Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (12/18/20)

FS1 is ready for a good time!

Published

4 years ago

December 18, 2020

Steven Mitchell

The las SmackDown before TLC will be golden!

Before Tables, Ladders & Chairs, SmackDown will have gold and awards! Will the Street Profits still be tag team champions for the holidays? And who wins at the first-ever SAMI Awards?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

SmackDown Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits VS Robert Roode & Dolph Ziggler; The Street Profits win and retain the titles.
The Riott Squad VS Billie Kay & ???; The Riott Squad wins.
Otis Dozovic w/ Chad Gable VS Shinsuke Nakamura w/ Cesaro; Otis wins.
Bayley VS Bianca Belair; Bayley wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Kevin Owens heads to the ring!

It doesn’t matter that he brawled with Jey Uso and then got blindsided by Roman Reigns, the Prizefighter is still here because he will #JustKeepFighting! Kevin says he has been waiting all week and won’t wait a minute longer! He wants Roman to get out to the ring and have it out! Or is Roman not ready yet? That’s fine, because Kevin needs to say something. Roman sent a message to the Owens family, and Kevin heard that message loud and clear. Kevin did have a talk with his family, but what he told them was not to watch the Universal Championship match at TLC. Not because Kevin is afraid of what will happen to him, but he’s afraid of how the family will think of him after what he does to Roman!

Is Roman still not ready? Speaking of what kids might think, Kevin remembers Roman tell Jey that Roman cares how their sons look at them. Bad news, Roman: If Roman’s kids judge him based on his actions lately, they already know that their dad “is nothing but a hypocrite.” Roman says he’s the head of the table but had to jump Kevin from behind and used Jey as a pawn! “And that is absolutely pathetic.” Kevin knows how Roman looks at himself in the mirror. Roman knows deep down he’s just a coward. Heyman gets on screen instead and tells Kevin to just stop. Are we going to do this dance again? Roman doesn’t come out on Kevin’s time but on his own time.

Heyman confesses that he made a mistake about Kevin. Last week on Talking Smack, Heyman said Kevin should “marinate in the mindset of being mutilated” because Heyman thought Kevin was a masochist. To come back after what happened, he must be! But that’s fine, because Roman is a sadist. Especially when it comes to put a beating on Kevin. But that is what Heyman got wrong. Kevin isn’t a masochist but a martyr, willing to pay any price for the cause of being champion. That makes him very dangerous. So mutilation won’t stop Kevin, which leaves elimination, eradication.

Yeah well none of that is happening! Kevin has had it with the BS coming out of Heyman’s face. If Roman won’t meet Kevin, Kevin is going to go find Roman! The hunt is on again! But will Kevin get the drop on Roman this time? Or will we see a repeat of last week?

SmackDown returns and Adam Pearce is talking and walking with Kevin Owens.

Obviously Pearce on behalf of management doesn’t want Kevin to go after Roman like this. Not this close to TLC. Kevin can just wait two days and have his match! Just think about this, Kevin! Kevin goes to Roman’s door, but it’s locked. And Roman is already heading to the ring! It seems Roman circumvented Kevin completely! Kevin can only scowl at the television screen as the Universal Champion and his Special Counsel stand amidst the tables, ladders and chairs at ringside. Heyman fetches a mic for the Tribal Chief, and he tells “KO, I don’t want to hurt you. I don’t want to hurt your family. But you’re running around here, and you’re telling the whole world that I’m a bad guy.”

Roman isn’t a bad guy. He’s just doing what you have to in order to be THE Guy. It’s something above Kevin’s paygrade, so Kevin should just stay in his lane. In fact, Roman will show he’s a good guy by giving Kevin the same chance that he gave his own flesh and blood. “Acknowledge me as your Tribal Chief.” But Kevin storms from the television and back to gorilla! If Kevin acknowledges Roman’s authority, then it’s all good. But if Kevin doesn’t, or just can’t accept that, “I’m going to end you.” Kevin won’t even make it out of the ThunderDome tonight. Kevin needs to get down to the ring and apologize, and say what Roman wants him to say.

Kevin does return and storms down the ring! He doesn’t look like he’s going to apologize. But JEY attacks from behind! Jey and Kevin scrap at the ramp but Roman goes out and knocks Kevin down! The Bloodline stomps Kevin and rains down rights! They keep after him like sharks with blood in the water! Roman digs Kevin’s face into the ramp as he rains down furious forearms! Fans give thumbs down on their ThunderDome screens as Jey taunts Kevin, “Where you going?” Referees and officials hurry out but the mauling continues! Roman and Jey glare at them, then Roman RAMS Kevin into barriers!

Heyman comes over, gives Roman his belt, and Jey says that was just round one. Roman leads the way up the ramp but Kevin flounders after. Kevin can barely stand, but will he even be in one piece after TLC’s TLC match?

The Bloodline talks backstage.

Jey says “If he don’t know, he know now!” Kevin’s getting the message now! Roman says Kevin doesn’t get it yet. “I know his kind. He’s not gonna listen, he’s not gonna stop.” Roman wants Jey to end him so that we never see him again. Jey heads out to do Roman’s bidding, but will it really be so easy?

SmackDown Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits VS Robert Roode & Dolph Ziggler!

Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins have lost to the GLORIOUS One and the Show-Off a few times lately, though with controversy. But all the more reason to finally settle this with the titles on the line! Will the “Dirty Dawgs” bring the Profits down and once again be tag team champions?

The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and this title showdown begins!

Roode and Dawkins start, circle, but Ziggler distracts! Roode sucker punches Dawkins then throws more haymakers. Tag to Ziggler, they double whip but Dawkins kicks Ziggler and ROCKS Roode! Tag to Ford and the Profits double dropkick the Dirty Dawgs! Cover on Ziggler, TWO! Ford keeps his eyes on Ziggler and he KICKS him in the side! Ford stalks Ziggler, kicks but misses, and Ziggler rolls him! TWO, Ford ducks a clothesline to get a back suplex! And a kip up to a standing moonsault! But Ford doesn’t cover, he sees Roode creeping! Ford DECKS Roode, then goes to a corner! Ziggler stops him with a haymaker!

Ziggler drags Ford down, drags him onto the ropes and suplexes, but Ford blocks! Ziggler throws haymakers, but Ford KICKS back! Ziggler is down, Ford goes up but Roode SHOVES Ford off! Ford crashes into barriers and clutches his ribs as SmackDown goes to break!

