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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IF YA SMELLALALALALALA~…!
As Cody Rhodes teams with Damian Priest & Braun Strowman against Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline, FINALLY, The Rock has come back to SmackDown!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso; Jimmy wins.
- The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & LA Knight; Miz & Melo win.
- Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae w/ Nia Jax; Tiff wins.
- Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez; No Contest.
- WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly; Pretty Deadly wins, by disqualification, and DIY retain the titles.
- Six Man Tag: Cody Rhodes, Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga; changed to…
- Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga; Priest & Braun win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes talks with Nick Aldis backstage.
They shake hands, but the SmackDown General Manager tells the WWE Champion there’s been a change: Cody’s out of the Six Man Tag match. What? Why would Aldis do that? It is out of Aldis’s hands. Wait, Solo Sikoa shows up to do what he did, but they can’t do the Six Man Tag that they advertised? How is this out of Aldis’s hands? Who do they need to talk to so they can do the match? Aldis says there’s no one either of them can call, if you smell what’s cooking. This is coming from The Final Boss, and The Final Boss wants to see Cody in the ring tonight. What business could The Great One have with The American Nightmare?
Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso!
The Scottish Terminator rubbed it in Big Jim’s face that only one of them is going to Elimination Chamber in Toronto, which Big Jim was able to brush off. But McIntyre harping on how only one Uso is going to WrestleMania was a step too far. These two look to have it out, but is Jimmy just playing into McIntyre’s hands? Or will McIntyre get embarrassed by “the other Uso” this close to that big time match?
Speaking of, Jimmy has a message for Drew as he heads to gorilla. “Everybody know you’re going to Elimination Chamber, right? But Big Jimmy got a question for the Big Easy: Will Drew go onto the Elimination Chamber and win that? Will Drew go onto WrestleMania and win that? Ey, Drew, I think we got an answer for you, Uce. The answer is…” “NO YEET!” Jimmy makes his entrance, the bell rings, and the fans rally behind Jimmy. Jimmy and Drew jaw, and then Drew raises his hands, to say UP YOURS! But Jimmy ROCKS and CHOPS away! Drew puts Jimmy in a corner, Jimmy dodges to CHOP!
Jimmy climbs and he rains down fists! The fans count, Drew dumps Jimmy tot eh apron at 5, but Jimmy GAMANGIRIS! Jimmy goes up, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Jimmy hurries to CHOP, then he whips. Drew reverses to send Jimmy to the corner. Jimmy BOOTS back, goes up, and leaps, but into a clinch! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders to a corner, Drew runs up to SPLASH and OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders again, the ref has Drew hold on, and Jimmy bails out. Drew storms out to get Jimmy and he whips Jimmy HARD into barrier! The fans boo but Drew looms over Jimmy.
The ring count starts, Drew mockingly calls him “Jey,” then puts Jimmy in the ring. Drew says NO MANIA for Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, ROCKS him, then runs up, only for Jimmy to put him on the apron! Drew blocks a superkick, but not the DRAGON WHIP! Drew drops, Jimmy DIVES! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! Jimmy grins, goes back to the apron, and then aims. But Drew stops the Penalty Kick to THROW Jimmy down! Drew then has Jimmy in the Reverse Alabama Lift! REVERSE ALABAMA SLAM onto the steel steps! Drew stands on the desk to say “NO YEET!” while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Drew revels in the heat from New Orleans, then he leaves Jimmy behind. The ref checks Jimmy, he’s able to continue, so a ring count starts. Drew paces while Jimmy stirs. Jimmy drags himself up using the desk, then lunges in at 9! Drew is annoyed but he rains down fists! Drew stomps Jimmy, then eggs him on. Jimmy rises as the fans rally, but Drew is right on him in the corner. Drew winds up, but Jimmy counter punches! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! And whips, only for Drew to reverses. Jimmy goes up, but Drew KICKS him out of the air! Drew then hauls Jimmy up, snap suplex! Cover, TWO!
Drew says okay, Big Jim. He clamps onto Jimmy with a top wristlock and grinds the arm. Jimmy fights up, fireman’s carries, but Drew elbows free. Drew bumps Jimmy off buckles, then hauls him up to the top rope! Drew CLUBS Jimmy on the back, climbs up, then CLUBS Jimmy more. Jimmy fires elbows and Drew drops back. But Drew runs up to CLUB Jimmy again! SmackDown returns to single picture as Drew CLUBS away on Jimmy again! Jimmy keeps taunting “Jey,” then drags him up. Jimmy fights the back suplex! The fans rally, Jimmy fires hands and a HEADBUTT! Jimmy SMACKS Drew off the post!
Jimmy rises to USO IN THE WIND! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! A standing count starts while both men stir on the mat. They both stand at 5, and Drew swings! Jimmy counter punches, then fires more shots! Mule kick, UPPERCUT, but then Jimmy dodges Drew! SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Drew is tougher than that, but Jimmy hurries to a corner. Jimmy aims as Drew goes to the other corner, “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs, but Drew FLYING HEADBUTTS! The Glasgow Kiss stuns Jimmy, and Drew hits a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Jimmy shows his own toughness, and the fans rally behind him.
Drew paces, then he stalks Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, reels him in, but Jimmy fights the underhooks! Jimmy wrenches, UPPERCUTS, but Drew ROCKS Jimmy back! Jimmy UPPERCUTS, Drew HAYMAKERS! Drew whips, Jimmy reverses and Drew ends up on the apron! Drew ROCKS Jimmy first, then climbs the corner! FLYING- SUPERKICK! Jimmy runs to SPEAR! Cover, TWO!! Drew survives, Jimmy’s spear doesn’t hit quite like The Tribal Chief’s. Jimmy goes to the corner, climbs up, and the fans rally up. USO- NO, Jimmy rolls through as Drew moves! Drew dodges a lariat to NECKBREAKER!
Both men are down, the fans rally, and Drew kips up! Drew scowls as he aims at Jimmy. “THREE! TWO! ONE!” CLAY- SUPERKICK!! Jimmy hits first! GLASGOW KISS returns! Drew reels Jimmy in, “This is your WrestleMania! This is as close as you get!” Drew shouts Jimmy is nothing, then ROCKS him with forearm after forearm! GLASGOW KISS! Another Reverse Alabama, but Jimmy victory rolls it! JIMMY WINS!!!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Drew is furious, but his own ego caught him there! But then Drew CLOBBERS Jimmy! The fans boo Drew being a sore loser, but he puts Jimmy back in the ring! Drew rains down fists, then he DRIBBLES Jimmy off the mat! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Drew says that was Jimmy’s Mania Moment! Drew will win the Chamber, he will go to Mania, and he will win there! Jimmy means NOTHING to Drew! Drew puts Jimmy up against the post, then takes aim! The fans boo, but refs and producers rush out here! They swarm Drew to keep him from going after Jimmy again. Drew says fine, fine, then takes his leave.
Producers help Jimmy to his feet, but then Drew BLASTS through the refs! CLAYMORE for Jimmy!! The Scottish Terminator hits his target, then laughs as he actually leaves. Will McIntyre make this his Road to WrestleMania?
A car pulls into the parking lot.
And out steps Solo Sikoa. Solo heads inside, and he finds Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga waiting. Solo tells them that last week with Tama, that was an accident. Jacob says yeah, it’s all good, Uce. But keep it 100: If it wasn’t an accident, Solo wouldn’t be standing here right now. Well, good! Glad to see we’re all on the same page. Solo says he will be in the corner during the match for Jacob & Tama. Uh, no, Solo, no disrespect, but Jacob & Tama have been running things on SmackDown these past couple weeks. So tonight, it’s Jacob & Solo running the play? Yadada mean? Yeah, of course. And that right there, Jacob, is exactly why Solo loves him.
