito arm-drags him! Naito kicks low, hits a backbreaker then covers, TWO! Fans cheer as Naito keeps on Yujiro with a cravat.
Naito cranks on the neck wrench but Yujiro gets up. Bushi tags in, LIJ mugs Yujiro and Bushi drags Yujiro up for a neckbreaker! Cover, TWO! Bushi drags Yujiro back into a chinlock and digs his knee in. Yujiro BITES Bushi’s finger! No one learns! Bushi forearms Yujiro and runs, but into a flapjack hotshot! Evil returns to sucker punch Naito off the apron! Evil drags Naito up and whips him into railing! Then Evil goes looking for chairs! Yujiro goes after Bushi on the outside and the ref is distracted by Dick. Yujiro RAMS Bushi into railing, Evil gives Naito a CHAIR SHOT! Evil stomps Naito, the ref reprimands but Yujiro chokes Bushi with the pimp cane! The ref reprimands that but Yujiro puts Bushi in.
Yujiro stomps Bushi around, fans rally up but Yujiro snapmares Bushi for a leg drop, elbow drop, and falling headbutt! Cover, TWO! Fans cheer but Yujiro grows frustrated. Yujiro tags Evil and Evil drags Bushi up. Evil throws Bushi out but the ref keeps him back. So Dick DECKS Bushi for Evil! Dick stomps Bushi, drags him up and RAMS him into railing! Milano is knocked out of his seat! Dick puts Bushi in the corner, Evil covers, TWO! Evil tries again, TWO! Evil covers a third time, TWO! Evil is furious but he stomps Bushi and tags in Yujiro. Fans rally as Evil and Yujiro stomp Bushi more, and Yujiro slaps Bushi around. Bushi hits back but Yujiro scoops to slam! Cover, TWO! Fans cheer but Yujiro is annoyed again. Yujiro kicks Bushi around, pushes him around, but Bushi throws body shots!
Yujiro knees low, puts Bushi against ropes and runs in to BOOT! Yujiro pushes Bushi down, runs again but Bushi avoids the basement boot to enziguri! Fans rally while Yujiro staggers about! Yujiro manages to stop Bushi from reaching Naito, and whips him corner to corner. Yujiro runs in but Bushi boots him back! Bushi runs to huricanrana Yujiro down! Fans rally as both men crawl for their corners, hot tag to Naito! Naito DECKS Evil but Yujiro kicks and whips Naito. Naito holds ropes, boots Yujiro back then gets around him to baseball slide Evil! Naito goes back to Yujiro to whip and elbow down, then hit a basement dropkick! Fans cheer as Naito drags Yujiro up and whips him to a corner. Naito rocket kicks and leg sweeps, COMBINACION CABRON! Cover, TWO! Yujiro stays in this but fans rally up.
Naito drags Yujiro up and turns him, but Yujiro BITES fingers again! Yujiro blocks the kick, trips Naito and basement dropkicks! Tag to Evil and Evil runs at Naito in the corner. Evil blocks the boots, turns Naito sideways to club and WOE STOMP! Evil mocks the applause and drags Naito up. Evil waistlocks, Naito resists the lift and standing switches but Evil switches back. Evil shoves Naito and runs from the corner, LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Fans cheer but Evil is annoyed. Evil drags Naito by his legs, steps through, but Naito resists! Naito throws haymakers and Evil backs off. Evil runs back in but into an atomic drop and enziguri! Naito whips but Evil reverses to fireman’s carry! Naito fights out, waistlocks but Evil elbows. Evil whips, Naito reverses and tornado DDTs!
Both men are down and fans fire up! Fans rally as Evil and Naito head for their corners. Hot tag to Bushi! Bushi aims at Evil as he climbs up top, missile dropkick! BUSHIROONI! Bushi DECKS Yujiro then aims at Evil on the outside, DIVE! Fans fire up after Bushi’s tope, but Bushi tells Dick to back off. Bushi puts Evil in, stomps him then drags him up. Evil swings into Bushi’s DDT! Cover, TWO! Fans still rally as Bushi keeps going. Bushi drags Evil up, fisherman but Evil spins out of the neckbreaker! Evil throws Bushi down by his mask, Yujiro BOOTS Naito off the apron! Yujiro drags Bushi up, Bullet Club double whips him to a corner. Yujiro runs in to BOOT, Evil runs in to corner clothesline! FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Fans cheer as Bushi is still in this!
Evil drags Bushi up, slashes the throat, and then spins Bushi around, but Naito dropkicks Evil down! Yujiro kicks and whips Naito but Naito leaps, into the REVERSE DDT! Yujiro runs at Bushi again, but Bushi dodges him, then boots Evil! Bushi has Yujiro in a headlock, BULLDOG DROPKICK COMBO! Fans fire up as Bushi drags Evil up, FISHERMAN SCREW! Cover, TWO!! Evil survives but fans still rally! Bushi drags Evil back up, fireman’s carries, but Evil slips out to shove. Bushi dodges, Evil ducks the enziguri but not the mule kick! Bushi runs, into a LARIAT! Evil drags Bushi up, fireman’s carry, DARKNESS FALLS! Cover, TWO!! Bushi survives and the fans fire up again! Evil drags Bushi by his legs, steps through and SHARPSHOOTERS! Bushi endures the Scorpion Deathlock as fans rally again! But Bushi taps, Bullet Club wins!!
Winners: EVIL & Yujiro Takahashi, by submission
But Evil won’t let go of Bushi! Naito kicks and kicks Evil until he does, but the battle has already been won. And then Dick gets Naito with the CHOKER! Feed to EVERYTHING IS EVIL! This is the King of Darkness’ justice, but will the IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental Championships once again be his belts?
Masahiro Chono is here!
The FIVE-TIME G1 Climax winner, having taken the 1991, 1992, 1994, 2002 and 2005 trophies, is here to be a witness to history! “GODDAMN! I am Chono. Here’s to the 30th G1 Climax.” Chono says tonight’s G1 finals will be very special. This year, the entire world has been struggling through this pandemic. But NJPW has been steadfast. They showed us courage and a way forward. As Mr. G1 and a former NJPW wrestler, he appreciates their actions. He thanks us for our support. “GODDMAN! In this G1 Climax, final, give your support and courage to the two fighters who made it. I am Chono.”
G1 Climax 30 Finals: Kota Ibushi VS SANADA!
The Golden Star has already made history appearing in three consecutive G1 Climax finals, but he wants to be a historic back-to-back winner. As for the Cold Skull, this is his first time in the finals, and he wants those wins over Naito and Evil to mean something! Who immortalizes themselves as the 30th G1 Climax champion?!
The fans are thunderous just from the two standing in the ring together! The bell rings and these two circle. Sanada and Ibushi approach, tie up, and are in a deadlock. Sanada manages to put Ibushi on the ropes but lets up as Red Shoes calls for the break. Fans cheer as the two circle again. Ibushi and Sanada tie up again, go around, and Ibushi puts Sanada on ropes now. Red Shoes asks for the break, Ibushi lets off and fans cheer again. Fans clap “I-BU-SHI!” “SA-NA-DA!” as the two go again. The two approach, feel out the grapple, and Ibushi gets a leg then waistlock. Sanada standing switches but Ibushi pries at the arms. Ibushi wrenches, has a wristlock, but Sanada spins through and wrenches back. Sanada has the wristlock, Ibushi rolls and wrenches back again.
Ibushi hammerlocks but Sanada moves around to get the hammerlock on Ibushi. Ibushi drops, drop toeholds, floats to a headlock, but Sanada endures the grind. Sanada gets up, slips out, has a high wristlock and hooks a leg to wrangle Ibushi down. Ibushi headscissors but Sanada pops out and fans cheer as the two stand off. Sanada and Ibushi reset as the clapping “I-BU-SHI!” “SA-NA-DA!” begins again. Ibushi and Sanada approach, feel out the grapple, and tie up. Sanada rolls to get the top wristlock, and he wrangles Ibushi back down, but Ibushi rolls and hammerlocks back. Sanada backs Ibushi to ropes, Red Shoes calls for the break, and Sanada slowly turns around to pat Ibushi on the shoulder. Fans cheer as the two reset again.
Ibushi and Sanada circle, tie up, Sanada gets around to a waistlock but Ibushi standing switches. Sanada reaches back to get a headlock, Ibushi drops down to bring Sanada to the mat. Ibushi goes after the headlock but Sanada slips out to get the hammerlock again. Ibushi reaches back and gets a headlock, but Sanada bridges up and over to wrench on the hammerlock again! The two move around on the mat, Ibushi gets another headlock and the takeover, and he keeps Sanada down. Sanada rolls to a cover, ONE and Ibushi holds on. Sanada endures the grind, moves around and fans rally up. Sanada fights up, Ibushi wrenches and elbows the arm, then wrenches it again. Ibushi elbows the arm again, then kicks at it. Ibushi wrenches a third time for another elbow, then YANKS on the arm!
Sanada stays up but Ibushi has his arm again. Ibushi YANKS the arm, Sanada CHOPS back! Ibushi CHOPS, Sanada CHOPS, repeat! They CHOP and CHOP and CHOP, and fans rally up as they shift to forearm for forearm! Sanada ROCKS Ibushi and fans cheer! Ibushi steadies himself and gets up to throw forearms with Sanada again! Fans fire up as the two go back and forth, now Ibushi ROCKS Sanada! Ibushi clubs Sanada, too, then kicks at him. Ibushi KICKS and Sanada staggers but stays up. Ibushi KICKS Sanada’s leg and eggs him on. Sanada throws a HARD EuroUpper! Fans cheer as the two men steady themselves. Ibushi KICKS, Sanada EuroUppers! Ibushi KICKS, and Sanada drops to a knee! Sanada grits his teeth but Ibushi brings him up to club him on the back!
Ibushi KICKS, Sanada hobbles, but Ibushi KICKS him again! Sanada CHOPS then forearms but Ibushi eggs him on! Sanada ROCKS Ibushi and fans cheer! Sanada brings Ibushi up, kicks Ibushi’s taped up leg, but Ibushi just eggs him on! Sanada kicks the leg more, Ibushi kicks back! Ibushi headlocks, Sanada powers out, then drops down and jumps up, but for a dropkick! Ibushi ducks but the change in pattern still caught him off guard as Sanada lands on top of him! Both men go down and Ibushi flops out of the ring. Fans rally up as Ibushi steadies himself again. Red Shoes checks on him, he’s okay to continue. Sanada patiently waits as fans clap, “I-NA-DA!” “SA-BU-SHI!” Wait that’s not anything… Ibushi gets back in and Red Shoes assures Sanada he’s okay to continue. So Sanada goes after the bad leg with an elbow drop!
