Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (1/11/21)
What will the world champion have to say?
Drew McIntyre will address the WWE Universe!
Goldberg laid down the challenge before he pushed Drew McIntyre over, but McIntyre is no pushover! What will his response be on tonight’s Raw?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Charlotte Flair VS Lacey Evans; Evans wins.
- Jeff Hardy VS
Elias w/ Jaxson RykerJaxson Ryker w/ Elias; Ryker wins. - Jeff Hardy VS Elias w/ Jaxson Ryker (after all); Hardy wins.
- Sheamus & Keith Lee VS The Miz & John Morrison; Sheamus & Keith win.
- Keith Lee VS Sheamus; Keith wins.
- Xavier Woods VS T-Bar w/ Retribution; T-Bar wins.
- WWE United States Championship: Bobby Lashley w/ The Hurt Business VS Matt Riddle; Lashley wins and retains the title.
- MVP w/ Bobby Lashley VS Matt Riddle; Riddle wins, by disqualification.
- Royal Rumble Qualifier Match: Drew Gulak VS AJ Styles w/ Omos; Styles wins, Gulak is NOT in the Men’s Royal Rumble match.
- Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler VS Dana Brooke & Mandy Rose; Jax & Baszler win.
- Randy Orton “VS” Triple H.
PLAY BY PLAY
Triple H is here!
The Game returns to Monday Night Raw on short notice, but what is his business with the ThunderDome? HHH gets a mic as fans clap on their screens, and he says, “I still got it.” It’s been a long time since he’s said this, but “Welcome to Monday Night Raw!” And it’s a really difficult- But wait, here comes Randy Orton! The Viper grins as he goes to the ring with a mic of his own and says, “Look who it is! The Office decided to show up because McIntyre couldn’t.” Orton tells “Hunter” that there was supposed to be a big match tonight. HHH is aware, and he knows Orton knows it won’t happen now.
But with HHH here all prettied up and here in the ThunderDome, maybe he’s here to make an official ruling? What’s it going to be? Is it that Orton gets to be last in the Men’s Rumble? Or is HHH going to cut through the BS and just hand Orton the title? Well, HHH suggests that if Orton wants the title, he needs to win the Rumble. Wait, HHH is here, and the only reason must be for him to make a call. Orton wants to make sure it benefits him, so what is it? Is that where they are now? Cheap threats, flex on HHH, all of that? It’s been impressive watching Orton for the last year. HHH has seen “the old Randy Orton” step back in. HHH has watched it take place, in awe.
A lot of others criticized and didn’t understand, and thought Orton crossed lines. Not HHH. HHH sat and watched Orton contemplate what he was going to do with the match, watching it burn down, knowing that everything he wanted was on the other end of that match. He knew that The Fiend, the last thing between him and the championship, was burning away. HHH was never more proud of Orton than that moment because HHH would’ve done the same thing. Orton did it because of what Orton wanted, what benefitted Orton. But there are some other things HHH doesn’t understand.
HHH doesn’t understand Orton kicking legends in the head, threatening them and humiliating them in front of the world. Big Show, Mark Henry, HBK, Ric Flair… HHH doesn’t get why he’d do that when it doesn’t benefit him. The Fiend, yes. But Flair? A legend. No. But it took away all the admiration. Orton is not a legend, Orton is not what he thinks he is. It showed HHH that Randy Orton “is nothing but a no good prick!” Orton says HHH can call him what he wants, but Orton is in his prime and IS a legend in hi sown time, just like HHH. In fact, what does HHH say? Does he still have it? Is he still the Cerebral Assassin? Is he still The Game?
Because if he is, maybe Orton takes the legend of HHH out once and for all! It doesn’t need to be a match but a fight! They’ve known each other for over two DECADES, so maybe once more, they go toe to toe. Orton wants to fight, huh? Orton is smart enough to know that when someone wants you to do something, you don’t give them the satisfaction. There’s no benefit in this to HHH, so the answer is no. HHH goes to leave, but Orton asks if it isn’t about the benefit, but about Stephanie having HHH’s balls in her purse. That angers HHH, fans are waiting to see what happens, and HHH DECKS Orton!
Orton bails out and checks his face, but he also grins. The Viper has gotten under The Game’s skin yet again, and he figures that was a yes. Will HHH lace them back up for one night to have this fight?
Backstage interview with Charlotte Flair.
Last week, Lacey Evans shamelessly flirted with her father, Ric Flair. Does she think- No, the word here is “Classless.” If you think Lacey is the first woman to hit on Ric Flair in front of Charlotte, you’re wrong. And she won’t be the last. But Lacey does have some payback coming for it. What about those heated words Charlotte had for Ric? Charlotte knows Ric knows it was a heat of the moment thing, but he raised her and knows how competitive she can be. But the real question is: It’s 2021 and Charlotte’s about to have a match, why is she asking her about her dad? Ric is home, so Charlotte is going to show Lacey how to be a real lady. Will the Queen make the Sassy Southern Belle bow down?
Raw hears from Drew McIntyre.
“How are you, WWE Universe? Now I wish I could’ve been there with you all tonight in the ThunderDome, but unfortunately, as you’ve probably heard already, I’ve tested positive for COVID-19. Now I’m one of the fortunate ones with no symptoms, but I assure you, COVID should not be taken lightly. Don’t think you can’t catch it, because you can. If it can happen to me, it can happen to anybody, and the only way we’re going to be able to stop this thing is to work together.” Wear masks, social distance, and we’ll all see each other again soon.
Charlotte Flair VS Lacey Evans!
Before heading out, Lacey has a quick interview. She wants Charlotte to calm down, have some sweet tea and take a deep breath, then realize that last week, Lacey wasn’t flirting with anyone that didn’t want to be flirted with. Ric Flair may be Charlotte’s daddy, but he is also a “charming, handsome, powerful man’s man, and what lady wouldn’t want a bit of that sugar?” So tonight’s match is dedicated to The Nature Boy. Lacey blows a kiss to the camera for Ric then makes her entrance. Will Charlotte get her right in the kisser for that after the break?
Raw returns and the bell rings. Charlotte and Lacey circle, tie up, and go around. Charlotte puts Lacey in a corner, the ref counts and Charlotte gives Lacey a shove at 3. Lacey shrugs that off and circles with Charlotte. Lacey rushes in but Charlotte side steps her. They tie up again, Charlotte cradles, ONE! Lacey gets back to a corner to fix her hair, and then circles with Charlotte again. Charlotte calls for a test of strength but Lacey kicks low. Lacey headlocks and grinds but Charlotte powers out to run Lacey over! Lacey gets up and Charlotte eggs her own. They circle again, Charlotte blocks Lacey’s kick this time to elbow and CHOP her! And CHOP! And CHOP!
Charlotte CHOPS Lacey off her feet, brings her up to whip to a corner, then runs in to KNEE Lacey and snapmare her down! Cover, TWO! Charlotte eggs Lacey on as she puts on the figure four headscissors and just RAMS Lacey into the mat over and over! Charlotte squeezes tight but Lacey endures the figure four necklock. Lacey gets up, Charlotte throws her around in the headscissor then throws her away! Charlotte runs in, blocks a boot and ROCKS Lacey with a right! Charlotte puts the leg on the ropes to drop a knee on the knee! Lacey hobbles away, Charlotte trips Lacey and steps through, but Lacey slips away to the ropebreak! The ref counts, Charlotte lets go at 3, and Lacey bails out.
