Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW WTL x BOSJ Results & Report! (12/11/20)
Who will hold up the trophies tonight?
NJPW’s double tournament event comes to an end!
After nine rounds, we finally have our final match-ups! Who will win World Tag League 2020 and Best of the Super Juniors 27?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Six Man Tag: Chaos VS Bullet Club; Bullet Club wins.
- Six Man Tag: Kazuchika Okada & HenarACE VS The Empire; The Empire wins.
- SANADA & Shingo Takagi VS EVIL & Yujiro Takahashi; Sanada & Takagi win.
- Kota Ibushi & Master Wato VS Tetsuya Naito & Bushi; Ibushi & Wato win.
- World Tag League 2020 Finals: FinJuice VS Guerrillas of Destiny; GOD wins and will challenge for the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships at WrestleKingdom 15.
- Best of the Super Juniors 27 Finals: Hiromu Takahashi VS El Desperado; Hiromu wins and will challenge for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championships at WrestleKingdom 15.
PLAY BY PLAY
Six Man Tag: Chaos VS Bullet Club!
Robbie Eagles, Sho and Toru Yano join forces against Chase Owens, Bad Luck Fale and the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion, Taiji Ishimori! But will the Sniper of the Sky and High Voltage help Mr. KOPW 2020 stay strong towards WrestleKingdom? Or will Yano owe a match to the Crown Jewel, Rogue General or Bone Soldier Reborn?
But as Chaos gets in the ring, Bullet Club attacks! Fale keeps Yano in as the bell rings and the others mug Eagles and Sho! The ref reprimands but Fale chases him off. Fans rally but Fale whips Yano to ropes. Yano holds ropes, dodges Fale and goes to slap, but Fale turns around! Yano dodges, rakes eyes and then goes to scoop! Fale too big! Fale clubs Yano, scoops and slams him instead! Yano gets up but Fale is on him with a whip to the corner. Fale runs corner to corner, but Yano dodges, and then goes to the other corner to untie the buckle pad! SMACK! Fale doesn’t flinch. Yano SMACKS again, but still nothing. “CHIKUSHO!” Yano tries to scoop but Fale CLUBS, scoops and SLAMS Yano!
Fans cheer the strength as Fale looms over Yano. Tag to Ishimori and he stomps away on Yano. Ishimori whips Yano at the bare corner but Yano stops himself! Yano baits Ishimori in and Ishimori hits buckles! Yano scoops and slams Ishimori then tags in Sho! Sho rallies on Ishimori, DECKS Owens and dropkicks Fale! Sho runs in and corner clotheslines Ishimori! Ishimori reverses the whip but Sho reverses back to kick, kick and KICK him down! Fans fire up with Sho and he aims, but Ishimori blocks the buzzsaw to CHOP! Things speed up, Sho redirects and SPEARS! Cover, TWO! Fans rally as Sho waistlocks and dead lifts, but Ishimori flails and elbows free!
Sho fires off forearms from all sides! Sho runs, Ishimori BOOTS him! Ishimori runs but Sho side steps to SNAP GERMAN! Ishimori flounders up but Sho whips him, Ishimori handsprings to NEURALIZER! Both men are down, fans fire up and the two go to their corners. Hot tags to Owens and Eagles! Eagles rallies with forearms, Owens shoves and baits Eagles in. Eagles ends up on the apron but he enziguris back! Eagles springboards to missile dropkick the legs out! Fans fire up with Eagles as he gets the leg, spins, but Owens rolls him! Eagles rolls out to mule kick! And kick, and kick, and KICK! Eagles runs to leg lariat Owens to a corner!
Fans fire up even more as Eagles runs corner to corner, to double knee! Then he returns, but Owens boots! SWEEP-1-9! METEORA! Cover, TWO! Eagles keeps focus and fans rally up. Fale and Ishimori go after Sho and Yano while Eagles WARP 4.5- NO, Owens moves and the splash flops! Owens drags Eagles up, reels him in, tucks the arms, but Eagles RANAS! Cover, TWO!! Owens is free and he SUPERKICKS! Rolling fireman’s carry to a pop-up, but Eagles rolls and high stacks! TWO, and Owens JEWEL-
NO! Eagles blocks, but Owens BELL CLAPS out of the backpack! HAMMERLOCK LARIAT! The HEIST! Cover, TWO!! Fans fire up but Owens straitjackets for Fale’s GRENADE!! Bridging cover, Bullet Club wins!!
Winners: Bullet Club, by pinfall
It may not have been the heist of the century, but Owens comes away with a big win for Bullet Club! Will the faction rebound as a whole with WrestleKingdom?
Wait, Yano goes after Fale! He keeps trying to scoop, but Fale scoops him to SLAM him again! Fale stomps Yano and Owens grabs the KOPW 2020 trophy! He hands it to Fale and Fale has Yano look at it as he STOMPS IT! Fale loves breaking other people’s property, doesn’t he? Will the Producer repair the trophy again, even stronger than before?
Six Man Tag: Kazuchika Okada & HenarACE VS The Empire!
The Rainmaker returns, and he is teaming up with Hiroshi Tanahashi and Toa Henare to take on the traitor, Will Ospreay! But of course, Ospreay has Great-O-Khan and Jeff Cobb with him. We already saw the Dominator and Hawaiian Hulk conquer the Ace and Hammerhead, will that happen all over again here?
Again, the Empire doesn’t budge as their opponents make their entrances. The trios sort out and fans clap, “O-KA-DA!” HenarACE show off the muscles as the entrance jackets are put aside. Okada dares Ospreay to step up and give us a WrestleKingdom sampler! Opsreay accepts and they fire off forearms back and forth, faster and faster! Ospreay knees, puts Okada in a corner and CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS then stomps, stomps, stomps! Ospreay climbs up to rain down fists but the ref pulls him off. Okada hits back with forearm after forearm! Ospreay knees low but runs into a BOOT! Fans fire up for Okada as he wrenches Ospreay and brings him over.
Tag to Tanahashi, and they double whip. Ospreay holds ropes, throws Okada out then kicks Tanahashi to wrench the arm! Khan tags in, knees low then knees harder! Khan has the arm-triangle already! Tanahashi stays standing, elbows free, and then headlocks. Khan powers out but Tanahashi dropkicks a leg! And again! And again! Khan is down, Tanahashi drags him over and tags in Henare. HenarACE double whip, double elbow, then Tomahawk and elbow drop! And FLEX! HenarACE put Khan in the Double Half Crab! Fans fire up but the ref reprimands. The ref also has to keep The Empire under control, but HenarACE lets Khan go.
Henare drags Khan up to facelock and tag Tanahashi back in. HenarACE mug Khan, Tanahashi fires off strikes but Khan Mongolian CHOPS! And again! But Tanahashi blocks to SHOTEI! Tanahashi runs but into CHOPS! Khan gets a body sicssor takedown to a KNEEBAR! Cobb and Ospreay hit Okada and Henare! They fight outside while Tanahashi endures the leg lock! Tanahashi crawls and gets the ropebreak! Ospreay looms over Okada while Khan stomps and YANKS Tanahashi’s leg! Khan drags Tanahashi over, tags in Cobb, and they stomp Tanahashi more! Cobb looms over Tanahashi, drags him up and scoops him for knees to the ribs!
Cobb carries Tanahashi around for a backbreaker! Khan tags in, Cobb SLAMS Tanahashi down and Khan clamps on with the arm triangle! Fans rally as Tanahashi endures and kicks around to the ropebreak! The ref counts, Ospreay tags in but Khan only lets go at the count of 4. Ospreay drags Tanahashi up to bump off buckles! Ospreay fires off forearms and digs his boot into Tanahashi while talking trash! Fans rally for Tanahashi but Ospreay drags him over. Cobb tag sin but the whole Empire mugs him. Khan DECKS Okada and Henare, then he and Cobb double whip Tanahashi. Cobb whips Khan in for a clothesline! Khan gut wrench suplexes Tanahashi to Cobb, who gut wrench suplexes Tanahashi back the other way!
Tag to Ospreay, the Empire gets Tanahashi up to while Ospreay goes to the top rope. Ospreay missile dropkicks the double back suplex down! Cover, TWO!! Tanahashi survives and fans fire up! Ospreay grins at Okada while he toys with Tanahashi. Tanahashi hits back with forearms but Ospreay ROCKS him with an uppercut! Ospreay run sin but Tanahashi elbows him away! Tanahashi goes up but misses the crossbody! Ospreay aims but Tanahashi catches the leg to a DRAGON SCREW! Fans fire up as both men are down! Hot tag to Okada! Okada fires off forearms on Ospreay then whips but Ospreay reverses, only for Okada to duck and dodge to back elbow Ospreay down! Okada hits Khan and Cobb then dodges Ospreay to back elbow, kick and DDT! Cover, TWO!!
Okada keeps his focus as fans rally up! Okada stalks Ospreay, Alabama lifts, but Ospreay fights that off to throw a BIG forearm! Ospreay runs in but is popped up to the Alabama! Ospreay holds ropes to escape, then he dodges Okada to pull hair, KICK and CLUB Okada down! Tag to Cobb and Cobb waistlocks Okada for a dead lift! Okada elbows out but Cobb ROCKS him! Okada EuroUppers then ducks the forearm to FLAPJACK Cobb down! Fans fire up and Okada tags in Henare! Henare rallies on Cobb, whips but Cobb reverses, only to RAM Cobb! Neither falls so they just RAM and RAM and RAM again! Cobb runs but Henare CHOPS him! Henare runs but Cobb scoops him! Pop-up to the suplex, but Henare slips out!
Henare catches an arm to Tomahawk elbow over and over! Fans fire up as Henare runs but Cobb reels him in! Henare elbows but into an OVERHEAD SUPLEX! Fans fire up for this power on display! Henare is in the corner and Cobb runs in, only for Henare to dodge! Henare fireman’s carries Cobb but Cobb slips off. Henare blocks the kick to ELBOW and HEEL KICK back! Okada DECKS Ospreay and then hits Khan! HenarACE coordinate, Henare fireman’s carries Cobb for a SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO!! Tanahashi and Henare watch Cobb rise, and Tanahashi runs, SLING SWEEP! Cover, Ospreay breaks it!
Okada hits Ospreay, throws him out and fans rally up with “HE-NA-RE!” Henare fires up, runs, but into Khan’s BOOT! Khan goes after Tanahashi, Tanahshi waistlocks but Khan rolls to get a KNEEBAR! Cobb throws Henare for the TOUR OF THE ISLANDS!! Cover, The Empire wins!!
Winners: The Empire, by pinfall
Cobb and Khan get the better of HenarACE again! Ospreay rejoins his men and tells them to finish Tanahashi off! Khan has the kneebar again but Okada clubs him away! Ospreay has Khan and Cobb move aside so that he can stand face to face with Okada. Ospreay tells Okada that Okada doesn’t really know who he is. Okada grabs Ospreay but Cobb CLUBS Okada! And they set Okada up for an OSCUTTER! Bea Priestly gets a chair and gives it to Ospreay, who gives it to Khan! They have Tanahashi’s legs isolate and Khan SMACKS them over and over and over with the chair!! Ospreay says Tanahashi is no longer the Ace! Okada is no longer the top of the mountain! Khan says this is THE EMPIRE! Will it only be a matter of time before they conquer all of NJPW?
SANADA & Shingo Takagi VS EVIL & Yujiro Takahashi w/ Dick Togo!
Speaking of facing traitors, we get a rematch from the round robin! Cold Skull and The Dragon want to get back at the King of Darkness and Tokyo Pimp for that loss, but will they have to keep their eyes open for the Spoiler?
The entrance jackets are put aside as fans clap for “L I J!” Bullet Club gives a Low Sweet and then attack LIJ! Yujiro clubs Takagi, Evil is after Sanada and the bell put sthis on record. Sanada dropkicks Evili out then PLANCHAS him down! Takagi runs Yujiro over and fans fire up! Takagi drags Yujiro up, suplexes up and over, and then brings Yujiro back up. Yujiro rakes eyes! And then he distracts the ref so that Dick can choke Sanada! Evil MULE KICKS Sanada to get him to fall! Evil slaps his former friend and tag partner around as Dick pulls the Spoiler choker tighter. But Takagi goes out after them! Yujiro and the ref pursue as Takagi checks on Sanada. Evil CLUBS Takagi, Yujiro mugs him, and the two put Takagi in.
Yujiro stomps Takagi while the ref is checking on Sanada. Fans rally up but Yujiro drops a leg, an elbow and a headbutt. Cover, TWO! Yujiro tags Evil and Evil stands on Takagi’s head. The ref reprimands and Evil steps away, but Takagi fires off forearms! Evil eggs him on but Takagi hits harder! Evil rakes Takagi’s eyes! Evil whips Takagi to the corner, and surprise! The blue buckle pad is loose! Takagi hits bare buckles as the Bullet Club classic happens all over again. Sanada is still out on the ramp as Bullet Club whips Takagi to a corner. Yujiro runs in to BOOT, Evil runs in to corner clothesline! Then FISHERMAN BUSTER! And bsaement BOOT! Cover, TWO!
