Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW Power Struggle Results & Report! (11/7/20)
So much is on the line!
It is truly a Power Struggle in NJPW!
Tetsuya Naito defends his IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental Championships against EVIL, again! Who will be atop NJPW after the Power Struggle?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Provisional KOPW 2020 Exposed Corners Match: Toru Yano VS Zack Sabre Jr; Yano wins and retains the KOPW 2020 trophy.
- NEVER Openweight Championship: Minoru Suzuki VS Shingo Takagi; Takagi wins and becomes the new NEVER Openweight Champion.
- Kazuchika Okada VS Great-O-Khan; Okada wins.
- IWGP United States Championship Contract match: KENTA VS Hiroshi Tanahashi; Kenta wins and retains the Right to Challenge contract.
- IWGP Double Championship Contract match: Kota Ibushi VS Jay White; White wins and becomes the new contract holder.
- IWGP Double Championship match: Tetsuya Naito VS EVIL; Naito wins and retains the IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental Championships.
PLAY BY PLAY
Provisional KOPW 2020 Exposed Corners Match: Toru Yano VS Zack Sabre Jr!
The Producer is fired up and wants to shut the Submission Master up, too! And with this special stipulation, Yano’s work will be so much easier! But will having bare buckles only bite Yano in the butt?
The KOPW trophy is set aside, Yano sets aside all his other merchandise, and now the buckle pads are removed. Yano wants them to hurry up, but ZSJ says this won’t matter because of his submission game. The corners are exposed, fans cheer, and Yano wants a gentleman’s agreement that they not whip each other into corners. What is the point of doing this then? The bell rings and finally the KOPW 2020 trophy is on the line!
ZSJ and Yano circle, feel out the grapple, and Yano goes for a leg. ZSJ gets around, the two switch back and forth, ZSJ floats on top but Yano gets away. Fans cheer as the two reset, and Yano kicks! Yano apologizes as he whips ZSJ at a corner! ZSJ stops himself and that agreement is already out the window! ZSJ kicks, whips but Yano reverses. ZSJ stops himself again, Yano runs in but ZSJ dodges and Yano hits bare buckles! There’s the karma! ZSJ whips Yano to the other corner and Yano hits buckles again! And then a third corner! ZSj wants the quartet but Yano reverses, only for ZSJ to reverse again! Yano hits bare buckles again, completing the set! Yano bails out, walks off the pain, and ZSJ wants the count to start.
Wait, Yano finds the buckle pads and grabs one! Yano apologizes as ZSJ tells him to drop that one! Yano refuses, ZSJ goes out and kicks Yano low! ZSJ takes the pad, tosses it, then whips Yano at railings, only for Yano to reverse! ZSJ hits steel now and Yano hurries away to get the pad back! Yano brings it into the ring, and he puts the pad ON the corner! What a reversal of Yano’s usual strategies. ZSJ grabs Yano by his ears and nose first, drags him down, and CRANKS his neck! ZSJ pulls the buckle pad away this time, and considers using it on Yano. Instead, ZSJ throws it out of the ring. The Submission Master drags Yano up, whips him but Yano reverses, only to get caught into a cobra twist! They go around and around, Yano holding the hold off, but not forever!
Yano is caught in the twist but he gets the ropebreak! ZSJ holds on until the ref’s count, and then he whips Yano again. Yano reverses to throw ZSJ down by his hair! Yano fires fans up with Y T R, but gets caught to a heel hook! Another ropebreak saves Yano but ZSJ holds on until 4! Yano gets out of the ring, and brings out the other buckle pad! ZSJ tells Yano to put that down but Yano tells him to shut up! “Urusei, baka!” ZSJ still argues with Yano but Yano refuses. ZSJ goes out, Yano throws the pad away, and they get in each other’s face with chest and shoulder bumping. ZSJ is annoyed so he DECKS Yano with a European Uppercut! Yano gets up, brawls with ZSJ, and a ring count is climbing! Fans rally, ZSJ ROCKS Yano, then eggs him on!
Yano uses the SPRAY BOTTLE! Yano gets in and we’re at 18 of 20! ZSJ gets in at 19.5! Yano has the buckle pad! And he uses WRIST TAPE to tie it to the corner! Where did Yano hide that? The pad is on as far as Yano is concerned! ZSJ runs in, Yano side steps, but ZSJ runs into the pad! Wait, that’s not painful. Yano kicks ZSJ and whips him to a bare corner but ZSJ reverses again! ZSJ pulls Yano’s shirt off and throws it away. ZSJ whips Yano back in, bare skin hits bare buckles! Yano falls down and ZSJ drags him up by his ears. ZSJ wrenches the ear, the ref reprimands and fans rally up. ZSJ CRANKS Yano’s neck again! ZSJ keylocks an arm to STOMP it! Fans rally but ZSJ jams Yano’s leg, then the other leg! Then he stomps the other arm!
ZSJ is thoroughly destroying Yano’s limbs as he has a standing toehold on one leg! ZSJ steps through but Yano boots him away! ZSJ stops himself from hitting the buckles then he whips Yano. Yano grabs ropes and taunts ZSJ, then dodges him to hit a BELLY2BELLY! Both men are down and fans fire up! Yano and ZSJ slowly rise, Yano brings ZSJ up to whip, but ZSJ reverses again! Yano stops himself, and then dodges ZSJ! ZSJ hits buckles, Yano rolls him up, TWO! Yano dodges, gets the takedown, TWO! ZSJ blocks the low blow, then the other! ZSJ throws Yano down, EUROCLUTCH! TWO!! Yano narrowly escapes but ZSJ is after him again. Yano waistlocks, ZSJ victory rolls through to a KNEEBAR! ZSJ has grapevine’d the leg immediately but Yano endures!
Fans rally up as ZSJ keeps shifting his hold, but Yano turns over and gets a leg in return! Yano cranks on the heel but ZSJ does the same! It is a dead heat of Achilles locks! ZSJ and Yano torture each other, but ZSJ is better at that! Yano writhes, endures, fans rally up and Yano keeps moving around. Yano slaps the mat but it isn’t a tap! Yano moves around, ZSJ keeps cranking, so Yano grabs at the ref! Fans continue to rally behind Yano and Yano gets to the ropebreak! Fans cheer, ZSJ can’t believe it, but he has to let Yano go. Yano flops out of the ring, having survived for now. ZSJ goes out after Yano and puts a leg through the railing! ZSJ SLAMS the leg against the bars over and over! And then puts a HEEL HOOK on through the railing!
But Yano goes after ZSJ’s shoe laces? ZSJ cranks on the ankle but Yano is tying the boots together! Yano moves around, a ring count begins, and it reaches 10 of 20 already. ZSJ lets go at 15 but he’s stuck in the railing because of the shoe lace trick!! Yano gets in at 18, ZSJ is stuck outside!! YANO WINS!
Winner: Toru Yano, by count-out (still Mr. KOPW 2020)
As Rocky Romero puts it on commentary, “That man is a genius right there.” Yano continues to find ways to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat! And ZSJ takes his frustration out on a Young Lion who was just trying to help! Will YTR be able to finish out 2020 as Mr. KOPW?
NEVER Openweight Championship: Minoru Suzuki VS Shingo Takagi!
It’s a rematch from Summer Struggle a long time coming! The King of Pancrase slayed The Dragon in Jingu, but will that be avenged here in Osaka?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised and the next chapter in this aggressive feud begins!
Suzuki kicks and shoves, Takagi shoves back and the forearms start flying! Fans rally as both men keep going back and forth, no guard and no slowing down! Suzuki gets the edge, whips Takagi but Takagi reverses. Takagi blocks the boot to clothesline, but Suzuki gives back forearm after forearm! Takagi just gives them all back! Suzuki adds more forearms and even headbutts! The ref counts but Suzuki gives one more, only for Takagi to come back with JAB CHOP JAB CHOP, and then headbutts of his own! Takagi knocks Suzuki down and fans cheer as the ref finally backs Takagi off. Suzuki scowls but then smiles a wicked smile. Fans rally up and Suzuki stands. Takagi JABS but Suzuki just keeps stepping into them! Takagi double CHOPS but Suzuki stays up.
Takagi whips, Suzuki reverses and reels Takagi in. Suzuki cranks on the facelock and keeps Takagi from prying free. Takagi endures, even as Suzuki keeps pulling on his head. Takagi still snap suplexes free! Both men slowly rise as fans rally up. Fans rally with “TA-KA-GI!” as he runs in at Suzuki in the corner. Suzuki dodges, then gets Takagi in a hanging armbar! The ref counts but Takagi CLUBS Suzuki down! Takagi goes out to the apron and brings Suzuki up. Takagi fireman’s carries but Suzuki slips into the ring to get the hanging armbar back! The ref counts, Suzuki lets go at 4 then runs, to BOOT Takagi down! Takagi hits railing and then Suzuki goes out. Suzuki brings Takagi up to RAM into the railing! And then again!
Suzuki whips Takagi to more railing, and watches Takagi writhe on the floor. Fans rally up but Suzuki drags Takagi up to RAM him into more railing! Suzuki backs off, only to get chairs from under the ring! The ref tries to stop Suzuki but Suzuki shoves him away. Suzuki JAMS and SMACKS Takagi with the chair! Takagi’s back is already taped up but Suzuki just adds on with the HALF CRAB! The ref reprimands and tells Suzuki to stop! Suzuki does let go, but when HE wants to. Suzuki warns the ref not to upset him, then he grinds Takagi into the railing! Takagi glares back defiantly but Suzuki bumps Takagi off the apron. Suzuki puts Takagi in, stomps the back, but Takagi grits his teeth as he gets up. Suzuki snapmares and KICKS Takagi right in the back!
Suzuki has the leg and an arm but Takagi gets a ropebreak! The ref counts, Suzuki lets go at 3, but he KICKS Takagi’s bad back again! Suzuki looms over Takagi in the corner and throws forearms. Takagi elbows back, and again, and then throws forearms and CHOPS! Suzuki ROCKS Takagi with a forearm back! Suzuki runs corner to corner to BOOT Takagi! Suzuki snapmares, runs and kicks, but Takagi blocks to then waistlock! Suzuki fights the suplex off, whips again but Takagi blocks to reel Suzuki in, for a SAIDO! Both men are down and fans fire up! Suzuki gets to a corner but Takagi runs in to corner clothesline! Suzuki sputters and Takagi brings him up for a scoop slam! Takagi goes up top, for a DRAGON ELBOW! Cover, TWO!
Suzuki survives but Takagi fires up and so do the fans! Takagi dares Suzuki to get up, then he KICKS him in the back! Takagi hobbles a bit from the bad back but he still gives toying kicks to Suzuki’s head. Suzuki laughs as he gets up. Takagi slaps Suzuki’s head! Suzuki ROCKS Takagi with a forearm! Takagi stays up and laughs it off, to then ROCK Suzuki back! Suzuki wobbles, stays up and he laughs it off. Suzuki ROCKS Takagi, and dares Takagi to come back. Takagi ROCKS Suzuki! Suzuki ROCKS Takagi! And repeat! Fans rally up with clapping as the forearms fly faster and faster! Suzuki ROCKS Takagi again then runs, but into a back elbow! Takagi runs, Suzuki BOOTS him, but Takagi comes back with a clothesline! Suzuki HEADBUTTS Takagi in the back of the head!
Suzuki reels Takagi in but Takagi back drops out of the piledriver! Takagi runs, Suzuki dodges the sliding lariat to boot again! Takagi rebounds to swing, but into a spin and SLEEPER! Suzuki squeezes tight, then spins Takagi around. Gotch lift, but no driver as Takagi fights back! Takagi powers up, DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Suzuki is right up!? PENALTY KICK! But Takagi is up, only for Suzuki to BOOT him! Takagi is up again and he LARIATS! Suzuki rises?! But both men flop and flounder to corners! Fans rally up and the ref checks on both men. Suzuki and Takagi rise, they’re far from through! Takagi eggs Suzuki on, they run at each other, Suzuki BOOTS, then CLUBS Takagi in the back! And again! Takagi turns it around to DDT! Takagi runs, SLIDING LARIAT!
Both men are down again but Takagi fires himself up with “OI! OI! OI!” Fans clap along as Takagi brings Suzuki up. Pump handle and half nelson, but Suzuki fights out of Made in Japan! Takagi falls over, perhaps his back being to blame. Suzuki gets the legs but Takagi kicks him away. Suzuki BOOTS Takagi back down! Suzuki has the leg and turns Takagi over but Takagi gets the ropebreak! Suzuki lets go of the Half Crab and fans rally up again. Suzuki throws fast hands on Takagi all over but Takagi turns it around to throw elbows from all sides! Takagi ROCKS Suzuki with that last one, but he runs into a dropkick! Fans fire up again as both men are back down! Suzuki drags Takagi by his legs and turns him over for the FULL Boston Crab!
Takagi endures, crawls, but Suzuki drags him away! Takagi continues to endure, powers up, and fans rally as he reaches for ropes! Suzuki lets go to just focus on the Half Crab, and he sits DEEP! Takagi somehow endures, somehow keeps moving around, but Suzuki drags him away again! Suzuki pulls back harder, but Takagi gets the ropes after all! Suzuki lets go and looms over Takagi. Suzuki drags Takagi up by his hair to put on the SLEEPER! Takagi is fading fast! Fans rally up but Suzuki squeezes tighter! Takagi is almost out so Suzuki spins him around, GOTCH STYLE- NO! Takagi fights it off again! Suzuki keeps trying but Takagi lifts up. The back gives out and Takagi falls over! Fans rally for “TA-KA-GI!” but Suzuki headbutts him!