Wait, is that Ric’s music? He’s supposed to be at home, but he’s HERE! The Nature Boy styles, profiles and struts his way down the ramp. Charlotte is a bit confused and maybe a bit annoyed as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Charlotte pushes Lacey around in a corner before she RAMS into her with a shoulder! And again! Charlotte goes after the leg but Lacey dodges to bump Charlotte off buckles! Lacey stomps Charlotte down, then hits the swinging bronco buster! Lacey pushes Charlotte out, grins and takes out her handkerchief to dab off the sweat. Lacey goes out after Charlotte but Charlotte kicks and ROCKS her! Charlotte whips Lacey but Lacey reverses to send Charlotte into barriers! Charlotte gets back in the ring but Lacey follows, and does the strut! Lacey drops a knee but misses as Charlotte moves! Charlotte scoops, Lacey slips out and throws Charlotte down!
Lacey drops forearms, wraps on a cobra clutch, but Charlotte endures. Charlotte fights up, fights out and back suplexes Lacey down! Charlotte seethes and gives a glare to Ric before she ROCKS Lacey! Lacey kicks and whips but Charlotte reverses. Charlotte runs in but Lacey dodges to roll up, but Charlotte slips out to BOOT Lacey down! Lacey flounders to ropes, Charlotte runs over but the boot gets hung up! Lacey YANKS Charlotte down, has her in a corner, and wraps the arm around ropes to stomp away on the shoulder! Charlotte BOOTS back, and BOOTS again, to then CLOBBER Lacey with a rally for clotheslines! Charlotte spins Lacey for a neckbreaker! Scoop and EXPLODER!
Charlotte kips up and fires up, and she runs in at Lacey! Lacey dodges, Charlotte puts her on the apron and ROCKS her again! Charlotte backs up to BOOT Lacey down! Lacey falls, Charlotte goes out after her. Charlotte puts Lacey in, climbs up top, but Lacey trips Charlotte up! But Charlotte counters the punch to a backbreaker and buckle shot! Lacey crawls away, but Charlotte hits the NATURAL SELECTION! Cover, but Ric puts Lacey’s foot on the ropes?!? Ric, what are you doing!?! Charlotte suspects him but he says he had nothing to do with it!
Lacey swings on Charlotte but Charlotte ducks it to put Lacey out! Charlotte tells Ric to go home, then she suplexes Lacey! Ric trips Charlotte?! And holds her foot down!? Lacey wins!!
Winner: Lacey Evans, by pinfall
Is Ric turning on his daughter?! For Lacey!? WHAT?! But in the end, Lacey just pinned the Grand Slam Queen again! Is this going to help Lacey and Peyton Royce contend for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships?
Backstage interview with Lacey Evans and Ric Flair!
What just happened out there?! Lacey says she’ll wait to change at the hotel. They head off, and it’s hard to be sure what’s going on. Is Ric trying to recapture his wheelin’, dealin’, kiss stealin’ youth?
Backstage interview with Keith Lee.
So close to achieving the dream of becoming WWE World Champion, how does he bounce back? Keith wants to compliment McIntyre but Sheamus interrupts. Is Sheamus going to rub this in his face? If so, don’t. Sheamus says as much as he loves kicking Keith when he’s down, that’s not this. Keith marched into Claymore Country and put on a hell of a fight. And he earned McIntyre’s respect. If Drew respects Keith, Sheamus respects Keith. But then John Morrison and The Miz have to come in and mockingly applaud the sportsmanship. Every heard of Millionaire’s Row? This right here is Loser’s Row. Well now that Miz ‘n’ Morrison are here, yes.
Oh are they being called losers? Because Miz is STILL Mr. Money in the Bank! “Which means… CHA-CHING!” Sheamus asks Keith if he’s ever seen Dumb & Dumber. Yes, but which is “Dumber?” Morrison says Miz is. Miz says he “hates” to interrupt, but unlike most who have given up on New Year’s Resolutions, they have NOT! They are fully committed to right the wrongs of 2020! And the next two wrongs are you two! So wait, Miz ‘n’ Morrison are challenging Sheamus and Keith to a fight? You can bet yer sorreh arse, they are! And just like the Cleveland Browns dethroned the Pittsburgh Steelers, they shall surprise and topple anyone who thinks they’re untouchable!
So for some reason, you think Sheamus and Keith are the smart place to start? Hey hey, ho ho, the harder- CHALLENGE ACCEPTED! Well, then, does anyone remember the last time Sheamus and Keith teamed up? What happened? Oh Sheamus Brogue’d Keith in the face! COOOOOOORRECT! See you later, fellas. They do have a point there, but Sheamus and Keith say this is the chance to bury the hatchet. Will they do that while burying boots in Miz ‘n’ Morrison’s faces?
Jeff Hardy VS Elias w/ Jaxson Ryker!
A rivalry that looked like it’d never die has come back from the grave! The Drifter says he has bad news and worse news for his opponent tonight. The bad news: Elias suffered a “debilitating injury while recording music this week. The worse news: his substitute for this match is Ryker! And Ryker will prove his allegiance to Elias and the Universal Truth! And that means going through Hardy! Elias’ music inspires, and Ryker is inspired to destroy! Will the Charismatic Enigma be able to handle the Drifter’s follower?
Jeff Hardy VS Jaxson Ryker w/ Elias!
The bell rings, Elias joins commentary and Ryker throws hands on Hardy! Ryker bumps Hardy off buckles, throws more hands, stomps, and even more hands! The ref counts, Ryker drags Hardy around to a fireman’s carry. Hardy slips out, dodges and Ryker runs into buckles! TWIST OF FURY! Hardy hurries to the corner but Elias distracts him! The “injury” doesn’t keep Elias from talking smack! Ryker rolls Hardy up and wins!!
Winner: Jaxson Ryker, by pinfall
Well that was definitely “inspired.” Hardy calls Elias out and dares him to get in the ring. Elias’ blisters aren’t the problem. The problem is that fans will see Ryker is better than Elias. Elias says he’ll accept, and tells Ryker to “not” get involved! Will Ryker do exactly what Elias told him “not” to do after the break?
Jeff Hardy VS Elias w/ Jaxson Ryker, for real!
Raw returns and Elias ROCKS Hardy with hands! Hardy hits back but Elias knees low then whips. Elias clobbers Hardy, covers, TWO! Elias looms over Hardy, drops a knee but misses as Hardy moves! Ryker coaches Elias up but Hardy counter punches! And again! And again! Hardy throws more haymakers, whips, and CLOBBERS Elias! Hardy atomic drops, trips Elis up and hits the leg splitting leg drop! Basement dropkick! Elbow drop! Cover, TWO! Hardy keeps his cool as he rallies up the fans. Fans clap on their screens, Hardy kicks but Elias pushes out of the Twist to fireman’s carry, DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO!
Elias drags Hardy up, rams him to a corner, then rams his shoulder in! And throws body shots! The ref counts, Elias stops but then throws forearms! Elias hoists Hardy up top, Hardy hits back and then adjusts, but Elias drags him down! Elias runs in, Hardy dodges and goes up again, WHISPER IN THE WIND! Cover, ONE!! Hardy keeps his cool and he rallies the fans again. Elias stands, Hardy kicks but Elias shoves him and the spin kick away! Elias brings Hardy up but Hardy jawbreakers! But Elias still JUMPING KNEES! Elias hits ANARCHY SUPLEX! Cover, TWO!! Elias drags Hardy up and throws heavy EuroUppers!
Elias swings again but into a backslide, ONE! Kick and TWIST OF FATE! Hardy hurries to a corner, climbs up top, SWANTON BOMB! Cover, Hardy wins!