Takagi survives but Bullet Club keeps focus since they’ve all but made this a handicap match. But Takagi fires off forearms and CHOPS! Takagi runs but Dick trips him while Evil was in the ref’ sway! Dick drags Takagi up and Yujiro has his pimp cane, but Sanada is back! Sanada clobbers Bullet Club, including Dick! And he fires off on Evil!! Fans are fired up as Sanada shows no mercy to the traitor! The ref pulls him away but Sanada shoves the ref down! Sanada goes out to whip Evil into railing! And more railing! This hot rage is rare for Cold Skull and fans are loving it!
As for Takagi, Yujiro BOOTS him, then runs, into an elbow! JAB! LARIAT! Takagi runs to SLIDING LARIAT! Then a pump handle and torture rack, for LAST OF THE DRAGONS!! Cover, LIJ wins!!
Winners: Sanada & Shingo Takagi, by pinfall
The calm and the fury get even with Evil and Yujiro! But Sanada’s rage is not satisfied, he’s after Evil again! He just rains more fists down! Young Lions try to stop him but get shoved aside! Then Sanada throws them around and kicks them out! Then he goes back for more on Evil! Sanada finally stops and cools off, but then he explodes again! Not even Takagi can stop Sanada! Evil hits back and these two just keep going on the ramp! Dick gets in but Sanada DECKS him! Evil CHOPS Sanada and eggs Sanada on as Sanada keeps hitting back! Sanada kicks Evil, and drags him backstage! Takagi doesn’t even get what happened and he’s Sanada’s teammate. But that aside, LIJ won, will they keep on winning here tonight?
Wait, Cobb returns! He told Takagi before he wants that NEVER Openweight Championship, and now he’s here to tell him again. Cobb picks up the belt, Takagi wants it back, and Cobb hands it over. Cobb won’t let go, though! And he uses it to reel Takagi into TOUR OF THE ISLANDS!! Cobb picks the belt up again and puts it in Takagi’s face, before raising it up high over his head. Will Cobb take this belt for the glory of The Empire?
Kota Ibushi & Master Wato w/ Hiroyoshi Tenzan VS Tetsuya Naito & Bushi!
The Golden Star and the IWGP Double Champion met again just last week as part of the big three-day weekend NJPW had to wrap up the round robins! Los Ingobernables de Japon was strong that night, will the IWGP Double Champion and Death Mask stay strong? Or will the Way of the Grandmaster help Ibushi bounce back before the WrestleKingdom 15 Night 1 title match?
Naito isn’t dressed as fancy as usual, but he just makes up for that by taking even longer walking to the ring. The teams sort out, fans rally with “NA-I-TO!” “I-BU-SHI!” and after the LIJ fist bump, we start with the WK15 preview! Ibushi and Naito approach, circle slowly, and then move back as Naito plays his games. Ibushi keeps his cool, but Naito kicks first! The forearms fly back and forth, faster and faster, and fans rally with them! Naito rakes eyes! The ref reprimands and Naito mocks Tenzan’s chops! Naito whips, Ibushi reverses but Naito sunset flips. Ibushi slips out, Naito ducks the kick to arm-drag, but Ibushi headscissors! Naito pops out but Ibushi dropkicks him down!
Ibushi stomps Naito, tags in Wato, and Wato drags Naito up to kick and kick and KICK! Bushi gets in but Wato KICKS him down! Wato goes after Naito, whips him and hurdles to back elbow, back hand and sobat! Fans fire up with Wato as he aims and kicks, but Naito dodges! Naito shoves, kicks and Bushi gets in to sunset flip flop for Naito’s basement dropkick! Bushi hits Ibushi and the ref reprimands while fans rally. Naito goes out to get in Tenzan’s face while Bushi stomps Wato. Naito then gets Ibushi up to whip him into railing! Bushi digs his boots into Wato but lets off as Naito returns. Naito drags Wato up, and throws those Tenzan Mongolian Chops! Fans like that as Naito tags in Bushi.
LIJ mugs Wato then Bushi brings Wato around for the Mongolian Chops, too! Tenzan is mad as Bushi throws more chops then stomps Wato. Bushi snapmares Wato into a chinlock, then a cover, TWO! Fans cheer and Bushi tags Naito in. Naito drags Wato up, dragon sleepers and backbreakers to the leg hook full nelson! Bushi keeps guard but Wato moves around. Fans rally as Wato endures, and Wato gets the ropebreak with a foot! The ref counts, Naito claims he’s stuck, so the ref undoes the hold for him. Naito stomps Wato then brings Wato up. Wato throws forearms, Bushi CLUBS Wato and Naito DECKS Ibushi!
LIJ put Wato in a corner to whip him corner to corner, and Bushi runs in but misses! Wato tilt-o-whirl backbreakers Naito! Bushi runs, into the DREAMCAST KICK! Fans rally up, Wato and Naito are down, but Wato rolls to tag in Ibushi! Ibushi fires up to fire off forearms on Naito! Naito reverses the whip but Ibushi JUMPING KICKS Naito down! Fans fire up as Ibushi runs in but Naito dodges. Ibushi goes up and over, and KICKS Naito down! Standing moonsault! Cover, TWO! Fans fire up more and Ibushi powers up. Ibushi drags Naito up but Naito throws forearm after forearm! Ibushi fires them back, Naito spins Ibushi around, arm-drags him then elbows him down! Basement dropkick!
Fans rally “I-BU-SHI!” “NA-I-TO!” as Naito whips Ibushi corner to corner. Naito runs in, rocket kick and sweep, swinging dropkick! COMBINACION CABRON! Naito drags Ibushi up but Ibushi fights the neckbreaker off. Ibushi blocks a kick, fires a strike fest and then whips. Naito reverses to tornado DDT! Fans fire up as both men are down! Bushi tags in and goes to a corner. Bushi climbs, aims at Ibushi, and missile dropkicks! And BUSHIROONI! Bushi stomps Ibushi, drags him up, but Ibushi swings on him! Bushi spins Ibushi around to DDT! Cover, TWO! Fans fire up as Bushi drags Ibushi up, FISHERMAN SCREW! Cover, but Wato breaks it!
Naito throws Wato out and Bushi drags Ibushi up. Bushi puts Ibushi in the ropes, and hits a DRAPING BACKSTABBER! Fans fire up as Bushi aims corner to corner, runs and CODE- NO! Ibushi denies that and ROUNDHOUSES Bushi down! Naito whips Ibushi, Ibushi reverses and then catches Naito’s leaping forearms! Ibushi spins Naito around for Wato’s springboard uppercut! Naito bails out, Wato builds speed and TORNILLOS Naito at the ramp! Ibushi KICKS and KICKS Bushi, but Bushi blocks to elbow the leg. Bushi runs, into a V-TRIGGER! KENNY~! Ibushi sits Bushi up, KAMI-GOYE!! Cover, Ibushi and Wato win!
Winners: Kota Ibushi & Master Wato, by pinfall
Naito’s team won the Six Man but Ibushi just won the 2v2! But it is only a matter of time before these two face off again. Who wins when it’s just 1v1 for the IWGP Heavyweight AND Intercontinental Championships?
World Tag League 2020 Finals: FinJuice VS Guerrillas of Destiny!
Juice Robinson and David Finlay have appeared in back-to-back finals, but the truly historic achievement is on the other side of facing Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa! Will FinJuice be the third team in a row to go back-to-back as World Tag League winners?
After the Low Sweet, and as Juice warns Jado, the teams sort out. Loa starts with Finlay and fans rally up. They circle, tie up, and Loa pushes Finlay away. Finlay shrugs that off, circles with Loa again and then gets around to a headlock. Loa powers up to carry Finlay to a corner! The ref calls for the break, Loa backs off, but Finlay dodges the sucker punch! Finlay headlocks, holds tight and fans rally up. Loa powers up again to pull hair and rolls Finlay off. Finlay runs into a headlock takeover! Loa grins as he grinds Finlay down but Finlay moves around. Finlay works to get up but Loa holds tight. Finlay throws body shots, powers out and tags Juice.
Loa holds ropes, Tama tags in, and the ref hurries to keep this from turning into a brawl! FinJuice and GOD stare down with dukes up, but they cool off and let it stay as Juice and Tama. Fans rally as they circle, tie up, and are in a deadlock. Tama manages to power Juice back, but then Juice powers Tama back. Tama headlocks, Juice powers out but Tama kicks back! Tama dodges, Jado swipes at Juice and the ref reprimands. Juice and Tama stand off and fans cheer as the ref is telling Jado he is EJECTED! Young Lions grab Jado and drag him away! GOD is furious but this is only fair! Tama goes after Juice for that with big haymakers!
Tama whips, Juice reverses and arm-drags! Juice has the arm and wrenches him to the corner. Finlay tags in to drop ax handles on the arm! FinJuice double kick, run and double BULLDOG! Cover, ONE, but Finlay is right on Tama’s arm. Finlay wrenches, Juice tags in and Juice goes up to drop ax handles! Juice DECKS Loa, FinJuice double whip Tama, and they double hip toss Tama down. Loa runs in but he gets a double hip toss! Finlay basement uppercuts, Juice back sentons! Fans rally and Juice wrenches Tama’s arm, tags Finlay, and Finlay again drops ax handles on the arm. FinJuice whips Tama again, and double- No, Tama fights out!
Tama ducks the leg lariat, shoves Finaly into Juice and tags in Loa! Loa DOUBLE LARIATS FinJuice down! Loa whips Finlay, back drops him high and hard, then kicks Juice to whip and back drop him, too! Fans cheer the feat of strength as Loa brings Finlay back up for a snap suplex! Uno amigo, then the back suplex to BOMB! Cover, TWO! Loa grows frustrated but fans rally up. Loa drags Finlay to a cover, ONE! Loa wraps a chinlock on, Finlay endures and works his way up. Loa puts Finlay in the corner, Tama tags in and GOD mugs Finlay. They double whip, body shot, body shot and neckbreaker! Cover, TWO!
Tama is frustrated and he drags Finlay around for clobbering forearms to the chest, and an elbow right to the head! Fans rally for Finlay as Tama paces. Tama headbutts Finlay to the corner, tags Loa, and GOD double suplexes Finlay hard! Cover, TWO! Finlay reaches for Juice but Loa stays close. Loa dares Finlay to tag Juice but Finlay pie faces Loa. They slap each other and then Finlay throws forearm after forearm! Loa just fires up and DECKS Finlay with one! Loa runs corner to corner, Finlay elbows him first! Finlay hurries, but he dodges and tosses Loa first! Tama drags Finlay back but Finlay kicks him away! Loa trips Juice off the apron! The tag is denied!
Loa gets in, he drags Finlay up and fireman’s carries for a SAMOAN DROP! Tag to Tama, Loa puts Finlay in the corner, and Tama taunts Juice. Juice rallies the fans up and Tama goes back to Finlay. Finlay fights out of the corner with forearms and elbows! Finlay EuroUppers Tama but Tama gets around to back suplex. Finlay lands on his feet, dodges Tama and tags in Juice! Juice rallies on GOD, then gives Loa a SPINEBUSTER! Tama runs in to get a full nelson SLAM! PLANCHA for Loa! Juice shakes the hands of the trophies then goes back to the ring. Juice runs in and corner clotheslines Tama! Then he runs to LEAPING LARIAT!
Juice climbs up as fans rally, and he leaps at Tama for a BIG crossbody! Cover, TWO!! Tama survives and fans fire up more! Juice tags Finlay, FinJuice has Tama in a corner, and Juice runs in to corner clothesline! Finlay EuroUppers, Juice scoops Tama, for an ELBOW DROP BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Tama survives again and fans rally up more! Finlay tags Juice, FinJuice drags Tama up again, and Juice builds speed, only for Loa to SPEAR! Finlay drops Tama but Loa shoves him into Tama’s TONGAN TWIST! GOD regroups and brings Juice up. They double atomic FACEBUSTER, then cover, TWO!
GOD keeps cool and coordinate again in opposite corners. FLYING HEADBUTT, and FROG SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Juice survives now and GOD is furious! Fans rally up as Loa brings Juice up. Tama steadies himself while Loa runs Juice into the corner! Tama runs in but Juice dodges the splash! Finlay EuroUppers Tama in the corner! Loa CLOBBERS Finlay but Juice LEG LARIATS Loa! Tama dropkicks Juice but Finlay IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKERS Tama! Loa scoops Finlay for an OKLAHOMA STAMPEDE! Fans are thunderous as Loa drags Juice up. Juice breaks free and shouts, “EAT S*IT!” as the LEFT HAND O’ GOD hits Loa!!
All four men are down and fans fire up again! The ref checks on them all and Loa stirs. Loa and Finlay get out while Juice and Tama go to opposite corners. Juice runs and CANNONBALLS Tama! Fans fire up as the straps come down! Juice pumps up as Tama flounders around, JAB! JAB! JAB! Juice pumps up again, but Tama ducks the left, only to get the RIGHT HAND O’ GOD! Juice reels Tama in but wait, Jado is returning! The ref tells Jado to stay back, but he doesn’t see Loa have a kendo stick of his own! Loa SMACKS Juice, and SMACKS him again! Tama rolls Juice up, but Finlay breaks the cover!!