SmackDown returns and Ziggler rolls Ford to a cover, TWO! Ziggler stomps Ford, brings him up and whips him to a corner hard! Tag to Roode and Ziggler whips Roode for Roode to whip Ziggler for a SPLASH! Then a feed to the KNEE! Russian Leg Sweep! Cover, TWO! Roode keeps Ford down with haymakers and stomps! The ref counts as Ford gets to ropes but Roode digs a knee in! The ref counts again, Roode stops at 3, and Ziggler taunts Ford. Roode brings Ford up, CHOPS him in the corner, then bumps him off buckles! Tag to Ziggler, they stomp Ford, then Ziggler taunts Ford to do something. Ford swings wild but misses, and Ziggler dropkicks him in the stomach! Cover, TWO!!

Ziggler wraps Ford in a rear bearhug, and clearly the Dirty Dawgs remember Survivor Series’ match of Profits and New Day. Roll to a cover, TWO, but Ziggler keeps on Ford with the gut wrench bearhug. Ford drags himself towards the Profits’ corner, fans rally on their screens, but Ziggler rakes eyes! Ziggler puts Ford in the corner, tag to Roode! They mug Ford, Roode brings Ford around to suplex and GOURD BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Roode grows frustrated, tags Ziggler, and Ziggler taunts Ford, “Reach for your side!” Ziggler says no one is laughing now as he puts on another bearhug! Another roll to a cover, TWO!

Ziggler keeps Ford close with the bearhug but Ford pries free, only for Ziggler to MULE KICK him in the ribs! Tag to Roode and they whip to whip, but Ford puts Ziggler on the outside! Ziggler falls, Ford dodges Roode! Ford crawls but Roode anchors a foot! Ford kicks Roode away and then hot tags Dawkins! Dawkins rallies on Roode, dodges and LEAING ELBOWS! ZIggler runs into a FLAPJACK! Dawkins scoops Roode for an EXPLODER! The Curse of Greatness is on a roll as he CYCLONE SPLASHES Roode! Then one for Ziggler! Dawkins keeps moving, Roode dodges but Dawkins gets him with the BUTTERFLY ANARCHY! Cover, TWO!!

Dawkins stalks Roode and he gets him in the ANOINT- NO! Roode blocks but no Glorious DDT! Dawkins rams Roode into buckles but Roode BOOTS back! Ziggler tags in, GLORIOUS FAMOUSER!! Cover, TWO?!? Dawkins survives and the Dirty Dawgs don’t believe it! Ziggler aims from a corner but Dawkins blocks the kick! Ziggler elbows, runs, but into the ANOINTMENT! Tag to Ford and he climbs up top! FROM THE HEAVENS!! But the ribs!! Ford drags himself back to a cover, Roode elbows the back to break it! Ziggler floats over Ford to tag Roode, and Roode O’Conner rolls, TWO, to a roll-up! WITH TIGHTS! The Profits win!!

Winners: The Street Profits, by pinfall (still SmackDown Tag Team Championships)

The gold stays with the Profits! Turnabout’s fair play from when the Dirty Dawgs did them dirty! Ziggler and Roode protest and explain what happened, but the ref says he did his job! Otherwise, these two are suspended! Roode and Ziggler cool off, but will they get revenge?

Once again, Pearce walks and talks with Kevin.

Pearce and a referee try to reason with Kevin. He just has to wait 48 hours and he’ll have Roman in the TLC match! But then Jey SMACKS Kevin from behind with a chair! And then again! Jey tells KO to stay down, or else he’ll have to get ‘im! Jey leaves the chair behind as he storms off, but still Kevin drags himself up to his feet! Pearce again tries to reason with Kevin, but will Kevin stubbornly refuse?

Kayla Braxton interviews Bianca Belair!

The EST faces her biggest challenge in facing Bayley, but Bayley says Bianca is overrated. What will a win tonight against the Role Model mean to Bianca? Is Kayla really going to say “Bayley” and “Role Model” in the same conversation? Uh-uh. A role model is someone you aspire to be. Bayley is someone you intend to beat. But Bianca has wanted to face Bayley since coming to SmackDown because Bayley is a measuring stick. But the thing is, Bayley always has something to say! Bianca will do what she does best, and the EST will S-H-I-N-E!

The Riott Squad VS Billie Kay & ???

Ruby and Liv already beat the Femme Fatale and her previous mystery partner, Natalya. But Billie isn’t leaving it at that! She wants a second try, but who has she recruited to her cause this time? Billie tells Greg Hamilton that she can introduce her tag team partner herself. A second generation superstar, there’s nobody meana than TAMINA! Will the Daughter of Superfly help Billie soar above the Squad?

The teams sort out and Tamina starts with Liv. They go around, Tamina puts Liv in a corner then TOSSES her across the ring! Liv flounders to a corner, Tamina stomps a mudhole in! The ref counts, Tamina stops at 4, then runs back in. Liv dodges and tags in Ruby! The Squad hit Tamina with a back body block kick combo! Cover, TWO! Ruby wrenches Tamina but Tamina whips her away to then CLOBBER her! Billie is happy to see that as Tamina covers, TWO! Billie doesn’t like seeing that! Ruby throws body shots but Tamina headbutts her down! Tamina taunts Liv, and then mockingly asks Ruby, “Are you good?”

Tamina pushes Ruby around, Billie mocks Ruby but Ruby hits Tamina back! Tamina powers Ruby to a corner, blocks a kick and fireman’s carries! Billie tags in before the SAMOAN DROP! Tamina didn’t know about the tag and has to hurry out as Billie covers, but Liv breaks it! Billie is upset, but she drags Ruby up by her hair. Billie scoops but Ruby slips out and shoves her away! Liv tags in, the Squad dodge Billie to double dropkick Tamina! They catch Billie for a MISSILE DROPKICK COMPLETE SHOT! Cover, the Riott Squad wins!

Winners: The Riott Squad, by pinfall

Another win for the best friends, and another loss for Billie! Will Billie ever find a combination that can be just as iconic as the original?

Carmella heads to the ring!

Though she won the SmackDown Women’s Championship match last week, she did not win the title itself because Sasha Banks got disqualified. There will be a rematch at TLC as that was the plan all along. Mella says “Tis the season to drink bubbly, falala lala, lala la la.” Her assistant has set up a table and brought champagne so that she may have a toast for her impending victory at TLC! There are those of us sitting at home saying it is too early to celebrate, but that’s why we’re all home sitting on gross futons while she drinks champagne where the price tag has more digits than a phone number.

Was that burn a little too far? Mella doesn’t care, because she’s better than us! And she knows better than us. And she knows Sasha Banks doesn’t have what it takes to be a champion. Physically, sure. Sasha is quick, agile, ferocious. But mentally, where it counts, she is weak. Mella isn’t throwing shade, those are facts! And the fact is, this is the longest Sasha’s ever held a title! She’s in uncharted water! Sasha is so over her head she is drowning. And not in the champagne Mella smashed on her back! Sasha is drowning in the pressures of her own expectations and is lashing out! She felt that title slipping away so she intentionally got disqualified! And that right there is the very reason why Mella knows she already has Sasha beat! And that is why Mella is celebrating tonight!