Takagi shakes his head so Suzuki headbutts again! Takagi refuses to fall over and he HEADBUTTS Suzuki back! Takagi runs, Suzuki follows but Takagi DECKS him with a forearm! Fans fire up as Takagi dares Suzuki to stand! Takagi powers up and LARIATS! Suzuki wobbles and stays on his feet! Takagi LARIATS but Suzuki stays up again! Suzuki dares Takagi to keep trying so Takagi LARIATS again! Suzuki is still up, he ducks the lariat to headbutt to the back of the head! Takagi elbows back, Suzuki SLAPS, Takagi JABS and LARIATS! Suzuki BOOTS, Takagi LARIATS! Suzuki stays up but barely! Suzuki ducks one lariat but not the BLINDSIDE! Takagi LARIATS again, Suzuki wobbles! Takagi won’t let Suzuki fall yet, and he CLOBBERS him! Down goes Suzuki! Is Suzuki even conscious?!
Takagi won’t let it come to that decision and he drags Suzuki back up. Takagi pump handles but his back is limiting him! He still gets Suzuki up, LAST OF THE DRAGONS!! Cover, Takagi wins!!
Winner: Shingo Takagi, by pinfall (NEW NEVER Openweight Champion)
Whether it was by knockout or this pinfall, Suzuki could not stand against the powerful and determined Dragon! Will Takagi make this second reign as champion even bigger and better?
Kazuchika Okada VS Great-O-Khan w/ Will Ospreay!
The Rainmaker wants after the traitorous Will Ospreay, but is willing to go through The Dominator first! Will Okada be able to rise up against “The Empire” one step at a time?
Ospreay is by O-Khan’s side in a nice suit and with a bottle of champagne. It seems Ospreay is already assuming they’ll be celebrating big after this match. But O-Khan gets started early as he attacks Okada during the entrance! The bell rings, Okada throws forearms back but O-Khan Mongolian chops! And again! And again! Okada is down and fans cheer because they admit, that’s already impressive. Khan throws Okada out and drags Okada up to bump him off the apron. Khan POSTS Okada, and Ospreay is already enjoying the champagne. Khan STOMPS Okada at the railing, then lets off as the ref reprimands. Khan goes back to CLUB Okada on his back as the ring count climbs. Khan puts Okada in at 12 of 20 but takes his time returning.
Fans rally up as Okada rises but Khan BOOTS him down! Cocky cover, TWO! Khan wraps Okada up in an arm triangle but Okada endures. Okada scoots around, reaches and gets the ropebreak! Khan lets go quickly to stomp Okada down. Khan drags Okada up, Okada hits back with body shots, but Khan knees back. Khan knees over and over, then whips Okada to ropes. Okada reverses, and FLAPJACKS Khan down! Fans fire up as both men slowly rise. Okada and Khan get to their feet and Okada throws forearms. Okada whips, Khan reverses but Okada ducks to elbow Khan down! Fans fire up as Okada drags Khan back up. Okada wrenches, whips Khan corner to corner then runs in to hit a back elbow! Okada kicks low and hits the DDT! Cover, TWO!
Okada keeps his cool and starts up the rallying. Khan stands, Okada goes to Alabama lift but Khan fights that off with clubbing forearms! Okada swings, Khan gets around him and atomic SLAMS him! Ospreay cheers but he’s the only one. Khan looms over Okada as fans rally up. Khan drags Okada up, whips him to a corner, and then clotheslines him from behind! Khan hoists Okada up top backwards, then Mongolian chops him into the Tree of Woe! Khan mocks Okada before digging his boot in! The ref reprimands, Khan stomps and runs corner to corner to sliding BOOT Okada out of the Tree! Khan uses a chinbar cover, TWO! Okada survives but Khan keeps his focus. Khan kicks at Okada then brings him up.
Okada fights off the full nelson but Khan reels him in for a waistlock. Okada fights that off, avoids Khan’s half nelson facebuster, and Alabama lifts to the REVERSE NECKBREAKER! Fans cheer as both men are down again! Ospreay coaches Khan up as both Khan and Okada slowly stir. Okada brings Khan up but Khan fights off the gut wrench! Khan clamps onto an ear, then CLUBS it! Khan whips but Okada reverses, only for Khan to deny the dropkick! Khan stalks up, reels Okada in, LIFTING COMPLETE SHOT! Cover, TWO! Okada survives but Khan arm triangles again! Khan grinds Okada down but Okada endures. Fans rally up, Okada moves around but Khan squeezes tighter! Okada reaches with a leg and gets the ropebreak! The ref counts and Khan lets off at 3 in frustration.
Khan drags Okada back up, reels him into a dragon sleeper, and then lifts, but Okada fights free! Khan Mongolian chops Okada again! And again! Ospreay tells Khan to do more, so Khan hits more Mongolian chops! Khan runs, into the dropkick! Fans fire up as Okada drags Khan back up and gut wrenches, to the TOMBSTONE! Okada grabs the arm, drags Khan up and wraps him in the MONEY CLIP! Khan endures, and rakes Okada’s eyes! Khan is free of the Money Clip to then CLAW- NO! Okada arm-drags free! Okada uppercuts, runs but into Khan’s BOOT! Khan is furious as he drags Okada back up in the dragon sleeper. Khan suplexes, holds Okada up for a count of 10, before the SLAM! Okada is down but fans are rallying as Khan clamps on the claw!
Khan drags Okada back up, but Okada slips out to the MONEY CLIP! Okada wrenches tight but Khan rams him into buckles! Khan is free, runs back in but into boots! Okada shotgun dropkicks Khan! But Khan rises! Okada blocks the boot, spins but into the claw! Okada again slips out of the Eliminator choke slam to DISCUS RAINMAKER! And then MONEY CLIP!! Khan pries at the hold, fights his way up, reaches for ropes, but Okada uses the back2backbreaker to stop him! The Money Clip is on tight, Khan fades, the ref calls it!
Winner: Kazuchika Okada, by referee stoppage
Ospreay can’t believe his Dominator has been defeated! Okada stands tall and Ospreay is seething. Okada dares Ospreay to get in the ring with him, so Ospreay does! The two stare down, Ospreay with a smug smirk on his face. Ospreay sarcastically applauds The Rainmaker before grabbing a mic. The mic wasn’t on at first so Ospreay gets on the Young Lion for messing up. But Ospreay congratulates Okada and says Okada passed the test. So for that, Okada has earned the truth. “I used you.” Ospreay used Okada to make himself more popular so that everyone knows the name “Will Ospreay!” And of course he’d get popular standing with the Rainmaker! But there’s one thing that Ospreay can’t get standing by Okada’s side: the title of THE BEST Wrestler in the World!
“Okada, since I’ve left you, look at me! I’m wearing a £3000 suit! I’m drinking £2000 champagne. And I’ve got a £10,000 watch on my wrist!” But Ospreay wants more. So what can he do to get more? What’s worse than stabbing “my big brother” in the back? Well, what if Ospreay ended Okada’s career? Ospreay will never have to worry about his suits ever again because he’ll get more! And more champagne! And more watches! The real deal right there! If Ospreay is the guy, WOO! See you later! Ospreay won’t even have to worry about that. The suits, the drinks, the accessories, the love of Bea Priestly, he’ll never have to worry about any of that being the man that ended the Rainmaker! And where better to finish Okada than in the Tokyo Dome? If Okada wants Ospreay, it will be at WrestleKingdom 15!!
Fans cheer that idea as Okada takes the mic. Okada tells Ospreay, “You did a lot of talking, all in English. The only things I understood were Tokyo Dome, Wrestle Kingdom, and Okada VS Ospreay. That’s good enough for me.” And it won’t be big brother VS little brother, but the Rainmaker crushing Ospreay once and for all! The challenge has been accepted, and we only have to wait two months for it! Will Ospreay ring in the New Year with a new top dog in NJPW?
IWGP United States Championship Contract match: KENTA VS Hiroshi Tanahashi!
Fang Revived had an admittedly awful time in the G1 Climax, and a line of challengers for his Right to Challenge briefcase is forming! Kenta starts with The Ace, but will it be a one and done against the Once in a Century Talent?
The introductions are made, the contract is presented, and this battle to meet Jon Moxley in the future begins!
Fans rally for Tanahashi as he and Kenta circle. They approach and feel out the grapple. Kenta messes Tanahashi’s hair up before backing off. Tanahashi does his best to fix it and he resets with Kenta again. They tie up, fight for the grapple and Tanahashi puts Kenta on the ropes. Kenta keeps messing with Tanahashi’s hair until they break. Tanahashi fixes his hair again and circles with Kenta again. They tie up, Kenta PULLS the hair now and puts Tanahashi on the ropes with that. The ref counts, Kenta lets off and waits on Tanahashi. Tanahashi rushes Kenta but Kenta rocks him with a right! Tanahashi goes to a corner, Kenta whips him corner to corner but runs into Tanahashi’s elbow!
Tanahashi goes up and hits the crossbody! But Kenta’s right up to kick Tanahashi out of his air guitaring! Kenta plays the air bass but Tanahashi kicks him down! Kenta bails out and Tanahashi aims, PLANCHA! Fans fire up with Tanahashi and the air guitar! Tanahashi brings Kenta up and into the ring, and fans cheer as he fixes his hair again. Tanahashi goes in but Kenta bails out. Kenta rests against rails but Tanahashi goes out after him! Tanahashi kicks Kenta, puts him back in, but Kenta rolls away and out of the ring again. Kenta grabs his briefcase but hides it as best he can. The ref reprimands, Tanahashi waits, but the ref starts a count. Tanahashi hurries over, BRIEFCASE SHOT! Kenta just added another dent!
Kenta rains down rights over and over, lets up as the ref reprimands, but then punches Tana more! Kenta brings Tanahashi up, elbows him down and then again. Kenta drops a knee, another knee, then brings down the knee pad, to scuff Tanahashi’s face. Kenta does air piano playing? That’s new. Kenta drags Tanahashi up and throws a big haymaker! Tanahashi hits back with a forearm, and another! And another! Kenta elbows Tanahashi on the back, brings him up and turns him around for a neckbreaker! Cover, TWO! Kenta sits Tanahashi up and wraps him up in a headscissor hold! Tanahashi endures and fans rally up. Kenta tells the fans to shut up as he squeezes tight. Tanahashi moves around and gets the ropebreak!
Kenta holds on until the ref counts, and the ref still has to pry the hold apart. Kenta drags Tanahashi up, elbows him down again, then another! Kenta kicks at Tanahashi toyingly but the fans rally up. Tanahashi gets mad, Kenta KICKS Tanahashi! Kenta KICKS, Tanahashi fires up! Tanahashi blocks a kick, gives forearms in return, but Kenta hits another neckbreaker! Cover, TWO! Kenta drags Tanahashi back up to snapmare him back down, and he clamps on a chinlock! Kenta digs his knee into the back to bend Tanahashi but fans rally up as Tanahashi endures. Tanahashi fights up but Kenta throws him down by his hair! Fans still rally, “LET’S GO ACE!” Kenta brings Tanahashi up and KICKS Tanahashi over and over. Tanahashi throws forearms in return but Kenta knees low!
Kenta elbows Tanahashi again, but Tanahashi blocks the boot! DRAGON SCREW! Tanahashi evens things out and the fans continue to rally. Tanahashi gets up, throws a strike fest on Kenta, then whips. Kenta reverses but Tanahashi hits a flying forearm! Fans fire up with Tanahashi as he throws more body shots. Tanahashi scoop slams Kenta then goes to the ropes, SOMERSAULT SENTON! Cover, TWO! Kenta is still in this but Tanahashi drags him by his legs. Kenta avoids the Cloverleaf and gets the ropebreak! Tanahashi keeps his cool as he stomps Kenta at the ropes. Tanahashi watches Kenta rise then runs, but into a boot! Tanahashi keeps moving but Kenta rolls him up, TWO! Kenta goes to a corner but boots Tanahashi back! Kenta reels Tanahashi in, tornado hotshot!
Tanahashi is down but Kenta goes up top! Tanahashi rises, Kenta hits the FLYING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Kenta keeps on Tanahashi with the arm trap, but Tanahashi resists the crossface! Tanahashi gets the ropebreak to avoid Game Over! Kenta drags Tanahashi back up, waistlocks, but Tanahashi elbows out! Tanahashi runs, into the SPINNING POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Kenta tries again, TWO! Kenta argues the count but two is two. Tanahashi gets to a corner, Kenta fires off haymakers and stomps, but the ref backs him off. Kenta is angry, but he goes after Tanahashi. Tanahashi swings but Kenta spins him into a DDT! Cover, TWO! Kenta bumps into the ref as part of the kick-out! The ref is down and Kenta realizes this.
Kenta grabs his briefcase again! He’s going to break the case at this rate! Fans rally for Tanahashi but Kenta aims, but Tanahashi blocks it!! The ref gets in and tells them both to stop! They all fight over the case, Tanahashi SMACKS Kenta?! Wait, the ref is holding the case so is it his fault? The ref says he’s not to blame, so the case shot is ignored. Tanahashi watches Kenta rise, so he runs, but Kenta dodges to come back, DOUBLE CLOTHESLINES take both men down! Fans rally up again as Tanahashi and Kenta stir. Kenta sits up first but Tanahashi follows. Kenta forearms but Tanahashi forearms back. They brawl on their knees then even more as they stand up! They go back and forth and fans rally behind them! Tanahashi gets the edge, a strike fest, but Kenta has his own!
Tanahashi blocks one back hand but not the second! But Tanahashi ROCKS Kenta back with an uppercut! Both men wobble but Kenta comes back to put Tanahashi through ropes! DRAPING DDT! Fans rally up again as both men are down. Kenta aims at Tanahashi from across the way, and goes corner to corner to BOOT him! Then corner to corner again, HESITATION DROPKICK! Fans fire up and Kenta goes up top! DOUBLE STOMPS!! Cover, TWO!! Tanahashi survives Kenta’s coup de grace but Kenta vows to finish this! Kenta lifts but Tanahashi blocks the fireman’s carry! Tanahashi fights Kenta back, but swings into counter punches! Kenta fires off haymaker after haymaker to ROCK Tanahashi! Kenta fires up as he aims, PSYCHO KNEE!! Cover, TWO!?!
