Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (11/18/20)
What will Finn Balor have to say?
What is the future of the top titles in NXT?
On the same night that Io Shirai defends her NXT Women’s Championship against Rhea Ripley, Finn Balor finally returns to speak on his status!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- NXT North American Championship: Leon Ruff VS Johnny Gargano; Ruff wins by disqualification and retains the title.
- Blindfold Match: Cameron Grimes VS Dexter Lumis; No Contest.
- Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell VS Kacy Catanzaro & Kayden Carter; LeRae & Hartwell win.
- Arturo Ruas VS KUSHIDA; Kushida wins.
- Toni Storm & Ember Moon VS Dakota Kai & Raquel Gonzalez; Storm & Moon win.
- Timothy Thatcher VS August Grey; Thatcher wins.
- Damian Priest VS ???; No Contest.
- NXT Women’s Championship: Io Shirai VS Rhea Ripley; Shirai wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
NXT North American Championship: Leon Ruff VS Johnny Gargano!
It’s been a long road for the biggest underdog in a long time, but he cashed in on the “Gargano Curse” to become a champion! But will he be able to stay a champion when a now extremely furious Johnny Wrestling gets his rematch?
Speaking of, Gargano gets pissed just watching the recap package showing how the world loved Ruff living the dream. “Everybody knows last week was a fluke!” Ruff is just a pawn in Damian Priest’s game to make Gargano look like a fool. Fans chant “Johnny Sucks!” but Johnny says he’s the best. Just look at Ruff! Fans troll “Johnny Failure” but Gargano says Ruff isn’t a real champion. He’s a joke! Tonight, the joke’s over, and the title comes home to Gargano. Gargano then SUCKER PUNCHES Ruff! The ref backs Gargano off and asks Ruff if he still wants this. Ruff does, and the bell rings! Gargano tackles Ruff to the corner, rams his shoulder in over and over, but lets off as the ref counts to then DECK Ruff with a forearm!
Gargano says Ruff is a joke, then whips him corner to corner hard! Fans boo as Gargano pushes Ruff around. Gargano looms over Ruff in the corner, brings him up to throw a JAB and a CHOP and then repeat! Gargano smirks as Ruff grits his teeth. Gargano CHOPS Ruff again and shakes out his own hand. Ruff CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS in return! Ruff throws haymakers, body shots but Gargano kicks low. Gargano puts Ruff in a corner but Ruff BOOTS back! Ruff goes to the apron, forearms, hops up and around and then under, but Gargano knows that trick from last time! Gargano back suplexes but Ruff lands on his feet!
Ruff gets around Gargano, rolls, kip up and KICK! Ruff fires up, knuckle locks and CHOPS, then goes up, up, around and huricanranas Gargano again! And then dropkicks him down! Fans fire up with Ruff as Gargano bails out! Ruff builds speed, goes up, and LEAPS! Ruff takes Gargano down and lands on his feet! Ruff puts Gargano in, Gargano flounders around but Ruff says Gargano’s gonna be the joke! Ruff hops on, but Gargano blocks the crucifix to swing Ruff into a LARIAT! Gargano grimaces and he drags Ruff back up. Gargano scoops, aims and LAWN DARTS Ruff into buckles! Gargano smirks as he drags Ruff back up to scoop him again. Gargano then LAWN DARTS Ruff to the other corner!
Gargano asks if Ruff wants to quit, and so does the ref, but Ruff refuses. So Gargano drags Ruff to the center of the ring and dares him to get up. Ruff rises, fans rally but Gargano is about to call upon DIY powers, until he spots Damian Priest on the stage! Priest says not to worry about him, and Ruff rolls Gargano up, TWO!! Gargano whips Ruff, Ruff rebounds and LARIATS! Priest and the fans rally for Ruff as he goes up top, to SWANTON! But Gargano moves and Ruff lands hard! SUPERKICK! Gargano drags Ruff back up, powerbombs him at the ropes, and then sits him up. Gargano goes to the apron, slingshots in for ONE FINAL BEAT! Cover, but Priest drags Ruff out! Priest says, “Sorry kid.” And then he DECKS him!! Ruff wins because of a disqualification!!
Winner: Leon Ruff, by disqualification (still NXT North American Champion)
Priest saved Ruff by punching his lights out! Gargano is furious that Priest used Champion’s Advantage to Ruff’s advantage! Will things continue to be this rough for #TheJohnnyGarganoWay?
Cameron Grimes speaks.
“Last week, I showed that Cameron Grimes isn’t afraid of Dexter Lumis. I mean, after I covered up his eyes, I showed that he’s just a regular man, and Cameron Grimes? He’s afraid of no man!” Grimes is a rocket ship, and after he wins the Blindfold Match, he’s going toooo theeee moooon~! But will Grimes be seeing stars after giving Lumis a fair rematch?
Blindfold Match: Cameron Grimes VS Dexter Lumis!
The Carolina Caveman said his piece, which is enough for both men since the Tortured Artist doesn’t talk much at all. But will Grimes be speechless after he and Lumis battle in this first for NXT?
As Lumis makes his entrance, Grimes makes sure not to look him in those soul piercing eyes. The ref gives each man their blindfold and Grimes wants the ref to put Lumis’ one fast. Grimes pretends to put his on, and then grins as he steps to Lumis. The ref stops him, they both need to be wearing blindfolds for this to be fair! But then how is Grimes supposed to see? That’s the point, Grimes! Fine, fine. Grimes puts his on, the bell rings, and Grimes crossbodies! Only to flop at Lumis’ feet. Grimes has no idea where Lumis is and that alone seems to spook him. Grimes points and threatens Lumis that he’s in the ring with Cameron Grimes! But Lumis is completely in the other direction…
Grimes bumps into ropes blindly and flops backwards. Grimes calls out to Lumis like it’s Marco Polo, but then he runs blindly into buckles! Lumis hasn’t even moved from where he’s standing! Grimes feels around the ropes, the ref moves past him and Grimes takes a swing! Grimes can’t tell it’s the ref and not Lumis! The ref calls out that it’s him so Grimes goes back to searching. Fans cheer as Grimes gets warmer, and warmer, but they mostly troll him into cornering the ref. Grimes gets spooked and DECKS the ref!! And now Grimes is stomping away on him! And kicking him! The ref is out cold and Grimes takes off his blindfold to see what he’s done! Grimes decides to stay very quiet, so that he can sneak away. But then he rushes Lumis!
Lumis avoids the Cave-In, and ROCKS Grimes with a haymaker! Grimes kicks low, grabs Lumis by the blindfold, but then Lumis uppercuts him! The blindfold comes off and those scary eyes stare at Grimes again! Lumis rallies with big haymakers, Grimes flounders about and Lumis DECKS him again! Lumis runs in to clothesline and BULLDOG! Lumis watches Grimes flounder back up, and gets him in the Silence! Grimes elbows free and flounders away but Lumis pursues! Lumis keeps Grimes from running away over the barriers, and whips him into the timekeeper’s area! Grimes flounders around, Lumis follows him past commentary and whips him into more boards!
Lumis continues to stalk Grimes as Grimes crawls around the way. Lumis brings rimes up to whip into even more boards! Grimes makes it to the ramp but Lumis brings him back to ringside, to whip- Grimes goes up and over the cage and boards! Grimes runs away but Lumis’ eyes still stare into the dark. Will Lumis get his hands on Grimes again soon enough?
William Regal talks with Priest backstage.
Regal can’t have Priest getting involved in matches. You can’t just punch someone in the mouth. But Priest knows Regal has to be just as sick watching Gargano have his way all the time. If anything, that was more like a joke. But c’mon, it’s Johnny! Ruff comes by and is hurt to hear Priest say “joke,” just like Johnny was saying. Ruff is the champion. If he can’t retain, then he shouldn’t be champion. Priest says he didn’t mean it like that. Ruff says Priest should just have the belt and Regal can rip up the contract. Regal and Priest say that’s not happening. Priest just thought Ruff needed help because Gargano shouldn’t have the title. Ruff SLAPS Priest! He’s no one’s joke. Regal says that serves Priest right. Priest himself admits he deserved that one. Will Ruff find a way to get people to take him seriously?
Shotzi Blackheart’s in the garage.
She’s collected the pieces. She’s putting in the work. “People like to tear you down. They want to destroy everything. But in life, you rebuild. You rebuild and you rise up.” Candice better get herself an army, because Shotzi knows something she doesn’t. “December 6th, we are going to war!” Shotzi uses fire and steel to build… WARGAMES?! The next TakeOver is the heavy metal tradition come back to life! Will the wild child make this a December to remember?
Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell VS Kacy Catanzaro & Kayden Carter!
The Poison Pixie’s little helper, Ghost Face, has been the Impressive Indi all along! And now with Shotzi declaring war, it seems Indi is a shoe-in as Candice’s second. Will they prove they are a powerful team against KC Squared?
The teams sort out and Kayden starts with Indi. They tie up, Kayden goes for a leg but Indi pushes her off. “You’re not Impressive!” Kayden and Indi tie up again, Kayden goes after the leg but Indi tries to pick her up. Kayden trips Indi instead, rolls her over and ties up the legs to then sit on her. Kayden shifts to a facelock, drags her over and tags in Kacy. Kacy rolls Indi up, cover, ONE! Kacy keeps on Indi but Indi knees low and whips Kacy to ropes. Kacy boots Indi back, Kayden tags in then heel kicks Indi back! Tag back to Kacy and KC Squared coordinate to trip, dropkick and slingshot senton! Cover, ONE! Candice is relieved but Kacy keeps on Indi.
Kacy has the waistlock, Indi reaches down for a leg but Kacy leap frogs over to then handspring headscissor Indi away! Candice tags in but Kacy drop toeholds and dropkicks her down! Kacy handsprings again but Candice turns that into a GUT BUSTER! Cover, ONE! Candice keeps on Kacy with an armlock. Fans rally up, Kacy fights up and reaches but Candice keeps her from Kayden. Candice whips Kacy hard to the corner then taunts Kayden, then she tags in Indi. Indi and Candice stomp a mudhole into Kacy, then Indi brings Kacy up to whip out and into the corner! Indi drags Kacy back up, Kacy throws body shots but Indi knees low. Indi whips and scoops Kacy for a sidewalk slam! Cover, TWO!
Indi keeps on Kacy by pulling her hair. Tag to Candice, they mug Kacy and Candice brings Kacy up to scoop and slam! Candice grins but fans rally for Kacy. Candice steps up but Kacy moves to avoid the senton! Kacy hurries over, hot tag to Kayden! Kayden rallies on Candice with clotheslines and she BOOTS Indi down! Kayden gets Candice in a hammerlock and CLUBS away on Candice’s chest! Then she COMPLETE SHOTS Candice down! Indi runs in but Kayden dodges to dropkick her down! The ref reprimands Indi, Indi bails out and Kacy LEAPS to wipe her out! Kayden SUPERKICKS Candice and covers, TWO!
Candice flounders, Kayden runs but misses the boot wash! Candice throws Kayden down by her hair, then hits a BRAIN BUSTER! Candice drags Kayden up by her hair, Indi keeps Kacy away, and Indi BOOTS Kacy down! WICKED STEP SISTER!! Cover, Candice and Indi win!
Winners: Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell, by pinfall
The Johnny Gargano Way at least gets something tonight! Will Candice and Indi recruit two more to their cause in order to fight off Shotzi at WarGames?
NXT hears from Arturo Ruas.
“Fear made me understand how to survive.” Ruas is Destrucao Total, Total Destruction! And he’s back in NXT, next!
Arturo Ruas VS KUSHIDA!
Talk about interesting timing, as Ruas returns to NXT and faces a man also very skilled, and these days, very aggressive. Will the Time Splitter look to send Ruas Back to the Future?
The bell rings and the two feel out the grapple very fast. Ruas gets a leg, then a waistlock, Kushida pries at the hold but Ruas quickly shifts to go after the arm. Kushida gets through the leg block and to his feet but Ruas reels Kushida in by a leg. Kushida kicks Ruas away then gets up to knuckle lock with Ruas. Ruas gets a leg again, then drags Kushida down to go after an arm. Kushida fights up as Ruas tries to use the Kimura! Kushida throws body shots, powers the grip off but Ruas knees low and hard! Kushida KICKS and KICKS back, and has Ruas in a corner! Ruas puts Kushida on the apron but Kushida forearms back! Ruas KNEES Kushida then drags him back in.
Kushida throws big forearms but Ruas body shots and wrings the arm out! Ruas roars, grabs the arm and throws elbows into the elbow! Ruas wrenches, Kushida resists but Ruas wrangles him down. We cut to McKenzie backstage as she says NXT Champion, Finn Balor, has yet to arrive. Regal’s thoughts on Balor’s plans were rather vague, and would only say that “once Finn gets here, he’ll have all the time he needs to address the NXT Universe tonight.” Will Balor need only a few moments or a long stretch of time to tell us everything we need to know?
In the match, Kushida fights up, throws body shots but Ruas wrangles him down again with a chinbar! Cover, ONE! Ruas paces, looms over Kushida and gets the arm to twist the wrist and pull fingers! Ruas SLAMS the arm into the mat, but Kushida gets up to CHOP! And CHOP! And CHOP! Ruas KICKS a leg, gets the arm and uses the wristlock for a takedown! Kushida resists the Kimura attempt, spins around and fans rally as he fights to his feet. Kushida throws body shots, haymakers, but Ruas KNEES hard again! Ruas whips Kushida corner to corner, Kushida comes back to dropkick the legs out! And PENALTY KICK the arm! ENZIGURI! Kushida whips Ruas to hip toss, cartwheel and basement dropkick! Cover, TWO!
Kushida keeps close and grabs the arm to wrench and stand on, to then STOMP! Ruas blocks the Buzzsaw then Eddy Gordo Kicks! Ruas waistlocks, Kushida resists and switches but Ruas elbows out hard! Kushida grabs Ruas in body scissors and wants his own Kimura! Ruas resists but Kushida keeps putting on pressure! Ruas powers Kushida up and over, Kushida waistlocks but Ruas goes to drop toehold. Kushida blocks to make it a figure four cradle! Kushida wins!!
Winner: Kushida, by pinfall
Ruas did not pull off Destrucao Total, and Kushida snatches quite the victory! Will Ruas want a rematch once he’s cooled off? Will Kushida be heading for a title instead?
Backstage interview with Ember Moon & Toni Storm.
They’re teaming up for the first time ever, but clearly the tag match is about the issues Ember’s had with Dakota Kai and Raquel Gonzalez. That’s an understatement. Dakota is perhaps one of the best women in NXT, but for some reason she uses the cop-out that is Raquel, and we’re sick of it. “It’s time Captain Kick and Big Tex get theirs.” And no better way to do it than with Ember’s girl, Toni Storm! Toni is glad to be teaming with Ember tonight, as they’ve both fallen victim to the numbers game. And it stops tonight! But remember: when it comes to the NXT Women’s Championship, there can only be one. Oh you. Let’s just focus on tonight, and then worry about the title later. Deal? Deal. Will the Moon and Storm combine to completely eclipse #CapKota and #BigMamiCool?
NXT superstars weigh in on Shirai VS Ripley.
Ember says it could go either way, but she’ll go with Shirai. Grimes is also on Team Io, but the Road Dogg is Team Rhea, “because this is her brutality~!” HBK is also Team Rhea, but Ciampa is Shirai. Priest says his “little homie” Io takes this. “She’s found a new gear that honestly, I don’t think will ever be stopped.” Kushida also says Shirai, for she is the best, and this is her time! Timothy Thatcher says Shirai. HHH says this could go “down to the wire,” but in the end, it’ll be Rhea. Will we hear “and NEW” or “and STILL” later tonight?
Toni Storm & Ember Moon VS Dakota Kai & Raquel Gonzalez!
NXT returns as Dakota and Raquel are already in the ring. They’ve been able to take advantage of numbers and the element of surprise, but will that all be thrown out the window now that they’re against the evolved Ember and new Toni Storm?
Dakota and Raquel keep rushing the ropes to keep Ember and Toni out, but the ref has them stay back. Toni and Ember get in, teams sort out, and Toni starts with Raquel. They tie up, Raquel throws Toni down and says she’s not ready. Toni runs in but gets run over! Raquel drags Toni up, tags Dakota in and then Raquel whips Toni into the corner for Dakota’s BOOT WASH! Cover, ONE! Dakota clubs Toni but fans rally for Toni. Dakota runs Toni to a corner for a buckle bump, then she digs her boot in! The ref counts, Dakota stops at 3, and then she pie faces and scuffs Toni. Dakota drags Toni to a cover, ONE!
Dakota keeps on Toni but Toni atomic drops back! And CHOPS! Toni whips, Dakota reverses but Toni redirects to basement dropkick! Toni drags Dakota up and snap suplexes her down! Cover, TWO! Toni drags Dakota back up, Dakota throws body shots, then CLUBS Toni on the back. Dakota snapmares Toni, runs and kicks, but Toni blocks to trip Dakota! Toni brings Dakota up, tags Ember, and then whips Dakota into Ember’s clothesline! Raquel runs in but Ember dropkicks her down! Ember and Toni work together, and they double clothesline Raquel out! Ember and Toni are rocking as NXT goes picture in picture!