Sanada has a toehold and wrenches on it but Ibushi uses a chinlock to fight back. Sanada shrugs that off to keep on the leg. Ibushi tries the chinlock again, he turns Sanada over with it, and then traps the arm for a partial camel clutch! Sanada endures, Ibushi drags him back and turns him over for a leg lock. Sanada guards against the crossface but Ibushi goes after him. Ibushi gets through the guard and has an STF! Sanada endures, drags himself and Ibushi over to get the ropebreak! Ibushi lets go, stomps Sanada down then eggs him on. Sanada gets up and CHOPS him to a corner! Fans cheer as Sanada digs his boot into Ibushi. Red Shoes counts, Sanada lets up, and fans rally up. Now Sanada eggs Ibushi on and Ibushi gets up. Ibushi boots, Sanada BOOTS! Fans cheer as Sanada looms over Ibushi. Sanada drags Ibushi up, fans rally and Ibushi throws forearms!
Ibushi eggs Sanada on so Sanada forearms back. Ibushi fires off more forearms but Sanada fires them all back! Ibushi slowly drops to the mat and fans rally again. Sanada drags Ibushi up, has the leg and hits a SHIN BREAKER! Then a FIGURE FOUR! Ibushi endures as Sanada puts as much torque as he can. Fans rally up as Ibushi moves around. Ibushi drags himself and Sanada back but Sanada bridges up to add more pressure. Ibushi keeps moving and reaching, and he gets the ropebreak! Sanada lets go fast and fans still rally. Sanada drags Ibushi up, Ibushi throws forearms fast! Sanada kicks the bad leg, eggs Ibushi on, so Ibushi fires off more forearms! Sanada EuroUppers again! Ibushi ends up in a corner, Sanada runs corner to corner, but Ibushi goes up and over and sunset flips! TWO, Sanada ducks the Penalty Kick but doesn’t avoid the standing moonsault! Cover, TWO!
Fans cheer as both men are down, and rally up again! Ibushi rises and drags Sanada up. Sanada knees low, runs, but into the SNAP-RANA! Fans fire up as Sanada bails out and Ibushi gets up. Ibushi aims and slingshots, PLANCHA! Direct hit and down goes Sanada! Fans continue to rally as Ibushi gets up. Ibushi gets the bad leg moving as he walks around before he fetches Sanada into the ring. Ibushi wants Sanada to stand, and then he springboards to missile dropkick! Cover, TWO! Ibushi grows frustrated but fans rally up more. Ibushi waits for Sanada to sit up before he KICKS him! And KICKS him! Sanada stands up, blocks the kick, spins Ibushi but Ibushi elbows out. Things speed up, Sanada hurdles and hurdles this time to dropkick Ibushi properly! And then Sanada shows Ibushi HIS PLANCHA!
Fans fire up and Sanada encourages them to get louder! And louder! The fans do get louder and Sanada is satisfied. Sanada drags Ibushi up and puts him in the ring. Cover, TWO! Fans continue to rally as Sanada brings Ibushi up in a fireman’s carry. Ibushi escapes, shoves Sanada to a corner, but Sanada elbows him back. Sanada QUEBRADA but Ibushi gets under! Sanada goes to tackle Ibushi but Ibushi sprawls to block! Ibushi then leap frogs over, gets Sanada for a SPINNING POWERSLAM! Ibushi somersaults to the TOP ROPE, for a PHOENIX SPLASH, but it FLOPS as Sanada moves! Sanada drags Ibushi into position and HE goes up top, MOONSAULT, but he lands on his feet as Ibushi dodges! Sanada huricanranas Ibushi now and Ibushi ends up on the apron.
The fans get loud again and Sanada sees Ibushi on the outside. Sanada builds speed, but he fakes Ibushi out. Ibushi is in the ring as Sanada is on the apron, but Ibushi BOOTS Sanada down before he can springboard! Fans fire up with Ibushi as he builds speed to a corner, GOLDEN TRIANGLE- No, Sanada got away! Sanada runs in but Ibushi STOMPS the Drive-By Dropkick down! Fans cheer as both men tumble to the floor! Ibushi is up first, he drags Sanada up, but Sanada puts Ibushi on the apron, MAGIC SCREW! Fans cheer as both men are down again! Red Shoes checks, they’re both okay to continue, so a ring count begins. Sanada and Ibushi stir, neither sits up until after 10 of 20. They manage to stand at 15 of 20 but aren’t in until 18! Fans cheer as this will continue!
Sanada and Ibushi head for each other and give junkyard dog headbutts. Sanada forearms first but Ibushi grits his teeth to forearm back. They brawl with forearms on the mat, egging each other on. Fans rally up as they stand up and keep going. They pick up speed, Ibushi gets the edge but Sanada dropkicks th eleg! Sanada puts Ibushi on the ropes, ANOTHER MAGIC SCREW! Cover, TWO!! Ibushi survives but Sanada keeps on him. Sanada drags Ibushi up, fireman’s carries, but Ibushi fights, so Sanada throws him to a dragon sleeper! Ibushi endures, powers Sanada to a corner and is free. Ibushi RAMS into Sanada, whips him corner to corner, but Sanada goes up and out, springboards into a SIT-OUT BOMB!! But Ibushi can’t hold the cover!! Fans fire up and rally again as both men stir.
Ibushi rises, Sanada is okay to continue, so fans rally as Ibushi fires off a strike fest! Ibushi reels Sanada in, for ANOTHER SIT-OUT BOMB! Cover, TWO! Sanada survives and fans rally again! Ibushi wants to end this already, but he staggers as he brings Sanada up. Sanada dropkicks the bad leg again! But Ibushi LARIATS! Fans fire up as Ibushi grits his teeth and brings Sanada back up. Sanada ducks the clothesline, full nelsons but Ibushi breaks free! So Sanada chicken wings for the TIGER SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Ibushi barely escapes but the fans fire up! Sanada grits his teeth as he drags Ibushi to a fireman’s carry! T K O!! But wait, did Ibushi counter?! Ibushi has Sanada in a dragon sleeper, but Sanada spins it to his own! SKULL SWING! SKULL END!!
Ibushi is stuck in the body scissors and dragon sleeper but fans rally up as he endures! Ibushi gets his head free but not for long! Sanada drags him back down and squeezes tight but the fans continue to rally. Ibushi reaches around but he might be fading! Red Shoes checks, the arm drops once! The arm drops twice! Sanada lets go, goes up top, MOONSAULT but it FLOPS! Ibushi manages to evade in time, and he gasps for air while vowing to end this! Fans are thunderous as Ibushi and Sanada slowly stir. Sanada and Ibushi sit up, Ibushi gets the arms and kicks, then ROUNDHOUSES Sanada down! Sanada is in a daze as Ibushi calls upon the powers of Nakamura! BOMAYE!! Cover, TWO!! Sanada survives but Ibushi won’t stop there!
Ibushi sits Sanada up with the wristlocks, KAMIGO- NO! POP-UP CUTTER!! Cover, TWO!! Ibushi survives but Sanada is after him! Sanada has Ibushi in a drop zone, MOONSAULT to the back! Sanada keeps going, MOONSAULT to KNEES! Ibushi saves himself from Sanada’s Ace trumping combo! Fans are thunderous again as both men are down! Sanada goes to a corner and Ibushi stands. Ibushi fires up, hobbles but runs, into an elbow! Sanada QUEBRADA, but Ibushi blocks and goes up the ropes to get the dragon sleeper on Sanada! Then gut wrench, but Sanada slips out to dragon sleeper again! Fans fire up as Sanada drops back, but Ibushi rolls back to gut wrench again! Ibushi shifts Sanada around and tucks him in, BASTARD DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!?!? Sanada survives and Ibushi is shocked!
Fans are thunderous again, maybe even electric! Ibushi gets up, gets the wrists, and roars as he sits Sanada up. Sanada dodges Kamigoye to backslide! TWO!! Ibushi still has wrists, Sanada resists the pull, and they’re in a deadlock until Sanada gets a leg! Victory roll, TWO! Sanada O’Conner rolls Ibushi to a JAPAN CLUTCH! TWO!?!?! That was 2.999!! Fans are now passing electric as Ibushi manages to stand! Sanada runs in, tilt-o-whirls a la Destino to get the dragon sleeper! Ibushi drops but Sanada drags him up. Ibushi shifts, scoops but Sanada slips out, Ibushi ROUNDHOUSES him again! Sanada stays up, Ibushi V-TRIGGERS! KENNY!! Ibushi has the wrists, KAMIGOYE!! Cover, TWO?!?!?! Sanada pushes it to 2.999999!! Ibushi shakes that off to sit Sanada back up, KAMIGOYE!!! Cover, Ibushi wins!!!
Winner: Kota Ibushi, by pinfall; (wins the G1 Climax 30)
INCREDIBLE! THAT was worthy of the 30th Climax, and of the historic three-peat with back-to-back wins for the first time in decades! Is Ibushi finally a wrestling god?!
After making sure Sanada is alright, Young Lions help Sanada out of the ring so that the banner and trophy can be brought in. While he did not conquer the Climax, will the Cold Skull find his own way to the top of NJPW?
Ibushi eventually has the energy to sit up and fans cheer as he is officially declared the winner, with Red Shoes raising his hand in victory! And after resting a little longer, Ibushi stands and fans clap “I-BU-SHI!” as he takes the mic.
“From the bottom of my heart, thank you all very much. I have joined Chono-san and Tenzan-san as the only men to have back-to-back G1’s.” And he is also the first to reach THREE STRAIGHT finals! Fans cheer for the history Ibushi has made! “Although the situation is difficult, many people came here to watch. Truly, thank you very much.” Ibushi hops NJPW can show them wrestling like the used to ASAP. And soon, Ibushi goes from G1 winner to IWGP Heavyweight Champion. Fans cheer that idea! “Also, I always say this, but I won’t run away. I won’t lose. I won’t quit. I won’t betray you. I WILL become a god!” The ascension isn’t over, it is only beginning! Will the Golden Star etch his name into the history books even more from now on?