Tama swings on Finlay, Finlay runs into Loa’s lethal combination, and CROSSFACE! Tama has Juice in the SHARPSHOOTER! They used these holds to send a message just earlier this week! Fans rally as FinJuice endures double submissions, and Juice crawls for ropes! But Tama drags him away! Tama sits DEEP, Juice grits his teeth and powers up! Juice crawls again to the ROPEBREAK! Tama and Loa let FinJuice go, and fans are thunderous again! Loa throws Finlay out and Tama is furious, but Jado is back to coach them up. Jado calls for the finish and GOD drags Juice up. They get him up, MAGIC KILLER!! Cover, TWO!?!? Juice survives and shocks everyone!
Jado calls out the other move, and GOD drags Juice up again. Loa grins as he pcks Juice up and RAMS him into a corner. Tama hits a corner splash, Loa climbs up and Tama suplexes Juice up to him. SUPER- STEINER!!! Juice counters and Finlay goes after Tama! No stunner, but no Gun Stun as Finlay shoves Loa into Jado! PRIMA NOCTA STUNNER! Finlay aims at Loa in a corner, runs in and EuroUppers! Then ACID- No, Loa powers out, BOOTS and suplexes, but Finlay suplexes first! LAST CALL BRAIN BUSTER! Fans are thunderous again as Finlay helps Juice get up! Finlay hoists Tama up, Juice runs, and HART ATTACK! Cover, TWO?!?!
Tama survives and fans are fired up as FinJuice tries again! Finlay drags Tama to the top rope, climbs up to join him, and Juice is on the other corner. SUPERPLEX! To FROG SPLASH! Cover, TWO!??!? Power and Glory wasn’t enough!?! But Finlay keeps Juice focused! Thumbs up, thumbs down! Juice drags Tama up, brings him to a corner and Electric Chair lifts. Finlay goes up but Loa shoves him down! Tama falls off and the ref keeps Loa out. Jado is in but Juice takes the kendo stick from him! Wait, is that KENTA?! BRIEFCASE SHOT!! Wasn’t Kenta supposed to go to America!? Tama drags Juice up and Loa is up top again! SUPER POWERBOMB!!! Cover, GOD WINS!!
Winners: Guerrillas of Destiny, by pinfall (World Tag League 2020 winners)
This is certainly Bullet Club’s win as the Fang Revived had a part to play in this! Kenta still has his shot at the IWGP US Championship, and as Loa and Tama hold up the WTL trophies, they have their shot at the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships! They all celebrate with a picture and a Low Sweet, but will they celebrate even bigger when all those belts come back to Bullet Club?
Best of the Super Juniors 27 Finals: Hiromu Takahashi VS El Desperado!
The Timebomb and Rogue Luchador both have a win over the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion, Taiji Ishimori, in BOSJ 27, but Desperado beat Hiromu in their own head-to-head match. But what sweet irony that these two must face each other again in the finals! Who gets the more important win and then hold the trophy over their head?
The bell rings and fans are fired up already as the two stare down. They slowly circle, approach and tie up. They’re in a deadlock, Desperado gets around to waistlock but Hiromu pries the hold apart. Hiromu wrenches to a wristlock but Desperado rolls and wrenches back. Desperado twists the wrist, hammerlocks the arm, but Hiromu reaches back to headlock. Hiromu hits a takeover, Desperado the headscissors, but Hiromu pops out and fans cheer! Hiromu and Desperado reset and circle again. They approach, tie up, Desperado shoots after a leg, Hiromu facelocks to block, but Desperado rolls and facelocks back. Desperado floats, Hiromu slips out, Hiromu waistlocks, but Desperado gets the arm to crank into a hammerlock.
Hiromu reaches back again to headlock, Desperado bridges over but Hiromu holds on to grind him down. Desperado rolls it to a cover, ONE and Hiromu keeps on the headlock. Desperado pulls hair but Hiromu wrenches on the headlock. They stand up, Hiromu hammerlocks and wrangles Desperado down, but Desperado gets to ropes. Red Shoes calls for the break, and Hiromu lets go, only to stand on Desperado’s head. Hiromu gives a toying kick but Desperado gets up to shove Hiromu. Desperado CHOPS, Hiromu CHOPS, repeat! Faster and faster, and the fans rally up! Back and forth, CHOP for CHOP, “ORYA! ORYA!” CHOP! CHOP!
Hiromu taunts Desperado but Desperado pokes him in the eye! Desperado runs, Hiromu follows and ranas, but Desperado blocks and STRETCH MUFFLERS! Hiromu scrambles to ropebreak, but Desperado won’t let go right away. Desperado stands on Hiromu then taunts him. Hiromu gets up, fans rally and the two go forehead to forearm. Hiromu fires forearms, then ROCKS Desperado. Hiromu runs but Desperado uses Red Shoes as a shield! Hiromu shoves Red Shoes away but Desperado dropkicks the legs out! Desperado drags Hiromu up to throw him out, then follows to whip him into railing! Desperado taunts Hiromu, has media move aside, and he whips Hiromu into more railing!
Hiromu slumps down, Red Shoes tells Desperado to get this in the ring, and Desperado goes in while Red Shoes checks Hiromu. Hiromu is okay to continue, but Desperado undoes a buckle pad like Yano would. Fans rally as the ring count climbs to 10 of 20. Hiromu is up, takes a few extra counts, and is in at 15. Desperado stomps Hiromu, and whips him to the bare corner! Red Shoes reprimands but the damage is done! Desperado drags Hiromu up to whip him back in! Desperado laughs and mocks Hiromu’s pain, then back suplexes high and hard! Desperado “apologizes” to Red Shoes as fans rally up.
Desperado stands on Hiromu’s head, scrapes his heel off him, then drags him back up. Desperado snap suplexes then covers, TWO! Fans rally for Hiromu again but Desperado drags him back up. Hiromu CHOPS back, and CHOPS, but Desperado scoop slams him! And drops a splash on the bad leg! Then drops knees on the leg, too! Desperado hooks the leg up for a knee breaker, then paces. Desperado mocks the “HI-RO-MU!” clapping, stands on the bad leg and mocks Hiromu’s pain. Hiromu pushes Desperado away but Desperado throws Hiromu out. Desperado scoops and slams Hiromu to the floor! Hiromu clutches his ribs and Desperado gets a chair.
Red Shoes checks on Hiromu so Desperado leaves the chair behind. Desperado grabs the bad leg and SMASHES the knee into the floor! Fans rally up for Hiromu and Red Shoes reprimands Desperado. Desperado goes in, a ring count starts again, and Hiromu slowly rises. Hiromu manages to stand at 11, hobbles around and gets in at 14. Desperado drags Hiromu around and drops another splash on the leg! Cover, ONE, but Desperado drops down on the leg! Desperado ties up the legs in the Butterfly Deathlock! Desperado taunts Hiromu as he puts pressure on the legs, but Hiromu CHOPS him! But Desperado just leans back and adds more pressure that way!
Desperado taunts Hiromu as he crawls for ropes, and Hiromu gets the ropebreak. Red Shoes calls for the break, Desperado lets up but “GOMEN!” he drops a knee on the knee! Fans rally for “HI-RO-MU!” and Hiromu CHOPS Desperado! Desperado eggs him on, kicks the leg, then suplexes. Hiromu slips out but the leg jams! Desperado runs, Hiromu manages to follow and RANAS Desperado down! Fans fire up as both men slowly rise. Hiromu gets to a corner, Desperado runs in and CHOPS! Desperado whips, Hiromu reverses and corner clotheslines! Hiromu runs to basement dropkick Desperado down!
Fans rally up, Desperado and Hiromu slowly rise, and Hiromu hobbles to ropes. Desperado runs in, Hiromu BOOTS him, and then DRAPING HEADSCISSORS Desperado! Hiromu lets go at 4, to drag Desperado out in a wheelbarrow, to SLAM him down on the floor! Fans are thunderous as both men are down on the outside! Hiromu gets up first and goes to the apron. Desperado stands, Hiromu runs and SHOTGUN dropkicks Desperado into railing! Fans fire up with Hiromu as he gets his bad leg moving. Hiromu drags Desperado up and into the ring, then drags him up to a suplex, FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO!
Hiromu keeps his cool as he tries to get his bad leg moving. Hiromu stands, drags Desperado up and fireman’s carries, but Desperado slips out! Desperado runs in but Hiromu boots him! Hiromu runs, but into a lift! Hiromu fights the spinebuster off, but runs into a back suplex! Hiromu fights that off, too, but Desperado reels him into a SHIN BREAKER! STRETCH MUFFLER! But Hiromu rolls and throws Desperado off! Fans fire up as Desperado goes to a corner. Desperado runs at Hiromu, but into an OVERHEAD SUPLEX! Desperado hits the corner and falls down! Fans fire up again as both men slowly stir. Hiromu stands first and hobbles around.
Hiromu drags Desperado up, fireman’s carries, but Desperado blocks. Hiromu still gets Desperado up but Desperado fights against it. Hiromu tries again, gets Desperado up but the leg gives out as he tries to pop him up further. Desperado aims, runs, but blocks the superkick to LOCO MONO! Hiromu SUPERKICKS after all! Hiromu runs, Desperado dodges but Hiromu SUPERKICKS again! Both men are down, but Hiromu is getting up as fans fire up! Hiromu hobbles back to Desperado, drags him back up, fireman’s carries again, and CORNER DEATH VALLEYS! Hiromu brings Desperado back up, RUNNING DEATH VALLEY!
Fans fire up and Hiromu drags Desperado up one more time! Fireman’s carry, spin, but Desperado sunset flips, and STRETCH MUFFLERS! Desperado gets the arm, NUMERO DOS!! Hiromu endures, reaches, crawls, and gets the ropebreak! Desperado cranks harder until Red Shoes counts 4! Fans fire up as both men are down. Desperado roars in frustration as he drags Hiromu back up. Desperado reels Hiromu in, Guitarra- No, Hiromu escapes! But the leg jams again! Hiromu tumbles out of the ring and Desperado waits for him to rise. Desperado builds speed to- No, Hiromu gets in so Desperado stops! Hiromu comes back to sunset flip, but he can’t hold on and just hits the floor!
Hiromu hurries back up, grabs Desperado in a waistlock, but Desperado scrapes him off! Hiromu hits railing and Desperado hurries back after him. Desperado whips Hiromu into the railing! Hiromu is down in a slump, and Desperado grabs one of the Junior Heavyweight Tag belts? Red Shoes tells him to drop it, Desperado tells him to shut up and then tosses the belt away. But Desperado grabs that chair from before! Desperado SMACKS the bad leg with the chair! And again, and again, and again! Red Shoes comes back out and Desperado throws the chair away. Fans rally up as hard as they can for Hiromu while Desperado tries to drag him up.
Desperado mockingly asks how Hiromu’s supposed to continue. Desperado stomps the bad leg! Desperado drags Hiromu up and puts him in. Desperado gets the leg for Stretch Muffler, but Hiromu kicks him away! Desperado stomps the leg again! Fans still rally but the Stretch Muffler returns! Hiromu kicks and rolls, but Desperado is on him with GUITARRA DE ANGEL! Cover, TWO!! STRETCH MUFFLER!! Desperado tortures the leg, Hiromu crawls and reaches, but Desperado drags him away, into NUMERO DOS! Hiromu endures more, reaches with his one free hand, and fans are thunderous as they rally!
Hiromu claws, Desperado cranks and rolls, then gets BOTH arms! NUMER DOS MAX!! But Hiromu powers up with his abs?! Hiromu hits a DESTROYER!! Both men are down again and fans are thunderous! Hiromu and Desperado slowly stir as Red Shoes checks on them. Hiromu is up first and he hobbles around before steadying himself. Hiromu heads for Desperado, drags him up by his mask tassels, and then fireman’s carries. Desperado slips out and shoves Hiromu into Red Shoes! And LOW BLOWS!! Desperado grins as Hiromu and Red Shoes are down! Desperado hobbles over and drags Hiromu up. Hiromu breaks free to LOCO MONO Desperado?!? Hiromu used Desperado’s right straight against him!
Hiromu hobbles back over, drags him up and pulls at the mask! Not the fancy new inverted mask! Hiromu’s ripped the top half of it off!! Desperado’s hair is exposed as Hiromu kicks and slaps him around. Desperado glares right at Hiromu as he gets up. And he just throws the rest of it away?! Desperado shows the face of Kyosuke Mikami!! And he starts throwing hands on Hiromu! Hiromu throws them back and it’s just a brawl! Desperado fires off but Hiromu tackles him to fire back! The brawling continues, Desperado rakes eyes, and then Hiromu SLAPS him down!! Hiromu drags Desperado back up, Desperado LOCO MONOS!