Sasha’s entire existence is based on being the very best! The Boss, the standard, the blueprint! This is why Sasha HAS to prove she’s better! But she’ll still be so angry, lose control and want to rip Mella apart. Sasha has to fight her instincts while fighting Mella! “And that is a fight no one, not even Sasha Banks, can win.” So on Sunday, when Mella beats Sasha, Sasha will fall into this deep, dark turmoil, she might break. Because who is Sasha if she isn’t The Boss? Who is Sasha if she isn’t the best? And sadly, that’s a question not even Sasha can answer. That is why Sasha comes so unglued around Mella! That is why Sasha is so desperate!

It’s sad, really. Mella needs that pick-me-up, and nothing lifts her spirits better than a fine glass of champagne. She snaps her fingers and is served- Ugh, what is that This is cheap and frantic. Kind of like Sasha! But speaking of, here Sasha comes! The assistant hurries to the ramp to intercept, but Sasha’s coming from the other side of the ring! Sasha has herself a sip, says it’s better than Mella said, and then SPALSHES Mella with the rest! Sasha tackles Mella, hammers away, then puts on a BANK STATEMENT! The assistant returns but Sasha SLAPS him down! But Mella SMASHES another bottle on Sasha’s back!! The Untouchable Princess of Staten Island again gets the better of The Boss, but will Sasha lose everything when she loses the title?

Kevin Owens gets checked by the trainer.

Kevin doesn’t want to be checked, but it’s protocol. And Jey attacks again!! Jey throws hands then RAMS Kevin into a wall! And then SLAMS him through a table! Roman’s orders said to take Kevin out, has Jey finally done just that?

Otis Dozovic w/ Chad Gable VS Shinsuke Nakamura w/ Cesaro!

The Alpha Academy’s first, best (and only) student has much to learn according to Coach Gable, but even losing is a lesson. Will the Blue Collar Brawler use what he has learned to overcome the King of Strong Style?

The bell rings and Otis rushes in but Nakamura waistlocks. Otis powers out and wrenches to a wristlock but Nakamura throws forearms. Nakamura cartwheels, wrenches back to a wristlock, but Gable coaches Otis. Otis scoops and SLAMS Nakamura, then runs for a falling headbutt! Cover, TWO! Nakamura gets to the apron, Otis drags him up but Nakamura kicks him down! Nakamura drags Otis to the apron and runs for a KNEE! Cesaro applauds and Nakamura goes in to throw knees into shoulders and ribs! Nakamura scuffs Otis then KICKS him in the chest! But Otis just powers up!

Nakamura kicks more but Otis dares him to keep hitting! Otis then runs Nakamura over and FLAPJACKS him down! Gable cheers Otis on as Otis hits a RUNNING DISCUS! Otis fires up, runs at Nakamura in the corner for a splash! Nakamura is in the drop zone and Otis pumps it up! Gable gets on the apron and says NO Caterpillar! Use a suplex! Cesaro tells Gable to get down, Otis drags Nakamura up but Nakamura cradles! TWO!! Otis blocks the kick to EXPLODER! Now that’s a suplex! Otis goes up the corner for the VADER BOMB! Cover, Otis wins!!

Winner: Otis Dozovic, by pinfall

Gable’s tip actually worked out, sorta! But it could’ve easily gone the wrong way, does Gable really know what he’s doing?

Sami Zayn prepares backstage.

It’s almost time for the first-ever Sami Awards. He checks with a production assistant that they have everything, from the trophies to the envelopes to the sound cues. Wait, are the trophies polished? No… IDIOT! If you want something done right, you gotta do it yourself! Sami hurries to get polish, and Big E comes by to do a final check of his own. Is Big E gonna make sure the first-ever Samis go smoothly?

Otis and Gable are fired up backstage!

Gable knew Otis would do it! But he asks why Otis didn’t go through with the Caterpillar when Nakamura was set up? But Otis thought it was another test. It was! Gable quotes a great philosopher as he says, “Don’t do what I say, do what I mean. You know what I mean?” Not really. Otis will. But for now, rehydrate. Training resumes tomorrow, alpha style! Otis likes the sound of that.

SmackDown presents the First Annual Sami Awards!

Sami sets up at his podium with his Intercontinental Championship and a Sami! On further inspection, isn’t that just a Sami Zayn action figure painted gold, and then glued to a tin can painted black? But Sami, hair styled and suit pressed, says the 2020 WWE Slammy Awards are coming on 12/23/2020, on both the WWE Network and all available social networking platforms, but lately the Slammys have taken a dive. Not since Jack Tunney have they mattered. But now the Slammys are just for highlighting corporately selected moments, and that is not what the SAMIS are going to be about. These will be about the will of the people.

Now before getting to the first Sami Award, Sami himself says 2020 has been a “wild” year for all of us, especially the WWE. Let us take a quick look back at WWE’s 2020, “Year in Review!” Narration by Corey Graves says “In a year of turbulence, one man- Nay, one LIBERATOR, thrived.” This is all about Sami!! Sami calling AJ styles a fraud, calling Jeff Hardy a fraud, and then finding a way to cheat them out of the Intercontinental Championship. And then doing the same to Apollo Crews, Big E, and somehow representing the best in humanity. “Oh my goodness, what a year it’s been!”

Now, to the first Sami Award: Comeback of the Year. What stiff competition! Edge, Roman Reigns, and maybe even Sami himself. But the winner is… Drumroll and… “The Sami goes to… SAMI ZAYN~!” What a “surprise” that Sami won the award named for himself. It feels great to be recognized, though, doesn’t it? Thank you, fans, for this honor! But on to the second Sami Award: Match of the Year! The one everyone wants to win in this category! Every week, another contender pops up. And the Sami goes to… SAMI ZAYN, for the Triple Threat Ladder Match at Clash of Champions! OH MY~! Sami will not lie, he wanted that one more than anything.

But on to the third and final, perhaps the truly biggest one. It’s Superstar of the Year! The greatness of what the Samis are all about. And the Sami goes to… BIG E?!? Big E moves Sami aside and shouts, “MAMA, I MADE IT~!” First of all, Big E has to thank his therapist, Marvin Sims. He also needs to thank Notre Dame in advance for covering the spread this weekend. Pull through for E, guys. Sami protests, there was a mix up with the cards! So Big E BODY SHOTS Sami! Big E bumps Sami off the tables! And then throws him down the ramp! Sami reaches all the way to the bottom! Big E says thank you, and takes his Sami, to SPIKE it! Will the real Sami earn actual praise when he gives Big E another match?

Kayla Braxton interviews Bayley.