Solo says he’ll be back, he has to talk with Nick Aldis. Solo heads out, but will he really just step right back into place from before he lost the ula fala?
Carmelo Hayes is backstage.
R-Truth calls out to Melo, and says for the first time ever, Truth VS Melo! What’s Truth talking about? Duh, they have a match. No, Truth, Melo knows. But they had a match last week. Truth says he has never met Melo in his life, but they have a tag match tonight. What? No, they don’t. Who even made this match? Him. Truth, they are not going through this H1M who’s on first thing again. Melo is H1M. No, him made the match. The Miz!? Miz says he’s H1M. So now there’s two of you? No no no! Melo is H1M, this is The Miz! Yeah, #MeloDon’tMiz! NO! That’s not a thing! Tonight, they are. Who’s Truth’s partner?
Truth says he’s got a guy. A Louisiana legend! In fact, he just got here, so Truth’s gotta go. Laters. Miz says he has been workshopping this, and the fans love it. Think about it: Melo Don’t Miz! Melo Don’t Miz! And we are…! Melo shakes his head. Truth steps in and says Miz just wants Melo to say, “Awesome.” Miz offers a fist bump, Melo says no. Will Melo wish he had missed tonight’s show? Or will Miz actually help H1M get another win?
Zelina Vega speaks.
“My whole life, people have taken one look at me, and they try to define me. My size has never stopped me before. It never stopped me from becoming tag team champion. Or my personal favorite, the history-making first-time-ever Queen of the Ring. That’s me. Make no mistake about it, I’ve never had it easy. I had to scratch and claw to get anything around here. But this is a fresh start. Because I have something to prove. And my dreams are a lot bigger than your measuring stick. It ain’t over until Zelina Vega says it’s over.”
The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & ???
Miz makes his entrance but Melo kinda steps all over it. So he already missed his cue… But who did Truth find to team with him in the Big Easy? We’ll see, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Truth makes his entrance. “What’s up?” Well, more like who is his partner? He’ll tell us! His tag team partner is a local legend, born and bred right here in New Orleans! Ladies and gentlemen, welcome Louisiana Knight! Wait, he means L A Knight! Yes, Louisiana abbreviated is LA, but that’s not… Oh, Truth… Truth gives Knight a Po’ Boy and some Mardi Gras beads, so Knight embraces it. The teams sort out, and Truth calls out him! Does he mean Miz or Melo? Well, Melo says he is H1M, so that’s who starts. The fans cheer on Knight while Truth and Melo tie up. Melo KNEES low, whips, but Truth reverses.
Melo springboards, FADEAWAY JUMPER! Melo makes his free throw, but Truth drop toeholds! Truth headlocks, Melo powers up and out but Truth whips! Melo turns hip toss into lateral press, TWO! Truth has a ghost pin, TWO! Melo trips to cover, ONE! Truth trips to cover, ONE! Melo runs up, Truth does the splits, and then hits a BIG hip toss! The fans fire up, Truth counts, Melo gets up at TWO, but Truth was just goofing. The ref explains to Truth that he is the ref, not Truth! Melo is annoyed, he runs up on Truth, but Truth wrenches him around! Melo pulls hair but Knight tags in. The fans fire up as Knight fires hands!
Knight ROCKS Melo, whips Melo, but Melo reverses! SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Knight drags Melo up to tag Truth back in, and Truth ROCKS Melo! Melo staggers, but he refuses to tag! Truth arm-drags Melo, then grinds the arm. Melo insists he’s got this, then arm-drags free. Truth staggers up, he and Melo bump heads! Truth staggers around more, and he tags Miz?! Truth forgot The Awesome Truth isn’t a thing anymore! Again! Melo BLASTS Truth off the apron, the fans boo, but Miz tags himself in! Melo is annoyed, but Miz goes to fetch Truth while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again, and Melo has Truth. Truth ROCKS Melo, but Melo holds onto the wristlock! Truth reaches for Knight, Knight reaches for Truth, but Melo holds on. Truth takes a swing, but into an O’Conner Roll! TWO and Melo BLASTS Knight! Truth rolls Melo up, TWO! Melo kicks low, calls his shot, but Truth suplexes for a STUNNER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Truth and Melo crawl, hot tags to Miz and Knight! The fans fire up as Knight rallies on Miz! “YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips, Miz reverses, but Knight lEAPING LARIATS! Knight TOSSES Melo in for good measure!
Knight stomps a mudhole into Melo, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” LARIAT for Miz! KNEE for Melo! Knight scoops and POWERSLAMS Miz! Knight keeps running, JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Knight stays on Miz as he brings Miz up. Knight ROCKS Miz, then ROCKS him again! Knight whips, Miz grabs the ropes. Miz KICKS, then takes a swing, but into a back suplex! Miz lands out, tag to Melo! Miz ELBOWS Knight, but Knight scoops! Miz tilt-o-whirls through, Melo SUPERKICKS Knight down! cover, TWO! Knight stays in this but Melo says he’s got this! Melo waits on Knight, then leaps, but NO 48!
Knight kicks low, but NO B F T! Tag to Truth! Knight ELBOWS Melo, Truth runs in! CENA SHOULDER TACKLES! Then the SPIN OUT BOMB! Truth says it’s time! “YOU CANT SEE ME~!” truth runs for the FIVE KNCUKLE SHUFFLE! Truth then fireman’s carries, but Melo slips free! Melo shoves, Truth dodges, and Truth hits the LIE DETECTOR! Truth then gets Melo in the S T R-TRUTH! But Miz CLOBBERS Truth! Knight ROCKS Miz, then LARIATS him up and out! Knight then goes out to THROW Miz into barriers! The fans fire up again, but NAKAMURA ATTACKS KNIGHT!
The fans boo, but the sinister samurai then POSTS Knight!! Nakamura slithers away while Melo keeps the ref’s attention! Truth sees Knight is down, Melo runs up, but Truth dodges! Miz tags in, full nelson, and a FIRST 48 FINALE COMBO?!? Cover, Miz & Melo win!!
Winners: The Miz & Carmelo Hayes, by pinfall
Well, what do you know? Nakamura aside, Miz and Melo made it work! Okay, they’re both trying to hog the spotlight, but is there a future for Melo Don’t Miz? Will Knight only have more of a reason to take that title off Nakamura now?
Charlotte Flair speaks.
“The GOAT… doesn’t have to call themselves The GOAT. Now, I have crafted a legacy that no one, I mean no one, can touch. And I’m back.” The Women’s Royal Rumble Winner chose Tiffany Stratton, but will The Queen take back her throne? Or will WWE always be on #TiffyTime? Speaking of…
Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae!
The WWE Women’s Champion may have gotten past Nia Jax, but now she knows Charlotte Flair is waiting for her at WrestleMania, and is going to be teaming with Trish Stratus in Toronto! Will she be in Tiffy Top Shape for that Tiffy Trishy dream match? Or will the Poison Pixie be quite the problem all on her own?
Before the match, Tiff grabs a mic while the fans cheer. Tiffy says, “I know, I know. You know it, you know it, and you know it. Ever since I won this title, everybody’s just been so obsessed with me. And last week, I had Nia Jax beat, until Candice LeRae decided to interfere and help her little meal ticket. And at Elimination Chamber, Trish Stratus and I make sure the Unstoppable Force comes to a definitive end!” The fans cheer that, but Tiff says enough about them. Let’s talk Charlotte Flair. The fans boo that name, but Tiff says Charlotte took her sweet old time, grabbed a chair, grabbed a mic, and she looked down on Tiff.
