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Mitchell’s NJPW WTL x BOSJ Results & Report! (11/16/20)

World Tag League stands alone!

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NJPW WTLBOSJ

NJPW focuses on World Tag League for today!

NJPW may be running two tournaments at once, but even they know 10 matches every day would be a lot! So for day two, it’s JUST World Tag League! Will the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions keep on winning?

NOTE: NJPW no longer wants to feed AXS TV now that it is with Anthem and Impact Wrestling. But never fear, I will cover NJPW in the spirit of AXS in providing the most important matches of the show.

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • World Tag League 2020: Guerrillas of Destiny VS Bad Luck Fale & Chase Owens; Guerrillas of Destiny win.
  • World Tag League 2020: YOSHI-HASHI & Hirooki Goto VS Great-O-Khan & Jeff Cobb; Hashi & Goto win.
  • World Tag League 2020: FinJuice VS EVIL & Yujiro Takahashi; Evil & Yujiro win.
  • World Tag League 2020: Toru Yano & Tomohiro Ishii VS SANADA & Shingo Takagi; Sanada & Takagi win.
  • World Tag League 2020: HenarACE VS Dangerous Tekkers; Dangerous Tekkers win.

PLAY BY PLAY

Here are the current World Tag League standings!

Toru Yano & Tomohiro Ishii: 1-0
The Empire: 1-0
The Dangerous Tekkers: 1-0
EVIL & Yujiro Takahashi: 1-0
FinJuice: 1-0
Bad Luck Fale & Chase Owens: 0-1
HenarACE: 0-1
SANADA & Shingo Takagi: 0-1
YOSHI-HASHI & Hirooki Goto: 0-1
Guerrillas of Destiny: 0-1

 

Guerrillas of Destiny w/ Jado VS Bad Luck Fale & Chase Owens!

Bullet Club VS Bullet Club? Will this be okay? We saw how this stuff went in the G1 Climax. Will Bullet Club still (not) be fine?

Being that this is all Bullet Club, they all Low Sweet to show they’re still united. GOD and Jado do a second Low Sweet and Owens is a little confused. Owens looks to Fale, but turns around into Tama Tonga’s dropkick! The bell rings and the Good Bad Guy waits on the Crown Jewel. Owens is upset, they’re all Bullet Club so why would Tama do that? Tama apologizes and holds the ropes open for Owens. Fans cheer and Owens gets in the ring, but Tama jumps him from behind! Tama throws hands, Owens bails out and Owens is again upset. Jado has his kendo stick and Owens tells him to stay back. Tama slides out but Owens slides in. Owens is ready and he tackles Tama to rain down rights!

Tama turns things around to rain down rights but Owens turns things back. The ref reprimands as the two scrap and Tama gets the edge. Tama clubs Owens and throws body shots in the neutral corner. Tama also throws elbows, then he whips Owens corner to corner. Owens goes up and over and speeds things up. Tama hurdles but runs into Owens’ calf kick! Owens rains down angry rights but the ref pulls him away. Owens calms down, brings Tama up for a headlock punch! Jado protests but Owens brings Tama up. Tama throws Owens out, Loa leaps to ax handle! Fale protests but the ref keeps him back. Loa whips Owens into railing! Loa blames it on the camera crew. Owens gets up and Tama drags him through the ropes for a DDT! Cover, TWO!

Tama keeps on Owens with a chinlock then a cravat. Owens endures but Tama snapmares him down. Tag to Loa for the slingshot senton, then Tama adds his own! Loa covers, TWO! Loa keeps between Owens and Fale and stomps Owens down. Loa drags Owens up, carries him back into the GOD corner, and Tama tags in. The ref reprimands but he has to keep Fale back. GOD gets away with mugging Owens in the corner! Tama digs his heels into Owens’ head but lets up as the ref counts. Tama goes side to side to BOOT WASH! Fans rally and Fale goes after Jado, but Loa keeps Fale back. Tama covers Owens but the ref is too busy. The ref finally counts, ONE! Tama gets in the ref’s face about being distracted, but Owens body shots Tama!

Tama rakes Owens’ eyes, drags him over and puts him in the corner for body shots of his own! Tag to Loa and Loa brings Owens up to headbutt and stomp! Loa digs his boot in, the ref counts, Loa stops at 4. Owens hurries for his corner but Loa keeps him back, and uses a straddle hip drop to knock Owens down! Loa adds elbows but Owens body shots back! Owens gest up and throws forearms. Loa eggs Owens on, Owens CHOPS but Loa kicks low. Owens fires off a flurry but he swings into the backbreaker and COMPLETE SHOT! Into a CROSSFACE! Fale breaks it up! Fans cheer for Fale as he and Loa argue. Loa shoves Fale, Fale swipes at Loa! The ref has them stay back and Loa runs at Owens in the corner.

Owens boots Loa away but Loa grins. Loa runs in, but into a corner complete shot! Fans cheer as Owens rolls, hot tag to Fale! Fale drags Loa up but Loa throws forearms. Fale shakes those off but Loa keeps throwing more! BOth men roar, Loa runs but he can’t run Fale over! Loa tries again but still Fale doesn’t budge! Loa fires up, then he stomps Fale’s foot. Fale blocks the whip with size and strength to whip Loa to a corner then corner splash! Loa eggs Fale on but Fale fires off! Fale whips Loa out then into the same corner for a back elbow! Jado gets on the apron but Fale grabs his beard! Loa clubs away on Fale and then tags Tama. GOD mug Fale at the ropes, then they double whip. Fale runs through them both!

Fans fire up as Fale goes back and tags Owens! Owens runs and forearms Tama, then Fale runs in to corner splash! Fale rolls Tama for Owens’ SHINING WIZARD! Cover, TWO! Owens keeps his cool as he stalks Tama. Tama flounders around, Owens runs but no Jewel Trigger! Tama spins Owens around but Owens drops to victory roll! TWO, and Owens reels Tama in for an O’Conner Roll! TWO and Owens boots Loa! Loa LARIATS Owens! Fale runs Loa over! Fans cheer as Owens and Tama are alone in the ring. Tama turns around, sees Owens and rushes in but gets rolled up! Owens has the ropes but Jado pushes him over! Well, Jado is keeping Owens fair, sorta.

Tama jumps in but Owens denies Gun Stun! Owens reels Tama in but Tama back drops free! Tama leaps, misses Owens and almost hits the ref! Jado kendo stick SMACKS Owens in the distraction! SPINE BUSTER and SHARPSHOOTER! Owens endures and Loa keeps Fale out! Owens TAPS, GOD wins!

Winners: Guerrillas of Destiny, by submission; now 1-1, Fale & Owens are now 0-2

Tama and Loa rebound, but with plenty of help from Jado! Will Jay White be proud or disappointed in his Firing Squad for winning like this over their own?

 

YOSHI-HASHI & Hirooki Goto VS Great-O-Khan & Jeff Cobb!

The Head Hunter and Fierce Warrior couldn’t get back at the IWGP Heavyweight Champions but were very close. However, it wasn’t even close when The Dominator revealed “X” was the Hawaiian Hulk and they both dominated HenarACE! Will this be anything but competitive as The Empire continues to grow stronger?

The teams sort out and Cobb starts against Hashi. Fans cheer and rally as the two stare down. Cobb and Hashi approach, tie up, and Cobb shoves Hashi to a corner! Cobb smirks to dare Hashi to come back. Hashi gets up, fans rally up and Hashi ties up with Cobb. Cobb shoves Hashi to the corner again and shakes his head. Hashi throws forearms but Cobb doesn’t budge. Cobb eggs Hashi on and Hashi keeps throwing forearms, but then Cobb throws Hashi into the corner! Cobb stomps away, the ref counts, and Cobb lets off at 3. Cobb slaps Hashi around, egging him on mroe. Hashi fires up and fires forearms! Cobb ROCKS Hashi but Hashi hits back! And again! And again! Hashi isn’t backing down even though Cobb ROCKS him again!

Hashi throws forearms, body shots and CHOPS! Fans fire up with Hashi as he runs, dodges, but gets run over! Cobb tags in Khan and Khan DECKS Goto! Khan and Cobb bring Hashi up, and the Empire double whips Hashi corner to corner. Khan whips Cobb in but Hashi dodges the splash! Hashi CHOPS Khan, dropkicks Cobb down, and Goto returns so he and Khan can double whip Khan and run him over with double shoulders! Then the hip toss senton! Cover, TWO! Hashi stomps Khan, brings him up and throws forearms! Hashi CHOPS Khan to a corner, then whips him corner to corner. Khan reverses the whip but runs into boots! Hashi runs in but into a headlock takeover! ARM TRIANGLE! Cobb clobbers Goto while Hashi fades! Hashi gets a second wind but Khan cranks tighter!

Fans rally and Hashi kicks his way around, to the ropebreak! The ref counts, Khan leans all his weight on Hashi but lets go at 3. Khan drags Hashi up by his hair just to CLUB him down! Khan tags Cobb and Cobb takes his time looming over Hashi. Cobb brings Hashi up to headbutt him on the back! Cobb ROCKS Hashi with a right, scoops him and shows off his strength, to then hit a side backbreaker! And another! Cobb TOSSES Hashi aside as he stares Goto down. Fans rally for Hashi while the ref keeps Goto back. Tag to Khan and the Empire mugs Hashi in the corner. Khan digs his boots in, the ref reprimands but Khan gives one last jam before letting off. Khan sucker punches Goto before dragging Hashi up. Hashi forearms and CHOPS back! But Khan Mongolian CHOPS Hashi down!

Khan drags Hashi up, bumps him off buckles, and holds him in by sitting on him! The ref counts, Khan stands up, but then sits back down! Khan grabs the arms for the inverted motorcycle stretch! The ref counts, Khan lets off at 3, but fans rally with their clapping, “YO-SHI, HA-SHI!” Tag to Cobb and Cobb slaps Hashi around. Hashi hits back with elbows and body shots, but Cobb CLUBS Hashi down! Cobb mocks Goto then drags Hashi up. Cobb fireman’s carries but Hashi fights out! Hashi waistlocks but Cobb elbows free. Hashi spinning mule kicks Cobb back! Fans fire up as Hashi crawls, hot tag to Goto! Goto DECKS Khan for earlier, then runs and clotheslines Cobb! Cobb stays up so Goto throws forearms! Cobb throws them back and fans fire up as the two men brawl back and forth!

Goto gets the edge, but Cobb knees low! Cobb whips Goto corner to corner but Goto reverses, to then corner clothesline! Goto holds on to BULLDOG! Cover, TWO! Cobb resists the fireman’s carry lift, but Goto still gets him up! But Cobb slips off, knees low and tags Khan. Khan drags Goto up, whips him corner to corner, then follows up with a clothesline to the back! Khan hoists Goto up top backwards, then Mongolian CHOPS Goto into a Tree of Woe! Khan digs his boot into Goto’s face! The ref counts, Khan jams Goto at 3. Khan goes corner to corner to then run back in, sliding BOOT! Goto falls out of the Tree and Khan covers, TWO! Goto survives and Khan grows frustrated. Khan drags Goto up but fans rally up. Goto CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS!

Khan fires up to Mongolian CHOP back! Khan drags Goto up for another! Goto wobbles, Khan brings him back up for a third Mongolian Chop! Khan runs, but Goto follows and LARIATS him down! Both men are down, Hashi DECKS Cobb! Hashi brings Khan up and he whips Khan to a corner! Hashi whips Goto in for MURAMASA! Hashi runs in to CHOP! Feed to a kick, then combine for GOTO HUNTER! Cover off the combo, but Cobb drags Goto up! Cobb kicks Hashi, knees Goto, and then gets them both for a DOUBLE CROTCH LIFT SUPLEX! Cobb’s strength continues to amaze! The Empire regroups, whips Goto corner to corner and Khan whips Cobb in for a big back elbow!

Cobb gut wrench TOSSES Goto and Khan drags Got up. Khan shows he can gut wrench suplex, too! Cover, but Hashi breaks it at the last second! Cobb throws Hashi out and Khan looms over Goto. Khan sits Goto up to dragon sleeper but Goto fights back! Goto spins things around but Khan uses the claw to get free! Khan lifts, Goto slips out and shoves Khan into Hashi’s SUPERKICK! Goto gets a sleeper hold, then rolls Khan to a cradle! Goto and Hashi win!!

Winners: Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi by pinfall; now 1-1, The Empire is now 1-1

Chaos conquers The Empire!! They’ve brought Khan and Cobb down, but Khan stomps Goto out of the ring! The Dominator does not take losing lightly, but will this be the loss that keeps The Empire from winning it all?

