Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW WrestleKingdom 15 Results & Report! (1/4/21)
WrestleKingdom 15, Night 1!
NJPW gives us another massive double event to open the New Year!
Once more, NJPW WrestleKingdom is a massive TWO-DAY event! And Night One is big with the IWGP Double Championship main event, Naito VS Ibushi!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- New Japan Rambo: Chase Owens, Bad Luck Fale, Bushi & Toru Yano are the final four, and will compete in Night Two’s KOPW 2021 Fatal 4 Way.
- IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship Contender’s Match: Hiromu Takahashi VS El Phantasmo; Hiromu wins and challenges Taiji Ishimori for the title on Night Two.
- IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: The Dangerous Tekkers VS Guerrillas of Destiny; Guerrillas of Destiny win and become the new IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions.
- IWGP United States Championship Right to Challenge Match: KENTA VS Satoshi Kojima; Kenta wins and retains the Right to Challenge contract.
- Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Great-O-Khan; Tanahashi wins.
- Kazuchika Okada VS Will Ospreay; Okada wins.
- IWGP Heavyweight & Intercontinental Double Championship: Tetsuya Naito VS Kota Ibushi; Ibushi wins and becomes the new Double Champion, will defend the titles against Jay White on Night Two.
PLAY BY PLAY
New Japan Rambo!
2020 is over, and Toru Yano finished as Mr. KOPW! But now with 2021, the challenge is to see who stays Mr. KOPW for an entire year! With 22 wrestlers being whittled down to four, will Yano have a shot at going back-to-back?
First out is the Crown Jewel of Bullet Club, Chase Owens! Second is Chaos’ Stone Pitbull, Tomohiro Ishii! And Ishii fires off on Owens before the bell! Ishii whips, Owens reverses but Ishii bounces off buckles only to run into a kick. Owens fires off a strike fest but Ishii dodges the Jewel Trigger. Owens dodges back to try for a backslide, but Ishii rolls off, so Owens tucks him in! Ishii avoids the package driver to spin Owens around but Owens avoids the brain buster. Owens boots, Ishii forearms and then catches Owens’ clothesline! Owens rolls out of the armlock but Ishii runs, only for Owens to avoid the sliding lariat! Fans cheer as the two stand off.
Owens and Ishii circle, Owens kicks low and bumps Ishii off buckles. Owens stomps away and even chokes Ishii, but the ref counts. Fans cheer as the third entry appears! And it’s Minoru Suzuki! Owens wants a time out and slips under the ropes to safety. The ref reprimands but Owens is taking full advantage of the rules to take a breather while Suzuki heads to the ring. On the flipside, Ishii is ready the second the Meanest Man in the World gets in, and they fire off forearms! Owens gets in to get in on it, but Ishii DECKS him! Suzuki and Ishii brawl, Owens comes back but Suzuki DECKS him!
Owens fires up and throws forearms on both of them! But neither flinches! Suzuki ROCKS Owens, Ishii DECKS him! Then they go after each other again! But another entry shows up already, and it’s Yuji Nagata! Blue Justice heads to the ring but Suzuki stomps Ishii over and over. Suzuki also BOOTS Owens, but turns his attention to Nagata as he enters. Now these two brawl back and forth! Suzuki chokes Nagata while Owens stomps Ishii! Nagata hits back but Suzuki knees low over and over! Owens CHOPS Ishii but Ishii doesn’t flinch. Owens keeps throwing CHOPS but Ishii CHOPS and forearms back!
Nagata turns things around on Suzuki only for Suzuki to rake eyes and turn things back around. Fans fire up as the CHOPS keep flying and the fifth entry appears! It’s Toa Henare! The Hammerhead hurries into the ring as Ishii fires off on Nagata and Suzuki, and Henare goes after Ishii! Ishii hits back, whips, but Henare reverses, only for the two to collide! Ishii and Henare bob ‘n’ weave with each other, Henare ROCKS Ishii and runs, only for Ishii to stop him flat! Henare suplexes Ishii and gets him up and over! Fans cheer as Henare stomps away, but Owens clobbers Henare from behind. Suzuki and Nagata brawl with each other again and fans fire up.
Entry six is here, and it’s Hirooki Goto! Suzuki dodges Nagata to get a SLEEPER! But Nagata fights out to get an elbow breaker! Goto makes his way into the ring as Suzuki drags Nagata up a corner in the sleeper! Ishii goes to push them both! Suzuki and Nagata stay on the apron and DECK Ishii! Suzuki and Nagata brawl, but Henare runs over and BLASTS them off the apron! Henare ELIMINATES BOTH Suzuki and Nagata! That’s huge for the young stud! But at the same time, Suzuki and Nagata don’t care, they just brawl with each other at ringside! Goto gets in and goes after Owens while Henare stomps Ishii.
Ishii hits back and brawls with Henare, but then Ishii just leans into Henare’s forearms. Ishii ROCKS Henare, Suzuki and Nagata brawl all the way back out of the arena, and Goto bumps Owens off buckles. Henare forearms and CHOPS Ishii in return, throws some knees, but Goto hurries over to help his teammate. Owens hits Goto, runs but Goto follows to LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Goto snapmares Owens, and another entry is here! It’s Yujiro Takahashi! Bullet Club’s Tokyo Pimp hurries to reinforce Owens as Goto covers, TWO! Goto stomps Owens, Ishii stomps Henare. Goto grinds Owens’ head with a boot but Yujiro gets in and goes after him!
Yujiro throws forearms but Goto kicks. Yujiro blocks, trips Goto up and runs to basement boot! But Henare SPEARS Yujiro! Ishii comes back and brawls with Henare, and he withstands the clothesline! Ishii fires elbows from both sides, but Henare Tomahawk elbows then HEEL KICKS! Ishii wobbles, Henare runs in but Ishii tosses and ELIMINATES Henare! Owens and Yujiro work together on Goto with a double whip, mule kick, stomps and then knees. The next entry is here, and it’s YOSHI-HASHI! The NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Champions are all together now!
Yujiro and Owens stomp Goto and Ishii then go after Hashi as soon as he’s in! They stomp and CHOP then whip Hashi to a corner. Owens whips Yujiro in but Hashi dodges to CHOP Owens, then he comes back to CHOP Yujiro! Hashi whips Yujiro, Yujiro reverses but Hashi dodges and he hits a spinning mule kick! Goto runs Yujiro over! Now Chaos takes over and they stomp Bullet Club down! Ishii keeps Owens down while Goto and Hashi hammer away on Yujiro. Owens turns things around on Ishii, and another entry appears! It is Togi Makabe! Hashi and Goto CHOP Yujiro, double whip, then combine but Yujiro dodges the hip toss senton!
Owens BOOTS Goto down then goes after Ishii in a corner. The Unchained Gorilla gets in and throws forearms on Owens! Yujiro hits Makabe and whips but Makabe reverses to put Yujiro in a corner. Makabe goes back and forth with clotheslines and fans fire up with him! Makabe goes after Hashi and Goto, and DOUBLE CLOTHESLINES them to DOUBLE ELIMINATE them!! Ishii goes after Makabe and CHOPS! Makabe forearms back, Ishii CHOPS, repeat! Makabe ROCKS Ishii, digs his boots in, but Yujiro goes after Makabe with a rake of the eyes! Yujiro goes to the ropes but Makabe resists being thrown out. Owens helps Yujiro but Makabe still holds on. Ishii goes after Owens!
Owens hits back, and another entry is here! Tomoaki Honma heads to the ring! Owens goes after Ishii’s legs while Yujiro tries to throw Makabe out. Honma goes after Yujiro with clubbing forearms but Yujiro keeps trying to throw Makabe out. Honma keeps trying, but he uses a HEADBUTT to knock Yujiro down! Honma and Makabe see Ishii coming, Ishii clotheslines Makabe but Honma goes after Ishii. Honma CHOPS Ishii, Ishii CHOPS Makabe, repeat! Honma shows high five, but he uses that to sucker Makabe in for a kick and CHOP! Another entry is here, and it’s HIROYOSHI TENZAN! Fans cheer as Tenzan returns to action!
Honma whips Ishii, then whips Makabe. Makabe reverses, Honma gets around, Tenzan gives Makabe CHOPS! Honma HEADBUTTS, and is working with Tenzan to throw Makabe out! They ELIMINATE Makabe, but then Honma goes after Tenzan! Honma’s definitely in this for himself! Ishii puts Owens on the apron, Owens BOOTS him back and slips under the bottom rope. Honma goes to throw Ishii, but Tenzan clubs Honma on the back. Owens clubs Tenzan, runs, but into a headbutt! Tenzan CHOPS Owens down! Tenzan throws hands and CHOPS and stomps on Owens as another entry appears! It’s Rocky Romero! Rocky fires off on Owens!
Rocky whips, Owens reverses but Rocky RANAS! Fans cheer as Rocky fires off on Honma but Honma rocks him back. Tenzan stomps Ishii, Rocky picks Honma up but Honma fights him off! Honma bumps Rocky off buckles, and goes to throw him out! Rocky holds on, Yujiro slides back in after using the loopholes to catch his breath. Tenzan goes to throw Owens out, Owens holds on but he’s put on the apron again! Owens scrambles to get the bottom rope, and another entry appears! It’s Douki! Honma tries to throw Tenzan out while Rocky goes after Yujiro. Rocky and Ishii whip Yujiro to run him over! Douki gets in with the stick!
Rocky hits Douki first, kicks and uppercuts, and fans cheer as Rocky whips. Douki reverses but Rocky hits another rana! Fans fire up with Rocky as he runs in, to corner clothesline! Infinite clotheslines on just Douki! But Douki dodges to STICK SMACK Rocky! The ref DISQUALIFIES Douki! Douki ELIMINATES himself, but he just wants to choke Rocky! Owens goes after Ronma, but here comes another entry! It’s SHO! Rocky’s protege rushes in to save him from Douki! SPEAR! Douki finally leaves and Sho makes sure Rocky is alright. Owens goes after Sho while Honma and Tenzan mug Ishii. Ishii just eggs them on and CHOPS! They CHOP back!
Sho throws Owens over the ropes but Yujiro makes the save. Yujiro stomps Rocky, Tenzan turns on Honma and goes to throw him over. Honma holds on, Owens is after Sho, but Ishii storms over after Sho. The next entry is here, and it’s BUSHI! Death Mask takes his time letting the others stomp away, and Chaos gives Owens a DOUBLE SUPLEX! Honma hurries to cover, TWO! Ishii takes offense so he and Honma brawl. Bushi finally gets in but Yujiro kicks him first. Yujiro whips, Bushi holds rope then dumps Yujiro out and ELIMINATES him! Owens kicks and whips Bushi, but Bushi dodges to DIVE out onto Yujiro! That was a tope suicida so Bushi isn’t out of the match. It did take a bit out of Bushi, though.
Owens checks on Yujiro then goes after Ishii. Rocky brawls with Tenzan, Honma stomps Sho. Another entry is here, and it’s TIGER MASK! Owens mocks Tenzan’s Monglian CHOPS, Bushi gets back up, but waits as Tiger Mask ROCKS Rocky! Tiger Mask goes up top and hits a CROSSBODY! Rocky rolls out and gets Tiger by the wrists, but Tiger Mask hits a flipping mule kick! Tiger Mask covers Rocky, TWO! Sho knocks Owens down, Tiger Mask KICKS away on Rocky, but Rocky pushes Tiger Mask to a corner and throws knees. Tiger Mask gets away, Bushi helps Honma from the outside drag Ishii up onto the ropes!
Rocky goes after Bushi, but another entry is here! It’s BAD LUCK FALE! The Rogue General storms over as Tiger Mask and Rocky mug Bushi. Fale whips Ishii to a corner but Fale dodges to kick low. Ishii tries to suplex Fale but Fale suplexes Ishii! Owens helps out and gets Ishii on the apron! But Ishii dumps Owens out to join him! Owens gets up, Ishii ROCKS him, but Fale BLASTS Ishii off the apron! Fale ELIMINATES Ishii! Fale also helps Owens get back in, only for Honma to scoop slam Owens. Honma runs for the falling headbutt! Another entry is here, and it’s a Young Lion, Gabriell Kidd! Bushi is after him on the outside and they brawl!
Fale scoops and throws Honma out to ELIMINATE him! Tenzan CHOPS Fale, runs, but Fale CLOBBERS him in return! Bushi isn’t letting Kidd into the ring?! Bushi CLUBS Kidd, but Fale throws Tenzan out and ELIMINATES him! Sho goes after Fale, Sho and Rocky DOUBLE KNEE Fale, then hurry to pick him up! Tiger Mask helps out, but Owens makes the save! Bushi still keeps Kidd out with clubbing forearms and stomps. Tiger Mask gives Owens THE Tiger Driver! Sho hits a PENALTY KICK, Rocky adds a back senton! Cover, but Fale breaks it! The next entry is in, and it’s another Young Lion in Yuya Uemura!
Uemura helps Kidd fight Bushi off while Fale throws Rocky out and ELIMINATES him! Sho waistlocks Fale but he can’t lift Fale. Sho runs, into Fale’s arms! Fale tosses and ELIMINATES Sho! Tiger Mask kicks away on Fale but Fale pops Tiger Mask up! Fale throws Tiger Mask over and out to ELIMINATE him! The Young Lions finally get in and go after Owens! Kidd whips and dropkicks Owens down! The Young Lions go after Fale together with stomps in a corner. Another entry is here, and it’s another Young Lion, YOTA TSUJI! The three Lions club away on Fale! Dropkick after dropkick, and then Tsuji runs, into Owens’ LARIAT! Owens BOOTS Kidd, and waistlocks Uemura.
Fale gets up but Uemura dropkicks him away! Uemura elbows Owens, Owens kicks back and runs, but Bushi drags him out! The Lions go after Fale again! Owens RAMS Bushi into railing but fans rally as the Lions have Fale up! Fale fights off, and the last entry is here! It’s of course Mr. KOPW 2020, TORU YANO! Fale clobbers the Lions as Yano makes his way to the ring. GRENADE for Kidd! GRENADE for Tsuji! Fale dares Yano to get in as he gives a GRENADE to Uemura! Owens throws Kidd out and ELIMINATES him! Yano is very cautious as Fale throws Tsuji out and ELIMINATES him!
Bushi makes sure they have Uemura, and they throw him out to ELIMINATE him! But then Bushi slips in, and all Yano has to do is get in! They’re the final four! They’ve already made it to the next round!
Winners: Chase Owens, Bad Luck Fale, Bushi & Toru Yano (advance to Night Two’s KOPW 2021 match)
Well, one thing Owens can say is that he lasted the entire match and is now moving on to tomorrow! But with the odds in their favor, will Bullet Club make KOPW 2021 #TooSweet?
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship Contender’s Match: Hiromu Takahashi VS El Phantasmo!
The Best of the Super Juniors 27 winner challenged the Super J-Cup 2020 winner, with the right to challenge The Bone Soldier Reborn on Night Two! Will the Ticking Timebomb blow #ELP away? Or will he self-destruct this close to a golden opportunity?
ELP shows little respect to his own fancy Super J-Cup jacket and mockingly applauds the winner of BOSJ 27. The bell rings and ELP bails out to disrespect the BOSJ trophy! ELP shows off his jacket but he wants to rub it in Jushin Liger’s face. But Liger isn’t around, and Hiromu leaps from the apron to missile dropkick ELP into railing! Hiromu goes back to the ring and climbs up as ELP staggers up. HIROMU BOMB! Direct hit and Hiromu mocks ELP’s hand shaking. Hiromu puts ELP in, drags him up and fireman’s carries, for a CORNER DEATH VALLEY! Fans fire up with Hiromu as he brings ELP back up. ELP slips out and scrambles away to the outside.
ELP wants a break to breath and Hiromu says “No problem.” But then Hiromu runs to sunset flip! ELP flips through and lands on his feet! Hiromu ducks but ELP uses him as a step back into the ring, and runs to come back and SUNSET BOMB HIROMU! Fans cheer that boldness of ELP to steal one of Hiromu’s favorites! The ref checks on Hiromu but ELP wants the count out! The fans rally for “HI-RO-MU!” as Hiromu stirs. The ring count is already 10 of 20 and ELP rests on the corner. Hiromu staggers up at 14, but ELP walks the tightrope to ASAI MOONSAULT! Direct hit at the ramp!
ELP shows how the hand signs are down and then demands the cameras stay on him as he gets up. ELP hobbles a bit, perhaps he still tweaked his ankle. ELP puts Hiromu in, rains down rights, but the ref reprimands about closed fists. ELP opens his hands to slap Hiromu around. ELP taunts Hiromu, Hiromu gets up and CHOPS back! And CHOPS again! And again! ELP spinning back kicks and Hiromu is down! Hiromu goes to the corner and claims ELP has loaded boots. The ref checks doesn’t find anything, and ELP drags Hiromu up. ELP throws Hiromu out, then Terminator kneels! He’s shouting out The Cleaner!
Fans follow along, and ELP runs to then roll and do his hand signs. Hiromu gets in to JOHN WOO ELP into a corner! Hiromu brings ELP up for a FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO! Hiromu clutches his ribs again as he gasps for air, and he brings ELP up. ELP breaks free to stomp a foot! Hiromu falls over as he clutches his leg and still claims something’s up. ELP stomps Hiromu’s other foot, then has a cocky pin a la Jericho. ONE, but ELP drags Hiromu up. Hiromu CHOPS, ELP CHOPS back! Hiromu falls over but ELP drags him up with a clinch. ELP CHOPS again, lets out a “WOO~!” and then CHOPS again! Hiromu CHOPS back and CHOPS again!
ELP catches the hand, puts it on the mat and STOMPS it! Hiromu clutches his fingers but ELP gets the hand again to drop knees on it over and over! ELP tortures the fingers, twists the wrist, and brings Hiromu up to put Hiromu on ropes. ELP CLAWS Hiromu’s back deep and long! ELP puts Hiromu in a Tree of Woe, and digs his boot into the groin! The ref reprimands but ELP hops off, to bring Hiromu up and onto the ropes. ELP has Hiromu recline and CHOPS him, then goes up top! TOP ROPE SENTON!? What in the world?! Cover, TWO! ELP keeps cool and fans fire up for Hiromu. ELP drags Hiromu up, knuckle locks and CHOPS to go up the corner.
ELP springboards around to show off a bit, then he goes Old School and a little more, to then have the fingers and bend them! But Hiromu BITES back! The ref reprimands, Hiromu SUPERKICKS ELP down! Or rather, back onto the corner. Hiromu climbs up, brings ELP up, and hits a SUPER VICTORY ROLL! Cover, TWO!! ELP survives but fans fire up for Hiromu again! Hiromu brings ELP up, fireman’s carries but ELP throws elbows to get free. ELP tucks Hiromu in but Hiromu resists, so ELP BITES Hiromu’s fingers! And SNAPS them! ELP tucks Hiromu back in, brings him up and wants the Clash?!