Charlotte chose Tiff as her WrestleMania opponent. In that moment, Tiff’s dream came true! And as she lied down there and looked up at Charlotte, she realized the rumors are true: No one loves to kick a girl when she’s down quite like Charlotte Flair. So at WrestleMania, Tiff isn’t coming for Charlotte’s legacy; that’s all Charlotte’s. Tiff is coming for the spot Charlotte desires the most: The number one spot as the top girl in the WWE! But here comes Nia & Candice to interrupt. Nia has a mic to tell Tiffy, “I Have to say, this is really cute. Like, it’s really cute that you actually think you were gonna beat me last week.”
Doesn’t Candice think that is cute? Candice says yes, it is so~ cute. And Tiff wouldn’t even be standing there if not for little Trish Stratus~. Exactly! And it’s even cuter that Tiff is out here talking about Charlotte when she wont’ even see WrestleMania! Because after Nia & Candide destroy Tiff at Elimination Chamber, Nia is coming back for her WWE Women’s Championship. Nia & Candice step up to the ring, and Nia says Tiff won’t even see the Grandest Stage of Them All. Tiff tells Nia to just give it up. This title isn’t even hers anymore. And once Tiff beats Candice tonight, Nia won’t have anyone to do her dirty work anymore!
Candice tells Tiffy that while they’re meant have a match right now, she and Nia are feeling impatient. Nia says they should just get rid of Tiff right now! But the ref steps in and says not gonna happen! Tiff VS Candice will, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Candice has Tiffy down with an armlock. Tiff fights up as the fans rally, but Candice wrenches to wristlock. Tiff spins through, goes to ropes, then up the corner to flip and arm-drag! The fans fire up as Tiff rallies on Candice! DROPKICK, and Tiff snarls! Tiff goes to the corner, and Charlotte makes her entrance? The Queen chooses to be fashionably late all so everyone looks at her, including Tiffy. Tiffy handsprings, but Candice dodges! Candice runs up to UPPERCUT, then she snapmares and NECK SNAPPERS! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Candice clamps onto Tiffy with a top wristlock.
The fans “WOO~” as Charlotte now chooses to join commentary. Tiff fights up, has the ROPEBREAK, but Candice CLUBS away on her! Candice backs off, runs up, but Tiff drop toeholds her to ropes! Tiff runs, HIP ATTACKS, and Candice flops back! Cover, TWO! Tiff stays on Candice with a whip, but Candice reverses. Candice CLOBBERS Tiff, covers, TWO! Charlotte corrects Tiffy’s words earlier: Charlotte isn’t the “top girl,” she is THE woman in WWE. Candice HIP DROPS Tiff but the fans rally up. Candice scuffs Tiff, then grinds an arm to drop a knee on the elbow! And another knee drop! Tiff endures and the fans rally up.
Candice keeps on that arm, thrashes it around, but Tiff fights up. Tiff fires body shots, then shoves Candice to Alabama Lift her! Candice sunset flips, Tiff rolls through, TIFFY STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Tiff is frustrated and Candice bails out. Tiff goes to the apron, goes up the corner, and ARIHARA MOONSAULTS! Direct hit on Candice and Nia, and Tiff almost stuck the landing! The fans fire up with Tiff and she goes into the ring. Tiff points to the WrestleMania sign, and then at Charlotte, but SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Tiff waits on Candice, Candice slides in, and Tiff stomps her down! Candice bails out, Nia is there to coach her, but Tiff lets the ring count start. Candice gets on the apron, Tiff kicks her, but Candice RAMS Tiff! Candice CLUBS Tiff, has her in the ropes, and hits a NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT! Candice climbs, aims, and leaps to MISSILE DROPKICK Tiff down! Cover, TWO! Candice is frustrated but this is why Tiff’s a champ. The fans rally, but Candice stomps Tiff! Candice scowls at the fans, stalks Tiff, then brings her up. Tiff fires body shots, then she rolls Candice up! TWO, and Candice CLOBBERS Tiff! Cover, TWO, into a ghost pin! TWO!
Candice escapes to hit a CODE BREAKER! Both women are down, but Candice scowls again as she crawls over to Tiff. Candice rains down fists, Nia tells fans to shut up, and Candice steps on Tiff’s face. Candice huffs ‘n’ puffs, pushes Tiff around, then scuffs her. Tiff rolls Candice up again, TWO! Candice DECKS Tiff! Cover, TWO! Charlotte is stoic on commentary as Candice drags Tiff up and puts her in a corner. Candice fires hands, then backs off. Candice runs up to ROCK Tiff again! Candice then runs, but Tiff dodges! SmackDown returns to single picture, and Tiff rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT! The fans fire up, Tiff handsprings, BACK ELBOW!
Tiff then reels Candice in for a SKY HIGH! High stack, TWO! The fans rally for Tiff, Nia coaches Candice, but Charlotte still seems nonplussed. Tiff and Candice rise, and Candice runs up. Candice puts Tiff on the apron, but Tiff ROCKS her! Tiff bumps Candice off buckles, then goes up, but Candice ROCKS her back! Candice climbs up, and she fires hands on Tiff! Tiff fights the suplex! Tiff DECKS Candice, then adjusts position, to SANTON- FLOP! Candice ghost pins, TWO!! Tiff escapes, but Candice hits the step-up SENTON! And then a LIONSAUL FLOP! Tiff hurries to fireman’s carry, ROLLING SENTON! And then PRETTIEST MOON- NO, Nia drags Candice out of the ring!
The fans boo, Nia tells them to shut up, but Tiff is on the apron! Nia swings, Tiff cartwheels over, and then she DROPKICKS Nia! Tiff Alabama Lifts Candice, to ALABAMA SLAM her into barriers! Tiff stares down Charlotte, tells her just wait for Mania, then she puts Candice in the ring. Tiff goes to the corner, PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, Tiff wins!
Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall
Charlotte gives moderate applause, but Nia CLOBBERS Tiff from behind! The fans boo, but Nia just drags Tiff to a corner. Nia goes up, but wait! Trish is here!! The fans fire up for the legend as she rushes into the ring! Trish avoids a haymaker to CHICK KICK! Then THESZ PRESS for Candice! And then a SPINEBUSTER! Trish helps Tiff to her feet, but Nia grabs them both! Trish fires fast hands on Nia! Candice CHOP BLOCKS Trish! Tiff is still dazed, Nia HEADBUTTS her back down! Nia & Candice mug Trish, and then Nia HEADBUTTS Trish! Trish & Tiff are side by side, and Nia drags them into the drop zone! A-NIA-LATOR!!
The fans boo but there’s nothing can be done! Nia grins as she helps Candice away, will these two trash Trish & Tiff in Toronto? Charlotte steps into the ring, stands over Tiff, and points to the WrestleMania sign. Will The Irresistible Force & Poison Pixie unwittingly do the dirty work of The Queen of Flair?
Cody talks with Damian Priest backstage.
Priest asks why Cody’s boy, The Rock, is here tonight. Cody says given the time of year, his guess is as good as anyone’s. But tonight will surely be eventful. Cody congratulates Priest on entering the Elimination Chamber. Priest says what’s wild is, last year, they both walked out as champions. What sucks is that this year, only one of them can. Now, Priest is man enough and he respects Cody to say that after Chamber, he’s coming for that title. Cody says he wouldn’t have it any other way. Cody heads out, but what business does The Rock have tonight?
Braun Strowman steps in, and he tells Priest that congrats on winning, and good luck in the Chamber. But let’s be honest, Braun had Jacob dead to rights last week. If not for Solo Sikoa, things would look a lot different next week. Priest chuckles and says take it easy, he’s sounding like Drew with the excuses. But it is what it is, Priest just beat Braun to the punch. But that was last week. Tonight, Solo and Jacob, two of the baddest men in the business. Priest & Braun handling business? Oh, they’re handling business. The only business Braun cares about is getting his hands on those two. Priest says Braun definitely will.