Winner: Jeff Hardy, by pinfall
Well, Hardy beat Elias, so maybe Ryker IS better than Elias! Elias asks why Ryker didn’t help, and Ryker says he was told not to. Elias tries to explain he didn’t mean it, but what’s done is done. Will Ryker learn to read between the lines of what Elias says?
Sheamus & Keith Lee VS The Miz & John Morrison!
It’s been very obvious The Celtic Warrior and Limitless One haven’t been on the same page, dating all the way back to the road to Survivor Series 2020. But because of their mutual friend, Drew McIntyre, and their common enemy in the Greatest Tag Team of the 21st Century *stare off into distance* these two are able to put things aside! Will they make the once-again Mr. MITB and the Guru of Greatness #BaskInHisGlory, Fella?!
The teams sort out and Sheamus starts against Morrison. They circle, tie up and Morrison waistlocks to get a headlock. Sheamus powers out, Morrison slides and comes back but into a drop toehold! Sheamus gets a facelock, rolls Morrison, covers, ONE! Sheamus keeps on Morrison with a wristlock, Morrison reaches back to slips around and get a leg. Morrison brings Sheamus down, then drags him back up but Sheamus trips Morrison and stomps him! Sheamus tags Keith and they work together, feed to a scoop to a knee drop! Cover, ONE! Keith has Morrison’s arm but Morrison ROCKS Keith with the other! Tag to Miz but Keith clobbers Miz!
Miz bails out, Keith then scoops Morrison and throws out ONTO Miz! Tag to Sheamus and Sheamus LEAPS to take Miz ‘n’ Morrison down! Sheamus puts Miz in, CLUBS him, then brings him around to a fireman’s carry. Tag to Keith, ROLLING SENTON, then Keith brings Miz back up to feed to the corner. Keith dares Morrison to tag in, and Morrison does, and Morrison fakes a test of strength to Eddy Gordo kick the leg! Morrison fires off more kicks, and a chop block! Keith drops to a knee, Morrison kicks the leg, but Keith HEADBUTTS back! Keith brings Morrison up to TOSS him across the way! And then he RAMS in, and breaks the buckle! Sheamus loves that and Raw goes to break!
Raw returns and the buckle is back in place. Keith is on Miz’s arm but Miz fights up. Keith wrenches and whips Miz into another corner, but this buckle stays put. Tag to Sheamus, they bring Miz up and whips him back to the corner. It stays put, Sheamus wrenches Miz but Miz fights back. Sheamus trips Miz, wants the legs, but Miz kicks him away so Sheamus DECKS Morrison! Miz kicks a leg out and hits a basement DDT! Cover, ONE!! Miz rains down angry fists, then drags Sheamus up to tag in Morrison. Morrison ROCKS Sheamus with big forearms, low knees, then backs off to come back with a KICK! Tag to Miz and they mug Sheamus with stomps!
The ref counts, Miz lets off, and Morrison gets a cheap shot in before Miz runs and BOOTS Sheamus! Miz drags Sheamus up but Sheamus powers towards Keith. Miz facelocks to keep him down but Sheamus still gets close! Keith reaches but Miz drags Sheamus away. Sheamus powers up to back drop Miz away! Miz and Sheamus crawl, hot tag to Morrison and he CLOBBERS Sheamus! Morrison drags Sheamus away, grapevines the leg then drops an elbow. Sheamus pushes Morrison away, but Morrison gator rolls Sheamus all the way to the other corner! Miz tags in, runs and BOOTS Sheamus down! Morrison adds the SHINING WIZARD! Cover, TWO!
Miz keeps Sheamus down with a facelock and knees! Sheamus fights up as fans rally on their screens. Sheamus powers up to push Miz away, but Miz BOOTS him again! Miz runs into an IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! Both men are down, fans rally and the two crawl, hot tags to Morrison and Keith! Keith rallies on Morrison with big shoulder tackles! And one for Miz! A TOSS for Morrison! A TOSS for Miz! Keith roars and he starts up corner splashes back and forth! Keith tosses Morrison into Miz! Miz bails out, Keith whips Morrison, for a TOUR OF THE ISLANDS!? Cover, Miz breaks it! Keith GRIZZLY MAGNUMS then whips Miz out!
Keith goes to Morrison but Morrison PELES! Morrison springboards, FLYING CHUCK into GRIZZLY MAGNUM! Keith powers up but Sheamus tags in! This is the stuff from Survivor Series that got on Keith’s nerves, but Sheamus BROGUES Morrison! Cover, Sheamus and Keith win!
Winners: Keith Lee & Sheamus, by pinfall
Keith lets Sheamus have this one, since they won against the Greatest Tag Team of the 21st Century. They shake hands and pat each other on the back. Will these two become a force to be reckoned with now that they’re getting along?
Backstage interview with Triple H.
He has had time to consider Orton’s challenge, what is his real answer? “Obviously I came here tonight in a different capacity. I came here in a business capacity, as an official of WWE.” But in this world, things change at a drop of a hat and Orton has assured that tonight. So since Orton can’t seem to get it into his head that people like Ric Flair, Mark Henry and The Big Show should be respected, since Orton can’t understand that legends paved the way, Orton’s own father and grandfather paved the way for people like HHH and Orton! That is why Orton is calling HHH out. That is why Orton wants to see if HHH still has what it takes to be “The Game.”
HHH addresses Orton directly: YES! HHH would burn Orton every single time! “You want to fight me?!” Then on behalf of every legend that has ever come, HHH accepts!! Will The Viper be made to regret ever bringing back this Triple H?
Raw returns, and the jovial mood is gone!
Sheamus and Keith stopped patting each other and giving fist bumps, and now they’re shoving each other! They want after each other, the ref says fine, and we have a match?!
Keith Lee VS Sheamus!
SHeamus rushes Keith and they’re brawling fast and furious! Keith gives a knee then shoves Sheamus! Sheamus gets up, throws haymakers, and he has Keith in a corner! Sheamus throws body shots and haymakers but Keith dumps Sheamus to the apron! Sheamus hotshots back and brings Keitha round for the Bodhrain! Keith grabs the arm but Sheamus SLAPS him! Keith HEADBUTTS Sheamus then drags him back inside! “I thought you were a man, Sheamus!” Keith puts Sheamus on the ropes to CHOP away on his chest! Sheamus stays up but Keith GRIZZLY MAGNUMS!
Keith scowls, drags Sheamus up, scoops him but Sheamus slips out! Sheamus throws Keith out, runs and DROPKICKS Keith to the floor! Keith is right up, Sheamus is on the apron and leaps, into Keith’s arms! Keith BELLY2BELLY suplexes Sheamus into the timekeeper’s area! Keith leaves Sheamus behind but Sheamus gets into the ring at 9.5! Only for Keith to drop on him! Keith says Sheamus is tough, and then drags him back up. Keith whips Sheamus to a corner, runs in, but Sheamus dropkicks legs out! Sheamus drags Keith into the post and SLAMS the arm into it! And again! And again! Sheamus goes back in as Keith falls over, and he stomps away on Keith’s arm!
Sheamus clamps onto the arm, then fish hooks Keith’s face! The ref reprimands, Sheamus drops knees on the arm! Sheamus keeps Keith from scrambling away but Keith clasps hands to fight off the armlock. Sheamus keeps prying at the arm but Keith fights up and scowls. Keith shoves Sheamus away, runs in at the corner but Sheamus BOOTS the bad arm! Sheamus goes up the corner, but Keith runs in and HEADBUTTS back! Keith ROCKS Sheamus with his good arm, then climbs up! Keith and Sheamus fight up top, Keith brings Sheamus up but Sheamus throws knees! Sheamus knocks Keith down, adjusts, and leaps, FLYING CLOTHESLINE! BIG KNEE!! Cover, TWO!!