Desperado roars, drags Hiromu back up and reels him in to underhook! Hiromu fights off Pinche to wrench and HEADBUTT! Both men are down again and fans are electric! Hiromu rises first, has a wild smile on his face, and he drags Desperado back up! Fireman’s carry, but Desperado fights out, only for Hiromu to spin, VICTORIA!! Hiromu fires up, drags Desperado into a dragon sleeper suplex, but Desperado slips out to EL ES CULERO! Cover, TWO!?!? Hiromu escapes and Desperado is FURIOUS! Desperado glares at Hiromu from the corner, runs out at him, and LARIATS collide! Hiromu roars but Desperado kicks the bad leg out!
Desperado powers up but Hiromu SUPERKICKS! Desperado flops over, Hiromu gets up and fans are electric all over again! Hiromu runs as Desperado rises, but Desperado spins Hiromu, only for Hiromu to fireman’s carry! CORNER DEATH VALLEY to the BARE buckles!! Fans are erupting as Hiromu drags Desperado back up! Fireman’s carry, spin and TIMEBOMB!!! Cover, TWO!?!?!?! HOW?!?!? How is Desperado in this?!? Hiromu can’t even figure that out! Hiromu gets up, grins another wild grin and drags Desperado back up. INVERTED FALCON ARROW! But that isn’t enough, as Hiromu drags Desperado back up, to TIME BOMB 2!!!! Cover, Hiromu WINS!!
Winner: Hiromu Takahashi, by pinfall (Best of the Super Juniors 27 winner)
An utter, undeniable EPIC! Hiromu gets revenge on Desperado, and has his second-ever BOSJ trophy! Hiromu gets a mic already and he shouts, “OI, DESPERADO! Me and you, we’ve got plenty more still to come. Until we both have to retire, we’re going to be fighting forever. I won this time, but I’ll see you again.” With that, Hiromu lets Desperado leave, and he holds the trophy close to his heart! Hiromu holds it up, even as he rests on the mat and cries tears of joy. Fans clap for “HI-RO-MU!” as he catches his breath and sits up.
Hiromu again has the mic to say, “I got something I want to do here. There’s somebody I want to fight. Ishimori! I want you for that IWGP Junior… No, that’s not what I want to say…” Hiromu says that before he takes Ishimori on for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship, there’s a match he wants. It’s been eating away at him. He tells NJPW America’s Super J Cup to get ready! He wants that tournament’s winner! “I’m waiting!” Hiromu wants after the OTHER Junior Heavyweight tournament winner! Because that way, NJPW can go back to where it was, for those who were born to wrestle and do nothing else!
We fans give them strength, power and energy! When fans clap and applaud, that gives THEM strength, power and energy to do that! That connection with fan and wrestler that puts NJPW where it is today. Hiromu says whatever happens next, he LOVES the Junior Heavyweight Division and he LOVES NJPW! So everyone, both here and around the world, living this very moment, they’ll make this even more, more, more, MORE, MORE, MORE FUN!!! Will Hiromu get that match with the Super J-Cup winner at WrestleKingdom before facing the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion?
My Thoughts:
What an event! The matches before the tournament finals were all really fun, and I think the biggest development was Sanada so angrily going after Evil. I sense a singles grudge match for one of the WrestleKingdom nights so that those two can finally have things out. New Japan Cup, G1 Climax, World Tag League, and here for the final night, all have built upon the previous for a great match for them at WK15. The Empire wins because surely Okada is winning at WK15 against Ospreay, but I like that Cobb returned to make sure Takagi understood the challenge he’s issued. I bet that is the trade-off: Ospreay loses to Okada, but Cobb gets a belt for the faction. Or it could go the other way, who knows.
The finals matches were both great, but WTL’s was just a touch weaker. That is not to take away from it, there was great stuff between FinJuice and GOD. But one thing that did hurt it was that GOD had Kenta show up and help them win. I suppose this does make for good story, though, as Bullet Club is going to be seeking more belts to build themselves back up. Fale crushed the KOPW 2020 trophy so he and Yano are probably having a match. Kenta is surely getting after Moxley at some point to get the IWGP US Championship. GOD are after the tag titles and Ishimori still has the Junior Heavyweight Championship. All those prizes are pretty solid for them to be holding onto as we possibly get another Bullet Club Civil War.
And of course, the main event, the best match of the night and the entire WTL X BOSJ event, Hiromu VS Desperado again, on a level worthy of both the trophy and the title! That was just so amazing, lots of story because of how often these two have faced each other even just this year, both before and after the lockdown. Desperado had great inverted color scheme gear, and how bold to have it be made just so Hiromu could rip half the mask away. And then what an amazing move from a luchador to say “Screw it!” and just go without his mask! I wonder if this is a sign of some kind of change in Desperado’s overall look, but maybe it was just to give a great moment here tonight.
Hiromu winning is great, and I am pleasantly surprised to hear him call out the eventual Super J-Cup winner. I wonder if Hiromu is going to make that match his night one so that he isn’t resting while Ishimori gives Desperado his owed title match. The idea would be, BOSJ 27 VS Super J-Cup 2020, only the winner gets their title shot at WK15 night 2, bringing both trophies to that title match. And therefore, it is possible that we have Hiromu holding up both trophies and wearing the title to end his night as THE BEST Junior Heavyweight wrestler in NJPW today.
My Score: 9.4/10
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IF YA SMELLALALALALALA~…!
As Cody Rhodes teams with Damian Priest & Braun Strowman against Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline, FINALLY, The Rock has come back to SmackDown!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso; Jimmy wins.
- The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & LA Knight; Miz & Melo win.
- Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae w/ Nia Jax; Tiff wins.
- Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez; No Contest.
- WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly; Pretty Deadly wins, by disqualification, and DIY retain the titles.
- Six Man Tag: Cody Rhodes, Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga; changed to…
- Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga; Priest & Braun win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes talks with Nick Aldis backstage.
They shake hands, but the SmackDown General Manager tells the WWE Champion there’s been a change: Cody’s out of the Six Man Tag match. What? Why would Aldis do that? It is out of Aldis’s hands. Wait, Solo Sikoa shows up to do what he did, but they can’t do the Six Man Tag that they advertised? How is this out of Aldis’s hands? Who do they need to talk to so they can do the match? Aldis says there’s no one either of them can call, if you smell what’s cooking. This is coming from The Final Boss, and The Final Boss wants to see Cody in the ring tonight. What business could The Great One have with The American Nightmare?
Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso!
The Scottish Terminator rubbed it in Big Jim’s face that only one of them is going to Elimination Chamber in Toronto, which Big Jim was able to brush off. But McIntyre harping on how only one Uso is going to WrestleMania was a step too far. These two look to have it out, but is Jimmy just playing into McIntyre’s hands? Or will McIntyre get embarrassed by “the other Uso” this close to that big time match?
Speaking of, Jimmy has a message for Drew as he heads to gorilla. “Everybody know you’re going to Elimination Chamber, right? But Big Jimmy got a question for the Big Easy: Will Drew go onto the Elimination Chamber and win that? Will Drew go onto WrestleMania and win that? Ey, Drew, I think we got an answer for you, Uce. The answer is…” “NO YEET!” Jimmy makes his entrance, the bell rings, and the fans rally behind Jimmy. Jimmy and Drew jaw, and then Drew raises his hands, to say UP YOURS! But Jimmy ROCKS and CHOPS away! Drew puts Jimmy in a corner, Jimmy dodges to CHOP!
Jimmy climbs and he rains down fists! The fans count, Drew dumps Jimmy tot eh apron at 5, but Jimmy GAMANGIRIS! Jimmy goes up, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Jimmy hurries to CHOP, then he whips. Drew reverses to send Jimmy to the corner. Jimmy BOOTS back, goes up, and leaps, but into a clinch! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders to a corner, Drew runs up to SPLASH and OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders again, the ref has Drew hold on, and Jimmy bails out. Drew storms out to get Jimmy and he whips Jimmy HARD into barrier! The fans boo but Drew looms over Jimmy.
The ring count starts, Drew mockingly calls him “Jey,” then puts Jimmy in the ring. Drew says NO MANIA for Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, ROCKS him, then runs up, only for Jimmy to put him on the apron! Drew blocks a superkick, but not the DRAGON WHIP! Drew drops, Jimmy DIVES! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! Jimmy grins, goes back to the apron, and then aims. But Drew stops the Penalty Kick to THROW Jimmy down! Drew then has Jimmy in the Reverse Alabama Lift! REVERSE ALABAMA SLAM onto the steel steps! Drew stands on the desk to say “NO YEET!” while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Drew revels in the heat from New Orleans, then he leaves Jimmy behind. The ref checks Jimmy, he’s able to continue, so a ring count starts. Drew paces while Jimmy stirs. Jimmy drags himself up using the desk, then lunges in at 9! Drew is annoyed but he rains down fists! Drew stomps Jimmy, then eggs him on. Jimmy rises as the fans rally, but Drew is right on him in the corner. Drew winds up, but Jimmy counter punches! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! And whips, only for Drew to reverses. Jimmy goes up, but Drew KICKS him out of the air! Drew then hauls Jimmy up, snap suplex! Cover, TWO!
Drew says okay, Big Jim. He clamps onto Jimmy with a top wristlock and grinds the arm. Jimmy fights up, fireman’s carries, but Drew elbows free. Drew bumps Jimmy off buckles, then hauls him up to the top rope! Drew CLUBS Jimmy on the back, climbs up, then CLUBS Jimmy more. Jimmy fires elbows and Drew drops back. But Drew runs up to CLUB Jimmy again! SmackDown returns to single picture as Drew CLUBS away on Jimmy again! Jimmy keeps taunting “Jey,” then drags him up. Jimmy fights the back suplex! The fans rally, Jimmy fires hands and a HEADBUTT! Jimmy SMACKS Drew off the post!
Jimmy rises to USO IN THE WIND! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! A standing count starts while both men stir on the mat. They both stand at 5, and Drew swings! Jimmy counter punches, then fires more shots! Mule kick, UPPERCUT, but then Jimmy dodges Drew! SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Drew is tougher than that, but Jimmy hurries to a corner. Jimmy aims as Drew goes to the other corner, “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs, but Drew FLYING HEADBUTTS! The Glasgow Kiss stuns Jimmy, and Drew hits a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Jimmy shows his own toughness, and the fans rally behind him.
Drew paces, then he stalks Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, reels him in, but Jimmy fights the underhooks! Jimmy wrenches, UPPERCUTS, but Drew ROCKS Jimmy back! Jimmy UPPERCUTS, Drew HAYMAKERS! Drew whips, Jimmy reverses and Drew ends up on the apron! Drew ROCKS Jimmy first, then climbs the corner! FLYING- SUPERKICK! Jimmy runs to SPEAR! Cover, TWO!! Drew survives, Jimmy’s spear doesn’t hit quite like The Tribal Chief’s. Jimmy goes to the corner, climbs up, and the fans rally up. USO- NO, Jimmy rolls through as Drew moves! Drew dodges a lariat to NECKBREAKER!
Both men are down, the fans rally, and Drew kips up! Drew scowls as he aims at Jimmy. “THREE! TWO! ONE!” CLAY- SUPERKICK!! Jimmy hits first! GLASGOW KISS returns! Drew reels Jimmy in, “This is your WrestleMania! This is as close as you get!” Drew shouts Jimmy is nothing, then ROCKS him with forearm after forearm! GLASGOW KISS! Another Reverse Alabama, but Jimmy victory rolls it! JIMMY WINS!!!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Drew is furious, but his own ego caught him there! But then Drew CLOBBERS Jimmy! The fans boo Drew being a sore loser, but he puts Jimmy back in the ring! Drew rains down fists, then he DRIBBLES Jimmy off the mat! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Drew says that was Jimmy’s Mania Moment! Drew will win the Chamber, he will go to Mania, and he will win there! Jimmy means NOTHING to Drew! Drew puts Jimmy up against the post, then takes aim! The fans boo, but refs and producers rush out here! They swarm Drew to keep him from going after Jimmy again. Drew says fine, fine, then takes his leave.
Producers help Jimmy to his feet, but then Drew BLASTS through the refs! CLAYMORE for Jimmy!! The Scottish Terminator hits his target, then laughs as he actually leaves. Will McIntyre make this his Road to WrestleMania?
A car pulls into the parking lot.
And out steps Solo Sikoa. Solo heads inside, and he finds Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga waiting. Solo tells them that last week with Tama, that was an accident. Jacob says yeah, it’s all good, Uce. But keep it 100: If it wasn’t an accident, Solo wouldn’t be standing here right now. Well, good! Glad to see we’re all on the same page. Solo says he will be in the corner during the match for Jacob & Tama. Uh, no, Solo, no disrespect, but Jacob & Tama have been running things on SmackDown these past couple weeks. So tonight, it’s Jacob & Solo running the play? Yadada mean? Yeah, of course. And that right there, Jacob, is exactly why Solo loves him.
Solo says he’ll be back, he has to talk with Nick Aldis. Solo heads out, but will he really just step right back into place from before he lost the ula fala?
Carmelo Hayes is backstage.
R-Truth calls out to Melo, and says for the first time ever, Truth VS Melo! What’s Truth talking about? Duh, they have a match. No, Truth, Melo knows. But they had a match last week. Truth says he has never met Melo in his life, but they have a tag match tonight. What? No, they don’t. Who even made this match? Him. Truth, they are not going through this H1M who’s on first thing again. Melo is H1M. No, him made the match. The Miz!? Miz says he’s H1M. So now there’s two of you? No no no! Melo is H1M, this is The Miz! Yeah, #MeloDon’tMiz! NO! That’s not a thing! Tonight, they are. Who’s Truth’s partner?