 

FinJuice VS EVIL & Yujiro Takahashi w/ Dick Togo!

Juice Robinson and David Finlay continued where they left off in World Tag League, but they’re up against the underhanded King of Darkness and Tokyo Pimp! Will FinJuice taste Pimp Juice and find Everything Is Evil?

The teams sort out and after a Low Sweet, and after Juice puts his sunglasses away, Juice and Yujiro start. The fans rally up already as the two circle. Juice lunges in but Yujiro dodges and shoves Juice. Yujiro kicks low and headlocks but Juice throws body shots and powers out. Yujiro rams shoulders but Juice stays up. Yujiro tries again but still Juice doesn’t budge. Juice dares Yujiro to try again, but Yujiro kicks him low instead! Yujiro headlocks, Juice powers out and tags Finlay. Finlay scoops and slams Yujiro, then Juice scoop slams Finlay onto Yujiro! Juice keeps Evil away while Finlay covers, TWO! Finlay drags Yujiro up, wrenches an arm and wristlocks, tag to Juice. Juice climbs up and lets out a “WOO!” before he drops ax handles! Juice jogs around Yujiro then drags him up.

Tag to Finlay, Finlay climbs up and drops ax handles! Finlay double guns and Juice whips Yujiro. FinJuice double kick then double BULLDOG! Cover, TWO! Finlay drags Yujiro up but Yujiro elbows. Finlay knees low then runs but Dick swipes at him! Finlay chases Dick but Evil clobbers him! Yujiro BOOTS Juice then Evil drags Finlay up to throw knees. Evil rakes Finlay’s eyes as he brings him around and RAMS him into the timekeeper’s area! Evil loves doing this to Abe for some reason. Then Evil drags Finlay away and puts him in the ring. Evil mocks the fans rallying while Yujiro drags Finlay up. Yujiro keeps Finlay from his corner with a scoop slam! Cover, TWO! Fans cheer but Yujiro tags Evil in. Bullet Club whips Finlay to ropes and double shoulders him over!

Yujiro runs to drop a leg, brother! Evil runs to drop a senton! Cover, TWO! Evil tries again, TWO! And again, TWO! Evil is frustrated but he keeps Finlay from Juice. Finlay throws body shots and forearms! And uppercuts! Evil whips Finlay into bare buckles! Yujiro threw the blue buckle pad away at some point! Tag to Yujiro and he taunts Finlay. Yujiro snapmares Finlay to then run and basement BOOT down! Cover, TWO! Fans rally as Finlay reaches for Juice. Yujiro brings Finlay away to stomps and stomp! Yujiro slaps Finlay around but Finlay throws forearms and uppercuts! Yujiro knees low, fans rally harder as Yujiro back suplexes, and Finlay lands on his feet! Finlay dodges Yujiro, hot tag to Juice!

Juice rallies on Yujiro, scares off Evil and Dick, then goes back to JAB Yujiro! And JAB! JAB! Over and over and over, then he pumps up, but Yujiro ducks the Left Hand! Juice facelocks but Yujiro BITES the hand! Juice blocks the kick, gives a kick and still hits the DDT! Juice DECKS Evil off the apron then fires up. Juice runs corner to corner at Yujiro, big corner clothesline! And then a LEAPING LARIAT! Fans fire up but Evil gets in, only to get a high and hard back suplex! And a senton! Yujiro gets up but runs into a full nelson SLAM! Cover, TWO! Juice argues the count but fans clap along. Juice drags Yujiro up, fireman’s carries, spins around, but Yujiro rakes eyes! Yujiro slides off to throw forearms! Juice wobbles and Yujiro eggs him on. And then rakes his eyes!

Yujiro runs, blocks a boot and trips Juice, then hits a basement boot! Tag to Evil and Evil drags Juice up by his hair. Evil keeps Juice from Finlay but Juice elbows free! Hot tag to Finlay! Finlay rallies on Evil with forearms and uppercuts! Evil reverses the whip but Finlay leaping uppercuts! Evil bails out, Finlay PLANCHAS! Dick hurries away and Finlay puts Evil in the ring. Finlay runs corner to corner to uppercut! And then hops up and leaps to FLYING UPPERCUT! Cover, TWO! Finlay tags Juice back in, Juice whips Evil to pick up, UPPERCUT HART ATTACK! Jackknife cover but Yujiro breaks it! Finlay stomps Yujiro out and regroups with Juice. Tag to Finlay, Juice brings Evil up, but Yujiro drags Finlay up! Evil whips Juice into bare buckles!

Dick drags Juice out to throw hands! Then Dick distracts the ref as Yujiro chokes Finlay with the pimp cane! Evil JAMS Finlay with a chair! Juice trips Dick then JABS Evil! Yujiro kicks Juice but FinJuice DOUBLE FLAPJACK him down! Fans fire up as Juice drags Evil up. FinJuice tries again, SHOTGUN LEG SWEEP! Cover, TWO!! Evil survives but FinJuice coordinates another combo. Finlay brings Evil up to the top rope in one corner, Juice climbs up in the other. Finlay has Evil up top, but Yujiro trips Juice! Evil shoves Finlay down and Bullet Club regroups. Bullet Club whips Finlay, Finlay gets around to shove Evil into Yujiro! STUNNER on Evil! STUNNER on Yujiro! Dick gets in, he gets a STUNNER too!

Finlay slashes the throat and drags Evil up! Cravat and Sliced- No! Evil shoves Finlay at the ref then LOW BLOWS! EVERYTHING IS EVIL!! Cover, Bullet Club wins!!

Winners: Evil & Yujiro Takahashi, by pinfall; now 2-0, FinJuice is now 1-1

The King of Darkness and his dastardly tricks bring down the WTL 2019 winners! Will this year’s tournament belong to Bullet Club one way or another?

 

Toru Yano & Tomohiro Ishii VS SANADA & Shingo Takagi!

The provisional Mr. KOPW and the perennial Stone Pitbull managed to use Bad Luck Fale and Chase Owens against each other quite literally to get their first win! Meanwhile, Cold Skull and The Dragon want to rebound from losing to traitorous Evil! Will it be a Skull End for Yano and Ishii already?

Yano hurries through the check and then demands Red Shoes hurry up with LIJ. LIJ take their time putting their fancy entrance attire aside, much like their leader would. Takagi tells Yano to stop his barking, but he lets Sanada start. Fans rally as Sanada stares coldly at Yano. Yano keeps talking a lot and then goes for a corner pad! Sanada stops that, whips Yano away but Yano reverses to finish his work! Sanada ducks the pad shot to dropkick the pad into Yano! Sanada gets the legs, Yano scrambles and gets the ropebreak! Sanada stomps Yano then wrenches the arm. Sanada whips, Yano holds the other ropes and then baits Sanada in. Yano dodges and rakes Sanada’s eyes, to then trip Sanada up.

Yano says here goes nothing, and he goes after Sanada’s limbs! Yano steals- Well, he tries to steal the Paradise Lock, but Yano has no idea how that thing works! Yano tries again but Sanada kicks him into bare buckles! Sanada shows Yano how to do the lock by putting Yano in it! Yano is stuck in Paradise but Ishii runs in to run Sanada over! Ishii and Takagi ram shoulders, then again and again! Takagi throws a forearm, runs and rams Ishii but Ishii comes back to ram Takagi! Takagi rebounds to run Ishii over then Sanada basement dropkicks Ishii out! Takagi has Red Shoes take a much closer look at Yano’s props, and Yano shouts to be let out of Paradise! Sanada grabs the buckle pad and brings it over to SMACK Yano out of Paradise! And out of the ring!

Takagi goes after Ishii on the outside while Sanada brings Yano up. Sanada whips, Yano reverses but Sanada stops himself from hitting railing. But he turns around into Yano’s pad SMACK! Ishii whips Takagi into railing while Yano… wraps Sanada up in the apron skirt?! Sanada is stuck as Yano gets away to the ring! The ring count is 15 as Sanada undoes the layers, and he gets in at 19.9!! Yano stomps Sanada down then whips him to the bare buckles! Tag to Ishii and Ishii drags Sanada up. Ishii CHOPS Sanada, then CHOPS him again! Ishii eggs Sanada on so Sanada CHOPS back! And CHOPS again! Ishii CHOPS and Sanada falls! Ishii eggs Takagi on but goes back to Sanada. Red Shoes keeps Takagi in the corner as Ishii headbutts Sanada.

Ishii bumps Sanada off buckles, tags Yano in and Yano eggs Takagi on? That’s not smart! Red Shoes stays in Takagi’s way and Yano bumps Sanada off the bare buckles! Yano stomps Sanada down then brings him up to hip toss! Cover, ONE as Takagi steps in and scares Yano off. Red Shoes has Takagi go back to the corner and Yano bumps Sanada off buckle pads. Ishii tags in and drags Sanada up. Ishii CLUBS Sanada on the back, then eggs him on. Sanada throws body shots but Ishii doesn’t flinch. Ishii headbutts Sanada then suplexes. Sanada resists and fans rally up, Sanada tries to suplex Ishii! Ishii resists, the two fight for suplex control, and Ishii gets Sanada up. Sanada slips out to waistlock but Ishii elbows him away. Ishii runs but Sanada dropkicks the legs out!

Fans fire up as Sanada heads for his corner! Hot tag to Takagi! Takagi tells Yano he’ll get his, but first blocks Ishii’s boot to clothesline! Ishii blocks the suplex but Takagi still gets him up. Yano clubs Takagi and they double whip him. Takagi sends Yano into Ishii, runs Yano over then spins Ishii all around to suplex high and hard! Cover, TWO! Takagi toys with Ishii and talks trash as he kicks. Ishii just gets mad. The two throw forearms back and forth and fans fire up as they pick up speed! Back and forth, forearm for forearm but Ishii ROCKS Takagi! Ishii runs but Takagi clotheslines at the rope! Takagi runs but Yano trips him! And hotshots him! Ishii GERMAN SUPLEXES! Takagi and Ishii are both down as fans cheer!

Ishii rises first and gives back those toying kicks. Takagi eggs Ishii on so Ishii kicks harder! Ishii runs, but Takagi blocks the boot to give elbows from all sides! Takagi runs but Ishii swats him away! Ishii runs into the elbow, JAB, but he ducks the lariat! Ishii waistlocks, ducks the elbow but so does Takagi! Ishii ROCKS Takagi but Takagi comes back with the LARIAT! Both men are down again and fans fire back up! Takagi tags in Sanada and Sanada drags Ishii up. Sanada whips Ishii corner to corner but Ishii reverses. Sanada elbows Ishii away, Quebrada but Ishii gets under! Sanada fireman’s carries and throws Ishii to the dragon sleeper!

Ishii fights out but gets caught again! Ishii slips around to suplex Sanada high and hard! Fans rally up and Ishii tags in Yano! Yano brings Sanada up, whips for the bare corner but Sanada stops himself. Sanada sends Yano into the buckles! ROLLING CRADLE! They go around and around and around and around and around… And around, to the cover! TWO!! Sanada and Yano are both dizzy but fans rally up! Sanada steadies himself, fireman’s carries Yano but Yano fights out. Sanada kicks but Yano grabs hair! Sanada knees low, runs, but into an atomic drop! Catapult at the bare buckles! Yano goes to low blow but Takagi stops that. Yano rakes eyes and whips Takagi but Takagi stops himself from hitting buckles. Takagi sends Yano into the buckles now!

Ishii returns but Takagi dodges him to feet to Sanada’s boot! Dropkick snap saido! LIJ goes after Yano with a double whip corner to corner! They back elbow, clothesline, boot and lariat, then MAGIC SCREW! Cover, TWO!! Yano survives but Sanada vows to end it! Sanada drags Yano into the dragon sleeper, but Yano turns that to a cradle! TWO, and Yano dodges to drag Sanada down again, M O U! TWO!! Sanada waistlocks, feelds Yano to Takagi’s elbow then rolls Yano up, TWO!! Yano staggers up, but into another waistlock! Yano standing switches, feeds to Ishii’s LARIAT, roll up, TWO!! Yano is mad, but he gets caught to O’Conner Roll with bridge!! LIJ wins!!

Winners: Sanada & Shingo Takagi, by pinfall; now 1-1, Ishii & Yano are now 1-1

LIJ had an answer for all of Yano’s tricks, and they rebound from the opening round! Will Sanada and Takagi be able to take the tournament the way Sanada took the G1 B Block?

 

HenarACE VS Dangerous Tekkers!

Hiroshi Tanahashi and Toa Henare could not withstand the assault of The Empire, and The Ace’s leg is a liability against his old foes. Will Taichi and Zack Sabre Jr. make Tanahashi #JustTapOut? Or can Henare carry the load and get a win over the tag team champions?