Ember spots Dakota on the outside and fetches her into the ring. Ember stalks Dakota, brings her up by her hair, but Dakota jawbreakers back! Toni tags in, drags Dakota up and throws European Uppercuts! Dakota flounders, Toni brings her back around for another EuroUpper! Cover, TOW! Raquel creeps over but the ref has her go back. Toni drags Dakota around, brings her up, but Dakota fights. Toni still half hatches Dakota down! Cover, TWO! Toni keeps close to Dakota, brings her around but Dakota shoves her away to SCORPION KICK her down! Cover, TWO! Dakota keeps her focus as she drags Toni up and over to the corner. Tag to Raquel and Raquel stomps a mudhole in!
Raquel drags Toni back up, scoops and swings Toni for a SLAM! Cover, TWO! Raquel drags Toni into a thrashing chinlock! Toni endures, Raquel squeezes tight, traps an arm and shifts to a chinbar. Raquel grinds a forearm in Toni’s face but lets off as the ref reprimands. Toni fights up but Raquel throws her down by her hair! Raquel drags Toni back up, bumps her off buckles, and tags in Dakota. Dakota stomps a mudhole in, then tags Raquel. Raquel stomps, then drags Toni up to scoop. Toni slips out but Raquel CLOBBERS her down! Cover, TWO! Raquel keeps Toni down with a keylock, but Toni fights up as fans rally. Raquel wrangles Toni back down, but Toni fights up again.
NXT returns to single picture as Raquel whips Toni to ropes and CLUBS her on the back! Ember coaches Toni but Raquel whips and CLUBS Toni again! Raquel goes for a third but Toni holds ropes to elbow back! Toni runs to tilt-o-whirl and headscissor Raquel away! Hot tag to Ember! Ember rallies on Raquel with sobat, kick and forearm! Ember DECKS Dakota, too! Ember runs and STOMPS Raquel down then drops a senton! Fans fire up as Ember SUPERKICKS Raquel to a corner! Ember brings Raquel up but Raquel blocks the whip to whip Ember to a corner. Ember goes right up and hits a FLYING CODE BREAKER! Cover, Dakota breaks it!
Dakota gets away but Ember glares at her. Ember gives chase but Raquel BOOTS Ember down! The ref reprimands Dakota and Raquel but Raquel drags Ember up. Raquel scoops Ember up to drop on the apron! Raquel puts Ember in, covers, TWO! Raquel seethes but fans rally up. Raquel gut wrenches Ember to the Canadian rack, and to the Gory Especial stretch! Ember endures being bent back, powers up but Raquel has the chinlock. Ember flips out of the hold, sends Raquel tumbling out, and then heads for her corner! But Raquel gets in to POUNCE Ember away! Cover, TWO!! Ember survives and Raquel is furious!
Raquel whips Ember to the corner, tags in Dakota, and Dakota snapmares to cover. ONE, but Dakota laughs then swings on Toni! Ember reaches up to headscissor Dakota away! Hot tag to Toni! Toni rallies on Dakota, whips but Dakota reverses. Toni slips around to GERMAN SUPLEX! Fans fire up as Toni drags Dakota up for another GERMAN! Toni isn’t done, she drags Dakota back up. Dakota elbows Toni but can’t get free, Toni hits the THIRD GERMAN! Fans fire up, Toni HIP ATTACKS Dakota in the corner! Then fisherman for the PERFECT PLEX! Cover, but Raquel breaks it! Toni HEADBUTTS Raquel, Ember runs in to tilt-o-whirl DDT! Dakota SUPERKICKS Ember then aims for Toni.
Toni and Dakota both throw forearms at the same time! Neither falls so they throw forearms again! And then double clotheslines take them both down! Everyone is down, but inside and outside the ring! Fans fire up as Dakota and Toni get up again. Dakota throws a forearm, Toni returns it, and repeat! Toni fires off forearms and an uppercut! Toni runs, Dakota goes Around the World and BOOTS Toni first! Dakota keeps moving, but Toni BOOTS back! Dakota flounders to ropes, Toni runs in but is put on the apron! Toni shoulders back, knees, but Ember spots Raquel sneaking up on Toni! The ref keeps Ember away, so he totally misses Raquel POSTING Toni! Ember still DIVES and sends Raquel into the desk!
Dakota flounders over, drags Toni around but Toni cradles! Toni and Ember win!!
Winners: Toni Storm & Ember Moon, by pinfall
Numbers and tricks didn’t work this time! Toni and Ember get the better of #CobraKai, but then Candice and Indi attack!? Indi sends Ember into steel steps while Candice puts Toni in the ring for Dakota! Dakota BOOTS Toni down! Raquel gets Ember for the BIG MAMI SLAM! Then they set Toni up for a BIG MAMI SLAM herself! Has Candice found the other two for her WarGames team? Will Toni and Ember sign up for Team Shotzi because of this?
The Kings of NXT arrive!
Pat McAfee says “The show has arrived. We heard that the champ is addressing the crowd. Here’s four guys that are interested in what he has to say.” McAfee leads Pete Dunne, Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch in, will the kings get in the Prince’s way later tonight?
Timothy Thatcher VS August Grey!
Before his run-in with Dexter Lumis, the Professor of Pain was going after #RetroAG to see if he was really a “tough guy.” Will Thatch As Thatch Can teach Grey another painful lesson?
The bell rings and Grey rushes Thatcher, only to be slowed down by Thatcher throwing his jacket at him! Thatcher and Grey go back to brawling, and Grey gest the edge! Grey throws body shots then ROCKS Thatcher with a left! Grey dares Thatcher to get up, Thatcher snarls, but he runs into chicken wings! They fight for backslide control and Grey gets Thatcher down, TWO! Thatcher clinches and BELLY2BELLY SUPLEXES Grey hard! Thatcher kicks Grey just as hard in the back, then snarls as he looms over the “tough guy.” Thatcher smothers Grey with a crossface style chinlock. Grey fights up but Thatcher DECKS him with the EuroUpper! Cover, ONE!
Grey gets to a corner, Thatcher stomps away but lets off at the ref’s count. Thatcher drags Grey up, hammerlocks him against ropes, and CLUBS him in the gut! Thatcher brings Grey up for a hard half hatch! Cover, TWO! But Thatcher has a half nelson to keep Grey down, then he smothers him with his other hand! The ref counts, Thatcher lets off the choke, and covers, ONE! Thatcher clubs Grey, throws EuroUppers, and then more! Grey throws haymakers and CHOPS back! Thatcher EuroUppers, Grey wobbles and falls back! Thatcher RAMS his knee into Grey’s back then goes after the arm! Grey holds off the wristlock but Thatcher grins as he throws a body shot hard into the side!
Thatcher drags Grey up to rock him with another EuroUpper! Grey elbows back, boots but Thatcher catches to knee the thigh! Thatcher clamps on with a heel hook but Grey kicks and kicks and kicks until he’s free! Thatcher snarls but walks into a HARD right hand! Grey keeps firing off fists but Thatcher grabs ears! Thatcher throws Grey to the apron, Grey lands safe to SUPERKICK back! Grey goes up top, tight ropes and springboards, into a EuroUpper! Thatcher drags Grey back up, butterfly suplex! Thatcher drags Grey up by his beard, and tells the “tough guy” it’s done! GROVIT GUILLOTINE! Grey taps, Thatcher wins!
Winner: Timothy Thatcher, by submission
Thatcher surprisingly lets go fast, because the lesson was learned. Thatcher kneels by Grey to says that was another lesson in Thatch As Thatch Can: Don’t pick a fight with someone you can’t beat. But Thatcher doesn’t think Grey’s learned, so he puts on another Grovit! But here comes Tommaso Ciampa?! Ciampa stares Thatcher down, and it seems Ciampa’s mission to sift out the truly tough versus the loudmouths has turned to Thatcher. The two stare down, fans chant, “Daddy’s Home!” Thatcher says he has no problem with Ciampa. Thatcher slowly exits the ring, but will he have to put up or shut up with the Psycho Killer?
Backstage interview with Ciampa.
McKenzie asks what his confrontation with Thatcher was about. “What do you think? I tried to make it obvious. I want to fight Thatcher.” Simple as that! Will Ciampa get that fight?
Damian Priest VS ???
The Archer of Infamy got involved with the North American Championship match for reasons mostly his own, but will he earn his own way back to the title tonight?
Wait, Gargano comes outta nowhere to shove Priest into boards! And then throw haymakers! Gargano is getting his revenge on Priest as they fight into the ring! Priest knees back, but Gargano kicks low. Gargano fires off more haymakers but Priest tosses Gargano to a corner! Priest fires off body shots and ROCKS Gargano with a right! Gargano staggers around, but enziguris back! Gargano walks into a kick, kick and ROLLING ELBOW! Gargano flounders out but Priest pursues! Priest bumps Gargano off the desk, then clears the desk off! Priest drags Gargano up and slams him onto the desk, to then rain down furious forearms! Gargano kicks Priest away, gets up and FLYING FOREARMS back!
Gargano hurries to finish clearing the desk but Priest BOOTS him back! Priest drags Gargano up to put in the ring, then he grabs a chair! Priest goes to the ring, Ruff runs in but Gargano dodges, and the dropkick hits Priest! Ruff dodges Gargano, to tilt-o-whirl Gargano into Priest! Ruff SUPERKICKS Gargano down! Priest gets in, Ruff realizes what he did, and he starts backing up. Priest kicks but Ruff moves, and Priest gets stuck on the top rope! Ruff dodges Gargano, Priest grabs Gargano in a choke grip, but Ruff dropkicks Gargano into Priest! Priest tumbles down and Ruff dumps Gargano out onto him!
Fans fire up as Ruff has proven he can hold his own against two top contenders! But then Ruff sees that they’re both glaring at him. Ruff bails out and runs away! The title is still Ruff’s, and Priest shoves Gargano out of the ring! Will this be settled between all three men soon enough?
Mr. Regal visits Boa.
Regal is concerned because Boa hasn’t reported in at all since last week! What’s he been doing? Boa says he can’t do training at the PC. Why not? He has to come to the Performance Center some time. Boa says “she” is coming, but Regal asks who he means. Does he mean Xia Li? Where has she been, by the way? She hasn’t been seen for two weeks! Boa says Xia is hiding from “her.” What is going on here? Does this have to do with the man known simply as “Shifu” that we saw last week?
NXT Media catches up with Leon Ruff.
But Regal gets in his way first. Does Ruff have any idea what he’s doing? He does! Everyone in NXT thinks he’s a joke, a punchline. But Ruff will face BOTH Gargano and Priest if he has to! The biggest underdog in NXT is aiming high, but will he come crashing down in a match like that?
NXT Women’s Championship: Io Shirai VS Rhea Ripley!
The Evil Genius took the title at TakeOver: In Your House, but that was against both the Aussie Nightmare and the Queen of WWE, Charlotte Flair, in a Triple Threat. Will Shirai be able to retain when it’s 1v1? Or will Rhea join the rarified air that is the two-time champions club?
The introductions are made, tensions grow while the belt is raised, and this main event worthy of its own TakeOver begins!
Rhea and Shirai circle as fans fire up already. They tie up, Rhea throws Shira down then slaps her around. Rhea says Shirai’s the one who called her out, “You think you can stand in the ring with me?” They circle and tie up, Shirai gets around to kick Rhea’s leg out, then she returns that head slap. Rhea gets up and ties up with Shirai. Rhea powers Shirai to a corner, but Shirai goes up and around to arm-drag Rhea way! Shirai runs, dodges and handsprings! Rhea gets clear but Shirai dropkicks her down! Shirai throws forearms and CHOPS, then whips her corner to corner. Rhea reverses, Shirai goes up but slips a little. Rhea scoops Shirai but Shirai sunset flips. Rhea drags Shirai back up and whips her, then follows to run her over!
Rhea dusts herself off, letting the “dust” fall on Shirai. Rhea runs, Shirai stays low and hurdles! Rhea comes back, Shirai kicks but Rhea blocks. Rhea flips Shirai, Shirai lands on her feet, and throws a forearm back! McKenzie pops in again to let us know Finn is moments away and will speak as soon as this title match is over. Shirai dropkicks Rhea out of the ring and then fires up as she builds speed. Rhea ROCKS Shirai first, then drags Shirai out to an Electric Chair lift! Rhea SLAMS Shirai on the apron! The champ is down while NXT goes picture in picture.
Rhea drags Shirai back up, puts her in the ring, then takes her time soaking up the cheers and jeers. The ref checks on Shirai, that apron slam might’ve really rocked her. Rhea shrugs and says something about this is why she should be champ again. Shirai gets to a corner, she says she’s okay to continue, so Rhea drags her up to throw body shots! The ref still wants Rhea to stay back, because he needs to know if Shirai is okay. Shirai insists she is, but her leaning on the ropes might say otherwise. Rhea paces, grows impatient, but the ref tells her she needs to stay back. Rhea goes to the corner to soak up more cheers and jeers, but now medics are checking on Shirai. What happens if a concussion ends this match?
Rhea paces, looks to the crowd, who are rallying up either way. Rhea wants this to hurry up either way, but concussion protocol is serious business. Rhea sits on the top rope while she waits, talks some trash at the same time, and Shirai seems to clear the check. The ref still wants Rhea to wait a minute so Shirai can steady herself. Shirai gest up to throw forearms on Rhea! Rhea throws body shots back, then brings Shirai up to CLUB her down! Rhea looms over Shirai, drags her up by her gear, then straddle attacks her back down. Rhea wraps Shirai up in body scissors to squeeze!
NXT returns to single picture as fans rally. Shirai fights with elbows, turns around and throws more forearms! Shirai fires off on Rhea with fury! Shirai gets free and goes to a corner. Rhea ends up in the other corner, Shirai runs in, but Rhea moves! The Shinkansen hits buckles, and then Rhea back suplexes to SLAM Shirai face first! Rhea stomps Shirai down, dares her to get up, and fans rally up. Rhea brings Shirai up, suplexes and hots her, but Shirai cradle counters! Rhea rocks it back and dead lift suplexes to SLAM Shirai down! Cover, TWO!! Shirai survives but barely! Rhea keeps her focus and she drags Shirai up.
Finn Balor is spotted in the parking lot while Rhea puts Shirai in a seated cobra twist! Shirai endures as Rhea clamps on with a hand to the ribs! Fans rally, Shirai fights up and out, then throws body shots. Shirai powers Rhea to a corner, Rhea CLUBS Shirai back! Rhea hoists Shirai to the top rope and ROCKS her with a haymaker! Rhea climbs up to join Shirai, brings her up to the very top, but Shirai fights out and slips under! Shirai dodges the punch, bumps Rhea off buckles, then hops up to SUPER GERMAN SUPLEX! Fans are thunderous as both women are down! Shirai and Rhea stir, again go to opposite corners, and Shirai runs in to hit a back elbow!
Shirai underhooks but Rhea back drops , only for Shirai to land on her feet! SHOTEI! Wheelbarrow and victory roll to STOMPS! Shirai drags Rhea back up then runs, to basement dropkick! Cover, TWO!! Rhea’s ear is busted open from that shot! Shirai shows no mercy and goes after that side with a CROSSFACE! Rhea endures, moves as best as she can, rolls to a cover, TWO! Rhea BOOTS Shirai down! Rhea checks her lip but that’s not what’s bleeding. She checks her and finds plenty of blood, that she then turns into war paint on her cheek. Rhea drags Shirai up, but Shirai hits an ELBOW BREAKER! And another, and another, and another! Shirai hits an ARMBAR DDT!
Rhea crawls to ropes, shakes the bad arm, but Shirai runs to dropkick the arm! Rhea is clutching her elbow but she refuses to let this end here! Rhea scoops Shirai, but Shirai gets to the apron! Shirai ducks a punch to hotshot the arm! Rhea writhes but Shirai has the arm to slam it over and over on the apron! Rhea refuses to quit but she’s on the apron with Shirai. Rhea throws haymakers with the good arm but Shirai returns the favor. Shirai then has the bad, and there’s a moment of fear on Rhea’s face! Shirai wrings the arm into the apron! Rhea slumps down, shielding the bad arm, but Shirai is right after it again! Shirai throws Rhea into the steel steps, bad arm first! Rhea shouts in pain but NXT goes back to picture in picture!
Shirai catches her breath while Rhea writhes. Shirai CLUBS Rhea, goes after the bad arm again, and has a Disarm-Her! The ref counts, this won’t matter outside the ring anyway! Shirai lets Rhea go and now the ref checks Rhea. Rhea refuses to quit, and she manages to stand. Rhea gets in, Shirai is after the bad arm with a stomp! Shirai is after the arm and grinds it down with an armlock. Rhea endures, fights her way up, but Shirai BOOTS her down! Shirai covers, ONE, but she’s after the arm again! Rhea does her best to resist but Shirai stomps her! Shirai slams the arm down on the mat, then goes up top! Rhea trips Shirai up first! Rhea grits her teeth through the pain and she ROCKS Shirai with a right!