Truth says he’s got a guy. A Louisiana legend! In fact, he just got here, so Truth’s gotta go. Laters. Miz says he has been workshopping this, and the fans love it. Think about it: Melo Don’t Miz! Melo Don’t Miz! And we are…! Melo shakes his head. Truth steps in and says Miz just wants Melo to say, “Awesome.” Miz offers a fist bump, Melo says no. Will Melo wish he had missed tonight’s show? Or will Miz actually help H1M get another win?
Zelina Vega speaks.
“My whole life, people have taken one look at me, and they try to define me. My size has never stopped me before. It never stopped me from becoming tag team champion. Or my personal favorite, the history-making first-time-ever Queen of the Ring. That’s me. Make no mistake about it, I’ve never had it easy. I had to scratch and claw to get anything around here. But this is a fresh start. Because I have something to prove. And my dreams are a lot bigger than your measuring stick. It ain’t over until Zelina Vega says it’s over.”
The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & ???
Miz makes his entrance but Melo kinda steps all over it. So he already missed his cue… But who did Truth find to team with him in the Big Easy? We’ll see, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Truth makes his entrance. “What’s up?” Well, more like who is his partner? He’ll tell us! His tag team partner is a local legend, born and bred right here in New Orleans! Ladies and gentlemen, welcome Louisiana Knight! Wait, he means L A Knight! Yes, Louisiana abbreviated is LA, but that’s not… Oh, Truth… Truth gives Knight a Po’ Boy and some Mardi Gras beads, so Knight embraces it. The teams sort out, and Truth calls out him! Does he mean Miz or Melo? Well, Melo says he is H1M, so that’s who starts. The fans cheer on Knight while Truth and Melo tie up. Melo KNEES low, whips, but Truth reverses.
Melo springboards, FADEAWAY JUMPER! Melo makes his free throw, but Truth drop toeholds! Truth headlocks, Melo powers up and out but Truth whips! Melo turns hip toss into lateral press, TWO! Truth has a ghost pin, TWO! Melo trips to cover, ONE! Truth trips to cover, ONE! Melo runs up, Truth does the splits, and then hits a BIG hip toss! The fans fire up, Truth counts, Melo gets up at TWO, but Truth was just goofing. The ref explains to Truth that he is the ref, not Truth! Melo is annoyed, he runs up on Truth, but Truth wrenches him around! Melo pulls hair but Knight tags in. The fans fire up as Knight fires hands!
Knight ROCKS Melo, whips Melo, but Melo reverses! SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Knight drags Melo up to tag Truth back in, and Truth ROCKS Melo! Melo staggers, but he refuses to tag! Truth arm-drags Melo, then grinds the arm. Melo insists he’s got this, then arm-drags free. Truth staggers up, he and Melo bump heads! Truth staggers around more, and he tags Miz?! Truth forgot The Awesome Truth isn’t a thing anymore! Again! Melo BLASTS Truth off the apron, the fans boo, but Miz tags himself in! Melo is annoyed, but Miz goes to fetch Truth while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again, and Melo has Truth. Truth ROCKS Melo, but Melo holds onto the wristlock! Truth reaches for Knight, Knight reaches for Truth, but Melo holds on. Truth takes a swing, but into an O’Conner Roll! TWO and Melo BLASTS Knight! Truth rolls Melo up, TWO! Melo kicks low, calls his shot, but Truth suplexes for a STUNNER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Truth and Melo crawl, hot tags to Miz and Knight! The fans fire up as Knight rallies on Miz! “YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips, Miz reverses, but Knight lEAPING LARIATS! Knight TOSSES Melo in for good measure!
Knight stomps a mudhole into Melo, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” LARIAT for Miz! KNEE for Melo! Knight scoops and POWERSLAMS Miz! Knight keeps running, JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Knight stays on Miz as he brings Miz up. Knight ROCKS Miz, then ROCKS him again! Knight whips, Miz grabs the ropes. Miz KICKS, then takes a swing, but into a back suplex! Miz lands out, tag to Melo! Miz ELBOWS Knight, but Knight scoops! Miz tilt-o-whirls through, Melo SUPERKICKS Knight down! cover, TWO! Knight stays in this but Melo says he’s got this! Melo waits on Knight, then leaps, but NO 48!
Knight kicks low, but NO B F T! Tag to Truth! Knight ELBOWS Melo, Truth runs in! CENA SHOULDER TACKLES! Then the SPIN OUT BOMB! Truth says it’s time! “YOU CANT SEE ME~!” truth runs for the FIVE KNCUKLE SHUFFLE! Truth then fireman’s carries, but Melo slips free! Melo shoves, Truth dodges, and Truth hits the LIE DETECTOR! Truth then gets Melo in the S T R-TRUTH! But Miz CLOBBERS Truth! Knight ROCKS Miz, then LARIATS him up and out! Knight then goes out to THROW Miz into barriers! The fans fire up again, but NAKAMURA ATTACKS KNIGHT!
The fans boo, but the sinister samurai then POSTS Knight!! Nakamura slithers away while Melo keeps the ref’s attention! Truth sees Knight is down, Melo runs up, but Truth dodges! Miz tags in, full nelson, and a FIRST 48 FINALE COMBO?!? Cover, Miz & Melo win!!
Winners: The Miz & Carmelo Hayes, by pinfall
Well, what do you know? Nakamura aside, Miz and Melo made it work! Okay, they’re both trying to hog the spotlight, but is there a future for Melo Don’t Miz? Will Knight only have more of a reason to take that title off Nakamura now?
Charlotte Flair speaks.
“The GOAT… doesn’t have to call themselves The GOAT. Now, I have crafted a legacy that no one, I mean no one, can touch. And I’m back.” The Women’s Royal Rumble Winner chose Tiffany Stratton, but will The Queen take back her throne? Or will WWE always be on #TiffyTime? Speaking of…
Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae!
The WWE Women’s Champion may have gotten past Nia Jax, but now she knows Charlotte Flair is waiting for her at WrestleMania, and is going to be teaming with Trish Stratus in Toronto! Will she be in Tiffy Top Shape for that Tiffy Trishy dream match? Or will the Poison Pixie be quite the problem all on her own?
Before the match, Tiff grabs a mic while the fans cheer. Tiffy says, “I know, I know. You know it, you know it, and you know it. Ever since I won this title, everybody’s just been so obsessed with me. And last week, I had Nia Jax beat, until Candice LeRae decided to interfere and help her little meal ticket. And at Elimination Chamber, Trish Stratus and I make sure the Unstoppable Force comes to a definitive end!” The fans cheer that, but Tiff says enough about them. Let’s talk Charlotte Flair. The fans boo that name, but Tiff says Charlotte took her sweet old time, grabbed a chair, grabbed a mic, and she looked down on Tiff.
Charlotte chose Tiff as her WrestleMania opponent. In that moment, Tiff’s dream came true! And as she lied down there and looked up at Charlotte, she realized the rumors are true: No one loves to kick a girl when she’s down quite like Charlotte Flair. So at WrestleMania, Tiff isn’t coming for Charlotte’s legacy; that’s all Charlotte’s. Tiff is coming for the spot Charlotte desires the most: The number one spot as the top girl in the WWE! But here comes Nia & Candice to interrupt. Nia has a mic to tell Tiffy, “I Have to say, this is really cute. Like, it’s really cute that you actually think you were gonna beat me last week.”
Doesn’t Candice think that is cute? Candice says yes, it is so~ cute. And Tiff wouldn’t even be standing there if not for little Trish Stratus~. Exactly! And it’s even cuter that Tiff is out here talking about Charlotte when she wont’ even see WrestleMania! Because after Nia & Candide destroy Tiff at Elimination Chamber, Nia is coming back for her WWE Women’s Championship. Nia & Candice step up to the ring, and Nia says Tiff won’t even see the Grandest Stage of Them All. Tiff tells Nia to just give it up. This title isn’t even hers anymore. And once Tiff beats Candice tonight, Nia won’t have anyone to do her dirty work anymore!
Candice tells Tiffy that while they’re meant have a match right now, she and Nia are feeling impatient. Nia says they should just get rid of Tiff right now! But the ref steps in and says not gonna happen! Tiff VS Candice will, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Candice has Tiffy down with an armlock. Tiff fights up as the fans rally, but Candice wrenches to wristlock. Tiff spins through, goes to ropes, then up the corner to flip and arm-drag! The fans fire up as Tiff rallies on Candice! DROPKICK, and Tiff snarls! Tiff goes to the corner, and Charlotte makes her entrance? The Queen chooses to be fashionably late all so everyone looks at her, including Tiffy. Tiffy handsprings, but Candice dodges! Candice runs up to UPPERCUT, then she snapmares and NECK SNAPPERS! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Candice clamps onto Tiffy with a top wristlock.
The fans “WOO~” as Charlotte now chooses to join commentary. Tiff fights up, has the ROPEBREAK, but Candice CLUBS away on her! Candice backs off, runs up, but Tiff drop toeholds her to ropes! Tiff runs, HIP ATTACKS, and Candice flops back! Cover, TWO! Tiff stays on Candice with a whip, but Candice reverses. Candice CLOBBERS Tiff, covers, TWO! Charlotte corrects Tiffy’s words earlier: Charlotte isn’t the “top girl,” she is THE woman in WWE. Candice HIP DROPS Tiff but the fans rally up. Candice scuffs Tiff, then grinds an arm to drop a knee on the elbow! And another knee drop! Tiff endures and the fans rally up.
Candice keeps on that arm, thrashes it around, but Tiff fights up. Tiff fires body shots, then shoves Candice to Alabama Lift her! Candice sunset flips, Tiff rolls through, TIFFY STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Tiff is frustrated and Candice bails out. Tiff goes to the apron, goes up the corner, and ARIHARA MOONSAULTS! Direct hit on Candice and Nia, and Tiff almost stuck the landing! The fans fire up with Tiff and she goes into the ring. Tiff points to the WrestleMania sign, and then at Charlotte, but SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Tiff waits on Candice, Candice slides in, and Tiff stomps her down! Candice bails out, Nia is there to coach her, but Tiff lets the ring count start. Candice gets on the apron, Tiff kicks her, but Candice RAMS Tiff! Candice CLUBS Tiff, has her in the ropes, and hits a NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT! Candice climbs, aims, and leaps to MISSILE DROPKICK Tiff down! Cover, TWO! Candice is frustrated but this is why Tiff’s a champ. The fans rally, but Candice stomps Tiff! Candice scowls at the fans, stalks Tiff, then brings her up. Tiff fires body shots, then she rolls Candice up! TWO, and Candice CLOBBERS Tiff! Cover, TWO, into a ghost pin! TWO!
Candice escapes to hit a CODE BREAKER! Both women are down, but Candice scowls again as she crawls over to Tiff. Candice rains down fists, Nia tells fans to shut up, and Candice steps on Tiff’s face. Candice huffs ‘n’ puffs, pushes Tiff around, then scuffs her. Tiff rolls Candice up again, TWO! Candice DECKS Tiff! Cover, TWO! Charlotte is stoic on commentary as Candice drags Tiff up and puts her in a corner. Candice fires hands, then backs off. Candice runs up to ROCK Tiff again! Candice then runs, but Tiff dodges! SmackDown returns to single picture, and Tiff rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT! The fans fire up, Tiff handsprings, BACK ELBOW!
Tiff then reels Candice in for a SKY HIGH! High stack, TWO! The fans rally for Tiff, Nia coaches Candice, but Charlotte still seems nonplussed. Tiff and Candice rise, and Candice runs up. Candice puts Tiff on the apron, but Tiff ROCKS her! Tiff bumps Candice off buckles, then goes up, but Candice ROCKS her back! Candice climbs up, and she fires hands on Tiff! Tiff fights the suplex! Tiff DECKS Candice, then adjusts position, to SANTON- FLOP! Candice ghost pins, TWO!! Tiff escapes, but Candice hits the step-up SENTON! And then a LIONSAUL FLOP! Tiff hurries to fireman’s carry, ROLLING SENTON! And then PRETTIEST MOON- NO, Nia drags Candice out of the ring!
The fans boo, Nia tells them to shut up, but Tiff is on the apron! Nia swings, Tiff cartwheels over, and then she DROPKICKS Nia! Tiff Alabama Lifts Candice, to ALABAMA SLAM her into barriers! Tiff stares down Charlotte, tells her just wait for Mania, then she puts Candice in the ring. Tiff goes to the corner, PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, Tiff wins!
Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall
Charlotte gives moderate applause, but Nia CLOBBERS Tiff from behind! The fans boo, but Nia just drags Tiff to a corner. Nia goes up, but wait! Trish is here!! The fans fire up for the legend as she rushes into the ring! Trish avoids a haymaker to CHICK KICK! Then THESZ PRESS for Candice! And then a SPINEBUSTER! Trish helps Tiff to her feet, but Nia grabs them both! Trish fires fast hands on Nia! Candice CHOP BLOCKS Trish! Tiff is still dazed, Nia HEADBUTTS her back down! Nia & Candice mug Trish, and then Nia HEADBUTTS Trish! Trish & Tiff are side by side, and Nia drags them into the drop zone! A-NIA-LATOR!!