At this moment, NJPW takes a moment with help from HenarAce to announce a charity donation for COVID relief. After that, the Tekkers make their entrance, HenarAce shows off their muscles, but Taichi shows off the dancing pecs. The teams sort out and ZSJ starts with Henare. Fans rally as the two circle and tie up. ZSJ gets around to waistlock and drag Henare down, but Henare gets up to turn things around. Henare has ZSJ on ropes and throws knees. ZSJ gets clear of the back hand, headlocks but Henare powers out. Henare dodges the boot, catches ZSJ’s leap for a SLAM! Fans fire up as Henare DECKS Taichi then tags Tanahashi in.

HenarAce double whips ZSJ and elbows him down! Tomahawk and elbow drop combo! Then the flex! Then the DOUBLE HALF CRAB! ZSJ endures, Taichi gets in but takes his time to CHOKE HenarAce! ZSJ is free, HenarAce kicks Taichi down and gives him the DOUBLE HALF CRAB! Red Shoes counts, they let Taichi go and Tanahashi focuses forearms on ZSJ. Tanahashi whips ZSJ corner to corner but ZSJ reverses and runs in, only for Tanahashi to elbow him away! Tanahashi leap sup to crossbody! Fans cheer as Tanahashi air guitars. Tanahashi eggs ZSJ on, runs but into a cheap shot from Taichi! ZSJ BOOTS Henare, then the Tekkers mug Tanahashi with the ENDLESS DRAGON SCREWS!

Tanahashi drops, Taichi drags him out and ZSJ goes after Henare! HenarAce is whipped into railing on opposite sides! Taichi puts Tanahashi’s leg up and over the railing to then bend it back! Red Shoes reprimands and counts, Taichi stops at 3. Tanahashi clutches the leg, but Taichi takes Milano’s chair from him! Taichi JAMS Tanahashi’s leg with it! Red Shoes takes the chair back and it is returned to Milano on commentary. Taichi chuckles as he looms over Tanahashi. A ring count starts as Taichi drags Tanahashi up by his hair. Tanahashi hobbles on the bad leg as the count reaches 10. The count reaches 15 but Taichi puts Tanahashi in at 17. ZSJ stands on the bad leg and digs his heel in! Then ZSJ wrenches the leg with a toehold!

Taichi adds on and the Tekkers stand on Tanahashi’s leg at the ropes. Tag to Taichi and he drags Tanahashi around by his leg. Taichi stomps the leg, then drops down on the leg in a deathlock! Tanahashi has the ropes, ZSJ stands on Tanahashi’s hand but Red Shoes reprimands. Taichi lets off and tags ZSJ in. ZSJ BOOTS Henare down and Taichi stomps Tanahashi. ZSJ twists Tanahashi’s bad leg all around then drops down on it! ZSJ has the toehold then spins through to get the butterfly deathlock! ZSJ mocks the air guitar and tags in Taichi. Taichi chokes Tanahashi but Red Shoes counts! ZSJ lets off and Taichi stops choking, but Taichi drags Tanahashi around to a Half Crab! Taichi also stomps Tanahashi’s head at the same time!

Tanahashi endures, Taichi steps all the way through to sit deep on the Crab! Fans rally and Tanahashi continues to endure. Tanahashi fights his way to the ropebreak! Red Shoes counts, Taichi lets go, and Tanahashi clutches the leg. Taichi kicks at Tanahashi, egging him on with trash talk. Taichi stomps the bad leg, Tanahashi gets mad and gets to his feet to throw forearms! Fans rally but Taichi KICKS the bad leg! Tanahashi falls but Taichi kicks again! Tanahashi catches it to DRAGON SCREW! ZSJ gets in to BOOT Henare down and then kick Tanahashi, but Tanahashi blocks that, too! Another DRAGON SCREW! The Tekkers are down, Tanahashi tags in Henare! Henare rallies on ZSJ, tanks Taichi’s boot to CHOP back!

Taichi reverses the whip but Henare dodges him to come back with a flying shoulder tackle! ZSJ leaps in, but Henare makes the guillotine into a suplex! Henare glares as he drags Taichi up. Taichi fights out of the fireman’s carry but Henare fights off the saido. Henare whips and clotheslines Taichi, then fireman’s carries to a running SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Henare keeps his focus as fans fire up. Henare aims from a corner and fires himself up with “OH! OH!” Taichi rises, Henare roars and runs in, but Taichi reakes his eyes! Henare ROCKS Taichi with a forearm, runs in but misses in the corner, GAMANGIRI from Taichi! Both men are down but fans rally up! Taichi and Henare stir, and Taichi gets to ropes. Henare heads that way but Taichi brings him up first.

Henare fights back but Taichi eggs him on. Henare throws more forearms, and he ROCKS Taichi! Taichi comes back to KICK, Henare forearms! Kick, forearm, kick! Henare eggs Taichi on and he even leans into the kick! Henare double CHOPS Taichi down! Fans fire up as Henare runs, but into a boot! Henare dodges Ax Bomber, double clotheslines collide! And again! Taichi flounders but Henare stays up! Henare runs, but Taichi boots! HAMMERHEADBUTT!! Henare and Taichi are both down, but Henare heads for his corner. ZSJ trips Tanahashi off the apron! And puts Tanahashi in an ANKLE LOCK! Henare still runs at Taichi but misses in the corner. ZSJ runs in to EuroUpper! Taichi mule kicks, ZSJ penalty kicks, Taichi BUZZSAWS! Cover, TWO!

Taichi is annoyed but fans rally up, and off come the pants! Taichi waits for Henare to stand, but Henare dodges the kick! Taichi resists the Urenage, ZSJ hops on for a sleeper! Henare rams ZSJ into buckles! Taichi Alabama lifts Henare but Tanahashi keeps ZSJ from adding on! Tanahashi kicks Taichi, ZSJ goes after Tanahashi but gets TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Taichi waistlocks, DANGEROUS- SLING BLADE! Tanahashi counters the saido and saves himself! Fans fire up as Henare rises and watches Taichi stir. Henare fires up, runs, LARIAT! Fans fire up more as Henare drags Taichi back up. Taichi resists the urenage and smothers Henare into a cobra twist! ZSJ goes after Tanahashi, takedown into a KNEEBAR!

HenarAce endure dual submissions, but Henare reaches and fights over to the ropebreak! Taichi lets Henare go and fans fire up more! On the outside, ZSJ whips but Tanahashi reverses and sends ZSJ into railing! Back in the ring, Taichi drags Henare up and reels him in. Henare resists the lift and powers Taichi away with a back drop! Both men are down again but fans rally back up. Taichi aims but the buzzsaw is caught! Henare elbows, Taichi ROUNDHOUSES! Henare HEEL KICKS! Taichi ENZIGURIS, but Henare is back up to POUNCE!! Fans fire up for Henare as he and Taichi stir. Henare sits up and Tanahashi returns. HenarAce drags Taichi up and coordinate, but ZSJ grabs Tanahsahi! Taichi fights out and kicks Henare down!

Taichi ROCKS Tanahashi, ZSJ scoops and Taichi SUPERKICKS! TENSHO ZACK DRIVER! ZSJ runs at Henare but the boot is blocked! Henare ELBOWS ZSJ down, but he swings into DANGEROUS SAIDO!! Cover, TWO!?! Henare survives and fans are thunderous! Taichi gets up, beside himself on how to put Henare away. Taichi fires up, aims from a corner and watches Henare rise. Henare again blocks the kick to lift Taichi! TOA BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Taichi survives but Henare fires up! Henare drags Taichi up as fans rally. ZSJ gets in but Henare ROCKS him with a right! Taichi spins Henare around, Alabama, ZACK MEPHISTO!! Cover, Dangerous Tekkers win!!

Winners: Dangerous Tekkers, by pinfall; now 2-0, HenarACE is now 0-2

The IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions win again! Not just against Tanahashi but in World Tag League! ZSJ doesn’t even let Henare have an ice pack, he takes it away to give to Taichi. Will the Submission Master and the Sliest Wrestler in the World take everything this tournament has to offer?

ZSJ gets the mic and says, “Oi, cretins of Komatsu, did you enjoy that? Tag team champions in the main event, like we should be? Oi, Henare. Sorry, dick head.” But you’re not only looking at the tag champions, but the future winners of WTL 2020! “Oi, Taichi, talk to these morons in Japanese, eh?” Taichi takes the mic and asks where the hell are they, “I can hear all kinds of critters flying around.” He thought he was going crazy. This town needs to shut up. “This town is so backwards, convenience stores aren’t even open 24 hours.” Be grateful that your tag team champions are here. Though Taichi is managed commentary found their way here. Liger, go home.

As you all saw, there’s no way Taichi and Zack aren’t going to win the tournament, just like Zack said. There’s no way they aren’t going to be champions going into next year, either. No other team can win this league, no other team can win these belts. “Got that, you country bumpkins?” Will the bold predictions come true to make 2020 even more upsetting than before?

 

Here are the NEW World Tag League standings!

The Dangerous Tekkers: 2-0
EVIL & Yujiro Takahashi: 2-0
SANADA & Shingo Takagi: 1-1
Guerrillas of Destiny: 1-1
Toru Yano & Tomohiro Ishii: 1-1
YOSHI-HASHI & Hirooki Goto: 1-1
The Empire: 1-1
FinJuice: 1-1
Bad Luck Fale & Chase Owens: 0-2
HenarACE: 0-2


My Thoughts:

Not a bad continuation from yesterday’s really big start to both tournaments. All the matches were really good, but really just one surprising result in Hashi and Goto getting a win off The Empire. I really thought Khan and Cobb would dominate a bit longer, but perhaps this is NJPW taking the story between Okada and Ospreay to another level by including the factions. The Empire isn’t very big yet, and they only lost to a quick pinfall, so naturally them taking on Chaos isn’t going to be as easy as they’d think. Maybe The Empire gains another member, and then Khan, Cobb and the new guy take on the NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Champions at WrestleKingdom.

I figured Guerrillas would beat Fale and Owens but I liked that there was some chippy play despite them both being Bullet Club. I’m still betting on a new Bullet Club Civil War that gets to play out because everyone is staying in NJPW, unlike when The Elite were basically out the door with their plans for AEW. I just wonder if GOD is Team White or Team EVIL. Yujiro has stated White is the best leader in his opinion, but teaming with Evil might be slowly changing his mind. Seeing that Bullet Club VS Bullet Club match in this tournament might tell a lot towards that story.

And as I said yesterday, I still think this could and should come down FinJuice and Dangerous Tekkers. FinJuice may have lost today but “Darkness Club” likes to cheat so it’s not like FinJuice looks weaker for the loss. Henare looked great in the match, as I figured yesterday since Tanahashi’s leg was attacked by The Empire, but Tekkers still won. It’d be big to be champions of both the division and the tournament. 2020 can still be historic for something good, but we’ll just have to wait and see.

My Score: 8.9/10

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Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (4/21/25)

The Raw After Mania!

Published

on

Who has WrestleMania hangover here in Vegas?

There are so many new champions in the WWE, but none bigger than JOHN CENA as the SEVENTEEN TIME WWE Champion! What will happen now that he is back on top?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Lyra Valkyria & Becky Lynch VS Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez; Liv & Raquel win and become the new WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions.
  • Iyo Sky VS Stephanie Vaquer; Iyo Sky, by disqualification.
  • WWE Intercontinental Championship: Dominik Mysterio w/ Judgment Day VS PENTA; Dom wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

A car pulls into the parking lot.

Out steps The Wise Man, Paul Heyman, and The Visionary, Seth Rollins. What will be next for the new Paul Heyman Guy?

 

JOHN CENA is here!

Las Vegas is still just as torn as they were last night, but we sure hear a lot of “JOHN CENA SUCKS~!” as the NEW Undisputed WWE Champion, the SEVENTEEN TIME world champion, walks down the ramp. Cena drapes the towel over his head and he wears the title backwards, but he doesn’t care what the fans think as he steps into the ring. Cena has his music fade out, and he points to someone. Cena tells them to come closer, and it’s the ring announcer. Cena has Mark Nash join him in the ring while the fans duel, “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” Cena hands something to Nash for him to read to the fans.

Nash says, “My sincerest apologies. I have been informed that my announcement has been deemed disrespectful. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the Greatest Of All Time, the Never Seen Seventeen, gracing Las Vegas with his presence for the final time… The Last Real Champion, JOHN CENAAA~!” The fans boo as Cena holds up the title. Cena then has Nash hand over his mic, and says, “Winners write history. You (fans) are not worthy. You think that on Friday, you can bully me? And then I step in a ring with gold around my waist, and just because you cheer, I’m supposed to forgive you?” Fans cheer in hopes of that.