My Thoughts:
A great G1 Climax finale event, but apologies to fans of NJPW 8 Man Tags as I skipped those. I probably should’ve kept the first one, even though it had Douki and usually Douki is a sign of filler. But I’ve seen the results, which you can also find on Andrew Balaz’s coverage of this day, Suzuki-Gun wins and are looking to take everything! Douki wants to join the Dangerous Tekkers to take the Six Man titles from Yoshi-Hashi, Hirooki Goto and Tomohiro Ishii, and I bet Desperado wants payback on Toru Yano for KOPW 2020 in Summer Struggle. That does make for some interesting story, as Chaos has already lost so much. Speaking of, Ospreay & O-Khan VS Okada & Sho was some great stuff, but it makes all the sense for “the empire” to win and get a real start to their build. I can’t wait to see who joins in, it’s been awhile since a new faction formed in NJPW.
LIJ VS Suzuki-Gun was good, especially the Shingo VS Suzuki stuff. That NEVER Openweight Championship match has to be coming at Power Struggle in a few weeks, but I bet Hiromu gets Bushi to join in going after the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag titles at Power Struggle, too. Suzuki-Gun could try and take everything at Power Struggle as it is, making it feel like a big event despite not being a WrestleKingdom or something. Bullet Club VS LIJ is a very familiar match-up, mostly thanks to Summer Struggle’s long road of build to Jingu. Bullet Club wins because Evil has a match owed to him since he won during the G1. That also has to be happening at Power Struggle since NJPW will be shifting to the super combo of World Tag League and Best of the Super Juniors happening together. That will take us into the winter and then we get a TWO DAY WK 15 for everything that needs to happen!
Chono showing up was a great surprise, but I should’ve seen it as foreshadowing in Ibushi VS Sanada. I figured it would be Ibushi winning since that is great history for him and NJPW. But the way they got to it was great, I didn’t think they’d push the count that close to three, and let alone do it twice! This match made up for a lot of the score I’m giving this show. Sanada is always so close to that big moment, and he technically is owed a title match, too, since he also beat Naito in the G1. If WK15 is two days like last year, will they do some kind of double header? WK14 had the “double gold dash,” so would it be Sanada gets his shot at Naito on day one, winner faces the G1 contract holder (which I assume will still be Ibushi) on day two? That’d be worthy of redeeming the 30th G1 Climax, and would be a great way of celebrating a new year after the year 2020 ended up being.
My Score: 9.1/10
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IF YA SMELLALALALALALA~…!
As Cody Rhodes teams with Damian Priest & Braun Strowman against Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline, FINALLY, The Rock has come back to SmackDown!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso; Jimmy wins.
- The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & LA Knight; Miz & Melo win.
- Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae w/ Nia Jax; Tiff wins.
- Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez; No Contest.
- WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly; Pretty Deadly wins, by disqualification, and DIY retain the titles.
- Six Man Tag: Cody Rhodes, Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga; changed to…
- Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga; Priest & Braun win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes talks with Nick Aldis backstage.
They shake hands, but the SmackDown General Manager tells the WWE Champion there’s been a change: Cody’s out of the Six Man Tag match. What? Why would Aldis do that? It is out of Aldis’s hands. Wait, Solo Sikoa shows up to do what he did, but they can’t do the Six Man Tag that they advertised? How is this out of Aldis’s hands? Who do they need to talk to so they can do the match? Aldis says there’s no one either of them can call, if you smell what’s cooking. This is coming from The Final Boss, and The Final Boss wants to see Cody in the ring tonight. What business could The Great One have with The American Nightmare?
Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso!
The Scottish Terminator rubbed it in Big Jim’s face that only one of them is going to Elimination Chamber in Toronto, which Big Jim was able to brush off. But McIntyre harping on how only one Uso is going to WrestleMania was a step too far. These two look to have it out, but is Jimmy just playing into McIntyre’s hands? Or will McIntyre get embarrassed by “the other Uso” this close to that big time match?
Speaking of, Jimmy has a message for Drew as he heads to gorilla. “Everybody know you’re going to Elimination Chamber, right? But Big Jimmy got a question for the Big Easy: Will Drew go onto the Elimination Chamber and win that? Will Drew go onto WrestleMania and win that? Ey, Drew, I think we got an answer for you, Uce. The answer is…” “NO YEET!” Jimmy makes his entrance, the bell rings, and the fans rally behind Jimmy. Jimmy and Drew jaw, and then Drew raises his hands, to say UP YOURS! But Jimmy ROCKS and CHOPS away! Drew puts Jimmy in a corner, Jimmy dodges to CHOP!
Jimmy climbs and he rains down fists! The fans count, Drew dumps Jimmy tot eh apron at 5, but Jimmy GAMANGIRIS! Jimmy goes up, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Jimmy hurries to CHOP, then he whips. Drew reverses to send Jimmy to the corner. Jimmy BOOTS back, goes up, and leaps, but into a clinch! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders to a corner, Drew runs up to SPLASH and OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders again, the ref has Drew hold on, and Jimmy bails out. Drew storms out to get Jimmy and he whips Jimmy HARD into barrier! The fans boo but Drew looms over Jimmy.
The ring count starts, Drew mockingly calls him “Jey,” then puts Jimmy in the ring. Drew says NO MANIA for Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, ROCKS him, then runs up, only for Jimmy to put him on the apron! Drew blocks a superkick, but not the DRAGON WHIP! Drew drops, Jimmy DIVES! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! Jimmy grins, goes back to the apron, and then aims. But Drew stops the Penalty Kick to THROW Jimmy down! Drew then has Jimmy in the Reverse Alabama Lift! REVERSE ALABAMA SLAM onto the steel steps! Drew stands on the desk to say “NO YEET!” while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Drew revels in the heat from New Orleans, then he leaves Jimmy behind. The ref checks Jimmy, he’s able to continue, so a ring count starts. Drew paces while Jimmy stirs. Jimmy drags himself up using the desk, then lunges in at 9! Drew is annoyed but he rains down fists! Drew stomps Jimmy, then eggs him on. Jimmy rises as the fans rally, but Drew is right on him in the corner. Drew winds up, but Jimmy counter punches! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! And whips, only for Drew to reverses. Jimmy goes up, but Drew KICKS him out of the air! Drew then hauls Jimmy up, snap suplex! Cover, TWO!
Drew says okay, Big Jim. He clamps onto Jimmy with a top wristlock and grinds the arm. Jimmy fights up, fireman’s carries, but Drew elbows free. Drew bumps Jimmy off buckles, then hauls him up to the top rope! Drew CLUBS Jimmy on the back, climbs up, then CLUBS Jimmy more. Jimmy fires elbows and Drew drops back. But Drew runs up to CLUB Jimmy again! SmackDown returns to single picture as Drew CLUBS away on Jimmy again! Jimmy keeps taunting “Jey,” then drags him up. Jimmy fights the back suplex! The fans rally, Jimmy fires hands and a HEADBUTT! Jimmy SMACKS Drew off the post!
Jimmy rises to USO IN THE WIND! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! A standing count starts while both men stir on the mat. They both stand at 5, and Drew swings! Jimmy counter punches, then fires more shots! Mule kick, UPPERCUT, but then Jimmy dodges Drew! SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Drew is tougher than that, but Jimmy hurries to a corner. Jimmy aims as Drew goes to the other corner, “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs, but Drew FLYING HEADBUTTS! The Glasgow Kiss stuns Jimmy, and Drew hits a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Jimmy shows his own toughness, and the fans rally behind him.
Drew paces, then he stalks Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, reels him in, but Jimmy fights the underhooks! Jimmy wrenches, UPPERCUTS, but Drew ROCKS Jimmy back! Jimmy UPPERCUTS, Drew HAYMAKERS! Drew whips, Jimmy reverses and Drew ends up on the apron! Drew ROCKS Jimmy first, then climbs the corner! FLYING- SUPERKICK! Jimmy runs to SPEAR! Cover, TWO!! Drew survives, Jimmy’s spear doesn’t hit quite like The Tribal Chief’s. Jimmy goes to the corner, climbs up, and the fans rally up. USO- NO, Jimmy rolls through as Drew moves! Drew dodges a lariat to NECKBREAKER!
Both men are down, the fans rally, and Drew kips up! Drew scowls as he aims at Jimmy. “THREE! TWO! ONE!” CLAY- SUPERKICK!! Jimmy hits first! GLASGOW KISS returns! Drew reels Jimmy in, “This is your WrestleMania! This is as close as you get!” Drew shouts Jimmy is nothing, then ROCKS him with forearm after forearm! GLASGOW KISS! Another Reverse Alabama, but Jimmy victory rolls it! JIMMY WINS!!!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Drew is furious, but his own ego caught him there! But then Drew CLOBBERS Jimmy! The fans boo Drew being a sore loser, but he puts Jimmy back in the ring! Drew rains down fists, then he DRIBBLES Jimmy off the mat! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Drew says that was Jimmy’s Mania Moment! Drew will win the Chamber, he will go to Mania, and he will win there! Jimmy means NOTHING to Drew! Drew puts Jimmy up against the post, then takes aim! The fans boo, but refs and producers rush out here! They swarm Drew to keep him from going after Jimmy again. Drew says fine, fine, then takes his leave.
Producers help Jimmy to his feet, but then Drew BLASTS through the refs! CLAYMORE for Jimmy!! The Scottish Terminator hits his target, then laughs as he actually leaves. Will McIntyre make this his Road to WrestleMania?
A car pulls into the parking lot.
And out steps Solo Sikoa. Solo heads inside, and he finds Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga waiting. Solo tells them that last week with Tama, that was an accident. Jacob says yeah, it’s all good, Uce. But keep it 100: If it wasn’t an accident, Solo wouldn’t be standing here right now. Well, good! Glad to see we’re all on the same page. Solo says he will be in the corner during the match for Jacob & Tama. Uh, no, Solo, no disrespect, but Jacob & Tama have been running things on SmackDown these past couple weeks. So tonight, it’s Jacob & Solo running the play? Yadada mean? Yeah, of course. And that right there, Jacob, is exactly why Solo loves him.
Solo says he’ll be back, he has to talk with Nick Aldis. Solo heads out, but will he really just step right back into place from before he lost the ula fala?
Carmelo Hayes is backstage.
R-Truth calls out to Melo, and says for the first time ever, Truth VS Melo! What’s Truth talking about? Duh, they have a match. No, Truth, Melo knows. But they had a match last week. Truth says he has never met Melo in his life, but they have a tag match tonight. What? No, they don’t. Who even made this match? Him. Truth, they are not going through this H1M who’s on first thing again. Melo is H1M. No, him made the match. The Miz!? Miz says he’s H1M. So now there’s two of you? No no no! Melo is H1M, this is The Miz! Yeah, #MeloDon’tMiz! NO! That’s not a thing! Tonight, they are. Who’s Truth’s partner?