The fans boo but there’s nothing can be done! Nia grins as she helps Candice away, will these two trash Trish & Tiff in Toronto? Charlotte steps into the ring, stands over Tiff, and points to the WrestleMania sign. Will The Irresistible Force & Poison Pixie unwittingly do the dirty work of The Queen of Flair?
Cody talks with Damian Priest backstage.
Priest asks why Cody’s boy, The Rock, is here tonight. Cody says given the time of year, his guess is as good as anyone’s. But tonight will surely be eventful. Cody congratulates Priest on entering the Elimination Chamber. Priest says what’s wild is, last year, they both walked out as champions. What sucks is that this year, only one of them can. Now, Priest is man enough and he respects Cody to say that after Chamber, he’s coming for that title. Cody says he wouldn’t have it any other way. Cody heads out, but what business does The Rock have tonight?
Braun Strowman steps in, and he tells Priest that congrats on winning, and good luck in the Chamber. But let’s be honest, Braun had Jacob dead to rights last week. If not for Solo Sikoa, things would look a lot different next week. Priest chuckles and says take it easy, he’s sounding like Drew with the excuses. But it is what it is, Priest just beat Braun to the punch. But that was last week. Tonight, Solo and Jacob, two of the baddest men in the business. Priest & Braun handling business? Oh, they’re handling business. The only business Braun cares about is getting his hands on those two. Priest says Braun definitely will.
Braun heads out, will the Monster of All Monsters and the Archer of Infamy make sure Solo & Jacob #GetTheseHands? Or will the rogues run roughshod all over SmackDown once again?
Backstage interview with Naomi & Bianca Belair.
Byron Saxton is with the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions and brings up last week’s SmackDown, the security footage led us to believe Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez were the ones behind Jade Cargill’s attack. Now, hold on, Saxton. They don’t think, Naomi knows they were. Fair enough. But this Monday, they can get their revenge when they defend the tag titles against Liv & Raquel. How ready are they for this match? Bianca says so ready! They have been waiting for months for an update. Jade has been recovering, she hasn’t been able to call or text, so the GlowEST took matters into their own hands to get revenge.
Bianca & Naomi will handle Liv & Raquel, then move on to Elimination Chamber, where one of them is gonna win to face Rhea at WrestleMania. Not only will you #FeelTheGlowEST on Monday, but Liv feels it tonight! #Let’sGLOW! The champs head out, but will they clear their Road to WrestleMania of any other distractions?
Alexa Bliss speaks.
“When I was away, there was a lot of… change that happened in me. But when I look around, I see this place is still the same. The names and faces may be different, but the desperation and insecurity remains the same. You’ll see Toronto when I turn the Elimination Chamber into something of a playground of my own. I know the Chamber. I love the Chamber. I’ve won the Chamber. And for the other five women, it’s gonna be a Hell like they’ve never experienced before. Need I remind you, this is my division, and I am in charge.” Bliss smiles and says, “See you soon.” The film comes off the reel, but will things get twisted in Toronto?
Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez!
The Big Easy is all about having fun, and they’re fired up for Naomi’s entrance. But wait! Liv & Raquel don’t wait, they attack Bianca & Naomi while the lights are still down! They mug Naomi, but Bianca drags Liv out of the ring! Then Bianca storms in to fire off on Raquel! The fans fire up, but Liv returns to CHOP BLOCK Bianca! Raquel hauls Bianca up for a TEJANA BOMB!! Naomi runs up, fires more hands, but Liv brings Naomi around. Naomi fires hands on her, but Raquel throws her down! Liv runs up, OBLIVION!
Liv & Raquel stand tall, the refs rush out here, but clearly the singles match isn’t happening. Will we be getting something even meaner and nastier between these four on Monday?
The Rock arrives!
His truck pulls into the parking lot, but we’ll see him in the ring, after the break!
SmackDown returns and…
Aldis is chewing out Liv & Raquel for the attack. He doesn’t know what they get away with on Raw, but they can’t pull that crap here. Now get the hell out of his building. Liv & Raquel just laugh that off, but then Chelsea Green & Piper Niven walk in. Chelsea says have no fear, Chelsea & Piper are here to sub in for Bianca and Naomi at Elimination Chamber. Aldis sighs, and says they’re not missing the Chamber. What? But Chelsea had an outfit picked out! This is a travesty to not have the greatest Canadian export since maple syrup on a Canadian PLE! Does he know who she is? The first-ever, longest reigning, tallest, shortest, prettiest, richest, tannest, sparkliest, oldest, youngest Women’s US Champion! Piper asks what this is aboot, eh?
Aldis says this is them testing his patience. They need to pack their gear and whatever else they want, because they’ll be in action next week on SmackDown in Toronto. And oh, it’ll be a good one. Wait, they need more details! At least an e-calendar notification? Aldis is leaving Chelsea in the dark on what’s coming, will she absolutely hate it?
The Rock heads to the ring!
Wait, what is this New Orleans related remix? The Final Boss steps out on stage, he shows those goosebumps, then continues down the ramp, shaking hands with fans. The Rock hits his signature pose on the corner, but then takes the long way around to pick up a fan’s phone for them before going back into the ring. The fans all cheer for “ROCKY! ROCKY!” and he grabs himself a mic. He waits as the fans continue to chant his name, and then he says, “Ahh, you feel it, don’t you? You feel it. The Rock has got chills up and down his body because you know, on a Friday night, for the Final Boss to get inside his bird and fly all the way here, you know that I’m dropping some ish on you tonight!”
The fans fire up and The Rock smiles. Rock says, “Let’s get this show on the road.” The fans anticipate what’s coming but he says hold on, he’ll do it. “FINALLY! The Rock has come back…” “TO NEW ORLEANS~!” Rock smiles, and he adds, FINALLY, WrestleMania is coming back to New Orleans!! The fans are thunderous to hear that! WrestleMania 30, WrestleMania 34, and now WrestleMania 42!? Yes, next year, 2026, LIVE from the Superdome! One of the greatest cities on Earth in New Orleans, Louisiana! The pyro goes off to commemorate the occasion, and the logo is already on the tron! Rock smiles at that, then he smiles at the WrestleMania 41 Vegas logo.
The fans are losing their minds, as we now know April 11th and 12th, 2026, the Big Easy has the Grandest Stage of Them All. Rock says you damn right holy ish! Oh when the saints go marching in…! Oh how I’d love… Wait, no, this ain’t singalong with The Final Boss! Sit there, shut up, and let The Final Boss sing the song! The fans are torn, but Rock says he sings! Oh how I’d love, to be in that number~! Oh when the saints go marching in~! Okay, that’s good enough. You got him, that was a great duet. The Rock is singing with the largest collection of STD’d trailer trash he has ever seen! The fans can’t believe Rock would do that to them!
Rock says now, dropping this news wasn’t the only gift he was going to drop on us. The Final Boss came here to call somebody out. The Rock will call out a man who he respects, who he admires, and who we all admire. That man is our WWE Champion, the one and only, Cody Rhodes. The fans cheer as The American Nightmare makes his entrance! They sing along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” and we get Cody’s pyro before he goes to the ring. Cody gets his second “WHOA~ OH~!” and round of pyro, then he steps inside to join The Rock. The fans cheer Cody on, so he holds up the title and the fans cheer even more.
Cody grabs a mic, but Rock says, “That feels good, doesn’t it? I mean, that’s gotta feel amazing, right? They love you, man.” Cody tells NOLA, “I love you, too.” Rock says this is crazy. Pretty much no one knows this, but since after WrestleMania last year, they’ve actually become good friends. No, it’s true, they have. Last time they were together was the Raw Netflix debut. Rock gave Cody his flowers, told Cody he has carried the company like the incredible champion that he is, so thank you, Cody. Rock meant it, and that night, they went to the back, drank tequila for two hours and had a great ol’ time.
They chopped it up, had a blast, but Rock wants to call Cody out here for something important. Here’s the thing… The fans get a bit rowdy as they wait, and Rock says Cody is a great champion. A great WWE Champion. Cody knows that. Again, they’ve become good friends, so over the months, they’ve texted. Even their moms became good friends! Look! Mama Johnson & Mama Rhodes together after WrestleMania 40! It is a pleasure becoming Cody’s friend. But Rock wanted this face to face to tell him a few things. One: Cody has been a great champion, but he needs to understand. Yes, The Rock, The Final Boss, is on the Board of TKO. And TKO owns WWE.
The Rock is the Director of the Board of TKO. Don’t boo that! The Rock’s good friend, Ari Emanuel, who owns everything Endeavor, The Rock joked with Ari, “Can you believe that you own The WWE?” Ari says he doesn’t own the WWE, The Rock does. Rock said no, no, he doesn’t know if he owns the WWE. But The Rock knows he is the most powerful… Cody, you are a great champion. But Rock wants Cody to be something more. Rock wants Cody to be something more than just our champion. Rock wants Cody to be his champion. The fans don’t like where that’s going.
Cody says he did not expect them to become friends, nor their moms to become friends, nor the tequila. Cody didn’t have that on his bingo card. But becoming The Rock’s champion? The Rock of all people should know, Cody is the people’s champion. The fans cheer Cody more, and Rock says yes! Cody is their champion! Of course! The Rock is also The People’s Champion, he loves that about Cody. This is their universe, they were both born into this business. But Rock means something even bigger than just this. Rock knows Cody’s goal is to bring as much joy and happiness to everyone around the world, as many as possible.
The fans cheer, and Rock says that’s Cody. Cody is that guy, and everyone knows it. Cody is on social media, Instagram, millions of followers. Millions, and millions! The Rock has half a BILLION. That’s not a flex. But The Rock is the most followed American man in the world, that’s what he wants for Cody. Rock wants Cody to be even higher. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, he will open doors to possibilities Cody never even imagined. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, every dream he has ever had can come true. Every dream of Brandi’s, of their daughter’s. Think about how Rock brought them to the premiere of Moana 2, in Hawaii.
Thank you, by the way, for making that cross a BILLION dollars, fans, Rock loves you. Rock has met the Rhodes family, they’re amazing. But imagine it: Cody’s daughter’s children, their dreams, long after Rock and Cody are gone, all those dreams can come true. Rock just needs Cody to be his champion. The fans say don’t do it! Rock tells Cody to just think about it, though. Rock is a very lucky man, he has it all. Cody also has it all. They’re very fortunate. They’re Mama’s Boys, they’re Girl Dads, they’re lucky men. Fans say don’t do it, Rock tells them to shut up or he’ll slap the syphilis off their face! Rock is trying to have a moment here, shut your mouths!
The one thing that Rock has never had, that he wants more than anything, is a brother. And that is what Cody can be. Last year, WrestleMania, Rock’s goal was to face his cousin, Roman Reigns, for the title. Cody knows, the fans know. Rock talked with his friend, HHH. He talked with Nick Khan, who is his friend. They are also Cody’s friends. Rock knew it wasn’t in the plans, but they talked about moving Cody aside to make what was best for business: Rock VS Roman, WrestleMania 40! What’d Cody do? Cody pitched a b*tch fit! Cody told The Rock he ain’t doing it, and he stood up to The Rock. And y’know what else? Cody SLAPPED Rock!
No one does that and gets away with it. But that is why Cody is special. That is why Cody should be Rock’s Champion. And that is why Rock will take Cody from where he is to a level so far above. Rock will make sure every dream, every desire, for generations to come, it all comes true. Rock’s dad, Cody’s dad, Soul Man & American Dream, they are looking down right now. They were friends, Cody and Rock are friends, Cody should be Rock’s Champion. He doesn’t need to answer Rock tonight. He can think about it, talk with his wife and daughter, as will The Rock. Then Cody can think about it. Meet Rock in Toronto on March 1st to give him the answer.
Fans still say don’t do it, but Rock says it is okay. Before he leaves, this has been an amazing night, this is a hot crowd, thank you all very much. But before he leaves, Rock wants us to know this: The one thing Rock wants more than anything in this world… is that. Wait, the title? Cody’s title? The fans’ title? This is all this is about? No no no no! Brother… Rock doesn’t want the title. He wants Cody’s soul. The fans duel, “NO! NO! NO!” “SELL YOUR SOUL!” Rock pats Cody on the cheek and says see you in Toronto. The Rock leaves, giving Cody a lot to think about. Rock does give one last glance back at Cody, then smirks.
What will The American Nightmare choose: His integrity? Or his aspirations?
WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly!
Did Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano got these titles thanks to Kit Wilson & Elton Prince? #YESBOY! Did they survive a couple title defenses thanks to Kit & Elton? #YESBOY! But when Pretty Deadly needed DIY, was DIY there for them? #NOBOY! So now, Kit & Elton are looking to give Ciampa & Gargano their comeuppance! Will we finally get another #SidePlateCheck? Or will Ciampa & Gargano remember for themselves, that if you wanna be champions, you gotta do it yourself?