Cena says that is not how a functional relationship works! Does this man up front think that’s how it works with his wife? Well, it’s not. Cena asks if the parents treat their children like that. No, because that’s not how it works. The fans might show up in a good mood, Cena will still tell them to go straight to Hell. Every damn one of them owes Cena an apology, but they don’t have the guts to do it! And yeah, go ahead, make the noise. This is always the night fans hijack Monday Night Raw, right? All of WrestleMania, and this is a sacred ticket where the fans can take control, right? They have gotten soft.

Wait, some fans chant “We Are Sorry!” And others say, “NO, WE’RE NOT!” Cena explains that it’s “We Aren’t Sorry.” He does a quick once over, and yeah, this is an arena full of the sorriest lowlifes he’s ever seen! Each and every one of them ARE sorry! And here’s the best part: They don’t mean anything to Cena. The fans tell Cena off and Cena just soaks it in. Cena say she may be an anus, but they’re all idiots. For 25 YEARS, they have called him so much worse. He has taken their best shots, and has always gotten back up. What makes them think THIS is the crowd that’ll crack him? Go ahead! You mean NOTHING to him! The noise means NOTHING!

“The only thing that means to all of our lives… is that!” The number on screen says “36 dates.” Cena says he told us at the beginning of the year, 36 shows, and he’s gone. Time passes so quickly! Let’s countdown the time we’ve already lost. Netflix debut, Indianapolis, Toronto, London, Brussels, Glasgow, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Las Vegas! That leaves us with 27 dates. Not matches, but appearances. The fans boo but Cena says yeah! You say he can’t wrestle? He doesn’t have to! He can just show up and do this! “When that hits zero, the professional wrestling timeline stops cold. I am not stupid like you. I know there will be another Monday Night Raw. I know you will ‘decide’ another champion.

“But the title held by Bruno Sammartino, the title held by Roman Reigns for over 1000 days, the title taken from me in Chicago by CM Punk, the title held by Triple H ‘The Game,’ by ‘Heartbreak Kid’ Shawn Michaels, and ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin comes home with ME! I am the Last Real Undisputed Champion of the WWE!” The fans boo but Cena says getting the title was the hard part. The rest is a cake walk. He can just keep playing us like the puppets we are. The best chance the fans had was Cody Rhodes. The fans boo and Cena says, “You heartless bastards. You boo him on Friday, and then you cheer him on Friday, and then you boo him on Sunday. And I say his name?

“And the man we all put on our shoulders last year because he finished his story now disgusts you? That’s what’s wrong with this! And that’s why last night, Cody Rhodes was outshined, outclassed, outwrestled and flat-out destroyed. It’s time for you to take a bold look in the mirror, and here’s the truth: There is NO ONE in the WWE with the strength, the speed, the wisdom, or the ruthless aggression… of John Cena! But unlike you, I have a heart. And I would like to do something nice for you right now. Get out your cameras, please, you’re gonna wanna remember this moment.” Cena waits, and then says make sure to get a great picture. Because the Last Real Champ is here.

AND RANDY ORTON IS, TOO!! Cena turns around and R K O!! The fans are thunderous as The Viper strikes Cena down! Orton then looks at the title. Orton picks it up, smirks, and then holds it up. The fans like the look of that! But is this a vision of the future? Is Cena bout to face some serious backlash for what he’s done?

 

WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Lyra Valkyria & Becky Lynch VS Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez!

The NEW champions just won these titles last night, but the former champions are cashing in their rematch! Will Liv & Raquel redeem themselves just 24 hours later? Or will The Morrigan & The Man be 2-0 already?

Raw returns and we see Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley watching from the crowd. They’re set to challenge for these titles tomorrow night as part of NXT, but just who will they be facing? Moving on, Lyra & Becky make their entrance together, and the fans sing along with Becky’s “Whoa Oh, Oh Oh, Oh-oh Oh!” The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who holds the gold!

The teams sort out, and Liv goes right after Becky! The fans are torn as Liv fires hands! The ref counts, Liv stomps away, but then she shrieks at the ref to back off. Liv runs in, back body blocks, then SHINING WIZARDS! Snapmare, SHINING WIZARD again! Cover, TWO! Becky stays in this but Liv stays on her by pulling hair and CLUBBING Becky in the side! Liv KICKS Becky, brings her up, but Becky ROCKS Liv! Liv ROCKS Becky, the shots keep going, and the fans fire up! Becky fires off a strike fest, then brings Liv up to whip. Liv reverses, Lyra tags in, and Becky BOOTS Liv! Lyra & Becky double whip to DOUBLE HIP TOSS!

Lyra CROSSBODIES Liv down, then brings her around. Lyra whips Liv to a corner hard, and Liv slumps down. Lyra stomps a mudhole, then brings Liv out. Liv breaks fee but Lyra SOBATS, KICKS, RAMS, and ENZIGIRIS! Raquel runs up, Lyra headlocks her first. Raquel whips, Lyra springboards to CROSSBODY Liv! Then WHEEL KICK for Raquel! The fans fire up with Lyra, she calls to Becky, and they both WRECK Liv & Raquel with dropkicks! The fans fire up for the lass kickers as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Raquel has Lyra in an Argentine Backbreaker! Lyra endures, fights free, and then ROCKS Raquel! Raquel trips Lyra, but Lyra flips to her feet! ENZIGIRI! Both women are down and the fans fire back up! Lyra and Raquel crawl, the fans rally up, but Raquel grabs at a foot. Lyra kicks free, hot tags to Becky and Liv! Becky rallies on Liv, CALF KICKS her down, then runs at the corner to ROCK Liv with a forearm! Raquel runs up but is sent into Liv! JUMP KICK for Raquel! JUMP KICK for Liv! Then BECKSPLODER for Liv! Cover, TWO! Liv stays in this but Becky stays focused. Becky dares Liv to get up, the fans rally, and Becky clinches!

Liv wheelbarrows to victory roll! ONE and Becky has it! TWO and Becky BLASTS Raquel! But Liv hits a CODE BREAKER! Then OBLIV- NO, Becky blocks to MANHANDLE SLAM!! Cover, RAQUEL BREAKS IT! The fans fire up as Raquel drags Liv away to the corner. Liv tags Raquel and Raquel drags Becky up. But Becky JAWBREAKERS! Becky runs up, Raquel BOOTS her down! Raquel goes up, but Becky CLUBS her first! Becky fires shots, climbs up after Raquel, but Raquel fights the lift! Lyra climbs up, tags in, and then joins in! But Raquel still fights it! Liv flips in, SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB for Becky!

Lyra hops up, SUPER STEIN- NO! Raquel blocks, and she brings Lyra up! SUPER POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO?!? Lyra survives and the fans can’t believe it! “This is Awesome!” while all four women are down. Lyra and Raquel rise, Raquel lifts, but Lyra slips free! Raquel tries again but Lyra DROPKICKS her away! Lyra hobbles and stumbles but she makes it to Raquel. Lyra tries to fireman’s carry, but Raquel pushes her away. Lyra goes up, TORNADO DDT! Lyra then drags Raquel back up, fireman’s carries again, NIGHTWING DRIVER!! Cover, Liv gives Raquel the ropebreak!! The fans boo but here comes Becky!

Becky hits a THESZ PRES and rains down fast hands! Liv gets free, fights off the urenage and POSTS Becky! Lyra WRECKS Liv with a dropkick! Liv climbs up, Raquel rises, TURN OF FOR- NO, Raquel dodges and BOOTS Lyra down! Cover, TWO!! Raquel is furious but Liv calls to her. Liv runs in, Raquel pops her up, POWERBOMB SENTON onto knees!! Lyra saves herself and takes out Liv in one go! Raquel freaks out, runs up, but her boot gets stuck on the ropes! Lyra DUMPS Raquel, but turns into OBLIV- NO, Lyra grabs ropes! Liv falls, Lyra ENZIGIRIS! Fireman’s carry, but Raquel saves Live!

Becky goes after Raquel, Raquel kicks her away! Lyra BLASTS Raquel onto Becky!! OBLIVION!!! Cover, LIV & RAQUEL WIN!

Winners: Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez, by pinfall (NEW WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions)

FOUR TIMES, Liv & Raquel are tag team champions! Becky regroups with Lyra, both of them a bit stunned this happened. But then Becky DECKS Lyra?!? Becky blames Lyra for this failure and Lyra is absolutely devastated! The Man storms off, only to come back and attack Lyra with a rain of forearms! The fans boo as Becky dribbles Lyra off the mat! Becky stops, Lyra is in shock, but Becky comes back again!? Lyra pleads for mercy but Becky just MANHANDLE SLAMS her!! Becky hits another MANHANDLE SLAM!! And A THIRD MANHANDLE SLAM!!! The Man is acting more like a monster, what is going on with her?

 

The New Day walks around backstage.

They admire their newly won WWE World Tag Team Championships, but then they cross paths with Karrion Kross. Mr. Doomsday smiles, perhaps proud of his handiwork? Either way, Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods are headed to gorilla. Just how will this New Day celebrate their reign?

 

The New Day heads to the ring.

Las Vegas wasn’t happy during WrestleMania and they aren’t happy now that Kofi & Woods have the titles back in their possession. Kofi & Woods bring those belts to the ring, rubbing it all in our faces. Kofi has a mic to say, “We are your new W, W, E, World, Tag, Team, Championssss…!” Woods says, “So get down on your knees before us! Raise your hands to the sky! And scream out in unison, ‘THANK GAWWWWD~! FOR THE NEW DAAAAY~!” The fans boo instead. Kofi says, “There is no tag team alive or dead that is better than ya bois, the NEW~ DAY~!” The fans chant, “New! Day Sucks!” This annoys Woods & Kofi.

The fans felt the New Day couldn’t beat The War Raiders, but they did! Wait, is that The Alpha Academy? Maxxine Dupri has the mic and asks, “Hold on, hold on, hold on. Did I just hear you say that The New Day is the greatest tag team ever? I mean, you might be. But the last time you faced Otise & Tozawa, they beat you in 60 sweet seconds! And now here we are at the Raw after WrestleMania, in Las Vegas, Nevada! And by the sound of it, I think we would all love to watch you two put your money where your mouth is, and put those shiny tag titles on the line right here, right now!” Woods asks if that’s what Vegas wants. “YES!” Then the answer is NO!

Oh, are the “minutemen” scared? M-Minutemen!? The fans chant that at Woods & Kofi, and Kofi says if they wanna do it right now, let’s do it right now! Get a ref right now! The fans fire up, and we have another tag title match already! Except the lights change… And then… RUSEV IS HERE!! Vegas goes nuts because it is now Rusev Day! The Bulgarian Brute, the Redeemer, has returned to the WWE, and he storms right into the ring! New Day bail out, no title match after all. Rusev DECKS Otis! And he CLOBBERS Tozawa! The fans fire up as Rusev glare at The New Day. Tozawa gets up, climbs up, and he leaps, but Ruzez catches him! FALL AWAY SLAM!

Otis rises, the fans fire up, and now we get some “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” ROUNDHOUSE from Rusev! Then MACHKA KICK! The fans fire up as Rusev roars, “RUSEV! CRUSH!!” Rusev stomps away on Otis, and clamps on the ACCOLADE!! Otis taps but it won’t change anything! Rusev thrashes Otis around, and lets go as the fans chant “RUSEV DAY! RUSEV DAY!” Maxxine is freaking out, but will this show now become Rusev Day Raw?

 

The Judgment Day regroups in the clubhouse.

They’re all excited over Liv & Raquel becoming FOUR-TIME Women’s Tag Team Champions! And Dom is the NEW Intercontinental Champion, and they toast with a title clink. Dom says this was the greatest weekend of his life! That deadbeat dad missed Mania, and now both Dom & Liv have gold again! But then in steps Finn Balor… The Prince looks at the belt on Dom’s shoulder, and Liv says hey, a win for one is a win for all. As long as someone in Judgment Day has the title, that’s all that matters. Finn says what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. They fist bump and Finn says he’ll be out there with Dom tonight against Penta.

Finn turns around, Carlito is there, and Carlito says even though they don’t have titles, it feels like they have titles, right? Oh, Carlito has to go see the doc, he’s still sore. Carlito hobbles off, but Finn gives a bit of a scowl behind Dom’s back. Is everything (not) fine in Judgment Day?

 

Iyo Sky is here!

The fans cheer as the Evil Genius makes her way to the ring, still WWE Women’s World Champion! But what will she have to say about that WrestleMania victory? We find out, after the break.