Truth says he’s got a guy. A Louisiana legend! In fact, he just got here, so Truth’s gotta go. Laters. Miz says he has been workshopping this, and the fans love it. Think about it: Melo Don’t Miz! Melo Don’t Miz! And we are…! Melo shakes his head. Truth steps in and says Miz just wants Melo to say, “Awesome.” Miz offers a fist bump, Melo says no. Will Melo wish he had missed tonight’s show? Or will Miz actually help H1M get another win?
Zelina Vega speaks.
“My whole life, people have taken one look at me, and they try to define me. My size has never stopped me before. It never stopped me from becoming tag team champion. Or my personal favorite, the history-making first-time-ever Queen of the Ring. That’s me. Make no mistake about it, I’ve never had it easy. I had to scratch and claw to get anything around here. But this is a fresh start. Because I have something to prove. And my dreams are a lot bigger than your measuring stick. It ain’t over until Zelina Vega says it’s over.”
The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & ???
Miz makes his entrance but Melo kinda steps all over it. So he already missed his cue… But who did Truth find to team with him in the Big Easy? We’ll see, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Truth makes his entrance. “What’s up?” Well, more like who is his partner? He’ll tell us! His tag team partner is a local legend, born and bred right here in New Orleans! Ladies and gentlemen, welcome Louisiana Knight! Wait, he means L A Knight! Yes, Louisiana abbreviated is LA, but that’s not… Oh, Truth… Truth gives Knight a Po’ Boy and some Mardi Gras beads, so Knight embraces it. The teams sort out, and Truth calls out him! Does he mean Miz or Melo? Well, Melo says he is H1M, so that’s who starts. The fans cheer on Knight while Truth and Melo tie up. Melo KNEES low, whips, but Truth reverses.
Melo springboards, FADEAWAY JUMPER! Melo makes his free throw, but Truth drop toeholds! Truth headlocks, Melo powers up and out but Truth whips! Melo turns hip toss into lateral press, TWO! Truth has a ghost pin, TWO! Melo trips to cover, ONE! Truth trips to cover, ONE! Melo runs up, Truth does the splits, and then hits a BIG hip toss! The fans fire up, Truth counts, Melo gets up at TWO, but Truth was just goofing. The ref explains to Truth that he is the ref, not Truth! Melo is annoyed, he runs up on Truth, but Truth wrenches him around! Melo pulls hair but Knight tags in. The fans fire up as Knight fires hands!
Knight ROCKS Melo, whips Melo, but Melo reverses! SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Knight drags Melo up to tag Truth back in, and Truth ROCKS Melo! Melo staggers, but he refuses to tag! Truth arm-drags Melo, then grinds the arm. Melo insists he’s got this, then arm-drags free. Truth staggers up, he and Melo bump heads! Truth staggers around more, and he tags Miz?! Truth forgot The Awesome Truth isn’t a thing anymore! Again! Melo BLASTS Truth off the apron, the fans boo, but Miz tags himself in! Melo is annoyed, but Miz goes to fetch Truth while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again, and Melo has Truth. Truth ROCKS Melo, but Melo holds onto the wristlock! Truth reaches for Knight, Knight reaches for Truth, but Melo holds on. Truth takes a swing, but into an O’Conner Roll! TWO and Melo BLASTS Knight! Truth rolls Melo up, TWO! Melo kicks low, calls his shot, but Truth suplexes for a STUNNER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Truth and Melo crawl, hot tags to Miz and Knight! The fans fire up as Knight rallies on Miz! “YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips, Miz reverses, but Knight lEAPING LARIATS! Knight TOSSES Melo in for good measure!
Knight stomps a mudhole into Melo, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” LARIAT for Miz! KNEE for Melo! Knight scoops and POWERSLAMS Miz! Knight keeps running, JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Knight stays on Miz as he brings Miz up. Knight ROCKS Miz, then ROCKS him again! Knight whips, Miz grabs the ropes. Miz KICKS, then takes a swing, but into a back suplex! Miz lands out, tag to Melo! Miz ELBOWS Knight, but Knight scoops! Miz tilt-o-whirls through, Melo SUPERKICKS Knight down! cover, TWO! Knight stays in this but Melo says he’s got this! Melo waits on Knight, then leaps, but NO 48!
Knight kicks low, but NO B F T! Tag to Truth! Knight ELBOWS Melo, Truth runs in! CENA SHOULDER TACKLES! Then the SPIN OUT BOMB! Truth says it’s time! “YOU CANT SEE ME~!” truth runs for the FIVE KNCUKLE SHUFFLE! Truth then fireman’s carries, but Melo slips free! Melo shoves, Truth dodges, and Truth hits the LIE DETECTOR! Truth then gets Melo in the S T R-TRUTH! But Miz CLOBBERS Truth! Knight ROCKS Miz, then LARIATS him up and out! Knight then goes out to THROW Miz into barriers! The fans fire up again, but NAKAMURA ATTACKS KNIGHT!
The fans boo, but the sinister samurai then POSTS Knight!! Nakamura slithers away while Melo keeps the ref’s attention! Truth sees Knight is down, Melo runs up, but Truth dodges! Miz tags in, full nelson, and a FIRST 48 FINALE COMBO?!? Cover, Miz & Melo win!!
Winners: The Miz & Carmelo Hayes, by pinfall
Well, what do you know? Nakamura aside, Miz and Melo made it work! Okay, they’re both trying to hog the spotlight, but is there a future for Melo Don’t Miz? Will Knight only have more of a reason to take that title off Nakamura now?
Charlotte Flair speaks.
“The GOAT… doesn’t have to call themselves The GOAT. Now, I have crafted a legacy that no one, I mean no one, can touch. And I’m back.” The Women’s Royal Rumble Winner chose Tiffany Stratton, but will The Queen take back her throne? Or will WWE always be on #TiffyTime? Speaking of…
Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae!
The WWE Women’s Champion may have gotten past Nia Jax, but now she knows Charlotte Flair is waiting for her at WrestleMania, and is going to be teaming with Trish Stratus in Toronto! Will she be in Tiffy Top Shape for that Tiffy Trishy dream match? Or will the Poison Pixie be quite the problem all on her own?
Before the match, Tiff grabs a mic while the fans cheer. Tiffy says, “I know, I know. You know it, you know it, and you know it. Ever since I won this title, everybody’s just been so obsessed with me. And last week, I had Nia Jax beat, until Candice LeRae decided to interfere and help her little meal ticket. And at Elimination Chamber, Trish Stratus and I make sure the Unstoppable Force comes to a definitive end!” The fans cheer that, but Tiff says enough about them. Let’s talk Charlotte Flair. The fans boo that name, but Tiff says Charlotte took her sweet old time, grabbed a chair, grabbed a mic, and she looked down on Tiff.
Charlotte chose Tiff as her WrestleMania opponent. In that moment, Tiff’s dream came true! And as she lied down there and looked up at Charlotte, she realized the rumors are true: No one loves to kick a girl when she’s down quite like Charlotte Flair. So at WrestleMania, Tiff isn’t coming for Charlotte’s legacy; that’s all Charlotte’s. Tiff is coming for the spot Charlotte desires the most: The number one spot as the top girl in the WWE! But here comes Nia & Candice to interrupt. Nia has a mic to tell Tiffy, “I Have to say, this is really cute. Like, it’s really cute that you actually think you were gonna beat me last week.”
Doesn’t Candice think that is cute? Candice says yes, it is so~ cute. And Tiff wouldn’t even be standing there if not for little Trish Stratus~. Exactly! And it’s even cuter that Tiff is out here talking about Charlotte when she wont’ even see WrestleMania! Because after Nia & Candide destroy Tiff at Elimination Chamber, Nia is coming back for her WWE Women’s Championship. Nia & Candice step up to the ring, and Nia says Tiff won’t even see the Grandest Stage of Them All. Tiff tells Nia to just give it up. This title isn’t even hers anymore. And once Tiff beats Candice tonight, Nia won’t have anyone to do her dirty work anymore!
Candice tells Tiffy that while they’re meant have a match right now, she and Nia are feeling impatient. Nia says they should just get rid of Tiff right now! But the ref steps in and says not gonna happen! Tiff VS Candice will, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Candice has Tiffy down with an armlock. Tiff fights up as the fans rally, but Candice wrenches to wristlock. Tiff spins through, goes to ropes, then up the corner to flip and arm-drag! The fans fire up as Tiff rallies on Candice! DROPKICK, and Tiff snarls! Tiff goes to the corner, and Charlotte makes her entrance? The Queen chooses to be fashionably late all so everyone looks at her, including Tiffy. Tiffy handsprings, but Candice dodges! Candice runs up to UPPERCUT, then she snapmares and NECK SNAPPERS! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Candice clamps onto Tiffy with a top wristlock.
The fans “WOO~” as Charlotte now chooses to join commentary. Tiff fights up, has the ROPEBREAK, but Candice CLUBS away on her! Candice backs off, runs up, but Tiff drop toeholds her to ropes! Tiff runs, HIP ATTACKS, and Candice flops back! Cover, TWO! Tiff stays on Candice with a whip, but Candice reverses. Candice CLOBBERS Tiff, covers, TWO! Charlotte corrects Tiffy’s words earlier: Charlotte isn’t the “top girl,” she is THE woman in WWE. Candice HIP DROPS Tiff but the fans rally up. Candice scuffs Tiff, then grinds an arm to drop a knee on the elbow! And another knee drop! Tiff endures and the fans rally up.
Candice keeps on that arm, thrashes it around, but Tiff fights up. Tiff fires body shots, then shoves Candice to Alabama Lift her! Candice sunset flips, Tiff rolls through, TIFFY STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Tiff is frustrated and Candice bails out. Tiff goes to the apron, goes up the corner, and ARIHARA MOONSAULTS! Direct hit on Candice and Nia, and Tiff almost stuck the landing! The fans fire up with Tiff and she goes into the ring. Tiff points to the WrestleMania sign, and then at Charlotte, but SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Tiff waits on Candice, Candice slides in, and Tiff stomps her down! Candice bails out, Nia is there to coach her, but Tiff lets the ring count start. Candice gets on the apron, Tiff kicks her, but Candice RAMS Tiff! Candice CLUBS Tiff, has her in the ropes, and hits a NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT! Candice climbs, aims, and leaps to MISSILE DROPKICK Tiff down! Cover, TWO! Candice is frustrated but this is why Tiff’s a champ. The fans rally, but Candice stomps Tiff! Candice scowls at the fans, stalks Tiff, then brings her up. Tiff fires body shots, then she rolls Candice up! TWO, and Candice CLOBBERS Tiff! Cover, TWO, into a ghost pin! TWO!