The Role Model responds to Bianca saying she is just a measuring stick. It was refreshing to hear someone say something nice about her. But Bayley isn’t going to take it easy on Bianca. Bianca is the strongest, fastest and all that, but compared to what? Just because she ran track in college? Bayley did that, too, in Cross Country. And she was the CAPTAIN of her high school basketball team. You don’t see Bayley bragging about the old days. Bianca has all the potential in the world, but if Bayley were her, she’d be more humble. Instead of picking a fight, she’d just be picking Bayley’s brain. But Bayley will put Bianca, on *clap* the *clap* mat. Can Bayley do that with her match with Bianca up next, after the break?

Bayley VS Bianca Belair!

SmackDown returns and Bayley makes her entrance. The bell rings and Bayley ties up with Bianca, but Bianca scoops her. Bayley slips out, but Bianca is too strong for the roll up! Bianca handsprings back and eggs Bayley on. Bayley stomps a foot! Bayley talks smack but Bianca stomps the foot back! Bayley shoves, wrenches and laces Bianca through ropes! The ref counts, Bayley lets off at 3, and Bianca smirks. Things speed up and Bianca runs Bayley over! Bianca handsprings over Bayley again, eggs her on, then hurdles! Bayley ends up on the apron, and she baits Bianca in to hotshot her! Bayley says to kiss this, but Bianca sweeps the legs! Cover, TWO!

Bianca looms over Bayley, dares her to get up, then brings her up to whip to a corner. Bayley reverses, Bianca goes up and over and handsprings all the way to the other end, tot ell Bayley to kiss this. Bianca then leaps over Bayley to dropkick her down! Bianca kips up, fans cheer on their screens, and Bianca handsprings, but Bayley trips her up! Bayley SLAMS an arm on the apron! Bianca flops out while clutching her arm, and Bayley drags her up to hammerlock and RAM her into barriers! The ring count is climbing while Bayley leaves Bianca behind, and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Bayley clubs Bianca to then throw her back out. Bayley goes out to talk some smack again, “I’m the ER! I’m better!” Bianca rams Bayley into steps! The ring count is up at 8 but Bayley gets in at 9! Bianca and Bayley run at each other but they both DECK the other! Bayley flounders up with the ropes but Bianca is after her. Bianca counter punches, fires off forearms and has Bayley in a corner! Bianca rams her shoulder in, the ref counts and Bianca lets off to bring Bayley up! Bianca holds Bayley and does squats before the SLAM! Bianca kips up, says kiss this again, then drags Bayley up to yank on the arm! And again! And again!

Bianca wrenches, wrings Bayley out, then handspring splashes! Cover, TWO! Bayley gets to the apron, slides under Bianca and runs, but into a scoop and BACKBREAKER! Bianca holds on, carries Bayley around, and GUT BUSTERS! Cover, TWO! Bianca goes to a corner and climbs up, but Bayley throws a forearm! Bayley drags Bianca out on ropes, does some squats, but Bianca gets down to snap suplex Bayley away! Bianca runs in but into a flapjack onto buckles! Bayley hobbles, runs back in, but Bianca flapjacks Bayley! Bianca picks Bayley up for a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Bayley survives and Bianca grows frustrated.

Bianca pounds the mat but manages to shrug it off, only to walk into a boot! Bayley trips Bianca, high stack, but the ref sees her put her feet on ropes! Bianca pops Bayley to a cover, TWO!! Bayley kicks low, reels Bianca in, but Bianca blocks! So Bayley rolls Bianca, but Bianca rolls Bayley! TWO, to a high stack, TWO! Bianca DEAD LIFTS Bayley, but Bayley rakes eyes! ROSE PLANT!! Cover, Bayley wins!!

Winner: Bayley, by pinfall

There is one thing Bayley is more than Bianca: Bayley is the sliest wrestler on SmackDown! But will Bianca learn to be more wary of the Role Model next time?

Roman Reigns returns to the ring!

The Tribal Chief, the Special Counsel, and #MainEventJey are all together, and Roman is going to deliver one final message before TLC! We’ll see and hear what that is, after the break!

SmackDown returns once more, and once more, Heyman fetches a mic for Roman. “For the life of me, I’ve been trying to understand this.” Roman is trying to understand why, if you have the opportunity to be in the ring with Roman, “to be on the Island of Relevancy” in the main event of a PPV and in a championship match, “why would you blow it?” This is the moment your kids’ kids’ kids’ kids’ kids’ kids’ kids will talk about! A moment that elevates your career to the next level, and to get a payday th- Kevin is back!? Somehow, Kevin is walking his way to the ring! And Jey intercepts! But Kevin grabs a chair to JAM and SMACK Jey down!

Roman rushes Kevin but Kevin throws hands! Roman shoves Kevin, Kevin kicks but Jey SUPERKICKS Kevin before a stunner! Roman runs and SPEARS Kevin down! Jey fetches things for Roman as Roman gives CHAIR SHOTS to Kevin over and over! Jey has put in several more chairs, and a couple tables, as Roman digs the chair into Kevin’s head! Jey sets the tables up for Roman while Roman tells Kevin he should’ve just stayed away. ANOTHER chair shot to the back! And another! The tables are set, Roman drags Kevin up and around, to feed to Jey to SPINEBUSTER through a table! Just like backstage! But there’s one table left, and Roman wants to use that one now.

Jey positions things for Roman, then drags Kevin for him. Roman tells Kevin to just take the payday. It’s not worth all this. Kevin still tries to get up but Roman says Kevin has pissed him off! Fireman’s carry, SAMOAN DROP through the table!! But that’s not enough! Jey fetches a THIRD table while Roman uses the wreckage of the others to beat Kevin’s body! Wait, Jey also puts in a FOURTH table, and even fetches a ladder! Roman buries Kevin with the wreckage while Jey fetches a second ladder. Roman uses the new tables to bury Kevin, and then SLAMS a ladder onto him! Jey puts chairs onto the pile and Roman SLAMS the second ladder onto Kevin!

Jey adds more chairs, and Roman SMACKS the pile with a chair! Jey joins in, it’s not even clear if they’re hitting Kevin anymore! For all intents and purposes, Roman and Jey leave Kevin dead and buried under the tables, ladders and chairs in the ring. Will the same thing happen again at TLC? Will Kevin even be at TLC?

Kayla asks Roman on his way out for a word. Roman says she gets one question. Wait, Kevin dug himself out?! And is sitting himself up in a chair, with the mic Roman left behind! “ROMAN! Roman…! Nothing you or your family do to me can keep me down. At TLC, I’m going to take the Universal title, or I’m gonna die trying.” Kevin gave his own ultimatum, but will he be able to #StunTheWorld against the Tribal Chief?