Raw returns and Iyo has the mic. The fans cheer Iyo on, even get some “You Deserve It!” in there, and Iyo says last night was the best night of her career! The fans cheer, and Iyo says she is over the moon! She beat the best there is, which means SHE is the best! The fans cheer that! Rhea Ripley tried to forget Iyo, and Bianca Belair tried to forget Iyo. But now, ALL OF YOU will never forget her! The fans cheer that, too! Iyo adds in Japanese, and then translates to English that she is The Genius of the Sky, and she is the Women’s World Champiooon~! The fans cheer more, but wait! Is that Stephanie Vaquer?! The NXT Women’s Champion is headed to the ring!

The fans cheer as we get La Primera and Genius in the same ring! Vaquer congratulates Iyo in three languages, and then wishes to properly introduce herself. She is THE NXT Women’s Champion, La Primera, Stephanie Vaquer. The fans cheer, and Vaquer says she wants to come out here to show Iyo respect. The fans chant for “LA PRIMERA!” Vaquer tells Iyo that she is amazing. Vaquer says Iyo is right that Iyo is the best. But Vaquer is also the best. And Vaquer wants to fight the best of the best! Iyo says if Vaquer wants to face her, then challenge accepted! And what about right here, right now?! The fans cheer as this dream match is made!

Well, hold on, Adam Pearce makes his way out here, and he wants everyone else to hold on. The fans boo the Raw General Manager for ruining the fun. But Pearce double checks, does Vegas want the match? “YES!” Then so doe she! Sky VS Vaquer, and it’s RIGHT NOW! NOW the dream match is official! But who between these two champions will prove they are THE best?

Iyo Sky VS Stephanie Vaquer!

The bell rings and the two shake hands. The fans rally, the two tie up, and Iyo waistlocks. Vaquer switches, SLAMS Iyo down, but Iyo fights up. The fans duel as Iyo fires body shots. Iyo wrenches and wristlocks, but Vaquer shifts around to roll, trip, and she has the toehold. Iyo stands, wrenches, and wristlocks, but Vaquer rolls, handsprings, and wrenches back to arm-drag! The fans fire up, Iyo runs up, Vaquer sweeps and covers, ONE! Iyo sweeps and covers, ONE! The two stand off again and the fans fire up! Iyo and Vaquer go again, and Iyo whips. Vaquer tilt-o-whirl RANAS, but Iyo handsprings through!

Iyo wags her finger, Vaquer smirks, and things speed up. They clinch, Vaquer waistlocks, but denies Iyo’s escape! Iyo CLUBS Vaquer, wrenches and reels her in, but Vaquer switches. Vaquer goes to ropes, Iyo bucks the O’Conner this time, and the fans cheer the standoff. Things get going again, each woman dodges, and then Vaquer avoids the handspring, only for Iyo to DROPKICK! Vaquer bails out, Iyo builds speed, and Iyo DIVES! Direct hit and the fans fire up with the Women’s World Champion! Iyo drags Vaquer up, whips, but Vaquer tiger feint kicks back! Vaquer runs up, Iyo puts her in the timekeeper’s area, but Vaquer goes up! CROSSBODY to the floor!

The fans fire up as now the NXT Women’s Champion stands tall! Vaquer has Iyo on the defense, but Raw goes to break.

Raw returns, Vaquer is up top, but Iyo SHOTEIS first! Iyo then climbs up after Vaquer, throws hands, and the fans rally. Vaquer fires body shots, HEADBUTTS, and Iyo falls back! Vaquer adjusts, Iyo runs back up, and SUPER ARM-DRAGS! Both women are down and the fans fire up again! The fans rally, Iyo stands, and she runs up to SHOTEI! And SHOTEI! And DROPKICK! Iyo drags Vaquer up, whips her, but Vaquer reverses. Iyo goes up, out, and ROCKS Vaquer! Iyo then climbs the corner to MISSILE DROPKICK! Vaquer tumbles away, Iyo kips up, and the fans fire up! Vaquer is in the corner, Iyo runs in, SHINKANSEN!

Iyo drags Vaquer to a cover, TWO! Vaquer stays in this, but Iyo drags her into the drop zone. Iyo steps on Vaquer as she goes to the corner. Iyo goes up, up, and OVER THE- NO, Iyo has to land out as Vaquer moves! Vaquer then dodges again, comes back, and she blocks the boot for a DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! Vaquer runs, and she METEORAS! Vaquer drags Iyo to a cover, TWO! Iyo is tougher than that but Vaquer stays calm. The fans rally up, Vaquer reels Iyo in, but Iyo flips free of the backbreaker! Vaquer ducks a kick, Iyo ducks a kick! Iyo wheelbarrows, victory roll, STOMP 182! Cover, TWO!

Iyo is a bit frustrated but the fans rally back up. Iyo drags Vaquer up, “This is Awesome!” as Vaquer JAWBREAKERS, and SUPERKICKS! And BIG back suplex! Vaquer sits Iyo up, wraps on the headscissors, and she turns Iyo over for the DEVIL’S KISS! The fans echo Booker T’s sentiments, “Yeeeeeeeeah!” Cover, TWO! Iyo survives and the fans chant, “One More Time!” Vaquer smiles, and she drags Iyo up to tuck her in. Iyo wrenches out, kicks and sunset flips, ONE! Vaquer runs, tilt-o-whirl, RANA feint to roll up! TWO!! Iyo is surprised she got free, and she has Vaquer with underhooks! TIGER BACKBREAKAR! Cover, TWO!!

The fans rally while Iyo isn’t sure what to do. “This is Awesome!” as Iyo drags Vaquer into a waistlock. Vaquer fires elbows, gets free, and runs. Iyo ELBOWS Vaquer first! Iyo runs, but Vaquer ROCKS her! Vaquer runs, but Iyo dodges, waistlocks, and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Iyo drags Vaquer back up, but Vaquer reels Iyo in! GERMAN SUPLEX! Both women are down and the fans are thunderous! Now fans hope they “FIGHT FOREVER!” Vaquer goes up a corner, but Iyo rises to SHORYUKEN! Iyo climbs up after Vaquer, fires hands, then clinches. SUPER SPANISH FLY!! The fans are thunderous while both women are down again!

The fans rally and duel as both women stir. Iyo goes to ropes, Vaquer goes to a corner. Both women stand, but here comes ROXANNE PEREZ! She CLOBBERS Iyo!

Winner: Iyo Sky

The Prodigy grins at Vaquer, who she’s set to face for the title just tomorrow night! And Vaquer is pissed about it, only for GIULIA to attack Vaquer?!? The Beautiful Madness and The Prodigy then beat up on the champions! The fans boo, but here comes RHEA RIPLEY!! Roxie panics as Mami is here on Monday Night Raw! Rhea slides in, and she picks Roxie up to THROW her away! Then HEADBUTT her down! Giulia almost sneaks up, but she backs off as Rhea stares her down. Rhea and Giulia circle, and Rhea warns her. Giulia backs off, but is it only a matter of time before she’s back for more?

As for Rhea, she looks at Iyo while she’s down. Rhea picks up the title, and Iyo sits up to see this. Rhea hands the title over to Iyo and the fans cheer. Rhea says something to the effect of Iyo better be ready for when Rhea comes back for the belt. The Genius nods, and she’ll surely be ready for whoever wants a shot at her.

 

Jey Uso is here!

The NEW WWE World Heavy-YEET Champion makes his way in from the concourse and sports his new merch! The fans fire up and bounce along as Jey makes his way down the bleachers and to ringside. Jey daps it up with Pat & Cole, then goes to the ring to keep the bouncing going! The fans chant “You Deserve It!” as Jey grabs a mic. Jey nods, and fans “YEET!” some more, then they chant, “One More Time!” Jey hears that, and he sets the mic and belt down to say okay! The song starts up again and fans sing along, “DAY ONE ISH!” Jey then picks the mic and belt up again, and he says, “The World Heavyweight Champion is now in your citaaaay~!”

The fans cheer more, and Jey says he is here, “YEET!” He’s been wanting it. “YEET!” Since he was a kid. “YEET!” He is here now. “YEET!” Jey says it was a long, hard road. It was not easy. WrestleMania, Jey gave it all he had to beat Gunther. And Jey made him TAP! The fans cheer that! But Jey will be the first one to say that he is very grateful that he has this world title. He will show up every week, every day, and put in the work like he always has. And if you’re excited to have Jey Uso as your World Heavyweight Champion, then dammit, lemme hear ya say, “YEET!” “YEET!!” Wait! Sami Zayn is here! The fans cheer as the Underdog from the Underground returns!

Sami waves to the fans, high-fives a few in the front row, then goes to the ring to join Jey. The fans sing along with Sami’s song, and then Sami grabs himself a mic. Sami smiles as he looks at Jey, and then they hug it out! The fans cheer, and then they chant, “UCEY! UCEY!” “SAMI USO! SAMI USO!” Sami smiles again, and says he has so much he wants to say, he isn’t sure where to begin. First of all, not being here the last eight weeks or so, not being here while Jey was going through what he was going through with Gunther, Sami wants to know how hard that was for him. Sami wishes he could’ve been here.

And missing WrestleMania this year, that was also very hard on Sami. Sami and Jey aren’t that different. They’re gameday players. To be honest, Sami almost didn’t come to Vegas at all. But Sami had to, because he had to make sure that he was the first one to stand in this ring across from Jey, look him in the eyes, with that title on Jey’s shoulders, and say how proud he is of Jey Uso. The fans cheer, Jey thanks Sami, and Sami says Jey is his brother, his dawg, his Uce, he loves him, is proud of him, and knows Jey deserves that title! Sami knows it, Jey knows it, and everyone in this arena knows Jey deserves it!

The fans cheer and chant “You Deserve It!” Sami says it’s the Raw After Mania, not to get sentimental, but we are here to celebrate! So hit Jey’s music! “DAY ONE ISH!” The fans cheer, Sami and Jey hug it out again, and then they both go to the corners. The fans YEET with Jey & Sami, and it’s time to bounce! Sami hops off his corner first, and he looks at Jey. Jey hops down, they hug it out again, and the fans cheer. But wait, is that Jimmy? The fans fire up as #BigJim joins in! The three do the secret handshake, and then they group hug! Jimmy & Sami raise Jey’s hands in victory, and the fans fire up for this feel good moment!

Jey is on top of the world now that he’s World Heavyweight Champion, but how long will it last? Who will be the first one to step up to Main Event Jey Uso?

 

Backstage interview with Logan Paul.

After WrestleMania last night, Cathy Kelley congratulated him on the big win against AJ Styles, but does he feel he could’ve still done it without his friend and manager, Jeff, or the help from Karrion Kross? Logan asks what was that. What’s she implying? He still won, didn’t he? And we’re talking about what if’s? That’s irrelevant. He won. Next question. Then what is next for Logan? Whatever he wants, that’s what. Because this company knows he is the best and he is the future. He’ll face anyone anywhere. Anyone that he faces becomes a victim. He will continue his WrestleMania win streak. Logan is always confident, but will that ever change?

 

Backstage interview with AJ Styles.

In present, Jackie Redmond is with the Phenomenal One, and she says just 24 hours after his loss to Logan Paul, where is he after that? Styles says he won’t lie, it is a hard pill to swallow. But Logan plays his games, gets his lackeys involved, and Styles was prepared for that. But the truth is, Styles took an L. But he’ll move on, he’ll be okay. Because part of being phenomenal is being able to bounce back and- Karrion Kross interrupts! Kross asks if Styles said “bounce back.” Yeah, good bounce back from getting pinned by Logan Paul! Styles is literally the best of us, meaning Logan winning is so much more painful, because now, Styles has legitimized him!

Oh, really? Kross is the one who said Styles is the best of us, so does Kross expect Styles to go back a year ago and be that guy? Why is Kross so adamant about this? Styles hated who he was then. He’s never going back. Kross does not understand. If Styles used the brass knuckles to beat Logan, it would’ve meant nothing! If Kross wants to be angry at the world, fine. Don’t drag Styles down with you! In fact, go solve that problem yourself! Styles storms off, Scarlett calms Kross down, and Kross says, “Maybe I will.” What will Mr. Doomsday do if he’s to “save” WWE?