Rhea climbs up to join Shirai, works to get the bad arm moving, but she clubs away with the good arm! Shirai holds onto Rhea but Rhea brings Shirai up. Shirai fights the superplex off again but Rhea clubs away with the good arm! Rhea brings Shirai back up, and NXT returns to single picture as Rhea hits the SUPERPLEX! But she can’t make the cover right away! She has to crawl over, covers with one good arm, TWO!! Shirai survives and Rhea is beside herself! “This is Awesome!” but far from over! Rhea grits her teeth and she drags Shirai up. Shirai throws a haymaker, Rhea gives it back. They throw forearms as they stand, and fans fire up!
Shirai fires up to throw right hand after right hand, but Rhea spins her for a cravat and knee after knee after knee! Rhea snapmares and runs to basement dropkick Shirai down! Cover, TWO! Rhea scowls as she gets back up and looms over Shirai. Rhea gets the legs, ties them up, and with one good arm puts on the PRISM TRAP! Shirai endures, but Rhea SWINGS Shirai and SLAMS her down! Shirai endures as Rhea uses leverage to put on pressure! Shirai crawls, reaches, claws at the mat, and gets the ropebreak! Rhea lets go at 4, then gets up in frustration. Rhea drags Shirai up, pump handles, but Shirai slips around Riptide for an ARMBAR!!
Rhea clasps hands for dear life, but Shirai clubs the bad arm! Rhea moves around, makes it a cover, ONE as Rhea dead lifts, but it’s not enough! Shirai gets Rhea back down, but Rhea gets her legs on the rope! The ref counts, Shirai lets go at 3 and Rhea is free. Shirai runs in, but Rhea ducks the tiger feint! And even the basement feint! But Shirai fires off SHOTEI after SHOTEI after SHOTEI! Rhea flounders onto ropes, Shirai dials it up, TIGER FEINT! Shirai goes up top as Rhea flounders, and Shirai LEAPS, to missile dropkick! Cover, TWO!! Rhea survives and Shirai can’t believe it! But fans rally back up as Rhea goes to a corner. Shirai runs in, SHINKANSEN!
Rhea is in a drop zone, Shirai goes up top, OVER THE MOON- NO! Rhea moves and then LARIATS! Cover, TWO!! Shirai is still in this and Rhea is losing her cool! Rhea stomps Shirai, drags her back up and tries the pump handle again. Shirai turns it into a DDT! Both women are down again and fans are loving this! Rhea gets to the apron, Shirai sees her and runs over, to SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB Rhea through the announce desk!!! Fans lose their minds seeing that one! Shirai gets up and leaves Rhea behind in the wreckage. Rhea crawls as the ring count is past 5! It’s 8! Rhea is up at 9 and in at 9.9! But Shirai is OVER THE MOONSAULT! Cover, Shirai wins!!
Winner: Io Shirai, by pinfall (still NXT Women’s Champion)
MAGNIFICENT! Shirai and Rhea put everything into this match, including some literal blood, sweat and tears! But in the end, the Evil Genius found a solution to keep the title. And they show each other respect with both handshake and hug! Will Shirai’s reign only grow more historic after this?
Finn Balor is here!
From Women’s Champion to the TOP Champion, “First thing’s first! Io Shirai, congratulations.” But time to get down to business. The last time we saw Finn, he defended his title with his jaw broken in two places. And here he stands before us, three plates in his jaw that say he is a bad son of a- But then McAfee has to go and interrupt! “Excuse me, Mr. Broken Jaw Man. Oh I’m sorry, the Prince.” Or maybe princess? But a lot has happened while Finn was sipping steak smoothies with his jaw wired shut the last six weeks. Finn is in their house now. And he doesn’t watch the industry, the industry watches him.
But while he was sitting at home, nursing that jaw with the wife, he had to have seen what was going on. Drake Maverick, “the tiny little good hair having, bad dancing son of a bit*h, and his Shrek looking friend, DEAD, because of us.” Dunne BOOM kicked the car door into the big hairy bastard’s head! Then Breezango, the NXT Tag Team Champions, dun dun, dun dun- Dunne stops McAfee from doing the Dango. Right, sorry. Breezango: DEAD! They’re the champs now! “Greatest tag team on the entire planet earth and the moon” are Oney and Danny! The Undisputed Era, the group that broke Finn’s jaw, Adam Cole BAYBAY: DEAD! Cauliflower O’Reilly: DEAD! Roddy Strong: DEAD! Stooge McGee Mustache Robert Fish: DEAD! All because of them.
Now Finn is back, his belt on his shoulder, with everyone talking about “What is Finn gonna say? What is Finn gonna do?” As McAfee goes on and on, Dunne has Oney and Danny flank the ring. McAfee tells Finn what he’s going to do. Finn has respect for the business, for NXT, and for Ireland. “You’re gonna hand that title over to the group of men that have been running the show from top to bottom for the last few weeks!” Or else, Finn ends up like the others: DEAD! Finn tells Pat that it’s easy for the mice to play when the cat’s away. But the cat is back. And look what he’s dragged in. “SHOCK! THE SYSTEM!” The Undisputed Era isn’t dead, they’re here! And they rush the ring! They brawl with the Kings!
Kyle has Dunne, Fish has Burch, Strong has Oney and Cole of course has McAfee!! The CWC is all fired up! Dunne whiffs on an enziguri on Kyle, Strong drags Oney out and Fish kicks Burch out! Cole pursues McAfee to BOOT him down!! Dunne clobbers Kyle with a forearm but Kyle comes back to kick and forearm! Cole BOOTS McAfee again! Oney throws Strong into boards, Dunne has Kyle in a wristlock, but Kyle throws body shots! Fish still has Burch in the ring and Cole throws McAfee into boards! The chaos continues but NXT has to go off the air!! Will this battle be put to bed by next week?
My Thoughts:
What an amazing episode! The story of Leon Ruff as NXT North American Champion is great stuff and it really only just started. It was incredibly clever for Priest to use Champion’s Advantage against Gargano, but it makes perfect sense that Ruff would take offense. Ruff has a point that if he can’t win it alone, he shouldn’t win it at all. A Triple Threat of Ruff, Gargano and Priest is going to be a lot of fun, especially since much of it will be Ruff just trying not to lose. Grimes VS Lumis in a blindfold match was pretty hilarious stuff, and clearly these two are not done. Perhaps they’ll bring a stipulation like a bull rope or strap match into this so that Grimes can’t run away and must “overcome” his fear somehow.
Ruas VS Kushida was a great match, even if there wasn’t anything to it other than Ruas’ return to NXT. Kushida gets a great win but Ruas doesn’t look half bad, and at the very least, the North American Championship has plenty more contenders now. August Grey looked great even in losing against Timothy Thatcher, and I suppose Ciampa’s promos could be seen as applying to Thatcher. Thatcher is tough, but he hasn’t been facing tough opponents since Matt Riddle or the NXT North American Championship series. Ciampa VS Thatcher is going to be incredible either way, and can be used to bide time while Finn’s health isn’t actually known in kayfabe.
Speaking of, Finn’s segment coming in right after the amazing women’s title match to set up Kings of NXT and Undisputed Era in that brawl was a clever way of smoothing over Finn’s announcement of his health. It’s pretty clear Finn is staying NXT Champion, he was talking about being a tough SOB and tough SOB’s don’t give up titles. McAfee had a really good promo, the brawl was amazing, and as announced on WWE’s Twitter, IT IS HAPPENING! Kings of NXT VS Undisputed Era, in a WARGAMES MATCH! Not quite the way I was hoping it’d be announced, but since it was obvious, it’s good to get it.
And speaking of, the women are getting their won, Team Shotzi VS Team Candice. Candice and Indi had a really good match with KC Squared, but their attack after Toni & Ember VS Dakota & Raquel makes it clear who is teaming with who now. Candice, Indi, Dakota & Raquel VS Shotzi, Ember, Toni, and I’m going with Rhea. Shirai VS Rhea was an amazing match, truly TakeOver worthy, and it makes a lot of sense that Shirai retains. And Rhea joining Shotzi makes sense given Rhea’s own history with Dakota, Raquel and even Candice. Rhea and Candice won a WarGames together, now they’ll face each other in one, that’s going to be a lot of fun.
My Score: 9.3/10
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Is Orange Cassidy coldblooded? Or just in control?
Before their AEW World Championship match at Full Gear, Jon Moxley puts Wheeler Yuta in Orange Cassidy’s way! Will Cassidy destroy The Decoder before going for The Maniac?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- 8 Man Tag: Will Ospreay, Mark Davis, Ricochet & “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs VS The Don Callis Family; The Don Callis Family wins.
- Kris Statlander VS Hikaru Shida; Kris wins.
- 2v1 Handicap: Bobby Lashley w/ The Hurt Syndicate VS Joe Keys & Cheeseburger; Lashley wins.
- Darby Allin VS Claudio Castagnoli; Claudio wins.
- Orange Cassidy VS Wheeler Yuta w/ The Death Riders; Cassidy wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
8 Man Tag: Will Ospreay, Mark Davis, Ricochet & “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs VS The Don Callis Family!
This All-Star 8 Man is going to make for a massive match! The Aerial Assassin, Dunk Zilla, The One & Only and the man the family foolishly forgot are now teamed together against Konosuke Takeshita, Kyle Fletcher, Brian Cage & Lance Archer! Will Ospreay lead this team to victory ahead of the grudge matches at Full Gear? Or will Callis’ Alpha, Aussie Arrow, Machine & Murderhawk Monster make sure #EverybodyDies?
Well forget sorting out, Ospreay leads his team in attacking the Callis Family right on the ramp! The fans fire up as Hobbs is after Archer, Davis is after Cage, and of course Ricochet is after Konosuke while Ospreay is after Kyle! Hobbs smacks Archer off railing, Kyle CLUBS Ospreay on the back, but Ospreay kicks low. Ospreay sends Kyle into railing, rips the tearaway pants right off him, and then LASHES him with them! Davis sends Cage into railing while Ospreay uses those pants to SLING Kyle into more railing! Davis CLUBS away on Cage, Ospreay blows snot on Kyle’s pants, and Davis sends Cage into more railing.
Kyle turns things around to send Ospreay into railing! Konosuke helps Cage against Davis but Hobbs still throws hands on Archer. Kyle CLUBS Ospreay, CLUBS Ricochet, but Konosuke puts Davis in the ring. The bell rings and this is finally a match. Konosuke headlocks Davis but Davis fires body shots. Davis powers up and out, but Konosuke RAMS him! The fans fire up as Davis stays up. Davis runs to RAM Konosuke! Konosuke stays up and the fans rally. Konosuke runs to RAM Davis, but Davis runs. Konosuke bypasses, leaps, but Davis catches him for a TOSS! And a SENTON! The fans fire up with Davis, and Ricochet reaches out.
Davis tags Ricochet in , then holds the way open, for Ricochet to FOSBURY FLOP onto Konosuke! But Cage CLOBBERS Davis! Cage then RAMS Ricochet into the apron, POSTS him, but Ospreay PENALTY KICKS Cage! The fans fire up as Ospreay goes up, but Kyle UPPERCUTS him! The fans boo as Kyle goes up, CLUBS away on Ospreay, and Ospreay falls to the floor. But now Hobbs is up! Kyle says wait! Then he fires hands! Hobbs just CHOPS Kyle! Hobbs climbs up to get Kyle, but Archer CLUBS Hobbs! Archer drags Hobbs down, throws hands, then puts Hobbs in between steps and post! Hobbs fights back, but Cage sends Ospreay into the steps!
The fans boo as Hobbs’ leg is crushed between steps and post! Archer puts Ricochet in the ring while a medic checks Hobbs. Archer brings Ricochet up but Ricochet slips free to fire off fast strikes! Hobbs is being helped to the back and Ospreay is concerned that this is now 4v3. Ricochet still fires strikes on Archer, but Archer grabs Ricochet by the neck! CHOKE- NO, Ricochet RANAS Archer first! Archer tumbles, stands up, and Ricochet springboards, but Archer CLOBBERS Him out of the sky! Archer BLASTS Davis, then catches Ospreay out of the air! Archer TOSSES Ospreay away and fans boo. But Ricochet springboards back in!
Archer catches Ricochet, and he CHOKE SLAMS Ricochet out onto Ospreay and Davis! The fans boo as the Don Callis Family is in control, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Cage & Kyle flex to soak up the heat, then Archer goes out after Ospreay and the rest. Konosuke fetches Ricochet into the ring, waistlocks, and then brings him away from the corner. Archer beats up on Ospreay while Konosuke fires knees into Ricochet. Ricochet tumbles to ropes but Konosuke is on him. Davis fires hands on Archer, then sends him into railing! Davis fires more hands, but Konosuke CHOKES Ricochet at the ropes! The ref counts, Konosuke steps off and tags Kyle. Kyle stays between Ricochet and his corner. Kyle taunts Ricochet, stomps him around, then whips him to ropes. Kyle ELBOWS Ricochet down, then stalks him to a corner.
Kyle stomps away on Ricochet while Archer intimidates commentary. Kyle shouts at the camera while the ref counts, and Kyle steps off of Ricochet’s neck. Kyle bumps Ricochet off buckles, tags Cage, and Cage stands Ricochet up. Cage CHOPS Ricochet, then whips him to ropes for an ELBOW! Cage flexes while he taunts Ospreay & Davis. Cage drags Ricochet up but Ricochet RAMS him! And RAMS him! And fires forearms! Cage ROCKS Ricochet, then runs, but into a tiger wall kick and ENZIGIRI! Konosuke tags in and storms after Ricochet. Konosuke stomps Ricochet, then rains down fists! The ref reprimands while Dynamite returns to single picture.
Konosuke argues with the ref while Ospreay rallies the fans. Konosuke stays between Ricochet and his team, but Ricochet SLAPS Konosuke! Konosuke ROCKS Ricochet for it! Ricochet fires forearms and an UPPERCUT! Konosuke keeps Ricochet from his corner, reels Ricochet in, but Ricochet victory rolls! TWO, and Ricochet ducks a chop to handspring BACK ELBOW! The fans fire up while both men are down! Ricochet and Konosuke crawl, hot tags to Kyle and Ospreay! The fans fire up as these two fire fists and forearms! Kyle kicks and whips but Ospreay ducks ‘n’ dodges to CLOBBER Kyle!
Ospreay whips, Kyle reverses, Ospreay handsprings to NEURALIZER KICK! Kyle staggers, Konosuke tags back in! Ospreay dodges Konosuke to BLAST Cage & Archer! Ospreay fires fists on Konosuke, but Konosuke CLAWS Ospreay’s face! Konosuke runs, but Davis intercepts with a fireman’s carry! AUSSIE DENTAL PLAN! Or maybe in this case, just a United Empire Dental Plan! But in any case, Davis scoops Konosuke, for the LAWN DART CUTTER! Cover, TWO!! Konosuke survives but the fans fire up. Ospreay & Davis bring Konosuke up, double pump handle, but the #MurderMachines make the save!
Archer puts Davis in a corner, Cage ducks Ospreay’s haymaker to waistlock. Archer runs up, BOOT GERMAN SUPLEX COMBO! Davis fires hands on Archer but Cage waistlocks, ripcords, and ROCKS Davis! Then fireman’s carry into the ASSISTED NECKBREAKER! The fans boo but the Murder Machines DOUBLE RIPCORD Ospreay up for Konosuke’s BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay survives and shocks everyone! Archer argues with the ref but the count was fair. Konosuke tags Kyle while fans rally up behind Ospreay. Kyle smirks as he stalks Ospreay. Kyle BOOTS Ricochet off the apron for good measure!
Kyle tells Ospreay that this is how he wants it, right? All about Ospreay! Kyle stomps away on Ospreay in the corner, then digs his boots in! The ref counts but wait! Here comes Hobbs! Hobbs hobbles but Kyle hurries to send Ospreay to the Callis corner. Tag to Konosuke and then Kyle slides out. Kyle runs up on Hobbs, but Hobbs CLOBBERS him! The fans fire up as Hobbs makes his way to the corner. Ospreay fights free of the corner but Konosuke holds him back! Ospreay fires forearms, reaches out, repeat! The fans rally as hard as they can, but Konosuke reels Ospreay in! Konosuke hits a back suplex, but Ospreay lands out!
Ospreay dodges Konosuke, hot tag to Hobbs! The Powerhouse powers up to rally on Konosuke! The fans fire up as Hobbs TOSSES Kyle, but the Murder Machines attack! They reel Hobbs in, but Hobbs fights the double suplex! The fans fire up but the Murder Machines double whip. Hobbs DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up as Hobbs has targets in all corners! SPLASH for Konosuke! SPLASH for Cage! SPLASH for Kyle! SPLASH for Archer! The fans are thunderous and Hobbs brings the straps down. Archer kicks low, then runs, but Hobbs dodges, to SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up again, and Hobbs tags Davis!
Davis runs up to BOOT Konosuke, BOOT him again, but Konosuke just fires up! Ospreay CANNONBALLS onto Kyle while Konosuke fires hands! Konosuke spins, but Davis DECKS him! Davis roars, stands Konosuke up, but Konosuke backdrops back! POWER- NO, Davis stops the knee to ENZIGIRI! Davis gut wrenches Konosuke, for a PILEDRIVER!! Cover, KYLE BREAKS IT! The fans boo but now Aussie Open is face to face! Kyle pie faces Davis, talks trash, but Davis glares at him. Kyle SLAPS Davis, so Davis TACKLES Kyle! Davis throws hands, Kyle gets up, and Davis runs up! Kyle dodges and Konosuke DECKS Davis!