My Thoughts:

What a rather wild go-home from SmackDown! Pretty scant on the matches, but the matches we got did matter towards story. The SmackDown Tag Team Championship match was very good, and I like that they referenced Survivor Series and how New Day worked on Ford’s midsection. I almost thought that was going to be the reason why “The Dirty Dawgs” were going to win, but Profits giving them a taste of karma was good. I don’t know if they need to schedule a rematch at the last minute for TLC, I think this would be better served as a build towards the Royal Rumble.

Speaking of rematches at TLC, obviously we were getting that for the women’s title but Mella made sure to plug it during her segment. Mella had an okay promo, but I feel like they were trying to play off crowd reaction when it’s just ThunderDome screens and piped in noise, not a good move. Mella stands tall against Sasha tonight so clearly that means Sasha wins at TLC. I was hoping Natty was going to be around ringside for Bayley VS Bianca since she was partially involved in the story. Maybe Natty can circle back around, since Bayley had to cheat to win, but it was still a very good main event for Bayley and Bianca.

Riott Squad VS Billie & Tamina was good, and fits exactly what I thought was going to happen last time. I can’t see this going much longer unless someone new is brought up, or Chelsea Green’s hand is 100% healed. I think Gable is trying to gaslight Otis just to ruin things for him more. But it works that Otis still won despite Gable trying to make him change his style. I’m thinking Gable tries to make training even harder on Otis as a passive aggressive way of punishing him. The Sami Awards were actually pretty good, and of course Sami was going to use them to praise himself. But Big E pulling some hijinks was great, and this clearly means we’re getting Sami VS Big E for the Intercontinental title.

And once again, the Roman Reigns story is the best part of SmackDown, and better than most of Raw. While the show opened with recap, and then a promo segment with Kevin and Heyman that wasn’t even 10 minutes, everything that followed was worth it. Kevin getting tricked, getting jumped, getting the crap kicked out of him, and then literally getting buried, none of it stopped him! Now, I don’t think Kevin is winning the title in the TLC match at TLC, but he is going to give Roman the best fight since Roman returned, and that in itself is a prize.

My Score: 8.5/10

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Mitchell’s WWE 205 Live Results & Report! (12/18/20)

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Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (9/9/24)

It’s the Raw Season Premiere!

Published

15 mins ago

September 9, 2024

Steven Mitchell

WWE Week begins on USA Network!

For the next THREE weeks, WWE dominates USA Network, and it all starts with this Raw Season Premiere! But who wins big to face Bron Breakker for the Intercontinental Championship?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Mixed 8 Person Street Fight: The Wyatt Sick6 VS Team American Made; win(s).
Dominik Mysterio VS Dragon Lee; wins.
Six Woman Tag: Pure Fusion Collective VS Zelina Vega, Lyra Valkyria & ???; win(s).
WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill VS Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn; win and
WWE Intercontinental Championship #1 Contender’s Fatal 4 Way: Jey Uso VS Pete Dunne VS Ilja Dragunov VS Braun Strowman; wins and will challenge Bron Breakker for the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

This season premiere’s first hour will be COMMERCIAL FREE!

Mixed 8 Person Street Fight: The Wyatt Sick6 VS Team American Made!

Bo Dallas has been trying to get Chad Gable to see the error of his ways, but to error is human. So Uncle Howdy had to step in. He has brought back the family back to laugh, and now Sister Abigail, Ramblin’ Rabbit, Huskus the Pig Boy & Mercy the Buzzard shall bring a reckoning to Gable, Ivy Nile & The Creed Brothers! Will Gable’s “new family” survive the sins of their “father?” Or will being “American Made” not be enough to avoid the consequence?

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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

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Coverage

Mitchell’s NJPW Road to Destruction Results & Report! (9/8/24)

This road is paved with gold!

Published

20 hours ago

September 8, 2024

Steven Mitchell

Will Yota Tsuji have his 15 minutes of fame?

As NJPW heads for Kobe, we will be getting title match main event after title match main event, and Jeff Cobb VS Yota Tsuji will set the tone! But will the Imperial Unit’s season continue? Or will this become The Gene Blast Show?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Kickoff – Masatora Yasuda VS Daiki Nagai; Time Limit Draw.
Six Man Tag: The United Empire VS Tiger Mask, Shoma Kato & Katsuya Murashima; The United Empire wins.
Shota Umino & Jado VS Ren Narita & Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Ren & Kanemaru win.
Tomohiro Ishii & Tomoaki Honma VS Gabe Kidd & Jake Lee; Gabe & Jake win.
8 Man Tag: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano, Boltin Oleg & Ryusuke Taguchi VS The House of Torture; The House of Torture wins.
DOUKI & Taka Michinoku VS Taiji Ishimori & Gedo; Taiji & Gedo win.
Tetsuya Naito & BUSHI VS Zack Sabre Jr. & Kosei Fujita; ZSJ & Fujita win.
Hiromu Takahashi & Shingo Takagi VS HENARE & Francesco Akira; Hiromu & Takagi win.
NJPW World Television Championship: Jeff Cobb VS Yota Tsuji; Time Limit Draw, Cobb retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

Tetsuya Naito & BUSHI VS Zack Sabre Jr. & Kosei Fujita!

While the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship will be on the line in Kobe, the Uncontrollable Charisma is willing to give a free sample of what could be! Will Los Ingobernables de Japon keep things tranquilo on this Road to Destruction? Or will The Front Man and Ichiban Young Punk prove The Mighty Don’t Kneel?

The teams sort out, and while LIJ fist bumps, TMDK, uh, start the fire? The fans applaud the low finger wiggling, but then ZSJ trolls Naito but letting Fujita start! Naito asks for ZSJ, “onegaishimasu.” ZSJ says alright and he steps in. The bell rings and the fans cheer as we get the showdown of World Heavyweight Champion and G1 Climax winner! The two circle, the fans duel, and it is already red hot in Korakuen. Naito and ZSJ slowly feel things out, but then Bushi attacks! Naito sucker punches Fujita, the fans are torn, but LIJ whips. ZSJ wrenches them both to DOUBLE PELE the arms! ZSJ UPPERCUTS Bushi out of the ring!

Naito catches ZSJ, spins him, but ZSJ dodges the lariat to BOOT Naito down! The fans cheer, and ZSJ tags Fujita in. Fujita brings Naito up, CHOPS, then whips. Naito reverses but Fujita ducks ‘n’ dodges, to RANA! Naito tumbles out, the fans fire up, and Fujita builds speed. Naito moves, but Fujita goes to the apron! PENALTY KICK! The fans fire up again while Naito falls! Fujita drags Naito up, puts him against railing, and CHOPS! Naito staggers away but Fujita follows, to CHOP him again. Fujita puts Naito in, waistlocks and deadlifts, but Naito fights with elbows! Fujita ducks an elbow to CHOP! Fujita runs, but Naito kicks low!