 

Raw returns and…

Gunther is berating Pat & Cole on commentary! The fans taunt Gunther, “YOU TAPPED OUT!” Gunther dares Cole to say something to his face. Cole asks why Gunther is so upset, Cole is just doing his job. Gunther storms up around the way, yanks Cole’s headset off, and Pat tries to stop this. But Gunther SHOVES Pat, then drags Cole into a SLEEPER! So Pat fires hands! The fans fire up as Pat stands up for Cole, and now refs, security, and producers rush out here! Adam Pearce tells Gunther to stand down, but Gunther just busts through to grab Pat! SLEEPER!! Gunther drags Pat down while security is now busy with Pat’s friends/entourage!!

The fans go nuts as Pat’s friends are only making this worse for Pat! Pearce tells Gunther to let Pat go, but Pat is already red in the face and out cold on the floor! Gunther refuses to let go, even as producers claw at the beefy arms wrapped around Pat’s neck! The fans tell Gunther off as he finally lets Pat go. Gunther paces, then he finally leaves through the crowd side. Fans boo, refs and security follow Gunther while the others check Pat. Pat coughs and sputters as he wakes up, and Pearce is chewing Gunther out. Fans remind Gunther, “You Tapped Out!” while Cole helps Pat to his feet. The fans cheer Pat while he’s helped to the back.

Pat needs a second as they make it to the ramp, coughing and gasping, but he gets back to his feet and keeps walking. The fans cheer his resilience, Pearce calls for more medical help just to be safe, and Pat takes another moment to catch his breath. What consequences will there be for Der Ring General after he lashed out against innocent commentary?

 

Raw returns again and…

Pat is still gasping for air, but he does get a drink of water to help with his throat. Cole and Pearce help Pat to the trainer’s room, and then Pat, his entourage, and refs go inside. Pearce tells Cole that Joe Tessitore can cover for Cole, Cole should get himself checked out. Cole tells Pearce, “How can we do our jobs when we’re not allowed to have an opinion? We’re not allowed to talk about this stuff? We’re not allowed to have fun? You gotta do something.” Pearce knows, he will handle this. Cole should just take the rest of the night off. Cole says no, he is not going to let Gunther bully him. Cole heads back for commentary and Pearce says good for Cole.

Cole returns to ringside and the fans cheer. Tessitore commends Cole for this, and they’ll do their best with the rest of the show from here.

 

WWE Intercontinental Championship: Dominik Mysterio w/ Judgment Day VS PENTA!

Twenty years ago, he was just a little boy whose loving and loyal father was fighting with Uncle Eddie for his future. And now, “Dirty Dom” is an Intercontinental Champion, just like both Rey Mysterio & Eddie Guerrero. But will Dom’s first defense also be his last? Or will Dom not care about #CeroMiedo?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who has more Latino Heat!

The bell rings and the fans rally up. Dom talks a bit of trash, then he kicks Penta low! Dom CLUBS Penta, whips, hurdles, but Penta KICKS Dom out of the handspring! Penta fires up, but Dom fires back with hands! Dom stomps Penta in a corner, lets off as the ref counts, then whips corner to corner. Penta goes up and over, keeps moving, and he ducks’ n’ dodges. Penta RANAS Dom out of the ring and the fans fire up! Penta builds speed, but Dom is back to DROPKICK! Dom storms up but Penta bails out and the ref holds him back. But then Finn creeps up! The ref sees Finn and has him back off. Dom builds speed, but Penta GAMANGIRIS!

Dom staggers back, Penta climbs up, and Penta CROSSBODIES! Dom flounders back out, Penta builds speed again, and Penta FLIES! Down goes Dom and the fans fire up! Finn coaches Dom but Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Penta SLING-DOGS Dom! Then GAMANGIRIS in the corner! Dom sits down, Penta runs and headstands, to DROPKICK! Penta drags Dom, covers, TWO! Dom stays in this but Penta stays calm. Finn coaches Dom but Penta drags Dom up! PENTA- NO, Dom slips free of the driver to shove, scoop and MICHINOKU DRIVER! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up while Dom and Penta go to corners. Dom runs up, but Penta SUPERKICKS, mule kicks, and then goes up! Penta calls his shot, jumps, but into a kick! Dom hits a TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO! Dom drags Penta to a drop zone, then goes up while fans actually cheer.

But Penta is up to GAMANGIRI! Dom wobbles, Penta climbs, but Dom fires body shots! Penta hops down to CHOP Dom! Penta then runs, jumps, and RANAS Dom away! The fans fire up, Penta runs in, DESTROYER! Dom flops down and the fans fire up again! Penta reaches out, but Dom rolls away to the outside! Dom stays safe and the fans rally up again. “CERO! MIEDO!” “DIRTY DOM!” Finn coaches Dom, Dom says look out! Penta RANAS Finn into Dom! The fans fire up and Penta drags Dom up. Penta puts Dom in, then he climbs up the corner again. But Carlito distracts the ref! JD MCDONAGH IS HERE!? JD SHOVES Penta down!!

Dom DROPKICSK Penta onto ropes, then dials it up to 619!! Dom goes up, FROG SPLASH!! Cover, DOM WINS!

Winner: Dominik Mysterio, by pinfall (still WWE Intercontinental Champion)

Just when it looked like Penta had the hot hand, Judgment Day pulls out the Irish Ace! Even Finn is surprised that his guy is back, and now this title stays with Judgment Day! Judgment Day celebrates on stage, and Finn feels like the odd man out for a moment. Will Judgment Day (not) smooth out the problems now that they’re back to full strength?

 

El Grande Americano has a new video.

“Rejoice! Despite insurmountable opposition from his jealous, desperate, rule-breaking foes, El Grande Americano has emerged victorious on the Grandest Stage of Them All! The children sang of his honesty and humility. The world stands in awe of his talent and honor! He has reclaimed his throne as the king of lucha libre. Today, we celebrate the legend, the icon, the hero, El Grande Americano!” Given the obvious AI art, photoshopped pictures and cheesy sepia film reel filter, this propaganda is not convincing anyone. But when and where will El Grande Americano face justice for what he did to Rey Fenix?

 

Seth Rollins heads to the ring!

We saw him arrive at the start of the night, and now Las Vegas sings along, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” as The Visionary and his Wise Man make their way down the ramp. Rollins certainly did #BurnItDown when he got Heyman to burn the bridges with CM Punk and Roman Reigns on WrestleMania Saturday. Rollins revels in the singing as he struts around in his canary yellow suit. Heyman fetches a mic, the fans continue to sing, and Rollins continues to soak it all in. Some fans even chant, “Thank You, Seth! Thank You, Seth!” Others come back with “C M PUNK! C M PUNK!” and “O T C! O T C!” but Heyman hands his mic to Rollins, like he used to do for The Tribal Chief.

Fans now chant “F YOU, HEYMAN!” but Heyman is merely amused by it. Rollins takes his time turning around to face the main camera, and he takes his sunglasses off to say, “I am a Visionary. I am a Revolutionary. I took a Wise Man from Roman Reigns. I stole CM Punk’s best friend. I am the winner of the main event of WrestleMania. I. Am.” CM PUNK IS HERE! The fans go nuts for Cult of Personality while Rollins gets ready for a fight! Punk has his hands taped up for one, too, and the brawl is on! The fans fire up as haymakers fly fast ‘n’ furious! Punk puts Rollins in a corner to fire hands from all sides!

Punk stomps a mudhole into Rollins, but Heyman creeps up. Punk stops stomping just in time to turn around and see Heyman. Heyman tells Punk that Heyman didn’t betray Punk, Punk ruined things for him and Roman! Punk storms up and shoves Heyman into a corner! But Rollins runs up and CLAWS Punk’s eyes! Rollins THROWS Punk down, the fans boo, but Rollins hits the CURB STOMP! Punk is down and Rollins stands over him, but now fans chant for “O T C! O T C!” Heyman picks the mic back up while fans chant, “We Want Roman!”

Heyman sighs, and says, “We are going to conclude the weekend of WrestleMania 41… by propelling the news all the way to WrestleMania 42! There is a NEW reigning, defending, undisputed number one top star in this entire industry! Ladies and gentlemen, Seth FREAKIN’ Rollins!” Heyman holds up Rollins’ hand in victory, then tosses the mic aside. BUT NOW ROMAN SHOWS UP!! Rollins is pissed off again, and he hurries to TOSS Punk out of the ring! Rollins prepares for round two, and Roman is making his way out here after all! Heyman steps back as Rollins stares Roman down, and here comes another brawl! No, wait, Roman dodges to SPEAR Rollins!!

The fans are thunderous and Heyman is in shock! Roman now runs up to SUPERMAN PUNCH Heyman!! Down goes The Wise Man and the fans fire up! Roman throws off the shirt, gets the fans even more fired up, and he aims again! “OOOAH~!” SPEAR FROM BRON BREAKER?!?! The Badass just took out the Tribal Chief! And then he stares down Rollins! The fans are going nuts, but Bron SPEARS PUNK!! Punk was back up only to get knocked back down, and Rollins grins as he pats Bron on the shoulder! “That’s my boy!” The Visionary has an attack dog with him now, and the fans are losing their minds!

Rollisn points out that Roman is up on the outside. Bron goes out there, but Roman UPPERCUTS Bron first! Bron staggers, but he stays on his feet! Bron then builds speed around the way, and uses that lap to SPEAR ROMAN THROUGH BARRIERS!!! The fans go nuts all over again, and Rollins says to get Roman’s ass back in the ring! Bron obeys and he drags Roman into the ring. Bron sets Roman up for Rollins, and Rollins tells Roman to watch what’s gonna happen to him! CURB STOMP for Punk again!! Rollins tells Roman to learn that the future of this business runs through him! CURB STOMP for Roman!!

The fans are torn, but Heyman now stands over his former best friends to embrace his new guys! Will these three soon take over the WWE together?


My Thoughts:

After a great WrestleMania Weekend, this Raw After Mania ended up being perhaps one of the best. My only gripe might be how they handled the Women’s Tag Team Championships. Bayley being “taken out” and Becky taking her place was fine. But then doing the tag title rematch here seemed random when we had NXT to look forward to. And then, Liv & Raquel win the belts back already, and Becky snaps on Lyra. I suppose if you look at this for Judgment Day, the title change needed to be tonight to coincide with what happened in the main event with Dom VS Penta. But now we don’t get the fun interaction of Tatum, Lyra and Becky I was hoping for.

What would it have hurt if Becky & Lyra didn’t defend the belts tonight, went to NXT and had a really fun match with Tatum & Gigi? Becky & Lyra, Liv & Raquel, neither team is losing to Tatum & Gigi. At least, I would think that’s the case… And then you can give Liv & Raquel their rematch later, and they still win like they did tonight, and then Becky snaps because “Lyra let her down.” But I suppose we’re fast-tracking to Becky VS Lyra for the Intercontinental Championship. And they kinda have to, given Backlash is May 10, just 20 days away. Maybe Becky wins that to reestablish herself and also juice up that title.

Great promo from John Cena, and honestly, I can’t help but agree with Cena on a lot of his points towards the fans. Also, I like how he explained he has 27 remaining dates/appearances, not matches. And of course Orton was next for Cena, the signs were all there: Backlash is in St. Louis, Orton’s hometown; Cena teased it with saying “Ruthless Aggression,” the era both men rose to fame in; and Cena and Orton have faced each other so many times, they gotta get one last one in. And on top of that, Orton is a fan favorite that won’t be hurt by a loss to Cena because Orton’s been around just as long, this will be a good one.

Great stuff with New Day, including passing by Karrion Kross. Alpha Academy coming out and wanting a title match, that was already a bit fishy right from the start. RUSEV returning to annihilate Alpha Academy and “cancel” the world tag title match was quite the way to return, mostly because of how big and beefy Otis is. Rusev VS Otis will be a good match to help get Rusev back into WWE action, and then Rusev can go for whatever title he wants. I’m thinking it should be the World Heavyweight Championship, though that might be a tough choice given Jey Uso only just got the belt. Speaking of Jey, good promo but much better moment between him, Sami and Jimmy. Though, I did appreciate the tiniest tease they gave of Sami going Heel in the absence of Kevin Owens.

Great promo from Iyo, and what a great surprise to see Vaquer. They had an awesome match, but given they’re both champions and they’re both so awesome, it had to be “ruined” by Roxie showing up. But at the same time, what a surprise that Giulia also showed up. Roxie VS Vaquer for tomorrow night is an interesting move, and Giulia got to beat up on Iyo a bit more. I’m thinking both Roxie and Giulia are just one step away from being called up to main roster, and probably to Raw for the Women’s World Championship. Great save from Rhea, and maybe we get some Rhea & Iyo VS Giulia & Roxie before shaking out a title story.