Tanahashi survives but Kenta isn’t done! Fireman’s carry, GO TO- NO! TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Tanahashi holds on, ANOTHER TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! And a THIRD TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Tanahashi is fired up after hitting the hat trick, Kenta rises but counters the Sling Blade! GO TO- SLING BLADE! Tanahashi finds a way to hit it, and then runs to SLING BLADE again! Cover, TWO! Kenta is down, Tanahashi goes up, ACES HIGH CROSSBODY! Tanahashi grabs the legs, for the CLOVERLEAF!! Kenta endures being bent back, even as Tanahashi sits deep! Kenta rolls through and drags Tanahashi down! GAME OVER! Fans rally as Tanahashi endures but he can’t even see where he is with Kenta’s hands over Tanahashi’s eyes!
Tanahashi reaches around with feet, pries at the hold and gets them off to get away! Tanahashi gets the legs again, CLOVERLEAF! Kenta moves around to avoid the full turn over, kicks free and gets the arm again! GAME OVER!! Tanahashi endures all over again, reaches out, but Kenta gets that arm to trap it! They roll around, Kenta CRANKS Tanahashi back hard! Tanahashi quits, Kenta wins!!
Winner: KENTA, by submission (still IWGP US Championship contract holder)
The Fang Revived tore into the Ace and it was truly game over! Will Kenta keep hold of the contract until the day he finally faces The Death Rider? Will the briefcase even last that long?
IWGP Double Championship Contract match: Kota Ibushi VS Jay White w/ Gedo!
Speaking of defending a Right to Challenge briefcase, the Golden Star settles things with the ONLY man to beat him in this year’s “Jay1.” Will Ibushi keep things on track towards a WrestleKingdom 15 championship match?
The introductions are made, White does his own muscle reveal like he’s Tanahashi or something, and he wants to snatch the contract already. The briefcase is put aside, and after White and Gedo Low Sweet, this rematch from the G1 Climax 30 begins!
White complains the bell was too early, he’s not actually ready. But the fans rally with claps for “I-BU-SHI!” White of course bails out, claiming he’s still finishing getting ready. The ref keeps Ibushi back and White returns, only to bail out again. The same ol’ mind games but Ibushi stays in the ring. White checks the briefcase itself, but Ibushi goes out after him. The ref reprimands, White goes into the ring with the briefcase and Ibushi stays calm by rallying fans again. Ibushi gets in, White tosses the breifcase at him then CLOBBERS him! White stomps Ibushi, drags him up and throws forearms. White mocks the applause and throws more forearms.
White whips, Ibushi reverses but White avoids the roundhouse to knee low. White whips again but Ibushi comes back with the flying gamangiri! Ibushi has the fans rallying again as Ibushi KICKS White on the back! Gedo protests while White writhes but Ibushi KICKS him again! Ibushi drags White from the ropes but White elbows him away! White fireman’s carries but Ibushi gets to the apron. Ibushi rocks White but Gedo grabs at Ibushi’s legs! White dropkicks Ibushi down! White goes put, drags Ibushi up, and SLAMS him down on the apron! Gedo cheers but he’s the only one as White walks around and back into the ring. Fans rally for Ibushi and the ring count begins. Ibushi stirs but White goes out to suplex and SLAM him back on the apron!
The ref reprimands, White goes back into the ring while Ibushi is down. The count begins, Ibushi is back in at 8 of 20 but White stands on Ibushi’s chest! White stomps away but the ref reprimands and counts. White lets off but he brings Ibushi around to KICK him. Ibushi says that doesn’t bother him so White KICKS more. Ibushi gets up to ROCK White with rights! White knees low then brings Ibushi back up to knee him again. White whips Ibushi to a corner hard! Gedo cheers but again, he’s the only one. White drags Ibushi up by his hair and rams his shoulder into Ibushi’s ribs over and over! The ref reprimands, White shoves him away to keep ramming! The ref counts, White lets off and fans rally for Ibushi again.
White digs his boot into Ibushi with some Bad Vibrations a la Nakamura. Ibushi gets mad and pushes back but White rakes eyes! White throws Ibushi out then drags him up to whip him into railing! Ibushi slumps down but White brings Ibushi up to put him in. Cover but the ref refuses given all the extracurricular. White and Gedo complain but White drags Ibushi back out. White whips Ibushi hard into more railing! Ibushi slumps down, fans rally up but White puts Ibushi in the ring. Cover but again the ref refuses to count. Gedo and White complain again, but White brings Ibushi back up. White throws Ibushi out once again, and argues with the ref. Gedo goes after Ibushi and whips him into railing!
Gedo whips Ibushi again but Ibushi reverses and Gedo hits railing! Fans cheer Gedo getting what he deserves! White whips but Ibushi reverses again and finally White hits railing! Fans rally for Ibushi as he drags White back up. White shoves Ibushi into the apron! White puts Ibushi in, walks off the back pain then gets in the ring. Ibushi dropkicks White back down! Fans rally up for Ibushi as he aims at White. PLANCHA! Down goes White and the fans fire up! The ring count climbs, Ibushi drags White up and puts him in the ring. Ibushi drags White up, bobs ‘n’ weaves, kicks and KICKS, then KICKS White down! Standing moonsault! Cover, TWO! Ibushi keeps his cool and fans fire up again.
Ibushi brings White up, waistlocks, but White elbows free. White whips but IBushi reverses and then runs in. White dodges, runs back in, Ibushi goes up and over and gets White for a SPINNING POWERSLAM! Ibushi MOONSAULTS, White rolls but can’t avoid all of it! Both men are down after that awkward landing by Ibushi. Fans rally, Ibushi and White go to opposite corners. White runs in to UPPERCUT Ibushi! White GUT BUSTERS and covers, TWO! White drags Ibushi back up and reels him in, but Ibushi blocks the suplex. White knees low, suplexes, and GOURD BUSTERS! Then the BLADE BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Ibushi survives the twisting suplex and fans cheer.
White seethes as he gets up, but then he mocks the applause from the fans. Ibushi fires up and resists White’s lift. Ibushi elbows White but White forearms back. Ibushi DECKS White with the return! White gets to a corner, Ibushi runs in but White boots back! White runs into the RANA! Both men are down but fans rally up again. Ibushi sits up first and encourages the fans to get loud. Ibushi brings White up, but White resists the scoop! White throws body shots but Ibushi still powers through! White fights out harder and then CHOPS! Ibushi spinning KICKS! Ibushi dodges White’s clothesline to SNAP GERMAN! White flounders around and Ibushi fires up, but Ibushi swings into a COMPLETE SHOT!
White waistlocks Ibushi, dead lifts and GERMAN SUPLEXES! That was hard and fast and Gedo is loving it! White drags Ibushi back up, but Ibushi swings again, but into the URENAGE! Gedo is fired up for White! White goes back to Ibushi, brings him around with a sleeper hold, but Ibushi blocks the suplex! Ibushi gets to a corner, but White rams him into the buckles. White CLUBS Ibushi on the back over and over, then hits him HARD in the stomach! White throws more hard body shots, even as the ref reprimands. White finally backs off, and he brings Ibushi in for a knee hard and low! Gedo rallies behind White as White knees Ibushi hard again! White brings Ibushi up but Ibushi blocks the knee to gut wrench! Ibushi tucks White in, BASTARD DRIVER!
Both men are down but the fans are fired up! Ibushi aims as he calls upon the power of Nakamura, but White dodges the Bomaye! White full nelsons but Ibushi standing switches to a SNAP DRAGON SUPLEX! Did Ibushi learn that from Tanahashi or Omega? White sits up into the BUZZSAW! Ibushi says he’ll end it and Gedo freaks out! Ibushi grabs the wrists and sits White up, but White RAMS into Ibushi first! And again! And again! White has Ibushi back up, kangaroo kicks him in the stomach, but Ibushi BOMAYES! Ibushi won’t end it there, he has White in the position, LAST RIDE!! Cover, TWO!! White survives and Ibushi can’t believe it!
Fans rally up and Gedo shouts at White to get up. Ibushi has the wrists, but White reels him in! BLADE- NO! IBushi slips out, V-Trigger misses, SNAP SLEEPER, but Ibushi lands on his feet! ROUNDHOUSE! Ibushi has the wrists, Gedo gets on the apron but Ibushi BOOTS him down! White gets Ibushi, but still no Bladerunner! V-TRIGGER!! Ibushi wants to end this and he gets the wrists again! White slips around to underhook and BACKSLIDE! But he has feet on the ropes!!! White wins?!?!
Winner: Jay White, by pinfall (NEW IWGP Double Championship Contract Holder)
The ref totally missed that!! And now, Ibushi lost the prize he fought so hard to claim! How can White keep getting away with things?! Is 2020 just cursed?! The Young Lions try to explain but Gedo shoves them away. But it doesn’t matter, referee decisions are 99.9% always final. And White is laughing all the way. Will White make good on being the 1 in 16-1 right to challenge contracts changing hands?
IWGP Double Championship match: Tetsuya Naito VS EVIL w/ Dick Togo!
It’s another Summer Struggle rematch! The King of Darkness has gone back and forth with the leader of Los Ingobernables de Japon ever since the New Japan Cup betrayal! But will everything be Evil all over again?
Naito takes his time heading to the ring to of course get on Evil’s nerves. Naito takes off the elaborate entrance attire while Red Shoes raises both the Heavyweight and Intercontinental Championship belts. Fans rally already but Evil and Dick Low Sweet. The two men are finally ready, and the next chapter in this tragic tale of betrayal begins!
Naito and Evil circle slowly but Naito makes sure Dick stays back. Evil and Naito approach but Naito backs off, as is his usual tactic. They go again, and this time it’s Evil who fakes Naito out. Evil smirks as he and Naito circle then approach. Evil kicks low, headlocks but Naito endures the grind. Naito pries at the hold but Evil wrangles him back in. Evil grinds, Naito drops to a knee, but Naito pops out the back. Naito headlocks but Evil quickly turns it back around. Naito rolls and gets Evil down for a headlock again, and cranks back. Evil endures, rolls Naito to his own headlock, but Naito pushes with forearms. Evil cranks harder, Naito fights up and powers out. Evil runs Naito over and fans admit that was good. Things speed up, Naito arm-drags Evil then elbows him down! Naito keeps moving, basement dropkick! Fans cheer because they like that!
Naito snapmares and puts on the headscissor hold. Evil endures as Naito cranks on his head! Naito pushes up to keep the pressure on but Evil refuses to quit. Naito thrashes Evil, lets him go to cover, TWO! Naito is back on the headlock and he grinds Evil down. Evil moves around but Naito cranks harder. Evil pulls hair, Red Shoes reprimands and Naito grinds more. Naito grabs an arm, brings Evil up and cravats. Evil endures as Naito cranks on the hold, but Evil gets the ropebreak! Red Shoes counts, Naito thrashes Evil around but Naito lets off. Evil bails out right away and catches his breath. Naito waits but then goes out after Evil! Naito clubs Evil, runs Dick off, but Evil knees low and RAMS Naito into railing! That was so hard, the timekeeper is wiped out, too!
Evil drags Naito up to snap suplex Naito to the floor! Red Shoes goes out to check on everything and Evil leaves that mess behind. Dick has undone the blue corner’s buckle pad! The Bullet Club special is ready while fans rally up. Naito slowly rises, the ring count begins, and Naito gets up at 10 of 20. Naito is in at 13 but Evil is after him with another snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Fans cheer but Evil keeps his cool. Evil taunts Naito, Naito gets up and he throws body shots! Naito throws haymakers but Evil whips him to the bare corner! Evil drags Naito up and throws him out of the ring. Evil goes after Naito, turns him around and RAMS him BACK into the timekeeper’s table! Poor Abe-san! Evil says maybe he shouldn’t be sitting so close!
Red Shoes helps the timekeeper but Evil puts Naito in the ring. Dick gets in with a chair and SMACKS Naito with it! Dick gets away with it before Red Shoes is back in the ring. Fans rally up for Naito but Evil grabs a leg and turns him for a Half Crab! Evil digs a knee in to Naito’s back on top of it! Naito endures, fans continue to rally, and Naito crawls to a ropebreak! Evil holds on until Red Shoes counts and he lets go at 4. Naito clutches his back but Evil taunts him. Evil kicks at Naito and Dick taunts him but fans continue to rally. Evil drags Naito up and reels him in, but Naito resists the fisherman! Naito throws body shots, but Evil still suplexes! Naito fights free, Evil knees low and runs, but Naito waistlocks! Evil standing switches, shoves, goes from the corner, but Naito counters that to a neckbreaker! Both men are down and fans fire up!
Naito and Evil stir, and Naito stands first. Naito throws haymakers and kicks on Evil then whips. Evil reverses but Naito ducks to dropkick Dick! Naito boots Evil then huricanranas him to a corner! Fans fire up as Naito runs in, rocket kick and leg sweep! COMBINACION CABRON! Fans fire up as Naito strikes his pose! Cover, TWO! Fans still rally as Naito works out the pain in his back. Naito brings Evil up, dragon sleepers for the backbreaker to the leg hook full nelson! Evil endures, even as Naito slaps Evil around. Dick tries to distract Red Shoes and egg Naito on but Naito ignores Dick. Naito cranks harder on Evil but Evil endures. Naito sees Dick is still there so he does let go after all. Naito swings on Dick but Dick gets away. Naito boots, Evil blocks and clotheslines Naito out!