Sheamus is seeing how hard it was for McIntyre to put Keith away, but he keeps after the arm. Keith fights back up, still fighting off the armlock. Sheamus knees Keith in the back over and over, then drops to go after the arm. Keith fights off the armbar but Sheamus stomps away on Keith’s head! Keith keeps his grip, moves around and gets Sheamus in a dead lift! POWERBOMB! Keith is free, he drags Sheamus back up and in, for a SPIRIT BOMB!! Cover, Keith wins!
Winner: Keith Lee, by pinfall
The Limitless One conquers the Celtic Warrior, but he waits for Sheamus to stand back up. Keith offers that first bump again, Sheamus slaps it away, to HUG Keith! Maybe this was just how they were showing each other that respect! Will this just make their newfound friendship even stronger?
Raw again hears from Drew McIntyre.
“Putting my current condition aside, I’d like to respond to Bill Goldberg’s challenge last week. After being pushed to the absolute limit by Keith Lee, I stood and watched as legends who paved the way for me and every other WWE superstar stood on that stage.” They watched McIntyre defend the WWE Championship, and it was a literal dream scenario for him. But before he could properly thank them all, he was rudely interrupted by Goldberg’s knock on the door. McIntyre didn’t see Goldberg coming. One of the most devastating and destructive forces in wrestling history, and a personal favorite of his, actually.
McIntyre and his brother loved seeing who Goldberg was going to demolish week to week. McIntyre was a bit star struck, but as the saying goes, “Never meet your heroes because they will always let you down.” And McIntyre hates to say this, since he wants to like and respect Goldberg, but Goldberg let McIntyre down, and let down his own legacy. Goldberg was putting words in McIntyre’s mouth, and claimed it didn’t matter if McIntyre never said it because he claimed McIntyre was thinking. How could Goldberg know what McIntyre is thinking? Goldberg has McIntyre wrong. You give respect to get respect, that is what a WWE Champion does.
But Goldberg doesn’t know anything about that, now does he? “It is the most prestigious title there is, and it has eluded you your entire career.” So that’s why Goldberg is challenging McIntyre. McIntyre’s respect for Goldberg is keeping him from accepting this challenge. Goldberg is 20 years older than him. That’d be like Goldberg now facing Goldberg in his prime! Would Goldberg even take that fight? But then Goldberg changed McIntyre’s opinion when he shoved him. Maybe Goldberg is the one who needs a lesson in respect. And if that’s what Goldberg wants, he can try to get it at the Royal Rumble. Because now, McIntyre DOES accept the challenge. And in Goldberg’s own words, “You’re next!” Will McIntyre beat some respect into this Goldberg?
Matt Riddle is pumped!
He can’t wait for his match tonight, it will be absolutely incredible when he beats Bobby Lashley! It’ll be like going to your favorite pizza place, getting the fattest pizza with all the meats and cheeses, like goat cheese, buffalo cheese, parmesan, all that, and then you get the box home, open it up, take it all in and finally take a bite. Bro…! Y’know what he means? A little. Lucha House Party just figures he’s hungry. No, but yes. Riddle is using pizza as a metaphor for beating Lashley for the US Championship. Gran Metalik gets that. He and Lince Dorado wish Riddle luck tonight, because they can’t stand the Hurt Business. But watch your back, they fight dirty.
What? You can’t watch your own back, it’s just physically impossible! Riddle, it’s a saying. And you’ve got this. Good luck! Thanks, brochachos! Riddle tries to keep his head on a swivel, but will he at least keep an eye on the prize tonight?
Xavier Woods VS T-Bar w/ Retribution!
Kofi Kingston is home resting an injury, but the Power of Positivity will still hold it down! At least, Woods will try to as he faces the raging behemoth of Retribution! Will the numbers game come back to haunt the New Day?
Raw returns as Retribution makes their entrance. The bell rings, T-Bar and Woods circle and tie up. T-Bar headlocks, grinds Woods down, then taunts Woods with, “Where’s your friend?” Woods powers out but T-Bar runs him over! Mustafa Ali tells T-Bar to show Woods what they stand for! T-Bar grabs at Woods, Woods gets around to headlock back. T-Bar pulls hair and powers out to run Woods over! T-Bar drags Woods up to CLUB him to a corner! And then he throws in big elbows! T-Bar whips Woods corner to corner, Woods goes up but gets caught going over! Woods clubs free, shoves T-Bar and mule kicks! Woods throws hands but T-Bar shoves then CLOBBERS him! Retribution cheers as T-Bar covers, TWO!
Mustafa mocks Woods’ pain, saying it’s nothing to what they’ve felt. T-Bar drags Woods up, DECKS him with a right, then CLUBS him down! T-Bar digs a knee into Woods’ back and clamps on a chinlock. Woods endures as T-Bar thrashes him around and Mustafa talks trash on Woods having no one. The fans are on Woods’ side, though, as they clap on their screens. Woods fights up, and jawbreakers free! T-Bar shakes out the cobwebs and drags Woods up, but for another jawbreaker! Woods CHOPS T-Bar, but T-Bar knees low! Woods ends up in a corner but he boots back! And CHOPS again! And again! And again!
Woods fires off body shots and CHOPS, then whips, only for T-Bar to reverse. Woods slides under, mule kicks, but T-Bar blocks the front kick! T-Bar choke grips, shoves, but misses in the corner! He puts Woods on the apron but Woods enziguris back! Woods climbs, leaps, and missile dropkicks! T-Bar tumbles all the way out of the ring! Woods kips up, fires up and builds speed, to WRECK T-Bar with a dropkick! Woods gets T-Bar back in, throws a forearm, but has to kick at Mustafa and Mace as they creep closer. T-Bar hotshots Woods in the distraction! Mustafa tells T-bar to finish this, and he YANKS Woods into the rope again and again! Torture rack, FEAST YOUR EYES!! Cover, T-Bar wins!!
Winner: T-Bar, by pinfall
Retribution revels in the victory! Will they show all of Raw that no one can stop what’s coming?
Backstage interview of Randy Orton.
Sarah apologizes for disturbing him but she wanted his thoughts on HHH accepting his challenge. “Triple H and I, we go way back. He knows me better than anybody else.” In fact, early, early on, HHH knew Orton better than he knew himself. But times have changed and Orton has this newfound hatred and self-loathing. It is a very horrible thing, but because Orton embraces it, it is a good thing. Orton can direct that hate at someone else. That someone else could be HHH. Will Orton make The Game suffer for the Viper’s own failures?
WWE United States Championship: Bobby Lashley w/ The Hurt Business VS Matt Riddle!
The Chief Hurt Officer and MVP got a little ahead of themselves last week, thinking the Bro was beat. It may have been a technicality of the ref not being in the right place at the right time, but surely they’ll have a better business plan tonight. Will the Rocky Mountain Machine be able to keep this title one of the Hurt Business’ assets?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and this golden grudge match begins!
MVP talks trash and Lashley jumps Riddle before the bell! The ref backs Lashley off but this is the receipt for how Riddle went after Lashley last week! Lashley finally lets off, Riddle demands this match happen, and then Lashley CLOBBERS Riddle! Riddle gets up and NOW the bell rings, and Lashley throws more hands, then he throws Riddle! Riddle gets up but Lashley RAMS him in the corner! Lashley throws hands, the ref backs him off but Riddle comes back with hands! Lashley gets Riddle for the lifting Complete Shot to the outside! Riddle tumbles off the apron and Lashley goes out! MVP says this is Lashley giving Riddle the business!