Ricochet springboards, FLYING LARIAT on Konosuke! But Cage POP-UP POWERBOMBS Ricochet! Hobbs SPINEBUSTERS Cage! Archer CHOKE SLAMS Hobbs! Ospreay hits the PIP PIP CHEERIO FOREARM on Archer! Ospreay dares Kyle to man up and fight him! Kyle snarls, gets in, and they fire forearms again! Kyle swings, Ospreay catches him, but Kyle breaks the full nelson with an elbow! Ospreay HOOK KICKS Kyle! Ospreay runs, Kyle dodges, but then Ospreay slips through the lariat! Kyle slips through the bomb, hoists Ospreay up, but Ospreay slips free! Kyle ducks the hook kick to SUPERKICK! Kyle runs, into the SPANISH FLY!!
The fans are thunderous as Ospreay takes aim from a corner! Kyle rises, so does Davis, and Ospreay runs up, Kyle uses Davis as a shield from the HIDDEN BLADE!! Ospreay freaks out, Kyle SUPERKICKS Ospreay out of the ring! Then Kyle DIVES onto Ospreay! Konosuke brings down his kneepad, aims at Davis, POWER DRIVE KNEE!!! Cover, Don Callis Family wins!!
Winners: The Don Callis Family, by pinfall
The Alpha stands tall over Davis as friendly fire takes out Ospreay’s team. But what happens when things divide into 1v1 matches? Will Konosuke still be International Champion after he and Ricochet go #OuttaThisWorld? Will Kyle prove that he IS The Protostar after tearing down Will Ospreay?
Jon Moxley & The Death Riders speak.
“Despite recent discoveries that Orange Cassidy is a snake, coldblooded, uncaring, unmoving, a serpent lurking in the darkest corners of the battlefield, my objective remains the same, my job on Saturday night remains the same. You may be this borderline sociopath, you may be a great guy just like everybody thinks. I don’t care if you’re a great guy. I don’t care what kind of person you are. When the bell rings on Saturday night, and the AEW World Championship hangs in the balance, you are a threat to my people. And I will destroy you.
“There’s so much more going on behind Orange Cassidy’s eyes than any of us could’ve imagined. You may make it to Full Gear with your mind in tact, but your body… For that matter, Darby Allin’s body… Still up for grabs.” Claudio jumps in, speaking in German about what he’ll do to Darby. Then in English, he says, “Tonight, I’m gonna end you.” Moxley pats Claudio on the shoulder. Will The Maniac’s top henchmen do his dirty work for him when they dismantle Cassidy & Darby? Or will it just be fuel on the fire for Freshly Squeezed & The Relentless One? Speaking of…
Darby Allin speaks.
“Claudio, I’m gonna keep this really short. Let’s not forget you’re the one who put the chair around Bryan’s neck and pulled the trigger on his career. Every single one of you Death Riders will have your day. And Claudio, today’s your day.” Will Moxley’s men be dealt with in brutal fashion before he suffers the same?
The Hurt Syndicate arrive.
Renee Paquette waits in the parking lot as an SUV pulls up, and she welcomes Montel Vontavious Porter, Shelton Benjamin & Bobby Lashley to the show. She heard MVP has a surprise in store, what’s he got planned? MVP says yes, there is a special treat for the AEW audience, and that is this announcement: The All Mighty Bobby Lashley will be in action here tonight on Dynamite in Reading, Pennsylvania, prior to his PPV debut on Saturday! Renee asks if MVP is at all concerned to put Lashley in a match- OH NO, Swerve attacks!! Swerve knocks Lashley over, then laughs as he gets away!
Shelton helps Lashley up but that ambush might’ve been with Swerve’s own silver chain. Will Lashley elect not to compete tonight after all? Or is he about to make an example out of whatever poor soul is put in front of him?
Adam Cole is here!
Reading fires up as the Panama City Playboy makes his way to the ring. They join in with the “BOOM!” and “ADAM COLE, BAYBAY!” Cole grabs a mic to ask, “Who’s ready for Storytime with Adam Cole, Baybay?” Reading sure is ready! Cole wishes so so badly that he could get his hands on MJF this Saturday, but he’s not. MJF did everything in his power to make sure he and Cole didn’t fight on Saturday, and he succeeded. But do you know who else succeeded last week? Roderick Strong did! The fans cheer as Cole says he and Roddy have the exact same goal: Give MJF the ass whooping of a lifetime! And that is exactly what happens at Full Gear!
The fans cheer, and wait, Kyle O’Reilly makes his way out here. The longtime friend of Cole & Roddy makes his way out here, and already has a mic. Kyle isn’t sure if Cole remembers, but 14 years ago, right here in Reading, PA, Cole and Kyle had their second match ever against each other. They’ve come a long way. Being associated with Cole has given Kyle some incredible highs, and some serious lows. And through those lows, Kyle knows Cole better than anyone. Which makes Kyle the only one willing to tell Cole the truth. The truth is, this crusade against MJF has got to end before someone gets hurt.
This obsession, Cole needs to wash his hands of it. His ankle has already been reconstructed, what’s next? Cole has friends willing to take a bullet for him, Kyle included, but Cole has got to stop having his friends fight his battles. Roddy barely makes it out alive last week, and now he wants to fight MJF! He wants to END MJF, all because of Cole. Kyle just doesn’t have a good feeling about any of this. Cole asks Kyle what he’s trying to say here. Kyle doesn’t think Roddy can handle MJF? Kyle asks Cole if he really thinks MJF isn’t already three steps ahead. MJF hasn’t been here for weeks but he’s pulling all the strings.
Cole should know that dealing with MJF is like playing with fire, and Kyle doesn’t wanna see his friends get burned. Cole needs to realize why so many of his friends are willing to go to war for him, and it’s because he is a great leader, an elite pro-wrestler, and a great friend, who doesn’t wanna see his friends get hurt. At least, so Kyle thinks. But Cole has to face facts: MJF is more of an evil bastard than Cole will ever be, and that is a good thing. Kyle drops his mic and walks away. Cole drops his mic, and has a lot to think about. Does Kyle have a point? Can Cole just let Roddy handle MJF and then move on?
Orange Cassidy speaks.
“A little later tonight, I’m gonna make an example out of you, Wheeler Yuta. And I’m gonna show everybody exactly what I’m gonna do this Saturday to you, Jon Moxley. And that’s walk down to that ring and beat you, alone.” But The Conglomeration steps in. Mark Briscoe has Rocky Romero & Tomohiro Ishii with him as he asks Cassidy, “What sense does that make, man?” Moxley said himself, there’s five Death Riders, one Cassidy. Conglomeration has his back, they are here for him. Cassidy says no, no one else needs to get hurt. Get hurt? What’s Cassidy talking about? The Conglomeration are ready to scrap!
PLEASE!! Cassidy is asking them… They don’t have to believe him or even understand him. But just promises him they’ll stay back here. If Cassidy insists, then so be it. Cassidy says there you have it, Jon. Five of you, one of him. Do what you’re gonna do. Because at Full Gear, Moxley’s gonna need all the help he can get. Cassidy is himself wanting the best for his friends, but will that work out for the betterment of AEW? Or is he just playing into Moxley’s hands?
Kris Statlander VS Hikaru Shida!
The #BornAgainKristen bodied the bullies that are Mercedes Mone & Kamille the last time she saw them, but she still needs to tune up for Full Gear. However, taking on the THREE-TIME AEW Women’s World Champion might be more than just a workout. Win, lose or draw, will the Shining Samurai get Kris ready for The CEO?
The bell rings, Kris and Shida shake hands and the fans applaud. The two circle, tie up, and Kris wrenches to a wristlock. Shida handsprings and wrenches back, then hammerlocks. Kris reaches back, hits a headlock takeover, but Shida headscissors. Kris kips free and the fans cheer while the two reset. Shida and Kris circle again while the fans fire up. The two tie up, Shida wrenches and hammerlocks, then CLUBS Kris on the back. Shida CLUBS Kris again, then waistlocks. Kris fights the lift with elbows, then switches. Kris SLAMS Shida, then flips her over. Shida kips up to arm-drag Kris! Kris ends up in a corner, and Shida runs up to KNEE her!
Shida climbs up and the fans cheer as she rains down fists! But Kris stops Shida at 5 and carries her out of the corner! Shida slips free, Kris blocks a lariat to SWEEP the leg! STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Shida is tough and she goes to ropes, but Kris whips her to a corner. Kris runs up but into a RANA! Kris cartwheels through! Then she CLOBBERS Shida! The fans fire up while Kris flexes. Kris drags Shida into a motorcycle stretch but Shida endures. The fans rally up and Shida fights to her feet. Shida arm-drags Kris down, and wraps her in a straitjacket stretch! Kris fights up with a bridge, but Shida hops on!
The fans rally while Kris RAMS Shida into a corner! Shida holds onto the straitjacket and pulls! The ref counts, Shida lets go at 4, and then MISSILE DROPKICKS! Kris tumbles and the fans duel as Shida fires up! Shida goes outside, drags Kris to the apron, and CLUBS her! Shida runs to KNEE LIFT! Kris flops to the floor and fans cheer while Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Shida brings Kris up again, and whips her into railing hard! Kris writhes, Shida drags her up, and then Shida whips Kris into more railing! Kris writhes again and Shida refreshes the ring count. Shida sits Kris in a corner to rain down fists! The fans fire up but the ref reprimands, so Shida stops. Shida brings Kris around, pushes her into the ring, and then stalks her. Shida stomps Kris around, brings her up, and snap suplexes! Kris writhes but Shida brings her up again. Shida then snap suplexes Kris into a corner! Shida drags Kris to a cover, TWO! Kris stays in this but Shida stays on her with a chinlock stretch!
Kris endures being bent back, and she reaches out with her free arm. Shida pulls back more but Kris rises up! Shida is again a backpack, but then she slips down. Kris fires body shots, slips around and lifts for a BIG back suplex! Kris huffs ‘n’ puffs as she rises up, but then Shida dodges the sliding forearm! Ghost pin! TWO, and Kris has a cradle! TWO! Shida ROCKS Kris, but Kris PELES! Shida staggers, but she comes back to ENZIGIRI! Both women are down and the fans fire up! The ref checks both women and they’re okay to continue, so a standing count begins. Shida and Kris stir at about 4 of 10, then rise up at 6.
Kris grabs Shida, but Shida fires a forearm! Dynamite returns to single picture as the shots go back and forth. Shida fires a flurry, then whips Kris to ropes. Kris ducks ‘n’ dodges, then dodges a knee! SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up with Kris as she whips Shida to a corner. Kris runs up to UPPERCUT, then she goes side to side for a KNEE LIFT! Shida ends up in ropes but Kris reels her in. Fisherman BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Shida survives and the fans fire up again! Kris hoists Shida up, gut wrenches, but Shida slips free! DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Shida eggs Kris on, then dodges her to fire forearms! Kris just shakes her head!
Shida fires more shots, but Kris fireman’s carries! But Shida slips free, straitjacket roll-up! TWO!! KNEE STRIKE! And then short arm LARIAT! Shida takes aim, but she starts to doubt the Katana! Shida runs up but Kris dodges the boot to then scoop and INVERTED SLAM! Then Kris aims, DISCUS- NO, Shida backslides her! TWO!! Shida reels Kris in, suplexes, FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO?!? Kris survives and Shida is shocked! Shida brings Kris up but Kris fires body shots and forearms! Shida ROCKS Kris, but Kris wrenches to kick! Kris runs, but into the JUMP KNEE! Shida hurries to suplex, but Kris turns it around!
Shida slips out of Kris’ suplex to slip around, GERMAN SUPLEX! Shida roars, aims, KATA- NO, Kris gut wrenches! Tuck and STATURDAY NIGHT FEVER!! Cover, Kris wins!!
Winner: Kris Statlander, by pinfall
Shida gave Kris a powerful match, but clearly Shida has to iron out her own crisis of confidence. Kris still shows Shida respect by helping her up. But wait, here comes Mercedes Mone & Kamille! The fans boo The CEO & Brickhouse but Mone has a mic. “Readiiiiing~! Say hello to your C E O!” The fans boo instead. Mone asks Kamille if she wants to hear a fun fact about Pennsylvania. The 76ers have had yet another terrible season! Embarrassing~! But shoutouts to Mone’s Celtics for another incredible victory. The fans boo Boston but Mone says another person with an incredible win was Kris Statlander. Mone is rarely impressed by her competition.
Does anyone else want to hear another fun fact? “NO!!” Well, Mone has held the TBS Championship longer than Kris! So at Full Gear, Mone will NOT lose, because she is The CEO, the greatest TBS Champion of all time! And she will NEVER lose this title! Fans tell The CEO to STFU, but Mone tells Kamille go get the job done! She is so pissed off! GO! NOW! Kamille walks up the steps past Mone, but with only one good arm! Mone says hurry up, but Kamille looks at both Shida and Kris. Kamille takes as swing, but Kris blocks to ROCK her! Shida QUESTION MARK KICKS Kamille! Then Kris & Shida TOSS The Brickhouse!
Shida goes out after Kamille, but then Mone goes after Kris! Mone goes for the backstabber, but Kris holds onto ropes! Mone is almost stuck up there, but Kris pops her around! STATURDAY NIGHT FEVER!! The fans fire up as Kris stands tall over The CEO! Will Kris once again become the Face of TBS? Or will Mone find a way to win even without her insurance policy?
The Hurt Syndicate has a cameraman with them.
MVP says hold on, he and Shelton have found Swerve. They go after the man in the big fur jacket, but that’s not Swerve! Swerve gave his jacket to the guy, but MVP & Shelton still beat this guy up for helping Swerve. MVP says they’ll find Swerve later, Lashley has his match up next. And it’ll be a 2-on-1 Handicap?! The All Mighty really IS mad, what poor duo is about to be destroyed?
AEW hears from Jay White and Hangman Adam Page.
“Hangman. You and I are on that same path to that same destination, trying to grasp at that same prize. 2024 still has some time left for The Switchblade to share the spotlight with Hangman once more!” But the Blackhat Cowboy asks White if he knows “Who the hell I am?! I am the Hangman! I am THE man! They named this whole godforsaken PPV after ME!” White says when he makes Hangman TAP, it will be a public declaration! But Hangman says White can’t make him tap, even if his life depended on it! These two vicious gunslingers will write one more chapter in their storied rivalry, but who comes out riding off into the sunset?
2v1 Handicap: Bobby Lashley w/ The Hurt Syndicate VS Joe Keys & Cheeseburger!
The All Mighty thought he’d have an easy night getting in a little warm-up, but The Realest quickly reminded him why he’s the most dangerous man in AEW! Lashley’s now doubling down to make a point, will there be nothing left of Keys & Cheese after tonight?
The bell rings and while the fans rally for Cheeseburger, he and Keys each argue the other should start. Lashley runs up and TOSSES Burger across the ring! Keys runs away, Lashley runs to RAM into Burger! Lashley brings Burger up, Keys runs in, but Lashley catches him for a COMPLETE SHOT DDT COMBO! Lashley drags Keys up and TOSSES him out! Lashley then turns to look at Burger in the corner. The fans rally for Burger, but Lashley CLOBBERS him! The fans boo but MVP & Shelton high-five Lashley. Lashley drags Burger up to gut wrench, Canadian Rack, and DOMINATOR! Keys runs in to break the cover!
The fans cheer Keys as he fires hands, but Lashley just gets angrier! Keys short arm LARIATS, but Lashley stays up! Keys runs, into a MILE HIGH SPINEBUSTER! Lashley storms around, then aims at Keys. Keys staggers into the SPEAR! Lashley isn’t done there, and he clamps on the HURT LOCK! Keys can’t open that lock, he is OUT! Lashley wins!
Winner: Bobby Lashley, by submission
MVP & Shelton join Lashley in the ring to celebrate, but then “Whose House?” “SWERVE’S HOUSE!” The fans fire up, and here comes Prince Nana with a chair! Nana eggs the Hurt Syndicate on so Shelton storms out after Nana. MVP watches the rest of ringside for Swerve, but Swerve slides out from under the ring! The fans fire up as Swerve slips in to CHAIN PUNCH Lashley!! MVP gets on the apron but Swerve DECKS MVP with a chain punch! And then Shelton eats a chain punch! The fans are thunderous as Swerve aims, and hits a HOUSE CALL on Lashley! Swerve hurries to the top rope, and he gives Lashley a KILL STOMP!!
The fans are thunderous as Swerve stands over Lashley! MVP & Shelton get up and get in, but Swerve escapes, chain draped on his neck! Will AEW then, now and forever be whose house? “SWERVE’S HOUSE!”
Backstage interview with Mariah May & Mina Shirakawa.
Renee is now with the AEW Women’s World Champion and her best friend, the Rev-Pro Undisputed British Women’s Champion. They are planning their Championship Champagne Celebration for Full Gear, BUT Friday Night Rampage will feature the two of them teaming up for the first time in just over a year. Mariah says no champion deserves a celebration more than her. Her rise to the top was meteoric, and her reign will be historic. She takes ish and makes it shine, any time and any show, against anyone. In Mariah’s division, you hold this title, or you die.