Evil catches his breath before going out. Evil brings out a chair and watches Naito rise. Evil JAMS Naito with it, Dick distracts as Evil hits the HOME RUN! Naito goes down and Evil says that one is out of the park! Red Shoes goes out and reprimands while the fans rally up. Evil drag Naito up and into the ring. Evil mocks the applause from the fans then mocks Naito. Naito gets up while Evil waits, and then Evil runs in to corner clothesline! Evil SNAP FISHERMAN, covers, TWO! Fans cheer and Evil is upset that Naito is still in this! Evil drags Naito up, reels him in but Naito fights off the fireman’s carry. Naito and Evil grapple, Evil whips, Naito reverses to TORNADO DDT! Both men are down and fans fire up again!
Naito gets up, goes after Evil and brings him to a corner. Naito hoists Evil up top, climbs up but Evil gets out to trip him up! Evil whips Naito but Naito reverses, only for Evil to reverse again! Naito hits bare buckles! And then Naito staggers into Evil’s BACKBREAKER! Both men are down again but Naito is writhing in pain. Fans rally up as Naito and Evil slowly rise. Evil sits up first, drags Naito up, but Naito hits back. Naito throws forearms but they don’t back Evil down. Evil RAMS Naito into the bare buckles! Naito goes down in a heap, writhes and rolls, but Evil follows. Evil brings Naito up, hoists him up top, then climbs up to join him. Evil goes to the very top, fans rally in anticipation of what’s coming, and Evil brings Naito up for a SUPERPLEX!
Evil has to crawl over, but he goes for the legs instead! SHARPSHOOTER! Naito endures as Evil sits deep on the Scorpion Deathlock! Fans rally as Naito reaches for ropes. Naito crawls but Evil sits DEEP! Evil keeps on Naito’s legs and back but Naito refuses to give up! Is Naito conscious, though? Naito is awake and he gets the ropebreak! Evil holds on until Red Shoes counts to 4. Fans cheer as Naito is still in this but Evil stalks back over. Evil drags Naito up, fireman’s carries, DARKNESS FALLS! Cover, TWO!! Naito survives! Evil grows frustrated but he vows to end this! Evil drags Naito up, spins him but Naito fights off the STO! Naito waistlocks to GERMAN SUPLEX! Evil gets up right away to run, into a SPINE BUSTER! Both men are down again and fans fire up!
Evil crawls to a corner but Naito follows. Naito drags Evil up and puts him on the top rope now. Naito climbs up, throws forearms over and over, then SUPER STEINERS! Evil hits hard but Naito won’t let off! Hammerlock, GLORIA! Cover, TWO!! Evil survives but Naito still has more! Naito wrenches, tilt-o-whirls but no Destino! Evil gets around to GERMAN SUPLEX Naito! Naito is up and shocks Evil! Naito denies the STO to enziguri! Evil reverses the whip but Naito comes back with flying forearms! Dick is up but Naito DECKS him! Naito aims at Evil, runs and tilt-o-whirls, DESTINO!! But Naito doesn’t cover, he hits a SECOND DESTINO!! Cover, but Dick drags Red Shoes out!! The Spoiler isn’t letting Evil lose just yet! Naito sees Red Shoes is down, but he doesn’t see the SPOILER CHOKER!
Dick chokes Naito and Yujiro Takahashi is here!? Tokyo Pimp uses his PIMP CANE! And PIMP JUICE! Yujiro is Team Evil within Bullet Club after all! But here comes SANADA! Cold Skull dropkicks Dick but Yujiro kicks Sanada! Dick and Yujiro double whip but Sanada dodges to double dropkick them out! Sanada DOUBLE PLANCHAS Dick and Yujiro! Fans are thunderous as LIJ counters Bullet Club! Sanada even hauls Dick and Yujiro away! Things are now fair between champion and challenger! Red Shoes revives, having missed all the madness! Fans are thunderous again as Naito and Evil slowly rise. Naito and Evil head for each other while Red Shoes rests in a corner. Evil throws a forearm but Naito hits back!
Red Shoes slowly sits up while these two brawl back and forth on their knees. Naito drags Evil up by his hair but Evil forearms back! Evil and Naito keep hitting back and forth, and all three men, including Red Shoes, stand. Naito eggs Evil on with a look so Evil hits him back! Naito forearms Evil, Evil forearms Naito, back and forth, faster and faster! The fans rally up and Naito gets the edge! Evil staggers back and fans fire up more! Evil runs, Naito ducks and kicks back. Evil blocks that to rake Naito’s eyes! Red Shoes reprimands and counts, but Evil swings Naito’s leg into him! Red Shoes goes down again and Evil LOW BLOWS Naito!! But with no ref, Evil can’t get a count! Fans rally back up as Evil drags Naito up. Evil runs but Naito pops him up to LOW BLOW back!! Turnabout is fair play!
But here comes Jay White! The new contract holder smirks as he gets in the ring. But he hesitates. Does he want to go after Naito to ensure it’s Bullet Club all the way? Wait he goes after Evil!? “Is this what you want?!” But White just puts Evil in a corner to help him sit up. White goes to Naito, reels him in, SNAP SLEEPER SUPLEX! White says, “You’re welcome.” But IBUSHI returns! Ibushi runs off White but Evil CLUBS Ibushi! Evil fireman’s carries Ibushi but Ibushi slips out to ROUNDHOUSE! Ibushi goes back to chasing White! Fans are thunderous as it is again even between Naito and Evil! Naito crawls over, drags Evil up and Red Shoes is finally back. Naito throws elbow after elbow into Evil, but doesn’t let Evil stay down for long. Naito brings Evil back up for more elbows!
Evil falls over again and fans cheer as Naito brings him up for a third round of elbows! Evil RAMS Naito back into bare buckles! Naito powers up to throw more elbows! And he RAMS Evil into buckles! And throws even more elbows! Naito is relentless on Evil! Fans are thunderous as Naito drags Evil up. Naito scoops but Evil slips out and shoves Naito at Red Shoes! ANOTHER LOW BLOW!! And then a HUGE LARIAT!! Cover, TWO!?!? Naito survives and Evil is shocked! Fans continue to rally hard as ever as Evil sits up. Evil staggers over and drags Naito back up. Evil spins Naito, but still no STO! Naito tries to swing on Evil but Evil counters, only for Naito to slip out, elbow, and SLAP Evil! Then, scoop and VALENTIA! Evil is in a daze as Naito brings him up, DESTINO!!! Cover, Naito wins!!
Winner: Tetsuya Naito, by pinfall (still IWGP Double Champion)
Thank you, Naito, for saving the rest of us from the worst case scenario! The Uncontrollable Charisma holds onto both Heavyweight and Intercontinental Championships and will bring us a rematch of last year’s WrestleKingdom. Will Naito make Jay White pay for everything he and the Bullet Club have done?
Naito insists someone raise his hand, and is pointing at Jushin Liger on commentary? Liger politely declines that job, but wait. White is back, with Gedo and the Right to Challenge briefcase. White gets in and says he’ll raise Naito’s hand. White does, which fans cheer, but it’s White who takes the mic first. “You awake? Naito, sorry about before. But Naito, it’s just me and you now. Ibushi, he failed. Evil, even with my help, he failed, too. So Naito, once again, it’s just me and you.” Next is WrestleKingdom! January 4th and 5th, so White will tell us what happens. Night one: White will do nothing. White will take a night off. Naito can do whatever he wants. He could wrestle a young boy or whatever. But White will do “nada” that night.
White wants Naito to understand that on night two, 1/5, White will challenge for the titles because HE has the briefcase now! White, on 1/5, will take the titles from Naito! Night two and night two only! Naito tries to get it clear, 1/5. Yes, and White says that night is when he becomes the next Heavyweight AND Intercontinental Champion! That is WHITE’S Destino. Ibushi returns?! White tells him he doesn’t have this anymore so he can’t come out! White won the briefcase! Ibushi doesn’t care, he keeps walking to the ring. White and Gedo bail out to stay away from Ibushi. White says Ibushi shouldn’t be here. White has the briefcase, Naito has the belts, Ibushi has nothing!
Fans clap for “I-BU-SHI!” as Ibushi goes out of the ring. White and Gedo run away again but Ibushi is like a Terminator! White says the match is his, but will Ibushi find a way to change that? As for Naito, he gets the mic back and apologizes for White’s interruption. That said, BUENOS NOCHES, OSAKA~! “The fourth singles match with Evil, the second here in Osaka… If you didn’t want to see it, you could have left in the semifinal match. But if you did, thank you, amigos.” Naito says they’ll be back in Osaka for Best of the Super Juniors, that’s not Naito’s card. This is the last time this year Osaka got to see Naito wrestle.
But! Next year, Naito will be excited to return again. By the way, Naito knows the next time they’ll be here. Do the fans know? It’s a secret, so please tranquilo, be patient! Naito continues to say that he’ll finish things off as they should be. You can’t shout along, but please do it in your hearts. NJPW Power Struggle in Osaka will end with the role call! “BUSHI! SANADA! HIROMU! TAGAKI! Y NAITO! Nosotros! Los Ingoberrrrrnableeees~! DE! JA! PON!!” The streamers fly and confetti falls, Naito stands tall as the top champion in NJPW! Will Naito have plans for WK15 Night 1 on 1/4? Or will he rest up just like White to make Night 2 as explosive as possible?
My Thoughts:
This was a very strong event, but of course it is, as it is a feeder to WrestleKingdom in many ways. Yano VS ZSJ was pretty good, the bare buckle stipulation causing a lot of strategies to be reversed. Another clever win from Yano, I wonder who he’ll face at WK15 and in what match. Suzuki VS Takagi was again brutal, but Suzuki might’ve shoot lost that match anyway. He looked legitimately dazed, not just selling a hit. I’m sure he’ll be fine or else there might’ve been news. But it’s great that Takagi has the belt again and will have another run to again, as I said earlier this year, give us those great match-ups his first run would’ve had if not for COVID.
Kenta VS Tanahashi was really good, and I am a bit surprised it is Kenta retaining. But I suppose with Jon Moxley essentially Face between both NJPW and AEW, he needs a Heel to face, and this can feed into a larger Bullet Club story where they’re trying to grab up a bunch of gold. Okada VS Great-O-Khan was really good, and of course Okada wins on the big stage. Ospreay had a great suit, had a great promo, and is clearly building his new character where he is about a different kind of flash and substance now. Okada VS Ospreay for WrestleKingdom is going to be great, could go either way, but I feel like Ospreay’s Empire only gains momentum if he wins. It doesn’t have to be clean, either. A new member of The Empire could reveal themselves, since it’s just Ospreay, Khan and Bea. Ibushi VS White was perhaps the real shocker of the night, I did not think they’d pull that when they could give us a Naito VS Ibushi rematch.
Naito VS Evil was great, but mostly for the overbooking and the false finishes caused by screwjob attempts. Teasing White turning on Evil was a good detail, Sanada and Ibushi helping Naito was great, and even White and Ibushi coming back to have something more to say and do was good. White pointing out how there will be two nights and he wants night 1 off has to mean stuff happens after all. Ibushi can request a rematch and “NJPW management” gives it to him, so things could change last minute on us. White also taunting Naito with being able to do whatever, Naito also lost to Sanada, so maybe Naito gives Sanada his shot on night 1. This will all of course parallel WK14’s Double Gold Dash, the mini-tournament with winners facing winners. Ibushi winning back the contract, and then perhaps Sanada having his moment of finally winning big, and then we get a G1 Climax 30 finals rematch on night 2, that’d be incredible!
My Score: 9.1/10
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Can the Last Real Champion handle The Truth?
While the King & Queen of the Ring tournaments reach their semifinals, John Cena has his first match on SmackDown in years, against Ron Killings!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Queen of the Ring Semifinals: Asuka VS Alexa Bliss; Asuka wins and advances to Night of Champions.
- Aleister Black VS Kit Wilson; No Contest.
- King of the Ring Semifinals: Randy Orton VS Sami Zayn; Orton wins and advances to Night of Champions.
- Charlotte Flair VS Chelsea Green w/ The Secret Her-vice; Charlotte wins.
- Bronson Reed w/ Paul Heyman & Bron Breakker VS LA Knight; Knight wins, by disqualification.
- John Cena VS Ron Killings; Killings wins, by disqualification.
PLAY BY PLAY
LA Knight is here!
Grand Rapids fires up as the Mega Star marches right to the ring. Knight grabs a mic while the fans chant his name, and he says, “LEMME TALK TO YA!” The fans cheer, and Knight says, “Let’s just go ahead and rewind our mind a little bit. We go to back to Money in the Bank, Seth and his boys, they just happen to come down and screw this guy.” The fans boo that. Knight says usually, he lets things slide. But he just figured he couldn’t let it slide, so he made sure to screw on of Rollins’ boys in their title opportunity, King of the Ring. But then they came back, paid it back and screwed Knight outta KOTR, so he had to go and screw the other one over!
And it just has Knight thinking. Fans “YEAH!” and Knight says there is only one way this can go. He has gone back and forth between Raw and SmackDown, where it ends, nobody knows! Except Knight! He knows! He knows where this ends! The fans cheer that! And Knight says it ends with him and Rollins! And what better place than here? And what better time than now! Knight tells Rollins to come on out and talk to him! But “Ladies and gentlemen…” The fans boo as Paul Heyman walks out and gives his introductions. He serves as the Wise Man to Mr. Money in the Bank, Seth FREAKIN’ Rollins!