Bushi runs in and he sunset flips Fujita, and then rewinds him into Naito’s basement dropkick to the leg! Bushi dropkicks ZSJ’s legs out, too! Naito brings Fujita around by his leg, tags in Bushi, and LIJ splits the wishbone! Fujita writhes, but Bushi brings him up to bump off buckles. Bushi DOUBLE CHOPS, puts the bad leg in ropes, then DROPKICKS the leg! Bushi pushes Fujita over, covers, TWO! The fans applaud but Bushi drags Fujita up to snapmare, and KICKS him in the back! Fujita writhes but Naito tags in to grab the leg. Naito steps through, FIGURE FOUR! Fujita endures, the fans rally, and Fujita fights around.

ZSJ coaches Fujita on, but Naito puts on the pressure! Fujita drags Naito along to the ROPEBREAK! Naito claims he needs help, so the ref helps undo his figure four. Naito then drags Fujita up, but Fujita fires a forearm! It doesn’t do much, so Fujita throws more forearms. Then a CHOP! Naito SPITS at Fujita, then kicks his leg out! And kicks it again! Naito grabs the leg, but Fujita fights the lift with a headlock. Fujita throws elbows but Naito ROCKS him. Naito whips, Fujita reverses and GAMANGIRIS! Naito falls and the fans fire up! Fujita crawls over, hot tag to ZSJ! The fans fire up as ZSJ runs up to BOOT Naito!

ZSJ whips, Naito reverses, but ZSJ catches Naito to a COBRA TWIST! The fans fire up, Naito powers out to HIP TOSS! Naito grabs at ZSJ but ZSJ bridges up, snapmares, and NECK TWISTS! ZSJ dropkicks Naito, then mocks Naito’s pose, adding deuces to it. ZSJ taunts Naito as the champion, then UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS again! ZSJ scoops but Naito fights free! Naito arm-drags, then sidesteps ZSJ to ELBOW him down, and basement DROPKICK! Naito brings ZSJ around, holds on, and then NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up, but Naito kicks ZSJ around.

ZSJ stands, but Naito throws those heavy elbows! ZSJ shakes his head, and he dodges an elbow, but Naito avoids the Pele! ZSJ avoids the enzigiri and body scissors Naito into the JAPANESE LEG CLUTCH! TWO!! Naito escapes but ZSJ PENALTY KICKS! ZSJ whips, Naito reverses, TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up while both men are down! Naito crawls, hot tag to Bushi! Bushi storms up to CLUB ZSJ. Bushi whips, dropkicks ZSJ’s legs, but Fujita is in! Fujita kicks, CHOPS and whips, but Bushi reverses to dropkick the legs out! Bushi BLASTS ZSJ off the apron, then builds speed! Bushi DIVES and ZSJ hits railing!

The fans fire up and Bushi encourages them to get louder. The fans do rally harder, and Bushi puts ZSJ in. ZSJ goes to a corner so Bushi whips corner to corner. Bushi runs up to ELBOW ZSJ, then FISHERMAN- NO, ZSJ spins through the screw to GUILLOTINE FACELOCK! Bushi endures, but he is caught in body scissors! Naito storms in to step on ZSJ’s face! ZSJ still holds on, and Fujita springboard MISSILE DROPKICKS! ZSJ drags Bushi up, scoops, ZACK- NO, Bushi slips free to backslide! ZSJ rolls through, Bushi avoids the kick to dropkick legs! Bushi trips ZSJ, ties the legs, FABLE, but ZSJ turns right over! BOW ‘N’ ARROW HYBRID!

Bushi endures, reaches out, but then ZSJ adds a CROSSFACE! Bushi TAPS, TMDK wins!

Winners: Zack Sabre Jr. & Kosei Fujita, by submission

The Submission Master continues to innovate, even in a split second moment like this! Will such savage creativity ensure he becomes the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, no matter who meets him in Ryogoku?

Hiromu Takahashi & Shingo Takagi VS HENARE & Francesco Akira!

Speaking of coming title matches, The Ticking Timebomb is going to battle the Face of Fury for his NEVER Openweight Championship tomorrow night! Will the Rampaging Dragon help the Best of the Super Juniors build some momentum? Or will The United Empire show LIJ what’s in store for them this week?

LIJ fist bumps, the teams sort out, and Hiromu starts against Henare. The bell rings and the two run in to RAM shoulders! Hiromu staggers back but Henare gets moving! Hiromu ducks ‘n’ dodges to RAM Henare, but he bounces right off! Henare eggs Hiromu on but Hiromu just grins. Hiromu CHOPS, but Henare ROCKS him in return! Hiromu CHOPS again, Henare forearms again, repeat! Hiromu fires up, the fans rally, and Henare eggs him on. The CHOPS and forearms keep going, and Hiromu staggers back. Henare eggs Hiromu on, so the CHOPS and forearms just start again! Hiromu staggers, but he comes back for more!

Henare fires up now, and he ROCKS Hiromu! Hiromu CHOPS, Henare ROCKS, repeat! The two go forehead to forehead, then they BLAST the tag partners! Then they RAM into each other! Hiromu staggers to ropes while Henare flexes. Hiromu steps up to CHOP, but Henare ROCKS him again! The CHOPS and forearms keep going, and now Hiromu wobbles! Hiromu still CHOPS, CHOPS and CHOPS! Henare KICKS! The fans fire up while Hiromu staggers to ropes. Hiromu comes back to CHOP, CHOP and CHOP! Henare just snarls, then KICKS! Hiromu staggers around again, but he still comes back to CHOP, CHOP, and CHOP!

Hiromu eggs Henare on now, and Henare grits his teeth. Hiromu blocks the kick, and the haymaker, to DRAGON SCREW! The fans fire up and Hiromu smiles as he hurries to tag Takagi. Takagi brings up Henare to put the bad leg on ropes. Takagi kicks that leg, then lets off to CHOP! And JAB! And whip corner to corner, for a LARIAT! Takagi snap suplexes, then drops a BIG elbow! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up as Takagi brings Henare around. Takagi facelocks Henare, tags Hiromu, then Takagi BLASTS Akira! Hiromu CHOPS, CHOPS, and Takagi JABS! LIJ double whip to DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE!

The fans fire up as Takagi and Hiromu flex! Hiromu drags Henare up to CHOP! Henare goes to a corner, Takagi JABS him again. LIJ double whips Henare corner to corner, Hiromu runs in, but Henare dodges him! Henare RAMS Takagi, then fireman’s carries Hiromu! Henare SMACKS Takagi with Hiromu, then WASTELAND SLAMS and SENTONS! The fans fire up, and Henare drags Hiromu back up. Henare whips Hiromu hard into the corner and Hiromu bounces off buckles! Tag to Akira and the fans rally up. The clean shaven Fireball drags Hiromu up, but Hiromu CHOPS! And CHOPS! Akira CHOPS back!