Mina says yes, Mariah has been working so hard. She came back to tell her she is so very proud. And Mina will give Mariah a celebration she’ll never forget! Mariah says the “H Cup Angel” (Mina) and the “Woman from Hell” (Mariah herself) are going to make Rampage into Glampage. Everyone wants Mina, but Mina wants Mariah. And then… They’ll dance! These two shimmy and shake their way out, will they finally be toasting their victories at Full Gear?
Darby Allin VS Claudio Castagnoli w/ The Death Riders!
The Relentless One told The Swiss Superman that revenge was coming, and here is Darby’s chance! Will Darby avenge Bryan Danielson? Or will he just be the next to fall?
The bell rings and Darby stares Claudio down. Darby takes some deep breaths then circles with Claudio. Darby slips around to waistlock but Claudio flings him off, only for Darby to roll to his feet. They circle again, and the fans rally behind Darby. Darby and Claudio feel things out, tie up, and Darby headlocks. Claudio lifts Darby but Darby thrashes the hold. Claudio throws Darby off, runs up, but Darby uses that to get around and springboard arm-drag! The fans fire up while Claudio bails out, and Darby taunts Claudio with some drop steps. Claudio snarls, but then Darby fakes him out with a slingshot!
Claudio is annoyed and takes a swing but Darby slingshots up and over! Darby taunts Claudio again while the fans rally up. Claudio cools off before he storms up the steel steps. Claudio pops Darby up but Darby keeps from hitting buckles! Darby ELBOWS Claudio away, goes up, then leaps, but Claudio catches him! Claudio SLAMS Darby down, flips him back to his feet, but Darby slips around to waistlock. O’Conner Roll, TWO! Darby springboards to SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Claudio bails out but the fans fire up. Darby goes up a corner, and he SUPER COFFIN SPLASHES into a waistlock! Claudio swings and THROWS Darby away!
Darby staggers to his feet but Claudio runs up, to POUNCE Darby into railing! Darby writhes against the railing, but Claudio runs up to UPPERCUT Darby up and over! Fans freak out as Darby hits the floor! Claudio leaves Darby behind while the ring count climbs, but Darby drags himself up at 7. Claudio goes back out after Darby to suplex! Claudio holds Darby up while he marches up the steps! The fans fire up for this feat of strength and balance, and then Claudio TOSSES Darby back into the ring! Darby writhes again while Claudio steps back in. Claudio stalks Darby, talks some trash, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Claudio looms over Darby, then deadlift gut wrenches for a GUTBUSTER! And then another GUTBUSTER! And then another GUTBUSTER! Darby writhes while Claudio stands over him again. Claudio watches Darby crawl towards a corner and stalks him. Claudio drags Darby up, brings him around, and ROCKS Darby with a forearm! Darby pushes Claudio, then CHOPS! Claudio DECKS Darby! Darby tumbles out of the ring! The ref wants Claudio to stay back while Darby drags himself up. Darby is back in before the count starts, but then Claudio DOUBLE STOMPS him! Claudio kicks Darby around, then clamps on with a neck wrench!
Darby endures, fights up, but Claudio powers him down. Darby BITES Claudio’s hand! The ref reprimands but Darby fires off forearms on Claudio. Claudio HIP TOSSES Darby up and out of the ring! Darby hits the floor and flounders around while the ref reprimands Claudio. Claudio again waits on Darby, and then he DOUBLE STOMPS Darby the moment he’s in! The ref counts as Claudio stands on Darby at the ropes. Claudio steps off at 4, brings him around, and clamps on an armlock and chinbar. Darby endures, fights around, and manages to fireman’s carry Claudio! But Claudio rains down elbows! HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL even!
Claudio clamps on with a double wristlock and he grinds Darby down. Darby still endures and the fans rally up again. Darby fights around and Dynamite returns to single picture. Darby fires body shots but Claudio knees low! Claudio then HIP TOSSES Darby into a corner! Darby tumbles out of the ring but Claudio pursues! Claudio SWINGS Darby into railing! Then Claudio fireman’s carries, to TOSS Darby back in the ring! Claudio storms in while Darby flounders away. Darby flops back out of the ring but Claudio pursues him again. Darby trips Claudio up and traps him in the apron skirt! Darby then fires forearms, and BITES Claudio’s ear!
The fans fire up but Claudio shoves Darby away. Darby slides into the ring then DIVES onto Claudio! And then runs to DIVE again! Down goes Claudio and the fans fire up! Darby crawls over to bring Claudio up and into the ring. The fans fire up as Darby climbs up a corner, though slowly given all the damage to his back. That lets Claudio trip Darby up! Darby is stuck up top, and Claudio climbs up after him. Claudio gut wrenches for a SUPER GUT WRENCH PLEX!! Cover, TWO!! Darby survives and Claudio can’t believe it! The fans fire up but Claudio calls for the swing! Claudio grabs the legs, but Darby twists to a victory roll! TWO!!
Claudio escapes and runs up, but Darby ducks ‘n’ dodges, roll and- WHOA, Claudio has to fight to stay up, and then he deadlifts Darby! Darby pops through to CODE RED!! Cover, TWO!! Claudio survives and the fans fire up again! “This is Awesome!” as Darby and Claudio crawl for ropes. Claudio runs up to UPPERCUT! And UPPERCUT again and again and again! The ref backs Claudio off, but then Claudio fires off body shots! Darby flops over but Claudio has the legs. Claudio FLIPS Darby up and over the ropes, but Darby lands on the apron! Claudio BOOTS Darby down! The ref wants Claudio to hold on but Claudio goes out after Darby.
Claudio drags Darby by his legs, then SWINGS him around! Into steel steps!! The fans lose their minds, the ref reprimands Claudio, but Claudio doesn’t care. The fans tell Claudio he is sick, but Claudio TOSSES Darby over the announce desk!! Schiavone, Excalibur & Matt Menard narrowly avoid becoming collateral damage! But Claudio clears the desk and brings Darby up. Claudio puts Darby on the desk, then stands over him. The ref reprimands but Claudio just ignores him. Claudio drags Darby up, and gorilla presses him! SUPER DUPER TOSS onto the timekeeper’s table!! The fans lose their minds as Darby is down but that table’s somehow still standing!
The ref checks on Darby but Claudio storms right over! The ref tells Claudio to stop so they go to the ring. Claudio lets the ring count start, and yet Darby somehow stirs at 4 of 10! The fans rally as hard as they can and Darby crawls his way over! Darby is still far away at 7! But then he powers up and LEAPS in at 9!! But Claudio LARIATS Darby inside-out!! Cover, Claudio wins!
Winner: Claudio Castagnoli, by pinfall
Darby truly is relentless, with durability like no other, but it just wasn’t enough against the strength and brutality of Claudio! Will no one stop The Death Riders from running roughshod over AEW?
Backstage interview with Private Party.
Renee is with Marq Quen & Isiah Kassidy and brings up that at Full Gear, the AEW World Tag Team Championships are on the line in a Fatal 4 Way. Private Party takes on The Acclaimed, The Outrunners and The Kings of the Black Throne. In such a match, the champs do NOT have to be pinned or submitted to lose their titles, so what is their strategy? Brother Zay says they obviously can’t tell her that, the other teams are watching. But it seems like the odds are against them. Fortunately, the odds have been against them their whole lives, their whole careers, just like against The Young Bucks.
But look what happened: Private Party defied the odds, beat The Bucks, and are your AEW World Tag Team Champions. That is the same thing that happens on Saturday. They leave Newark, New Jersey still your tag team champions. Because there ain’t no party like a Private Party, that’s a flex. Oh, speaking of! It’s AJ & Big Justice! They’re fired up to be here, but Justice wants to know what that face Zay made was last week. Oh, right, this one, with the chin scratching. And AJ says they’ve got a BIG announcement coming up after this! Maybe some double chunk chocolate cookies? BOOM!!
A green Porsche Taycan pulls up to the middle of nowhere.
And out steps MJF. The Wolf of Wrestling tells the hobo to “go get it” as he throws spare change off to the side like birdseed. MVP then sits back and tells Roderick Strong, “You’ve been through so much. The kid who grew up trailer park trash with two abusive alcoholic parents. For crying out loud! Your own mother shot your father right in front of you. That’s traumatizing. And as you know, Roddy, trauma is the result of an overwhelming sense of danger, powerlessness and fear. However, healing is a result of feeling safe, empowered and supported. That’s why you’d do anything for Cole. He makes you feel all those positive things that you lacked.
“It’s why I was no different than you. It’s why I trusted him. Unfortunately, the difference between you and I: Cole for me was a mirage of what I wanted him to be. A fraud, a liar. And whilst Cole is a fraud, I do actually believe deep down, in his narcissistic, sociopathic, frail, feeble frame, is a man who cares about Roderick Strong. This is precisely why upon further contemplation, I am happy you won, Roddy. Because I want Adam Cole to watch a person he cares about suffer! And because of your White trash upbringing, you aren’t intelligent enough to realize that you don’t have a prayer. And I’m sending you back to where you belong. To your grimy little trailer park.
“And after the match, you’ll be in so much physical anguish, you’ll wish your mother hadn’t shot your father, but instead shot you.” As if this scumbag couldn’t stoop any lower, he brings up Roddy’s past to hurt him. But will Roddy make sure MJF’s future is the one full of pain and suffering?
Backstage interview with AJ & Big Justice.
Renee is with the Costco Tiktok sensations and says that in the Full Gear Zero Hour, we will see #BigBoomAJ take on QT Marshall in a match 20 YEARS in the making. AJ says it may have been 20 years in the making for QT, this all started for AJ when QT threw the double chunk chocolate cookies down! Renee says AJ has not been in the ring in those 20 years, is he concerned about how his body will hold up? AJ isn’t worried about that, because he just has one strategy, and that’s the strategy they use each and every day. That strategy is to bring the BOOM~! But hey, there’s another special announcement.
Because when AJ rings QT’s bell, and he Power-Booms QT right in the middle of that ring, there is only one guy they want ringing the bell: Big Justice’s best friend, THE RIZZLER! Time to bring the BOOM~! Will QT be sleeping on the mat for The Rizzler? Will he be skibidi? Fanum Tax? Why are those even words?
Tony Schiavone is on stage.
And he welcomes out The Undisputed Kingdom! The fans cheer as Roderick Strong makes his way out, accompanied by Matt Taven & Mike Bennett. Schiavone brings up Roddy VS MJF at Full Gear, and we just heard all that disgusting stuff MJF had to say. Roddy’s response is that to be honest, he has not slept a wink since last week. IT is finally happening! Roddy feels like a kid on Christmas morning. He finally gets his hands on “MAAAAAX~!” The fans echo that, and Roddy says if MJF was here tonight, and not hiding out there, Roddy would ask him: Is Roddy supposed to be ashamed of his childhood?
Is Roddy supposed to be ashamed of his parents? You don’t think Roddy’s heard that stuff before? His whole LIFE, that is what people brought up! His mom’s an addict, his dad’s an addict, mom shot dad. Good job, Max, you made Roddy feel like he was in elementary school again. And people may look at Roddy’s past and feel sorry for him, but Roddy asks us not to. Because looking at MJF, Roddy feels sorry for him. Understand this, Max. With Roddy’s life, he learned that to get the most out of life, you have to earn it. If you wanna break the cycle, you have to earn it. And that is what Roddy’s done ever since he was a kid!
And now looking at MJF, he’s been spoon-fed everything. And when something doesn’t go his way or something happens and he doesn’t like it, MJF throws a temper tantrum like a baby until that changes. So Roddy wants MJF to do something for him: Look in the mirror and think about all the things that MJF has done to people. The manipulating, the backstabbing, the using. MJF needs to realize, when the bell rings at Full Gear, MJF will pay for all those sins. With every chop, with every punch, with every elbow, with every backbreaker! And when it is all over, Roddy walks to his hotel room for the best night of sleep in his life because he earned it.
Especially because Roddy will know he has broken MJF’s back, and left him humbled! Roddy is all fired up, and the fans are with him! Will MJF finally get what’s coming to him? Or will he give Roddy nightmares for the rest of his life?
AEW shares footage taken from last Saturday night.
First, a recap video of Daniel Garcia thwarting Jack Perry’s attempts to abduct and torture Matthew Menard, as well as the joyride they took in the Scapegoat bus, with Perry as the hood ornament. And now, they have Perry strapped into a chair, the bus headlights as the only source of light. Menard is behind the camera as he asks Perry how he’s feeling. How’d that work out for him, huh? Garcia splashes Perry with water to wake him up, and says “Let’s have a conversation. I’m all ears.” Perry chuckles and says Garcia thinks he’s so much better than him. Look at where they are! Garcia shouts back that he doesn’t wanna be here!
Garcia just wants to wrestle, but AEW is full of savages! Perry tried to take Daddy Magic’s life! And those in power just sit back and watch, pretending that nothing’s going on. So what do they do? Gotta take the power back, right? Perry counters with, “Everybody’s got a code. Everybody cares about right and wrong until it costs them something. Until they have to SACRIFICE!” Garcia gets in Perry’s face, grabs him by the mouth, and says Perry’s always going on about sacrifice but Perry has no idea what Garcia’s had to go through! Perry has NO idea what Garcia’s had to sacrifice to be here!
Garcia knows where Perry wants him to go, but Garcia promises that he’s never gonna go there. Perry smirks, then SPITS in Garcia’s face. Garcia wipes that off his face and says bet. Garcia’s got something for Perry, so just wait right there. Garcia goes to the bus while Perry mockingly asks what he’s gonna do. Menard tells shut up, Jack! Life must be so hard for him! What’s Jack got to be sad about?! Garcia comes back and he has a crowbar! Perry dares him to go ahead. Garcia raises the bar, but he SMASHES up the bus! Garcia throws the crowbar away and Perry laughs. Is that it? Garcia tells Menard they’ll get out of here. What? Where’s Garcia going?
Perry says yeah, walk away. Menard tells Perry that Garcia’s gonna whoop his ass! Just wait! Menard leaves, Perry shouts into the night, but will The Face of TNT soon be the one sacrificed for the greater good?
Renee Paquette presides over the ROH World Championship contract signing.
She welcomes us backstage to the signing for this match, which will happen next week, Dynamite: Thanksgiving Eve, in Chicago. The challenger, Tomohiro Ishii, is on her left, and the champion, Chris Jericho, is on her right. Jericho, as champion, you have the honors to sign first. Jericho smiles and waves as he says, “Hi, guys.” But Renee, you should know better. A champion of Jericho’s caliber does not just sign a contract thrust at his face randomly. He has a whole legal team that needs to approve this contract. Renee says it was sent to said legal team last week. Oh, really? What about today? The now! Jericho lives in the now!
Jericho says he’ll get this checked by his legal eagles one more time. But for now, wait here. Choto matte kudesai. Jericho steps around the corner and then down the hall. He smiles at his own picture on the wall. What a good looking guy. But wait, Ishii has followed Jericho to the hall. Jericho is a bit worried as he keeps moving. Jericho tries to block Ishii’s path but a trash can isn’t enough. Jericho tells staffers that Ishii wants to talk to them. They step in the way but Ishii pushes them aside. Jericho moves faster, pushes more people in the way, but Ishii pushes them aside. Was that RJ City?
Jericho goes up some stairs but Ishii follows. Ishii’s even gaining ground! Jericho goes through a doorway and ends up in the concourse! Fans cheer as Jericho and Ishii keep up their cat ‘n’ mouse game. Jericho decides to go into the stands! Ishii follows, and they head down the bleachers towards ringside! Jericho hurries over railing but so does Ishii. They go into the ring, and now Jericho tells Ishii to stop following him! Jericho wants a mic, a mic is brought, and Jericho says hey, listen, Ishii. Jericho would sign this contract, but he doesn’t have a pen. Ishii has a pen! Oh. Ishii clicks it for Jericho, and pushes it into him.
Jericho takes the pen, looks at the contract again, and still hesitates. Jericho signs his part, and then hands things over to Ishii. But then BRYAN KEITH & BIG BILL ATTACK! It was all a massive set-up! Bad Apple & Redwood beat down Stone Pitbull, and then sit him up! Jericho has the pen ready, but here comes The Conglomeration! Mark Briscoe & Rocky Romero rush in, and Mark TACKLES Jericho! Rocky fires off on Bill while Mark CHOKES Jericho! Keith saves Jericho from Mark but Mark fires hands on Keith! The fans fire up, but then Bill SKYSCRAPER- NO, Mark UPPERCUTS Bill first! Rocky adds on!
The fans fire up as The Conglomeration pinballs Bill, and then Ishii CLOBBERS him! Bill tumbles out, but Rocky DIVES! Bill is sent into railing! Keith stands up, into a kick and underhooks! JAY DRILLER! Jericho stands up, Ishii has him, and hits a BRAINBUSTER!! Conglomeration stands tall over The Learning Tree and his Branches, and now Ishii signs his part! The match is now official, and Ishii is looking to take a bite out of Jericho! Will The Conglomeration have the ROH World Championship to be thankful for this year?
Backstage interview with Jamie Hayter.