Hiromu fights out of it, fireman’s carries again, and hits the DYNAMITE PLUNGER! Cover, TWO!! ELP survives but Hiromu keeps focus. Fans rally up, Hiromu drags ELP up, hammerlocks one arm and suplexes, but ELP slips out and SLAPS Hiromu! Hiromu SLAPS ELP but that was his bad hand! Hiromu drops to his knees as he clutches the hand, and ELP shakes out the bad foot in the corner. ELP aims, Hiromu gets up, but Hiromu dodges the superkick to give a SUPERKICK! VICTORIA! Cover, TWO!! ELP survives again and Hiromu grows frustrated. Hiromu fires up and fans join in! Hiromu dragon sleepers but ELP fights that off to victory roll, TWO! SUPERKICK from Hiromu to ELP!
Hiromu dragon sleepers again, inverted suplex, but ELP slips out to half straitjacket and torture rack! But Hiromu fights out of the spin, only for ELP to fight off the sunset flip! BASTARD DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Hiromu still lives but ELP is too tired to be frustrated. Fans rally up, ELP drags Hiromu up and puts Hiromu in the corner. Hiromu pushes ELP away to SUPERKICK again! Hiromu drags ELP up, fireman’s carries, and goes up the corner!? ELP throws elbows to fight this off, but Hiromu keeps going! ELP slips off to ENZIGURI first! ELP climbs up again, brings Hiromu up, but Hiromu fights him off!
ELP drops down, and bumps into the ref! Was it on purpose? Who can say! But ELP punches Hiromu’s bad hand, then STRAIGHT PUNCH LOW BLOWS! ELP climbs up, brings Hiromu up, SUPER STEINER! ELP is right back up top, for a BIG SPLASH! Cover, TWO?! Hiromu survives and ELP is shocked! ELP drags Hiromu up, tucks him in, but Hiromu back drops and sits down! TWO!! ELP gets Hiromu up, STYLES CLASH!! Cover, TWO!?!? Hiromu survives and fans are fired up! Fans rally behind “HI-RO-MU!” as he and ELP end up on opposite ends. ELP aims and says BANG, to run in and V-TRIGGER! Another Cleaner shout-out, followed by the Electric Chair! ONE WINGED-
NO! Hiromu rolls through, rolls to fireman’s carry and CORNER DEATH VALLEY! Hiromu powers up, drags ELP back up, fireman’s carry to- ELP sunset flips and bridges! TWO!!! Hiromu narrowly escapes but ELP stomps the bad hand then BUZZSAWS! ELP drags Hiromu back up, reels him back in, and again wants his take on the Clash, but Hiromu RANAS and covers, HIROMU WINS!
Winner: Hiromu Takahashi, by pinfall (advances to Night Two’s IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship match)
BOSJ 27 beats Super J-Cup 2020, and now the Timebomb has a rematch with the Bone Soldier! Will Hiromu sweep WrestleKingdom to prove he is THE Best of the Super Juniors?
IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: The Dangerous Tekkers VS Guerrillas of Destiny!
Zack Sabre Jr. and Taichi have a chance to avenge the loss during World Tag League 2020, but Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa look to finally prove they can go from WTL champions to tag team champions. Will the Submission Master and Sliest Wrestler in the World make GoD #JustTapOut?
The Tekkers are prepared as they come out. To counter GoD having Jado, they’ve brought Douki! GoD give the Low Sweet, the title belts are finally given over and raised, and then the teams sort out. Taichi shows off the dancing pecs as he steps up. Tama wants the ref to be wary of that pouch Taichi has, and then he snatches it from Taichi! The teams brawl, Douki goes after Jado, and the bell rings as Taichi chokes Loa! Tama goes after Taichi, hits and whips, but Taichi dodges in the corner for ZSJ to EuroUpper! Taichi chokes Loa again, then sees Tama coming, to CHOKE! The ref reprimands, counts, and Taichi stops at 4, only to choke more!
Taichi stops at 3 to then drag Tama up and put in the Tekker corner with a choke! ZSJ adds on, the ref counts but only ZSJ lets off. The ref pulls Taichi away, Taichi tags ZSJ, and the Tekkers use their boots to choke Tama. The ref counts, Tekkers put their hands up. That’s not the problem! The ref counts, the Tekkers put their hands up again, but the ref pulls their feet away from Tama. Taichi chuckles and acts like he doesn’t see what’s wrong. ZSJ drags Tama up, spins him around, snapmares and ghost pins, TWO! ZSJ is right on Tama with an armbar! Tama clasps hands and gets the ropebreak with his feet!
ZSJ lets go at the count of 4, but he brings Tama back up to EuroUpper to a corner! Taichi grabs Tama’s hair, ZSJ throws more EuroUppers, but Tama throws forearms back! Taichi grabs Tama by his hair again and ZSJ runs in to BOOT Tama down! Taichi tags in, he snapmares Tama to CHOKE! The ref can tell the difference and has Taichi stop. Taichi chokes again, the ref counts but Taichi lets off at 4. The ref warns Taichi as he chokes yet again, and Taichi lets off, Taichi kicks at Tama, runs, but Jado swipes at him! Tama drags Taichi back into a TONGAN TWIST! Douki and Jado go after each other but Jado gets the edge with his kendo stick SMACK!
Loa RAMS ZSJ into the apron and Tama hits a DDT! Tama crawls to his corner, tag to Loa! Loa rains down rights on Taichi then stomps him! Loa drags Taichi up, scoops and slams him, then drops a BIG elbow! Cover, TWO! Fans cheer but Loa grins as he drags Taichi back up. Loa whips Taichi into the corner then hits a big clothesline! Tama CLUBS Taichi, Loa stomps, but the ref has to keep ZSJ from leaving his corner. The ref reprimands GoD but Tama tags in. Tama drags Taichi up, throws fast hands from all sides and even some stomps! ZSJ protests but the ref has to keep him back again. Tama gives back the choking with his boots, then lets off to loom over him.
Fans rally but Loa tags in. Tama scoop slams Taichi, Loa slingshot sentons! Tama slingshot sentons, Loa comes back to cover, TWO! Loa taunts Taichi to go tag ZSJ and Taichi crawls, but Loa drags Taichi away. Loa back suplexes Taichi, carries him around, then slams him down! Cover, TWO! Loa drags Taichi up into a chinlock and squeezes tight. Taichi endures, fans rally up and Taichi fights up. Taichi pulls hair, the ref reprimands, but Taichi gets to the ropebreak. Loa brings Taichi right up to ROCK him with a right! Tag to Tama and Tama talks trash to ZSJ. Taichi kicks from below but Tama chokes him!
The ref counts, Tama lets go and Loa says it’s only fair since Taichi did it to them. Taichi kicks Tama again so Tama CHOKES Taichi! The ref counts, Tama lets off at 4 and then he stalks Taichi to a corner. Tama drags Taichi up and throws body shots and haymakers. Taichi eggs Tama on so Tama headbutts and whips! Tama runs in but Taichi boots from the corner! Taichi chokes Tama, Tama breaks free to forearm! Taichi dodges the corner splash to GAMANGIRI! Fans fire up as both men crawl for their corners. Hot tag to ZSJ! Loa runs in, fireman’s carries ZSJ and spins, but ZSJ slips out to wrench and PELE the arm!
ZSJ runs in to EuroUpper Loa, then corner to corner to EuroUpper Tama! ZSJ goes back to Loa and tornado DDT Loa down! Tama runs in but into a shoulder. ZSJ headlocks, Tama powers out, things speed up and ZSJ snatches Tama out of the air! EURO CLUTCH! TWO!! ZSJ is fired up as he brings Tama up for more EuroUppers! Tama fires up but swing sinto a spin, and the IRON OCTOPUS! ZSJ digs his elbows in, bends the fingers and arm, but Tama endures! Tama works his way to ropes for the ropebreak! ZSJ lets go and calls to Taichi. The Tekkers loom over Tama, talk trash to Jado, then double whip Tama.
Tama slides out and Loa gets in to BLINDSIDE LARIAT both Tekkers! Loa drags ZSJ up and holds him as Tama gets back in. They mug ZSJ with a big dropkick! Tama crawls to his corner and tags in Loa. Loa chokes ZSJ in return for what Taichi did, but lets off at 4. Loa clubs ZSJ, whips him, and Tama comes in, body shot and uppercut to leaping neckbreaker! Cover, TWO! Loa looms over ZSJ, drags him up, and ZSJ eggs him on so Loa DECKS him! ZSJ says that’s not good enough so Loa brings him up to DECK him again! Loa taunts ZSJ, brings him up, scoops, but ZSJ slips around to a sleeper hold!
Tama clubs ZSJ off Loa, whips ZSJ to ropes, and back drop tosses ZSJ to Loa’s POWERBOMB! High stack, but Taichi breaks it in time! Taichi kicks away on GoD, but Tama spins him around, Loa helps out, TONGAN TWIST! Fans rally up as GoD focuses on ZSJ. Jado says Super Bomb so that’s what they’ll go for. Loa hoists ZSJ up and rams him into a corner, and Tama corner splashes! Loa goes up, Tama drags ZSJ up and suplexes him to Loa, for the SUPER- No! ZSJ guillotines on the top rope! Taichi gets Tama with a dragon sleeper cobra twist! ZSJ adjusts, calls to Taichi, and they argue just a bit, but they combine for a TOWER OF DOOM!! SUPERPLEX BOMB takes down Loa!! Cover, TWO?!? Loa survives but the fans rally up!
ZSJ tags Taichi but Tama is there! Taichi BOOTS Ttama, back kicks and clotheslines! Then a clothesline for Loa! Tama dodges the lariat, but Taichi DOUBLE AX BOMBERS GoD! Taichi fires up, circles Loa, and BUZZSAWS! Cover, TWO! Taichi keeps his focus as fans rally up again. Taichi drags Loa up, reels him in, but Tama goes after Taichi! ZSJ sleeper holds Tama, then feeds him to Taichi’s BOOT! EuroUpper, BIG forearm, and then TENSHO- No! Loa intercepts Taichi, Tama suplexes ZSJ but ZSJ fights out of Magic Killer! ZSJ CRANKS Tama’s neck! Loa CLOBBERS ZSJ, but Taichi GAMANGIRIS Loa! All four men are down and the fans fire up!
ZSJ rolls out of the ring, as does Tama. Loa and Taichi get up on opposite ends, and Loa calls Taichi out! They collide with clotheslines! But neither falls, and Taichi eggs Loa on! Another double clotheslines but only Loa stays up! Taichi rises back up, but he side steps Loa into the corner! ZSJ BOOTS, Taichi ROUNDHOUSES! PENALTY KICK from ZSJ, and then fans fire up as Taichi drags Loa up. Taichi reels Loa in, Alabama lift, but Tama hits ZSJ with GUN STUN! Loa lifts Taichi, Taichi fights out of the bomb, and fights off the Gun Stun!
Taichi gives a ROUNDHOUSE to Tama! Loa gives a ENZIGURI to Taichi! Loa runs but Taichi gets around to hit DANGEROUS SAIDO! Cover, TWO!?! Loa lives and Taichi can’t believe it! Off come the pants!! Taichi aims, but Jado gets in! Taichi shoves the ref out of the way to LOW BLOW Jado! Douki drags Jado out but Tama has the iron fingers! Douki tries to warn Taichi but Tama CLOBBERS Taichi with the iron fingers!! Loa scoops Taichi for APESHIT!! Cover, GoD wins!!
Winners: Guerrillas of Destiny, by pinfall (NEW IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions)
First World Tag League, and now the entire Heavyweight Tag Division! Tama and Loa are truly the GOD of NJPW Heavyweight Tag Team wrestling! “We told you! By any means necessary!” Now they’re SEVEN-TIME champions! Will 2021 become the Year of Guerrilla?
NJPW hears from JON MOXLEY!
The Death Rider has a message from NJPW Studios in America! “Many men have vied for that US title contract. They all thought they were gonna get off easy. They all hoped and prayed that the United States Champion would never return. But I am the Bogeyman, and NJPW, I will get you eventually. So whoever walks out of the Tokyo Dome with that contract, make no mistake about it. I’m coming for ya.” Have the stakes just been raised on the next match?
IWGP United States Championship Right to Challenge Match: KENTA VS Satoshi Kojima w/ Hiroyoshi Tenzan!
Jon Moxley still has the IWGP US title and The Fang Revived wants it! But the King of Cozy Style does, too, and sticking it to Kenta at the same time is just the cherry on top. Who will have the briefcase and be headed for a head-on collision with the champion in the new year?
The contract briefcase is presented, the bell rings, and Kojima is ready but Kenta uses ropes for defense. Kojima backs off but approaches, then backs off again. Kenta goes from one corner to another, then circles with Kojima. Kenta still stays close to ropes to keep Kojima back, then he circles with him again. But then Kenta bails out and goes around the ring. Tenzan is there and Kenta tells him to go away. Kenta gets in the ring but Kojima stomps him down! Kojima stomps Kenta to a corner, brings him up and headlocks to grind him down. Kenta endures, fights up, and tries to power out but Kojima holds on tighter! Kenta tries again but Kojima still holds on.
Kenta pulls hair, powers out this time, but Kojima runs him over! Fans cheer for the dancing pecs as Kenta bails out. Kojima waits on Kenta as the ring count climbs. Tenzan tells Kenta to get in the ring but Kenta tells Tenzan to shut up. Kenta shoves Tenzan but Kojima goes out to attack Kenta! Kenta knees low and throws Kojima into Tenzan! The ref reprimands but Kenta kicks and DDT’s Kojima to the floor! Kenta says this is Tenzan’s fault, then he stomps Kojima and puts him in the ring. Cover, but the ref sees Kenta’s knee is on Kojima’s throat so he stops. Kenta stomps Kojima, drags him up and turns him for a neckbreaker! Cover, TWO! Fans cheer but Kenta tells Tenzan to shut up.
Kenta stomps Kojima, brings him up and throws elbows in. Kenta snapmares and KICKS Kojima in the back! Kenta mocks the fans applauding before he drags Kojima into a headscissors hold! Kojima moves around, reaches out, rolls around, and gets the ropebreak! Kenta claims he can’t untie the hold so the ref does it for him. Kojima gasps, Kenta tells Tenzan to go away and then he gives toying kicks to Kojima. Kojima gets up and grinds foreheads with Kenta. Kojima CHOPS, Kenta rakes eyes and KICKS Kojima down! Kenta roars, glares at Tenzan and tells him to shut up and go away again. Tenzan tells Kenta to just worry about Kojima.
Kojima kicks Kenta and gives him Mongolian CHOPS like Tenzan! And shouts “TENZAN!” as he hits Kenta again! Kenta is down, Kojima stalks him to a corner and CHOPS him! And then he unleashes the MACHINE GUN CHOPS! Kenta withstands those to fire off machine gun forearms! Kenta whips, Kojima reverses and runs in to forearm smash! Fans fire up with Kojima and he goes up top. Kenta runs in to ROCK Kojima with rights first! Kenta climbs up, brings Kojima up, but Kojima resists the superplex. Kojima throws body shots but Kenta resists the gourd buster. Kenta RAKES eyes, then SUPERPLEXES Kojima down!
Fans rally up as both men are down and Kojima goes to a corner. Kenta runs in to forearm smash! Kenta rolls Kojima and shouts that he’s going up! Kenta climbs, leaps, FLYING CLOTHESLINE! Cover, TWO! Kenta kicks Kojima to a corner then stomps him on the apron. The ref reprimands, Kenta drags Kojima up and through ropes, then SLAPS Kojima on the head. Kenta goes out to join Kojima, but Kojima blocks the suplex for dear life! Kojima throws body shots, knees, and brings Kenta in for an APRON DDT! Fans are fired up as both men are down on the outside! A ring count starts, and it reaches 9 of 20 before Kojima is up.
Kojima drags Kenta up and in at 13 and fans cheer. Kojima drags Kenta up, cravats, but Kenta throws body shots. Kenta spins Kojima around to a DDT! Both men are down again and fans rally up. Kojima goes to the corner, Kenta runs corner to corner, for a FLYING BOOT! Kenta keeps moving, HESITATION DROPKICK! Kojima is in the drop zone, Kenta climbs back up top, for the DOUBLE STOMPS! Cover, TWO!! Kojima survives the coup de grace but Kenta won’t stop here! Kenta fireman’s carries but Kojima fights that off with elbows. Kenta boots, spins, but Kojima swats the clothesline to hit the COZY CUTTER! Fans fire up as Kojima powers up the arm!
Kenta rises, Kojima runs, but Kenta hits a POWERSLAM! Both men are down again as fans rally up. Kenta bails out, grabs the briefcase, and slides inside. The ref warns Kenta, grabs at the case, but Kenta shoves the ref away. COZY LARIAT swats the case away! Kojima keeps moving, Kenta boots the lariat away, but Kojima LARIATS from the other side! Cover, TWO!! Kenta survives but Kojima is too tired to be frustrated. Kojima gets up, fans fire up with him, and Kojima brings Kenta up. Kojima whips, Kenta dodges, SHOTGUN BOOT! Both men are down again and fans fire up.
Kenta fires himself up, drags Kojima to the fireman’s carry, but Kojima fights out with forearm after forearm! ROLLING ELBOW! Kenta is down, Kojima powers up! Kojima stands Kenta up but Kenta ROCKS him with counter palm strikes! Kenta runs from a corner, to PSYCHO KNEE!! Cover, TWO!! Kenta drags Kojima up, fireman’s carries, GO TO SLEEP!!! Cover, Kenta wins!
Winner: Kenta, by pinfall (retains the US Championship Right to Challenge Contract)
And so now we know who is aiming for Moxley! Will the Fang Revived sink his teeth into some real gold when he finally gets his shot at the title?
Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Great-O-Khan!
The Ace owes The Dominator a beating for the way World Tag League went down! Will he get revenge on the biggest stage on NJPW’s calendar? Or will he be conquered for the glory of The Empire?
The bell rings and fans rally already. Tanahashi and Khan circle, feel out the grapple, and Tanahashi avoids Khan shooting in. Khan sits down to use a leg guard, but then stands up as Tanahashi reaches for him. Tanahashi baits Khan to go after the leg and still gets away as Khan reaches in. They circle, tie up with an elbow ‘n’ collar, and Khan resists Tanahashi going around. Khan wants the leg but Tanahashi floats to a headlock. Khan slips out, gets the leg, but Tanahashi blocks and moves around. Khan scrambles to avoid the facelock and fans cheer as the two stand off. Tanahashi and Khan reset, circle, and Khan uses a unique stance to both bait Tanahashi in but also reach for a leg.
Tanahashi stays back, goes for a foot but Khan slips out. They knuckle lock, Tanahashi gets around but Khan rolls to thook a leg. Tanahashi stays up, lateral press, ONE, and Tanahashi headlocks. Tanahashi grinds but Khan powers up, only for Tanahashi to hold on as he powers out. Khan tries again but again Tanahashi grinds him down. Khan pulls hair, the ref counts and they end up on ropes. Khan powers out this time and runs Tanahashi over! Tanahashi is up right away but Khan CHOPS him down! Tanahashi is back up but Khan scoops and SLAMS him! Fans cheer the showing of strength as Khan roars. Khan stomps Tanahashi’s face, drags him up, but Tanahashi throws forearms!