Braun heads out, will the Monster of All Monsters and the Archer of Infamy make sure Solo & Jacob #GetTheseHands? Or will the rogues run roughshod all over SmackDown once again?
Backstage interview with Naomi & Bianca Belair.
Byron Saxton is with the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions and brings up last week’s SmackDown, the security footage led us to believe Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez were the ones behind Jade Cargill’s attack. Now, hold on, Saxton. They don’t think, Naomi knows they were. Fair enough. But this Monday, they can get their revenge when they defend the tag titles against Liv & Raquel. How ready are they for this match? Bianca says so ready! They have been waiting for months for an update. Jade has been recovering, she hasn’t been able to call or text, so the GlowEST took matters into their own hands to get revenge.
Bianca & Naomi will handle Liv & Raquel, then move on to Elimination Chamber, where one of them is gonna win to face Rhea at WrestleMania. Not only will you #FeelTheGlowEST on Monday, but Liv feels it tonight! #Let’sGLOW! The champs head out, but will they clear their Road to WrestleMania of any other distractions?
Alexa Bliss speaks.
“When I was away, there was a lot of… change that happened in me. But when I look around, I see this place is still the same. The names and faces may be different, but the desperation and insecurity remains the same. You’ll see Toronto when I turn the Elimination Chamber into something of a playground of my own. I know the Chamber. I love the Chamber. I’ve won the Chamber. And for the other five women, it’s gonna be a Hell like they’ve never experienced before. Need I remind you, this is my division, and I am in charge.” Bliss smiles and says, “See you soon.” The film comes off the reel, but will things get twisted in Toronto?
Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez!
The Big Easy is all about having fun, and they’re fired up for Naomi’s entrance. But wait! Liv & Raquel don’t wait, they attack Bianca & Naomi while the lights are still down! They mug Naomi, but Bianca drags Liv out of the ring! Then Bianca storms in to fire off on Raquel! The fans fire up, but Liv returns to CHOP BLOCK Bianca! Raquel hauls Bianca up for a TEJANA BOMB!! Naomi runs up, fires more hands, but Liv brings Naomi around. Naomi fires hands on her, but Raquel throws her down! Liv runs up, OBLIVION!
Liv & Raquel stand tall, the refs rush out here, but clearly the singles match isn’t happening. Will we be getting something even meaner and nastier between these four on Monday?
The Rock arrives!
His truck pulls into the parking lot, but we’ll see him in the ring, after the break!
SmackDown returns and…
Aldis is chewing out Liv & Raquel for the attack. He doesn’t know what they get away with on Raw, but they can’t pull that crap here. Now get the hell out of his building. Liv & Raquel just laugh that off, but then Chelsea Green & Piper Niven walk in. Chelsea says have no fear, Chelsea & Piper are here to sub in for Bianca and Naomi at Elimination Chamber. Aldis sighs, and says they’re not missing the Chamber. What? But Chelsea had an outfit picked out! This is a travesty to not have the greatest Canadian export since maple syrup on a Canadian PLE! Does he know who she is? The first-ever, longest reigning, tallest, shortest, prettiest, richest, tannest, sparkliest, oldest, youngest Women’s US Champion! Piper asks what this is aboot, eh?
Aldis says this is them testing his patience. They need to pack their gear and whatever else they want, because they’ll be in action next week on SmackDown in Toronto. And oh, it’ll be a good one. Wait, they need more details! At least an e-calendar notification? Aldis is leaving Chelsea in the dark on what’s coming, will she absolutely hate it?
The Rock heads to the ring!
Wait, what is this New Orleans related remix? The Final Boss steps out on stage, he shows those goosebumps, then continues down the ramp, shaking hands with fans. The Rock hits his signature pose on the corner, but then takes the long way around to pick up a fan’s phone for them before going back into the ring. The fans all cheer for “ROCKY! ROCKY!” and he grabs himself a mic. He waits as the fans continue to chant his name, and then he says, “Ahh, you feel it, don’t you? You feel it. The Rock has got chills up and down his body because you know, on a Friday night, for the Final Boss to get inside his bird and fly all the way here, you know that I’m dropping some ish on you tonight!”
The fans fire up and The Rock smiles. Rock says, “Let’s get this show on the road.” The fans anticipate what’s coming but he says hold on, he’ll do it. “FINALLY! The Rock has come back…” “TO NEW ORLEANS~!” Rock smiles, and he adds, FINALLY, WrestleMania is coming back to New Orleans!! The fans are thunderous to hear that! WrestleMania 30, WrestleMania 34, and now WrestleMania 42!? Yes, next year, 2026, LIVE from the Superdome! One of the greatest cities on Earth in New Orleans, Louisiana! The pyro goes off to commemorate the occasion, and the logo is already on the tron! Rock smiles at that, then he smiles at the WrestleMania 41 Vegas logo.
The fans are losing their minds, as we now know April 11th and 12th, 2026, the Big Easy has the Grandest Stage of Them All. Rock says you damn right holy ish! Oh when the saints go marching in…! Oh how I’d love… Wait, no, this ain’t singalong with The Final Boss! Sit there, shut up, and let The Final Boss sing the song! The fans are torn, but Rock says he sings! Oh how I’d love, to be in that number~! Oh when the saints go marching in~! Okay, that’s good enough. You got him, that was a great duet. The Rock is singing with the largest collection of STD’d trailer trash he has ever seen! The fans can’t believe Rock would do that to them!
Rock says now, dropping this news wasn’t the only gift he was going to drop on us. The Final Boss came here to call somebody out. The Rock will call out a man who he respects, who he admires, and who we all admire. That man is our WWE Champion, the one and only, Cody Rhodes. The fans cheer as The American Nightmare makes his entrance! They sing along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” and we get Cody’s pyro before he goes to the ring. Cody gets his second “WHOA~ OH~!” and round of pyro, then he steps inside to join The Rock. The fans cheer Cody on, so he holds up the title and the fans cheer even more.
Cody grabs a mic, but Rock says, “That feels good, doesn’t it? I mean, that’s gotta feel amazing, right? They love you, man.” Cody tells NOLA, “I love you, too.” Rock says this is crazy. Pretty much no one knows this, but since after WrestleMania last year, they’ve actually become good friends. No, it’s true, they have. Last time they were together was the Raw Netflix debut. Rock gave Cody his flowers, told Cody he has carried the company like the incredible champion that he is, so thank you, Cody. Rock meant it, and that night, they went to the back, drank tequila for two hours and had a great ol’ time.
They chopped it up, had a blast, but Rock wants to call Cody out here for something important. Here’s the thing… The fans get a bit rowdy as they wait, and Rock says Cody is a great champion. A great WWE Champion. Cody knows that. Again, they’ve become good friends, so over the months, they’ve texted. Even their moms became good friends! Look! Mama Johnson & Mama Rhodes together after WrestleMania 40! It is a pleasure becoming Cody’s friend. But Rock wanted this face to face to tell him a few things. One: Cody has been a great champion, but he needs to understand. Yes, The Rock, The Final Boss, is on the Board of TKO. And TKO owns WWE.
The Rock is the Director of the Board of TKO. Don’t boo that! The Rock’s good friend, Ari Emanuel, who owns everything Endeavor, The Rock joked with Ari, “Can you believe that you own The WWE?” Ari says he doesn’t own the WWE, The Rock does. Rock said no, no, he doesn’t know if he owns the WWE. But The Rock knows he is the most powerful… Cody, you are a great champion. But Rock wants Cody to be something more. Rock wants Cody to be something more than just our champion. Rock wants Cody to be his champion. The fans don’t like where that’s going.