Candice escapes to hit a CODE BREAKER! Both women are down, but Candice scowls again as she crawls over to Tiff. Candice rains down fists, Nia tells fans to shut up, and Candice steps on Tiff’s face. Candice huffs ‘n’ puffs, pushes Tiff around, then scuffs her. Tiff rolls Candice up again, TWO! Candice DECKS Tiff! Cover, TWO! Charlotte is stoic on commentary as Candice drags Tiff up and puts her in a corner. Candice fires hands, then backs off. Candice runs up to ROCK Tiff again! Candice then runs, but Tiff dodges! SmackDown returns to single picture, and Tiff rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT! The fans fire up, Tiff handsprings, BACK ELBOW!
Tiff then reels Candice in for a SKY HIGH! High stack, TWO! The fans rally for Tiff, Nia coaches Candice, but Charlotte still seems nonplussed. Tiff and Candice rise, and Candice runs up. Candice puts Tiff on the apron, but Tiff ROCKS her! Tiff bumps Candice off buckles, then goes up, but Candice ROCKS her back! Candice climbs up, and she fires hands on Tiff! Tiff fights the suplex! Tiff DECKS Candice, then adjusts position, to SANTON- FLOP! Candice ghost pins, TWO!! Tiff escapes, but Candice hits the step-up SENTON! And then a LIONSAUL FLOP! Tiff hurries to fireman’s carry, ROLLING SENTON! And then PRETTIEST MOON- NO, Nia drags Candice out of the ring!
The fans boo, Nia tells them to shut up, but Tiff is on the apron! Nia swings, Tiff cartwheels over, and then she DROPKICKS Nia! Tiff Alabama Lifts Candice, to ALABAMA SLAM her into barriers! Tiff stares down Charlotte, tells her just wait for Mania, then she puts Candice in the ring. Tiff goes to the corner, PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, Tiff wins!
Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall
Charlotte gives moderate applause, but Nia CLOBBERS Tiff from behind! The fans boo, but Nia just drags Tiff to a corner. Nia goes up, but wait! Trish is here!! The fans fire up for the legend as she rushes into the ring! Trish avoids a haymaker to CHICK KICK! Then THESZ PRESS for Candice! And then a SPINEBUSTER! Trish helps Tiff to her feet, but Nia grabs them both! Trish fires fast hands on Nia! Candice CHOP BLOCKS Trish! Tiff is still dazed, Nia HEADBUTTS her back down! Nia & Candice mug Trish, and then Nia HEADBUTTS Trish! Trish & Tiff are side by side, and Nia drags them into the drop zone! A-NIA-LATOR!!
The fans boo but there’s nothing can be done! Nia grins as she helps Candice away, will these two trash Trish & Tiff in Toronto? Charlotte steps into the ring, stands over Tiff, and points to the WrestleMania sign. Will The Irresistible Force & Poison Pixie unwittingly do the dirty work of The Queen of Flair?
Cody talks with Damian Priest backstage.
Priest asks why Cody’s boy, The Rock, is here tonight. Cody says given the time of year, his guess is as good as anyone’s. But tonight will surely be eventful. Cody congratulates Priest on entering the Elimination Chamber. Priest says what’s wild is, last year, they both walked out as champions. What sucks is that this year, only one of them can. Now, Priest is man enough and he respects Cody to say that after Chamber, he’s coming for that title. Cody says he wouldn’t have it any other way. Cody heads out, but what business does The Rock have tonight?
Braun Strowman steps in, and he tells Priest that congrats on winning, and good luck in the Chamber. But let’s be honest, Braun had Jacob dead to rights last week. If not for Solo Sikoa, things would look a lot different next week. Priest chuckles and says take it easy, he’s sounding like Drew with the excuses. But it is what it is, Priest just beat Braun to the punch. But that was last week. Tonight, Solo and Jacob, two of the baddest men in the business. Priest & Braun handling business? Oh, they’re handling business. The only business Braun cares about is getting his hands on those two. Priest says Braun definitely will.
Braun heads out, will the Monster of All Monsters and the Archer of Infamy make sure Solo & Jacob #GetTheseHands? Or will the rogues run roughshod all over SmackDown once again?
Backstage interview with Naomi & Bianca Belair.
Byron Saxton is with the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions and brings up last week’s SmackDown, the security footage led us to believe Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez were the ones behind Jade Cargill’s attack. Now, hold on, Saxton. They don’t think, Naomi knows they were. Fair enough. But this Monday, they can get their revenge when they defend the tag titles against Liv & Raquel. How ready are they for this match? Bianca says so ready! They have been waiting for months for an update. Jade has been recovering, she hasn’t been able to call or text, so the GlowEST took matters into their own hands to get revenge.
Bianca & Naomi will handle Liv & Raquel, then move on to Elimination Chamber, where one of them is gonna win to face Rhea at WrestleMania. Not only will you #FeelTheGlowEST on Monday, but Liv feels it tonight! #Let’sGLOW! The champs head out, but will they clear their Road to WrestleMania of any other distractions?
Alexa Bliss speaks.
“When I was away, there was a lot of… change that happened in me. But when I look around, I see this place is still the same. The names and faces may be different, but the desperation and insecurity remains the same. You’ll see Toronto when I turn the Elimination Chamber into something of a playground of my own. I know the Chamber. I love the Chamber. I’ve won the Chamber. And for the other five women, it’s gonna be a Hell like they’ve never experienced before. Need I remind you, this is my division, and I am in charge.” Bliss smiles and says, “See you soon.” The film comes off the reel, but will things get twisted in Toronto?
Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez!
The Big Easy is all about having fun, and they’re fired up for Naomi’s entrance. But wait! Liv & Raquel don’t wait, they attack Bianca & Naomi while the lights are still down! They mug Naomi, but Bianca drags Liv out of the ring! Then Bianca storms in to fire off on Raquel! The fans fire up, but Liv returns to CHOP BLOCK Bianca! Raquel hauls Bianca up for a TEJANA BOMB!! Naomi runs up, fires more hands, but Liv brings Naomi around. Naomi fires hands on her, but Raquel throws her down! Liv runs up, OBLIVION!
Liv & Raquel stand tall, the refs rush out here, but clearly the singles match isn’t happening. Will we be getting something even meaner and nastier between these four on Monday?
The Rock arrives!
His truck pulls into the parking lot, but we’ll see him in the ring, after the break!
SmackDown returns and…
Aldis is chewing out Liv & Raquel for the attack. He doesn’t know what they get away with on Raw, but they can’t pull that crap here. Now get the hell out of his building. Liv & Raquel just laugh that off, but then Chelsea Green & Piper Niven walk in. Chelsea says have no fear, Chelsea & Piper are here to sub in for Bianca and Naomi at Elimination Chamber. Aldis sighs, and says they’re not missing the Chamber. What? But Chelsea had an outfit picked out! This is a travesty to not have the greatest Canadian export since maple syrup on a Canadian PLE! Does he know who she is? The first-ever, longest reigning, tallest, shortest, prettiest, richest, tannest, sparkliest, oldest, youngest Women’s US Champion! Piper asks what this is aboot, eh?
Aldis says this is them testing his patience. They need to pack their gear and whatever else they want, because they’ll be in action next week on SmackDown in Toronto. And oh, it’ll be a good one. Wait, they need more details! At least an e-calendar notification? Aldis is leaving Chelsea in the dark on what’s coming, will she absolutely hate it?
The Rock heads to the ring!
Wait, what is this New Orleans related remix? The Final Boss steps out on stage, he shows those goosebumps, then continues down the ramp, shaking hands with fans. The Rock hits his signature pose on the corner, but then takes the long way around to pick up a fan’s phone for them before going back into the ring. The fans all cheer for “ROCKY! ROCKY!” and he grabs himself a mic. He waits as the fans continue to chant his name, and then he says, “Ahh, you feel it, don’t you? You feel it. The Rock has got chills up and down his body because you know, on a Friday night, for the Final Boss to get inside his bird and fly all the way here, you know that I’m dropping some ish on you tonight!”
The fans fire up and The Rock smiles. Rock says, “Let’s get this show on the road.” The fans anticipate what’s coming but he says hold on, he’ll do it. “FINALLY! The Rock has come back…” “TO NEW ORLEANS~!” Rock smiles, and he adds, FINALLY, WrestleMania is coming back to New Orleans!! The fans are thunderous to hear that! WrestleMania 30, WrestleMania 34, and now WrestleMania 42!? Yes, next year, 2026, LIVE from the Superdome! One of the greatest cities on Earth in New Orleans, Louisiana! The pyro goes off to commemorate the occasion, and the logo is already on the tron! Rock smiles at that, then he smiles at the WrestleMania 41 Vegas logo.
The fans are losing their minds, as we now know April 11th and 12th, 2026, the Big Easy has the Grandest Stage of Them All. Rock says you damn right holy ish! Oh when the saints go marching in…! Oh how I’d love… Wait, no, this ain’t singalong with The Final Boss! Sit there, shut up, and let The Final Boss sing the song! The fans are torn, but Rock says he sings! Oh how I’d love, to be in that number~! Oh when the saints go marching in~! Okay, that’s good enough. You got him, that was a great duet. The Rock is singing with the largest collection of STD’d trailer trash he has ever seen! The fans can’t believe Rock would do that to them!
Rock says now, dropping this news wasn’t the only gift he was going to drop on us. The Final Boss came here to call somebody out. The Rock will call out a man who he respects, who he admires, and who we all admire. That man is our WWE Champion, the one and only, Cody Rhodes. The fans cheer as The American Nightmare makes his entrance! They sing along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” and we get Cody’s pyro before he goes to the ring. Cody gets his second “WHOA~ OH~!” and round of pyro, then he steps inside to join The Rock. The fans cheer Cody on, so he holds up the title and the fans cheer even more.
Cody grabs a mic, but Rock says, “That feels good, doesn’t it? I mean, that’s gotta feel amazing, right? They love you, man.” Cody tells NOLA, “I love you, too.” Rock says this is crazy. Pretty much no one knows this, but since after WrestleMania last year, they’ve actually become good friends. No, it’s true, they have. Last time they were together was the Raw Netflix debut. Rock gave Cody his flowers, told Cody he has carried the company like the incredible champion that he is, so thank you, Cody. Rock meant it, and that night, they went to the back, drank tequila for two hours and had a great ol’ time.