Tanahashi runs, but Khan side steps him to throw him out! Tanahashi skins the cat, but Khan Mongolian CHOPS his hands away! Khan goes out after Tanahashi and stomps him down. Khan drags Tanahashi up, and POSTS him! Fans rally for “Let’s Go, Ace!” but Khan bumps Tanahashi off the apron. Khan walks around, brings Tanahashi up and around to the ramp. Khan CLUBS Tanahashi down and soaks up the heat. Khan stands Tanahashi up to scoop SLAM him to the ramp! Khan leaves Tanahashi behind and a ring count begins. Tanahashi slowly stirs but Khan also fetches a chair? The count is past 10 of 20 as Tanahashi crawls towards the ring! Then past 15!
Tanahashi gets up and hobbles over to get in at 19! Fans cheer and Khan nods as the “Let’s Go, Ace!” returns. Khan drags Tanahashi up, pulls on his ear then CLUBS it! Khan drags Tanahashi up, but Tanahashi fires off forearms! Khan Mongolian CHOPS then picks the leg to get a KNEEBAR! Tanahashi grits his teeth as he crawls and drags Khan with him, to the ropebreak! Khan lets go at 4, looms over Tanahashi and stomps him down! Khan mockingly asks what’s wrong, then eggs Tanahashi on. Khan digs Tanahashi’s face into his boot, but Tanahashi powers up! Khan grabs hair to smash his knee off Tanahashi’s face! Tanahashi blocks the boot to DRAGON SCREW!
Fans rally with “Let’s Go, Ace!” stronger and stronger as Tanahashi gets back up. Tanahashi drags Khan up, throws forearms and has Khan in a corner. Tanahashi whips corner to corner, Khan reverses but Tanahashi comes back with flying forearms! And then more! Tanahashi keeps moving, and fans fire up with him! Tanahashi drags Khan up to scoop and slam him down! Tanahashi hops up the corner for the sunset senton! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up as Tanahashi watches Khan rise. Tanahashi runs, but Khan turns the Slingblade into an atomic FACEBUSTER! Both men are down, fans build to another rally, and Khan drags Tanahashi up.
Tanahashi throws a forearm, Khan throws it back and they brawl faster and faster! Fans rally up as they go back and forth, neither man backing down! Tanahashi gets the edge, but Khan knees low! And uppercuts, then BOOTS! Tanahashi is down but Khan drags him up. Khan hits another Mongolian CHOP! And another! Khan powers up to Mongolian SHOVE Tanahashi down! Khan fires up more as he drags Tanahashi up and reels him in, for a LIFTING COMPLETE SHOT! Cover, TWO! Khan gets the leg for a standing kneebar! Tanahashi endures and gets the ropebreak! Khan lets go at 4, fans rally up, but Khan toys with Tanahashi.
Khan whips, reels Tanahashi in, and OVERHEAD SUPLEXES Tanahashi! Tanahashi holds onto ropes, and skins the cat! Tanahashi blocks the chops to throw palm strikes! Khan kicks low, but Tanahashi gets around the chop to TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Both men roar, Tanahashi dodges Khan to SLINGBLADE! Cover, TWO! Khan lives but Tanahashi fires up more! Fans rally as Tanahashi goes to a corner and climbs up top! Khan clamps on the CLAW! Khan drags Tanahashi off the corner, but Tanahashi resists the lift! Khan waistlocks, then changes it to a cobra twist with the claw! Tanahashi endures, fights to move around, but Khan INVERTED EXPLODERS Tanahashi away! Cover, TWO!! Tanahashi is still in this and fans fire up!
Khan drags Tanahashi up in a dragon sleeper, but Tanahashi resists, only for Khan to still get him up in the inverted suplex! Khan grabs the chair he brought in earlier, but the ref reprimands. Khan puts the chair down and says that’s the target! Khan clamps on the claw and drags Tanahashi up! The ref reprimands but this isn’t about winning anymore! Khan lifts, Tanahashi slips out to get a sleeper hold on! Khan fights free, but Tanahashi TWIST ‘N’ SHOUTS him down! Tanahashi sees the chair, and picks it up! The ref reprimands Tanahashi now, and Tanahashi puts the chair away. Tanahashi brings Khan up, full nelson, DRAGON SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!!
Tanahashi hurries up top, leaps, HIGH FLY FLOW to Khan’s back!! But Tanahashi isn’t done! Tanahashi goes back up top, aims again, HIGH FLY FLOW!! Cover, Tanahashi wins!!
Winner: Hiroshi Tanahashi, by pinfall
The Ace is high and the Dominator could not dominate him! Will Tanahashi rise back up to former glory in 2021?
Kazuchika Okada VS Will Ospreay!
The Rainmaker has just about had it with people betraying him, and the Aerial Assassin’s was perhaps the worst of them all! Will Okada crush Ospreay’s hopes of being NJPW’s new alpha?
The bell rings and Okada already gets fans rallying with his claps. Ospreay and Okada stare down from their corners as fans rally up more. They approach but still stare down. They tie up and are in a deadlock, but Okada finds a point of leverage to push Ospreay to ropes. Red Shoes calls for the break, Okada and Ospreay are wary of the other was they do, and Okada fakes the hit to pat Ospreay on the shoulder. Ospreay throws a forearm but Okada gives it back, and they’re fast and furious already! Fans fire up as they get 2fast2furious! Ospreay bumps Okada off buckles, rains down fast hands, then lets off as Red Shoes counts.
Okada comes back with forearms, Ospreay throws more then knees low. Ospreay whips, Okada dodges and ducks to elbow Ospreay down! Okada whips Ospreay to a corner, runs in and back elbows to then kick and DDT! Fans cheer while Ospreay scrambles away and to the outside. Okada pursues, kicks Ospreay and clubs him, then throws forearms at the railing. Ospreay CHOPS back, elbows Okada but Okada ROCKS him in return! Ospreay kicks and clubs Okada, CHOPS him again, then smirks at commentary. Okada RAMS Ospreay into railing and Bea Priestly has to get out of the way before Okada puts Ospreay in. Ospreay BOOTS back, runs, but into a BOOT!
Ospreay bails out again and Okada runs to FLY! Direct hit at the ramp! Fans fire up with Okada but he does take a moment to catch his breath. Okada brings Ospreay up as fans rally, and he throws more elbows. Okada puts Ospreay in, but Bea talks smack to Okada. Ospreay BOOTS Okada down in the distraction, then runs to WRECK Okada off the apron! Red Shoes reprimands Bea and tells her to stay far away. Ospreay pulls up floor mats at ringside?! Ospreay is exposing bare wood of the Tokyo Dome! Ospreay brings Okada over, reels him in and lifts, but Okada fights off the bomb to put Ospreay on the apron!
Ospreay avoids the draping DDT to RAM Okada into railing, then whip him into more railing! Ospreay reels Okada in for a NECKBREAKER to the floor! But not bare floor, so what padding there is spares Okada. Red Shoes reprimands and wants this to get in the ring, and fans rally up as Ospreay drags Okada up and into the ring. Ospreay puts Okada on the apron to elbow away on neck and shoulders! Fans still rally for Okada as Ospreay stands on him, then drops a GUILLOTINE KNEE! Okada flops down and Ospreay grins as he looms over him. Ospreay puts Okada in, covers, but Red Shoes refuses because of the extracurricular activity.
Ospreay is annoyed but he brings Okada up. Okada throws forearms back, but Ospreay gets around to back suplex high and hard! Cover, TWO! Ospreay is annoyed but he keeps on Okada with bumps off buckles. Ospreay CHOPS Okada, then makes Okada looks him in the eye before he CHOPS again! Okada leans against ropes but Ospreay stomps him down! Ospreay stands on Okada’s head while talking trash but fans still rally for Okada. Ospreay drags Okada up, scoops him and hits a BIG BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Ospreay sits Okada up for a chinlock and digs his knee in his back. Okada fights up and throws elbows, but Ospreay CLUBS Okada on the back!
Ospreay whips Okada corner to corner, then runs in, but Okada boots back! Okada runs, but Ospreay follows to elbow him at ropes! Ospreay runs, but into a BIG BACK DROP from Okada! Bea is worried about Ospreay but the fans cheer! Okada and Ospreay are both down as fans rally up, and Okada glares at Ospreay. Okada rallies with big forearms and elbows, then dodges Ospreay to FLAPJACK him almost as high as that back drop! Cover, TWO! Okada rallies the fans with clap-clap-clap-stomp, then he Alabama lifts Ospreay. Ospreay fights out and kicks but Okada blocks to BOOT! Alabama lift and tuck, REVERSE NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!
Okada keeps his cool while fans rally. Okada wants the Money Clip but Ospreay powers him to a corner! Ospreay is free, runs back in but is put on the apron. Ospreay ROCKS Okada with a forearm, springboards and hits PIP PIP CHEERIO! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay grits his teeth but he gets up and looms over Okada. Ospreay dragon sleepers, but Okada fights free! Okada walks into a stiff body shot! GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Okada escapes but Bea coaches Ospreay up. Ospreay drags Okada up, reels him in and underhooks the arms, but Okada back drops free! Ospreay gets up and elbows Okada away, but he springboards into Okada’s fireman’s carry! DEATH VALLEY BOMB!
Both men are down and fans rally up while Bea coaches Ospreay again. Okada and Ospreay slowly rise, and Okada throws a forearm from the mat. Ospreay throws the forearm back, but Okada forearms again. The two get to their feet and the forearms continue to fly! Ospreay CHOPS, Okada ROCKS him with a forearm! Ospreay CHOPS, and then he eggs Okada on! Okada EuroUppers and Ospreay wobbles! Okada whips, runs in but Ospreay boots! Ospreay hops up but Okada dropkicks him down to the floor! Fans fire up while both men are down again! Bea coaches Ospreay up but Okada goes out to fetch him.
Okada whips Ospreay into railing hard and commentary has to watch out! Okada runs in but Ospreay blocks the boot! Ospreay BOOTS back, then BOOTS again! Ospreay uses the railing as a springboard but Okada gets under, to SHOTGUN DROPKICK Ospreay down! Fans fire up as both men are down yet again! Red Shoes checks on both men but they’re okay to continue. Okada is up and he puts Ospreay in before a ring count starts. Okada takes a moment to steady himself, then climbs up and aims at Ospreay for a BIG shotgun missile dropkick! Bea shouts for Ospreay to get up but Okada is on him first. Okada gut wrenches but Ospreay resists!
Ospreay fights out, gets to a corner, and Okada runs in only to be put up top! Ospreay tucks Okada in, CHEEKY NANDOS! And then dragon sleeper to BLOODY SUNDAY! Cover, TWO! Okada survives but Ospreay keeps his focus. Fans rally up as both men rise. Ospreay glares at Okada, and he SUPERKICKS! Then HOOK KICKS! Ospreay drags Okada up to underhook and rack, but Okada slips out to dropkick! Okada whips but Ospreay holds ropes! Okada didn’t commit to the dropkick, so he’s ready for Ospreay’s return! Okada gets around to GERMAN, but Ospreay lands on his feet! SUPERKICK! Ospreay whips, Okada reverses, dropki- POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!!
Ospreay was so close and neither he or Bea can believe it! Okada gets to ropes and drags himself up, and Ospreay runs in to CLOTHESLINE Okada and himself out! And they’re back at the bare patch Ospreay made earlier! Ospreay likes that, and he hurries to bring Okada up and in. Okada resists the lift but Ospreay throws body shots. Ospreay gets Okada up but Okada fights free of the bomb to UPPERCUT! Okada gut wrenches but Ospreay flails and Ospreay ends up in the timekeeper’s area! Ospreay clubs Okada, and decides to go for the next best thing! But Okada fights off the suplex, scoops Ospreay, but Ospreay slips down and shoves him away.
Ospreay ROUNDHOUSES Okada, brings him back up and suplexes, to SLAM him on the table!! Ospreay doesn’t have the best landing, either, but far better than Okada’s! Bea checks on Ospreay while Red Shoes checks on Okada. Okada is somehow okay to continue, as is Ospreay, and the fans rally up. Ospreay grabs at Red Shoes but Red Shoes tells him to let go. Red Shoes goes back to the ring to start a count. Ospreay sits up and starts heading to the ring, but he reconsiders and goes back to Okada. Ospreay drags Okada up at 9 of 20, brings him around to ringside at 13, then puts himm in at 16. Ospreay goes up top, because he wants to end this properly.
Okada stands, Ospreay leaps, BLINDSIDE PIP PIP CHEERIO! Cover, TWO!?! Okada barely survives but Ospreay isn’t going to stop! POWERBOMB! High stack, TWO!! Okada survives that nasty bomb (that’s not a nickname) and that infuriates Ospreay. Ospreay kicks Okada to the apron, and brings him up. Ospreay underhooks and Red Shoes says not to do this, but Okada holds onto ropes for dear life. Ospreay kicks away on Okada’s face then CHOPS him! Ospreay uses the post to launch, but Okada blocks the cutter! Okada gut wrenches, for an APRON TOMBSTONE!!! Both men go down again as Okada has evened things with Ospreay!
Fans rally up as both men are down and a new ring count begins. The count is 10 of 20 before either even sits up! Okada is first to use railing to stand, and he is in at 15. Ospreay finally starts to sit up here, Bea shouts at him to move, and Ospreay is in at 18, for a LARIAT! Okada has the wrist, and he drags Ospreay back up, only for Ospreay to BOOT and BOOT and SUPERKICK! Okada swings, Ospreay dodges, but he runs into a DROPKICK! Then the MONEY CLIP!! Okada wants to make Ospreay suffer! Ospreay flails and claws, but Okada gut wrenches to the JUMPING TOMBSTONE! MONEY CLIP!!
Ospreay endures, Bea shouts for him to fight, but Okada leans on the hold as much as he can! Bea gets on the apron, Ospreay fights up but Okada shoves Ospreay into Bea! BACKBREAKER, to MONEY CLIP!! No mercy for the Empire! Ospreay is fading as he’s fighting, but Okada CRANKS on the hold! Ospreay grabs at Red Shoes, but he’s turning red himself! Okada CRANKS harder! Ospreay grabs at Red Shoes more, reaches with his feet, and somehow gets the ropebreak! Okada lets go in frustration but the fans are cheering the resilience! Okada gets up and looms over Ospreay as he dares him to get up. Ospreay sits up but Okada stomps him down.
Okada again eggs Ospreay on, and Ospreay throws hands, but they don’t do much. Okada DECKS Ospreay, then dares him to get back up. Ospreay rises again, tries to hit Okada but he barely has anything. Okada ROCKS Ospreay, and he didn’t even hit that hard. Okada clubs and stomps Ospreay, then drags him up again. Ospreay SLAPS Okada but that just amuses Okada. Okada EuroUppers, scoops and slams Ospreay! Okada goes back to the old formula and climbs up top. Ospreay hurries over to intercept but Okada throws more forearms. Ospreay grits his teeth and both men growl at each other. Ospreay forearms, Okada throws them back, and they brawl up top!
Okada sends Ospreay down but Ospreay comes back to BOOT Okada! Ospreay fires himself up and he climbs to bring Okada around. SUPER SPANISH FLY!! Cover, TWO!?! Ospreay almost had Okada but he won’t give up yet! Ospreay runs, springboards, OS- NO! MONEY CLIP, but Ospreay arm-drags free! Okada EuroUppers, but Ospreay dodges to ROLLING ELBOW! Springboard, OSCUTTER!! Cover, TWO!?!? Ospreay is beside himself as even his old tried ‘n’ true doesn’t end it. Ospreay mounts Okada to SLAP away, then grabs wrists for DANIELSON STOMPS! Red Shoes wants Ospreay to stop but Ospreay shoves him away to just STOMP away more!
Ospreay drags Okada up, turns him, and then BLINDSIDE FOREARMS! Ospreay tells Red Shoes to move from the corner so Ospreay can take aim. Ospreay prepares the arm, Okada slowly sits up, but Okada dropkicks Ospreay first! Fans fire up as Okada goes back to bring Ospreay up and in. ROLLING- NO! Ospreay dodges, goes up and up, SUPER- DROPKICK! Okada spins for ROLLING RAINMAKER! Okada brings Ospreay back in, for MONEY CLIP!! Ospreay reaches desperately, but Okada flips him, only for Ospreay to ROLLING ELBOW! Okada runs in, into a gut wrench! TOMBSTONE!!
Ospreay steals the Rainmaker Pose?! And the RAINMAKER!!! Cover, TWO!?!?!? Okada survives his own move!! Ospreay is losing his mind, but he has one more thing to try! Double underhooks, lift, but Okada fights out again! Okada lifts, gut wrenches, MICHINOKU DRIVER! And then THE RAINMAKER!!!! Cover, Okada wins!!
Winner: Kazuchika Okada, by pinfall
No one does the Rainmaker like the Rainmaker!! Okada is still the top of the mountain, will there ever come a day when he’s knocked down from his throne?
IWGP Heavyweight & Intercontinental Double Championship: Tetsuya Naito VS Kota Ibushi!
The Switchblade didn’t win the G1 Climax but he did cheat the Right to Challenge contract out of the Golden Star’s hands. But joke’s on him, the Double Champion is still giving Ibushi the title match he earned! Will Ibushi make Naito regret his generosity to go after Jay White? Or will Naito settle the score with one rival to then go after another?
As is Naito’s way, he takes his time going to the ring, and taking off his entrance attire. The introductions are made, the belts are presented, and fans cheer as Naito finishes his routine so that the Double Gold Double Header can finally begin!
Naito and Ibushi stare down as fans rally up. Naito loosens up and circles with Ibushi. They approach, but Naito backs off, as is also his way. He and Ibushi circle more, feel out the grapple, settle on knuckle locks, and Ibushi shots in. Naito gets the arm, then the waistlock, but Ibushi pries at the hold. Naito rolls him, hooks the leg, but Ibushi gets up to bend Naito’s leg in a toehold. Ibushi shifts positions, has the toehold with his legs but Naito counters with a chinlock. Ibushi fights out, Naito floats over but Ibushi slips around to hammerlock. Naito rolls and has Ibushi’s arm to wrench. Ibushi rolls, trips Naito but Naito tries to headscissor.
Ibushi still gets a toehold but Naito wants the full nelson. Fans cheer the exchange as Ibushi lets go of the leg and Naito rolls to a cover. ONE, and Naito has a waistlock. Ibushi fights up, switches, but Naito wrenches to headlock and hit the takeover. Ibushi headscissors, Naito pops out and Tranquilo! Fans cheer and Ibushi shrugs it off to reset with Naito. They circle, fans rally up, they approach and Naito kicks low. Naito throws forearms and elbows, headlocks again, then grinds Ibushi down. Ibushi tries to power out but Naito holds on tight. Naito grinds the headlock more, Ibushi fights up but Naito hits a takeover.