Lashley drags Riddle up, aims but Riddle slips off to POST Lashley! The ring count is high, Riddle FINAL FLASHES Lashley back out! Then ASAI FLOATING BRO! Riddle gets Lashley up and in, ripcords but has to dodge as Lashley breaks free! Riddle springboards, but into Lashley’s arms! MILE HIGH SPINEBUSTER! Lashley stalks Riddle, and drags him up, HURT LOCK! Riddle kicks and flails like last week, but he can’t hide the tap out this time! Lashley wins!!
Winner: Bobby Lashley, by submission (still WWE United States Champion)
Turnabout is fair play, and Lashley made sure he put Riddle away. But Riddle gets the mic to call out MVP! “You like to kick ’em while they’re down, huh? I couldn’t beat Bobby Lashley tonight, but I sure as hell can beat you!” MVP can’t believe Riddle wants after him, but he goes to the ring anyway. Riddle literally asked for this, but will he regret it?
MVP w/ Bobby Lashley VS Matt Riddle!
Raw returns and MVP is in Riddle’s face! MVP ROCKS Riddle, Riddle throws hands back! MVP hits a knee smash, then swaggers as he goes BALLIN’~! Elbow drop! Cover, TWO! Lashley is annoyed as Riddle brawls with MVP. MVP uppercuts but Riddle ROUNDHOUSES! Riddle runs in to forearm smash, then goes side to side to forearm again! MVP fights off the Brosploder but Riddle gets around, ripcords, FINAL FLASH! Riddle goes up top, but Lashley is there, so Riddle goes down to PENALTY KICK him! Riddle goes back up, and hits the FLOATING BRO! But Lashley SPEARS Riddle!!
Winner: Matt Riddle, by disqualification
Lashley rains down more fists on Riddle and digs his forearm into Riddle’s face! The Hurt Business will not let Riddle disrespect them! Lashley drags Riddle up to hit a COMPLETE SHOT! Lashley rubs the title belt in Riddle’s face, but Riddle keeps getting up. MVP KICKS Riddle in the side! And those are pointy business shoes, not wrestling boots! Riddle writhes, but will this only make him more determined to take that title from the Hurt Business at all costs?
AJ Styles talks with Adam Pearce backstage.
“Who’s gonna throw me over the top rope when I’ve got Omos beside me?” And by some stroke of luck, like a genie in a bottle that grants him a wish, Pearce better use that wish to be for Roman Reigns to slip on banana peels or something, because that is the only way he’ll become WWE Universal Champion. But hey, if that happens, these two can face each other for the title at WrestleMania! Pearce appreciates that idea, but the Rumble isn’t for a few more weeks and Pearce is busy as a WWE official.
Speaking of official, Drew Gulak appears to official declare for the Men’s Royal Rumble! Now ideally, he’d want to be #30 but- But Pearce says there are only 30 entrants allowed total, equally from both Raw and SmackDown, and those are “valuable real estate.” The window for self-declaring is over, Gulak can’t get in that way. Why not? AJ Styles just did. And Styles had his WWE Championship opportunity, and blew it. Gulak, do you know why Styles can just enter himself into the Rumble? Because AJ Styles is a two-time WWE Champion. What has Gulak done? Glad you asked. Gulak has a flash drive with his credentials on it, for Pearce’s eyes only.
No, here’s a better idea. Gulak wants in, he can earn a spot. Gulak will face AJ Styles, and that’ll be next. Styles smirks as he and Omos stare Gulak down. Will Gulak be able to enter the Rumble with this phenomenal roadblock in his way?
Royal Rumble Qualifier Match: Drew Gulak VS AJ Styles w/ Omos!
The bell rings and Styles and Gulak cancel out dropkicks! Styles gets up first to kick Gulak more, then he CHOPS and BACKBREAKERS! Gulak staggers, Styles whips but Gulak reverses to ROCK Styles! Gulak snap suplexes, covers, ONE! Gulak keeps on Styles with a scoop and FALL AWAY BRIDGE! Cover, TWO! Gulak TIGER DRIVERS! Cover, TWO!! Styles survives again as Gulak brings out a lot in his arsenal! But Gulak brings Styles up, hoists him up top, and climbs up, but Styles fights back. Gulak throws body shots, Styles slips out and clubs Gulak on the back! Styles Electric Chair lifts, but Gulak victory rolls! TWO, backslide, TWO! PELE!!
Styles finally breathes as he has Gulak down. Gulak gets up but Styles throws strikes for the Phenomenal Blitz! BASEMENT FOREARM! Gulak flounders, Styles runs in but Gulak boots! Styles grabs it and dumps Gulak out up and over, just like a Royal Rumble elimination! Omos looms over Gulak and just the size of Omos’ boot scares Gulak! Gulak looks up at the giant that stands before him and backs away slowly. Styles is on Gulak and bounces him off the announce desk! Styles puts Gulak in, springboards, PHENOMENAL FOREARM! Cover, Styles wins!
Winner: AJ Styles, by pinfall
The Phenomenal One doesn’t know all the other entries, but we know someone who WON’T be in that match! Will Styles eliminate the other 29 men to once again be a contender?
WWE profiles the prolific career of Goldberg.
Unique intensity, raw, got in the ring and got the job done. An undefeated WCW World Heavyweight Champion and the crowd ate it up. Quick, intense, serious, both in and out of the ring, and absolutely iconic by the time he finally came to the WWE. Goldberg even defeated Brock Lesnar in his first match in 12 years to become a champion once again. The man, the myth, the legend, a Hall of Famer, but is he next to be WWE World Champion?
HHH is getting ready backstage.
Keith Lee checks in with him, and wants to have a talk. “I get it, Randy pushed some buttons.” Orton is testing legends, and he’s testing HHH’s. But ever since Keith go to the WWE, HHH was there for him. Now Keith will be there for HHH. Keith had a double header, he can make it three, because he’d love to get his hands on Orton. HHH appreciates that, but HHH has to do this. HHH made this mess, he’ll clean it up. Keith respects that, and says it’s time to play the game. HHH gets his leather jacket, but will it be game over against The Viper?
Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler VS Dana Brooke & Mandy Rose!
The Irresistible Force and Queen of Spades want to be WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions again, almost as badly as The Flex Appeal and Golden Gift want to have those titles just once. But they have business to settle with each other, will Nia and Shayna shred the #SexyMuscleFriends into minced meat tonight?
Raw returns, the #SexyMuscleFriends make their entrance, and they both declare for the Women’s Rumble! They vow to toss the Queen of Spades out hard, but tonight is about this match. Mandy and Shayna start, tie up, and Shayna wrenches to then sweep the legs. Shayna toys with Mandy, gets the arm again, but Mandy rolls out of the stomp to kick Shayna away! Tag to Dana, Dana ducks a kick then blocks another to headlock! Shayna powers out and Nia tags in, to run Dana over! Nia looms over Dana, drags her up, and then TOSSES her! Dana gets to a corner, Nia runs in, and corner splashes! Nia throws Dana down to cover her, TWO!
Nia keeps on Dana with an armlock and then a cobra clutch. Nia thrashes Dana around, Dana endures as Mandy rallies for her. Dana fights up, throws elbows, then jawbreakers free! Nia staggers, Shayna tags in and grabs Dana to whip her away from Mandy. Dana reverses to send Shayna out, tag to Mandy! Mandy fires off on Shayna then rallies with lariats! And a FLAPJACK! Mandy fires up more and Shayna gets up, for Mandy to power her into a corner! Mandy rams in, fires off haymakers, then runs to hit a KNEE FROM A ROSE! Cover, Nia drags Mandy out and HEADBUTTS her down! Shayna tags Nia in and she puts Mandy back in.