But as DIY make their entrance, they have mics, and Johnny Wrestling tells NOLA, “Give it up one time for your TWO-TIME WWE Tag Team Champions…! The BTTITW (Best Tag Team In The World), D I Y~!” The fans boo instead. Ciampa says there is no denying that tonight has been electrifying. Gargano says this is a hot crowd. But please, if we could be somber for a second. Guys, this is serious. Two weeks ago, Pretty Deadly embarrassed DIY, and now reluctantly, DIY will return that favor by crushing their hopes and dreams of ever becoming WWE Tag Team Champions. So please, let us all rise to our feet… Yes, you in the LSU jersey, stand up.
Ciampa thanks Wade Barrett, and asks for everyone to remove their hands and bow their heads for a moment of silence for Pretty Deadly, beginning… now. The fans boo instead! And then Pretty Deadly make their entrance! The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really needed who in this broken relationship!
But then DIY jumps Pretty Deadly! The ref reprimands, DIY whip but Pretty Deadly reverses! DOUBLE DORPKICKS! Then DOUBLE LARIATS send DIY up and out! The disco ball hasn’t even stopped spinning! The fans cheer while DIY throw a fit! They regroup, cool down, and go back to the ring. Gargano distracts Elton, Ciampa CLOBBERS him, and the bell rings. But Elton fires hands on Ciampa! Elton whips, Ciampa reverses and he pulls hair! The ref reprimands, Ciampa throws Elton to the apron and KNEES him down! Tag to Gargano and he aims, SUPERKICK! Elton goes down in a heap, DIY cheers themselves on, and SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns, Gargano tags in, and DIY hits the BACK SUPLEX BOMBO COMBO! Cover, TWO! Elton stays in this but Gargano tags Ciampa back in. Gargano sends Ciampa in, but Elton ELBOWS him away! Gargano runs in, but Elton puts him on the apron! Gargano goes after Kit, but Kit blocks the kick! Kit BOOTS Gargano down, but then Ciampa BOOTS Kit! Elton dodges Ciampa to come back, DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! Elton and Ciampa are down, sputtering and writhing, and the fans rally up. Elton crawls, Kit rises, hot tags to Kit and Gargano! Kit rallies on DIY with big forearms! Kit whips, Gargano reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS!
Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa in a corner, then LARIATS! Kit runs to LARIAT Gargano! Kit pushes Gargano down, kicks him and hits a TWIST- NO, Gargano slips through to ROCK Kit! Kit yoyos, DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up, Kit tags Elton! They get Gargano up, but Gargano BOOTS Elton! Gargano ELBOWS Kit away, then runs up on Elton! Elton dodges, then gives Kit the boost, DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Gargano survives but Ciampa is in! Elton fireman’s carries Ciampa, but Ciampa slips free! Ciampa whips, Elton reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa! Elton shows off his strength with the GOTCH LIFT PLEX!
Tag to Kit, but IN COME THE PROFITS! Ford SHOVES Kit down, Dawkins mugs him!!
Winners: Pretty Deadly, by disqualification; DIY retain the titles
Not again! Just like they did Motor City Machine Guns, The Profits make sure no one else takes these titles off DIY! URENAGE from Ford to Elton! Dawkins keeps hammering away on Kit, and then Ford POSTS Elton! Dawkins fireman’s carries Kit, to POST him, too! Looking like the All Mighty with that one! Gargano fires forearms in return, but ends up int he POUNCE GERMAN SUPLEX! Then Ciampa runs up into a FLAPJACK! Ford goes up top, then flies in FROM THE HEAVENS!! Direct hit on Ciampa! But wait! MCMG rushes out here, wanting their payback! The Profits brawl with MCMG, but Ford TOSSES Shelley to the apron!
Ford runs up, Shelley goes to kick, but Ford blocks it! Ford LARIATS Shelley down, Dawkins hits Sabin with THE BIG ENDING! The fans are torn as Dawkins whips Sabin, Profits get him for the REVELATION!! And if there’s been any revelation, it is that Ford & Dawkins don’t just want the smoke, they want to burn down the tag division to get it! Will nothing stop them once they’re back in action?
Kevin Owens speaks.
“You got what you wanted, huh? You got your match. You couldn’t, uh… You couldn’t just take the punishment that you deserved, that I’d already given you, and let it go. No, you… You wanted me and you to go again. You wanted to fight me, you want to hurt me, you want to end my career, which would hurt my family, by the way. Which is truly despicable. But what about your family, Sami? Huh? Have you thought of them? What about your family, huh?” Kevin reveals he is right outside the Zayn home! Kevin peers inside to watch Sami, his wife, and his son!
Kevin asks Sami via the video if Sami knows what he’s about to put them through, when they have to watch Kevin end Sami’s career. And what happens then, eh? When Sami can’t provide for them, and everything they have, like this nice house, the shelter, the security, the peace they have, when it’s all gone? And why? What for? Because Sami’s too proud? Because Sami’s selfish? Sami IS selfish. Because Sami is making Kevin do this to Sami’s family. Kevin will never forgive Sami for that. He’ll see Sami in Toronto. “But remember… You asked for this. It’s all your fault.” As if Kevin’s delusions aren’t already grand, will he continue to blame everyone else but himself?
Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga!
Elimination Chamber is on the horizon, and the Road to WrestleMania makes for strange bedfellows. Priest, Braun and Jacob were fighting each other just last week, but Solo’s return really threw things for a loop. Can Priest & Braun give Solo and the Samoan Werewolf their punishment? Or will everything (not) be fine in Solo’s Bloodline?
SmackDown returns as #OneBigSOB makes his entrance. As Solo, Jacob & Tama head to gorilla, we hear from Solo. “Tonight, we handle business. And it starts with Braun Strowman & Damian-” Jacob interrupts with, “Man, c’mon, DP! C’mon, Braun! I thought we did this! So tonight, we about to even up the score. If you ain’t know, I’m all gas, no brakes with it! See, since we touched the scene, we been dropping bodies like bread crumbs! Yadada mean!? FA-TUUU~! Hit my music!” The rogues enter to Jacob’s theme, is this alone proof he’s the new alpha? Or will the match be the last nail in that coffin?
The teams sort out, but Jacob stares down both Priest and Braun. NOLA seems to acknowledge Jacob, but Solo convinces him to stand down. Solo starts against Priest, the bell rings, and the two tie up. They go around, Priest powers Solo back, but Solo powers Priest back. They break, stare down, and Solo talks some trash. Solo shoves Priest, Priest shoves back. They circle again, tie up, and Priest puts Solo in a corner. The ref counts, Priest lets off at 4, but Solo stomps Priest’s foot! Solo throws hands, then a HEADBUTT! Priest staggers, but then he ROCKS Solo! And ROCKS him! And HEADBUTTS! That was a mistake!
Solo shakes his head to HEADBUTT Priest! Priest goes to a corner, Solo throws haymakers and body shots on repeat! The ref counts, Solo lets off and says see? Solo and Jacob as one! But Priest THROWS Solo to the corner to fire off haymakers of his own! Priest ROCKS Solo, the fans fire up, and Priest whips., Solo reverses to UPPERCUT! Solo talks smack but Priest ROCKS him again! Tag to Braun and the fans fire up! Braun stares Jacob down, tells him to shove it, then runs up to SPLASH Solo! Braun stares Jacob down again, goes back for Solo, and hits another LARIAT! Braun scoops, Solo slips free, but Braun runs up!
Solo ELBOWS Braun away, tags to Jacob, and Jacob runs in, but Braun dodges! Braun CROSSBODIES! Jacob is right up, but Braun BOOTS him right back down! Solo runs in but Braun TOSSES him! Priest hurries after Solo, Braun CLOBBERS Jacob! LEAPING LARIAT for Solo! Braun then gets on the track, STROWMAN EXPRESS SMACKS a chair out of Tama’s hand! The Good Bad Guy thought he was being sneaky! But then Jacob CROSSBODIES Braun into the timekeeper’s aera! The fans go wild as Jacob rises up, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Jacob hauls Braun up, drags him around the way, HEADBUTTS him, then brings him over to SMACK off the desk! Braun staggers, but he ROCKS Jacob in return! And THROWS Jacob into steel steps! Braun drags Jacob up, puts him in the ring, but Jacob SUPERKICKS Braun! Braun falls into the corner, Jacob HIP ATTACKS! Jacob’s all geeked up, then he tags in Solo. Solo soaks up some heat while Jacob HIP ATTACKS Braun again! Solo puts Braun on ropes to CHOKE him! The ref counts, Solo stops at 4, but Jacob gets a HEADBUTT in! Braun flounders, Solo taunts him and eggs him on, but Braun CHOPS him!
Solo HEADBUTTS Braun right down! Solo rains down fists, then lets off so he can put Braun on the ropes. Solo CHOKES Braun again, stops as the ref counts 4, and Jacob gets another cheap shot in! Solo tags Jacob in, then he HEADBUTTS Braun again and again! Jacob runs to BODY CHECK Braun! Jacob fires up, Braun flounders to ropes, but Jacob rains down fists! Tag to Solo, he soaks up heat from NOLA, then he stomps away on Braun! The ref counts, Solo lets off, then he keeps Braun from Priest by anchoring a leg. Tag to Jacob and Jacob climbs up, FROG SPLASH! Jacob roars while Braun writhes!
Jacob looms over Braun but he glares at Priest. Priest gets heated, but Jacob fires hands on Braun as SmackDown returns to single picture. Braun stands, but Jacob HEADBUTTS him again! Jacob runs for another BODY CHECK! And then a SENTON! Cover, TWO! Braun stays in this and he goes to a corner. Jacob snarls, tags Solo in, and the fans boo. Solo runs corner to corner to HIP ATTACK Braun! Solo grins as he copies Jacob’s geeking out. Tag back to Jacob and fans cheer! Jacob aims, runs, and HIP ATTACKS! Jacob keeps going, but Braun BOOTS from below!! The fans fire up while both men stagger to their feet.
Braun SPINEBUSTERS Jacob! Both monsters are down, the fans rally up, and they crawl, hot tags to Solo and Priest! Priest fires hands on Solo, then whips. Solo reverses but Priest SHOUDLER TACKLES Solo! Priest runs to BACK ELBOW! Jacob is back, but Priest dodges to WHEEL KICK! Priest then waits on Solo, but Solo catches Priest! Priest elbows free, but Solo SUPERKICKS! But Priest JUMPING ROUNDHOUSES! Solo comes back, Priest ROCKS him first! Solo swings, but into the FLATLINER! Cover, TWO! Solo survives but Priest puts him in a corner. Priest whips corner to corner, then runs, only for Solo to put him on th eapron!
Solo takes as swing, Priest dodges and ROUNDHOUSES! Priest then knuckle locks with Solo, goes up top, and he tightrope walks for some OLD SCHOOL! The fans fire up and Priest powers up the arm! Priest runs, but Solo ducks the Comebacker! Priest fights the fireman’s carry to BELL CLAP, ROUNDHOUSE, and then he reels Solo in! But Tama is on the apron! Priest DECKS Tama, but Jacob HOTSHOTS Priest! Solo hits the URENAGE! Cover, TWO!! Priest survives and Solo is stunned! Solo snarls, looks to his taped-up thumb, then he drags Priest up. The fans boo but Solo taunts the fans now. SAMOAN- NO! Priest grabs Solo!
But Jacob runs in! Priest ROCKS Jacob, ELBOWS Solo, then he dodges, so Jacob’s SUPERKICK hits Solo! An accident just like last week’s shot to Tama, but Jacob doesn’t seem as upset by it. Priest TOSSES Jacob, then CLOBBERS Solo! STROWMAN EXPRESS CLOBBERS Jacob & Tama!! Priest brings down the straps, the fans are thunderous, and Priest grabs Solo by the neck! SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Cover, Priest & Braun win!
Winners: Damian Priest & Braun Strowman, by pinfall
Just as Solo thought it’d be like before, he and Jacob were not on the same page! Priest is rolling towards Elimination Chamber, will this be just what he needs to go back to WrestleMania?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown here, but with some interesting moves after the sudden change in plans with The Rock showing up. Naomi and Bianca had a good promo to hype up what was meant to be a full match of Naomi VS Liv, but word had already come out before the show that things were being cut for time. But at the very least, they did the right thing of making it a brawl that adds heat to the tag title match on Monday. Also, hilarious how Chelsea & Piper thought the beatdown on Bianca & Naomi was so bad that they would need to be pulled from the Chamber. I also can’t wait to see what happens on Toronto SmackDown.
As for The Rock, I do appreciate he used his authority to kayfabe change more things, all so he could have his promo with Cody. I also appreciate Rock blending his different roles and even different sides, both Heel and Face, to A) bring the news of WM42 being in NOLA, and B) recreate the Corporate Champion/People’s Champion story from the Attitude Era. That was some wild stuff he was saying to Cody. I’m sure quite a few people will try and talk with Cody next week in the go-home. Heels will say do it because they’d love to have what Rock can give, Faces will say not because Cody’s better than that. But naturally, Cody is not going to become The Rock’s Champion, causing Rock to turn on him and really up things going into WrestleMania 41 and perhaps even beyond.