Ibushi keeps his shoulders up, Naito grinds the hold, and they stand up. Ibushi powers out this time, hurdles then drops to RANA Naito to the outside! Fans rally up as Ibushi builds speed to the corner, GOLDEN- No, Naito goes in. Ibushi bails out of the jump but Naito sweeps legs! Naito has Ibushi on the apron for a draping- NO! Ibushi flips out of the neckbreaker, but Naito blocks his boot. Ibushi dodges the back hand but Naito yanks Ibushi off the apron! GERMAN SUPLEX to the ramp! Naito takes a moment before he goes to the ring. Red Shoes starts a ring count and Ibushi stirs at 3. Ibushi gets up at 10 of 20, hurries over, and is in at 15.
Naito keeps cool as he stomps Ibushi down at the ropes. Naito drags Ibushi up, snapmares him then puts on the headscissor hold. Naito uses leverage to squeeze tighter but Ibushi fights. Naito squeezes more, Ibushi moves around and gets the ropebreak. Naito adds all the squeeze he can but lets go at the count. Ibushi crawls but Naito brings him up to RAM him into a corner. And again! And again! Naito throws back elbow after elbow, then brings Ibushi out for a scoop, into the reverse DDT! Cover, ONE!! Naito is annoyed but he drags Ibushi back up. Naito cravats, Ibushi endures, then Ibushi throws body shots! Naito fakes Ibushi out to kick low!
Naito smirks as he whips, but Ibushi reverses, only for Naito to reverse back! Ibushi fights off the tornado DDT, Naito kicks low but Naito runs into a dropkick! Both men are down, Ibushi grits his teeth and gets up. Fans rally, “I-BU-SHI!” “NA-I-TO!” as Ibushi brings Naito up. Ibushi fires off forearms, whips, but Naito reverses, only to run into the FLYING KICK! Fans fire up and rally behind Ibushi, and he hits a standing moonsault! Cover, TWO! Ibushi keeps his cool and he waistlocks. Naito resists the lift, throws elbows and backs Ibushi into the corner, for MORE elbows! Ibushi runs but Naito whips him to elbow him down, then basement dropkick!
Naito puts Ibushi in a corner, whips him corner to corner, then runs in to rocket kick! But Ibushi CLOBBERS Naito out of Combinacion Cabron! Naito lands off the apron and to the floor but Ibushi goes out to fetch him. Ibushi drags Naito up, reels him in, and lifts, but Naito fights off the bomb. Naito spins Ibushi around to hit a neckbreaker to the floor! Fans cheer while both men are down and Red Shoes checks on them. Red Shoes starts a ring count, Naito and Ibushi stir but Naito is the one up at 6. Naito brings Ibushi up at 10 of 20 to put him on the apron, DRAPING NECKBREAKER!! And then back into the ring, for a BACKBREAKER, and leg hook nelson!
Ibushi endures as Naito hammers his own leg to add pressure. Ibushi fights up, moves around, kicks and reaches, and manages the ropebreak! Fans cheer, Naito claims he needs help so Red Shoes frees Ibushi. Naito drags Ibushi up, Ibushi throws feeble forearms, but Naito hammerlocks and lifts. Ibushi fights off Gloria, but Naito back elbows and whips. Ibushi reverses, gets around Naito to GERMAN! But Naito is right up, only to run into DOUBLE STOMPS! Fans rally as both men are down again! Ibushi and Naito go to opposite corners, and Ibushi shouts at Naito as he runs in.
Naito boots Ibushi away, then boots him again, but runs into the POWERSLAM! Ibushi rolls to MOONSAULT, but Naito catches him to the PLUMA BLANCA!! Ibushi endures the modified Koji Klutch, throws fists where he can, and moves around again. Naito cranks on the hold, Ibushi reaches and gets the ropebreak! Naito lets go in frustration but fans cheer. Ibushi gasps for air but Naito is on him first. Ibushi throws a forearm, then another, and another. Naito eggs him on then throws the vicious back elbows! Naito brings Ibushi back up for more elbows, then even more elbows! Ibushi staggers, Naito hammerlocks and lifts, GLORIA! Cover, TWO! Ibushi survives but Naito keeps his cool.
Naito steadies himself as he stalks Ibushi to a corner. Naito brings Ibushi up, hoists him to the top rope, then climbs up to join him. Ibushi resists so Naito clubs away on his back. Ibushi throws body shots, Naito clubs more, but Ibushi ROCKS Naito with that shot! To then PELE Naito down from the top! Naito is on the apron but Ibushi goes out to join him. Fans rally up as Ibushi brings Naito up. Red Shoes says not to but Naito resists Ibushi’s lift. Fans rally up as the struggle continues, and Naito back drops Ibushi to the apron! Ibushi grits his teeth and shakes his head as he gets back up, but Naito elbows him again, only to walk into a RANAÂ OFF THE APRON!!
Fans fire up as Red Shoes checks on Naito. Naito’s leg somehow ended up in the railing and he gets it free. The ring count starts again and the two stir at 6, then start to stand at 8. Ibushi is in at 11 of 20, Naito uses railing and the table to get up at 17. Naito is hobbling and in at 19.9! But Ibushi is after him with kicks and stomps at the ropes! Ibushi drags Naito up from the apron and waistlocks, for the DEAD LIFT- No, Naito fights out with uppercuts! Naito throws more uppercuts until Ibushi is stuck up top, then he clubs away with forearms! Naito hurries inside, and CLUBS Ibushi from behind. Naito climbs up and brings Ibushi into a SUPER POISON RANA!! Cover, TWO!?!
The fans are thunderous as both men are down again! Naito aims from a corner as Ibushi flounders up. Ibushi looks for Naito, but Naito runs in, into a ROUNDHOUSE! BUZZSAW! Ibushi fires up and brings Naito up by the wrists. Naito avoids Kami-Goye to tilt-o-whirl, DESTINO!! Cover, TWO!?!? Ibushi survives but Naito won’t let that deter him. Naito drags Ibushi up, wrenches and tilt-o-whirls, but into Ibushi’s BASTARD DRIVER!! Ibushi can’t hold the cover and fans are fired up as both men are down! Fans rally with “NA-I-TO!” “I-BU-SHI!” as the two slowly sit up. Naito heads for a corner but Ibushi grits his teeth as he follows.
Ibushi sits Naito up to throw a forearm, but Naito gives it back! Ibushi forearms again, and eggs Naito on. Naito forearms Ibushi, and Ibushi gives it back. Ibushi smirks and Naito forearms again! The two are starting to enjoy this, and they stand as they keep giving forearms back and forth! Ibushi forearms, Naito forearms, repeat! They pick up speed, fans rally behind them, then Ibushi gets the edge! Naito SLAPS Ibushi, then ROLLING KICKS! But Ibushi LARIATS in return! Ibushi drags Naito up, reels him in, but Naito fights, only for Ibushi to still LAST RIDE! KAMI-GOYE!! Cover, TWO?!!? Ibushi is stunned but the fans are loving it!
Ibushi drags Naito around to a drop zone and he goes up top! Ibushi PHOENIX SPLASHES, but FLOPS as Naito moves! DESTINO!! Cover, TWO?!?!?! That was 2.99!! Both men are down but the fans are thunderous again! Naito grabs Ibushi’s wrist, brings him up, wrenches again but Ibushi goes to gut wrench! Naito fights that off so Ibushi throws elbows. Naito throws elbows, suplexes, but Ibushi slips out to ROUNDHOUSE! Ibushi sits Naito up, has the wrists, KAMI-GOYE!!! Cover, TWO!?!?!? More like 2.999!! Ibushi and Naito have survived each other’s best, but Ibushi isn’t going to give up because of that!
Naito resists the wrist hold, and throws elbows, then an ENZIGURI! Scoop, VALENTIA!! Naito fires up, aims at Ibushi, wrench and tilt-o-whirl- NO! Ibushi blocks the rest, and V-TRIGGERS! KENNY! KAMI-GOYE!!!! Cover, Ibushi wins!!!!
Winner: Kota Ibushi, by pinfall (NEW IWGP Heavyweight & Intercontinental Champion)
INCREDIBLE! No, that’s not even enough to say what this was! Ibushi has reached a new level and is now on top of NJPW! Ibushi is in such a daze he isn’t even sure he’s won, he tries to pin Naito again. Red Shoes tells him that he HAS won, and the emotions finally start to pour in! Ibushi manages to get up slowly with the ropes, and the title belts are brought into the ring.
But Naito gets up to grab the belts from Red Shoes first. The former, first and only two-time Double Champion holds onto these belts for one last moment, before he officially hands them over to Ibushi! And he even raises Ibushi’s hand in victory! Fans cheer this amazing display of respect for his rival! When and where will Naito come back for at least one of those titles?
Ibushi looks at the Heavyweight and Intercontinental titles, and fans cheer as he raises them both high over head! But to rain on the parade is Jay White! He grabs a mic to say, “Hey, congratulations, huh? How about a round of applause? Should we get him some ice?” Even though we all know Ibushi isn’t the real champion, Ibushi should enjoy his moment! It’ll only last 24 hours! Tomorrow, White takes the titles and everything from Ibushi! Ibushi say she’ll become a wrestling god? No, White exposes Ibushi as the fraud that he is! “Every time that you are about to reach the heights that you so desperately aim for, I will always, I promise you I will always be there, to pull you back down.”
But tomorrow, Ibushi has a vital role to play in White fulfilling HIS destiny of becoming a wrestling god, aka becoming IWGP Heavyweight & Intercontinental Champion. Tomorrow, Ibushi breathes with the Switchblade forever. White drops the mic and Ibushi applauds what he had to say. White takes his leave, and Ibushi takes his turn with the mic. “Excuse me, Jay… I will not be just a single-day champion. But before I continue, hold on. Naito, thank you very much.” Back to Jay, Ibushi can picture himself “standing victorious in the red corner after the match tomorrow.” Tomorrow, Ibushi ends White.
Ibushi knows times are tough but he thanks the fans for being here. But he is NOT a one and done. He will absolutely defend both titles! He is holding the greatest and strongest titles right now, and he will KEEP them! Does everyone understand? They cheer, as he again says he will never run away, quit or betray the fans. Ibushi will beat White and become a wrestling god! Ibushi again holds the belts up high, then goes up the ramp, to the stage, and lets the pyro fly in celebration! But is this the beginning of Ibushi’s ascension? Or the beginning of the end?
My Thoughts:
This was great stuff and for only the first night! The New Japan “Rambo” was pretty unique in that eliminations could be by throwing opponents out or by pinfall, but clearly it was going to be more by over the ropes. It was hilarious for Yano to be part of the winning four and not even have to do anything. Yano, Fale, Owens and Bushi make for a fun combination, but anyone could be the first Mr. KOPW 2021 at this point. Hiromu VS ELP was a very good match, but considering ELP and Ishimori are both Bullet Club, it just seemed obvious that Hiromu was going to win. I’m surprised NJPW didn’t consider that when putting Super J-Cup together, but perhaps they wanted someone fans in Japan were already familiar with to win and give Hiromu a strong match.
Dangerous Tekkers VS Guerrillas was a really good match, too, and I like that Douki accompanied his Suzuki-Gun teammates. Sucks that he didn’t really cancel Jado out, though. GoD winning makes some sense, as they’ve been a team for longer, and are a bit more united than Tekkers seemed to be by this point. ZSJ had to keep shouting to Taichi to help with coordinated moves, maybe the Tekkers are going to take a break to go back to singles title pursuits. Maybe they go back to feuding with Chaos’ trio to go after the Six Man Tag Championships. I like that we got a message from Moxley, and Kenta retaining the contract just makes sense, as those two could have quite the physical match.
Both grudge matches were great stuff. Tanahashi beats Khan to prove he’s still got it, and similarly so does Okada, but I feel like Ospreay should’ve won this time. I know Okada isn’t on his way out or anything, but The Empire should feel formidable, and that namely means their leader should be the one to watch out for. Ospreay may not be the kind of Heel that cheats, but he should have found some way to sneak that win. Some kind of secret he knows because of how well he knows Okada, or maybe something Okada knows about Ospreay that Ospreay then turns around to surprise Okada. There can still be a lot to the rise of Ospreay’s faction in the coming years, but winning here would’ve already cemented that group in NJPW.
Naito VS Ibushi certainly cemented both men’s legacies in NJPW as far as I can tell. They each gave as good as they got, with maybe just a little bit of reference back to previous match-ups between them. What was most powerful, aside from the false finishes, was Naito wanting to be the one to present the belts to Ibushi. Naito is top tier in NJPW, but he acknowledges on screen that so is Ibushi. Of course, it’s fitting that White has to get his part in this, but I would really think that Ibushi does win out on Night Two. That match will put it beyond shadow of a doubt that Ibushi is deserving of the belts, and that he could be the one to carry out Naito’s plan of defending both belts separately, as opposed to simultaneously. If NJPW wants 2021 to be the feel good year compared to the literal feel horrible year of 2020, Ibushi needs to retain and White needs to get his comeuppance.
My Score: 9.4/10
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Will the landscape change again?
Eddy Thorpe keeps prodding and provoking Oba Femi, so he gets his last chance at the NXT Championship! Will Eddy truly be the alpha of NXT?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- NXT North American Championship: Tony D’Angelo w/ The D’Angelo Family VS Ridge Holland; Tony wins and retains the title.
- Dion Lennox VS Wes Lee w/ Tyson Dupont & Tyriek Igwe; Wes wins.
- NXT Heritage Cup Championship: Lexis King VS Charlie Dempsey; King wins and retains the title.
- Karmen Petrovic w/ Ashante THEE Adonis VS Jaida Parker; Karmen wins.
- Brooks Jensen & Niko Vance VS Luca Crusifino & Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo; Jensen & Vance win.
- NXT Championship: Oba Femi VS Eddy Thorpe; wins and
PLAY BY PLAY
NXT North American Championship: Tony D’Angelo w/ The D’Angelo Family VS Ridge Holland!
A golden NXT begins with The Don stepping to the man who tried to ruin Christmas! Will NXT still belong to Tony D? Or will Ridge The Fridge put him on ice?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who’s really got grit!
The two tie up with the bell, then go around the ring. They end up on ropes, in a corner, back on ropes, then they break. The fans rally, Tony and Ridge tie up again, then Ridge waistlocks, spins Tony, and UPPERCUTS! Tony fires back and the fans fire up! The shots go back and forth, but then Ridge kicks low. Ridge headlocks, Tony powers up and out, but Ridge RUNS Tony over! The fans boo and Tony gets up in a huff. They tie up again, Ridge headlocks, but fans taunt him with “No One Likes You!” Tony powers up and out, drops down, but Ridge ducks ‘n’ dodges. But then Tony hip tosses Ridge, and RUNS him over!
The fans fire up with Tony, and he dodges a haymaker to hit a headlock takeover! Ridge fights around, fights up, and he powers up and puts Tony on ropes. The fans rally for Tony while the ref counts. Ridge lets off, and Tony throws hands! Ridge ROCKS Tony in return, has him in a corner, and then fires body shots. Ridge whips, Tony reverses, then he dodges to FLYING PUNCH! Tony whips Ridge to a corner, then BACKDROPS Ridge on the rebound! The fans cheer while Tony paces. Ridge slowly rises, but wait, Shawn Spears is here? The fans boo The Chair Man but he tells Tony to focus on Ridge. Tony has The Family watch Spears closely while NXT goes picture in picture.
Tony glares at Spears before he goes back to Ridge. But Ridge takes a swing! Tony dodges, and then Tony LARIATS Ridge up and out! Tony hurries to go after Ridge, then SMACKS him off the apron! But then Ridge RAMS Tony into a post! And then Ridge just POSTS Tony! Tony slumps against the steel, but Ridge pulls his arm through the corner. Ridge SLAMS the arm against the post! Ridge pushes Tony into the ring, storms in after him, but Tony fires haymakers! Ridge kicks low, then he RAMS Tony into the buckles! Spears is amused while Ridge drops a KNEE onto Tony’s arm! Tony writhes but Ridge stands him up.
Ridge UPPERCUTS the arm, RAMS the shoulder, then CHOPS! Ridge RAMS Tony again, but Tony rolls Ridge up! TWO, and Ridge kicks Tony in the shin! Ridge then WRINGS the arm out! Tony writhes more, but Ridge then clamps on for an armlock. Ridge stands over Tony as he puts the pressure on, but the fans and The Family coach Tony up. Tony fights up, fires haymakers again, but Ridge wrenches to WRING the arm again! Ridge drops KNEES on the arm again, then clamps onto Tony with the armlock. Tony endures, the fans rally, and Spears continues to be amused as NXT returns to single picture.
Tony fights up, fires haymakers, but Ridge wrenches again. Tony still fires haymakers! Tony ROCKS Ridge, goes to a corner, but Ridge runs in! Tony dodges to DECK Ridge! And DECK him again! Tony whips, then runs, to FLYING PUNCH again! Then he clinches for a BELLY2BELLY! The fans fire up and Tony reels Ridge in! FISHERMAN SUPLEX, and a float to the cover! TWO!! Ridge survives, but the fans are all behind Tony. Spears looks worried now, but Tony clinches. Ridge KNEES free of the spinebuster! But then Tony ROCKS Ridge! Ridge ROCKS Tony! They go back and forth, but then Tony FLYING PUNCHES! Ridge BOOTS back!
Ridge has the half nelson, HALF ‘N’ HALF PLEX! Cover, TWO! Tony survives and Spears looks annoyed. The fans fire up but Ridge roars! Tony rises, Ridge runs up, but Tony dodges the lariat, and the Southpaw! SPEAR!! But then speaking of Spears, he gets on the apron! The fans boo, but Tony DECKS Spears! The Family storms up but then Niko Vance & Brooks Jensen attack! The ref calls for reinforcements, but Tony goes back to Ridge. Ridge body shots, but wait! IZZI DAME!? She BOOTS Ridge! SPINEBUSTER from Tony! Tony high stacks, and WINS!
Winner: Tony D’Angelo, by pinfall (still NXT North American Champion)
The irony here is sweet! Spears has been trying to recruit The It Girl to his team, but she made sure things went the other way! She says they’re even, so will Spears have to just FOGEDABOUTIT?
Dion Lennox and others talk backstage.
But then in steps Wes Lee, Tyson Dupont & Tyriek Igwe. Wes tells Dion that he’s a funny guy. Why is that? Because what he said to Oba last week, how Dion is championship material and could actually beat him one day. Dion says that’s not Wes, so why not Dion? Uh, because there’s a very drastic difference between a superstar with “potential” like Dion, and one who is a decorated superstar like Wes. Dion wants Wes to hold on. Maybe he can prove his “potential” by beating a former champion like Wes. Wes says Dion will realize he has a long, long way to go before that. So Wes will see Dion around.
Wait, Trick Williams just walked in! And Wes says look at that! Another former champion! Tricky Willy is back! From the penthouse to the outhouse! It must stink knowing that Eddy Thorpe’s getting another shot while- TRICK SLAPS WES!! Wes falls right over, and Trick stares everyone else down. No one steps to Trick, so who will Trick step to now that he’s back?
Bayley is here!
The Role Model is back again because after last week’s brawl, a certain Prodigy has been following her to both SmackDown and Raw. The fans again chant “Welcome Back!” “Welcome Home!” and Bayley says yeah, this IS her home! And that’s why last week, she came out here to talk with Roxanne Perez. Bayley cares about Roxie, about the legacy she is building, and everything Roxie has done for NXT. But all that got Bayley was a big ol’ slap in the face. The fans boo that, but Bayley continues to bring up how Roxie said Bayley was just acting like CM Punk and Natalya. To Bayley, that’s a compliment!