Nia stalks Mandy, shoves her then fireman’s carries to a SAMOAN DROP! Cover, but Dana breaks it! Shayna gets Dana in a swinging BACKBREAKER! Dana ends up in a corner, Nia whips Mandy into her, then SPLASH SANDWICHES them! Nia climbs up but Shayna tags in to put Mandy in the KIRAFUDA KLUTCH! Mandy taps, Shayna and Nia win!
Winners: Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler, by submission
Nia is a bit confused but Shayna high fives her. These two are going for all the gold, but does that mean eventually going after each other? Only the Rumble will tell.
Randy Orton “VS” Triple H!
This isn’t so much a match as it is a sanctioned FIGHT! The Game returns to the ring first, and then waits on Orton. Orton makes his entrance, stares HHH down the entire time, and HHH is ready to strike the second Orton gets in the ring. Orton creeps up but then backs off as HHH steps up. Orton slides in and HHH DECKS him! Orton bails out again, HHH waits and Orton returns. HHH throws hands but Orton counter punches! Orton throws hands, stomps, HHH turns things around to throw more hands! HHH ROCKS Orton, whips him, but Orton kicks him out of the spinebuster! Orton drags HHH up for HARD EuroUppers then kicks him out of the ring.
Orton throws more EuroUppers, whips, but HHH reverses and sends Orton into steel steps! HHH staggers a bit, heads after Orton, and whips him into barriers! HHH drags Orton up, bumps him off the steel steps, but Orton thumbs HHH’s eye! Orton, blood on his cheek, bumps HHH off the announce desk. HHH fights off the back suplex, to give the back suplex to the desk! HHH has Orton’s cheek blood on his head but he doesn’t care. HHH puts Orton back in the ring, and goes under the ring to bring out… THE SLEDGEHAMMER! HHH’s favorite makes its own return to Raw!
HHH glares at Orton, brings the hammer into the ring, and Orton is wiping the blood from his cheek. But the lights start going down? This can’t be, can it? HHH just ignores it to get in the ring, but the lights keep shutting off! Orton and HHH both look around for “him,” but still nothing. HHH aims with the sledgehammer and Orton dares him to, but the hammer is on fire?!? The lights continue to go out so that only the fire lights the darkness. And then, even that goes away, as HHH is taken away?! Where did he go!? What is this purple light-
Firefly Fun House plays all warped, and ALEXA BLISS is back!! Orton stares at her, and she innocently stares back. Orton looks around but “he” still isn’t here yet. Alexa steps closer, and brings up the glove that says “Pain.” A FIREBALL ATTACK?!? Orton might be blinded by the flames that hit his face!! The Viper writhes but Alexa innocently walks away! Will Orton’s eyes be alright? Will he ever wrestle again!?
My Thoughts:
Given the circumstances of McIntyre recently testing positive for COVID, and apparently very little else planned for the episode, Raw managed to be a decent show tonight. McIntyre still had good promos to address both the challenge Goldberg made and his real life situation. Of course McIntyre accepts Goldberg’s challenge, and of course Raw filled time with a recap of the great title match last week, and a Goldberg vignette. The build wasn’t going to be much more than McIntyre talking and Goldberg responding anyway since the only physicality now would be at the Royal Rumble, so nothing much changed here I think. McIntyre will Claymore COVID to the curb and he will be just fine to have the five minute slug fest that is a Goldberg match.
We got some copy-and-paste with the format of a few matches tonight, because again, not much was planned. Hardy loses to Ryker because Elias distracts, only for Elias to accept Hardy’s challenge, despite the whole point being Elias “couldn’t” wrestle because of a bad thumb. And then Hardy wins because Hardy has already beaten Elias, and because Ryker couldn’t see through Elias’ sarcastic “don’t help me.” I feel like it should’ve just been a longer match of Hardy VS Ryker to see if Ryker can actually wrestle for a long period of time, and Elias still helps him cheat Hardy. Then the format was copied as Riddle challenges for the US Championship, loses fair and square, then calls out MVP, to win by disqualification. Couldn’t it have just been an even better title match?
The one use of the double header format that worked, oddly enough, was Keith and Sheamus teaming together to have a great match with Miz and Morrison, to then have a match with each other. The commercial break somewhat ruined the set-up to the second match, though. It was clearly meant to be the friendly back slapping gets aggressive and then we get that awesome match that was really just friendly competition taken to a higher level. I appreciate that Sheamus and Keith are putting things aside as mutual friends of McIntyre’s, and they can wait to have their feud with each other for when it’ll be a bit more surprising.
Woods had a good match with T-Bar, and I think commentary introduced the new name for Dijak’s finisher, “Eyes Wide Shut,” cuz of the movie having the scene with masks and Retribution likes wearing masks. I wonder if the New Day end up allies of Ricochet’s against Retribution. That’s not a bad combination, really, and could help Retribution get in on the Raw Tag Team Championship conversation. Styles VS Gulak was a good match, but Styles was winning that, even without the stakes. And I do like the detail that someone accomplished can declare as a Rumble entrant but others must earn it. That really should be how it’s handled explicitly, not just implicitly. Though that probably goes out the window when you consider #SexyMuscleFriends declaring because they want to.
Speaking of, that was a good match of Mandy & Dana against Shayna & Nia, and it was a good detail for Shayna to want the win all to herself. She wants to be the alpha female, and that could complicate her teamwork with Nia. Charlotte VS Lacey and then Ric Flair “surprisingly” showing up was a good segment. The match itself felt a bit clunky, maybe Charlotte and Lacey still need time to mesh as opponents again. Ric turning on Charlotte and joining Lacey is an actually surprising move, and I fear what is coming considering Vince is more involved with Raw than any other brand. It’s a bit obvious the first part is Ric is attracted to Lacey and Lacey is attracted to Ric, but I’m really hoping it’s all so Lacey can get in Charlotte’s head with the tag titles as the goal.
And though the story of Randy Orton and The Fiend isn’t quite Roman Reigns levels, it is getting very good. HHH being here to reference history with Orton really worked to make up for not having McIntyre here. The promos were great, as was Keith Lee offering HHH his help, and the brawl we got was pretty good. The hammer showing up was a natural move, and it was brilliant to have it “mysteriously” catch on fire. We didn’t get The Fiend himself yet, but Alexa is clearly growing more powerful in his absence. Throwing a fireball at Orton was a great touch, too, and this is great escalation towards what has to be the next Firefly Fun House match. Orton’s eyes can even be used as to why Orton has to stay out of the Rumble and away until we’re closer to WrestleMania.
My Score: 8.1/10
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Coverage
Mitchell’s Road to Wrestling Dontaku Results & Report! (4/27/24)
Rural Revitalization continues!
Will Great-O-Khan be setting the table?
It’s Rural Revitalization in Hiroshima for the KOPW Championship! Can Yuya Uemura survive tires, lemons and a table? Or will Great-O-Khan conquer him for the United Empire?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Frontier Zone – Boltin Oleg & Toru Yano VS Rey Paloma & HANZO; Oleg & Yano win.
- Six Man Tag: Tiger Mask & Bishamon VS Bullet Club; Bullet Club wins.
- Zack Sabre Jr. & Kosei Fujita VS Jeff Cobb & Francesco Akira; Cobb & Akira win.
- Six Man Tag: El Desperado, Shota Umino & Tomohiro Ishii VS The House of Torture; Desperado, Shota & Ishii win.