Renee is with the former AEW Women’s World Champion and notes that last time, we were going to hear from her, only for her to be interrupted by Julia Hart. What is Hayter’s reaction to that? Well, yeah, she isn’t angry, but she is baffled why Julia chose to interrupt Hayter. They’ve never really spoken or interacted, or even wrestled each other. Hayter is just curious as to why Julia felt it was okay to do that. Granted, Julia can do whatever she wants, Hayter moves to the beat of her own drum just as much as Julia. But… if Julia wants to have a chat-
Uh oh, something is happening to the video! Brody King’s message echoes, “It’s time to come home.” Julia Hart walks through the woods. Brody says The House is her foundation. She has seen her rebirth. Now it is time to rebuild. She has woken up stronger, more determined, and more dangerous than ever. Julia aims her arrow to shoot down a target: her past self. Her obstacles are just bull’s eyes. She is the Princess of the Black Throne, and the Keeper of Secrets. She is Julia Hart, and her heart grows harder. She hits her mark, but will she find Hayter Hits Hard?
Orange Cassidy VS Wheeler Yuta!
Freshly Squeezed has been accused of being coldblooded and uncaring, but he got pretty heated as he told The Conglomeration to keep themselves safe tonight. He goes 1v1 with The Decoder, a young man who was once Cassidy’s student, and who left him behind to join the then Blackpool Combat Club. If anyone is uncaring, it is Yuta with how he would then follow Jon Moxley’s lead in the destruction of Bryan Danielson and Chuck Taylor. Who will be the more ferocious fighter tonight, this close to Full Gear?
The bell rings and Yuta SHOTGUNS Cassidy! Yuta follows Cassidy to a corner to CHOP, then ROCK, then CHOP again! Yuta whips corner to corner but Cassidy goes up and out. Cassidy bumps Yuta off buckles, climbs up top, but has to leap over. Yuta comes back but Cassidy catches him to a backslide! TWO, but Cassidy reels Yuta in for a cradle! TWO! Yuta pulls on an ear! But Cassidy arm-drags and wrangles Yuta into the SEATBELT! TWO!! Yuta escapes and the fans fire up as these two stand off. Yuta huffs ‘n’ puffs, but Cassidy shows he wants a grapple. They feel things out, knuckle lock, but Cassidy blocks a kick!
Cassidy reels Yuta in for a headlock, but Yuta powers up and out. Cassidy ducks ‘n’ rolls, tilt-o-whirls, but Yuta suplexes! Into STUN DOG MILLIONAIRE! Yuta tumbles out and fans fire up! Cassidy builds speed to DIVE! Down goes Yuta and the fans fire up again! Cassidy brings Yuta up, whips, but Yuta reverses to reel Cassidy in! Cassidy fights the suplex, but then Yuta fights a suplex. Yuta suplexes, to RAILING BRAINBUSTER!! Cassidy writhes and fans are stunned! Yuta stomps Cassidy, then leaves him behind for the ring count. Cassidy crawls into the ring, Yuta exposes a crossbar, and then he GRINDS Cassidy’s face into the steel!
The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but Yuta steps off at 4. Cassidy seethes as he rises up, but Yuta has him at the corner. Cassidy kicks Yuta’s legs out and Yuta falls onto a turnbuckle! Yuta falls back, Cassidy climbs, but Yuta grabs Cassidy first! Yuta drags Cassidy down but Cassidy fires hands. Yuta squeezes the facelock tight, then hits an APRON DDT! The fans boo Yuta while Cassidy writhes, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Cassidy clutches his neck while Yuta waits in the ring. A ring count starts and Yuta eggs Cassidy on. Cassidy reaches up as the count reaches 5 of 10, but he doesn’t sit up until 6. Cassidy hobbles up, stumbles and falls, but springs back to life! He slides in at 9! Only for Yuta to be right on him! Yuta reels Cassidy in, but Cassidy turns that into BEACH BREAK! Cover, TWO!! Yuta survives but Cassidy is too sore to be frustrated. They both sit up, and Yuta crawls his way over to a corner. Cassidy rises, checks his neck, then runs up, but into an ELBOW! Yuta goes up, but Cassidy JUMP FOREARMS! Cassidy positions Yuta just right before he climbs the corner.
Yuta resists but Cassidy still brings Yuta up. Yuta continues to fight the suplex, throws body shots, then shoves Cassidy down. Cassidy rolls back to his feet, runs back up the corner, but Yuta again fights the suplex! Cassidy fires hands, but Yuta fires back! They brawl up top, Cassidy HEADBUTTS Yuta! But Yuta HEADBUTTS back! They both wobble, but then Cassidy BITES Yuta! The ref reprimands, but Cassidy CLAWS Yuta’s back! This is very Moxley of him to do! And then Cassidy hits the SUPERPLEX! Both men are down and the ref checks. They’re both okay to continue, so a standing count begins!
Cassidy sits up, spots Yuta, and heads that way. Yuta sits up, they fire forearms as they stand! Dynamite returns to single picture as these shots go back and forth. The fans fire up for Cassidy but boo Yuta as the shots go faster and faster! Yuta BITES Cassidy’s forehead! Yuta spits then runs, but Cassidy dodges! BODY BLOW! SUPERKICK! Yuta sits down, Cassidy runs, PENALTY KICK! Cassidy slashes his throat, hauls Yuta up, BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Yuta survives but Cassidy seethes. Cassidy rains down fists on Yuta! The ref reprimands about closed fists and hair pulling, but Cassidy doesn’t stop until the ref counts 4.
Cassidy stands, and he throws off the elbow pad! Cassidy aims at Yuta, runs up, but Yuta ducks the punch! GERMAN SUPLEX! Yuta runs to CHOP in the corner! And then a wrench and PAIN THRILLER! The fans boo while Yuta seethes and stands over Cassidy. Yuta sits Cassidy up, for HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! But Cassidy blocks one! And bends fingers, to then SNAP them! The fans fire up as Cassidy SNAPS finger after finger! Yuta swings, Cassidy BOOTS him, then serves up SOLE FOOD! Scoop and MICHINOKU DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Cassidy is busting out all his best friends’ best moves, but he hasn’t gotten it done!
Cassidy aims, loads up, and ORANGE- NO, Yuta ducks! Orange fights the suplex, switches to O’Conner Roll! TWO, Yuta dodges Cassidy, scoops him, and CROSS LEG TOMBSTONE!! Cover, TWO?!? Cassidy survives and Yuta is furious! The fans are thunderous, but Yuta rains down HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! Cassidy grits his teeth but he’s almost a ragdoll! Yuta lets off to then hook the arms, CATTLE MUTILATION!! Cassidy endures as Yuta thrashes him around! Cassidy powers up as the fans rally, and he kicks around to the ROPEBREAK!! Yuta holds on, the ref counts, and Yuta finally lets go at 4!
The ref reprimands Yuta, but Yuta pushes past the ref to go outside the ring. Yuta grabs a chair! Yuta storms into the ring while the fans boo, and the ref says don’t do it! Cassidy dodges the chair shot! Victory roll, CASSIDY WINS!!
Winner: Orange Cassidy, by pinfall
Yuta is in disbelief! Cassidy beat him with a technical move! Yuta snarls but the ref keeps him back. Cassidy did what he promised in beating Yuta, but then he stares his former student down. Is Cassidy going to offer a handshake? WAIT, PAC ATTACKS! The Bastard BOOTS Cassidy down so we’ll never know what Cassidy was going to do! The fans boo more but Pac & Yuta stand on Cassidy. The rest of the Death Riders appear, and Marina Shafir has duct tape! The AEW World Trios Champions stomp away on Cassidy, like vultures picking the bones. Moxley steps into the ring while Marina hands the tape over to Pac.
Claudio puts Cassidy’s hands in his pockets, and then Pac tapes them in! Cassidy is physically bound, and Moxley paces around. Cassidy is pushed around by all the Death Riders, then Moxley DECKS him! Claudio hauls Cassidy back up, the Death Riders keep bullying him, and then Moxley SLAPS Cassidy down! But the bullying continues as they stand Cassidy up. Cassidy “kicks” Moxley! Defiant to the end! But Moxley DECKS him again! Moxley paces around more, then stomps Cassidy right on the face! Moxley leads The Death Riders away, and The Conglomeration finally comes out here.
Mark has scissors to cut Cassidy loose, and the fans boo as The Death Riders still retreat. Cassidy tries to stand up, but he has to use ropes to do it. Even so, Cassidy stands on his own two feet. Moxley eggs on the fans while Cassidy puts his sunglasses on. And then hands up, and then into the pockets! Try as they might, The Death Riders could not break the Freshly Squeezed fighting spirit! Will Cassidy finally become AEW World Champion? Or will Moxley find a way to break Cassidy at Full Gear?
My Thoughts:
A great go-home Dynamite here, though it felt like it contracted Go Home Syndrome. A lot of recap and other promos, but good promos all the same. Good follow-up from last week with Hayter and Hart, that will probably really get going after Full Gear. Good promo from Mariah & Mina to hype up their celebration segment for Full Gear, and with Toni Storm’s announcement of her retirement, you can bet Toni is anything but retired! Toni Storm most assuredly will return very soon, maybe even to ruin the celebration and spark another feud. I still want us to get to Mariah VS Mina but maybe Storm moves things back so that Mariah VS Mina happens in 2025.
Good promo from Private Party to also have AJ & Big Justice show up. The promos didn’t really add much to any of the matches, though. I’m very sure AJ does hit the BOOM on QT to win, and then Private Party finds a way to survive the Fatal 4. Great stuff with Perry, Garcia and Menard, that was another very action movie kind of promo, maybe even like that grittier Batman movie. But with Garcia not sinking to the same lows as Perry, that will be why Garcia loses. Honestly, why not just have Perry blatantly get himself disqualified? What great heat for Perry while keeping Garcia strong in not becoming TNT Champion.
Great promos in this MJF story. I appreciate Cole throwing his support behind Roddy was good, as well as Kyle O’Reilly wanting Cole to just leave it at this. MJF of course insults Roddy over his past while also trashing Cole at the same time, but great response from Roddy. Also I’m not a car guy so it took me a little too long to Google out what car MJF was driving. Anyway, given all these promos, I am very confident MJF wins at Full Gear and then Cole still wants after MJF, only for Kyle to have to fight Cole to make him stop. Then we’ll maybe get Cole VS MJF at Worlds End, or even some time in 2025.
Very good stuff with The Hurt Syndicate, even with them getting jumped by Swerve. Poor Cheeseburger, that’s one fan favorite that got fed to Bobby Lashley. But Swerve getting the better of the Hurt Syndicate again and again tonight, all the more reason Lashley wins at Full Gear. Very good promo vignette from White and Hangman to hype up their grudge match, which still feels it could go either way since they’re tied on the year. And Jericho and Ishii had perhaps simultaneously the most clever and most ridiculous contract signing segment ever. And of course Jericho worked out some sort of trap, only for it to go badly for him and his team. But with that, that means Ishii is losing next week, as I figured he would.
Awesome opening match with the 8 Man, and I liked that they had Hobbs do the “fighting through the pain” angle in the match. Also, great bit with Kyle Fletcher sending Davis into harm’s way so that the Callis Family can get the better of Ospreay’s team. I thought the Faces were going to win here, but the math now says Ospreay finds a way to beat Kyle, and maybe Ricochet takes the International Championship from Konosuke Takeshita. The Continental Classic is coming, and they could easily use that round robin to get Konosuke back to a feud with Kazuchika Okada and they battle for the Continental Championship at Worlds End like we should’ve gotten at WrestleDream.
Awesome match from Kris VS Shida, and I appreciate the crisis of confidence for Shida. Kris gets a great win to go into Full Gear, and then Kris and Shida get the better of Mone & Kamille, so all the more reason Mone finds a way to survive. As for Kamille, I feel like she should ditch Mone for being treated like crap by Mone, and maybe we can get a feud of Mone VS Kamille going into 2025. And of course, plenty of promos from Death Riders and “Team AEW” members. Moxley just kinda went on and on about stuff he’s already said in reference to Cassidy, but I did like Claudio going bilingual in talking trash on Darby.
Awesome matches from those stories, of course. Darby really got thrown around but he continues to show that toughness. Claudio getting the win mostly keeps Darby back so that Darby can build towards a world title match at Worlds End. Cassidy VS Yuta was great stuff, too, with great back and forth of Cassidy wanting to end it quick, having to grit it out with Yuta, and then Cassidy still finding a way to end it with a quick pin. And they did a good job muddying the math. Cassidy wins the match, but the Death Riders beat him down, only for Cassidy to literally stand tall at the end of the show. I still don’t see him taking the world title from Moxley, though, with Darby still in the wings, but this could end up Cassidy’s best match yet.
My Score: 8.9/10
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Will this be the mightiest Tag League yet?
It’s time for NJPW World Tag League 2024, and this year already looks mighty good as IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, Zack Sabre Jr, is in the A Block! Will he and Ryohei Oiwa make everyone #JustTapOut?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kickoff – Shoma Kato VS Masatora Yasuda; Kato wins.
- Six Man Tag: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Jado & Katsuya Murashima VS Taiji Ishimori & The Filip Brothers; Taiji & The Filip Brothers win.
- Six Man Tag: Toru Yano, Boltin Oleg & Tiger Mask VS The House of Torture; The House of Torture wins.
- Six Man Tag: Taichi, Douki & Taka Michinoku VS The United Empire; Taichi, Douki & Taka win.
- Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS TMDK; TMDK wins.
- World Tag League 2024 A Block: Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma VS Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman; Cobb & Callum win.
- World Tag League 2024 A Block: Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji VS Alex Zayne & Ryusuke Taguchi; Takagi & Tsuji win.
- World Tag League 2024 A Block: Bishamon VS KENTA & Chase Owens; Bishamon wins.
- World Tag League 2024 A Block: Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa VS Gabe Kidd & SANADA; ZSJ & Oiwa win.
PLAY BY PLAY
World Tag League 2024 A Block: Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma VS Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman!
The Roughneck is bringing Everyone’s Kokeshi along for the ride, but this league might already be too much to handle. Can Honma help Shota bring about his Paradigm Shift? Or will they just get conquered by the United Empire?
The teams sort out and Shota starts against The Imperial Unit. The bell rings and Shota runs up to RAM Cobb! And RAM! And RAM! Cobb stays up so Shota kicks low. Shota runs to RAM Cobb, but Cobb rebounds to CLOBBER Shota! The fans cheer while Cobb stalks Shota. Cobb brings Shota up to whip him to a corner. Shota comes back to RAM Cobb! Cobb stays up, so Shota clinches! Cobb fights free with elbows, but Shota dodges a lariat to RAM Cobb! Cobb falls over! The fans fire up with Shota, and he brings Cobb up again. Callum runs in so Shota shoves Cobb aside to catch Callum. Shota shoves Callum at Honma for a shoulder tackle!
The fans fire up as Shota keeps moving and he SOMERSAULT SENTONS Callum! Shota then sets up so he and Honma can tabletop Cobb! Cobb sits up into Shota’s SHOTGUN! The fans fire up and Shota tags Honma. The fans rally behind Honma as he CLUBS Cobb. Honma reels Cobb in, but Cobb suplexes first! Cobb SLAMS Honma down, then calls for Callum. Callum rises but Cobb says hold on. The “Cobby Cat” mocks Honma by bopping himself on the head. Cobb then runs to FALLING KOKESHIÂ FLOP! Honma winds up and runs, but Callum is in the way! Cobb runs up, Honma dodges the lariat but Callum tags in.
Cobb dodges Honma, then shoves him at Callum. They pinball Honma around, and Callum BOOTS Honma while Cobb BLASTS Shota! Then Callum & Cobb coordinate to HIGH LOW with a shoulder tackle and leg sweep! The fans cheer and Cobb says You Can’t See Him! Callum stomps Honma, then KICKS him in the back. Honma gets mad but Callum scuffs him again and again. Honma rises, CHOPS, and CHOPS again! Callum CHOPS and pretends that hurt his hand. Callum CLUBS Honma down but the fans rally up. Honma rises to CHOP! And CHOP! And CHOP! Callum kicks low, reels him in, but Honma fights the suplex!
Honma catches Callum’s lariat to spin and DDT! The fans fire up while both men are down! Callum and Honma crawl, but Honma hot tags Shota! Shota rallies on Callum with big elbows! Shota whips, Callum reverses, but SHota ducks ‘n’ dodges to CLOBBER Callum! Cobb runs up, but Shota arm-drags him, then dropkicks the legs out! Cobb bails, Shota fires up, and the fans rally again. Shota whips Callum corner to corner, runs up on him, and UPPERCUTS! Shota reels Callum in for a FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect but Shota doesn’t let that slow him down!
Shota waits on Callum, then runs, but Callum avoids Ignition to hook Shota! Shota fights the backslide so Callum whips him to a corner. Callum runs up but Shota dodges! Shota runs up but Callum goes up and over! Callum keeps moving, but Shota ROCKS him, UPPERCUTS him, and runs! Callum follows to ROCK Shota at the ropes! Callum runs, but then stops to fake out Shota’s dropkick! Shota sits up, but he ducks the Penalty Kick! Shota rolls Callum but Callum rolls through. Shota ROCKS Callum, then spins, but Callum dodges the rolling elbow! DREAMCAST KICK! Shota drops to his knees and the fans fire up!