People like Punk and Natty built the foundation they’re all walking on. Natty showed Bayley how to give back and how to help. So Bayley isn’t here because NXT owes her something. NXT doesn’t even owe Roxie! If anything, Bayley owes NXT to get rid of “entitled little idiots like Roxanne Perez!” Fans cheer, “I LOVE YOU, BAYLEY~!” a la Jacob Fatu. Bayley says she loves them, too. And maybe deep down, Roxie “loves” Bayley, because Roxie talked crap to Bayley during a title match with Tiffany Stratton, then showed up to Raw last night to try and put her hands on Bayley during her match with Nia Jax. Rox, c’mon!
Maybe Bayley gave Roxie too much credit, because that’s all really lame. She thought Roxie would have a better plan than that. That’s like small ball. That doesn’t prove Roxie is ready for Raw and SmackDown. That doesn’t even prove Roxie is ready to be a leader of the youngest locker room in WWE right now! There’s Jaida Parker, Kelani Jordan, Lola Vice, all of these girls are eager to prove themselves worthy of an opportunity. And with a champion like Giulia, then sky’s the limit! Wait, speaking of Giulia, here she comes! The fans fire up again as the NEW NXT Women’s Champion is here to meet Bayley face to face!
The Beautiful Madness has the mic to tell Bayley, “Coming from Japan and seeing part of, I wanted you. I wanted to be in NXT!” The fans cheer that. Giulia joins Bayley in the ring, and Giulia says Roxie may not look up to Bayley, but Giulia does. The fans also cheer that! Giulia says she hopes to hold this title with as much honor and love for NXT as Bayley did. Bayley thanks Giulia for that, that means a lot, because she has so much respect for Giulia. Bayley’s also a big fan of hers. When Giulia won the title, Bayley was so happy. And Bayley knows Giulia will make historic moments of her own, because this title changes your career, your life, and means everything to all of us here.
That title changed the landscape of the Women’s Division, not just in NXT but in WWE. Before Bayley can say more, Roxie makes her way out here, Cora Jade by her side. And Roxie of course has a mic, to say this is “boring~!” Roxie is surprised Bayley is showing her face after two embarrassing losses. Roxie is so happy she was in the front row to see those. But seriously, drop the act, stop acting innocent, because if Bayley actually cared about the WWE’s future, Bayley wouldn’t have punched Roxie in the face last night! And Roxie isn’t the only one who sees through Bayley. Cora does, too! Right, Cora? Can you actually believe this was their role model?
Roxie & Cora laugh but Bayley says it is hard to hear them because the fans are booing so loud. Roxie tells the fans to shut up, but they just boo harder. And Bayley asks what Cora’s even doing here! Cora says she is here because she was once a “naive” Bayley fan, too! But Roxie is right, Cora sees it! Bayley is not a role model! Role models aren’t part of NXT “when it’s cool.” Role models build this place up when people like Bayley choose to leave it. As far as they’re concerned, Giulia might as well hand the title back to Roxie here and now, because no one can carry it the way Roxie did. No one loves NXT like Roxie & Cora! And they didn’t need to compete overseas to see it.
Roxie & Cora have been holding it together since day one! Roxie again tells the fans to shut up, because she has something important to say! The fans keep booing, so Roxie says fine! She’ll just talk to Bayley, not the idiot fans. Roxie will not take anything away from what Bayley has done. Bayley’s done it all in WWE. She’s the 2024 Royal Rumble Winner, won championships at WrestleMania, and most importantly, she inspired little girls like Roxie & Cora. But thank you for your service because it is no longer required. Bye-bye~! The fans continue to boo and Bayley smiles. Roxie says everyone should be booing Bayley!
And why? Because Bayley’s been looking at the NXT Women’s Championship! Bayley wants to be the number one woman in the number one women’s division. Because deep, deep down, it has succeeded even the Four Horsewomen. So Bayley should tell her new friend, Giulia, the truth! Tell her why you’re here, Bayley! Fans tell Roxie to “Shut The Hell Up!” Bayley & Giulia look to each other, and they agree on something. They go after Cora & Roxie! The fans fir e up for the brawl! Bayley ash Cora, Giulia has Roxie, but then Cora gets free of a clinch! Roxie gets free of one, too, and the two regroup as they retreat!
The fans cheer as Role Model and Beautiful Madness stand tall, will they look to put the mean girls in their place?
The rest of the Women’s Division watches.
Jaida Parker loves what she sees! Bayley mentioning her two weeks in a row, everyone heard it! Kelani Jordan says yeah, but she’s not the only one. Bayley mentioned Kelani, too. Jaida says okay, this “attitude” Kelani is trying on ain’t it, so go back to the drawing board, because the only real one is right here looking at you. Kelani says being rude doesn’t make you “real,” Jaida. Well, being pretty doesn’t mean you have to be rude, Kelani. JAIDA is the one being rude! Karmen Petrovic says it doesn’t matter, because love is in the air! Karmen loves Kelani for being so sweet, and Jaida- Jaida says she dares her to say something.
Kelani is about to go off because Jaida brushed her aside, but Sol Ruca & Zaria keep her back. Karmen asks why Jaida’s coming at her, and Jaida asks why Karmen’s always up in people’s business. Oh, is it cuz she finally got a kiss from a guy who’s gonna dump her in a few months anyway? Don’t interrupt. Oh, wow, “finally got a kiss?” Karmen kissed Adonis. So watch how you talk about her and her man. Wow, “her man?” Yeah, and if Karmen interrupts Jaida again, what’s she gonna do? Jaida pushes Karmen back and says that’s Nikkita’s man, get it right. Dani Palmer and Brinley Reece now step in to keep the peace.
WAIT! The brawl at the ring started up again!? Bayley & Giulia are again throwing hands with Cora & Roxie! The fans cheer “NXT! NXT!” but then Cora POSTS Giulia! Bayley THROWS Roxie into barriers, and NXT goes picture in picture!
Security finally rushes out there to try and stop this, but then Bayley helps Giulia against Cora in the ring! Security hurries to stop that but the mugging is 3v2! Giulia HEADBUTTS Cora outta the ring, but then Roxie CLOBBERS Bayley! Roxie and Giulia brawl, Bayley is back up, and Cora returns, too! The refs and security separate the four, but then Bayley breaks loose to JUMP at Roxie & Cora! Giulia follows after, it’s a lot of wild fists and black leather pants! Roxie & Cora stand down again, but then Bayley & Giulia run back up! Roxie and Bayley scrap to the mat, Giulia and Cora aren’t far behind! Bayley TOSSES Roxie, then TOSSES Cora!
The brawling finally stops, or rather stops again, and refs usher Cora & Roxie away. Ava Raine is there, but then Giulia & Bayley storm in! The brawling is happening right in front of the NXT General Manager! She shouts for this to stop but that’s easier said than done! Dion Lennox does his best to get by, his match with Wes is next! Will Dion level up taking on the former NXT North American Champion?
Dion Lennox VS Wes Lee w/ Tyson Dupont & Tyriek Igwe!
The bell rings and Wes throws his jacket! Dion gets blinded and Wes HANDSPRING KICKS him down! The fans boo, Wes stomps away, but then Wes lets off as the ref counts. Dion bails out, Wes builds speed and DIVES! Down goes Dion and the fans boo more. Wes puts Dion, storm sin, but Dion FLAPJACKS Wes high! Dion fires up, and he rallies on Wes with ELBOW after ELBOW! #GameMode has activated, and Dion TACKLES Wes! Dion rains down forearms and fists, but Wes scrambles away to ropes. Dion ROCKS Wes with a haymaker! Dion whips, but Wes KICKS him back! Dion shakes that off, and he scoops Wes!
Wes fights free, mule kicks a leg out, then runs, but into a SHOULDER TACKLE! Dion fires up while Wes goes to a corner. Ty & Ty coach Wes up while Dion runs in, and Wes BOOTS him! Wes ROUNDHOUSES Dion, then runs, but into a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Wes survives but Dion drags him right up. Dion suplexes, but Wes knees free! Wes wrenches and HOOK KICKS! Then HEEL KICKS! Dion wobbles, so Wes ENZIGIRIS! Wes handsprings, CARDIAC KICK! Cover, Wes wins!
Winner: Wes Lee, by pinfall
The Cardiac Kid was on the defensive against the former linebacker, but he found a way to score the win. Wes says so much for championship material. That takes care of Dion, so TRICK! You think you’re that man? Walking into the locker room and slapping Wes in the face!? Wes will take care of Trick next week in Atlanta! And if you think you- Well, here comes trick now! Ty & Ty run up but Trick DECKS Tyson! Trick storms in and ROCKS Wes again and again! Wes flounders out, and Trick says if Wes wants it in Atlanta next week, then he’s got it! Trick storms out, pushes past Dion, ready for a fight. Will Trick be a house of fire until he takes back his title?
Sarah Schreiber gives us BREAKING NEWS!
After the confrontation earlier tonight, NXT GM Ava has made a match: Brooks Jensen & Niko Vance VS Luca Crusifino & Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo! But now, welcome her guest at this time, Stephanie Vaquer! La Primera steps onto the set, and Sarah says that Stephanie did win the #1 contender’s spot for the Women’s North American Championship, but then Shotzi Blackheart pinned Fallon Henley directly. Then Shotzi beat- Vaquer stops Sarah there, and says yes, she is still THE #1 Contender. Fatal Influence is already doing everything they can to stop her.
But Vaquer arrived in NXT, and she is not going to stop just because Fallon is playing games. Or because Shotzi benefitted from the situation. Vaquer adds in Spanish, then translates, that if Shotzi becomes champion, she will meet Hell. And Fallon, you can run, but you can’t hide from La Diabla. The Dark Angel is ready to destroy whoever is champion, so who will have a date with Vaquer for Vengeance Day?
NXT Heritage Cup Championship: Lexis King VS Charlie Dempsey w/ No Quarter Catch Crew!
It takes time to turn over a new leaf, but perhaps The Drama King has truly done that. He chose to win honorably, owned up to mistakes and controversy, and is even willing to clear the air once and for all. Will King keep the throne after going a few more rounds? Or will the No Quarter Catch Crew soon have the cup back in their possession?
NXT returns as NQCC enters all together. The introductions are made, the cup is raised, and one way or another, we put an end to this chapter!
The bell rings on round one, and King offers a handshake. Dempsey kicks it away, not in the mood for it. The fans boo but Dempsey waistlocks. King switches, SLAMS Dempsey, then facelocks. They roll, King holds on, but Dempsey trips King up. Dempsey has the toehold, but King uses leg with leg for leverage! King throws Dempsey away but Dempsey cartwheels through! The fans cheer so King throws his headband away. The two tie up, Dempsey waistlocks, then spins King to a facelock. But King wrenches out to WRING Dempsey! Dempsey gets up, but King DROPKICKS him! The fans cheer, and King arm-drags Dempsey down!
Dempsey endures the armlock, fights up, but King wrenches to a wristlock, Dempsey rolls, snapmares, but King holds onto the wristlock! Dempsey rolls, wrenches, breaks, and snapmares! Dempsey headlocks, King slips out to wrench the arm again. Dempsey spins, snapmares, and headlocks, but King slips out the back to hammerlock! King KNEES the arm in the back, KNEES him again, then traps it under his knee. King flexes, the fans cheer, but Dempsey BOPS King in the face! Dempsey runs, King drops down, but Dempsey turns hip toss into wrench and backslide, with bridge! TWO!! King has a sunset flip, TWO!
King headlocks, Dempsey powers up and out, but King RUNS Dempsey over! Dempsey hurries up, then drops down as King runs. King avoids the hurdle, not wanting a repeat of the controversial “nutcracker” from last time. We reach a minute left in this round, and King wants the handshake again. Dempsey decides to take it this time, but then he UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS again! King wobbles, Dempsy whips, but King reverses to drop toehold, body scissor, Gedo Clutch, but King tries to get fancy, TWO! Dempsey has the REAR NAKED CHOKE! King fights around but Dempsey holds on tight!
King snapmares free, Dempsey rolls him up, TWO! Twenty seconds left and King goes for a leg. Dempsey gut wrenches King to a backslide, TWO! King escapes but we hit ten seconds! Dempsey wants the chicken wing! King fights around, he’s caught, but time’s up!
King: 0; Dempsey: 0
The fans cheer this first round coming to a close, but while Dempsey has NQCC to refresh him, King has no one. Wait, what’s a pair of brass knuckles doing in King’s bucket? Did a certain gentlemanly villain put those there? King shakes his head, and NXT goes picture in picture.
Round two begins and the two storm up to tie up. Dempsey wrenches to hammerlock but King standing switches to headlock. King hits the takeover, Dempsey fights to a headscissor but King shrugs that off. Dempsey rolls King to a cover, TWO! King holds on, but Dempsey manages a cravat from that position. Dempsey wrangles King to a cover, TWO! Dempsey now has a top wristlock and grinds King down. King endures, fights around, and he arm-drags free! King then grabs Dempsey’s arm for a knuckle lock cover, TWO as Dempsey gets an arm up! King pushes that arm down, TWO as Dempsey gets the other arm up!
King pushes that arm down, TWO as Dempsey bridges! Dempsey then kips up, powers King back, and MONKEY FLIPS him! Dempsey rolls back to cover, TWO! King sunset flips again, TWO! Both men stand, and Dempsey KNEES low! Dempsey headlocks and squeezes tight. Dempsey then ripcords King for a GUT WRENCH PLEX! Cover, TWO! We’re already under 90 seconds as Dempsey KNEES King in the back! Dempsey clamps on a chinlock and he grinds King down again. King still endures, fights back up, but Dempsey ripcords to ROCK him! But King reels Dempsey in for a BACKDROP!
King clamps onto an arm and he grinds the shoulder. Dempsey rolls to stand, but King rolls to wrench! Dempsey wrenches, King wrenches, repeat! Dempsey rolls, spins, wrenches, and hammerlocks. But King gets under to BACKDROP again! Dempsey sunset flips it! King sits on the cover, AND SCORES!
King: 1; Dempsey: 0
With 26 seconds to spare, King snatches the crucial first fall! Will King wrap this before halftime? Or can Dempsey push it into the late rounds?
NXT returns to single picture during the refresher, the round begins, and the two storm up to each other again. Dempsey KNEES King low, CLUBS him on the back, then UPPERCUTS! King CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! Dempsey wrenches to KNEE King hard! King goes to a corner, Dempsey is on him to whip, but King reverses. Dempsey goes up but King stays back! King arm-drags Dempsey, then grinds the armlock! The fans rally, Dempsey fights around, then rolls back. Dempsey stands, fights the armlock, and fans duel as Dempsey puts King on ropes. The ref counts, Dempsey HOTSHOTS King down!
The NQCC cheers, and Dempsey drags King up to fire off in the corner! We’re at two minutes, Dempsey whips to send King right into the buckles! Dempsey stomps King, then deadlift GERMAN SUPLEXES! Bridging cover, TWO! King survives but Dempsey looms over him. Dempsey stomps King around, then clamps onto an arm. Dempsey traps that arm, and he steps on it to bend it back! King endures as Dempsey also has a headlock added on! King fights, Dempsey traps the arm with a leg, and then he throws down palm strikes to the forehead! King manages to roll to a cover, TWO! SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO!!
Dempsey survives and we go under a minute here! King storms after Dempsey, brings him around to whip, but Dempsey reverses. King goes up and over the corner, then half nelsons, but Dempsey standing switches! Dempsey has the nelson, King fights it, but Dempsey KNEES him! BUTTERFLY PLEX, with a bridge! Dempsey scores!!
King: 1; Dempsey: 1
And with that, we’re all tied up going into the second half! King goes back to his corner, and he looks at those brass knuckles. King holds them in his hand but then shakes his head and puts them down. Round four begins, and Dempsey runs up! King dodges and then KICKS! KICKS! And KICKS! Dempsey blocks to DRAGON SCREW! King ends up in the corner, Dempsey hauls him for a HALF HATCH! FACELOCK GUILLOTINE! King endures, fights up, but Dempsey pulls on the head more! King powers up to suplex free! The fans fire up as both men rise! King blocks a shot to CHPO, CHOP, and UPPERCUT!
King whips, Dempsey reverses, but King CLOBBERS him! And LARIATS! King whips, runs up and LARIATS again! King CHOPS, then brings Dempsey in! NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! King hurries to a corner to climb! Dempsey stands, into the CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! King is frustrated, but he aims again, SUPER- NO, Dempsey blocks the kick, spins King around, LEG TRAP GERMAN! King sputters, then crawls to his corner! Is he still thinking about the knuckles? Dempsey has the chicken wing! But King runs to the ropes, and he TOSSES Dempsey out onto NQCC! King builds speed, and he FLIES! Down goes NQCC!
The fans are all fired up as King stands tall! We’re under a minute in the round but King puts Dempsey in the ring. Myles storms up but King DECKS him for it! King storms in, Dempsey snatches him to a cradle! TWO!! Dempsey rolls King up again, TWO!! Thirty seconds left as Dempsey waistlocks King! They crowd the ref in the corner! MULE KICK LOW BLOW!! Was that on purpose?! King reels Dempsey in, CORONATION!! Cover, King wins!!
Winner: Lexis King, by pinfall (still NXT Heritage Cup Champion)
King does Dempsey dirty, and that seemed a lot more blatant than that noggin knocker last time! A win is a win, but does the apple really not fall far from the tree? Will King stay the champion while also being his father’s son?
Bianca Belair & Naomi speak.
The EST tells Lash Legend & Jakara, “Y’all putting in that work to become #1 contenders, because of course y’all want a shot at our titles.” The Glow says The Bougie Bully is bringing the size and power, while Miss Jackson if ya nasty, she has the athleticism. But they might’ve forgotten just who The Glow & EST are. Because nobody does those things better than them. So bring all that and more to Atlanta if you wanna take these titles off the champs. Will Meta Four be the ones next week? Or will they just feel the StrongEST Glow ever?
Hank ‘n’ Tank talk with Andre Chase.
The big belly boys are a bit worried about Mr. Chase. They’re not even mad about him walking out on them, they just want to know how they can help. Chase says they should just break up as a team now. All tag teams end in heartbreak anyway. Kelani Jordan walks past as Chase says everyone is better off just looking out for themselves. Hank ‘n’ Tank say not this team. Chase says forget he even said it then. Chase heads out, but he finds other superstars watching a highlight reel of Chase’s best rage moments. Kale Dixon tells Mr. Chase he was so badass! Chase says yeah, he was…
But Chase U is dead. Chase leaves and Kale says it doesn’t have to be! Can Kale find a way to revive Chase’s school spirit?
Karmen Petrovic w/ Ashante THEE Adonis VS Jaida Parker!
Love is in the air, but when it’s NXT, there’s also a lot of tension. The Blackbelt Beauty was just trying to keep the peace, but Miss Parker is always ready for a fight. Will Karmen kick ass on the road to Vengeance Day? Or will Jaida make sure the lovebirds don’t make it #OutTheMud?