Good stuff in the Elimination Chamber related stories. Jimmy VS McIntyre was great stuff to open, and how fitting that McIntyre loses to Jimmy after talking all that trash about Jimmy and Jey being the same. Jey got McIntyre with something quick, Jimmy got McIntyre with something quick, McIntyre’s ego is obviously his weakness. And at the same time, McIntyre of course destroys Jimmy after because that’s his other personality trait. Priest had good promos with Cody and Braun, and we got great stuff from Solo’s Bloodline. Naturally, we got a miscommunication spot to help finish, we’re really close to Solo VS Jacob, I can feel it. Priest & Braun get the win, mostly because Priest isn’t winning in the Chamber when you’ve got Punk and Cena in there.
Very good stuff with Tiffy Time, from the promos leading into the match to Charlotte being ringside just to watch. Nia & Candice of course get the better of Tiff & Trish, because Tiff & Trish are definitely winning the tag match in Toronto. Charlotte just seems to enjoy trolling Tiff with her presence, so Charlotte probably shows up in Toronto to then confront Tiff after the match. I expect the seven weeks after Elimination Chamber to really heat up, as will Charlotte’s involvement, where she’ll get more active verbally and physically. Also, hell, Rock should go full Corporation and have Charlotte be his Corporate Women’s Champion because of how established she is.
Hilarious stuff from Truth tonight, as always. Truth and Melo having their “who’s on first” again was good stuff, and of course Miz gets in on this story, too. Truth & Knight VS “Melo Don’t Miz” was really fun, but yeah, should’ve figured Nakamura would get involved, too. Melo & Miz making it work could also be really fun, and while Knight VS Nakamura is a rehash, I really hope they find a way to up things. It feels like we’re getting the same with the tag titles as Profits “ruined” that great tag match from DIY and Pretty Deadly, then brawled with MCMG to still come out on top. Last year had a ladder tag title match, so why not do one for these titles this year?
Speaking of escalating, Kevin filming a promo outside Sami’s house was some really well done stuff, as expected of someone as good as Kevin and in such a story as him and Sami. Their match should main event, it needs time to breathe, as it could be just as, if not more violent, than the Chamber matches. What a powerful closing moment we could have if it’s a bloody Kevin and Sami, and one of them is standing over the other, triumphant yet mournful because it was their best friend in the world that they just brutalized.
My Score: 8.9/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA LIVE! iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 2.20.2025
So the first live episode got fairly positive praise from everyone; will this continue the trend?
Filming at Full Sail seems to have set the stage nicely this week! Going into a Live episode we got Moose and The Hardy Boyz on NXT, as well as Jordynne Grace’s involvement with Steph and Giulia giving a little shine to TNA happenings since she’s newly WWE.
This episode should be interesting, we finally see Lei Ying Lee (fka Xia Li) back in action, Rascalz take on Tyson and Tyriek, Tessa should be seeing some action as well…so generally interesting happenings for the second Live iMPACT! of 2025. Let’s see how this one goes down!
No matter where @ManceWarner and @stephdelander go, @TheSamiCallihan WILL FIND THEM!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/mXz9U7m9PL
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Ratings:
- Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin: Rascalz win via Meteora/Swanton Combo – ***
- Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary: Lei wins via Thunderstruck – **
- NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC: Dango wins via The System help – ** 3/4
- Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore: Masha wins via Requiem – N/A
- Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons: Elijah wins via Tombstone Piledriver – *** 1/4
Results:
Oh yeah, and another Hendry concert is…cut off by a commercial, LOLTNA. First Hendry is cut off by AXSTV’s new Anime Hour bumper, and now Primo and Epico are showing up in TNA. I definitely didn’t have this on my BINGO card. The crowd starts chanting “Where’s Carlito”, which they do acknowledge and play off of well. Oh they’re using their shoot names of Orlando and Eddie now…but before they attack the lights go out and we get another guitar strum! ELIAH/ELIAS/EZEKIEL/EBENERZER/EMERY/EL VAGABUNDO – shows up to back up Hendry. Okay I can apologize away the redundant concert since it played into an Elijah debut. The crowd is immediately popping and chanting “This is Awesome” 10 minutes into the show.
Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin
Treehouse bros take it to the bigger men quickly, a few fast dives, a little MCMG style tandem strikes, Tyson fires and tries to take them out but they Low Bridge him. Tyriek comes in and they try similar things but Tyriek manhandles them both and throws them out of the ring, Trey is the first one back up and Tyriek and Tyson take his damn head off with his Corkscrew Running Euro Upper. Trey finally manages to flip out of the manhandle, tags in Wentz and Wentz goes for the hot and spicy cleaning house spot. Corner to Corner Knee Lifts for both big men, a Rolling Snapmare, into a Superkick for Tyson and Standing Shoot Star on Tyriek but only for two because Wes feints like he’s going to interfere.
Tyson and Tyriek pull off a tandem Assisted Backdrop Driver, but Wentz breaks it up, Tyson gets knocked out, Wentz hits the Tornillo, Wes tries to interfere again after Trey gets perched on the corner buckle but Ace runs around and trips Wes at the last second causing him to faceplant on the apron, Trey hits the Meteora, Wentz hits a Swanton from the other side of the ring and Trey gets the pinfall victory.
It was fast paced, all gas no brakes, but it didn’t overstay its welcome, so it was pretty fun all things considered.
After the match Wes grabs a mic, complains a little but challenges them to a 6 man match as Sacrifice. So we’re THAT’S where we’re getting the expected 3v3.
Fir$t Cla$$ comes out with an entourage of hot chicks and probably influencers or something. The “First Class Penthouse” , Gabby AF, Mafiosa Valentina, and Carolina are apparently known in their own way. Gabby I know was the awful one who did something for Impact a last year and sucked, but she’s part of the Busted Open Network I believe so that’s why she’s around. Two of them look like Noelle Foley and Frank the Clown…oh they actually are. Look at that. I do love KC Navarro as the Hype Man, they have this whole set up of AJ being mad that they haven’t gotten more Tag Title shots, so TNA placated him with his own Piper’s Pit and he’s *pregnant pause* totally happy with that. He says he loved Piper and hated Hogan before it was cool.
This is actually quality content and AJ is cutting a nice promo in this segment. They introduce their first guest, the greatest performer in TNA history, many whole say he’s Phenomenal with a whole lot of style….it’s A-J-Francis.
.@AJFrancis410 is GOING OFF!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/kGehtp9iTE
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary
Things were slow until Rosemary took her into a corner quickly, hit the Upside Down, and we get a lot of Lei trying to avoid Rosemary’s offense. Rosemary goes for a Spear in the corner and Lei forward rolls, starts connecting with a bunch of right hands, backs Rosemary into the corner, goes for 10 Count Punches, pulls her out, Airplane Spin TKO for only a two count. Rosemary tries As Above So Below, Lei shrugs it off, Rosemary tries to go after Lei anyway and eats Thunderstruck! Lei Ying Lee wins!
After the match Rosemary catches Lei on the ramp and hits the Green mist in the eyes. Match was far too short and so many of Lei’s set up moves look better than her finish. We’ve seen Kofi Kingston do it for years so it’s not bad, just the current Knockouts Division are awful and don’t take the move well.
Eric Young and the jabronis come out, EY cuts a very basic power crazed psycho kind of promo, gets the “What” chants from the crowds. EY is trying to recruit Maclin even though Maclin made his line in the sand last week. EY tries to spin it as maybe he took out Josh FOR Maclin instead of in spite of his trust. This really doesn’t seem interesting at all, but that’s probably because I hate the two Jabronis EY is with.
NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC
I really don’t have any interest in Slater. He’s got no personality beyond “flippy guy with a British accent”.
Dango immediately powders, grabs a chair and goes to swing on him but misses. So Leon is making JDC look dumb by dodging the post chop, using the chair to shield himself from a punch by JDC, and then clapping Dango’s fingers between the chair. So typical System match, look inept for the first few minutes, then take advantage of something to take over. Oh look, Leon takes too long setting up the table, Dango gets in a few pot shots, tries to whip him into the table but Leon leaps over it, and then leaps back over to clobber Dango. Dango is still trying to recover so Leon hits his over the corner post con hilo, and the crowd appreciates it but I’m not interested. Leon panders to the crowd after the big spot and then eats an X-Plex into the chair from Dango.
JDC throws Leon back in, goes for a pinfall that’s only a two and we cut to a commercial. Coming out of the commercial JDC is in control with a Kendo Stick until he isn’t, Leon counters and takes the keno stick, brutalizes Dango a few times then comes off the ropes with the kendo shot for 2. Leon goes for another table, and again, at least the crowd is receptive to this match. Leon sets it up, looks for something off the apron but Dango stops him first until he eats a dropkick to fall onto the table, Leon hits the Swanton 450 through the table on the outside. Does it look cool? Sure. Do I care about dumbass moves? Nope.
Oh thankfully the rest of The System comes out to stop the pinfall, Shield Bomb Leon through the first table, and roll him back in for Dango to win.
The Hardy Boyz come out to try and make the save, but the numbers are against them, so Oba Femi’s music hits! Oba cleans house but doesn’t get his hands on Moose, so they’re at least building the eventual clash between Moose and Oba.
The crowd starts a “Tessa, we comin for you” chant before she even starts talking. Tessa is actually playing off the crowd well, Santino’s music hits and Tessa thinks he’ll help her out with the crowd and Santino calls bullshit basically. Santino says if Tessa doesn’t wrestle next week, she’s fired and Masha’s music hits. Masha decides to step in for Tessa’s enhancement talent match.
Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore
Jobber tries to attack Masha early but Masha stops her, rocks her and Requiem ends the match.
Masha stares down Tessa, and then Cora Jade attacks from behind and hits Jaded.
Ryan Nemeth comes out to his Abyss music remix. What will Mokuba say today? “MYYYY BIIIGG BBRROOOOTTHHHEEEEER” he repeats at least 4 times and it’s hilariously cringe. He announces that Nic will return at Sacrifice, he literally just came out to give a PSA.
Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons
Hendry starts with Eddie, after a brief tie up it seems like Hendry reads the room and points at Elijah and the crowd wants him in. So Joe tags in Elijah, a little back and forth, Shoulder Tackle from Elijah, Rope Walk with Elijah lays out Eddie and a tag to Joe allows for a quick tandem knockdown, but Eddie powders as the Walking and Talking Duo hold the ring going into the final commercial break.
We come back and Hendry is bouncing Orlando off the ropes as he return a strike, but Orlando is obviously losing, eats a Euro Upper, and then gets walked around in the Stalling Suplex for posterity. Eddie tries a sneak attack but gets caught and Sack of Shit, into Kip Up, turn and then Orlando with the ambush! A few quick short cuts and an Irish Whip/Dropkick combo gives the Colons a near fall. Hendry does get locomotion variation cradles, but eats a Dropkick to stop the attempt at momentum. Orlando stays on Joe, but Joe finally starts to fire up as the crowd starts to get behind him. Euro Uppers make some space, but a Snapmare says no.
Eddie gets tagged in and a quick Leg Sweep into a Front Chancery keeps Eddie in control. As Joe tries to get back up, Eddie turns it into a Guillotine, but finally the Suplex counter connects for Hendry! Simultaneous tags! Elijah bulls over Orlando, catches a Leap Frogging Orlando with the Manhattan Drop as Orlando retreats to a corner, Stinger Splash into Spinebuster for two. Elijah tries to keep up the attacks but Orlando finds a few ways to make space, launches himself from the middle rope and eats the Jumping Knee! Eddie breaks up the pinfall, Hendry takes Eddie out and Elijah hits the Tombstone Piledriver for the win!
Overall Score: 6/10
Well there were more live hiccups than the first episode, and this felt both more epic and less epic at the same time. Elijah and the Colons debuting was a nice way to kick things off, Oba Femi showing up for the save was fantastic. There were a few decent matches, but also a lot of really short and rushed matches. Tessa played off the crowd well, but Masha really is useless on the mic. Lei Ying Lee needs to framed stronger, her matches have done nothing to show off her ability. It just proves that the Knockouts don’t know how to sell a kick to the head because they all take it in the shoulder and fall in corny ways.
Viva La Sam could be something fun if the next 3 weeks are just hand cam footage of him being like “I’m Sami Callihan and I’m gonna kick Mance Warner’s ass”, Elegance Clique getting the rematch with a stipulation is nice to see and while I like Fir$t Cla$$, that segment went a little long for a cornball swerve payoff. It’s one thing to placate the Influencer squad especially when we’ve seen Logan Paul and Ishowspeed do so well in WWE…but these are like Z Tier Influencers that no one cares about. These kind of dorks stream on Kick because they aren’t relevant enough for Twitch, not because they chose Kick over it.
So yeah, the low lights were pretty low, and the highs were a little fleeting, but at least they were pretty fun. Not a bad show, just clunky with noticeable issues and Masha shouldn’t be allowed to speak English anymore. She’s such a charisma vacuum when she’s not rambling in Russian.
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
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