Akira brings Hiromu up onto the top rope, puts him in a Tree of Woe, and while the ref reprimands him, he sneaks mule kicks! The fans are torn but the ref gets Akira to stop. Akira runs corner to corner to basement DROPKICK! The fans fire up and Akira dumps Hiromu out of the Tree. Cover, TWO! Akira drags Hiromu up while fans rally, and Akira tags Henare. Henare brings Hiromu up to fireman’s carry, and SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Hiromu stays in this, the fans rally up, but Henare DECKS Takagi! The ref reprimands but Henare goes to a corner. Henare aims, roars, and stomps the mat! Hiromu rises, Henare runs up, into a KICK!

Henare takes swings, Hiromu bobs ‘n’ weaves and mule kicks! Hiromu whips, Henare comes back, RAMP- DDT! Hiromu crawls, Henare drags him back! Hiromu dodges to wheelbarrow and COMPLETE SHOT! The fans fire up while both men are down! Henare and Hiromu crawl, hot tags to Akira and Takagi! Takagi runs up, Akira dodges to BOOT then ENZIGIRI! Akira runs to LARIAT! Then he comes back to UPPERCUT! Akira whips but Takagi blocks! Takagi breaks free, Akira fires forearms, but Takagi eggs him on! Akira mule kicks, whips, but Takagi blocks again! Takagi reverses, KNEES low, then runs.

Akira dodges Takagi to RANA! The fans fire up as Takagi bails out, and Akira PLANCHAS! The fans fire up again, and Akira puts Takagi in. Akira says, “Korakuen, IKU ZO!” The fans fire up as Akira goes up and up, to CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up and Akira rises. The fans rally for “A! KI RA! A! KI RA!” Akira is copying Takagi as he looks around for cameras. He tells Korakuen, “Akira wa… TOKI GA KITA!!” The fans fire up but Takagi is mad! Takagi fireman’s carries, but Akira fights free! Akira CLUBS Takagi, shoves, follows, but into an ELBOW! JAB! YUKON feint and DDT! Hiromu runs in to BOOT Henare!

The fans fire up, Hiromu CHOPS Akira to a corner, and Takagi joins in. The fans rally as LIJ double whips Akira corner to corner. Hiromu runs in to LARIAT! Takagi runs in to LARIAT! Takagi feeds Akira to a SUPERKICK! Then Takagi PUMPING BOMBERS! Cover, Henare breaks it! Henare blocks a superkick, Hiromu ducks ‘n’ dodges haymakers, then SHOTGUNS! Down goes Henare and the fans fire up again! Takagi starts up the “OI! OI! OI!” and he powers up. Pump handle, but Akira fights the lift! Takagi knees low, but Akira victory rolls, STOMP 182! The fans fire up again and Akira sits Takagi up.

Akira roars, runs, but Takagi LARIATS! Takagi runs, but Akira slips around! Takagi stays up in the crucifix, but Akira shifts to SUNSET BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Takagi rises, into a SUPERKICK! ROUNDHOUSE! Takagi staggers back, swings, but Akira dodges! Only to run into a POP-UP DEATH VALLEY! And PUMPING BOMBER!! Cover, TWO?!? Akira survives and the fans fire up! Takagi roars and says “TOKI GA KITA!” Now it’s Takagi’s time as he pump handles and lifts, MADE IN JAPAN!! Cover, LIJ wins!

Winner: Hiromu Takahashi & Shingo Takagi, by pinfall

The Rampaging Dragon was fireproof and he takes down Akira! But Henare still taunts Hiromu with the NEVER Openweight Championship. Who will stand tall with that belt in just under 24 hours?

NJPW World Television Championship: Jeff Cobb VS Yota Tsuji!

When The Imperial Unit finally took this title from Zack Sabre Jr, it proved that third time’s the charm. However, The Gene Blast has been on the doorstep of making history quite a few times already. Will this be when Yota knocks down the door? Or will Cobb make sure Yota’s 15 minutes of fame end with him?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and time to see who’s the star of the show!

The bell rings and we’re on the clock! The fans rally as “YO~TA! YO~TA!” grins at “COBBU! COBBU!” Cobb and Yota, circle, approach, and Yota dodges to kick. Yota whips, Cobb reverses, but Yota flips to RANA! The fans fire up as Cobb goes to a corner. Yota runs in, but Cobb avoids the splash! Cobb comes back, Yota BOOTS him, then goes up to FLYING RANA! Cobb tumbles out of the ring, the fans rally up, and Yota encourages them. The fans get a little louder, then Yota builds speed. Yota DIVES, and he sends Cobb into and over railing! The fans fire up as the front row gets Cobb in their laps! Yota takes a lap to get the fans even hotter!

Yota comes back for Cobb, drags him up and over, and then drags Cobb up to put in the ring. Yota fires up and the fans cheer, but Yota has to remember the time is running. Cobb BODY BLOWS at the ropes! Cobb frowns and he drags Yota up. Cobb suplexes but Yota slips out! Yota ducks ‘n’ dodges, tilt-o-whirls and arm-drags! Then he RUNS Cobb over! The fans fire up again and Yota paces. Yota covers, ONE! The fans applaud as Cobb stays in this, and Yota drags him up. Yota wrenches to wristlock. Yota YANKS the arm, then clamps onto the other arm for a motorcycle stretch! Cobb endures and the fans rally up.

Cobb powers up, but Yota pulls him into a BACKSTABBER! The fans rally while Yota paces, and he grins. Cobb eggs Yota on, and Cobb fires body shots! Yota ROCKS Cobb, and then drags him up. Cobb fights the suplex, Yota still tries, but Cobb suplexes Yota! To then TOSS him! The fans fire up at the feat of strength, but Cobb clutches his shoulder. That might’ve taken a bit out of him, too. Cobb goes to Yota, drags him up, and ROCKS him with a forearm! Then CHOPS him to the corner. Cobb pulls Yota’s hair, to then CLUB him down! Red Shoes reprimands but the fans rally up. Cobb drags Yota up, but Yota fires forearms!

We pass five minutes as Cobb knees low. Cobb whips, scoops, and ATHLETIC- ARM-DRAG! Yota turns things around, kicks low, then runs, but he fakes Cobb out! Cobb’s dropkick gets nothing but air, and Yota jackknife bridges! TWO as Cobb tips to one side! Yota pushes Cobb down, TWO as Cobb tips the other way! Yota powers him down again, TWO as Cobb bridges up! The fans fire up and Cobb spins Yota around to backslide! Yota rolls through, but Cobb blocks the knee! Cobb CLUBS Yota’s leg, then jumps up to DROPKICK! The fans fire up for the athleticism, and Yota tumbles out of the ring!