NXT returns and Jaida makes her entrance. She didn’t bring her boys, Nima & Price, so she’s annoyed to see Adonis ringside. The bell rings, the two tie up, and Karmen waistlocks. Jaida THROWS Karmen away and the fans duel. Karmen gets up, Jaida mocks the crane stance, but then Kamren starts throwing kicks! Jaida hurries to a corner, and the two reset. Karmen dodges Jaida’s haymaker to then slip under and UP KICK! Jaida comes back into a LEG SWEEP! Karmen mocks the high steps and now Jaida’s mad. Jaida runs up but Karmen wrangles her to a FUJIWARA ARMBAR! Jaida rolls Karmen, ONE!
Karmen keeps on the arm, but Jaida fights up to pull hair. Jaida puts Karmen in the corner, the ref counts, but Jaida knees low! Jaida whips Karmen corner to corner but Karmen SOBATS! And BULLDOGS! Cover, TWO! Jaida gets up but Karmen KICKS and KICKS and KICKS! Jaida blocks a kick, but Karmen SOBATS again! Karmen whips, Jaida reverses, but Karmen goes up. Jaida blocks that kick then gets under with an Electric Chair Lift! Karmen fires hands, but Jaida still SLAMS Karmen down! Jaida snarls as she drags Karmen up, and she RAMS Karmen into a corner! Jaida RAMS into Karmen again and again, but stops as the ref counts.
Jaida drags Karmen out to then put her in the ropes. Jaida CHOPS Karmen, then runs to TEARDROP in the corner! Jaida says that’s how it’s done! Jaida drags Karmen up, then shoves her onto ropes. Jaida traps Karmen’s arms and pulls! The ref counts, Jaida CLUBS Karmen while she lets off, then she bumps Karmen off buckles. Jaida eggs Karmen on, but Karmen blocks the bump to ELBOW back! Karmen goes up to ENZIGIRI! Karmen runs up, but Jaida wrenches to hook and FISHERMAN SCREW! Cover, TWO! Jaida is frustrated but the fans rally up. Jaida brings Karmen around, neckbreaker stretch!
Karmen endures as Jaida keeps her off the ground! Karmen kicks the legs, but Jaida suplexes! Karmen cradle counters, TWO! Both women hurry to their feet, and Jaida KNEES low! Jaida whips, runs up, but Karmen dodges! Karmen runs in, but Jaida dodges! Karmen hits buckles, and Jaida hoists her up again! But Karmen manages to victory roll, TWO! Jaida escapes, swings, but Karmen dodges! Karmen ROCKS Jaida with a forearm! And ROCKS her again! Then DISCUS LARIAT! The fans fire up as Karmen aims, runs, and dodges Jaida to then SLINGBLADE! Cover, TWO! Jaida survives the #Shingblade, but Karmen aims!
Jaida ducks the roundhouse, then she BACK ELBOWS Karmen down! Jaida drags Karmen up to GOURD BUSTER! Then Jaida builds speed for the- WAIT, Kelani is here! She stands in Jaida’s way, and Karmen rolls Jaida up! KARMEN WINS!
Winner: Karmen Petrovic, by pinfall
Karmen celebrates with her man Adonis, and Jaida is pissed at Kelani! Will Kelani not stand for the disrespect? Or will she get knocked out for it?
Meta Four meet backstage.
Jakara and Lash heard what Naomi & Bianca had to say, but then wait! Sol & Zaria, Jakara can guess what you want: The first opportunity at the NEW WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions. Sol asks if they understand how big their match is next week. Uh, duh! Zaria doesn’t think so. Not only do they have the chance to become WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, but they can bring those titles back to NXT, the best women’s division in the world. Uh, wow, Sol, you have a point. This IS the biggest match of their career. And Lash gets to go back to her hometown to do it! She can compete in front of her friends and family!
And Meta Four gets to step into the ring with two former WWE Women’s Champions. And even if Naomi & Bianca are two of the most accomplished women in WWE history, the Bougie Bully & Miss Jackson will bring that action. Because when they do, everyone here can get a shot at the champs. Tatum Paxley & Gigi Dolin walk in. Did Gigi hear that? Oh, she sure did, Tatum. They like the sound of it. So then it’s agreed: Meta Four better bring those titles home. Oh, they will! Let’s do it, girls~! Fatal Influence also eyes this from the background. Will the line be out the door should Naomi & Bianca lose to Meta Four?
Brooks Jensen & Niko Vance w/ Shawn Spears VS Luca Crusifino & Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo w/ Adriana Rizzo!
It’s been very obvious The Chair Man has been after the North American Championship, and with that, Tony D’Angelo. Spears has even done his best to gather “lost souls” to his side so that they can all take over NXT together. Will that start here as Brooks & Niko take on Luca & Stacks? Or will Tony’s Consigliere and Underboss handle business?
The D’Angelo Family doesn’t wait, they attack Jensen & Niko at the ramp! The fans fire up as the brawl is on like it was earlier tonight! Stacks sends Jensen into the ring, Niko and Luca continue to brawl on the outside, and then Jensen TOSSES Stacks back out! Niko sends Luca into the barriers, Jensen ROCKS Stacks, then Spears’ men put The D’Angelos back in the ring. Jensen & Niko storm back in, but Stacks & Luca throw more haymakers! Stacks LARIATS Jensen up and out, the bell finally rings, and Luca dodges Niko to KNEE him down! Luca drags Niko over, tags Stacks, and they double wrench, DOUBLE ELBOW, then DOUBLE BOOT!
Niko sputters, Stacks brings him around to UPPERCUT! Stacks whips, but Niko blocks and reverses! Niko runs in at the corner, but Stacks BOOTS him away! Stacks slides under to UPPERCUT Niko! The fans fire up, Stacks puts Niko in the ropes, and then UPPERCUTS and ROCKS him! Stacks UPPERCUTS again, then runs to BOOT Niko down! Jensen returns but Stacks throws him tot he apron! Luca runs up but Jensen CLOBBERS him! Stacks triangle jump DROPKICKS Jensen down! Luca returns, he helps Stacks FLY! Down go The Chair Man’s henchmen and the fans fire up! Stacks puts Niko back in, tag to Luca.
The D’Angelos whip Niko, BODY BLOW then KNEE LIFT! Niko staggers, Stacks runs, but Jensen trips him up! Jensen drags Stacks out to RAM him into the apron! Niko reels Luca in for a SAIDO! Spears barks orders, Niko RAMS into Luca again and again! Niko whips Luca corner to corner hard, and Luca falls! Niko tags Jensen, they mug Luca, then Jensen short arm LARIATS! The fans rally for Luca but Jensen hits a BIG suplex! Cover, TWO! Jensen tags Niko, then Jensen WRINGS Luca out! Niko FALLING HEADBUTTS! Cover, TWO! Niko pie faces Luca around, Spears tells him to keep going. Luca CHOPS Niko, Niko HEADBUTTS!
Niko scoops but Luca slips free! CODE BREAKER! The fans fire up, Niko and Luca crawl, hot tags to Jensen and Stacks! Stacks rallies on Spears’ men with lariats and forearms! Stacks ENZIGIRIS Jensen to a corner, then runs in for an UPPERCUT! Stacks aims at Niko but Jensen snatches him for a SLEEPER! Niko runs up but Stacks BOOTS him! Stacks snapmares free of Jensen, then he goes up to DOUBLE MISSILE DROPKICK! The fans fire up with Stacks as he goes after Jensen. Spears is frustrated but then Niko storms up! Luca SUPERKICKS Niko down! The fans fire up as The D’Angelos get Jensen up!
Stacks whips Jensen, Luca sets up, but Jensen grabs ropes! Luca runs up, Jensen TOSSES him out! Niko BATTERING RAMS Luca, and Luca is sent into steel steps! Jensen hooks Stacks’ arms, Stacks fights the backslide, but Niko tags in! Jensen runs, WHEEL KICK! Niko runs, CLOTHESLINE FROM HELL!! Cover, Spears’ men win!
Winners: Brooks Jensen & Niko Vance, by pinfall
The fans aren’t happy, but Spears is very, very pleased. His soldiers savagely stuck it to The Don’s men, but will they find their way to the NXT Tag Team Championships?
Backstage interview with Nathan Frazer & Axiom.
Sarah is with #Fraxiom, and she brings up how they made a surprise appearance at TNA Genesis on Sunday, but also wants to talk last week’s successful tag title defense. Frazer says yes, thank you, Sarah. And there wasn’t a doubt in their minds! Right, amigo? Axiom is sure there was a little doubt. OTM was coming off a brawl with Briggs & Inamura yet they still threw Fraxiom all over the ring. It was close. Plus, DIY was watching! Axiom feels that in this tag team division, you just never know. Frazer says yes, but he does! And he knows that they are the best team on the planet!
And this Thursday, against TNA’s Rascalz, Frazer knows- Briggs & Inamura storm in. “What part of ‘We got next’ do you two not understand?” Fraxiom takes one field trip to TNA and they just forget? Briggs doesn’t know if he likes that or not. Inamura says, “Exactly.” They call themselves the best? But are they dodging Briggs & Inamura? Frazer says hold on, Inamura-san. There’s a difference between a tag team wanting a match, and actually deserving one. Besides, who’d Briggs ever beat? But then OTM storms in! Bronco Nima & Lucien Price want more with Briggs & Inamura! So they get more! It’s another backstage brawl!
Briggs takes on Nima, Inamura has Price, but Robert Stone & Stevie Turner are there to call in refs and security! The chaos continues, will Briggs & Inamura have to settle things with Price & Nima before they go for gold? Will Fraxiom #NeverSlowDown, even after going through TNA Impact?
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Time to burn it down!
Ahead of entering the Royal Rumble, Seth Rollins and Drew McIntyre go one more round in a rematch from WrestleMania 40!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kofi Kingston w/ Xavier Woods VS Rey Mysterio; Rey wins.
- Bayley VS Nia Jax; Nia wins.
- PENTA VS Pete Dunne; Penta wins.
- Damage CTRL VS Pure Fusion Collective; DMG CTRL wins.
- Seth Rollins VS Drew McIntyre; Rollins wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Nia Jax ambushes Rhea Ripley!
The Irresistible Force is here on Raw to face Bayley, but she’s getting her payback on Mami for last week! She dribbles Rhea into the steel chain link fencing again and again, even as security and Adam Pearce rush in! They get Nia to stop, but Rhea is pissed! Will Nia regret riling up Rhea Bloody Ripley?
Jey Uso is here!
Dallas fires up and bounces along as it’s time to YEET! Michael Cole does his best to keep up with the beat as Main Event Jey makes his way down the bleachers. Wade Barrett is subbing in for Pat McAfee (the NCAA College Football Championship is also tonight), and Wade says Maggle looks like a “drunk grandpa” doing the YEET. Jey makes it to ringside, he high fives Maggle, then goes to the ring. But the YEET doesn’t slow down, it just keeps going! Jey grabs a mic and tells Dallas, “Main Event Jey Uso is now in your citaaaaaa~!” The fans cheer and join in with a “YEET!” Jey says this weekend, “YEET!” Saturday Night’s Main Event, “YEET!” Jey takes home the big one!
But then before Jey can continue, GUNTHER makes his way out here! Der Ring General, World Heavyweight Championship around his waist, makes his way right to the ring. Gunther grabs himself a mic while the fans boo. Jey paces but Gunther tells him, “Lemme guess, the next thing you were about to say is you were going to win the World Heavyweight title.” Jey confirms, he is gonna beat Gunther, then hang the title up in his room. Gunther says Jey really is “a funny little man.” But let’s not act like we both know it won’t happen. Last week, Jey was right here in front of Gunther, and he said every morning, he looks in the mirror and bets on himself.
The thing is, Gunther believes Jey. Gunther was looking forward to Saturday to square off with Main Event Jey Uso. Until today, when he saw Jey walking in here acting like that conversation last week never happened. Not after seeing Jey act like a complete DORK! Like he’s the company mascot for the fans! At this point, Gunther doesn’t even care. He could jsut as well get challenged by Jimmy Uso. Jey tells Gunther to not say something about his brother. Gunther says it doesn’t matter what Jey says, he never follows up with his actions! The fans are the only ones naive enough to believe everything Jey says. Gunther does not.
Bet on yourself? Until when? Until Roman Reigns whistles for him? Until Sami Zayn needs him? Until Jimmy needs him? Even Cody needed Jey and Jey showed up! All that makes Jey is a useful idiot, and Jey doesn’t even see it! Jey, your words and your actions do not align. Gunther’s always do! So on Saturday, when the bell rings, Gunther exposes Jey for the flash in the pan that has NO business being even this close to the World Heavyweight Championship. The fans boo but Gunther tells Jey to go. The fans “YEET! YEET! YEET!” but Jey says Gunther’s right again. Everything Gunther just said is true again.
Jey is the mascot of the WWE. And the fans here are his team. The fans are his squad. They ride with him! “YEET!” Slide with him! “YEET!” And they will be with him when he beats Gunther for the world championship! “YEET!” Jey reminds us he respects Gunther. But Gunther will respect Jey, too. Because only one of them in this ring main-evented a WrestleMania, and it ain’t Gunther. But then Gunther DECKS Jey! Gunther stomps Jey, the fans boo, but then Gunther DECKS Jey again! Gunther stands Jey up, but Jey TACKLES Gunther! Jey rains down fists and teh fans fire up! Gunther gets up, but Jey fires more hands!
Jey has Gunther’s shirt over his head for a hockey scrum! Gunther gets free, but Jey SUPERKICKS him down! The fans all “YEET!” while Der Ring General retreats! Jey has the belt and he dares Gunther to come get it! Jey drops it at the ropes, Gunther storms up to the apron, but Gunther stays back. Gunther leaves Dallas with the belt tonight, but will Jey leave San Antonio with it this Saturday?
The New Day walks the halls.
And then they spot someone. “Finally, somebody who understands!” JBL is here! They all shake hands, and JBL loves seeing them. Kofi Kingston says JBL is not just a champion and a Hall of Famer, but he’ll be on commentary tonight for The New Day’s match with that “hypocrite of a locker room leader,” Rey Mysterio. JBL should let New Day know they are the victims of a disgusting smear campaign! Kofi even sweetens the deal with a whole $2. Kofi says JBL understands being in a tag team but having to cut the deadweight to get ahead. And when he did, what happened? He had the greatest success of his career!
Not as great as The New Day, but please, be an acolyte for ya bois! JBL says yes, he does “get it.” Big E, all the muscles and charisma and personality, everywhere they go, the fans love Big E. Everyone chants for New Day, for Big E. You get rid of him, the fans have to pay attention to Kofi & Woods! Wow, okay. Backhanded compliments? Be that way. The New Day heads out, JBL asks if he can keep the two bucks. Will Kofi & Woods finally see who’s really in the wrong? Or will they continue to have a bad day here on Raw?
Backstage interview with Bayley.
Cathy Kelley is with the “busiest superstar” in WWE right now, as Bayley was on Raw, NXTÂ and SmackDown all last week. And she has an announcement to make, so for those who ahven’t heard, could she share? Yes, cat is out of the bag, Bayley is back on Raw officially via the Transfer Window! She started here after her NXT call-up, so it just feels right. But also, she is declaring for the 2025 Women’s Royal Rumble! And if you remember, she won the 2024 Rumble, so going back to back sounds really good. She could choose Tiffany Stratton, she could choose Rhea Ripley, or- Nia Jax interrupts.
Nia says Bayley can have Rhea, Nia gets Tiffy. Also, Nia is going to win the Women’s Rumble, not Bayley. Oh, yeah, Bayley did see what Nia did to Rhea earlier. If Nia wants to try that, Bayley dares her. Nia says she’ll see Bayley out there. Nia leaves, but will the Irresistible Force rough Bayley up the same way she did Rhea? Or will Bayley continue to be the Role Model, even after changing brands?
Kofi Kingston w/ Xavier Woods VS Rey Mysterio!
Raw returns and JBL is out there with Wade and Maggle already. The New Day makes their entrance, and they hate their song! They have it turn off, they get the tron to stop, and Woods says they already told the idiots in production that they’re no longer using that stuff! It’s ya bois, the NEW~ DAY~, and Dallas is starting to piss Kofi off! They have been doing this for too long and too well to be disrespected like this. They are walking Hall of Famers, unlike this FRAUD, JBL! JBL, give him that money back! Kofi snatches it out of JBL’s lapel pocket. Woods says Rey’s getting the brakes beat off him by the one and only Kofi Kingston~! BECAUSE NEW! DAY- “SUCKS!”
The fans chant “NEW! DAY SUCKS!” and the bell rings. Kofi and Rey circle, feel things out, and Kofi waistlocks to then headlock, waistlock, and he shoves Rey to a corner. The fans boo but Kofi soaks up that heat. JBL says this is the only time he’ll cheer a “deadbeat dad” like Rey. Rey and Kofi tie up, Rey waistlocks but Kofi switches to SLAM Rey down! Kofi slaps Rey around, and the fans boo as Kofi & Woods soak up the heat. Kofi taunts Rey, Rey and Kofi reset, and they tie up. Rey wrenches, hammerlocks, but Kofi wrenches out. Kofi wristlocks, Rey rolls and kips up, then Rey wrenches to headlock.
Kofi powers up and out, drops down then CLOBBERS Rey! The fans boo but Kofi keeps moving. Rey drops down, blows past Kofi, then tilt-o-whirls to RANA! Kofi staggers up, Rey dropkicks the legs out! Kofi is on ropes, Rey dials it up, but Kofi ducks the 619! Rey then PLANCHAS, but Kofi moves! Rey is on the apron, Kofi YANKS him down! The fans tell Kofi off but he drags Rey up and into the ring. Kofi then fires UPPERCUTS on Kofi, CHOKES him in the corner, then stomps a mudhole in! The ref counts, Kofi steps off, and then Kofi whips corner to corner. Rey reverses, runs up, but Kofi SWING KICKS! Rey GAMANGIRIS in return!
Rey RAMS Kofi, slingshots and SUNSET- NO, Kofi holds on, and he CLUBS Rey down! The fans boo but Kofi brings Rey in! Woods says watch this, “Hall of Famer!” Kofi lifts Rey, Rey pops free, but Kofi stomps away on him! Kofi glares at JBL, then he drags Rey up. The fans boo but Kofi SMACKS Rey off the apron. Kofi then reels Rey in, but Rey RANAS Kofi into the steel steps! The fans fire up as Rey rises, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Kofi has Rey down with an armlock. Rey fights to his feet, the fans fire up, and the forearms go back and forth! Kofi ROCKS Rey, Rey ROCKS Kofi, but then Kofi kicks low! Kofi whips, Rey ducks ‘n’ dodges, then Rey leaps to FLYING FOREARM! Both men are down and the fans fire up again. Woods coaches Kofi while Rey goes to the apron. Rey then goes to the corner, but Kofi hurries over that way. Kofi fires body shots, then he climbs up after Rey. Kofi brings Rey up but Rey fires body shots in return! Rey BENDS Kofi’s fingers, then he HEADBUTTS Kofi! Kofi staggers up, Rey hits the SEATED SENTON!