They chopped it up, had a blast, but Rock wants to call Cody out here for something important. Here’s the thing… The fans get a bit rowdy as they wait, and Rock says Cody is a great champion. A great WWE Champion. Cody knows that. Again, they’ve become good friends, so over the months, they’ve texted. Even their moms became good friends! Look! Mama Johnson & Mama Rhodes together after WrestleMania 40! It is a pleasure becoming Cody’s friend. But Rock wanted this face to face to tell him a few things. One: Cody has been a great champion, but he needs to understand. Yes, The Rock, The Final Boss, is on the Board of TKO. And TKO owns WWE.
The Rock is the Director of the Board of TKO. Don’t boo that! The Rock’s good friend, Ari Emanuel, who owns everything Endeavor, The Rock joked with Ari, “Can you believe that you own The WWE?” Ari says he doesn’t own the WWE, The Rock does. Rock said no, no, he doesn’t know if he owns the WWE. But The Rock knows he is the most powerful… Cody, you are a great champion. But Rock wants Cody to be something more. Rock wants Cody to be something more than just our champion. Rock wants Cody to be his champion. The fans don’t like where that’s going.
Cody says he did not expect them to become friends, nor their moms to become friends, nor the tequila. Cody didn’t have that on his bingo card. But becoming The Rock’s champion? The Rock of all people should know, Cody is the people’s champion. The fans cheer Cody more, and Rock says yes! Cody is their champion! Of course! The Rock is also The People’s Champion, he loves that about Cody. This is their universe, they were both born into this business. But Rock means something even bigger than just this. Rock knows Cody’s goal is to bring as much joy and happiness to everyone around the world, as many as possible.
The fans cheer, and Rock says that’s Cody. Cody is that guy, and everyone knows it. Cody is on social media, Instagram, millions of followers. Millions, and millions! The Rock has half a BILLION. That’s not a flex. But The Rock is the most followed American man in the world, that’s what he wants for Cody. Rock wants Cody to be even higher. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, he will open doors to possibilities Cody never even imagined. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, every dream he has ever had can come true. Every dream of Brandi’s, of their daughter’s. Think about how Rock brought them to the premiere of Moana 2, in Hawaii.
Thank you, by the way, for making that cross a BILLION dollars, fans, Rock loves you. Rock has met the Rhodes family, they’re amazing. But imagine it: Cody’s daughter’s children, their dreams, long after Rock and Cody are gone, all those dreams can come true. Rock just needs Cody to be his champion. The fans say don’t do it! Rock tells Cody to just think about it, though. Rock is a very lucky man, he has it all. Cody also has it all. They’re very fortunate. They’re Mama’s Boys, they’re Girl Dads, they’re lucky men. Fans say don’t do it, Rock tells them to shut up or he’ll slap the syphilis off their face! Rock is trying to have a moment here, shut your mouths!
The one thing that Rock has never had, that he wants more than anything, is a brother. And that is what Cody can be. Last year, WrestleMania, Rock’s goal was to face his cousin, Roman Reigns, for the title. Cody knows, the fans know. Rock talked with his friend, HHH. He talked with Nick Khan, who is his friend. They are also Cody’s friends. Rock knew it wasn’t in the plans, but they talked about moving Cody aside to make what was best for business: Rock VS Roman, WrestleMania 40! What’d Cody do? Cody pitched a b*tch fit! Cody told The Rock he ain’t doing it, and he stood up to The Rock. And y’know what else? Cody SLAPPED Rock!
No one does that and gets away with it. But that is why Cody is special. That is why Cody should be Rock’s Champion. And that is why Rock will take Cody from where he is to a level so far above. Rock will make sure every dream, every desire, for generations to come, it all comes true. Rock’s dad, Cody’s dad, Soul Man & American Dream, they are looking down right now. They were friends, Cody and Rock are friends, Cody should be Rock’s Champion. He doesn’t need to answer Rock tonight. He can think about it, talk with his wife and daughter, as will The Rock. Then Cody can think about it. Meet Rock in Toronto on March 1st to give him the answer.
Fans still say don’t do it, but Rock says it is okay. Before he leaves, this has been an amazing night, this is a hot crowd, thank you all very much. But before he leaves, Rock wants us to know this: The one thing Rock wants more than anything in this world… is that. Wait, the title? Cody’s title? The fans’ title? This is all this is about? No no no no! Brother… Rock doesn’t want the title. He wants Cody’s soul. The fans duel, “NO! NO! NO!” “SELL YOUR SOUL!” Rock pats Cody on the cheek and says see you in Toronto. The Rock leaves, giving Cody a lot to think about. Rock does give one last glance back at Cody, then smirks.
What will The American Nightmare choose: His integrity? Or his aspirations?
WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly!
Did Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano got these titles thanks to Kit Wilson & Elton Prince? #YESBOY! Did they survive a couple title defenses thanks to Kit & Elton? #YESBOY! But when Pretty Deadly needed DIY, was DIY there for them? #NOBOY! So now, Kit & Elton are looking to give Ciampa & Gargano their comeuppance! Will we finally get another #SidePlateCheck? Or will Ciampa & Gargano remember for themselves, that if you wanna be champions, you gotta do it yourself?
But as DIY make their entrance, they have mics, and Johnny Wrestling tells NOLA, “Give it up one time for your TWO-TIME WWE Tag Team Champions…! The BTTITW (Best Tag Team In The World), D I Y~!” The fans boo instead. Ciampa says there is no denying that tonight has been electrifying. Gargano says this is a hot crowd. But please, if we could be somber for a second. Guys, this is serious. Two weeks ago, Pretty Deadly embarrassed DIY, and now reluctantly, DIY will return that favor by crushing their hopes and dreams of ever becoming WWE Tag Team Champions. So please, let us all rise to our feet… Yes, you in the LSU jersey, stand up.
Ciampa thanks Wade Barrett, and asks for everyone to remove their hands and bow their heads for a moment of silence for Pretty Deadly, beginning… now. The fans boo instead! And then Pretty Deadly make their entrance! The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really needed who in this broken relationship!
But then DIY jumps Pretty Deadly! The ref reprimands, DIY whip but Pretty Deadly reverses! DOUBLE DORPKICKS! Then DOUBLE LARIATS send DIY up and out! The disco ball hasn’t even stopped spinning! The fans cheer while DIY throw a fit! They regroup, cool down, and go back to the ring. Gargano distracts Elton, Ciampa CLOBBERS him, and the bell rings. But Elton fires hands on Ciampa! Elton whips, Ciampa reverses and he pulls hair! The ref reprimands, Ciampa throws Elton to the apron and KNEES him down! Tag to Gargano and he aims, SUPERKICK! Elton goes down in a heap, DIY cheers themselves on, and SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns, Gargano tags in, and DIY hits the BACK SUPLEX BOMBO COMBO! Cover, TWO! Elton stays in this but Gargano tags Ciampa back in. Gargano sends Ciampa in, but Elton ELBOWS him away! Gargano runs in, but Elton puts him on the apron! Gargano goes after Kit, but Kit blocks the kick! Kit BOOTS Gargano down, but then Ciampa BOOTS Kit! Elton dodges Ciampa to come back, DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! Elton and Ciampa are down, sputtering and writhing, and the fans rally up. Elton crawls, Kit rises, hot tags to Kit and Gargano! Kit rallies on DIY with big forearms! Kit whips, Gargano reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS!
Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa in a corner, then LARIATS! Kit runs to LARIAT Gargano! Kit pushes Gargano down, kicks him and hits a TWIST- NO, Gargano slips through to ROCK Kit! Kit yoyos, DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up, Kit tags Elton! They get Gargano up, but Gargano BOOTS Elton! Gargano ELBOWS Kit away, then runs up on Elton! Elton dodges, then gives Kit the boost, DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Gargano survives but Ciampa is in! Elton fireman’s carries Ciampa, but Ciampa slips free! Ciampa whips, Elton reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa! Elton shows off his strength with the GOTCH LIFT PLEX!
Tag to Kit, but IN COME THE PROFITS! Ford SHOVES Kit down, Dawkins mugs him!!
Winners: Pretty Deadly, by disqualification; DIY retain the titles
Not again! Just like they did Motor City Machine Guns, The Profits make sure no one else takes these titles off DIY! URENAGE from Ford to Elton! Dawkins keeps hammering away on Kit, and then Ford POSTS Elton! Dawkins fireman’s carries Kit, to POST him, too! Looking like the All Mighty with that one! Gargano fires forearms in return, but ends up int he POUNCE GERMAN SUPLEX! Then Ciampa runs up into a FLAPJACK! Ford goes up top, then flies in FROM THE HEAVENS!! Direct hit on Ciampa! But wait! MCMG rushes out here, wanting their payback! The Profits brawl with MCMG, but Ford TOSSES Shelley to the apron!
Ford runs up, Shelley goes to kick, but Ford blocks it! Ford LARIATS Shelley down, Dawkins hits Sabin with THE BIG ENDING! The fans are torn as Dawkins whips Sabin, Profits get him for the REVELATION!! And if there’s been any revelation, it is that Ford & Dawkins don’t just want the smoke, they want to burn down the tag division to get it! Will nothing stop them once they’re back in action?
Kevin Owens speaks.
“You got what you wanted, huh? You got your match. You couldn’t, uh… You couldn’t just take the punishment that you deserved, that I’d already given you, and let it go. No, you… You wanted me and you to go again. You wanted to fight me, you want to hurt me, you want to end my career, which would hurt my family, by the way. Which is truly despicable. But what about your family, Sami? Huh? Have you thought of them? What about your family, huh?” Kevin reveals he is right outside the Zayn home! Kevin peers inside to watch Sami, his wife, and his son!
Kevin asks Sami via the video if Sami knows what he’s about to put them through, when they have to watch Kevin end Sami’s career. And what happens then, eh? When Sami can’t provide for them, and everything they have, like this nice house, the shelter, the security, the peace they have, when it’s all gone? And why? What for? Because Sami’s too proud? Because Sami’s selfish? Sami IS selfish. Because Sami is making Kevin do this to Sami’s family. Kevin will never forgive Sami for that. He’ll see Sami in Toronto. “But remember… You asked for this. It’s all your fault.” As if Kevin’s delusions aren’t already grand, will he continue to blame everyone else but himself?
Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga!