Heyman says you do not boo that name. And you screwed up your cue, so they’ll do this again. He serves as the Wise Man for Seth Freakin’ Rollins! The fans keep booing, Heyman wants to try again, but Knight says shut up and get to the point! Why is Heyman here?! Heyman walks to the ring and asks permission to step inside. The fans chant “O T C! O T C!” but Knight steps back. Heyman steps into the ring, and he says yes, there has been a lot of bad blood between Knight and Mr. MITB, Seth Freakin’ Rollins. However, Heyman happens to be, with all due respect to everyone here in Grand Rapids, Michigan…
The fans chant “C M PUNK!” at Heyman now and he frowns. Knight says Heyman has a lot of enemies. Heyman says he is the biggest LA Knight fan in all of WWE! Heyman’s been waiting a long time to say this: YEAH! Now, because of that, Seth Freakin’ Rollins (the fans boo again) has allowed Heyman to say to Knight, as a favor to Heyman… It is time for Knight to get the hell outta Grand Rapids, Michigan. Because if he does not, something really bad is going to happen to him before the end of the night. Have a nice evening. Heyman turns to go but the fans cheer Knight on. Knight says he couldn’t help but notice, but did you~ (poking fun at Heyman’s voice cracking) threaten Knight?
Because Knight wants to wrap his head around this. He’s heard Heyman say stuff like this before, because Heyman is a liar, a swindler, a grifter, a scammer and a schemer! Heyman leeches on to any talent that has a bit of hype, sucks ’em dry, then moves on to the next! Rollins just happens to be the latest in this. But where next? Who cares! But the bottom line is, Knight asked for Rollins but he got Heyman. And while he got Heyman, he got a Heyman out here talking all tough. So it has Knight thinking, he has a great idea.
Talking about wise man, wisdom, there was a point in time if Heyman had said something like that, a man like Knight would look at a “thing” like Heyman and punched his wisdom teeth down his throat! Knight won’t do that, yet. But here’s the deal: Heyman’s talking all tough, but if he can’t bring Rollins out here, then the only thing to do out here in Grand Rapids is Knight fighting Heyman here and now! The fans fire up for that! Knight asks if the fans want that, and they cheer! “HUH?” “YEAH!” “HUH?” “YEAH!” “YEAH!!” Knight promises he’ll turn around, take his vest off, and Heyman gets the first shot. He better make it good, or Knight will molly whop his ass right outta Grand Rapids!
The fans fire up as Knight does as promised. He turns around, his vest is off, but Heyman bails? The fans boo as the Wise Man doesn’t play along. Heyman says, “Remember when I told you to get the hell out of Grand Rapids or else something really bad is gonna happen to you before the end of the night? That wasn’t a prediction. That… was a spoiler!” Heyman throws down his mic, and here comes Bronson Reed & Bron Breakker! Rollins’ behemoths head to the ring, but Knight fires off on them first! The fans rally as Knight throws hands and feet, but then Bron TACKLES Knight! Bronson joins in and they mug Knight right out of the ring!
Bronson drags Knight up to TOSS him over barriers! Bron clears the desk, he wants Bronson to put Knight through it! But Knight has a chair! He JAMS Bron, JAMS Bronson, then SMACKS Bron and SMACKS Bronson! Knight gets in the ring, ready to hit whoever gets in! The fans cheer Knight but Heyman has Bron & Bronson stand down. Will Heyman have the henchmen try again before the end of tonight?
SmackDown returns and…
Heyman has Bron & Bronson calm down, they have this under control. It is all in their favor, and it always will be in their favor. That is the whole point behind this. Byron Saxton steps in and wants to talk to them, but Heyman has to hold Bron back like the dog he is! Heyman says no need to bite Byron. Byron apologizes, he has word from SmackDown GM, Nick Aldis, that Bronson Reed VS LA Knight is set for tonight. Heyman says okay, thank you, and goodbye. Byron leaves and Heyman smiles. He told them! Patience is not a virtue, it is strategy. Bronson smiles and nods. Will Auzsilla destroy LA here in Grand Rapids?
Queen of the Ring Semifinals: Asuka VS Alexa Bliss!
Two great returns to action through this tournament, and now they cross paths with each other. The Empress of Tomorrow overcame Ivy Nile, Raquel Rodriguez and Stephanie Vaquer while Lil’ Miss Bliss outsmarted Alba Fyre, Candice LeRae and Charlotte Flair. But whose comeback story overtakes the other’s here just one match away from Night of Champions?
The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Alexa headlocks, but Asuka powers up and out. Alexa RAMS Asuka, Asuka roars, and the fans fire up as Asuka fires hands! Alexa blocks a kick to THROW Asuka down, then basement DROPKICK! The fans cheer as Asuka and Alexa reset. Alexa kicks, Asuka blocks and slips through to waistlock. Alexa elbows free, runs, but Asuka runs past her to then RUN her over! The fans fire up and Asuka runs in again, HIP ATTACK! Alexa falls to the floor and the fans fire up while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Asuka lets Alexa stay down while she soaks up the cheers. The ring count starts, Alexa rises, but Asuka goes out after her. Alexa slips inside and DROPKICKS Asuka’s leg! Asuka falls from the apron but she has to nod respect for that savvy move. Asuka steps back in at 6 of 10, and she resets with Alexa. They circle, feel things out, and tie up. Asuka wrenches and wristlocks, but Alexa rolls and wrenches to hammerlock. Alexa waistlocks, rolls Asuka, TWO! The two stand off again and they both nod respect. They reset, the fans rally up, and the two feel things out. Asuka trips Alexa, clamps on with a headlock, and she grinds Alexa down.
Alexa endures, Asuka turns her over to go after the arm, then she stands on Alexa’s arm. Alexa endures, Asuka shifts arms, but Alexa wrenches out to wrangle Asuka. Alexa shifts to a cording hold, but Asuka fights up and fires body shots. Alexa whips Asuka to a corner, but Asuka elbows her away! And BOOTS! Asuka goes up, leaps, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Alexa stays in this but Asuka stays focused. Asuka drags Alexa around and gives her Kawada Kicks! SmackDown returns to single picture, and Asuka wrenches for a chicken wing! Alexa fights the Asuka Lock and JAWBREAKERS free! Alexa runs up to RUN Asuka over!
The fans rally as Alexa rallies, then hits a BLOCKBUSTER! The fans fire up as Alexa SLAPS, ROCKS, and KNEES Asuka down! Then SOMERSAULT SENTON! Cover, TWO! Asuka stays in this and Alexa grows frustrated. The fans rally while Alexa brings Asuka up. Asuka breaks free to URAKEN, SOBAT, FRONT KICK, and GERMAN SUPLEX! Alexa tumbles away, Asuka runs up, SLIDING KICK! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up as Asuka stands and takes aim. But Alexa ducks the buzzsaw! Cover, TWO! Alexa clinches, TWISTED- NO, Asuka rolls Alexa up! TWO! Alexa sits up, BUZZSAW! Cover, TWO!! Alexa survives but Asuka just fires up!
The fans rally as Asuka goes to the corner. Asuka climbs from the outside, and MISSILE- NO, Alexa dodges this time! Alexa kicks and DDTS! Cover, TWO! Asuka stays in this and the fans fire up! “This is Awesome!” as Alexa drags Asuka into the drop zone. Alexa goes up, up, and the fans fire up! TWISTED- NO, Asuka moves, so Alexa stops. Alexa won’t let Asuka sneak away, but then she gets caught in an ARMBAR!! Alexa flails, rolls, but ends up in an omoplata! RINGS OF SATURN!! Alexa fights around, pops her arm free for a cover, TWO!! Asuka reels Alexa in, NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!!
The fans fire up as Alexa stays in this! Asuka fires up, the fans are with her, and she runs up, only for Alexa to ROCK her with a right! Alexa puts Asuka in the Tree of Woe, and she DROPKICKS Asuka out of it! Alexa climbs back up, and TWISTED BLISSÂ onto knees!! Asuka still counters the moonsault, and hits the EMPRESS IMPACT!! Cover, Asuka wins!
Winner: Asuka, by pinfall (advances to Night of Champions)
The Empress says no one is ready for Asuka, and that has certainly been the case! But on Raw, we find out, will it be Jade Cargill or Roxanne Perez that meets Asuka in Saudi Arabia?
Jade Cargill, Mia Yim & B-Fab watch backstage.
And Fab says damn, Asuka just came back and she’s already making statements. Almost like she never left. Michin says maybe they need to make their own statements. They need to talk to Aldis about the tag titles. Fab agrees. Fab & Mia wish Jade luck before heading out. Byron walks in and asks if he can have a word. Jade says shoot. Byron says Asuka just advanced, but Jade has her match on Monday with Roxanne Perez. How does Jade feel about facing a talented competitor like Roxie? And how does she feel about the possibility of facing Asuka in the finals? Jade says “Rox” has potential. Roxie is quick and scrappy.
But she’s still trying to prove herself. And this isn’t a proving ground, this is a throne room, and Jade was built for royalty. As for Asuka, there’s a storm on the horizon. But news flash, Jade is that storm. This entire tournament wasn’t built for the future, but for a woman who can walk through fire, shatter glass ceilings, and take her crown on the way to the top. This Queen of the Ring, Jade isn’t just walking in to win. She’s here to reign. Will the Prodigy be washed away by the storm this Monday?
Alexa Bliss returns backstage.
And Chelsea Green finds her. Flanked by her Secret Her-vice, The Hot Mess asks, “Hey, little fu-fu, how’s your boo-boo?” Alexa asks back, “How’s yours?” Piper tells Chelsea not to get upset, Alexa is just jealous. Chelsea says this serves Alexa right. Chelsea should be Queen of the Ring, and she’d be building her parliament if not for Alexa! Oh, if she has that big of an issue, then try facing her in the ring. Chelsea says she will! But then Charlotte Flair walks in and says if anyone should’ve still been in this tournament, it’s her. But had Chelsea’s “replacement” tapped out sooner, maybe she would.
So here’s the deal: Charlotte will have a match made and tap Chelsea out instead. N-Not if Chelsea makes it a bank holiday! ROYAL DUTIES! NICHOLAS! Chelsea hurries away with the Secret Her-vice following, and Alexa tells Charlotte that she doesn’t need Charlotte’s help. Oh, that’s cute. Because Charlotte wasn’t helping Alexa. Charlotte leaves now, leaving Alexa to chew on that. Will The Queen chew up the Hot Mess and spit her out now that she has nothing better to do?
Aleister Black VS Kit Wilson!
The Dark Father is also directionless now that he is out of the King of the Ring tournament, but he never lets that bother him. Will he make himself the direction all roads lead when things #FadeToBlack? Or will Kit prove he can be Pretty Deadly all on his own?
Wait, who is attacking Kit? It’s R-TRUTH! But why’s Ron Killings going after Kit?! He POSTS Kit, drags him back out, and puts him in an STF!! The fans fire up and Kit taps, but it won’t matter when this isn’t a match! Killings lets Kit out of the hold and demands a mic. A mic is given, and Killings says, “Get John Cena out here now. I’m driving! On my terms! Cena, get out here!” The fans fire up and then Killings puts Kit back in the STF! Aleister is rather confused, but producers hurry out here to stop Truth. Truth lets Kit go, Jamie Noble asks Truth wait for the main event. Truth seethes, but he accepts the terms.
Killings leaves, walking right past Aleister. Will there be no denying The Truth when he finally gets his hands on the Last Real Champion?
Jamie Noble talks with Truth backstage.
Jamie says Truth has to calm down. Truth says he wants John Cena NOW! He’s driving! Yes, okay, but just wait. Truth promises that when he sees Cena, he is killing him tonight! Aleister steps in and asks Truth why he is getting involved in Aleister’s match. Truth says it wasn’t personal, it had nothing to do with Aleister. These two stare down, and then Damian Priest steps in. The Archer of Infamy has Aleister stand down. Truth is going through a lot, let Priest talk to him. Oh, of course. Aleister says, “Ron.” “Black.” Aleister leaves, Priest tells Truth that there’s no need for any of that. Priest gets Truth is frustrated, but he can’t just go beat up people for no reason.
Priest used to do that, and Truth was the guy there to make him smile. Truth made the world smile! All that anger and negativity, focus that on the match tonight. Focus that on John Cena. Go out there and handle business with Cena, then Priest and Truth can go downtown to celebrate. How’s that sound? Truth says sounds good, DP. They shake hands, and Priest heads out. Truth is still seething, but will he make sure it all explodes on Cena?
Cody Rhodes is here!
Grand Rapids sings along as The American Nightmare makes his way out, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro, he high-fives fans in the front row, then looks closely at the King of the Ring’s crown. Cody goes to the ring and grabs the mic. He hears the fans cheer him on, but then Jey Uso is here! The fans fire up as Main Event Jey makes his way down through the crowd! A young fan joins in bouncing along, but so does all of Grand Rapids! Jey continues down the stands, finds another young fan, and they bounce along again. Jey then reaches ringside, high-fives the front row, and he joins Cody in the ring as we get the next wave of YEET!
Grand Rapids might want to YEET all night, but Jey hugs it out with Cody before he gets his own mic. The music dies down, the fans chant, “One More Time! One More Time!” and Cody says sure, one more is fine. Jey says okay, and yes, the fans get to YEET again! Jey says hey, Cody doesn’t even have to say nothing. They been in the trenches! “YEET!” Still in the trenches! “YEET!” From fighting The Bloodline… “YEET!” To winning tag titles… “YEET!” To finishing their stories at WrestleMania! “YEET!” They’ve both been to the mountaintop. “YEET!” But Cody, on Monday, there is only room for one of them.
The fans are intrigued, and Cody nods. Jey says there’s only one that can go. Cody VS Jey, Jey VS Cody, and Jey knows Cody will bring it. Jey has to get his, Uce. He has to, just like Cody has to get his. But that said, Uce, it ain’t personal. This all business. But that all said, too, Uce, on Monday, after they go to war, please believe that it will be four letters, one word, uh uh… YEET! Cody smiles and the fans cheer. They shake hands again, and wait! Here comes Sami Zayn! The fans cheer as the Great Liberator makes his way to the ring. Sami grabs a mic to say, “This is nice, isn’t it? I get to share the ring with two great friends.”