Cody says he did not expect them to become friends, nor their moms to become friends, nor the tequila. Cody didn’t have that on his bingo card. But becoming The Rock’s champion? The Rock of all people should know, Cody is the people’s champion. The fans cheer Cody more, and Rock says yes! Cody is their champion! Of course! The Rock is also The People’s Champion, he loves that about Cody. This is their universe, they were both born into this business. But Rock means something even bigger than just this. Rock knows Cody’s goal is to bring as much joy and happiness to everyone around the world, as many as possible.
The fans cheer, and Rock says that’s Cody. Cody is that guy, and everyone knows it. Cody is on social media, Instagram, millions of followers. Millions, and millions! The Rock has half a BILLION. That’s not a flex. But The Rock is the most followed American man in the world, that’s what he wants for Cody. Rock wants Cody to be even higher. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, he will open doors to possibilities Cody never even imagined. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, every dream he has ever had can come true. Every dream of Brandi’s, of their daughter’s. Think about how Rock brought them to the premiere of Moana 2, in Hawaii.
Thank you, by the way, for making that cross a BILLION dollars, fans, Rock loves you. Rock has met the Rhodes family, they’re amazing. But imagine it: Cody’s daughter’s children, their dreams, long after Rock and Cody are gone, all those dreams can come true. Rock just needs Cody to be his champion. The fans say don’t do it! Rock tells Cody to just think about it, though. Rock is a very lucky man, he has it all. Cody also has it all. They’re very fortunate. They’re Mama’s Boys, they’re Girl Dads, they’re lucky men. Fans say don’t do it, Rock tells them to shut up or he’ll slap the syphilis off their face! Rock is trying to have a moment here, shut your mouths!
The one thing that Rock has never had, that he wants more than anything, is a brother. And that is what Cody can be. Last year, WrestleMania, Rock’s goal was to face his cousin, Roman Reigns, for the title. Cody knows, the fans know. Rock talked with his friend, HHH. He talked with Nick Khan, who is his friend. They are also Cody’s friends. Rock knew it wasn’t in the plans, but they talked about moving Cody aside to make what was best for business: Rock VS Roman, WrestleMania 40! What’d Cody do? Cody pitched a b*tch fit! Cody told The Rock he ain’t doing it, and he stood up to The Rock. And y’know what else? Cody SLAPPED Rock!
No one does that and gets away with it. But that is why Cody is special. That is why Cody should be Rock’s Champion. And that is why Rock will take Cody from where he is to a level so far above. Rock will make sure every dream, every desire, for generations to come, it all comes true. Rock’s dad, Cody’s dad, Soul Man & American Dream, they are looking down right now. They were friends, Cody and Rock are friends, Cody should be Rock’s Champion. He doesn’t need to answer Rock tonight. He can think about it, talk with his wife and daughter, as will The Rock. Then Cody can think about it. Meet Rock in Toronto on March 1st to give him the answer.
Fans still say don’t do it, but Rock says it is okay. Before he leaves, this has been an amazing night, this is a hot crowd, thank you all very much. But before he leaves, Rock wants us to know this: The one thing Rock wants more than anything in this world… is that. Wait, the title? Cody’s title? The fans’ title? This is all this is about? No no no no! Brother… Rock doesn’t want the title. He wants Cody’s soul. The fans duel, “NO! NO! NO!” “SELL YOUR SOUL!” Rock pats Cody on the cheek and says see you in Toronto. The Rock leaves, giving Cody a lot to think about. Rock does give one last glance back at Cody, then smirks.
What will The American Nightmare choose: His integrity? Or his aspirations?
WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly!
Did Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano got these titles thanks to Kit Wilson & Elton Prince? #YESBOY! Did they survive a couple title defenses thanks to Kit & Elton? #YESBOY! But when Pretty Deadly needed DIY, was DIY there for them? #NOBOY! So now, Kit & Elton are looking to give Ciampa & Gargano their comeuppance! Will we finally get another #SidePlateCheck? Or will Ciampa & Gargano remember for themselves, that if you wanna be champions, you gotta do it yourself?
But as DIY make their entrance, they have mics, and Johnny Wrestling tells NOLA, “Give it up one time for your TWO-TIME WWE Tag Team Champions…! The BTTITW (Best Tag Team In The World), D I Y~!” The fans boo instead. Ciampa says there is no denying that tonight has been electrifying. Gargano says this is a hot crowd. But please, if we could be somber for a second. Guys, this is serious. Two weeks ago, Pretty Deadly embarrassed DIY, and now reluctantly, DIY will return that favor by crushing their hopes and dreams of ever becoming WWE Tag Team Champions. So please, let us all rise to our feet… Yes, you in the LSU jersey, stand up.
Ciampa thanks Wade Barrett, and asks for everyone to remove their hands and bow their heads for a moment of silence for Pretty Deadly, beginning… now. The fans boo instead! And then Pretty Deadly make their entrance! The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really needed who in this broken relationship!
But then DIY jumps Pretty Deadly! The ref reprimands, DIY whip but Pretty Deadly reverses! DOUBLE DORPKICKS! Then DOUBLE LARIATS send DIY up and out! The disco ball hasn’t even stopped spinning! The fans cheer while DIY throw a fit! They regroup, cool down, and go back to the ring. Gargano distracts Elton, Ciampa CLOBBERS him, and the bell rings. But Elton fires hands on Ciampa! Elton whips, Ciampa reverses and he pulls hair! The ref reprimands, Ciampa throws Elton to the apron and KNEES him down! Tag to Gargano and he aims, SUPERKICK! Elton goes down in a heap, DIY cheers themselves on, and SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns, Gargano tags in, and DIY hits the BACK SUPLEX BOMBO COMBO! Cover, TWO! Elton stays in this but Gargano tags Ciampa back in. Gargano sends Ciampa in, but Elton ELBOWS him away! Gargano runs in, but Elton puts him on the apron! Gargano goes after Kit, but Kit blocks the kick! Kit BOOTS Gargano down, but then Ciampa BOOTS Kit! Elton dodges Ciampa to come back, DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! Elton and Ciampa are down, sputtering and writhing, and the fans rally up. Elton crawls, Kit rises, hot tags to Kit and Gargano! Kit rallies on DIY with big forearms! Kit whips, Gargano reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS!
Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa in a corner, then LARIATS! Kit runs to LARIAT Gargano! Kit pushes Gargano down, kicks him and hits a TWIST- NO, Gargano slips through to ROCK Kit! Kit yoyos, DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up, Kit tags Elton! They get Gargano up, but Gargano BOOTS Elton! Gargano ELBOWS Kit away, then runs up on Elton! Elton dodges, then gives Kit the boost, DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Gargano survives but Ciampa is in! Elton fireman’s carries Ciampa, but Ciampa slips free! Ciampa whips, Elton reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa! Elton shows off his strength with the GOTCH LIFT PLEX!
Tag to Kit, but IN COME THE PROFITS! Ford SHOVES Kit down, Dawkins mugs him!!
Winners: Pretty Deadly, by disqualification; DIY retain the titles
Not again! Just like they did Motor City Machine Guns, The Profits make sure no one else takes these titles off DIY! URENAGE from Ford to Elton! Dawkins keeps hammering away on Kit, and then Ford POSTS Elton! Dawkins fireman’s carries Kit, to POST him, too! Looking like the All Mighty with that one! Gargano fires forearms in return, but ends up int he POUNCE GERMAN SUPLEX! Then Ciampa runs up into a FLAPJACK! Ford goes up top, then flies in FROM THE HEAVENS!! Direct hit on Ciampa! But wait! MCMG rushes out here, wanting their payback! The Profits brawl with MCMG, but Ford TOSSES Shelley to the apron!