Elimination Chamber is on the horizon, and the Road to WrestleMania makes for strange bedfellows. Priest, Braun and Jacob were fighting each other just last week, but Solo’s return really threw things for a loop. Can Priest & Braun give Solo and the Samoan Werewolf their punishment? Or will everything (not) be fine in Solo’s Bloodline?
SmackDown returns as #OneBigSOB makes his entrance. As Solo, Jacob & Tama head to gorilla, we hear from Solo. “Tonight, we handle business. And it starts with Braun Strowman & Damian-” Jacob interrupts with, “Man, c’mon, DP! C’mon, Braun! I thought we did this! So tonight, we about to even up the score. If you ain’t know, I’m all gas, no brakes with it! See, since we touched the scene, we been dropping bodies like bread crumbs! Yadada mean!? FA-TUUU~! Hit my music!” The rogues enter to Jacob’s theme, is this alone proof he’s the new alpha? Or will the match be the last nail in that coffin?
The teams sort out, but Jacob stares down both Priest and Braun. NOLA seems to acknowledge Jacob, but Solo convinces him to stand down. Solo starts against Priest, the bell rings, and the two tie up. They go around, Priest powers Solo back, but Solo powers Priest back. They break, stare down, and Solo talks some trash. Solo shoves Priest, Priest shoves back. They circle again, tie up, and Priest puts Solo in a corner. The ref counts, Priest lets off at 4, but Solo stomps Priest’s foot! Solo throws hands, then a HEADBUTT! Priest staggers, but then he ROCKS Solo! And ROCKS him! And HEADBUTTS! That was a mistake!
Solo shakes his head to HEADBUTT Priest! Priest goes to a corner, Solo throws haymakers and body shots on repeat! The ref counts, Solo lets off and says see? Solo and Jacob as one! But Priest THROWS Solo to the corner to fire off haymakers of his own! Priest ROCKS Solo, the fans fire up, and Priest whips., Solo reverses to UPPERCUT! Solo talks smack but Priest ROCKS him again! Tag to Braun and the fans fire up! Braun stares Jacob down, tells him to shove it, then runs up to SPLASH Solo! Braun stares Jacob down again, goes back for Solo, and hits another LARIAT! Braun scoops, Solo slips free, but Braun runs up!
Solo ELBOWS Braun away, tags to Jacob, and Jacob runs in, but Braun dodges! Braun CROSSBODIES! Jacob is right up, but Braun BOOTS him right back down! Solo runs in but Braun TOSSES him! Priest hurries after Solo, Braun CLOBBERS Jacob! LEAPING LARIAT for Solo! Braun then gets on the track, STROWMAN EXPRESS SMACKS a chair out of Tama’s hand! The Good Bad Guy thought he was being sneaky! But then Jacob CROSSBODIES Braun into the timekeeper’s aera! The fans go wild as Jacob rises up, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Jacob hauls Braun up, drags him around the way, HEADBUTTS him, then brings him over to SMACK off the desk! Braun staggers, but he ROCKS Jacob in return! And THROWS Jacob into steel steps! Braun drags Jacob up, puts him in the ring, but Jacob SUPERKICKS Braun! Braun falls into the corner, Jacob HIP ATTACKS! Jacob’s all geeked up, then he tags in Solo. Solo soaks up some heat while Jacob HIP ATTACKS Braun again! Solo puts Braun on ropes to CHOKE him! The ref counts, Solo stops at 4, but Jacob gets a HEADBUTT in! Braun flounders, Solo taunts him and eggs him on, but Braun CHOPS him!
Solo HEADBUTTS Braun right down! Solo rains down fists, then lets off so he can put Braun on the ropes. Solo CHOKES Braun again, stops as the ref counts 4, and Jacob gets another cheap shot in! Solo tags Jacob in, then he HEADBUTTS Braun again and again! Jacob runs to BODY CHECK Braun! Jacob fires up, Braun flounders to ropes, but Jacob rains down fists! Tag to Solo, he soaks up heat from NOLA, then he stomps away on Braun! The ref counts, Solo lets off, then he keeps Braun from Priest by anchoring a leg. Tag to Jacob and Jacob climbs up, FROG SPLASH! Jacob roars while Braun writhes!
Jacob looms over Braun but he glares at Priest. Priest gets heated, but Jacob fires hands on Braun as SmackDown returns to single picture. Braun stands, but Jacob HEADBUTTS him again! Jacob runs for another BODY CHECK! And then a SENTON! Cover, TWO! Braun stays in this and he goes to a corner. Jacob snarls, tags Solo in, and the fans boo. Solo runs corner to corner to HIP ATTACK Braun! Solo grins as he copies Jacob’s geeking out. Tag back to Jacob and fans cheer! Jacob aims, runs, and HIP ATTACKS! Jacob keeps going, but Braun BOOTS from below!! The fans fire up while both men stagger to their feet.
Braun SPINEBUSTERS Jacob! Both monsters are down, the fans rally up, and they crawl, hot tags to Solo and Priest! Priest fires hands on Solo, then whips. Solo reverses but Priest SHOUDLER TACKLES Solo! Priest runs to BACK ELBOW! Jacob is back, but Priest dodges to WHEEL KICK! Priest then waits on Solo, but Solo catches Priest! Priest elbows free, but Solo SUPERKICKS! But Priest JUMPING ROUNDHOUSES! Solo comes back, Priest ROCKS him first! Solo swings, but into the FLATLINER! Cover, TWO! Solo survives but Priest puts him in a corner. Priest whips corner to corner, then runs, only for Solo to put him on th eapron!
Solo takes as swing, Priest dodges and ROUNDHOUSES! Priest then knuckle locks with Solo, goes up top, and he tightrope walks for some OLD SCHOOL! The fans fire up and Priest powers up the arm! Priest runs, but Solo ducks the Comebacker! Priest fights the fireman’s carry to BELL CLAP, ROUNDHOUSE, and then he reels Solo in! But Tama is on the apron! Priest DECKS Tama, but Jacob HOTSHOTS Priest! Solo hits the URENAGE! Cover, TWO!! Priest survives and Solo is stunned! Solo snarls, looks to his taped-up thumb, then he drags Priest up. The fans boo but Solo taunts the fans now. SAMOAN- NO! Priest grabs Solo!
But Jacob runs in! Priest ROCKS Jacob, ELBOWS Solo, then he dodges, so Jacob’s SUPERKICK hits Solo! An accident just like last week’s shot to Tama, but Jacob doesn’t seem as upset by it. Priest TOSSES Jacob, then CLOBBERS Solo! STROWMAN EXPRESS CLOBBERS Jacob & Tama!! Priest brings down the straps, the fans are thunderous, and Priest grabs Solo by the neck! SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Cover, Priest & Braun win!
Winners: Damian Priest & Braun Strowman, by pinfall
Just as Solo thought it’d be like before, he and Jacob were not on the same page! Priest is rolling towards Elimination Chamber, will this be just what he needs to go back to WrestleMania?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown here, but with some interesting moves after the sudden change in plans with The Rock showing up. Naomi and Bianca had a good promo to hype up what was meant to be a full match of Naomi VS Liv, but word had already come out before the show that things were being cut for time. But at the very least, they did the right thing of making it a brawl that adds heat to the tag title match on Monday. Also, hilarious how Chelsea & Piper thought the beatdown on Bianca & Naomi was so bad that they would need to be pulled from the Chamber. I also can’t wait to see what happens on Toronto SmackDown.
As for The Rock, I do appreciate he used his authority to kayfabe change more things, all so he could have his promo with Cody. I also appreciate Rock blending his different roles and even different sides, both Heel and Face, to A) bring the news of WM42 being in NOLA, and B) recreate the Corporate Champion/People’s Champion story from the Attitude Era. That was some wild stuff he was saying to Cody. I’m sure quite a few people will try and talk with Cody next week in the go-home. Heels will say do it because they’d love to have what Rock can give, Faces will say not because Cody’s better than that. But naturally, Cody is not going to become The Rock’s Champion, causing Rock to turn on him and really up things going into WrestleMania 41 and perhaps even beyond.
Good stuff in the Elimination Chamber related stories. Jimmy VS McIntyre was great stuff to open, and how fitting that McIntyre loses to Jimmy after talking all that trash about Jimmy and Jey being the same. Jey got McIntyre with something quick, Jimmy got McIntyre with something quick, McIntyre’s ego is obviously his weakness. And at the same time, McIntyre of course destroys Jimmy after because that’s his other personality trait. Priest had good promos with Cody and Braun, and we got great stuff from Solo’s Bloodline. Naturally, we got a miscommunication spot to help finish, we’re really close to Solo VS Jacob, I can feel it. Priest & Braun get the win, mostly because Priest isn’t winning in the Chamber when you’ve got Punk and Cena in there.
Very good stuff with Tiffy Time, from the promos leading into the match to Charlotte being ringside just to watch. Nia & Candice of course get the better of Tiff & Trish, because Tiff & Trish are definitely winning the tag match in Toronto. Charlotte just seems to enjoy trolling Tiff with her presence, so Charlotte probably shows up in Toronto to then confront Tiff after the match. I expect the seven weeks after Elimination Chamber to really heat up, as will Charlotte’s involvement, where she’ll get more active verbally and physically. Also, hell, Rock should go full Corporation and have Charlotte be his Corporate Women’s Champion because of how established she is.
Hilarious stuff from Truth tonight, as always. Truth and Melo having their “who’s on first” again was good stuff, and of course Miz gets in on this story, too. Truth & Knight VS “Melo Don’t Miz” was really fun, but yeah, should’ve figured Nakamura would get involved, too. Melo & Miz making it work could also be really fun, and while Knight VS Nakamura is a rehash, I really hope they find a way to up things. It feels like we’re getting the same with the tag titles as Profits “ruined” that great tag match from DIY and Pretty Deadly, then brawled with MCMG to still come out on top. Last year had a ladder tag title match, so why not do one for these titles this year?
Speaking of escalating, Kevin filming a promo outside Sami’s house was some really well done stuff, as expected of someone as good as Kevin and in such a story as him and Sami. Their match should main event, it needs time to breathe, as it could be just as, if not more violent, than the Chamber matches. What a powerful closing moment we could have if it’s a bloody Kevin and Sami, and one of them is standing over the other, triumphant yet mournful because it was their best friend in the world that they just brutalized.
My Score: 8.9/10
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!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
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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
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Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA LIVE! iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 2.20.2025
So the first live episode got fairly positive praise from everyone; will this continue the trend?