Good promo from Logan Paul to dismiss the interference on his match, as a Heel would/should. And good response from Styles, only for Kross to interrupt. I don’t know if we get another Styles VS Kross match, or maybe Kross goes wild and goes after other people, but there’s still some intrigue here. Also, Kross had quite the rant as part of the WrestleMania post show, so I hope WWE uses that to push him forward towards things like title feuds. Gunther going after Cole and Pat was certainly a wild direction to take his story. I’m not sure what kind of meta commentary they’re making, it has actually been a long time since a WWE commentator got into it with a wrestler, other than perhaps when Drew McIntyre and Wade Barrett got physical.

And as for Gunther and Pat specifically, maybe Pat is gonna get into ring shape so he and Gunther can have it out over the summer. In the meantime, I think Gunther is kayfabe suspended, that’ll let him stay home with wife and newborn child for a bit, so good for him. Hilarious El Grande Americano vignette, all the elements make it such an obvious troll but you can bet someone out there will still get mad. Hopefully we can still get El Grande VS Rey Mysterio, though I’m not sure if Backlash is too soon. Maybe Grande faces Dragon Lee or some other luchador on Rey’s behalf, and then we can arrange El Grande VS Rey Mysterio for either Worlds Collide or Money in the Bank in Los Angeles for June, all commemorating WWE acquiring AAA.

Great stuff with Dom VS Penta for the Intercontinental Championship, but something felt like Finn was going to try and screw Dom out of the title. JD McDonagh showing up was a great surprise, especially given how he got hurt hitting that desk SO hard. Finn himself seemed so surprised (in kayfabe), and we have some more intrigue in this Judgment Day dysfunction. And then a great closing segment with Rollins & Heyman making their debut as the new duo. Punk of course interrupted and we got a great brawl there. And then great stuff with Roman showing up right as the credits were showing up. It has been a minute since HHH has done something like this, and this actually ended up the longest episode of Netflix Raw because of it.

Bron Breakker helping Rollins fight off Roman and Punk was some wild stuff, mostly because I never thought Bron would ever join someone else. I could see a tag match of Punk & Roman VS Rollins & Bron, but maybe not for some time as Roman still isn’t really known for doing matches that often. That is to say, not sure Backlash is big enough, but perhaps MITB or SummerSlam are. And already, there are ideas about what kind of faction Rollins is going to make, perhaps as a second try at what he had with Buddy Murphy and Austin Theory, but just no “Monday Night Messiah” gimmick.

My Score: 9.2/10

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Coverage

Mitchell’s NJPW Road to Wrestling Dontaku Results & Report! (4/19/25)

Parting is such sweet sorrow…

Published

on

There are more goodbyes than just The Ace’s Final Road.

NJPW already knows Hiroshi Tanahashi will retire with this year, but his final match with Jeff Cobb will also be Jeff Cobb’s farewell to NJPW! Will The Ace never tire out? Or will he take a Tour of the Islands?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • 8 Man Tag: Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima, Yuji Nagata & Tiger Mask VS Togi Makabe, Tomoaki Honma, Katsuya Murashima & Daiki Nagai; Tenza, Kojima, Nagata & Tiger Mask win.
  • 8 Man Tag: Toru Yano, Boltin Oleg, YOH & Master Wato VS TMDK; Yano, Oleg, Yoh & Wato win.
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Jeff Cobb; Tanahashi wins.
  • Six Man Tag: Bullet Club War Dogs VS House of Torture; House of Torture wins.
  • Six Man Tag: Hirooki Goto, El Desperado & Ryusuke Taguchi VS Callum Newman, Templario & Jakob Austin Young; Goto, Desperado & Taguchi win.
  • 10 Man Elimination Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Yuya Uemura, Shota Umino, Taichi, Taka Michinoku & YOSHI-HASHI; LIJ wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Jeff Cobb!

The Ace’s Final Road continues on, but it would seem the Imperial Unit has hit the end of his run in NJPW. Will the President give Cobb a proper sendoff? Or is there one last Tour of the Islands planned?

The bell rings and the fans rally up for “COBBU! COBBU!” Tanahashi nods, and Cobb is emotional hearing that. Cobb and Tanahashi circle, tie up, and Tanahashi waistlocks. But Cobb’s a bit too big to lift even for The Ace. Cobb walks over to the ROPEBREAK, and Tanahashi lets go. The fans applaud and the two reset. They tie up, Tanahashi wrenches and wristlocks, but Cobb powers through, wrenches and wristlocks in return, then hammerlocks to headlock. Tanahashi puts Cobb on the ropes, the ref counts, and Tanahashi lets go cleanly again. The fans applaud the continued sportsmanship, and the two reset again.

Cobb runs up, and he SLINGBLADES?! Cover, TWO!! The “Cobby Cat” strikes again but Tanahashi survives his own move. Cobb whips Tanahashi, Tanahashi grabs ropes, but Cobb runs up. Tanahashi BOOTS Cobb, runs up, but Cobb scoops! Cobb SLAMS Tanahashi, and then air guitars before the GACHIMUCHI- NO, Tanahashi avoids the moonsault! Then Tanahashi sets up, to MOONSAULT!? But Cobb moves so Tanahashi belly flops on the floor! The fans fire up while both men are pulling out all the stops. Cobb steps on Tanahashi, pretends he didn’t see Tanahashi there, and then brings Tanahashi up.

Cobb ROCKS Tanahashi with a forearm, then headlocks. Cobb brings Tanahashi to the ropes to show everyone as he messes with Tanahashi’s hair. Cobb then CLUBS Tanahashi, brings him around, and suplexes. Cobb holds Tanahashi up, the fans cheer as Cobb marches around with him, and then Cobb pops Tanahashi for a POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Tanahashi stays in this but Cobb stays on him with a GROUND COBRA! Cobb uses Tanahashi as the guitar, then CLUBS him in the ribs and chest! Cobb eggs Tanahashi on, and Tanahashi growls and rises up. Tanahashi fires body shots and forearms, but Cobb just HEADBUTTS back!

Tanahashi staggers away to a corner, and Cobb runs up, only for Tanahashi to dodge! Tanahashi dropkicks Cobb’s legs! Tanahashi then grabs one, and Cobb asks for mercy! Cobb apologizes, but Tanahashi says bye-bye! DRAGON SCREW! The fans cheer while Cobb clutches his leg. Tanahashi storms up on Cobb to fire more fast hands! Tanahashi then says, “MY POWER!” And he SCOOP SLAMS Cobb! The fans fire up as Tanahashi climbs the corner. Tanahashi hits the SUNSET SENTON! Cover, TWO! Cobb is tougher than that but Tanahashi gets moving. But Cobb ROCKS Tanahashi! Cobb winds up, he runs, but Tanahashi dodges the slingblade!

Tanahashi waistlocks, Cobb switches, but Tanahashi throws elbows. Cobb picks Tanahashi up to SLAM him down, and FALLING HAMMER! Cover, TWO! Tanahashi stays in this, but the GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT hits! Cover, TWO!! Tanahashi survives the double impact, but Cobb looms over him. Cobb drags Tanahashi up, fires his own fast hand combo, then scoops to SLAM Tanahashi! Cobb grins as he looks to the corner. The fans fire up as Cobb hops up, air guitar and the pose, SUNSET FLOP as Tanahashi moves! Tanahashi runs, but Cobb grabs tights! Cobb reels Tanahashi in, but Tanahashi elbows free!

Cobb SHOTEIS! Tanahashi SHOTEIS! Tanahashi hits a TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! The fans fire up as Tanahashi goes up the corner! But Cobb stands! Tanahashi HIGH FLY ATTACKS, but Cobb catches him! Cobb pops Tanahashi up, shifts around, and ATHLETIC- SLINGBLADE?!? Cover, TWO!! Tanahashi rises, the fans fire up, and Tanahashi runs to SLING- NO, Cobb gets around to GERMAN SUPLEX! But Tanahashi rises again! SLING- NO, Cobb scoops Tanahashi, but then pops him around again! TOUR OF THE ISLANDS!! Cobb roars, but he’s not done!! Cobb ripcords Tanahashi for the RIPCORD- CRADLE COUNTER!! TANAHASHI WINS!!

Winner: Hiroshi Tanahashi, by pinfall

Cobb got cocky and it to cost him! Tanahashi still tells Cobb he’s proud of him and of Cobb’s time here in NJPW. The two shake hands and hug it out while the fans cheer. Tanahashi’s Final Road rolls on, and The United Empire is here to say farewell to their friend. Cobb is handed a mic, and Chris Charleton is there to interpret. Cobb says he was not expecting to lose tonight. But first and foremost, he wants to thank the people that don’t even get seen by the fans. The NJPW staff, the music team, the NJPW World techs, the boys ‘n’ girls in the back, and all the wrestlers Cobb calls “family.” The fans applaud and Cobb says Chris’s Japanese is good.

Cobb takes a moment before he says he had a speech ready, but he’s kinda blanking out from the pressure. Online, there has been an outpouring of love, #ThankYouCobb. But really, he should be thanking each and every one of the fans. Cobb gets emotional again while Chris translates for him. Cobb knows it’s a bit of a crappy situation, but he wants Callum Newman to know, he’s got the ball, so run with it. Cobb lets Chris translate now, and then Cobb wraps by thanking the Empire members here, from Khan, to Templario, to “Jakob Change Your Name,” to Akira and to Callum.

And lastly, Cobb says this is not goodbye, but more see you later. Thank you, NJPW. Thank you, fans. Domo arigato gozaimasu! The fans cheer for Cobb one more time, and he bows deeply to them all. When and where will we see Cobb in the ring, any ring, again?

 

10 Man Elimination Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Yuya Uemura, Shota Umino, Taichi, Taka Michinoku & YOSHI-HASHI!

Well, not only is The Ace on his Final Road, but it would seem Tetsuya Naito and Bushi are on their own way out of NJPW. Then will they and their amigos start their Road to Wrestling Dontaku with a celebration? Or will the Heat Storm, Roughneck, Holy Emperor, Blue Playmaker and Headhunter make this anything but tranquilo?

The teams sort out and there’s a lot of entrance attire to put aside. Once Naito is done putting the pants away, LIJ fist bumps while Just4Guys/Hontai shake hands. Yuya steps up against Naito and the fans fire up already. Naito and Yuya stare down while the fans cheer “NA-I-TO! NA-I-TO!” Naito and Yuya step up, but then Naito tags to Bushi. The fans cheer Bushi on now, he circles with Yuya, but then Bushi tags out to Yota. The fans rally as Yuya and Yota feel things out, giving us a taste of their IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship match. They tie up, are in a deadlock, and Yuya wrenches Yota to a wristlock.

Yota slips around, full nelsons, but Yuya breaks that to hammerlock. Yota reaches back to facelock, then he wrenches again. Yuya rolls, wrenches, and arm-drags Yota down. But Yota headscissors! Yuya kips free, and the fans cheer the standoff. Yota and Yuya reset, tie up, and Yota headlocks. Yuya powers up and out, drops down, then hurdles over to arm-drag again! The fans cheer as Yuya has the armlock. Yota fights up, fights around, but Yuya brings him over and Taka tags in. Taka kicks Yota, CLUBS him, then stomps him. Taka knees low, runs, but Yota dropkicks a leg out! LIJ rushes in and BLASTS Hontai! Then they bring Taka to the ropes!

Hontai rushes in to save Taka! The fans fire up as everyone fights at the ropes, and Taka lands safe on the apron! Taka scurries around the way and back into the ring! The fans cheer, but then Takagi & Yota split the wishbone! Hiromu tags in, he brings Taka up and CHOPS! Hiromu whips corner to corner, runs up and LARIATS! Hiromu snapmares and runs to basement dropkick! The fans fire up and Hiromu brings Naito in. They double whip to TENDEDERO! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up as Hiromu bumps Taka off buckles, then he tags Takagi. Takagi RAMS into Taka again and again, but Taka fires body shots.

Takagi HEADBUTTS Taka down, then suplexes high and hard! Cover, TWO! Takagi sits Taka up, runs to BLAST Shota, and the fans cheer! Takagi drags Taka up to HEADBUTT the arm, then wrench it. Tag to Bushi and he CLUBS the arm. Bushi CLUBS Taka down, stomps him, then has the legs. Bushi stands on Taka’s groin! Red Shoes reprimands, Bushi steps off at 4, then stomps Taka around. Tag to Naito and the fans rally as he brings Taka up. Naito cravats Taka, then Hiromu sits in the ropes. Hiromu claims Hontai is up to something, Red Shoes looks over, and Naito SMACKS Taka off Hiromu’s boots!