Ford runs up, Shelley goes to kick, but Ford blocks it! Ford LARIATS Shelley down, Dawkins hits Sabin with THE BIG ENDING! The fans are torn as Dawkins whips Sabin, Profits get him for the REVELATION!! And if there’s been any revelation, it is that Ford & Dawkins don’t just want the smoke, they want to burn down the tag division to get it! Will nothing stop them once they’re back in action?
Kevin Owens speaks.
“You got what you wanted, huh? You got your match. You couldn’t, uh… You couldn’t just take the punishment that you deserved, that I’d already given you, and let it go. No, you… You wanted me and you to go again. You wanted to fight me, you want to hurt me, you want to end my career, which would hurt my family, by the way. Which is truly despicable. But what about your family, Sami? Huh? Have you thought of them? What about your family, huh?” Kevin reveals he is right outside the Zayn home! Kevin peers inside to watch Sami, his wife, and his son!
Kevin asks Sami via the video if Sami knows what he’s about to put them through, when they have to watch Kevin end Sami’s career. And what happens then, eh? When Sami can’t provide for them, and everything they have, like this nice house, the shelter, the security, the peace they have, when it’s all gone? And why? What for? Because Sami’s too proud? Because Sami’s selfish? Sami IS selfish. Because Sami is making Kevin do this to Sami’s family. Kevin will never forgive Sami for that. He’ll see Sami in Toronto. “But remember… You asked for this. It’s all your fault.” As if Kevin’s delusions aren’t already grand, will he continue to blame everyone else but himself?
Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga!
Elimination Chamber is on the horizon, and the Road to WrestleMania makes for strange bedfellows. Priest, Braun and Jacob were fighting each other just last week, but Solo’s return really threw things for a loop. Can Priest & Braun give Solo and the Samoan Werewolf their punishment? Or will everything (not) be fine in Solo’s Bloodline?
SmackDown returns as #OneBigSOB makes his entrance. As Solo, Jacob & Tama head to gorilla, we hear from Solo. “Tonight, we handle business. And it starts with Braun Strowman & Damian-” Jacob interrupts with, “Man, c’mon, DP! C’mon, Braun! I thought we did this! So tonight, we about to even up the score. If you ain’t know, I’m all gas, no brakes with it! See, since we touched the scene, we been dropping bodies like bread crumbs! Yadada mean!? FA-TUUU~! Hit my music!” The rogues enter to Jacob’s theme, is this alone proof he’s the new alpha? Or will the match be the last nail in that coffin?
The teams sort out, but Jacob stares down both Priest and Braun. NOLA seems to acknowledge Jacob, but Solo convinces him to stand down. Solo starts against Priest, the bell rings, and the two tie up. They go around, Priest powers Solo back, but Solo powers Priest back. They break, stare down, and Solo talks some trash. Solo shoves Priest, Priest shoves back. They circle again, tie up, and Priest puts Solo in a corner. The ref counts, Priest lets off at 4, but Solo stomps Priest’s foot! Solo throws hands, then a HEADBUTT! Priest staggers, but then he ROCKS Solo! And ROCKS him! And HEADBUTTS! That was a mistake!
Solo shakes his head to HEADBUTT Priest! Priest goes to a corner, Solo throws haymakers and body shots on repeat! The ref counts, Solo lets off and says see? Solo and Jacob as one! But Priest THROWS Solo to the corner to fire off haymakers of his own! Priest ROCKS Solo, the fans fire up, and Priest whips., Solo reverses to UPPERCUT! Solo talks smack but Priest ROCKS him again! Tag to Braun and the fans fire up! Braun stares Jacob down, tells him to shove it, then runs up to SPLASH Solo! Braun stares Jacob down again, goes back for Solo, and hits another LARIAT! Braun scoops, Solo slips free, but Braun runs up!
Solo ELBOWS Braun away, tags to Jacob, and Jacob runs in, but Braun dodges! Braun CROSSBODIES! Jacob is right up, but Braun BOOTS him right back down! Solo runs in but Braun TOSSES him! Priest hurries after Solo, Braun CLOBBERS Jacob! LEAPING LARIAT for Solo! Braun then gets on the track, STROWMAN EXPRESS SMACKS a chair out of Tama’s hand! The Good Bad Guy thought he was being sneaky! But then Jacob CROSSBODIES Braun into the timekeeper’s aera! The fans go wild as Jacob rises up, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Jacob hauls Braun up, drags him around the way, HEADBUTTS him, then brings him over to SMACK off the desk! Braun staggers, but he ROCKS Jacob in return! And THROWS Jacob into steel steps! Braun drags Jacob up, puts him in the ring, but Jacob SUPERKICKS Braun! Braun falls into the corner, Jacob HIP ATTACKS! Jacob’s all geeked up, then he tags in Solo. Solo soaks up some heat while Jacob HIP ATTACKS Braun again! Solo puts Braun on ropes to CHOKE him! The ref counts, Solo stops at 4, but Jacob gets a HEADBUTT in! Braun flounders, Solo taunts him and eggs him on, but Braun CHOPS him!
Solo HEADBUTTS Braun right down! Solo rains down fists, then lets off so he can put Braun on the ropes. Solo CHOKES Braun again, stops as the ref counts 4, and Jacob gets another cheap shot in! Solo tags Jacob in, then he HEADBUTTS Braun again and again! Jacob runs to BODY CHECK Braun! Jacob fires up, Braun flounders to ropes, but Jacob rains down fists! Tag to Solo, he soaks up heat from NOLA, then he stomps away on Braun! The ref counts, Solo lets off, then he keeps Braun from Priest by anchoring a leg. Tag to Jacob and Jacob climbs up, FROG SPLASH! Jacob roars while Braun writhes!
Jacob looms over Braun but he glares at Priest. Priest gets heated, but Jacob fires hands on Braun as SmackDown returns to single picture. Braun stands, but Jacob HEADBUTTS him again! Jacob runs for another BODY CHECK! And then a SENTON! Cover, TWO! Braun stays in this and he goes to a corner. Jacob snarls, tags Solo in, and the fans boo. Solo runs corner to corner to HIP ATTACK Braun! Solo grins as he copies Jacob’s geeking out. Tag back to Jacob and fans cheer! Jacob aims, runs, and HIP ATTACKS! Jacob keeps going, but Braun BOOTS from below!! The fans fire up while both men stagger to their feet.
Braun SPINEBUSTERS Jacob! Both monsters are down, the fans rally up, and they crawl, hot tags to Solo and Priest! Priest fires hands on Solo, then whips. Solo reverses but Priest SHOUDLER TACKLES Solo! Priest runs to BACK ELBOW! Jacob is back, but Priest dodges to WHEEL KICK! Priest then waits on Solo, but Solo catches Priest! Priest elbows free, but Solo SUPERKICKS! But Priest JUMPING ROUNDHOUSES! Solo comes back, Priest ROCKS him first! Solo swings, but into the FLATLINER! Cover, TWO! Solo survives but Priest puts him in a corner. Priest whips corner to corner, then runs, only for Solo to put him on th eapron!
Solo takes as swing, Priest dodges and ROUNDHOUSES! Priest then knuckle locks with Solo, goes up top, and he tightrope walks for some OLD SCHOOL! The fans fire up and Priest powers up the arm! Priest runs, but Solo ducks the Comebacker! Priest fights the fireman’s carry to BELL CLAP, ROUNDHOUSE, and then he reels Solo in! But Tama is on the apron! Priest DECKS Tama, but Jacob HOTSHOTS Priest! Solo hits the URENAGE! Cover, TWO!! Priest survives and Solo is stunned! Solo snarls, looks to his taped-up thumb, then he drags Priest up. The fans boo but Solo taunts the fans now. SAMOAN- NO! Priest grabs Solo!