Filming at Full Sail seems to have set the stage nicely this week! Going into a Live episode we got Moose and The Hardy Boyz on NXT, as well as Jordynne Grace’s involvement with Steph and Giulia giving a little shine to TNA happenings since she’s newly WWE.
This episode should be interesting, we finally see Lei Ying Lee (fka Xia Li) back in action, Rascalz take on Tyson and Tyriek, Tessa should be seeing some action as well…so generally interesting happenings for the second Live iMPACT! of 2025. Let’s see how this one goes down!
No matter where @ManceWarner and @stephdelander go, @TheSamiCallihan WILL FIND THEM!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/mXz9U7m9PL
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Ratings:
- Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin: Rascalz win via Meteora/Swanton Combo – ***
- Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary: Lei wins via Thunderstruck – **
- NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC: Dango wins via The System help – ** 3/4
- Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore: Masha wins via Requiem – N/A
- Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons: Elijah wins via Tombstone Piledriver – *** 1/4
Results:
Oh yeah, and another Hendry concert is…cut off by a commercial, LOLTNA. First Hendry is cut off by AXSTV’s new Anime Hour bumper, and now Primo and Epico are showing up in TNA. I definitely didn’t have this on my BINGO card. The crowd starts chanting “Where’s Carlito”, which they do acknowledge and play off of well. Oh they’re using their shoot names of Orlando and Eddie now…but before they attack the lights go out and we get another guitar strum! ELIAH/ELIAS/EZEKIEL/EBENERZER/EMERY/EL VAGABUNDO – shows up to back up Hendry. Okay I can apologize away the redundant concert since it played into an Elijah debut. The crowd is immediately popping and chanting “This is Awesome” 10 minutes into the show.
Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin
Treehouse bros take it to the bigger men quickly, a few fast dives, a little MCMG style tandem strikes, Tyson fires and tries to take them out but they Low Bridge him. Tyriek comes in and they try similar things but Tyriek manhandles them both and throws them out of the ring, Trey is the first one back up and Tyriek and Tyson take his damn head off with his Corkscrew Running Euro Upper. Trey finally manages to flip out of the manhandle, tags in Wentz and Wentz goes for the hot and spicy cleaning house spot. Corner to Corner Knee Lifts for both big men, a Rolling Snapmare, into a Superkick for Tyson and Standing Shoot Star on Tyriek but only for two because Wes feints like he’s going to interfere.
Tyson and Tyriek pull off a tandem Assisted Backdrop Driver, but Wentz breaks it up, Tyson gets knocked out, Wentz hits the Tornillo, Wes tries to interfere again after Trey gets perched on the corner buckle but Ace runs around and trips Wes at the last second causing him to faceplant on the apron, Trey hits the Meteora, Wentz hits a Swanton from the other side of the ring and Trey gets the pinfall victory.
It was fast paced, all gas no brakes, but it didn’t overstay its welcome, so it was pretty fun all things considered.
After the match Wes grabs a mic, complains a little but challenges them to a 6 man match as Sacrifice. So we’re THAT’S where we’re getting the expected 3v3.
Fir$t Cla$$ comes out with an entourage of hot chicks and probably influencers or something. The “First Class Penthouse” , Gabby AF, Mafiosa Valentina, and Carolina are apparently known in their own way. Gabby I know was the awful one who did something for Impact a last year and sucked, but she’s part of the Busted Open Network I believe so that’s why she’s around. Two of them look like Noelle Foley and Frank the Clown…oh they actually are. Look at that. I do love KC Navarro as the Hype Man, they have this whole set up of AJ being mad that they haven’t gotten more Tag Title shots, so TNA placated him with his own Piper’s Pit and he’s *pregnant pause* totally happy with that. He says he loved Piper and hated Hogan before it was cool.
This is actually quality content and AJ is cutting a nice promo in this segment. They introduce their first guest, the greatest performer in TNA history, many whole say he’s Phenomenal with a whole lot of style….it’s A-J-Francis.
.@AJFrancis410 is GOING OFF!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/kGehtp9iTE
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary
Things were slow until Rosemary took her into a corner quickly, hit the Upside Down, and we get a lot of Lei trying to avoid Rosemary’s offense. Rosemary goes for a Spear in the corner and Lei forward rolls, starts connecting with a bunch of right hands, backs Rosemary into the corner, goes for 10 Count Punches, pulls her out, Airplane Spin TKO for only a two count. Rosemary tries As Above So Below, Lei shrugs it off, Rosemary tries to go after Lei anyway and eats Thunderstruck! Lei Ying Lee wins!
After the match Rosemary catches Lei on the ramp and hits the Green mist in the eyes. Match was far too short and so many of Lei’s set up moves look better than her finish. We’ve seen Kofi Kingston do it for years so it’s not bad, just the current Knockouts Division are awful and don’t take the move well.
Eric Young and the jabronis come out, EY cuts a very basic power crazed psycho kind of promo, gets the “What” chants from the crowds. EY is trying to recruit Maclin even though Maclin made his line in the sand last week. EY tries to spin it as maybe he took out Josh FOR Maclin instead of in spite of his trust. This really doesn’t seem interesting at all, but that’s probably because I hate the two Jabronis EY is with.
NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC
I really don’t have any interest in Slater. He’s got no personality beyond “flippy guy with a British accent”.
Dango immediately powders, grabs a chair and goes to swing on him but misses. So Leon is making JDC look dumb by dodging the post chop, using the chair to shield himself from a punch by JDC, and then clapping Dango’s fingers between the chair. So typical System match, look inept for the first few minutes, then take advantage of something to take over. Oh look, Leon takes too long setting up the table, Dango gets in a few pot shots, tries to whip him into the table but Leon leaps over it, and then leaps back over to clobber Dango. Dango is still trying to recover so Leon hits his over the corner post con hilo, and the crowd appreciates it but I’m not interested. Leon panders to the crowd after the big spot and then eats an X-Plex into the chair from Dango.
JDC throws Leon back in, goes for a pinfall that’s only a two and we cut to a commercial. Coming out of the commercial JDC is in control with a Kendo Stick until he isn’t, Leon counters and takes the keno stick, brutalizes Dango a few times then comes off the ropes with the kendo shot for 2. Leon goes for another table, and again, at least the crowd is receptive to this match. Leon sets it up, looks for something off the apron but Dango stops him first until he eats a dropkick to fall onto the table, Leon hits the Swanton 450 through the table on the outside. Does it look cool? Sure. Do I care about dumbass moves? Nope.
Oh thankfully the rest of The System comes out to stop the pinfall, Shield Bomb Leon through the first table, and roll him back in for Dango to win.
The Hardy Boyz come out to try and make the save, but the numbers are against them, so Oba Femi’s music hits! Oba cleans house but doesn’t get his hands on Moose, so they’re at least building the eventual clash between Moose and Oba.
The crowd starts a “Tessa, we comin for you” chant before she even starts talking. Tessa is actually playing off the crowd well, Santino’s music hits and Tessa thinks he’ll help her out with the crowd and Santino calls bullshit basically. Santino says if Tessa doesn’t wrestle next week, she’s fired and Masha’s music hits. Masha decides to step in for Tessa’s enhancement talent match.
Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore
Jobber tries to attack Masha early but Masha stops her, rocks her and Requiem ends the match.
Masha stares down Tessa, and then Cora Jade attacks from behind and hits Jaded.
Ryan Nemeth comes out to his Abyss music remix. What will Mokuba say today? “MYYYY BIIIGG BBRROOOOTTHHHEEEEER” he repeats at least 4 times and it’s hilariously cringe. He announces that Nic will return at Sacrifice, he literally just came out to give a PSA.
Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons
Hendry starts with Eddie, after a brief tie up it seems like Hendry reads the room and points at Elijah and the crowd wants him in. So Joe tags in Elijah, a little back and forth, Shoulder Tackle from Elijah, Rope Walk with Elijah lays out Eddie and a tag to Joe allows for a quick tandem knockdown, but Eddie powders as the Walking and Talking Duo hold the ring going into the final commercial break.
We come back and Hendry is bouncing Orlando off the ropes as he return a strike, but Orlando is obviously losing, eats a Euro Upper, and then gets walked around in the Stalling Suplex for posterity. Eddie tries a sneak attack but gets caught and Sack of Shit, into Kip Up, turn and then Orlando with the ambush! A few quick short cuts and an Irish Whip/Dropkick combo gives the Colons a near fall. Hendry does get locomotion variation cradles, but eats a Dropkick to stop the attempt at momentum. Orlando stays on Joe, but Joe finally starts to fire up as the crowd starts to get behind him. Euro Uppers make some space, but a Snapmare says no.
Eddie gets tagged in and a quick Leg Sweep into a Front Chancery keeps Eddie in control. As Joe tries to get back up, Eddie turns it into a Guillotine, but finally the Suplex counter connects for Hendry! Simultaneous tags! Elijah bulls over Orlando, catches a Leap Frogging Orlando with the Manhattan Drop as Orlando retreats to a corner, Stinger Splash into Spinebuster for two. Elijah tries to keep up the attacks but Orlando finds a few ways to make space, launches himself from the middle rope and eats the Jumping Knee! Eddie breaks up the pinfall, Hendry takes Eddie out and Elijah hits the Tombstone Piledriver for the win!
Overall Score: 6/10
Well there were more live hiccups than the first episode, and this felt both more epic and less epic at the same time. Elijah and the Colons debuting was a nice way to kick things off, Oba Femi showing up for the save was fantastic. There were a few decent matches, but also a lot of really short and rushed matches. Tessa played off the crowd well, but Masha really is useless on the mic. Lei Ying Lee needs to framed stronger, her matches have done nothing to show off her ability. It just proves that the Knockouts don’t know how to sell a kick to the head because they all take it in the shoulder and fall in corny ways.
Viva La Sam could be something fun if the next 3 weeks are just hand cam footage of him being like “I’m Sami Callihan and I’m gonna kick Mance Warner’s ass”, Elegance Clique getting the rematch with a stipulation is nice to see and while I like Fir$t Cla$$, that segment went a little long for a cornball swerve payoff. It’s one thing to placate the Influencer squad especially when we’ve seen Logan Paul and Ishowspeed do so well in WWE…but these are like Z Tier Influencers that no one cares about. These kind of dorks stream on Kick because they aren’t relevant enough for Twitch, not because they chose Kick over it.
So yeah, the low lights were pretty low, and the highs were a little fleeting, but at least they were pretty fun. Not a bad show, just clunky with noticeable issues and Masha shouldn’t be allowed to speak English anymore. She’s such a charisma vacuum when she’s not rambling in Russian.
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
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