Taichi protests, but Naito throws hands on Taka. Taka tries to hit back but there’s not much there. Naito CLUBS Taka, but Taka fires a flurry! Naito just ROCKS Taka! Naito runs, but Taka goes the other way to BOOT Naito down! The fans rally up, hot tag to Taichi! Taichi runs at Naito in the corner and BOOTS him! Yota gets in, kicks Taichi then whips, but Taichi BOOTS Yota! Takagi runs up, Taichi dodges to wrench and HOOK KICK! Hiromu gets up but Taichi BLASTS him! Bushi backs off, but Naito CLUBS Taichi. Naito whips, but Taichi reverses to RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up while Naito crawls.

Taichi paces, waits on Naito to sit up, but Naito ducks the buzzsaw! Naito shoves Taichi, Bushi trips him up! Bushi tags in and stomps Taichi around. Bushi ROCKS Taichi, whips, but Taichi grabs ropes. Bushi runs up again but Taichi BOOTS him down! Taichi tags Hashi and Hashi drags Bushi up. Hashi ROCKS and CLUBS Bushi, whips him, but Bushi reveres. Hashi dodges to ELBOW Bushi, then runs, but into a DROPKICK! LIJ blasts Hontai’s corner again! Hashi rolls out under the bottom rope, Bushi BLASTS him off the apron, then Bushi builds speed. But Hashi gets back in to CLOBBER Bushi!

Hashi drags Bushi up, hooks a leg, but Bushi fights free! Hashi blocks a kick, ducks the enzigiri, but the REWIND HEEL hits! Bushi runs in from the corner, but Hashi stops the Code Breaker! Taka joins in, DOUBLE SUPERKICKS! Cover, TWO!! Bushi survives, but Hashi clamps on the BUTTERFLY LOCK! Bushi endures, fights around, and Naito gets on the apron, only for Taichi to BOOT him down! Taichi intercepts Hiromu, and Bushi TAPS! Hashi ELIMINATES Bushi! Takagi CLOBBERS Hashi, then drops ELBOW after ELBOW! Takagi SENTONS but misses as Hashi moves! Shota storms in and stomps Takagi!

Shota drags Takagi up to UPPERCUT, and Hashi CHOPS! Hashi & Shota double whip, then Hashi runs up, only to be put on the apron! Takagi CLOBBERS Shota, then runs up on Hashi! Hashi RAMS Takagi, they trade forearms, but then Takagi HOTSHOTS Hashi! Hashi holds onto the ropes, then ROCKS Takagi! Takagi staggers, Shota runs up, but Takagi throws him into Hashi! Hashi falls to the floor, Takagi ELIMINATES Hashi! The teams are even again after that friendly fire, and Takagi rolls Shota! TWO, and things speed up! Takagi ELBOWS, JABS, and YUKON LARIATS! The fans fire up while Takagi fires up, “TOKI GA KITA!”

The fans rally as Takagi runs up, but he blocks a boot to then LARIAT! JAB, CHOP, repeat, then Takagi JABS, JABS, JABS, and CHOPS! Takagi brings Shota up, suplexes, but Shota fights it so Takagi hits the TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Cover, TWO! Shota stays in this but Takagi stays focused. The fans join in with “OI! OI! OI!” and Takagi storms up on Shota. Takagi pump handles but Shota fights the lift. Shota switches, Takagi fires elbows, but Shota ducks! Shota wrenches and SWINGING NECKBREAKERS! The fans are torn but Shota drags Takagi up. Shota CHOPS Takagi in the corner, CHOPS, and CHOPS again! Shota whips corner to corner, runs up, and UPPERCUTS!

Shota reels Takagi in, FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect, but Shota clamps on an STF! Takagi endures, fights around, and he drags Shota along towards the ropes! ROPEBREAK, the fans cheer, and Shota lets go. Shota brings Takagi up, but Takagi denies the tornado DDT! Shota fires forearms to ROCK Takagi again and again, but Takagi just headbutts the buckles to fire up! The fans fire up and Shota fires another forearm, only for Takagi to fire back! Shota headbutts the buckles to fire up! The forearms start flying again, but then Takagi fires boxing elbows! Takagi ROCKS Shota, but Shota fires boxing elbows now!

Shota ROCKS Takagi, then runs, but Takagi follows! LARIAT at the ropes! Takagi runs, Shota follows, LARIAT at the ropes! Shota runs, but DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Neither man falls, so DOUBLE LARIATS collide again! Shota roars, but Takagi ELBOWS! JABS! YUKON- SHOTA LARIATS! But Takagi’s up to PUMPING BOMBER! Shota is in a daze but he manages to stand, and he swats a lariat to ENZIGIRI! Takagi rebounds to SLIDING LARIAT! Shota staggers back up, but Takagi whips him. Shota reverses and reels Takagi in, TORNADO DDT! But Takagi’s right up, and he PUMPING BOMBERS Shota and himself up and out! DOULBE ELIMINATION!!

The fans go nuts as we go to 3v3 now. Yuya and Yota step back in and the fans rally. Yota grins, runs up, but Yuya dodges to CHOP, CHOP, CHOP! Yuya whips, Yota reverses, but Yuya goes up and over. Yuya arm-drags, then DROPKICKS! Yuya roars and the fans fire up again! Yuya reels Yota in but Yota fights the saido. Yuya still hits a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Yuya drags Yota back up, clinches, but Yota fires elbow after elbow to get free. Then he SUPER- NO, Yuya blocks! Yuya swings, but into the BACKBREAKER! FLATLINER! But he avoids the stomp! Yuya CHOPS then runs, but Yota SUPERKICKS himdown!

LIJ BLASTS Hontai’s corner again, and Yota looms over Yuya. Yota drags Yuya up, bumps him off buckles, then hoists him up top. Yota CHOPS, then he fires up before climbing up. The fans rally up, and Yuya fires forearms! Yota falls back, stands up, and he avoids Yuya’s leap! Yuya comes back, into the GENE TRIGGER! Yota TOSSES Yuya, but Yuya lands on the apron! Hiromu lets Yota know that, so Yota goes up the corner! Yota aims for an APRON MARLOWE- NO, Yuya dodges! Yuya CHOPS, CHOPS and CHOPS! Yota ROCKS Yuya, but Yuya fires up! Yuya DOUBLE CHOPS! And DOUBLE CHOPS! And DOUBLE CHOPS!

Yota SLAPS Yuya! And then swings, but into the cording hold! Yuya grabs the other arm but Yota resists! Yota HEADBUTTS again and again, then DOUBLE HEADBUTTS hit! Both men fall, another DOUBLE ELIMINATION!! Now it’s just TakaTaichi VS Naito & Hiromu! The fans rally up as the four stare down. Hiromu runs up, but into TENDEDERO! Naito dodges but then Taichi BOOTS him down! TakaTaichi double whip to DOUBLE BOOT! Taka has Hiromu but Hiromu fires forearms! Taka pokes Hiromu in the eyes! Taka whips Hiromu to a corner, but Hiromu blocks the shining wizard!

Hiromu runs, RANA, but Taka SHOVES it down! JUST FACELOCK!! Taka CLUBS away on Hiromu, but Naito stomps Taka down! Taichi runs up but Naito kicks him and throws him out! Naito kicks Taka, he and Hiromu double whip, but Taka redirects! And redirects! But then Naito & Hiromu undo Tendedero to let Taka pass! Taka comes back, ducks Tendedero, and he waistlocks Naito. Naito switches, shoves Taka at Hiromu and Hiromu wrenches. Pump handle, HIROMU-CHAN ROLL! Cover, Hiromu ELIMINATES Taka! And that leaves it 2v1, Hiromu & Naito against Taichi! Taichi paces as he considers his options.

Taichi rushes in, but into TENDEDERO! Naito & Hiromu double whip Taichi to a corner, and Hiromu runs to LARIAT! Naito ROCKS Taichi, ENZIGIRIS, and Hiromu SUPERKICKS! Hiromu gives Naito the boost for the TOR- Well, no, the tornado fails but the DDT still hits! Hiromu brings Taichi up, suplexes, but Taichi fights it! Taichi suplexes, but Hiromu fights it! They end up by the ropes! Hiromu is on the apron, Naito runs up, but Taichi dodges and Naito BLASTS Hiromu! Hiromu falls and is ELIMINATED! Friendly fire in return for before, and the fans fire up as it is Taichi and Naito 1v1!

Taichi and Naito reset, and the fans cheer for “NA-I-TO!” as hard as they can. Naito fires a forearm, but Taichi fires back! Naito fires another, so Taichi fires back! Naito and Taichi both smirk as the shots keep going back and forth! Taichi then KCIKS, but Naito still throws forearms! KICK, forearm, repeat, but then Naito ROCKS Taichi again and again! Naito SLAPS Taichi! Taichi SOBATS! Naito fires the heavy elbow, but Taichi URAKENS! Naito runs, Taichi BOOTS him down, then Taichi drags Naito back up, just so he can AX- NO, Naito lifts Taichi, but Taichi fights off the atomic drop! Taichi shoves Naito to then AX BOMBER! Cover, TWO!

Naito survives but Taichi runs, and SLIDING AX BOMBERS! Taichi fires up, the fans are torn, but Taichi suplexes! Naito fights free to kick low! Naito uses the ropes to TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up and Naito drags Taichi up. Naito fires those heavy elbows again and again! Naito has Taichi down in the corner, then climbs up. Naito reels Taichi in, but Taichi sneaks the pants off! GAMANGIRI! Naito falls off the corner, but he holds onto the ropes! Naito dangles off the apron but his feet do not touch the floor! Taichi fires shots, Naito ROCKS him in return! Taichi runs up, Naito slides under! Naito DUMPS Taichi over!

Taichi is on the apron but Naito fires a flurry! HOTSHOT! Taichi wobbles, but he ROCKS Naito! Naito ROCKS Taichi, HOTSHOTS again, then ROLLING KICKS! Taichi falls, LIJ WINS!

Winners: Los Ingobernables de Japon, by ring out

It came down to the leaders as the last men, but the Uncontrollable Charisma found a way to win for the team! LIJ regroups and Naito is given the mic. “Buenas tardes, Korakuen Hall!” The fans cheer, and Naito says, “First and foremost… Bushi, why don’t you say something to the fans?” The fans applaud and Bushi takes a quick drink of water before he takes up the mic. “Now that I have this time, I’ll say this. As previously announced by NJPW, my departure was a decision made after a lot of thought. I have no regrets.” The fans applaud that, and Bushi continues, “My feelings haven’t changed since I spoke here 10 years ago. It’s been a deeply fulfilling experience.”

The fans applaud that, too, and Bushi says, “This Dontaku tour is only getting started. When I step into this ring, I’ll show my gratitude in my own way. Thank you.” The fans applaud again, and Bushi hands the mic back to Naito. Naito also notes that the Road to Wrestling Dontaku has just begun. He and Bushi will be leaving NJPW after May 4th. “Whether Bushi and I will compete in this ring again or not, you already know, don’t you? Yes, the answer is of course, TRANQUILO! Assen na yo!” The fans applaud Naito being Naito even now. Naito then asks if they want to do the roll call, and the fans cheer!

Naito notes they haven’t had one at all this year, so this will be the first roll call of 2025. Are you ready? The fans cheer, so Naito says that the only way to close out tonight in Korakuen Hall is naturally with… “Bushi! Hiromu! Takagi! Titan! Yota! Y Naito! NOSOTROS! LOS! INGOBERRRRRRNABLEEEEES~! DE! JA! PON!!” The fans cheer the first LIJ roll call of 2025, but will we get more of them before May 4th? Will we get one on May 4th?


My Thoughts:

A great night to kick off the Road to Wrestling Dontaku, though of course it had to be on one of the busiest weekends of the year. Great goodbye match for Cobb with Tanahashi. It was a big awkward because while Tanahashi is still going to retire this year, Cobb was leaving, and so Cobb leaving NJPW trumps Tanahashi retiring, meaning Cobb had to lose. It’s the unwritten tradition of pro-wrestling. Very good farewell promo from Cobb, too, and I can’t wait to see where he goes next. Word is, it isn’t AEW, and perhaps the WWE rumors have still been true all along, they just leaked out way too soon.

And then very good 10 Man Elimination Tag in the main event, and it works out that LIJ won. Naito & Bushi needed a chance to address the fans about their own departure from NJPW, and so giving them the win so they can do a main event promo was fitting. In my estimation, I don’t see Naito going to any other company, even if it’s another Japanese based company. He’s done plenty in his career, he’s pushed his body pretty hard, so he needs to enjoy retirement, or at least make a lateral movement to be working with Young Lions in the NJPW Dojo as a teacher. Bushi, could probably keep going a little longer, or he could also call it a day on the other hand, only Bushi really knows how his body feels.

My Score: 8.8/10

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