Callum and Shota crawl, hot tag to Cobb! Cobb runs up to waistlock Shota for a deadlift! Shota fights with elbows, goes to run, but Cobb reels him in for a forearm to the back! Cobb runs, but Shota DROPKICKS him! The fans fire up again and Shota heads for his corner. Hot tag to Honma! The fans rally as Honma CHOPS Cobb, and CHOPS, and CHOPS! Honma puts Cobb in a corner, whips him corner to corner, then runs up. Honma ELBOWS Cobb and hits a BULLDOG! The fans fire up as Honma shows Cobb how it’s done! FALLING KOKESHI- NO! Now Honma FLOPS as Cobb moves! Callum runs up to SHOTGUN Shota off the apron!
The fans fire up as Cobb RAMS Honma into the corner! Callum runs up to forearm SMASH! Callum drops down and Cobb LEAPS over to ELBOW Honma! Callum comes back and Cobb pops him up to the apron! ENZIGIRI, then fireman’s carry! Callum climbs, DOUBLE STOMP ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT! PENALTY KICK and GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT! Cover, Shota breaks it! The fans fire up and Shota TOSSES Callum! Cobb kicks Shota, whips, but Shota reverses to TORNADO DDT! Shota shouts to Honma and the fans fire up again. Honma rises and he storms up on Cobb. Honma & Shota double whip corner to corner!
Honma runs up to LARIAT! Honma feeds Cobb to Shota’s UPPERCUT! Honma LARIATS, Shota clinches, EXPLODER!! The fans cheer and Honma runs, SLIDING KOKESHI! Shota keeps moving, IGNITION! Honma covers, Callum breaks it! Shota stomps Callum out of the ring and leaves the rest to Honma. Honma drags Cobb up, but Cobb fights the suplex! Cobb ROCKS Honma, whips him, but Honma grabs ropes! Honma BOOTS Cobb, and Shota joins in! DOUBLE RUNNING KOKESHI! And then they DOUBLE FALLING KOKESHI! Cover, TWO!! Cobb survives but Shota goes after Callum! CANNONBALL to the floor!
The fans fire up again as Honma climbs! FLYING- NO, Cobb catches Honma! SPINEBUSTER, and FALLING HAMMER! Cover, TWO!! Honma survives and the fans fire up again! But then Cobb reels Honma in, for a TOUR OF THE ISLAND!! Cover, United Empire wins!
Winners: Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Shota & Honma earn 0)
A powerful showing from “The Kokeshi Brothers,” but they could not bring down Callum & Cobb. With the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships already on Great-O-Khan & Henare, will The United Empire completely dominate the NJPW Heavyweight Tag Division?
World Tag League 2024 A Block: Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji VS Alex Zayne & ???
Los Ingobernables de Japon’s heavy formation is in this block, ready to rampage like twin dragons. If only The Sauce could’ve brought his own monster back. Who will be the substitute for Lance Archer? And can he help heat things up?
Zayne makes his entrance before anyone else, and asks to speak on the mic. A mic is given, and Zayne says, “Kon’nichiwa.” The fans applaud, and Zayne explains that when he was contacted this year for WTL, he was also informed that Lance Archer could not make it. Zayne knew he had to do one thing: find the most “delicious” tag partner he could find. And that man is… RYUSUKE TAGUCHI!? The fans can’t believe the Funky Weapon is joining Zayne in this tournament! And he wears a green version of Zayne’s gear! Are things about to get really spicy now?
The teams sort out, and Takagi is in disbelief. LIJ fist bumps and the fans applaud. Taguchi and Zayne bow, “Itadakimasu,” and Zayne starts against Yota. They circle, tie up, and Yota powers Zayne back. But Zayne powers Yota back! Yota powers up to power Zayne onto the ropes, but Zayne turns things around. The ref counts, Zayne lets off slowly with a pat on the shoulders, but Yota plays with Zayne’s hair. Zayne smirks and Yota grins as the two reset. They circle, tie up, and are in a deadlock. Yota headlocks, but Zayne powers up and out. Yota RAMS Zayne but neither man falls. Fans cheer as Yota grins and Zayne plays with his own hair.
Things speed up suddenly, and Zayne sidesteps. Yota bucks the O’Conner Roll, then gets around Zayne. Zayne ELBOWS Yota away to a corner. Zayne runs up to BACK ELBOW and go to the apron in one go! Then he slingshots to RANA! Yota has a rough tumble, but he stands back up. Zayne runs up again, dodges the lariat and waistlocks, only to bring Yota back and run. Yota sidesteps Zayne then drops down, only for Zayne to IMPLODER KNEE DROP! The fans fire up but Zayne keeps moving, STANDING MARIPOSA! The fans cheer more while Zayne grins at Takagi. Zayne brings Yota up, tags Taguchi, and they double whip.
“Funky Sauce” misdirects Yota to hit a BULLDOG then basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer and Taguchi stomps Yota. Taguchi brings Yota up, kicks low, then whips. Yota reverses but Taguchi RANAS! A little slippery, but then Zayne BLASTS Takagi off the apron! Funky Sauce takes aim, Taguchi PLANCHASÂ but flops as Yota moves! Zayne is on the apron but Takagi YANKS Zayne down! The fans rally but Takagi hauls Zayne up to whip him into railing! Yota drags Taguchi up and puts him in the ring. Takagi gets the fans fired up, then he stands Taguchi up. LIJ double whip Taguchi to then DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE!
The fans cheer and then Takagi SENTONS! Yota SPLASHES down! Cover, TWO! Taguchi stays in this but Yota tags Takagi. The fans rally and duel while Takagi stands Taguchi up. Takagi bumps Taguchi off buckles, RAMS into him again and again, then digs his shoulder in. The ref counts, Takagi steps back, and he snapmares Taguchi down. Tag to Yota and Yota drags Taguchi up. Yota snapmares Taguchi to ROCK him in the back! Taguchi falls back, Yota tags Takagi, and LIJ drags Taguchi up. They DOUBLE ATOMIC DROP! Taguchi hobbles in pain, falls to his knees, and Takagi BLASTS Zayne off the apron!
Takagi gets annoyed with this Funky Sauce, but Taguchi fires off CHOPS! Taguchi runs, but Takagi easily dodges the hip attack! Takagi then suplexes Taguchi high and hard! Cover, TWO! Taguchi survives and the fans fire up. Takagi hears the fans dueling as he stomps Taguchi. Takagi KNEES Taguchi against the ropes again and again, then whips, for another KNEE! Takagi runs, but into a SOMERSAULT HIP ATTACK! The fans fire up while both men are down! Taguchi and Takagi crawl, hot tag to Zayne! Zayne jumps in and DECKS Takagi, then he BLASTS Yota! Zayne swats a lariat to fire elbow after ELBOW!
Takagi blocks the superkick to CLUB the leg! Yota joins in, LIJ whips Zayne, but Zayne KICKS Takagi, mule kicks Yota, and runs, DOUBLE SOMERSAULT KICKS! The fans fire up and Zayne runs at Takagi. Takagi ELBOWS Zayne, BOOTS him, then goes up. Zayne returns to JUMPING STEINERS! The fans fire up while Zayne covers, TWO! Takagi stays in this but Zayne brings him right up. Zayne goes to scoop but Takagi fights it! Zayne CHOPS, scoops, and BAJA- NO, Takagi slips free! SLIDING- NO, Zayne dodges! Zayne mule kicks, runs, but into the ELBOW! JAB! YUKONÂ feint and DDT! Both men are down again and the fans fire back up!
Takagi pounds the mat, the fans rally behind him, and he crawls, hot tag to Yota! Yota fires up and the fans are with him. Yota brings Zayne around to whip, but Zayne stops himself. Zayne dodges Yota, Yota dodges Zayne, and both men kick low! Yota comes back to BOOT! The fans cheer and Yota brings Zayne up again. Yota fireman’s carries but Zayne fights free. Yota ROCKS Zayne first! Yota tries another fireman’s carry but Zayne sunset flips it! TWO, and both men stand! Zayne rolls Yota, BASEMENT ENZIGIRI! Zayne hurries to hot tag Taguchi! Taguchi HIP ATTACKS in a corner! Taguchi goes corner to corner, for another HIP ATTACK!
Taguchi keeps moving, but Yota runs up! Taguchi dropkicks Yota’s legs out! The fans fire up and Taguchi keeps going! Another dropkick to legs, then a LEG SWEEP! Taguchi rolls Yota into the OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Zayne BOOTS Takagi off the apron! Yota scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Taguchi lets go but he brings Yota back up. Taguchi traps Yota and Zayne runs in to ELBOW! Zayne then sets up and Taguchi runs, SHOTGUN IN MOTION! Taguchi then brings Yota out to GOURD BUSTER! The fans fire up as Zayne climbs! But Yota KICKS Taguchi away, then GAMANGIRIS Zayne off the corner!
Taguchi kicks Yota, runs, but into a scoop and BACKBREAKER! Takagi slides in, and he finds the camera, “TOKI GA KITA!” The fans fire up as the time has come, and they join in on a chant of “OI! OI! OI!” LIJ whips Taguchi to a corner, then Yota runs in to ELBOW! Takagi whips Yota back in to SPLASH! Takagi adds a LARIAT, then feeds Taguchi to a BOOT! BLINDSIDE LARIAT! SUPERKICK! Taguchi is down, Yota covers, TWO! Taguchi stays in this and the fans fire up. Takagi stands Taguchi up and throws him to Yota for a POWERBOMB! Cover, Zayne breaks it! Takagi drags Zayne up, LIJ mugs him, but he fights back with CHOPS!
The fans fire up but Yota spins Zayne around to facelock, and Takagi wheelbarrows. Yota helps Takagi swing Taguchi down, then up for a BOOSTED WHEELBARROW GERMAN!! The fans fire up and Takagi leaves it to Yota. Yota takes aim and the fans rally. Taguchi rises, Yota runs in, GENE- LEG DROP!? And then La Magistrol! TWO!! Yota escapes in time, but Taguchi spins him to a backslide! TWO!! Yota escapes again! But Taguchi ENZIGIRIS! Taguchi fires up and the fans are with him! But Takagi LARIATS! GENE TRIGGER! PUMPING BOMBER!! And now Yota loads up, for the GENE BLASTER!! Cover, LIJ wins!
Winners: Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Zayne & Taguchi earn 0)
The Funky Sauce was hot, but they’re the ones that got burned! Will they be able to spice things up in the second round? Will Takagi & Tsuji keep the tag league tranquilo?
World Tag League 2024 A Block: Bishamon VS KENTA & Chase Owens!
Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi once again clash with The Fang & The Jewel, both sides hungry for gold. Will it be Lights Out in the opening round? Or will someone just #Go2Sleep?
The teams sort out but then Bullet Club just attacks! Chase is after Goto and Kenta is after Hashi, and they put each man in corners. The bell rings to get this on record as Kenta TOSSES Hashi. Chase CHOKES Goto in the corner, then stands on him! The ref reprimands and Chase lets off to bring Goto up. Chase ROCKS Goto, whips him, and Kenta POSTS Hashi! Chase hits a big hip toss then covers, TWO! The fans rally up while Chase stomps Goto’s leg. Chase scrapes his sole off Goto’s face, and Kenta whips Hashi again. Hashi reverses and Kenta hits railing in front of English commentary! Chase ROCKS Goto, CHOPS him, then whips.
Goto grabs ropes to stop, then he BOOTS Chase! Hashi returns and Bishamon DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! Then ZENMAI! Kenta returns but Bishamon kicks him first. “Se no!” Bishamon BEATS Kenta like a drum! The fans cheer and Bishamon flexes. Goto then goes back to Chase to stomp and CLUB him down. Goto kicks Chase, Chase shoves Goto and ROCKS him with a forearm! Goto knees Chase low, runs, but Chase TOSSES Goto out! Goto hurries back up, he counter punches Chase, and then counter punches Kenta! Chase slips out to YANK Goto down and THROW him into railing! Kenta intercepts Hashi with a kick!
Kenta whips Hashi away into railing while Chase sends Goto into other railing! The ref reprimands but Chase brings Goto through the gate. Chase has fans move out of the way, but then brings Goto back to ringside. Chase grins as he trolls the fans and pushes Goto into the ring. Kenta CLUBS away on Hashi before leaving him behind. Chase pulls on Goto’s arms then TWEAKS Goto’s neck! Not a twist, but equally painful. Chase tags Kenta while the fans rally for “GO-TO-O! GO-TO-O!” Kenta pushes Goto into the corner, Goto hits Chase, but Kenta RAMS Goto! The ref reprimands and counts as Kenta RAMS Goto more!
Kenta sits Goto down, and digs his boot in! The ref counts, Kenta stops at 4, and he tags Chase back in. They stomp Goto more, then Chase headlocks for a sucker punch! Cover, TWO! Chase drags Goto up and he bumps Goto off Kenta’s boot. Tag to Kenta and Bullet Club double whips. They DOUBLE ELBOW Goto down then Kenta covers, TWO! Kenta covers again, TWO! Kenta argues with the ref but the count was fair. Kenta drops an elbow, drops another elbow, then covers, TWO! Kenta gets mad at Hashi for no reason, but the fans rally up for Goto. Kenta CLUBS Goto, but Goto fires CHOPS in return!
Kenta knees low, whips Goto to a corner, but Goto reverses. Goto runs up but into a BOOT! Kenta runs but Goto follows! Goto avoids Chase’s cheap shot to LARIAT Kenta! The fans fire up while Goto and Kenta are down! Goto crawls, hot tag to Hashi! The fans fire up as Hahsi BLASTS Chase! Kenta kicks Hashi low then whips him to a corner. Kenta runs up but Hashi CHOPS in return! And mule kicks! And turns Kenta for a NECKBREAKER! The fans fire up and Hashi watches Kenta. Hashi waits on Kenta to rise, then runs up to CHOP! Hashi hoists Kenta up to hang him out to dry! The fans fire up as Hashi runs, and he DROPKCISK Kenta down! Cover, TWO!
The fans cheer Hashi on as he brings Kenta up. Hashi reels Kenta in, lifts, but Kenta fights with fists! Kenta slips free of the bomb, then slips around Hashi to spin and- NO, Hashi suplexes first! But Kenta slips free again, and he spins Hashi around, to SPIKE DDT! Hashi is stood up on his head before falling over, and Kenta tags in Chase. Chase brings Hashi up and fireman’s carries. Hashi fights free of that, but Chase slips around to half nelson, lift, and SWINGING FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Hashi survives but Chase says time to end this! Chase takes aim, C- NO, Hashi dodges the trigger! Chase knees low, runs, but Hashi dropkicks the legs!
The fans fire up whiel both men are down! Chase clutches his leg while Hashi crawls. Hot tag to Goto! Goto runs at Chase to LARIAT in the corner! Goto whips corner to corner, runs up again, but Chase BOOTS him! But Goto comes back! Only for Chase to BUCKLE SHOT and STO, then SENTON! Kenta steps in and Bullet Club drags Goto up. But Goto fires forearms and CHOPS! Kenta SOBATS! Chase KICKS! Kenta ROUNDHOUSES! Goto sits up into the “I HATE YOU!” PENALTY KICK! Cover, but Hashi breaks it! Kenta TOSSES Hashi then goes out after him. Chase drags Goto up and reels him in.
Chase tucks the arms but Goto fights the lift! Goto wrenches out but Chase ROCKS him first! Chase runs, Goto follows, but Chase ENZIGIRIS! Goto stays up, but the C-TRIGGER hits! Cover, TWO!! Goto survives but Chase hurries up! C-TRIGGER POINT BLANK!! And then the tuck for the PACKAGE PILE- NO, Hashi hits a BLOCKBUSTER! The fans fire up, Kenta BOOTS Hashi! Goto fireman’s carries Kenta but Kenta slips free! Kenta shoves Goto into Hashi, then waistlocks Goto. Goto fights the lift, and then ducks, HIDDEN GAP SUPERKICK for Kenta! The fans fire up as Bishamon regroups.
Hashi drags Chase up, whips him to Goto, but Chase BOOTS Goto! Chase swings on Hashi but Hashi ducks the lariat. Hashi powers Chase to ropes, Goto BLINDSIDE LARIATS, and then Hashi rolls Chase. Goto drags Chase up, Hashi has the legs! Chase BOOTS Hashi away! Chase then slips around to dragon sleeper, to steal G T- NO, Goto drops down to victory roll! Chase stands up, into a SUPERKICK! Goto drags Chase around while Hashi BLASTS Kenta! Dragon sleeper and SHOTO!! Cover, Bishamon wins!!
Winners: Bishamon, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Kenta & Chase earn 0)
Another classic in this storied rivalry, worthy of the titles themselves! Will this first win be the win that leads the Fierce Warrior & Headhunter back to the titles? Can Kenta & Chase borrow a page from Bishamon and #GetBackUp in the next round?
World Tag League 2024 A Block: Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa VS Gabe Kidd & SANADA!
TMDK has a team in each block, doubling their chances of taking this league. But perhaps burying the lead is the fact that THE IWGP World Heavyweight Champion is joining in the fun! Will The Front Man & The Mullet rock this league right from the start? Or will the Mad Man and the turncoat Cold Skull get this tournament #WarReady?