- Hiroshi Tanahashi & Katsuya Murashima VS Tomoaki Honma & Shoma Kato; Tanahashi & Murashima win.
- DOUKI & Taka Michinoku VS SHO & Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Sho & Yoshinobu win.
- NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Championships: TMDK VS El Phantasmo & Hikuleo; TMDK wins and retains the titles.
- KOPW Championship Rural Revitalization: Great-O-Khan VS Yuya Uemura; Yuya wins and becomes the new KOPW Champion.
- 10 Man Tag Elimination Match: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Bullet Club War Dogs; LIJ wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Championships: TMDK w/ Zack Sabre Jr. VS El Phantasmo & Hikuleo w/ Jado!
Shane Haste & Mikey Nicholls snatched the titles away during the Windy City Riot, but the Guerrillas of Destiny are getting their rematch! Will the Headbanga & Young Guerilla redeem themselves on the Road to Wrestling Dontaku? Or will they see The Mighty Don’t Kneel?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see if The Mighty stay NJPW Strong!
The teams sort out and Hysterical Haste starts against ELP. The fans rally up with the bell and the two circle. They tie up, are in a deadlock, but then Shane cording holds into a wrench and wristlock. ELP rolls, handsprings and wrenches back. ELP keeps Shane from ropes so Shane rolls, kips up, snapmares and KICKS ELP! The fans cheer while Shane shakes out his leg. ELP grimaces as he stands and shakes out the arm. The two reset, tie up, and ELP waistlocks. ELP goes for a chinlock but Shane standing switches. ELP switches, Shane switches again, and repeat. ELP headlocks, Shane powers out, then reels ELP in for a headlock.
ELP powers out, Shane runs him over, and then he sits ELP up to run. ELP drops under, hurdles over, but Shane shoves him. ELP rolls off Shane’s back to RANA! The fans fire up as ELP kips up and fixes his hair. The fans rally for “E L P! E L P!” while Shane is in a corner. Shane comes back to fire a forearm! ELP fires a forearm back! Shane fires another forearm so ELP gives it back. They go back and forth, faster and faster, and the fans rally up! ELP gets the edge, but Shane UPPERCUTS! Shane CHOPS ELP, whips him corner to corner, but ELP goes up and over and keeps moving. ELP fakes Shane out to avoid the dropkick!
ELP goes to ropes to LIONSAULT but Shane moves! ELP sits up but avoids the Penalty Kick! The two stand off and the fans cheer! Shane and ELP reset, and Leo reaches out. ELP tags him in and the fans rally up. Shane tags Mikey, and he circles with Leo. They get face to face, and Mikey pie faces Leo! They tie up, Leo shoves Mikey away, but Mikey comes back. They tie up, Mikey headlocks but Leo lifts. Mikey thrashes the hold, Leo powers out and they RAM shoulders! Leo eggs Mikey on so Mikey runs and they RAM shoulders! Leo runs, Mikey ELBOWS him! Mikey runs, Leo runs him over! The fans fire up as Leo flexes.
Leo drags Mikey up, suplexes, but Mikey fights it! Mikey tries to suplex but Leo’s so tall! Leo suplexes, Mikehy slips free to waistlock, but Leo RAMS him into a corner! Leo runs in, Mikey dodges, only for Leo to LARIAT outta the corner! Tag to ELP and the Guerrillas get Mikey up. ELP BLASTS Shane while Leo whips Mikey to a corner. Leo SPLASHES, ELP clotheslines, then feed to the SIDEWALK SLAM and FALLING AX HANDLE! The Guerrillas high-five, ELP covers, TWO! ELP brings Mikey up but Mikey fights the suplex! Mikey powers out, whips, but ELP BLASTS Shane! ELP dodges Mikey, waistlocks, but Mikey swings. ELP ducks, into a DDT!
The fans fire up while Mikey shoves ELP over and tags in Shane. Mikey brings ELP up to TOSS him out, and then Mikey BLASTS Leo! Shane whips ELP into railing! Shane flexes, fans applaud, and Shane drags ELP up. APRON BACK SUPLEX! Shane shoves ELP in, covers, ROPEBREAK! The fans rally as ELP stays in this but Shane grabs one of ELP’s hands. Shane stretches out the arm to then KICK ELP in the shoulder! Shane brings ELP up but ELP fires forearms! Shane shoves ELP but ELP ELBOWS Mikey! ELP fires off on Shane, whips, but Shane reverses and Mikey trips ELP up! Shane basement dropkicks ELP and he spins around into a HAYMAKER from Mikey!
ELP flops to the floor, Mikey claims the apron is slippery, but the referee reprimands him all the same. The ring count starts but Mikey puts ELP in at 4 of 20. Shane covers, TWO! Shane keeps ELP down with body scissors. ELP endures, reaches out, drags Shane along as he crawls over, and the fans rally up. Shane grabs ELP’s arm and brings him into a cover, TWO! Shane whips ELP away into The Mighty corner! Tag to Mikey, he sends Shane in, but ELP puts Shane on the apron! ELP BOOTS Mikey, ROUNDHOUSES Shane, then runs, but Mikey catches him! Mikey RAMS ELP back into the corner!
Mikey taunts Leo then digs boots into ELP. The fans rally up and ELP throws body shots. Mikey eggs ELP on so ELP CHOPS! ELP tries to get under but Mikey grabs a leg and drags him back! Tag to Shane, and Shane stomps ELP down. Shane kicks ELP around, kicks him more, but ELP fires off hands! Shane back drops ELP up and away! The fans rally while Shane drags ELP back to a cover, but Leo breaks it! Shane drags ELP back, tags Mikey in, and TMDK mug ELP. ELP sputters, Mikey tags Shane back in, and Shane sucker punches Leo! Mikey hoists ELP up but ELP BOOTS Shane! ELP backs Mikey into the corner, then goes up and over Shane!
Shane runs into Mikey but Mikey still pursues ELP. Mikey drags ELP back but ELP ENZIGIRIS free! The fans fire up, but Shane gets ELP’s legs! ELP BOOTS Shane away, hurries up again, but Mikey BLASTS Leo first! Mikey then brings ELP around to back suplex! ELP lands on his feet, but Shane back suplexes! ELP still lands on his feet, then he ducks under TMDK to hot tag Leo! The fans fire up as Leo UPPERCUTS Shane, swings on Mikey, but Mikey dodges, only for Leo to BOOT him! Leo scoops Shane for SNAKE EYES and a BOOT! The fans fire up with Leo while Shane and Mikey go to opposite corners.
Leo runs in to SPLASH Mikey! Leo keeps going but Shane BOOTS him! Shane runs up but Leo ELBOWS him down! Leo runs to drop the JUMPING ELBOW on Shane! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up and Leo watches Shane stir. Shane rises, Leo choke grips! GODS- NO, Shane slips free and Mikey fires a forearm! Shane UPPERCUTS, Mikey LARIATS, but Leo stays up! Shane runs to LARIAT! Leo roars, but TMDK double kick! TMDK reels Leo in, but Leo DOUBLE SUPLEXES them instead! The fans fire up and Leo watches TMDK bail out. Leo tags ELP and ELP goes up. Leo helps him walk the tightrope, to ARIHARA MOONSAULT TMDK down at the ramp!