The fans applaud, and Sami says he is in the ring with two of the very best that this business has to offer! The fans cheer that, too! Sami says he’d be lying if he denied there was a part of him that sees the three of them in this ring, and notices how only one of them has never been world champion. Jey, Sami wants him to know, man to man, this year, Sami missed Mania. Sami had no reason to be in Las Vegas, but he got his ass on a plane to Vegas for one reason: To congratulate Jey the moment he won the World Heavyweight Championship! Sami loves Jey, and he is proud of him. And Cody, for years, everyone watched as Cody finished his story.
And when Cody did, he did the unthinkable and pinned Roman Reigns in the middle of this ring, Sami was the first one out here to congratulate Cody. Sami is so proud that Cody finished his story. So he hopes both men understand that now, it is time for Sami to finish HIS story! The fans cheer, but then here comes Randy Orton! The Viper looks at the crown, then goes to the ring. The fans sing along with Voices and Orton grabs himself a mic. “So Cody, same deal as last week but I’m gonna say it again. There is no line I will not cross, even if it means going through you, so that I can get to John Cena at SummerSlam, beat him, and get my FIFTEENTH world championship!”
The fans cheer, and Orton tells Jey, “Man, I respect the… Hell outta you, dude. Our families go way, way, way back. Nothing but love, dude. But if you’re standing across the ring from me at SummerSlam, it’s not gonna be four letters, one word. It’s gonna be three letters, one move.” The fans say it, “R K O!” And Orton says he not only speaks for himself but for everyone here in this arena when he says, and from the bottom of his heart, one day and one day soon, Sami Zayn will be world champion. But not at SummerSlam. Because tonight, Sami is on the receiving end of the three most dangerous letters in sports entertainment: R K O.
Orton drops the mic, and it is time to put those words into action. Will it be the Legend Killer or the Underdog from the Underground that heads for Saudi Arabia?
King of the Ring Semifinals: Randy Orton VS Sami Zayn!
SmackDown returns, the bell rings, and these two circle. They tie up, Sami wrenches, ELBOW BREAKERS, then wristlocks. Orton endures, fights up, and the fans duel. Orton wrenches Sami in return to then headlock. Sami endures, powers up to wrench again, and he grinds the arm. Sami wrenches and CHOPS, and Orton goes to the corner. Sami CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! The fans “WOO~” but the ref counts. Orton pushes past Sami, bails out of the ring, and he is pretty red already. Sami builds speed but he fakes Orton out with the Arabian Press! The fans fire up and Orton has to admit that was good.
Orton goes up the steps and steps back into the ring. The fans rally, Orton and Sami tie up, and Orton puts Sami in the corner. Orton lets off slowly, but he pokes Sami in the eyes! The fans boo but Orton UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! But Sami pokes Orton in the eyes! The ref caught that one and reprimands Sami. Sami TOSSES Orton out, goes to the apron, but Orton YANKS Sami down! Sami hits off the apron, and Orton reels him in, DESK BACK SUPLEX! Sami writhes and Orton rolls into the ring, just to refresh the count. Fans want that “One More Time!” and Orton agrees! DESK BACK SUPLEXÂ again!
Sami writhes more and whatever monitor wasn’t busted, they’re busted now! Orton leaves Sami behind for a moment while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Orton goes out to fetch Sami, but Sami fights off a third back suplex! Orton kicks low, brings Sami over, but Sami blocks the smack off the steel steps! Orton sputters, Sami stalks him, and Sami decides to give him some payback! But Orton ROCKS Sami first! Orton SMACKS Sami off the desk, puts him in the ring, and covers, TWO! Sami stays in this but Orton looms over him. Sami rises, Orton puts him in a corner, and Orton fires body shots. Orton climbs up and rains down fists! Orton gets to eight before Sami fires back! Sami has Orton in another corner, climbs up, and Sami rains down a fast TEN!
Sami huffs ‘n’ puffs and CHOPS! Orton is stinging but Sami CHOPS him again! Sami wrenches, ELBOW BREAKERS, and whips! Orton reverses, Sami hits buckles hard, and Sami falls in a heap. Orton dusts himself off and looms over Sami again. Orton stomps Sami’s hand! Sami writhes and clutches his finger. Orton stomps Sami’s foot, ten the other foot! And then the other hand! Sami sits up, SmackDown returns to single picture, and Orton CLUBS away on Sami’s chest! Orton DECKS Sami, the fans cheer, and Orton brings Sami up. Orton whips, Sami goes up and over, and Sami LARIATS Orton down! The fans fire up again as Sami rises!
Sami goes to the corner, Orton runs up, but Sami ELBOWS him! Sami goes up, AX HANDLES, and the fans fire up more! Orton takes a swing, but Sami slips around! Orton fights the Blue Thunder, then LARIATS! And LARIATS! Orton dodges Sami to SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up while Sami goes to the apron. Orton drags Sami in through the ropes, and DRAPING DDTS! The fans fire up as Orton hears those voices! Orton watches Sami rise, but then Sami bails out! The fans are torn but Sami is smart to avoid what was coming. Orton goes out to fetch Sami, SMACKS him off the desk, and then back suplexes, only for Sami to lands out!
Sami CLUBS Orton, and hits a DESK BACK SUPLEX on Orton! Sami puts Orton in the ring, goes to a corner, and the fans fire up as Orton rises. Orton runs in, Sami dodges, and Orton POSTS himself! Sami runs corner to corner, HELLUVA- SNAP POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Sami survives and Orton seethes. “This is Awesome!” as Sami goes back to a corner. Orton runs back in and he LARIATS! Orton runs but Sami follows! But Orton dodges the Helluva Kick! Sami gets stuck on the to rope, frees himself, and hobbles into an RK- NO! BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Orton survives and the fans fire up again!
“This is Awesome!” as Sami drags Orton to the drop zone. Sami goes up the corner, Orton stands and he gets under the leap! R K- NO, Sami SLAMS Orton down! And then HELLUVA- RKO!!! Orton crawls to the cover, Orton wins!!
Winner: Randy Orton, by pinfall (advances to Night of Champions)
Sami fought his heart out, but the Viper still strikes! Orton is going back to back in KOTR finals, but will he win the crown this time?
Nia Jax is here!
Grand Rapids boos as The Irresistible Force goes to the ring. She grabs the mic dot say, “You know what’s crazy? Tiffany Stratton approached me to be under my wing, because she knew exactly what I could do for her. And look, she’s thriving! And what kind of thanks did I get for it? She betrayed me. She has MY title!” But wait, here comes Tiffy! Grand Rapids cheers as the WWE Women’s Champion has the mic to tell Nia, “You’re like that toxic ex I just can’t get away from. News flash: get over it! You make excuse after excuse, but when are you just gonna admit that maybe I’m just better than you?”
The fans cheer and Tiff heads to the ring. Nia says yeah, okay, if Tiff is so much better, then give Nia a rematch without kicking a chair into her face. Tiff says if Nia’s so desperate for a match, it is her lucky day! She made it official for next week: Tiff VS Nia! And Tiff will have more fun adding more scars to that “five head” of Nia’s. Because it won’t just be a regular match. It will be Last Woman Standing! Nia takes a swing but Tiff dodge! Tiff fires off, kicks low, and runs up, but into a POP-UP HEADBUTT! And then Nia drops a leg, brother! Nia holds up the belt and soaks up the heat. Nia thinks about leaving, but decides to add on! ANOTHER leg drop, brother!
The fans boo but Nia says that’s not enough! Nia tells Wade & Joe that she’s taking the title! But wait! NAOMI is here, with a ref! Is she doing it!? Is she doing it?! But Nia YANKS Naomi out! Naomi tells her back off! Nia doesn’t, Naomi shoves her, but Nia still grabs at her! Tiff DROPKICKS Naomi onto Nia! Tiff avoids a cash-in because Nia was in the way, but is she setting herself up for failure with that extreme title match?
Charlotte Flair VS Chelsea Green w/ The Secret Her-vice!
The Queen was denied her crown, but she’s not even angry at Alexa Bliss, the one who took that opportunity from her. She instead looks to humble the Hot Mess that claims she would be queen if her demands were met. Who vents their frustrations and comes away with the win?
SmackDown returns and Charlotte makes her entrance. The bell rings and the fans actually cheer on Chelsea. Alba distracts Charlotte and Chelsea sucker punches her! The ref reprimands but Chelsea SMACKS Charlotte off the mat again and again! Chelsea salutes, but Charlotte CHOPS! Chelsea KNEES low, whips, but Charlotte goes up and out at the corner. Charlotte BOOTS Chelsea away, avoids Alba and KICKS her! Chelsea runs up, Charlotte RAMS her, and then Charlotte climbs up. CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Chelsea scrambles away and Charlotte runs up, but into an ELBOW! Charlotte GAMANGIRIS!
Charlotte snapmares, Chelsea distracts the ref, and Alba grabs Charlotte by the hair! Alba HOTSHOTS Charlotte and Chelsea hits a BACKSTABBER! Cover, TWO! Chelsea is furious but Charlotte stays in this, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Chelsea hops onto Charlotte for a SLEEPER! The fans rally, but Charlotte hits a BACKPACK SENTON! Charlotte is free, Chelsea runs back up, but Charlotte gives her a BACKBREAKER and BUCKLE SHOT! Chelsea falls back, Charlotte huffs ‘n’ puffs and runs up to fire hands! The fans fire up as Charlotte CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Charlotte CHOPS again, then clinches for an EXPLODER! And a kip up! The fans fire up and Charlotte salutes to poke fun at Chelsea. Charlotte runs, dodges, and handsprings to LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Chelsea survives but Charlotte stays on her by going for a leg.
Alba gets on the apron, so Charlotte BOOTS her down! The fans cheer, but Charlotte turns around into a ROUGH RYDER! Cover, TWO!! Charlotte survives and Chelsea is furious! Chelsea takes off her face protector and drags Charlotte up. Chelsea has the arms, turns Charlotte, but Charlotte shoves her away! Charlotte dodges and SPEARS! Cover, TWO!! Chelsea survives but Charlotte has the leg! FIGURE- CRADLE!! TWO!! Charlotte has the leg again, FIGURE FOUR! And the bridge for the FIGURE EIGHT!! Chelsea TAPS, Charlotte wins!
Winner: Charlotte Flair, by submission
But then Piper Niven SENTONS onto Charlotte!! Alba storms in, she and Piper mug Charlotte, but here comes Alexa! She RAMS into Piper, she ROCKS Alba, then she catches Chelsea! Charlotte LARIATS Alba out while Alexa hits a TWISTED SISTER ABIGAIL! And then Charlotte BOOTS Piper down! Charlotte and Alexa look at each other, and despite what either one thinks, maybe they both need the other after all. Alexa offers the handshake, but Charlotte walks right past Alexa. Alexa lets that slide, but will Charlotte come around soon enough?
Solo Sikoa talks with JC Mateo.
Why is JC taping up? Uh, duh, he’ll take out Jacob. No, Solo is going out there alone to talk with Jacob. Solo was the only one that Jacob would listen to. Jacob needs Solo. Solo will smooth things over. JC accepts that, but Solo does say that JC should stay ready. Solo is covering his bases, but will he need the Imperial Unit to put down the Samoan Werewolf? Or will it all be alright between them all?
Solo Sikoa heads to the ring.
SmackDown returns as the former Tribal Chief makes his way out, and Grand Rapids boos. Solo grabs the mic, takes a moment, and says, “Alright, Jacob. I’m out here in the middle of the ring, all alone, with open arms, willing to talk to you face to face. I feel terrible about what happened. So if you’re back there, come on out so we can clear the air.” Jacob Fatu makes his entrance and Grand Rapids cheers! Fatu holds up the United States Championship before he steps into the ring, and he has a mic of his own. The fans cheer on “FATU! FATU!” and Solo says he didn’t come out here to fight him, okay? He’s not here for that.
Solo wants to make it clear to Fatu that he loves him, always has loved him, no matter what. One thing Solo learned from being Tribal Chief is how to love family and how to take care of them. That’s all he’s trying to do. Families fight all the time. They fight, they argue, they forgive, and then they move forward. So they should move forward together, Jacob. Move forward as one. The fans boo that, but Solo says nobody saw the potential in Jacob except Solo. Nobody wanted Jacob here in the WWE, except Solo. That is why Solo brought Fatu here and gave him the chance to change his life and put food on his family’s table.
And why did Solo do that? Because Solo loves Jacob. He does. And to be honest, Solo doesn’t have anybody else. Fatu isn’t sure about that, but Solo says all he has is Fatu. And he’s all Solo needs. So come back to the family, and even if Jacob doesn’t say those four words, Solo will. Solo will say it for him, to him, loud enough so everybody can hear it! Solo tells Jacob, “I love you, Jacob.” The fans boo, they don’t trust this. Fatu paces as he thinks on that. “So you love me, huh?” Solo nods yes. So this is what it comes down to, huh? Solo loves Fatu? The way Fatu sees things, Solo has been using Fatu! Solo has been using Fatu to gain power, to fight his battles, and to stay Tribal Chief.
Hell, Solo brought Fatu in so Fatu could bring Solo fame! Solo brought Fatu in because he thought Fatu would bring him gold! Is that all this is about? Fame? Gold? Power? SOLO, LOOK AT HIM! Solo looks up from the floor while the fans cheer Fatu on. Fatu tells Solo that ever since he won the US Championship, Solo is the one that’s been acting different. And maybe Fatu isn’t the problem. Fatu just figured it out! The problem… is this. The problem is the US Championship. Fatu sets it down between him and Solo, and he says if this is what he thinks it is, then just fight him for it! Fight Fatu for the title! The fans fire up for that!