Rey gets moving, but Kofi ducks the springboard crossbody! Kofi sunset flip, but Rey rolls through, basement DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Kofi goes to a corner, Rey CLUBS him, and the fans rally. The ref gets between them, but Kofi pokes Rey in the eyes! Kofi leaps, CROSSBODY SPLASH to the back! Cover, TWO! The fans rally for Rey as he stays in this. The fans chant “NEW! DAY SUCKS!” Woods argues with a fan, Kofi aims, TROUBLE IN- NO, Rey dodges, then comes back to RANA! Kofi is on ropes, Rey dials it up! But Woods trips Rey! The ref saw that clear as day! Woods argues with the ref, but the ref EJECTS Woods!
The fans fire up while Woods throws a fit! Rey DECKS Woods! But Kofi CLOBBERS Rey! The fans boo, but Kofi hauls Rey up! Rey victory rolls Kofi onto ropes! Rey redials, 619!! And then the springboard, but onto knees! Kofi covers, TWO!! Rey survives, the fans fire up, but Kofi seethes. Kofi hauls Rey up, clinches, S O- NO! Rey makes the SOS a cover, REY WINS!
Winner: Rey Mysterio, by pinfall
But Woods CLBOBERS Rey from behind! The New Day mugs Rey, the fans boo more, but here comes the LWO! Joaquin Wilde & Cruz Del Toro run The New Day off! The fans boo, Cruz & Wilde check Rey, but then the New Day sneak back in! They drag Wilde out to POST him! Cruz hurries but now New Day retreats for real! Insult to injury here, but will Kofi & Woods continue to be blinded by their own arrogance?
Backstage interview with Team American Made.
Cathy Kelley waits as Chad Gable is arguing with his own people, then says okay, sorry, he was inspiring the team. But yeah, he’s the talk of the whole freakin’ wrestling world the past week, but he is man enough to admit he has a problem. And it all started with losing to Penta last week! It was Dragon Lee before that, and Rey Mysterio before that. Gable asks, “What’re we gonna do her?” But he’s figured it out! He found a man who knows a thing or two about lucha libre, and that man is intelligent with a mustache to match. That man is Dominik Mysterio! While Dom helps Gable with his lucha problem, the team has their marching order.
Ivy Nile says there’s a Women’s Intercontinental Championship with her name all over it. Brutus says those tag titles should’ve already had their names on them, HAHA~! Julius mocks how War Raiders cry about “One more injury~ and we’re done forever~!” Like that’s something to be proud of? No more asking, they’re just taking! They’ll take those tag titles from a team near the end of their career and put them on a team that’s entering their prime. Gable says this team that bleeds red, white ‘n’ blue will have waists wrapped in gold, and it will be glorious. Team American Made heads out, but can Dirty Dom really help Gable clean up his act?
Sami Zayn is here!
Dallas sings his song, and the Underdog from the Underground goes right to the ring. He grabs a mic and thanks Dallas for that, that never gets old. But he wont’ beat around the bush, he’ll just get right to business. Sami spoke with Adam Pearce, and Sami is now officially entered into the 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble match! The fans like the sound of that! Sami says Rollins told him he’s already helped a lot of others, so time to help himself. Well, Sami thought about that, and thought about what he wants. When he thought about that, it opened a whole bunch of thoughts. Sami pictured what 14-year-old Sami wanted.
Sami thought about what the millions around the world who dream of becoming pro-wrestlers, and the thousands who actually live the dream and get to do it. And then the even smaller group lucky enough to call themselves WWE Superstars. And then the smallest group of all, the hardest to crack into at all, is the upper echelon, the top tier, and that is where Sami is now! The fans cheer, and Sami firmly believes he is as good as everyone else in that group. That group is all in the Royal Rumble, and the only difference between Sami and the others, aka Roman, McIntyre, Rollins, and so on, is that they all have a world title to their name… and Sami doesn’t.
Sami has said it before, he’ll say it again, he’s had a great life, a great career. He doesn’t need the world title to complete him. The fans have supported Sami throughout the years, and believe it or not, that support means more to him than any world title could ever mean! So no, Sami does not need that world title, but DAMMIT, he WANTS it!! The fans love that! Sami says 14-year-old Sami wants that title, and he’s still with Sami! That kid sets foot in this ring every time Sami does. So Sami doesn’t need it, he wants it, so he will TAKE IT! WAIT, Kevin Owens is here!? The fans boo and Sami is certainly stunned seeing SmackDown’s Prizefighter back on Raw.
Kevin, who is still carrying the “Winged Eagle” title, while wearing a Bret Hart merchandise jacket, makes his way to the ring. Kevin grabs the mic, and while fans boo, he looks to Sami. Sami says he knew it was a matter of time before Kevin showed up. How does Kevin wanna do this? Kevin asks what Sami means. Sami knows Kevin. We all saw what Kevin did to Cody over teaming with Roman, so how’s this going down? Aw, is that why Sami thinks Kevin is here? No, Kevin admits, he was upset at first. But he realizes now that Sami teaming with Roman isn’t the same as Cody teaming with Roman.
Sami and Roman had a lot of history, the same as Sami and Kevin. And Roman did terrible things to Sami that Sami overlooked, just as Kevin did to Sami that Sami has overlooked. Or rather, Sami forgave Kevin for those things. Same as him forgiving Roman! Because that is who Sami is: Sami is a good person. And Rollins is right, Sami does a lot for others, especially his friends. And well, Sami is still Kevin’s best friend. A brother even! Kevin is here to tell his brother that he whole heartedly believes Sami can and will win the Royal Rumble. Kevin knows that the Sami he’s known for 20 YEARS will win the Royal Rumble!
And why? Because Sami deserves it! Sami deserves to go to WrestleMania and fight for the WWE Championship, and Kevin knows Sami will do it! Then Kevin and Sami can accomplish one more thing together. Think of everything they’ve done and seen each other do in this business. They main-evented WrestleMania to become tag team champions. But there’s one more thing they haven’t done: main event WrestleMania for THE WWE Championship. And when Sami wins the Rumble, they can do that, so long as Kevin walks away THE WWE Champion. But Kevin knows both of those things are going to happen.
Kevin knows Sami will win the Rumble because Kevin has his back. He does. And Kevin knows he’ll be THE WWE Champion because just like Sami had Roman’s back, he’s got Kevin’s back. Right? Kevin just knows it. Sami is his best friend, his brother, and if Kevin needs him, Sami will be there. Kevin drops his mic and heads out, but Sami is rather confused. Is Kevin suggesting Sami do what it sounds like? What will Sami do on this Road to WrestleMania?
Backstage interview with Sheamus.
Cathy is with The Fella and brings up his Intercontinental Championship match he has this Saturday against Bron Breakker. Why is this title so important to him? Sheamus says many would look at his career, and say he has the perfect backwards WWE career. He was only six months into his career, and he beat one of the biggest names this business has ever seen in John Cena to become WWE Champion. Ironically, the Intercontinental Champioship is what drew Sheamus to the WWE. That title has become an obsession for the past five years, but guess what? The stars are aligned! Saturday Night’s Main Event, Sheamus will bust Bron aside and fulfill destiny!
Sheamus will win the last championship he has yet to win! And for everyone who is watching, Let’s Go, Irish! A quick shoutout to Notre Dame, but then Sheamus spots Bron Breakker. Bron tells Sheamus that this title is Bron’s. This is as close as Sheamus will ever get to winning it. Because on Saturday, Bron beats him and BREAKS him like an old man! So just do us all a favor and retire. Sheamus shoves Bron, but Bron laughs it off and takes his leave. Will the Celtic Warrior finally have his WWE Bingo in another banger? Or will this title still belong to Bron Breakker?
Bayley VS Nia Jax!
The Role Model and the Irresistible Force were just on SmackDown but they’re bringing their beef over to Raw! Will Bayley make her official transfer back a successful one? Or will Nia be rolling towards the Royal Rumble?
Well, well, well, Roxanne Perez seems to be stalking Bayley. She was in the crowd for SmackDown last Friday, and now she’s here in the crowd tonight. The bell rings, Nia runs up, but Bayley dodges! Nia hits buckles, Bayley fires hands, then runs to ELBOW her! Bayley climbs up to rain down fists! The fans count, Bayley ges to 6 before Nia brings her off the corner! Bayley still fights, but Nia stops the rana! Nia brings Bayley up to a fireman’s carry, but Bayley kicks off ropes! TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO! Nia sits up but Bayley fires hands! Bayley runs, but into a POP-UP HEADBUTT! Bayley sputters, Nia covers, ONE!!
Bayley scrambles away but Nia stalks her. Nia puts Bayley on the ropes, CHOKES her, but the ref counts. Nia lets off at 4, she soaks up some heat, then she HEADBUTTS Bayley again. Bayley goes to a corner, Nia digs her boot in, but the ref counts. Nia stops at 4, the fans boo some more, and Bayley crawls. Nia drags Bayley up, pushes her down, then runs, only for Bayley to avoid the elbow drop! Bayley fires forearms, then whips. Nia takes a swing but Bayley gets around to hit a back suplex! Cover, TWO! Nia is tougher than that but she’s also dazed. Bayley rises, runs in, but Nia URENAGES Bayley down! Now Nia climbs the corner!
The fans fire up as Bayley SHOVES Nia to the apron! Bayley BOOTS Nia to the floor, then builds speed! Bayley DIVES, down goes Nia! The fans fire up and Bayley gets in Roxie’s face! Roxie takes a swing, but Bayley blocks! Bayley DECKS Roxie! The fans go wild, security stops Roxie from getting at Bayley! Bayley mocks the little idiot, then goes back for Nia while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Nia drags Bayley up. Nia drops a LEG on the arm! Cover, TWO!! Bayley survives and Nia grows frustrated. Nia taunts Bayley, the fans boo Nia, and Bayley sits up. Nia drags Bayley by her hair, then runs, but Bayley avoids the leg drop! Bayley hurries to ELBOW Nia in the back! And then SLIDING LARIAT! Bayley keeps moving, and drops an ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Nia survives the onslaught but the fans rally for Bayley. Both women slowly rise up, and Bayley runs up to KNEE Nia out to the apron! Bayley then drags Nia in through the ropes, but Nia HOTSHOTS the bad arm!
Bayley writhes, Nia taunts the fans, then Nia goes back to the apron. Nia stands on Bayley’s bad arm! But Bayley avoids another leg drop! Nia clutches her lower back while she and Bayley both rise up again. Bayley runs in to SUNSET FLIP BUCKLE BOMB! Nia flops to the floor and the fans fire up! Bayley leaves Nia behind for the count to handle this. Nia is still down at 5 of 10, and at 7! Nia springs up and in at 8! But Bayley goes up, up, and she hits a BANZAI DROP! Cover, TWO! Bayley didn’t quite A-Nia-Late Nia, but she goes up to ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Nia survives again but if only barely!
The fans rally as Bayley brings Nia up. Nia shoves Bayley away, then scoops her, SHOULDER BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Bayley stays in this and the fans rally up again. Bayley goes to a corner, Nia runs in, and Nia SPLASHES Bayley! Bayley flounders against the ropes, then Nia runs in. Bayley TOSSES Nia to the apron, but Nia ROCKS Bayley! Nia drags Bayley up, and POSTS her! Bayley dangles in the ropes, and Nia snarls. Nia runs to HIP ATTACK Bayley against the post! Bayley flounders back in, the fans boo, and Nia climbs up! But Bayley is up to YANK Nia down! The fans fire up as Bayley runs, and she KNEES Nia down! Cover, TWO!!
Nia survives yet again but the fans continue to rally behind Bayley. Bayley goes up a corner, but now Nia is up! Nia ROCKS Bayley, then climbs up after her. Nia fireman’s carries, but Bayley squirms around! SUPER SUNSET FLIP BOMB!! Cover, TWO?!?! Nia survives that wild fall but Bayley goes right back up! MACHO ELBOW!! Cover, TWO!!! Nia survives again and Bayley is beside herself! Nia and Bayley rise, and the fans fire up again. Bayley reels Nia in, but the bad arm won’t let her clinch! Nia fireman’s carries, but Bayley fights free! Bayley runs, CHOP BLOCKS a leg, then hurries to run again. Nia POP-UP SAMOAN DROPS!!
Nia hurries to SENTON! Then she drags Bayley to a drop zone! Nia goes up, to A-NIA-LATE Bayley! Cover, Nia wins!!
Winner: Nia Jax, by pinfall
A powerful battle between two former champions, but the Irresistible Force crushes Bayley on her return to Raw! But wait! RHEA RIPLEY makes her way out here! Mami wants revenge, and Nia says bring it! They brawl in the ring, the fans fire up, and Rhea HEADBUTTS Nia! Rhea RAMS Nia into the corner again and again, but here comes security! The fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT!” but the two are separated! But then Nia breaks free to SPLASH Rhea and whoever else was in the way! Nia CLUBS away on Rhea, producers and refs rush out here to stop this, but Rhea is up! She LEAPS at Nia for more!
The fans are thunderous as Rhea shoves everyone out of the way to ROUNDHOUSE Nia! Nia falls out of the ring, but rhea isn’t done! Rhea goes to the apron, but Nia trips her up! Nia DRIBBLES Rhea off the announce desk! Nia now clears the desk, and Adam Pearce is shouting that this is enough! Nia puts Rhea on the desk, but security swarms her! Wait, Rhea is back up! CANNONBALL!! Rhea takes Nia and the security guards out! The fans fire up but producers have to drag Rhea away from Nia! Dallas cheers on “MAMI! MAMI!” and she grabs a mic. Rhea gets on the desk to shout, “YOU! ME! SATURDAY NIGHT’S MAIN EVENT!!”
The fans are all fired up, because now things are going to get wild in San Antonio! But will the Queen of the Ring A-Nia-Late Rhea? Or will Nia get eradicated?
Judgment Day meets with American Made.
The others aren’t so sure about this, but Chad Gable says Dom said he could help with Gable’s luchador problem. Does he have some info? C’mon! Help him out! Okay, okay. Dom has someone who can help Gable. Dom hands him a piece of paper, and Gable asks, “This is the guy?” Dom says it sure is. Gable tells Judgment Day and “JD McDouche” that he’s off to master the dark arts of lucha libre. The others ask Dom what this is all about. Dom says it’s a long story but he and Gable go way back. Okay, fine, but how does this help Judgment Day? Next week is the tag title rematch but Finn is still out of action from last week’s Street Fight!
Liv Morgan says listening to Finn hasn’t really helped them win, has it? C’mon, Liv, this is serious. They’re gonna have to forfeit! Dom says maybe he could sub in. Finn shouldn’t care so long as they get the titles back, right? JD says yeah, that’s a good point. They’ll get this. Liv says yeah, Finn should be fine. And Dom is quite the mastermind now, huh? Liv just hopes this plan goes better than the one he had for her match with Rhea. Hey, didn’t she say she was over that? Yes, she did. Can Dom not take a joke? Okay, okay. Dom does have a plan for Liv, though. And even though she’s not mad, he’ll make it up to her, okay? Oh, he will. Now, let’s go.
Liv & Dom head out, Raquel tells Carlito to stop staring. Will Judgment Day (not) keep it together?
Lyra Valkyria speaks.
“Last week, I walked into Raw ready to become a history maker. And that meant spreading my wings and shedding any dead feathers that made me doubt the heights I knew I was capable of reaching. I took fear, I took doubt, and I used them to become something more. And now that I have this, it’s about what comes next. And what comes next is building a legacy as a valiant, fighting Women’s Intercontinental Champion.” The Morrigan is ready for more, just how high will she soar?
WWE celebrates Martin Luther King Jr.
He had a dream, and that dream lives on in us. May we keep that dream alive so that it may come true every day.
Seth Rollins warms up backstage.
Sami checks with him and knows the match with McIntyre is coming up. But Sami just wants Rollins to know that as a friend, he appreciated the talk they had last week. Rollins knows, and he heard Sami out there. Rollins respects Sami’s choice. It’s about time we got that Sami back. And Sami is almost rooting for that Sami. But push comes to shove int he Rumble, Rollins will throw Sami right over the top rope. Sami says, “Not if I throw you out first.” Sami again wishes Rollins luck, then heads out. Rollins finishes his preparations, but Karrion Kross is watching from afar! Could Mr. Doomsday have his next target in mind?
PENTA VS Pete Dunne!
#CeroMiedo made its debut in the WWE just last week, and it was a massive hit! But now he’s up against a man who feels disrespected left, right, front and back! Will the Bruiserweight take out all his frustrations on the new kid in class? Or will Penta continue to blow the roof off the arenas?
The bell rings and the fans already chant, “CERO! MIEDO!” Penta tells Dunne to listen, but Dunne grabs the hand! Penta KICKS Dunne, but Dunne CHOPS! Penta CHOPS, Dunne CHOPS, then the forearms start flying! Dunne headlocks, Penta fires body shots, and Penta powers out. Penta hurdles then mule kicks Dunne, and Dunne sputters away. Penta swaggers, but Dunne CLOBBERS him! The fans boo but Dunne grabs an arm. Dunne hammerlocks that arm, pulls on the other, and he bends the fingers back! Dunne STOMPS Penta’s arm! The fans tell Dunne off while Penta writhes, but Dunne drags Penta up again.
Dunne wrenches and whips, but Penta reverses. Then Penta runs up to GAMANGIRI! Penta whips again, Dunne reverses and he GAMANGIRIS! Penta sputters, Dunne brings him up, and Dunne whips. Penta reverses. Dunne goes up and flips and SUPERKICK from Penta! Penta hits Dunne outta the sky and Dunne bails out of the ring! The fans fire up and Penta says, “CERO! MIEDO!” Penta runs and DIVES into a forearm! Dunne gives back that anti-air, then he reels Penta in. APRON X-PLEX! Penta writhes again while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns, Dunne runs up to SLIDING FOREARM Penta down! The fans boo while Penta sputters, but Dunne runs up to SLIDINGN FOREARM again! Dunne paces, the fans chant, “Butch Sucks!” but Dunne just runs up on Penta. Penta dodges, mule kicks, and he runs to SLING-DOG! Dunne flounders to a corner, Penta runs and headstands on the corner! SWINGING DROPKICK! Dunne sputters more but Penta fireman’s carries. The fans fire up for the SWINGINGN DEATH VALLEY! Cover, TWO! Penta is frustrated, but the fans rally up again. Penta and Dunne rise up, and Penta goes after Dunne. Dunne ENZIGIRIS first!
Dunne STMOPS the hands, then he BUZZSAWS! Penta goes to a corner, Dunne runs up, but Penta SUPERKICKS! Penta runs up, DESTROYER!! Dunne tumbles out of the ring! The fans fire up with Penta and he builds speed again! Penta FLIES and down goes Dunne! The fans are thunderous while both men are out at the ramp! Penta and Dunne stir, the ring count climbs, and Dunne is in at 5 of 10. Penta rises at 6, and he slaps some sense into himself. Penta is back in at 7, DES- NO, Dunne stops the second shot and tucks Penta in! CRUNCHY DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!! Penta survives and the fans fire up!