The teams sort out but Oiwa gets in Gabe’s face. Gabe pushes Oiwa, they start, and they tie up at the bell. The fans rally as Oiwa and Gabe are in a deadlock. They go around at center, then Oiwa digs his heels in to push Gabe back. Gabe turns things around to put Oiwa on ropes, but Red Shoes calls the break. Gable lets off, to then CHOP! Gabe scoops and SLAMS Oiwa, then he goes for legs. Oiwa UPKICKS Gabe, then stands up to scoop and SLAM Gabe! Gabe UPKICKS back, both men get up and go face to face. Then they go forearm for forearm! The fans rally as Oiwa gets the edge, but Gabe CHOPS!
Gabe headlocks. Oiwa powers up and out, and they RAM shoulders! Gabe eggs OIwa on and he runs to RAM Gabe! They both run now, and they RAM shoulders again, and again, and again! Gabe CHOPS then runs, but Oiwa CLOBBERS Gabe! The fans fire up while Gabe bails out. Oiwa eggs Gabe on and Gabe snarls. Gabe shakes the railing in frustration, then he paces around the outside. Gabe cools off, slides in, but then tags Sanada. Sanada steps in slowly, so Oiwa tags in ZSJ. The two rivals circle and the afns rally behind “ZAKKU! ZAKKU!” ZSJ and Sanada feel things out, knuclke lock, and ZSJ rolls to wrench.
Sanada is already frustrated so he kicks ZSJ low! Sanada TOSSES ZSJ out and then Gabe goes after Oiwa! Gabe CHOPS away on Oiwa while Sanada sends ZSJ into railing! And then more railing! Gabe does the same to Oiwa, and Sanada storms up on ZSJ. Sanada CLAWS ZSJ’s back, a definite attitude change showing. Gabe Too Sweets with Taiji Ishimori on commentary while Sanada pushes ZSJ into the ring. Sanada whips ZSJ to a corner, but ZSJ goes up, under, around, and RAMS into Sanada! ZSJ snapmares, Sanada handsprings through, but ZSJ UPPERCUTS him down! Tag to Oiwa and he BLASTS Gabe!
Oiwa goes back to Sanada and stands him up. Oiwa wrenches an arm, YANKS it, then wrenches to YANK it again. Oiwa tags ZSJ and ZSJ brings Sanada around to wrench, step over, and wrangle into a mounted armbar! Sanada endures as ZSJ bends the fingers and isolates the arm, to STOMP it! The fans cheer, ZSJ tags Oiwa, and Oiwa CLUBS Sanada’s arm. Oiwa headlocks for a takeover, then isolates the arm in an short arm scissor! The fans rally while Sanada endures and kicks around. Sanada reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Red Shoes calls it, Oiwa lets Sanada go, but then Oiwa brings Sanada up.
Oiwa whips, Sanada reverses, and Gabe trips Oiwa up! Sanda BLASTS ZSJ while Oiwa drags Oiwa out of the ring! Now things spill out into the crowd! Gabe CHOPS Oiwa, then SMACKS him off empty chairs! Sanada BOWLS ZSJ into chairs! Not quite a strike, so Sanada JAMS ZSJ up with a chair! That picks up the spare, and we can hear Gabe’s CHOPS on Oiwa echo out. Gabe stomps Oiwa while Sanada CHOKES ZSJ with a chair! Red Shoes reprimands the War Dogs, but Gabe POSTS Oiwa! Gabe says War Dogs run this, but Red Shoes starts a ring count. Gabe flexes on Oiwa, then drags him up at 7 of 20.
Gabe puts Oiwa in at 10 and Sanada covers, TWO! Oiwa stays in this and the fans rally behind him. Sanada is annoyed but he brings Oiwa up. Sanada CLUBS Oiwa, then bumps him off Gabe’s boot. Oiwa sputters while Sanada tags Gabe in. Gabe drags Oiwa up, mockingly asks where Zack-senpai went, then he UPPERCUTS Oiwa down. Gabe TOSSES Oiwa out, and he BLASTS ZSJ off the apron! Sanada whips Oiwa into railing! Gabe lifts ZSJ bu tZSJ wrenches free to KIMURA! Gabe powers through, to BITE ZSJ on the forehead! Sanada sends Oiwa into more railing, Gabe sends ZSJ through railing and into chairs!
Sanada BOWLS Oiwa into chairs now, there is the strike! Sanada continues to show his new edge as he JAMS Oiwa up with a chair. Red Shoes reprimands so Sanada brings Oiwa back to ringside. Sanada puts Oiwa in for Gabe and Gabe pushes Oiwa to a cover. Red Shoes says no, all the shenanigans were not right. Gabe gets in Red Shoes’ face about that, but Red Shoes stands his ground. Gabe storms around while the fans rally behind Oiwa. Gabe drags Oiwa up, to CHOP! Oiwa wobbles but he rises up. Oiwa CHOPS, and CHOPS, and fires forearms! Gabe DECKS Oiwa with just one! The fans still rally for Oiwa but Gabe stands on Oiwa’s face!
Gabe soaks up the heat, scuffs Oiwa and stomps him around. Oiwa sits up, Gabe runs, but Oiwa reels him in! Gabe fights the waistlock, runs, but into a SNAP GERMAN! The fans fire up while both men are down! Oiwa and Gabe crawl, hot tags to ZSJ and Sanada! The fans fire up as ZSJ dodges Sanada, full nelsons, then spins him to a headlock. Sanada powers out but ZSJ catches him to a COBRA TWIST! Sanada powers out to HIP TOSS, but ZJS UP KICKS! Sanada avoids the Penalty Kick, blocks the boot, but ZSJ steps through the dragon screw to NECK TWIST! And basment DROPKICK! The fans fire up and we’ve only hit 10 minutes!
ZSJ drags Sanada up, UPPERCUTS him, then UPPERCUTS again! Sanada blocks the next to spin and suplex, but ZSJ says no to the Magic Screw! NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! Sanada escapes but ZSJ stays focused. ZSJ stands Sanada up to scoop, but Sanada slips free. ZSJ fights the waistlock, runs, but into a dropkick to the legs! Sanada then DROPKICKS ZSJ down! Sanada fireman’s carries but ZSJ slips free, to have the IRON OCTOPUS! The fans rally while Sanada endures, and Sanada powers out to have a leg! DROPPING DRAGON SCREW! ZSJ clutches the leg and Sanada takes aim! SHINING-
NO, ZSJ ducks, but Sanada catches him to a backslide! ZSJ rolls through to NECK TWIST! Tag to Oiwa and Oiwa BLASTS Gabe off the apron! Oiwa goes back to Sanada and brings him up. Oiwa whips Sanada to ropes, ELBOWS Him down, then ZSJ PENALTY KICKS Sanada! Oiwa deadlift GUT RWENCH PLEXES! Cover, Gabe breaks it! Gabe CHOPS away on ZSJ and Oiwa, but ZSJ blocks! Oiwa DOUBLE CHOPS! ZSJ UPPERCUTS! ZSJ & Oiwa DOUBLE DROPKICK Gabe down! The fans fire up with Oiwa and he clamps onto Sanada with a SLEEPER! Sanada endures and fights up, but Oiwa thrashes him around!
Sanada still fights to his feet, slips around the back, and shoves Oiwa to ropes. Gabe trips Oiwa up! Oiwa kicks at Gabe but Sanada kicks ropes to jam Oiwa up! Sanada suplexes Oiwa into the MAGIC SCREW! Both men are down but the fans rally up again. Sanada crawls over, tag to Gabe, and Gabe storms right up on Oiwa. Gabe UPPERCUTS Oiwa right down! Gabe then puts Oiwa in a corner to fire off forearm after forearm! Red Shoes reprimands and counts, but Gabe digs his boots in while talking trash. Gabe shoves Red Shoes aside so he can keep stomping away on Oiwa! The fans rally and Red Shoes backs Gabe off.
Gabe seethes but the fans continue to rally for Oiwa. Oiwa grits his teeth as he sits up, but Gabe ROCKS him with another shot! Oiwa still looks up defiantly at Gabe, so Gabe fires shots! Gabe says Oiwa’s not worthy of being his NJPW Strong Openweight Challenger. Gabe says Oiwa’s just some “weak ass kohai!” Gabe SPITS on Oiwa, but Oiwa gets in Gabe’s face! Gabe fires slapping strikes, blocks a shot, then SLAPS Oiwa again! Oiwa spins to DOUBLE CHOP Gsbe down! Sanada runs up and kicks low! Sanada whips, Oiwa reverses, but Sanada reverses back, RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! ZSJ PENALTY KICKS Sanada!
Gabe runs up, ZSJ BOOTS him first! Gabe runs back in, slips out of the scoop, and he scoops ZSJ for EMERALD FLOWSON!! But Oiwa spins Gabe! Gabe avoids The Grip, runs, but into a LARIAT!! Cover, TWO!! Oiwa is frustrated but the fans rally behind him. Oiwa hauls Gabe up, ANACONDA PLEX!! Cover, TWO!! Gabe survives again but Oiwa roars! Oiwa drags Gabe up, reels him in, but Gabe fights the gut wrench! Gabe CLUBS Oiwa on the back, then he gut wrenches! Oiwa fights back, wrenches out, and he blocks a lariat to spin. Gabe HAYMAKERS, and SAIDOS!! Gabe crawls his way to the cover, TWO!!
The fans are thunderous as Oiwa survives! Gabe snarls and he drags Oiwa up. Gabe says this is the end. But Oiwa fights the suplex! Oiwa suplexes, but Gabe fights it! Oiwa still tries, but Gabe slips out to waistlock. Sanada DROPKCIKS Oiwa, Gabe UPPERCUTS! Gabe & Sanada work together to DOUBLE SUPLEX! Gabe suplexes again, BRAINBUSTER!! Cover, ZSJ BREAKS IT! Sanada TOSSES ZSJ out and tells Gabe to finish this! ZSJ RAMS Sanada, they brawl outside, and Gabe slashes his throat. Gabe drags Oiwa up, reels him in, but Oia slips through the gut wrench to backslide! TWO, and Gabe UPPERCUTS!
Gabe runs, but ZSJ is back! He BOOTS Gabe but Gabe SLAPS ZSJ! ZSJ KICKS the haymaker away to then ROUNDHOUSE Gabe! Sanada’s in to dragon sleeper! ZSJ arm-drags free, but Sanada comes back to SHINING WIZARD! Sanada then drags ZSJ up, but ZSJ scoops first! ZACK DRIVER!! ZSJ and Sanada flop out of the ring, leaving Oiwa and Gabe to rise up. They run at each other, to DOUBLE LARIAT! neither man falls, they DOUBLE LARIAT again! Gabe UPPERCUTS! Oiwa PALM STRIKES! Gabe PALM STRIKES, CHOPS, JABS, rebounds, into a roll-up! Hig stack, TMDK WINS!!
Winners: Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa, by pinfall
Gabe is in shock! He gets right in Red Shoes’ face but Red Shoes says it was a fair count! Gabe then goes after Oiwa to CLOBBER him! The fans boo and Young Lions rush in, but Gabe eggs Oiwa on! So Oiwa obliges and they brawl among the fans! The Young Lions rush in to separate the two, but Gabe gets loose to CLOBBER Oiwa! They scrap, ZSJ joins in, and he pulls the two apart. Gabe kicks a chair in frustration, then goes into retreat. Wait, Oiwa chases Gabe to the ramp and beats him down! Young Lions again scramble in to stop this, but it just heads to the back! Sanada shrugs it off, will the #ColdWarDogs just have to try harder in the next round?
As for the winners, well, they’re no longer ringside so there won’t be any in-ring closing words. Backstage interviews begin, Gabe promises Oiwa will be put in the ground! Will the Mad Man show The Mullet what it takes to be NJPW Strong? As for ZSJ, he gathers himself, and tells NJPW Media that he doesn’t know where The Mullet went. Actually, no, he has an idea: The Mullet must be smashing the s*it outta Gabe. “Roy The Mullet” is the next NJPW Strong Openweight Champion! Oiwa will hit Gabe so hard, his legs will turn into trombones! As for ZSJ, there is something rare happening in this year’s WTL, isn’t it?
Yes, it’s that the IWGP World EFFIN’ Heavyweight Champion is involved, as this should be! The first time the world champion’s been in this tournament in roughly a decade! ZSJ said he was gonna be a different kind of world champion for NJPW, and that he promises to take NJPW back to the top! Now obviously, a conflict of interests, as this tournament is Shane Haste’s & Mikey Nicholls’ to win, but ZSJ won’t give the boys an easy ride. ZSJ is dreaming~ of an all TMDK World Tag League finals! Then who knows, maybe Zack & Roy get the job done.
But ZSJ knows the Tokyo Dome is coming soon. And Shota Umino wants to be ZSJ’s challenger. ZSJ says he will be keeping his eyes wide open for Shota. ZSJ says he’ll have a DOUBLE main event in the Tokyo Dome, it’s in the bag. What about you, Shota? The Front Man heads out, having put the pressure on his challenger, but will all of NJPW soon belong to TMDK?
Here are the A Block standings!
Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa: 1-0, 2 points
Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman: 1-0, 2 points
Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji: 1-0, 2 points
Bishamon: 1-0, 2 points
Gabe Kidd & Sanada: 0-1, 0 points
Kenta & Chase Owens: 0-1, 0 points
Alex Zayne & Ryusuke Taguchi: 0-1, 0 points
Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma: 0-1, 0 points
My Thoughts:
A great start to World Tag League 2024, with just A Block opening things tonight. I will say those tune-up matches were interesting. Even though David Finlay is the Global Champion, it’s Taiji Ishimori that has apparently become Bullet Club’s international ambassador. Taiji brought Robbie X into the group, now he teamed with The Filip Brothers, Tome & Stevie, who knows who else Bone Soldier will recruit. Taiji’s team beating Tanahashi’s team, House of Torture cheating and beating Tanahashi’s friends, this is all putting the pressure on The Ace, meaning The Ace will win out at WrestleKingdom 19.
Shota Umino teaming with Tomoaki Honma, I wonder if this is to hold Shota back somehow. He is apparently still heading for WrestleKingdom and a world title match with ZSJ, so it’s not like Shota needs to win WTL, but I guess NJPW just wants Shota to give the fans a good time alongside a fan favorite like Honma. Also, Callum & Cobb have a fun new shirt for their team-up. I figured Zayne would need to improvise now that #MonsterSauce is no longer happening, and Taguchi was a great surprise choice. But #FunkySauce making its debut against a team as strong as Takagi & Tsuji was a shame because of course LIJ was winning that. Maybe Zayne & Taguchi can pull off a spoiler victory later on, but I don’t see Funky Sauce going that strong.
Bishamon VS Kenta & Chase really was an awesome match, and it is so surprising how Chase has grown in just the past couple years. Great win for Goto & Hashi, though, as they’re clearly the solid utility choices in the tag division. And what an awesome main event, with Sanada bringing out the most Heel stuff he’s done perhaps ever. A bit jarring really, but that’s just kinda old fashioned Heel turns for ya. Great win for TMDK, though, and definitely an unorthodox way of closing by having Oiwa and Gabe brawl all over ringside and into the back.
While ZSJ says it is big for the world champ to be in this tournament, which I do agree with on some level, it also makes some of the A Block action seem secondary. Gabe and Oiwa having their grudge was kinda the main motivator behind this match, and then it’ll be similar when Shota & Honma VS ZSJ & Oiwa happens. There is the added drama of, “What if someone pins ZSJ? Will they get a world title match before WK19?” Maybe Shota solidifies his WK title match by being the one that pins ZSJ in their match, but it all just feels like more flash than substance. No one else is going to pin ZSJ, Oiwa probably takes whatever losses their team will take, so A Block’s story suffers for it.
My Score: 8.9/10
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Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu Results & Report! (10/31/24)
IT'S TIME!
Hockey Talk- Jet Setters [102924]
Hockey Talk looks at the red-hot start to the season of the Winnipeg Jets and discusses how the defending champion...
Mitchell’s AEW Dynamite Results & Report! (11/20/24)
Dynamite is Freshly Squeezed!
Greg DeMarco Show: Looks That Kill
Patrick O'Dowd went to Arizona and he and Greg had themselves an extended weekend with IZW Looks That Kill!
Mitchell’s NJPW World Tag League Results & Report! (11/19/24)
It's Tag Season again!
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (11/19/24)
There's a lot on the line tonight!
Classic POD is WAR: What Is Thank You Alex Trebek? (111220)
The Chairshot, brings you THE podcast that will absolutely have you questioning everything you thought you knew about professional wrestling,...
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (11/18/24)
It's a BIG night!
#TheOddity 018: That’s Alot Of Chalamets
Join Dave Wortz and PC Tunney for your weekly newsletter on the ridiculous and dumb of actual headlines from around...
Mitchell’s AEW Collision Results & Report! (11/16/24)
Championship or Bust!
Mindless Wrestling Podcast: Posthumously? Really??
Smash or Trash is back this week as the guys are talking beverages! Plus, some thoughts on the Mike Tyson/Jake...
Mitchell’s AEW Rampage Results & Report! (11/15/24)
Ricochet is on a Rampage!