And Solo, Fatu will only warn you one time: If you ever think about coming this way, you know what Fatu is about! You know what’s poppin’ with Fatu, blood! And you know Jacob Fatu is all gas, no brakes with it! YADADADA- SOLO TAKES A SWING! Fatu blocks the spike and he HEADBUTTS! JC Mateo rushes out here! Fatu HEADBUTTS him, too! But Solo CHOP BLOCKS the legs! The fans boo but JC & Solo mug Fatu! But then here comes JIMMY USO! The fans fire up as #BigJim slides in, dodges Solo, and SUPERKICKS JC! And then he SUPERKICKS Solo! But JC LARIATS Jimmy down! JC HAMMERS Jimmy and Solo has him put Jimmy in the corner.
The fans boo but Solo tells Jimmy that he should’ve chosen Solo’s side, not Jacob’s! But speaking of, Fatu is up! The fans fire up as Fatu BODY CHECKS JC! Then he SUPERKICKS Solo! Solo is in a corner, Fatu fires off on him, HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT! SUPERKICK for JC! HIP ATTACK for Solo! The fans are fired up for the Samoan Werewolf, and he locks eyes with Jimmy. Jimmy came to Fatu’s rescue, Fatu just saved him, so Fatu goes up, up, only for Solo to bail out! No Best Moonsaults here in Grand Rapids, but will Fatu cut Solo down soon enough?
Bronson Reed w/ Paul Heyman & Bron Breakker VS LA Knight!
The Wise Man warned, or rather threatened, the Mega Star that he should just cut and run, but that’s not how he does things. Knight is ready to fight, but will he survive a battle with Auszilla? Or is a Tsunami about wipe out LA?
Wait, Knight doesn’t enter from the stage! He enters from the crowd! And he POSTS Bron! The fans fire up as Knight evens things out! He TOSSES Bronson out, throws his vest at him, and Bronson snarls. Bronson has Bron stand down, and says, “Tonight, I kill him.” Bronson steps into the ring, the bell sounds, and Knight fires off! The fans fire up as Knight fires hands, but Bronson puts him in the corner. Knight ELBOWS back, Knight fires more hands, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips but Bronson blocks! Bronson whips Knight to a corner, runs up, but Knight dodges! Bronson POSTS himself, and Knight stomps a mudhole in!
The fans rally, the ref counts, and Knight goes corner to corner, but into a fireman’s carry! Knight slips down to sunset flip, but Bronson stays up! Bronson jumps but Knight avoids the hip drop! Then Knight basement BOOTS! The fans fire up and Knight storms up on Bronson. Bronson TOSSES Knight to the apron, but Knight slingshots back in! Bronson catches Knight to a fireman’s carry! Knight flails free and he RAMS Bronson into a corner! But Bronson holds ropes to deny the Jump Neckbreaker! Bronson runs but Knight avoids the senton! The fans fire up as Knight goes up, up, and FLYING BULLDOGS! That’s a Steiner move!
The fans fire up and spell it out, “L! A! KNIGHT!” but Bronson bails out! Knight runs to WRECK Bronson with a dropkick! Knight goes back up, springboards, CROSSBODY to the ramp! The fans fire up with Knight and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Bronson has Knight up top. The fans rally as Knight fights back with body shots! Knight ROCKS Bronson, ROCKS him again, and ROCKS him again! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Bronson finally falls and Knight adjusts position. “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” BOX JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Bronson survives and Knight is rather stunned while Heyman is relieved. Knight aims, kicks, but Bronson denies the BFT! HEADBUTT, then a fireman’s carry! DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO! Knight survives the “Jagged Edge” DVD but Bronson brings him right up. Bronson reels Knight in and says thumbs down.
Bronson lifts Knight up, but Knight flips the bomb into a DDT! The fans fire up but Bron barks at the apron! Knight DECKS the dog, tells Heyman to get the same, but Bronson runs up! Knight DUMPS Bronson out, builds speed, but BRON SPEARS!!
Winner: LA Knight, by disqualification
The fans boo but Bron handed Knight the win with that one. Bronson stands Knight up so Bron can build speed and SUPER SPEAR!! Grand Rapids is torn but plenty of fans bark. And now Bronson goes up!? TSUNAMI!! Bronson goes up again, the refs hurry out here, but TSUNAMI AGAIN!! The fans want another, so Bron scares the refs off to let Bronson go back up! THIRD TSUNAMI!!! Have Rollins’ rooks just broken Knight into pieces? Is this a message to everyone that no one can stop the vision?
Jacob Fatu speaks.
“Yeah, c’mon on widdit! I just spoke to the man, and you know the man makes everything possible here on SmackDown! So next week, next week on Saturday, me ‘n’ you, Solo! Night of Champions, mano a mano, I’m about to dog walk yo’ ass for the US Championship! Solo, you better get in where you fit in. Cuz if you don’t, then baby, it’s ’bout to be all gas, no breaks with it. Yadadadada mean?” The Samoan Werewolf will get to sink his teeth into Solo, but will he stay golden through it all?
John Cena VS Ron Killings!
The Undisputed WWE Champion was the exact opposite of grateful for R-Truth saving him from Randy Orton at Backlash, and he doubled down when Ron tried to show him the truth at Saturday Night’s Main Event. So, if Cena doesn’t want the Truth, he’ll get someone who knows about ruthless aggression! Will Ron Killings bring an early end to the retirement tour? Or will Cena continue to ruin wrestling for everyone else?
SmackDown returns as Cena makes his entrance. The fans sing “JOHN CENA SUCKS~!” despite him wearing the Detroit Pistons colors. Cena makes Mark Nash give the “proper” introduction: “He is the Greatest of All Time, the Never Seen Seventeen, gracing Grand Rapids with his presence one final time… He is the Last Real Champion, JOHN CENA~!” The fans boo, the bell rings, and Truth stares at Cena while Cena smirks hearing the “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” Truth TACKLES Cena! He fires off hands but Cena bails out! So Truth goes out to DECK Cena! “What’s up!?” “WHAT’S UP!” Truth has Cena at the desk and SMACKS him off it!
Truth ROCKS Cena again, and shakes his hand out from hitting so hard. Truth SMACKS Cena off the apron, storms in after him, and whips him to a corner. Cena hits buckles hard and falls to the mat! The fans continue to duel while Truth keeps his eyes on Cena. Truth storms up on Cena while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Truth stands Cena up, whips corner to corner again, and Cena hits buckles hard! Cena sputters, Truth looms over him, and Truth ROCKS Cena! Cena ROCKS Truth! They go back and forth with haymakers, and then Truth dodges to SHOULDER TACKLE! Truth still uses Cena’s own moves against him, and that includes the SPIN-OUT BOMB! Truth raises his hand and Grand Rapids joins in! “You Can’t See Me!” But then Cena bails out so Truth can’t hit him! Truth is annoyed, the fans give thumbs down, but here comes Truth. Cena ELBOWS him down! Cena drags Truth up, POSTS him, and he brings Truth back into the ring.
Cena HEADBUTTS Truth, CHOKES him on the ropes, but stops as the ref counts. Cena stomps away on Truth, then runs to KICK Truth in the back! Cena talks trash, then he runs to SHOULDER TACKLE! Cena takes his time, knowing it is what the fans want. Truth rises up, Cena runs to SHOULDER TACKLE again! Cena watches Truth rise again, gets around him, SPIN-OUT BOMB! And Cena raises his hand, reveling in the cheers and jeers. “You Can’t See Me!” SmackDown returns to single picture for the FIVE KNUCKLE SHUFFLE! Then Cena fireman’s carries, but Truth slips free! THESZ PRESS! And fast hands!
The fans fire up and Truth has Cena in a corner. Truth runs to STINGER SPLASH! Truth hitting all sorts of other iconic moves! Cena tumbles out and grabs the belt! Cena doesn’t care about this match anymore, he doesn’t need to take this! Truth says hold up! Truth runs Cena down and fires hands on the ramp! The fans fire up but Cena CLOBBERS Truth with the belt!!
Winner: Ron Killings, by disqualification
Cena wants to get another shot, but wait! PUNK IS HERE! Cena runs away into the ring, and he catches Punk as Punk slides in! The fans boo Cena but he huffs ‘n’ puffs. Cena drags Punk up, but Punk fires hands in return! Punk DECKS Cena, grabs the belt, and he holds it up! The fans cheer, and Punk aims, but Cena LOW BLOWS! Cena has a sinister smile as he grabs the belt. BELT SHOT for Punk!! The fans boo even more, but Cena decides to up the ante! Cena brings out a table! The fans cheer, everyone loves tables! Cena puts the table in the ring, then watches Punk sputter around. Cena sets the table up while the fans rally behind Punk.
Punk stands but Cena has the belt again! BELT SHOT!! Cena drags Punk up, fireman’s carries, ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENTÂ through the table!! Cena made Punk snap into a Slim Jim, and then he grabs a mic. Cena laughs at Punk, and then sits up on the corner. “Punk… As you lay there in your most uncomfortable…” Cena pretends the mic cut out, taps it, and then says, “Somebody’s afraid of what I’m gonna say.” Cena grins and the fans boo as Cena flips the iconic “Pipebomb” moment on it’s head. “As you lay there in your most uncomfortable, I hope you can listen. I hope you can digest.
“Because before I leave here in six months with that WWE Championship, I gotta get a whole lotta stuff off my chest. First thing’s first, I don’t hate you. I don’t even dislike you. I like you. I like you more than anyone you ever shared a locker room with, that’s for sure. I hate this idea of you. This idea that you’re the Best int he World. You’re not. I’M the Greatest of All Time.” Grand Rapids is a bit torn on that statement, but Cena says Punk is better than Cena at one thing: You’re the best BS artist in the world. Oh no, kiddos~! John Cena just dropped a curse word! That means the show is off the rails! Hey, Stu, shoot this. Hi~! “I’m breaking the forth wall! HAHA!”
Cena then says the truth is, Punk… Cena is jealous of you. Cena is jealous that Punk has conned the fans into believing the myth that Punk is the Best in the World. Oh how they chant for Punk! Which they literally do right now. Hell, the fans even sing for Punk now. But they don’t believe a damn word you say. Because Punk changes his values as much as Cena changes his shirts! Punk is just a loud mouthed opportunist who steps on the necks of those who actually work hard if it gets him ahead. Oh, hey, look, another cameraman! “Hi, Claudio Castagnoli! Hey, Nic Nemeth! Hey, Matt Cardona! How’re you guys doing?”
The fans can’t believe Cena is going this far but Cena is loving it! “He’s heating up! He’s on fire! And there’s nobody back there that’s gonna cut my mic to save your ass, cuz I’m your only friend! Remember who gave you the stage for your pipebomb, pal! And what’ve you done with it since then, huh? You just regurgitated the same five microphone moves of doom. You’re promo potato salad, pal. Hey, you’re no longer the Voice of the Voiceless, you’re a friggin’ millionaire despite yourself. You’re not a punk, you’re a capitalist! And you’re not against TKO, dude, you are Mr. TKO. Cuz they knocked your balls technically off your body.
“Your tweets are strong, but your actions are weak. And in Saudi Arabia, you’re gonna face some loud, loud music when I finally prove to the world that each and every day, day in, day out, no days off for 25 YEARS, I have been the Greatest of All Time!” The fans cheer that a bit more now, to Cena’s surprise. “See, they know. And they know that you were the Best in the World… for seven minutes, 14 years ago. And if after Night of Champions, you’re still delusional enough to believe that you’re the Best in the World, well… I guess it’s a small world after all. You’re welcome, Grand Rapids.” The fans cheer, and Cena lets the world hear it.
Cena tells Punk to bring his A Game to Night of Champions. If Grand Rapids is any indication, the mood is starting to change. Refs finally appear to check on Punk, Cena says no, that’s fine. Punk needs to rest up for his big title match. Get a good shot of this: Best in the World VS Greatest of All Time, for THE most coveted prize in sports entertainment, THE WWE Undisputed Championship! And Cena knows the fans will sing and chant, but he also knows even the idiots are smart enough to see the truth: The Champ is Here. And USA Network, keep the extra two and half minutes. He doesn’t need a bomb to blow the “mother fudging” building.
Oh, and thanks, Punk, for letting Cena rip off your best promo just to make you look even more foolish. Cena finally drops the mic and he raises the belt up again. If the proverbial tables have turned this drastically, is there no saving WWE from losing its north star championship?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown with an awesome ending. All those years ago, when CM Punk dropped THE OG “Pipebomb” promo, no one could’ve ever in a million years guessed that here tonight, we would’ve gotten the John Cena remix. Not only was that promo of the year, but Cena blew up go-home math. I can’t see Cena losing the title to Punk now. He can lose the match since Cena loves getting disqualified, and there’s the possibility of Rollins trying a cash-in, but Cena is leaving Saudi Arabia as champion to then go to SummerSlam. It also works because Cody Rhodes still feels like the favorite for King of the Ring.
A lot of that has to do with how Sami lost to Orton tonight. Great promo from the four semifinalists, especially since it was Jey, Sami and Orton kinda keeping Cody from talking since there isn’t more Cody needs to say. Win or lose, no explanations needed at this point. Sami VS Orton was an awesome match, but I could just feel an RKO countering the Helluva Kick as the way to go and that’s what they did. Now, as awesome as it would be for Jey to beat Cody, and then for Jey to beat Orton to go for the World Heavyweight Championship again, there are a lot of moving parts right now that it would just be the easiest for Cody to win the crown and have his rematch with Cena.