Penta shakes out the bad arm, but he and Dunne sit up. They go forehead to forehead, then forearm for forearm! Dunne CHOPS, but Penta CHOPS! The fans cheer Penta on and he tells Dunne to listen! “CERO! MIEDO!” But Dunne bends the fingers, SNAPS them, then wraps Penta into a TRIANGLE HOLD! Penta endures, fights up, and he deadlifts Dunne, for a POWER BREAKER!! Dunne writhes, Penta grabs Dunne’s arm and traps it! Penta CLUBS Dunne, then grabs the other arm, SACRIFICE!! Dunne writhes in even more pain, but Penta brings him around. Pump handle, PENTA DRIVER!! Cover, Penta wins!
Winner: Penta, by pinfall
The luchador proved he could do power on top of punishing submissions, and he is 2-0 here on Raw! Will the Penta Era take over the WWE?
Logan Paul speaks.
“Man, it must suck to be a Logan Paul hater. For years, all of you have wanted me to fail. But you know why it’s never happened, and it never will? Because when I do something, I become the best at it. I became the King of the Internet. I was the only man in history to beat Floyd Mayweather. So what makes you think the WWE will be any different? Look around, dummies. This is my life now. And I will eat, sleep and breathe wrestling until I become the greatest superstar to step into that ring. You can quote me on that. You’re looking at the GOAT, ladies and gentlemen.” The Maverick makes his return next week in Atlanta, will he receive a “warm welcome?”
CM Punk is here!
The Voice of the Voiceless, the Second City Saint, the Best in the World, takes a page out of Jey Uso’s playbook by entering through the concourse and then the bleachers! Dallas fires up as he joins Jackie Redmond in the perch for an interview. Jackie says the fans love chanting Punk’s name, and thanks him for coming out here for this in-arena interview. Punk says before any questions, he has a question for us: “Is it great to be alive on a Monday night in Dallas, Texas or what?!” The fans cheer that, and Jackie says of course it is.
But to the question: There are only so many ways to get to the main event of WrestleMania, something Punk wants to do for the first time in his career. The Royal Rumble is certainly one way, but that is a match he’s never won. And it is shaping to become one of the most stacked fields ever. Punk, Roman, John Cena, Seth Rollins, Drew McIntyre, Sami Zayn, and more. So, the question is, what makes this Rumble different for Punk? Punk says, “History.” And he is a maker of history! Just three weeks ago, he main-evented the first Raw live on Netflix, and he beat Rollins, a man favored to win this year’s Rumble.
This business is a fickle one, constantly asking, “What have you down for me lately?” Punk says he makes history! And he’ll do it in two weeks when he walks in, throws 29 other superstars over the top rope. The stakes are much too high, the lights are much too bright, and the pressure is on! And that is when Punk feels alive and when he thrives. No one can beat Punk when he’s at his best and with the people behind him. Jackie brought up Cena, but Punk can’t see Cena throwing him out. Roman Reigns? Roman needed Punk’s help to settle family business at WarGames. And in the Rumble, there are no friends!
Punk has put McIntyre in the dirt, and don’t ask him about Sami. You put HOGAN in the rumble, Punk will throw his old ass out and kill Hulkamania once and for all! February 1st, 60 THOUSAND strong, on the Peacock, live and in living color, Indianapolis, Indiana, Punk will settle scores and cash in debts. He’ll even call in a favor or two if he needs to. On that night, 29 other men are going night-night, and ONE MAN gets his hand raised. One name, three syllables: C, M, PUNK! “CM” might stand for “Confident Man” right about now, but will Punk be unstoppable on this road not just to WrestleMania, but also the road to his dream?
Damage CTRL VS Pure Fusion Collective!
This rivalry went back and forth all over 2024, and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down just because it is a New Year. Will Dakota Kai & Iyo Sky finally kick PFC to the curb for what they did to Kairi Sane? Or will Sonya Deville, Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark put them on the shelf right beside the Pirate Princess?
The teams sort out, the bell rings, and Kai starts against Shayna. Shayna opens with a KICK to the leg, but Kai walks that off. Shayna KCIKS again, Kai gets mad, and the two go again. Kai blocks one kick but not the second KCIK! Shayna runs up, fakes Kai out, then trips her up! Shayna scuffs Kai, then soaks up the heat. Shayna runs back in, but Kai goes up and over to roll her up! TWO, and Kai slips past Shayna to DROPKICK her down! The fans fire up for Kai, but Shayna stops the arm-drag! Shayna whips, Kai stops herself and BOOTS Shayna away. Kai runs up, Zoey tags in before the flying mare!
Things speed up, Shayna drops down and Zoey springboards to MISSILE DORPKICK Kai down! Sonya wants everyone to take notes! Zoey clamps onto Kai with a chinlock and she grinds Kai down. The fans rally, Kai fights up, and Kai fires body shots. Zoey CLUBS Kai, CLUBS her again and again, then soaks up heat. Zoey puts Kai in the corner, tags Shayna back in, and then Zoey whips Shayna in for a KNEE! Shayna scoops Kai, BACKBREAKER and LARIAT! Shayna covers, TWO! Kai stays in this, but Sonya says her team’s got this. Kai crawls, but Shayna clamps onto the leg for a toehold.
Kai endures, kicks at Shayna with her free leg, but Shayna still bends the trapped leg! The fans rally, Kai kicks and kicks, but Shayna drops an ELBOW on the leg! Shayna tells Dallas to shut it, then she drags Kai around to bend the leg in another direction! Kai endures, reaches out for Iyo, but Shayna pulls the leg. Kai kicks at Shayna again, then BOOTS her away! Kai and Shayna crawl, hot tag to Zoey! Zoey brings Kai up but Kai ENZIGIRIS! Shayna runs back in, but Kai TOSSES her out! Hot tag to Iyo! The Genius of the Sky fires SHOTEI after SHOTEI on Zoey! Iyo ROCKS Shayna, then runs! PFC avoids the handsprings, but Iyo blocks a kick!
Iyo sends the foot at Zoey, but she ducks! Iyo SHOTEIS Zoey again! Then she dodges Shayna to GERMAN SUPLEX her away! The fans fire up as Iyo whips Zoey. Zoey reverses but Iyo uses that to DIVE onto Shayna! Iyo hurries up, blocks a shot, then ROUDNHOUSES Zoey! The fans fire up as Iyo climbs, and Iyo MISSILE DROPKICKS Zoey! Iyo handsprings up and the fans are thunderous! Iyo aims from the corner, runs in and SHINKANSEN! Iyo drags Zoey to a cover, TWO! Zoey survives but Iyo goes up. Sonya storms up, but Kai YANKS Sonya down! The fans fire up as Iyo climbs, but Shayna LARIATS Kai!
Zoey YANKS Iyo down, SUPERKICKS her, and then reels her in! ATAXIA!! Cover, TWO!! Zoey is furious, but she tags in Shayna. PFC gets Iyo up, ROLLING DEATH VALLEY, then a SLIDING KNEE! Cover, Kai breaks it! The fans fire up but Zoey TOSSES Kai! Zoey then PLANCHAS, but Kai dodges! Kai goes up to the apron to PENALTY KICK Zoey! Shayna BOOTS Kai, then dodges Iyo! KIRAFUDA KLUTCH!! Iyo flails, but she runs to the ropes! HOTSHOT and Shayna falls back! Iyo hurries up top, the fans fire up, OVER THE MOONSAULT! Cover, DMG CTRL wins!
Winners: Damage CTRL, by pinfall
PFC tried to use the numbers, but Iyo & Kai just used their skills! Will DMG CTRL still take control of Raw? Or will Sonya, Shayna & Zoey figure out a winning formula?
Seth Rollins VS Drew McIntyre!
With the Royal Rumble just down the road, it is this WrestleMania 40 rematch that could determine how WrestleMania 41 looks. The Visionary and the Scottish Terminator look to run it back, but who will be in pole position for Indianapolis?
Raw returns and McIntyre makes his entrance. The bell rings, the fans fire up, and the two stare down. The fans sing Rollins’ song, and Rollins says he’s got two good knees now. No Bloodline, no CM Punk, just them! The two circle, tie up, and McIntyre pushes Rollins to the corner. The ref counts but McIntyre talks smack as he lets off. Rollins shoves McIntyre, McIntyre shoves Rollins! They stare down again, Rollins talks a bit more smack, and McIntyre grins. McIntyre CHOPS, and Rollins likes that! Rollins CHOPS, McIntyre CHOPS, repeat! The fans “WOO~” but then McIntyre headlocks. Rollins powers up and out, but McIntyre runs him over!
McIntyre looms over Rollins, then brings him up. But Rollins CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! McIntyre headlocks, Rollins powers up and out, drops down, hurdles over, then redirects McIntyre to SHOULDER TACKLE! McIntyre rebounds to SHOULDER TACKLE Rollins! The fans fire up again while Rollins goes to ropes. McIntyre stomps Rollins, ROCKS him, then stalks him to ropes. McIntyre CHOPS Rollins against the ropes, then whips. Rollins ducks ‘n’ dodges, to then SLINGBLADE! Rollins keeps moving, and he LARAITS McIntyre up and out! The fans fire up as Rollins builds speed, to WRECK McIntyre with a dropkick!
McIntyre is at the desk. Rollins builds sped, and Rollins DIVES! McIntyre hits desk, but Rollins keeps going! Rollins DIVES again, but McIntyre stops that to TOSS Rollins up and over the desk! Rollins is down between the armchairs and McIntyre snarls, but Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and both men slowly rise in the ring. McIntyre looms over Rollins, saying Rollins is still too damn selfish. But Rollins fires hands! McIntyre hits back, they go back and forth! McIntyre kicks low, whips Rollins toa corner, but Rollins BOOTS him away! McIntyre returns, and he pushes through the boot to ELBOW Rollins! McIntyre has Rollins in the Inverted Alabama Lift, ALABAMA- VICTORY ROLL! TWO!! Rollins goes back to the corner, and he BOOTS McIntyre again! The fans fire up while both men are down! Rollins feeds off that energy and rises up. Rollins ROCKS McIntyre, then counter punches him!
Rollins CHOPS and ROCKS McIntyre again and again, then CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! The fans fire up, the ref counts as they’re on ropes, but Rollins roars! Rollins whips, McIntyre reveres, Rollins leaps, but into McIntyre’s arms! McIntyre pops Rollins up, but Rollins slips out of the suplex to then POST McIntyre! McIntyre staggers back, so Rollins POSTS him again! McIntyre sputters, Rollins brings him around and POSTS him a third time! McIntyre is stuck in the corner now, but Rollins SLAMS the arm against the post! Rollins aims as McIntyre staggers away. Springboard, FLYING KNEE! McIntyre says up, Rollins hits a RUNNING KNEE! Cover, TWO!
Rollins takes a breath as the fans rally up. McIntyre is down so Rollins goes to the apron. Springboard SWANTON! Cover, TWO! McIntyre survives but Rollins snarls. Rollins stalks McIntyre, grabs the arm, and he goes to wrangle McIntyre. McIntyre rolls free, fireman’s carries, but Rollins fights free! Rollins goes to a corner again, puts McIntyre on the apron, but McIntyre ROCKS Rollins! McIntyre climbs, but Rollins springs up to join him! SUPER DUPER PLEX! Roll through, but MCINTYRE hits the FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO!! The fans fire up as both men are down! “This is Awesome!” as McIntyre kips up!
McIntyre still wobbles a bit, but he makes his way to a corner. McIntyre tells Rollins to get up. Rollins rises, McIntyre runs in, but Rollins ducks the Claymore! Now Rollins aims, and he runs up, but McIntyre hits a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Rollins survives, but McIntyre brings him in! Deadlift and- RANA! Rollins then SUPERKICKS McIntyre, runs, tilt-o-whirls, and FALCON ARROWS! The fans fire up as Rollins manages a cover, TWO!! The pin wasn’t much but neither was that kick-out, both men are running on fumes. The fans sing Rollins’ song, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!”
Rollins runs, CURB- NO, McIntyre avoids the stomp! Underhooks and FUTURE- NO, Rollins fights the DDT to underhook! PED- NO, McIntyre wrenches out to short arm LARIAT! McIntyre rolls away to go to the apron, then he drags himself up the corner. McIntyre reaches the top, Rollins stands, FLYING- NO, Rollins blocks the lariat to try and wrangle McIntyre. McIntyre scoops Rollins, Rollins slips free, and Rollins still wants the arm! McIntyre fights the takedown again so Rollins CLUBS away on the arm! Rollins brings McIntyre down, into a CROSSFACE!! McIntyre endures, reaches out, but Rollins pulls him back!
McIntyre fights, claws his way over, and he manages the ROPEBREAK! Rollins holds until the ref counts 4, and now Rollins tells McIntyre to get up and fight. “You question me? You question my integrity!?” Rollins gets in McIntyre’s face, the ref backs him off, but now McIntyre CLAWS Rollins’ face! Rollins staggers, McIntyre reels him in, underhook and FUTURE SHOCK!! Cover, TWO?!? Rollins survives and now McIntyre is pissed. McIntyre rises, and he tells Rollins that his words and actions don’t line up. Short arm LARIAT! McIntyre drags Rollins up again, short arm LARIAT! The fans rally and McIntyre shakes his head.
McIntyre tells Rollins to get up, and Rollins sputters as he slowly sits up. McIntyre reels Rollins in for a short arm- NO, Rollins slips up and around, and a jackknife bridge! ROLLINS WINS!!
Winner: Seth Rollins, by pinfall
Rollins snatches this one away, and McIntyre CLOBBERS Rollins for it! The fans boo but McIntyre scares the ref off. But Rollins fires hands in return! McIntyre CLAYMORES outta nowhere!! McIntyre is still seething, and he drags Rollins over to the corner. McIntyre pulls Rollins’ hair to put him up against the post! The fans boo, the ref says don’t, but SAMI ZAYN to the rescue! Sami fires hands, then he POSTS McIntyre! Sami makes sure Rollins is alright, and then Sami goes back for Drew. But he gets a GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTT for it! McIntyre stands Sami up to THROW him into barriers!
McIntyre snarls as he looks to Rollins again. McIntyre gets in the ring, and he tells Rollins they should be on the same team, but Rollins is just so selfish! But here comes Sami! McIntyre moves, HELLUVA KICK to Rollins!! The fans can’t believe it and neither can Sami! Sami apologizes to Rollins, but McIntyre grins, this all worked out for the better! Will McIntyre use everyone else against each other to ensure he is the one going to WrestleMania?
My Thoughts:
Another great episode coming in at just two hours and 35 minutes or so. I don’t mind things “ending early” compared to the usual three hour run, but I am curious as to how they’re only using two-and-a-half hours. I suppose they have their plan and just go with it. That way, if things go long, they have breathing room for it. But they really could’ve added like one more thing to this and it would’ve been fine, I think. That said, good go-home stuff for Saturday Night’s Main Event, such as a good promo from Jey and Gunther. Though, they didn’t really add more to what last week had, other than that brawl. Jey stood tall, go-home math would suggest he loses.
Sheamus and Bron had a good promo to put the final touches on their build, but as I said last week, this is a rather interesting one. Sheamus really should win that Intercontinental Championship already, but I don’t know if Saturday Night’s Main Event is a “big enough stage” for such a moment. Great stuff with Bayley, Nia and Rhea tonight, especially that match. It seems the Transfer Window is finally putting some actual transfers in, what with Wyatt Sick6 on SmackDown and now Bayley on Raw. Rhea VS Nia on Saturday Night’s Main Event is going to be an awesome title match, but it feels like Rhea will retain to solidify her as champion past the Royal Rumble.
And speaking of the Rumble, Bayley is certainly a top choice to win. For one, it’d be historic for Bayley to not just win back-to-back, but to also be the first woman to have won two Rumbles at all. Very good promo from Punk to hype himself up for the Rumble, and he did mention a favor… Though, it’d be rather Heel of Punk to use a favor from Heyman to basically rig the Rumble or give him protection during it, but it’d also be great continuity as The Shield was to shield Punk. Sami of course declared for the Rumble, but Kevin showing up was a great surprise. And Kevin clearly implies that if Sami helps Kevin cheat the ladder match, Kevin will help Sami cheat the Rumble. Or rather, if Kevin does help Sami win the Rumble, Sami better help Kevin win the ladder match.
Sami also had a good promo with Rollins backstage, with the real fun part being Kross watching from the background. Kross needs a new feud with the Wyatts going to SmackDown, and moving on to names like Rollins and Sami would be some big stuff for him and The Final Testament. Rollins VS McIntyre was a great main event, and classic move having the quick pin win this so that McIntyre is still strong even in defeat. Sami making the save was also a nice touch, as was the Helluva Kick accidentally hitting Rollins. The Rumble has a lot of feuds crossing over, and Kross can add onto what happened here, we’ll get some really good chaos in that match.
Great promo between New Day and JBL to where even JBL, notorious as one of the meanest, most obnoxious Heels of his time, is on Big E’s side. And we finally got New Day back in the ring, but it’s a little disappointing that it wasn’t a tag match. Dragon Lee hasn’t gotten to do much, and he’s doing even less now. It was still a great match from Kofi VS Rey, with Rey getting his own quick pin win. New Day beating Rey up of course brought out the LWO, and I’m sure we’ll get New Day VS Cruz & Wilde next. We can only hope for Dragon Lee’s sake that he gets to be part of the blowoff for this feud. Actually, better yet would be him in the Intercontinental Championship scene.
Penta might also make a great choice for the Intercontinental Championship scene. Penta had another awesome match, as Pete Dunne is always a great opponent. Maybe Penta gets in on the Rumble so he can check that off his bucket list. He doesn’t need to win, he can just have a great showing, and rivalries can spark from those interactions. Lyra had a very good promo but I was hoping for a little more after her winning the Women’s Intercontinental Championship. DMG CTRL VS PFC was a great tag match, and a great win for DMG CTRL. Dakota and Iyo could each make a case for a match with Lyra, but clearly Ivy will be up first. She would make a solid first defense for Lyra, and then Lyra can have rematches from the tournament with Kai and Iyo.
At the same time, PFC might already be thinking about changing up the team with Zoey taking the loss. Good stuff with Judgment Day. Dom and Liv plotting and scheming while being passive aggressive is a fun phase for them. They’re probably plotting on how Liv can win the Women’s Rumble, but it’ll likely backfire and that’ll push the Liv x Dom break-up. Also, you can bet Finn won’t like Dom taking his spot against the War Raiders, especially if they win. That said, I don’t see them winning, Erik & Ivar should definitely be able to handle Dom & JD. It certainly feels more likely the Creeds can take the tag titles than Judgment Day.
I do wonder who Dom recommended to Gable, though. It’d be cool if WWE brought in some other lucha legends, as WWE seems to be expanding their partnerships. WWE is working more closely with TNA now, and I believe TNA still has a working relationship with AAA, especially after AEW moved over to working with CMLL because of the relationship with NJPW. Also a super crossover like NXTNAAA would be a lot of fun to see for WrestleMania weekend.
My Score: 8.8/10
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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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