The fans rally up, Cobb goes out to fetch Yota, and he CLUBS Yota hard on the back! Yota staggers around the way but Cobb pursues, to CLUB him again! Yota barks in pain as he goes around the corner again. The ring count starts, Cobb HEADBUTTS Yota in the back, and then stands on Yota’s back! Cobb uses Yota to surf, and he says crowns up to Great-O-Khan on commentary. Khan applauds his teammate, and Cobb even crosses his arms like Khan. Cobb hears the count hit 13 of 20 and hurries back inside. Cobb then goes back out, refreshing the count. Cobb says he’ll get Yota in the ring, choto matte! <Just wait!>

Cobb puts Yota in, the fans applaud, and he drags Yota up. Cobb fireman’s carries, then he puts Yota up top. Cobb HEADBUTTS Yota in the side again and again, then climbs up after him! The fans rally as Cobb gut wrenches! SUPER GUT WRENCH PLEX! The fans fire up while both men are down! Cobb crawls his way over to cover, TWO! The fans cheer as Yota stays in this, and Cobb reminds Yota that he has to beat Cobb. Cobb stands on Yota’s hand, but lets off as Red Shoes reprimands. Yota still coughs and sputters, but Cobb steps up. Yota fires body shots, but Cobb HEADBUTTS him back down!

The fans rally while Cobb paces around. Cobb stands on Yota’s chest, Red Shoes says that’s not a cover, so Cobb steps off and apologizes. Cobb wrenches Yota, then short arm LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Another cover, TWO! Cobb is annoyed so he wraps on a rear bearhug! We pass 10 minutes so time is on Cobb’s side! Cobb sits Yota up to KNEE him in the side, then he stands Yota up, only for Yota to fire forearms! Cobb ROCKS Yota back, eggs him on, and the forearms start flying! The fans rally up and Yota gets the edge! But Cobb fires a flurry in return! Cobb locks ‘n’ loads, but Yota catches him to BACKBREAKER! FLATLINER! CURB- NO! Cobb stays up!!

The fans fire up as Cobb denies the Gene Combination, but Yota KICKS Cobb in the face! Then Yota runs to basement dropkick! The fans fire up while both men are down again! Yota catches his breath, heads over and fires up. Yota reels Cobb in, and manages to suplex high and hard! Cover, TWO! Cobb stays in this but Yota fires up more! The fans rally, but time is still ticking away. Yota storms back up to Cobb, brings him up, and puts him right up top! Yota CHOPS Cobb, then climbs, and the fans rally again. But Cobb fires body shots at the three minute warning! Cobb slips under Yota, to AWESOME- RANA!!

The fans are thunderous as Yota gets up, to GENE TRIGGER! And then fireman’s carry!? 17 CROSS! Cover, TWO!! The fans are thunderous again, and Yota drags Cobb over to a corner. Yota goes up and up for MARLOWE- Cobb catches him!?! ATHLETIC PLEX!! The fans are thunderous and Cobb stalks Yota. We hit the two minute warning and Cobb decides to go up and up, and steal MARLOWE CRASH!! Cover, TWO!! Yota survives Cobb’s take on his move, so Cobb tries the other! Cobb powers up, runs up, GENE- ROLL THROUGH! And deadlift into a Canadian Rack! But Cobb slips free, to GENE BLASTER!!

The fans are electric while both men are down again! Cobb crawls his way over, covers, TWO!!! Yota survives Cobb’s parody, and we’re under 60 seconds! Cobb whips, scoops, TOUR OF- CRADLE!! TWO!!! Cobb escapes, but Yota runs up! INTO A LARIAT!! Cobb hurries to drag Yota up! 30 seconds, Cobb whips, GENE- BOOT!! Cobb stops the blaster at the last second! But Yota rises!? 20 seconds!! POP-UP into F5 THOUSAND!!! TEN SECONDS!! Cobb crawls, covers, TWO?!?! AND TIME’S UP!!

Time Limit Draw; Jeff Cobb retains the title

The fans are still thunderous, even as this battle uses up all 15 minutes! Cobb survives, this is still his show, but he isn’t satisfied. Will he and Yota give us a sequel in the near future? WAIT, REN NARITA RUNS IN!! DOWN2DIE!! The wicked knee drop drops Cobb! The fans boo but this Souled Out Son of Strong Style continues to be an S O B! And he uses his pushup bar to CLOBBER Yota!! Ren ruins the moment, and he takes the mic for his own. “Oi, Jeff… I beat you in the G1, but you gave him a title match first? Don’t screw with me!” Ren picks up the NJPW World TV Championship and the fans boo more than before.

The fans now tell Ren to go away, go home, get outta here! But Ren tells Cobb, “Listen up. This belt rightfully belongs to ME, dumbass!” Ren drops the belt on Cobb, then “puts one out” before leaving. The fans boo more, but Cobb sits up. The fans cheer as Cobb grabs the mic, and Cobb says, in Japanese, “Yota… Happy Birthday.” The fans applaud, it’s the thought that counts. And then Cobb tells Narita, also in Japanese, “I will CRUSH you!!” Mic drop and the fans cheer that idea! When and where will the Imperial Unit take Ren on a Tour of the Islands?

My Thoughts:

Another great night for NJPW with… Actually, this is the second night of Road to Destruction, but the very first night was all just fun tune-up tag matches, and then they had Takagi’s 20th Anniversary night. But here, the real Road to Destruction begins as we get a title match and some more build. Good stuff in the matches I skipped, but very easy results to call. There are almost always “fall guys” in those matches, because they take the loss and all that. I probably could’ve made time for Douki & Taka VS Taiji & Gedo since that feeds the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship match in a few days, but even then, Taka was the “fall guy” and Taiji has momentum. Douki & Taka can probably even things in another tune-up, keeping us guessing on the math going into their title match.

Very good matches that followed, as well. ZSJ was of course winning to keep his momentum going from the G1 Climax win, but likewise, Naito can turn things around before he faces Khan in three weeks. Actually, I feel like we should be getting a rotation of such tag matches. Naito & Bushi VS Khan & Akira, then Khan & Akira VS ZSJ & Fujita. And speaking of Akira, he of course took the loss for his team, that keeps Takagi strong, and then Hiromu and Henare are fairly even going into tomorrow’s title match. It would be pretty big if Hiromu won the NEVER Openweight title, but it doesn’t feel like that’s happening here.

And great NJPW World Television Championship match. It was a great move to go with the time limit draw, that protects both guys and leaves things open for more later. After all, Cobb had a time limit draw with ZSJ and that only made us want more, which we eventually got. Ren of course had to interject, but I’m pretty sure Cobb wins within the time limit there. Though, the House of Torture probably throws as many cheats as they can in those 15 minutes and that’d oddly be a lot of fun.