And while talking the WHC, Gunther VS Goldberg IS confirmed for the title, but has also been confirmed as Goldberg’s last match. This is a huge indicator that despite Rollins teasing a cash-in on the Undisputed title, he will likely be thwarted and then falls back to the title he feels is rightfully his. That is to say, Rollins cashes in on the winner of Gunther VS Goldberg, which I half expected even before all this talk of Goldberg’s last match. Rollins can take this title from Gunther and Goldberg, and then we can throw Jey and even LA Knight into the mix as things are getting heated between Knight and the henchmen.
Great promo from Knight with Heyman, great match with Knight VS Bronson, and a really powerful beating Knight takes from Bron & Bronson. If nothing else, Knight costs Rollins his cash-in. Truth going after Kit Wilson was an interesting move. Also a shame Elton Prince is hurt, Pretty Deadly gets going and then something happens to slow them down. But Kit was going to lose to Aleister so this really messes Aleister up more than anything. Priest keeping the peace between Aleister and Truth was good stuff. Priest and Truth being allies on SmackDown can be some real fun stuff, and I feel like they’re already set up for a feud with Aleister.
Very good stuff with Fatu, Solo and this US Championship story. Fatu VS Solo was the natural move, and I like that Jimmy Uso ends up an ally for Fatu. The title match is set, I wonder if we get a tag match first. In fact, next week is title night in Riyadh with Tiffany Stratton giving Nia the Last Woman Standing match, and basically setting the stage for Naomi to cash in. She almost did tonight but Nia was again able to stop her, so I would think Naomi waits until the very end of the Last Woman Standing match to take full advantage. Then, if Jade wins Queen of the Ring, we get Jade VS Naomi at SummerSlam.
Good promo from Jade, B-Fab & Michin watching Asuka VS Alexa. Asuka winning made the most sense, Alexa clearly has story with Charlotte and Asuka is just that good. Jade VS Roxie will be a good match but Roxie’s story in Judgment Day might keep her from winning. But then the fallback there is Roxie might actually sub in for the tag titles like I was thinking. Charlotte VS Chelsea was very good, and of course the Secret Her-vice does what they can to help. The beatdown they put on Charlotte and then Alexa making the save, that’s going to be one of those “can they coexist?” tag matches for sure.
Honestly, a little surprised we didn’t get any tag team promos tonight, unless I completely missed something. I believe title night is going to have Profits VS Gacy & Lumis for the tag titles, too, so that’s going to be something wild. And while DIY is scared of the Wyatts, I feel like they’re going to interfere because they don’t want the Wyatts to take the titles. But at the same time, the Wyatts need something substantial this time around, so maybe they win the titles at SummerSlam.
My Score: 9/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
 MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)Â
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 PodcastÂ
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Coverage
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 6.19.25
Are we going to start trending upwards with Slammiversary to build toward?
Last week’s episode was lacking in ring work but had decent story moments and segments. Starting the build to Slammiversary we can either launch nicely or things can always get worse. Jason Hotch and KC Navarro are the real shining stars of the last few months, so lets hope once they get over this Leon Slater idiot ship, they can push X Division wrestlers with actual talent for pro wrestling and not just flippy charisma vacuums.
Oh and let’s not forget, it is the episode they celebrate the 23rd anniversary of TNA! TWENTY – THREE!! Somewhere PCO hates this.
.@Kelly_WP is back in TNA Wrestling and has a message for TNA Knockouts World Champion @mashaslamovich!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/cF0F1ZKKuL pic.twitter.com/tnm4TIuPUz
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) June 20, 2025
Ratings:
- Sami Callihan vs Eric Young w/Losers: EY wins via Piledriver – ** 3/4
- Lei Ying Lee & Masha Slamovich vs The Elegance Clique w/M & Personal Concierge: Elegantos win via Rarefied Air – ***
- Eddie Edwards & JDC w/Alisha & Brian Myers vs Matt Cardona & Home Town Man: HTM wins via Cradle – *
- Champion’s Challenge: The Rascalz, Joe Hendry, Leon Slater & Elijah vs The Kaiba Boys, Moose, Steve Maclin & Trick Williams: Elijah wins via Highwayman’s Farewell – ***
Results:
Sami Callihan vs Eric Young w/Losers
Sami knocks them all off the apron before the bell rings, he levels the loser children, finds a chair, attacks EY but EY counters and this is the excuse to use weapons since the bell didn’t ring yet. EY tries to break Sami’s hand on the steps with the chair, but Sami moves, throws EY back in the ring, bell rings and EY hits a Belly to Belly suplex for two. They slug it out, Sami goes for Headbutts, then Sami wants to run the ropes but a loser trips him, distracts long enough for EY to knock him out of the ring and loser children swarm as loser children do. EY does the classic, throw back out for losers to attack while EY grabs and distracts the ref. Sami is selling a few lame attacks from the losers like he got shot. It’s an excessive sell, so it’s honestly a dumb transitional moment.
EY levels Sami, Lariat into Scoop Slam, looks for the Macho Elbow but Sami hits the ropes to crotch EY. Sami Superplex time, but EY bites the face to make Sami drop, EY jumps at him but eats a straight right hand. Cactus Driver, but no, EY tries his Piledriver…they both gouge eyes at the same time, Sami catches an EY charge into a Flatliner as they’re both down…for…reasons? The selling in this match seems…poorly timed and kinda stupid. Hard Irish Whip, EY Flair Flips the corner, levels Sami, Macho Elbow for 2.9! EY threatens to hit the ref, but then goes to mad dog commentary. EY then wants to attack fans…he’s more unhinged than World Elite EY. Sami gives him the old Dick Twist into a Stunner but only for two! Losers try to distract, first one gets taken out, second one uses a chair, EY hits the Piledriver on Sami, EY wins.
I feel like this is gonna continue for a few weeks since it wasn’t a clean win.Â
Mustafa Ali’s group comes out, and I refuse to say the name because it’s dumb and they’re already fraying at the seams. Ali wants an apology session, Tasha and Hotch apologize to him but Skyler bites back and refuses, even shoved Ali. So Ali challenges him to a “Call to Arms” match. What in the hell is a Call to Arms match?Â
Lei Ying Lee & Masha Slamovich vs The Elegance Clique w/M & Personal Concierge
ASH does her borderline racist fake karate before Lei stares her down and tags in Heather. Heather avoids Lei, Lei throws a few Tornado Kicks to make a point and Heather tags out. Heather being 4’8″ helps her here. Concierge says “There’s no Karate in wrestling”. ASH, Lei and Masha are in the ring, ASH is trying to decide who she wants to face, but the Concierge google translated it and hands it to ASH, before the face team rocks ASH. Masha lifts up Lei and Lei does the Liu Kang Bicycle Kick, steering more into her Mortal Kombat aesthetic. Senton off the apron from Lei and Masha dives into the pile, the comedy heels are getting leveled. We go to commercial and come back with Lei getting Double Teamed but she spins it into a weird Neckbreaker..but can’t tag out just yet. Lei blocks Heather, Enzuigiri, simultaneous tag, Masha is Yakuza kicks for all and the 2 for 1 Lariat/DDT special. Near fall, but Masha goes for murder, but Heather breaks it, Rocket Launcher/Code Breaker from Elegance but Lei breaks up the pin. ASH tries to intimidate Lei with her fake Karate before throwing her out of the ring. Heather hits Lei with a handful of Glitter and then bounces her face off the post. Masha tries to stop ASH, Kelly’s music distracts Masha, Rarefied Air gives ASH the win.
Santino comes out and GOD DAMMIT no one wants to see Tommy Dreamer fight Mance Warner…that’s a useless thing. Pivot away…no one wants this. Oh no, now we have to listen to Steph talk too. Okay it seems to be a pivot, thankfully. Steph and Mance talk shit, Dreamer says something about Something is gonna happen…and Jake Something comes out. So…I guess we’re gonna build him up for 2 months and then job him out for 6 before he fucks off to his home galaxy or whatever?Â
.@indi_hartwell has a run in with Tessa Blanchard!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/cF0F1ZLikj pic.twitter.com/I6UCCk2fAG
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) June 20, 2025
Really wish Indi just opened with the Billy Butcher classic of, “Oi Cunt!” – but this wasn’t bad.Â
Eddie Edwards & JDC w/Alisha & Brian Myers vs Matt Cardona & Home Town Man
I hate… Cardona so much more now. Heel reasons for Cardona…go away heat for Deaner.
JDC wants the Home Town Man to start…and Deaner does his stupid Flip Flop and Fly, Cardona tags in, JDC is eating some offense, Cardona wants the Reboot, JDC powders, Cardona Dives but then Lish and the general numbers catch up to Cardona. Eddie is legal, and now they isolate Cardona with some decent tandem work and isolation. This turns into kind of a schmoz, lots of silly spots, near falls and then Home Town doofus gets the cradle pinfall on Eddie.
Whenever Deaner is involved I can’t be asked to care. The System beats Cardona and Deaner down, but Eddie did eat a pin. Which is embarrassing not even for work reasons, like it’s just sad.
Champion’s Challenge: The Rascalz, Joe Hendry, Leon Slater & Elijah vs The Kaiba Boys, Moose, Steve Maclin & Trick Williams
Elijah and Nic start things off, slow push off, arm wring, top wristlock, simple chain wrestling start. Nic breaks the chain and hits a Dropkick, Elijah runs the ropes and hits a Diving Lariat and starts the Rope Walk. Nic seems far to awake and alert for that move then, I hate how people pull that off too early. Wentz gets tagged in, Nic tags in Maclin who wasn’t looking for a tag, but him and Wentz have a nice clash, Trey tags in, they try to double him, but they pause and look at each other. Maclin asks for a tag, no one tags him so he Chops Ryan to tag him in and throws him in.
The little nod to Maclin and Rascalz history and the fact the faces realize Maclin isn’t a piece of shit. A little MCMG homage tandem attacks on Ryan, Wentz punctuates with the Handspring Knee Lift, Ryan tags out to Trick. Trick and Wentz go back and forth, Rascalz have Trick eating offense, Moose tries to slow things down, both Trick and Moose powder, Rascalz Double Golden Triangle Moonsaults. Trey gets tripped by Nic, Moose hits Lights Out, but there’s no referee so it’s a little chaotic.
Out of the commercial things are controlled kinda and we see a simultaneous tag to Moose and Leon. Leon comes out hot, level Moose with a Leg Lariat, attacks Nic Nemeth, attacks Ryan, and then Moose hits Leon with the Stun Gun. Moose looks to tag in Maclin but Maclin jumps off the apron. Trick takes the tag, keeps control, Trick forcibly tags in Maclin but Ryan tags himself in and pulls Leon to the Champions’ corner, Nic tags in and isolates Leon, with the Kaibas quick tagging and keeping Leon down.
Moose tags in, tries to Suplex Leon about four times but Leon stops it then counters the Suplex. Moose tries to cut him off, but the Champions distract the ref so the ref can’t see Leon tag out. Nic and Moose doubling up and Leon is the bump guy of this last portion of the match. Big Uranage from Moose…Moose looks for Lights Out but Small Package almost ruined things, Body Scissors Cradle, GAME CHANGER! Moose looks to hit a Jacknife Powerbomb but Leon turns it into a DDT. Maclin and Ryan start fighting, Nic Superkicks Maclin, Hendry and Nic tag in, Hendry is a house of fire. Sack of Shits for everyone! Nic, Ryan, there’s a pause when Hendry is face to face with Trick and Trick gets Uppercuts first then Sack of Shit! Standing Ovation on Nic, but Ryan blocks, Kaibas try a tandem attack but Hendry Lariats them both. Elijah tags in and is the maestro of the crowd and chopping Ryan to some fun. Ryan goes for a Polish Hammer but eats the Knee Lift. Signature spam time…
Ryan tries to use the International title but Maclin grabs the title away from Ryan, clocks Nic, Standing Ovation into the Highwayman’s Farewell. Champions lose!
Overall Score: 4/10
Well this was a rough one boys and girls. Sami and EY was just an overbooked shitshow, Lei Ying Lee is unfortunately in a spot where it’s obvious TNA has no clue how to use her, the Elegantos are the New Beautiful People, and I’m not mad at that. But you need to space out your goofball crap. You can’t have Elegance Clique, Home Town Moron and Santino in 3 consecutive segments. And if anyone goes “it was 3 out of 4” that’s doesn’t lessen my point, the beauty of Pro Wrestling being a variety show is…FOR VARIETY! When the lead match feels stupid because of bad pacing, poor selling and overbooking with two losers, it feels like a useless match with idiots, then comedy, followed by more comedy…you see how that’s literally NOT VARIETY.
Figure it out seriously. This was a disappointing episode. If you’re a casual viewer than it’s just chalk for TNA doing cringe and borderline goof crap since they’ve always steered a little more into the carny than other companies. But this show was…where’s Jisoo and Jenny? I feel like I need that gif:
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)Â
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 PodcastÂ
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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Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (6/20/25)
One step closer to the end!
DWI Podcast #479: Ron The Truth Simmons
Don't drink and drive, drink and podcast! Join AJ, DP and PC weekly for their thoughts on RAW, SmackDown and...
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 6.19.25
Are we going to start trending upwards with Slammiversary to build toward?
Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (6/19/25)
Rumble, Bad Man, Rumble!
Mitchell’s WWE Evolve Results & Report! (6/18/25)
Can the BOAT Evolve?
Mitchell’s AEW Dynamite Results & Report! (6/18/25)
Viva La AEW!
Babyface Heel Podcast: LOL Charlotte Wins… AGAIN!
Even when she's not wrestling, Charlotte Flair keeps winning! Greg and Patrick breakdown her latest winning comments!
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (6/17/25)
Trick'N Ain't Easy
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (6/16/25)
The last spots are on the line!
Mitchell’s NJPW Dominion Results & Report! (6/15/25)
Who leads the revolution?