But Jacob runs in! Priest ROCKS Jacob, ELBOWS Solo, then he dodges, so Jacob’s SUPERKICK hits Solo! An accident just like last week’s shot to Tama, but Jacob doesn’t seem as upset by it. Priest TOSSES Jacob, then CLOBBERS Solo! STROWMAN EXPRESS CLOBBERS Jacob & Tama!! Priest brings down the straps, the fans are thunderous, and Priest grabs Solo by the neck! SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Cover, Priest & Braun win!
Winners: Damian Priest & Braun Strowman, by pinfall
Just as Solo thought it’d be like before, he and Jacob were not on the same page! Priest is rolling towards Elimination Chamber, will this be just what he needs to go back to WrestleMania?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown here, but with some interesting moves after the sudden change in plans with The Rock showing up. Naomi and Bianca had a good promo to hype up what was meant to be a full match of Naomi VS Liv, but word had already come out before the show that things were being cut for time. But at the very least, they did the right thing of making it a brawl that adds heat to the tag title match on Monday. Also, hilarious how Chelsea & Piper thought the beatdown on Bianca & Naomi was so bad that they would need to be pulled from the Chamber. I also can’t wait to see what happens on Toronto SmackDown.
As for The Rock, I do appreciate he used his authority to kayfabe change more things, all so he could have his promo with Cody. I also appreciate Rock blending his different roles and even different sides, both Heel and Face, to A) bring the news of WM42 being in NOLA, and B) recreate the Corporate Champion/People’s Champion story from the Attitude Era. That was some wild stuff he was saying to Cody. I’m sure quite a few people will try and talk with Cody next week in the go-home. Heels will say do it because they’d love to have what Rock can give, Faces will say not because Cody’s better than that. But naturally, Cody is not going to become The Rock’s Champion, causing Rock to turn on him and really up things going into WrestleMania 41 and perhaps even beyond.
Good stuff in the Elimination Chamber related stories. Jimmy VS McIntyre was great stuff to open, and how fitting that McIntyre loses to Jimmy after talking all that trash about Jimmy and Jey being the same. Jey got McIntyre with something quick, Jimmy got McIntyre with something quick, McIntyre’s ego is obviously his weakness. And at the same time, McIntyre of course destroys Jimmy after because that’s his other personality trait. Priest had good promos with Cody and Braun, and we got great stuff from Solo’s Bloodline. Naturally, we got a miscommunication spot to help finish, we’re really close to Solo VS Jacob, I can feel it. Priest & Braun get the win, mostly because Priest isn’t winning in the Chamber when you’ve got Punk and Cena in there.
Very good stuff with Tiffy Time, from the promos leading into the match to Charlotte being ringside just to watch. Nia & Candice of course get the better of Tiff & Trish, because Tiff & Trish are definitely winning the tag match in Toronto. Charlotte just seems to enjoy trolling Tiff with her presence, so Charlotte probably shows up in Toronto to then confront Tiff after the match. I expect the seven weeks after Elimination Chamber to really heat up, as will Charlotte’s involvement, where she’ll get more active verbally and physically. Also, hell, Rock should go full Corporation and have Charlotte be his Corporate Women’s Champion because of how established she is.
Hilarious stuff from Truth tonight, as always. Truth and Melo having their “who’s on first” again was good stuff, and of course Miz gets in on this story, too. Truth & Knight VS “Melo Don’t Miz” was really fun, but yeah, should’ve figured Nakamura would get involved, too. Melo & Miz making it work could also be really fun, and while Knight VS Nakamura is a rehash, I really hope they find a way to up things. It feels like we’re getting the same with the tag titles as Profits “ruined” that great tag match from DIY and Pretty Deadly, then brawled with MCMG to still come out on top. Last year had a ladder tag title match, so why not do one for these titles this year?
Speaking of escalating, Kevin filming a promo outside Sami’s house was some really well done stuff, as expected of someone as good as Kevin and in such a story as him and Sami. Their match should main event, it needs time to breathe, as it could be just as, if not more violent, than the Chamber matches. What a powerful closing moment we could have if it’s a bloody Kevin and Sami, and one of them is standing over the other, triumphant yet mournful because it was their best friend in the world that they just brutalized.
My Score: 8.9/10
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA LIVE! iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 2.20.2025
So the first live episode got fairly positive praise from everyone; will this continue the trend?
Filming at Full Sail seems to have set the stage nicely this week! Going into a Live episode we got Moose and The Hardy Boyz on NXT, as well as Jordynne Grace’s involvement with Steph and Giulia giving a little shine to TNA happenings since she’s newly WWE.
This episode should be interesting, we finally see Lei Ying Lee (fka Xia Li) back in action, Rascalz take on Tyson and Tyriek, Tessa should be seeing some action as well…so generally interesting happenings for the second Live iMPACT! of 2025. Let’s see how this one goes down!
No matter where @ManceWarner and @stephdelander go, @TheSamiCallihan WILL FIND THEM!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/mXz9U7m9PL
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Ratings:
- Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin: Rascalz win via Meteora/Swanton Combo – ***
- Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary: Lei wins via Thunderstruck – **
- NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC: Dango wins via The System help – ** 3/4
- Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore: Masha wins via Requiem – N/A
- Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons: Elijah wins via Tombstone Piledriver – *** 1/4
Results:
Oh yeah, and another Hendry concert is…cut off by a commercial, LOLTNA. First Hendry is cut off by AXSTV’s new Anime Hour bumper, and now Primo and Epico are showing up in TNA. I definitely didn’t have this on my BINGO card. The crowd starts chanting “Where’s Carlito”, which they do acknowledge and play off of well. Oh they’re using their shoot names of Orlando and Eddie now…but before they attack the lights go out and we get another guitar strum! ELIAH/ELIAS/EZEKIEL/EBENERZER/EMERY/EL VAGABUNDO – shows up to back up Hendry. Okay I can apologize away the redundant concert since it played into an Elijah debut. The crowd is immediately popping and chanting “This is Awesome” 10 minutes into the show.
Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin
Treehouse bros take it to the bigger men quickly, a few fast dives, a little MCMG style tandem strikes, Tyson fires and tries to take them out but they Low Bridge him. Tyriek comes in and they try similar things but Tyriek manhandles them both and throws them out of the ring, Trey is the first one back up and Tyriek and Tyson take his damn head off with his Corkscrew Running Euro Upper. Trey finally manages to flip out of the manhandle, tags in Wentz and Wentz goes for the hot and spicy cleaning house spot. Corner to Corner Knee Lifts for both big men, a Rolling Snapmare, into a Superkick for Tyson and Standing Shoot Star on Tyriek but only for two because Wes feints like he’s going to interfere.
Tyson and Tyriek pull off a tandem Assisted Backdrop Driver, but Wentz breaks it up, Tyson gets knocked out, Wentz hits the Tornillo, Wes tries to interfere again after Trey gets perched on the corner buckle but Ace runs around and trips Wes at the last second causing him to faceplant on the apron, Trey hits the Meteora, Wentz hits a Swanton from the other side of the ring and Trey gets the pinfall victory.
It was fast paced, all gas no brakes, but it didn’t overstay its welcome, so it was pretty fun all things considered.
After the match Wes grabs a mic, complains a little but challenges them to a 6 man match as Sacrifice. So we’re THAT’S where we’re getting the expected 3v3.
Fir$t Cla$$ comes out with an entourage of hot chicks and probably influencers or something. The “First Class Penthouse” , Gabby AF, Mafiosa Valentina, and Carolina are apparently known in their own way. Gabby I know was the awful one who did something for Impact a last year and sucked, but she’s part of the Busted Open Network I believe so that’s why she’s around. Two of them look like Noelle Foley and Frank the Clown…oh they actually are. Look at that. I do love KC Navarro as the Hype Man, they have this whole set up of AJ being mad that they haven’t gotten more Tag Title shots, so TNA placated him with his own Piper’s Pit and he’s *pregnant pause* totally happy with that. He says he loved Piper and hated Hogan before it was cool.
This is actually quality content and AJ is cutting a nice promo in this segment. They introduce their first guest, the greatest performer in TNA history, many whole say he’s Phenomenal with a whole lot of style….it’s A-J-Francis.
.@AJFrancis410 is GOING OFF!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/kGehtp9iTE
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary
Things were slow until Rosemary took her into a corner quickly, hit the Upside Down, and we get a lot of Lei trying to avoid Rosemary’s offense. Rosemary goes for a Spear in the corner and Lei forward rolls, starts connecting with a bunch of right hands, backs Rosemary into the corner, goes for 10 Count Punches, pulls her out, Airplane Spin TKO for only a two count. Rosemary tries As Above So Below, Lei shrugs it off, Rosemary tries to go after Lei anyway and eats Thunderstruck! Lei Ying Lee wins!
After the match Rosemary catches Lei on the ramp and hits the Green mist in the eyes. Match was far too short and so many of Lei’s set up moves look better than her finish. We’ve seen Kofi Kingston do it for years so it’s not bad, just the current Knockouts Division are awful and don’t take the move well.
Eric Young and the jabronis come out, EY cuts a very basic power crazed psycho kind of promo, gets the “What” chants from the crowds. EY is trying to recruit Maclin even though Maclin made his line in the sand last week. EY tries to spin it as maybe he took out Josh FOR Maclin instead of in spite of his trust. This really doesn’t seem interesting at all, but that’s probably because I hate the two Jabronis EY is with.
NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC
I really don’t have any interest in Slater. He’s got no personality beyond “flippy guy with a British accent”.
Dango immediately powders, grabs a chair and goes to swing on him but misses. So Leon is making JDC look dumb by dodging the post chop, using the chair to shield himself from a punch by JDC, and then clapping Dango’s fingers between the chair. So typical System match, look inept for the first few minutes, then take advantage of something to take over. Oh look, Leon takes too long setting up the table, Dango gets in a few pot shots, tries to whip him into the table but Leon leaps over it, and then leaps back over to clobber Dango. Dango is still trying to recover so Leon hits his over the corner post con hilo, and the crowd appreciates it but I’m not interested. Leon panders to the crowd after the big spot and then eats an X-Plex into the chair from Dango.
JDC throws Leon back in, goes for a pinfall that’s only a two and we cut to a commercial. Coming out of the commercial JDC is in control with a Kendo Stick until he isn’t, Leon counters and takes the keno stick, brutalizes Dango a few times then comes off the ropes with the kendo shot for 2. Leon goes for another table, and again, at least the crowd is receptive to this match. Leon sets it up, looks for something off the apron but Dango stops him first until he eats a dropkick to fall onto the table, Leon hits the Swanton 450 through the table on the outside. Does it look cool? Sure. Do I care about dumbass moves? Nope.
Oh thankfully the rest of The System comes out to stop the pinfall, Shield Bomb Leon through the first table, and roll him back in for Dango to win.
The Hardy Boyz come out to try and make the save, but the numbers are against them, so Oba Femi’s music hits! Oba cleans house but doesn’t get his hands on Moose, so they’re at least building the eventual clash between Moose and Oba.
The crowd starts a “Tessa, we comin for you” chant before she even starts talking. Tessa is actually playing off the crowd well, Santino’s music hits and Tessa thinks he’ll help her out with the crowd and Santino calls bullshit basically. Santino says if Tessa doesn’t wrestle next week, she’s fired and Masha’s music hits. Masha decides to step in for Tessa’s enhancement talent match.
Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore
Jobber tries to attack Masha early but Masha stops her, rocks her and Requiem ends the match.
Masha stares down Tessa, and then Cora Jade attacks from behind and hits Jaded.
Ryan Nemeth comes out to his Abyss music remix. What will Mokuba say today? “MYYYY BIIIGG BBRROOOOTTHHHEEEEER” he repeats at least 4 times and it’s hilariously cringe. He announces that Nic will return at Sacrifice, he literally just came out to give a PSA.
Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons
Hendry starts with Eddie, after a brief tie up it seems like Hendry reads the room and points at Elijah and the crowd wants him in. So Joe tags in Elijah, a little back and forth, Shoulder Tackle from Elijah, Rope Walk with Elijah lays out Eddie and a tag to Joe allows for a quick tandem knockdown, but Eddie powders as the Walking and Talking Duo hold the ring going into the final commercial break.
We come back and Hendry is bouncing Orlando off the ropes as he return a strike, but Orlando is obviously losing, eats a Euro Upper, and then gets walked around in the Stalling Suplex for posterity. Eddie tries a sneak attack but gets caught and Sack of Shit, into Kip Up, turn and then Orlando with the ambush! A few quick short cuts and an Irish Whip/Dropkick combo gives the Colons a near fall. Hendry does get locomotion variation cradles, but eats a Dropkick to stop the attempt at momentum. Orlando stays on Joe, but Joe finally starts to fire up as the crowd starts to get behind him. Euro Uppers make some space, but a Snapmare says no.
Eddie gets tagged in and a quick Leg Sweep into a Front Chancery keeps Eddie in control. As Joe tries to get back up, Eddie turns it into a Guillotine, but finally the Suplex counter connects for Hendry! Simultaneous tags! Elijah bulls over Orlando, catches a Leap Frogging Orlando with the Manhattan Drop as Orlando retreats to a corner, Stinger Splash into Spinebuster for two. Elijah tries to keep up the attacks but Orlando finds a few ways to make space, launches himself from the middle rope and eats the Jumping Knee! Eddie breaks up the pinfall, Hendry takes Eddie out and Elijah hits the Tombstone Piledriver for the win!
Overall Score: 6/10
Well there were more live hiccups than the first episode, and this felt both more epic and less epic at the same time. Elijah and the Colons debuting was a nice way to kick things off, Oba Femi showing up for the save was fantastic. There were a few decent matches, but also a lot of really short and rushed matches. Tessa played off the crowd well, but Masha really is useless on the mic. Lei Ying Lee needs to framed stronger, her matches have done nothing to show off her ability. It just proves that the Knockouts don’t know how to sell a kick to the head because they all take it in the shoulder and fall in corny ways.
Viva La Sam could be something fun if the next 3 weeks are just hand cam footage of him being like “I’m Sami Callihan and I’m gonna kick Mance Warner’s ass”, Elegance Clique getting the rematch with a stipulation is nice to see and while I like Fir$t Cla$$, that segment went a little long for a cornball swerve payoff. It’s one thing to placate the Influencer squad especially when we’ve seen Logan Paul and Ishowspeed do so well in WWE…but these are like Z Tier Influencers that no one cares about. These kind of dorks stream on Kick because they aren’t relevant enough for Twitch, not because they chose Kick over it.
So yeah, the low lights were pretty low, and the highs were a little fleeting, but at least they were pretty fun. Not a bad show, just clunky with noticeable issues and Masha shouldn’t be allowed to speak English anymore. She’s such a charisma vacuum when she’s not rambling in Russian.
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