The fans fire up again, and Leo goes out to get Shane in. ELP & Leo get Shane up to CHOP, straitjacket torture rack, and then Leo runs. BOOT into the spin, BRAIN SALAD! Cover, Mikey breaks it! Mikey fires forearms on Leo & ELP, runs, but ELP hurdles so Leo can DDT! Mikey bails out, the fans fire up, and ELP tunes up the band. Shane rises, into SUDDEN- NO, Shane dodges! Shane runs up, but into Leo’s hands! ELP aims, but Shane pulls Leo into SUDDEN DEATH! Shane UPPERCUTS ELP and DROPKICKS Leo! Shane KICKS ELP, BOOTS him, then reels him in for an INVERTED EXPLODER! Cover, TWO!!
ELP survives and Shane is surprised! The fans fires up, Shane and ELP rise, and ELP staggers to a corner. Shane puts ELP up top, ROCKS him with a right, then climbs up. Shane brings ELP up but ELP fires body shots! ELP HEADBUTTS Shane down but Mikey tags in! Shane goes up, ELP sends him back down, so Mikey UPPERCUTS! Mikey gives Shane the boost, and they get ELP for the SUPERPLEX BOMB COMBO! Cover, TWO!! ELP survives but Mikey powers up and runs, SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! ELP survives again and the fans fire up! Mikey grows frustrated, he drags ELP up and reels him in.
ELP slips free of the Blue Thunder to kick and tuck the arms! But Mikey trips ELP to jackknife bridge, TWO! ELP rolling clutches! TWO and Mikey has the cover! TWO and ELP ghost pins, TWO!! Mikey escapes but ELP dodges! ELP DROPKICKS Mikey down and the fans fire up! Both men crawl, hot tag to Leo! Leo runs to BLAST Shane, then he turns to look at Mikey. Mikey eggs Leo on, then fires forearms! Leo ROCKS Mikey with just one! Mikey fires another flurry, but Leo ROCKS Mikey again! Leo eggs Mikey on and the fans rally. Mikey kicks low, ROCKS Leo, then runs, but into a scoop! Tag to ELP before the POWERSLAM!
ELP goes up to SWANTON BOMB! And then LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up, ELP tags Leo back in, and they tune up the band again! Mikey rises, but Shane trips Leo! Mikey ROCKS ELP, Shane UPPERCUTS ELP! Feed to the scoop but ELP slips free! ELP shoves Mikey into Shane, and Leo grabs them both! But both Shane & Mikey fight free of the choke slams! Shane KNEES, Mikey FOREARMS, but then ELP fires off on TMDK! ELP runs, but into a double trophy lift! THUNDER- DOUBLE DDTS!! ELP turns things around on TMDK, and the fans are thunderous! Mikey stands up into SUDDEN DEATH! ELP PLANCHAS onto Shane!
GODSEND for Mikey! ELP then climbs up the ropes, then climbs onto Leo! SUPER THUNDERKISS 86!! Cover, but Shane barrels through ELP to break it!! The fans are thunderous again but ELP is frustrated. ELP fires off on Shane, runs, but Shane LARIATS! Shane dodges Leo but runs into the POWER TRIP! GOD- NO, Mikey rolls Leo up!! TMDK WINS!!
Winners: TMDK, by pinfall (still NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Champions)
Leo is furious! He is sure Mikey pulled tights there! He stomps at Mikey, pushes past ELP and goes after Mikey on the outside! Mikey and Leo push each other around, but there’s nothing Leo can do about this one. Will he and ELP just have to fight their way back up to the top? As for TMDK, will they continue to rock ‘n’ roll through the ranks with all this gold?
KOPW Championship Rural Revitalization: Great-O-Khan w/ Callum Newman & Francesco Akira VS Yuya Uemura w/ Taka Michinoku & Taichi!
It’s Rural Revitalization 2: Hiroshima Style! The Dominator just managed to make it past Tanga Loa, will he make it through the Heat Storm? Or will KOPW soon belong to Just5Guys?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who can put in the work!
This first round is Mazda tire carrying. Each man has a big orange cone placed in their corner, so they simply have to go fetch the tires from the stacks outside. Whoever gets four tires first wins the round! The bell rings, Yuya kicks Khan then heads for ropes, but Khan reels him in for a BIG back suplex! Khan goes out now, hurries up the ramp, and grabs two tires at once! The fans cheer and Khan gets those tires in the ring. Then he goes back for more! A risky move but that means four tires are on play. Yuya DROPKICKS Khan and here’s where the risk is involved! Yuya aims to PLANCHA but Khan chucks a tire!
Yuya falls back, Khan gets the tires in then drags Yuya out. Khan CLUBS away on Yuya against the apron, then uses a tire to bind Yuya’s legs! Khan CLUBS Yuya more, and Khan even ties Yuya up in the ropes! Khan sacrifices two tires to trap Yuya! The fans cheer the creativity, and Khan STOMPS Yuya on the apron before heading for more tires. Yuya works to get free as Khan brings two more tires to the ring. Khan sets those tires in, Yuya gets free, but Khan has stacked two tires. Then three, but Yuya DROPKICKS him down! Yuya takes the tires off Khan’s cones, leaving him with just one. Yuya goes out to get the last tires remaining!
Yuya brings tires to his cone, then clears out some space. Yuya has two tires, steals Khan’s one, but then Khan grabs Yuya for an IRON CLAW SLEEPER! Yuya fights free, but Khan Mongolian Chops him down! Khan throws the tires off Yuya’s cone, then throws the cone! We’re back to zero and zero, and Khan whips Yuya into a corner, to then clothesline him! The fans fire up as Khan climbs up and sits on his throne! Khan then hops down to Mongolian Chop! And Mongolian Chops! And Mongolian CHOP! Yuya sits down, Khan takes a tire, but then THROWS it at Yuya! Yuya goes up and over and AX HANDLES Khan down!
The fans rally as Khan grabs tires and cone, and he starts stacking! Yuya has two, then three! He just needs to find one more! Yuya grabs one from outside, but Khan reels him in! Khan DECKS Yuya, then undoes some of the stack. Khan confiscates a tire, makes sure it’s nice and bouncy, but also works up quite the sweat. The fans rally as Khan aims and takes a swing, only for Yuya to counter tire with tire! They clash again, and again! Then they set up for TIRE SUMO! And again, TIRE SUMO! They run in again, and Khan RAMS Yuya! Yuya is disarmed, and Khan CLOBBERS him with the TIRE SUMO!
The fans fire up while Yuya is down and Khan grabs tires. Khan says he’s not done with Yuya yet. Khan starts stacking tires at the center of the ring, then drags Yuya up. Khan clinches Yuya into HITSUJIGOROSHI! Yuya endures, even as Khan throws knees! Khan then scoops to SLAM Yuya on the tires! That’ll leave some skid marks! Khan then drags Yuya off the stack, brings him up and around, to then put a tire around his head. And then another! Yuya’s two tired to stand but Khan makes him! Khan throws a BODY BLOW, then he TRIPS Yuya into a TIRE DDT! The fans fire up while Khan grabs the other tires.
Khan stacks tires on his cone, that’s two. Khan hurries to find other tires on the outside, and he has a third. Khan considers his options, and takes one of the tires from Yuya. But Yuya clings to the tires, so Khan stomps him! Yuya refuses to let go of the tires! Khan stomps Yuya more but Yuya defends the tire with his body! Khan claws at Yuya, they tug-o-war over the tire, but Khan pulls on Yuya’s ear! Yuya kicks low, kicks again, then SMACKS Khan with the tire, and DROPKICKS Khan down! The tire goes tumbling out of the ring while Yuya fires up! Yuya takes Khan’s tires, hurries them over to his cone, that’s three right there!
Now Yuya has to hurry and find another! Yuya goes outside, grabs the tire, but Khan intercepts! They tug-o-war again, but then Khan RAMS Yuya into a corner! Khan takes this tire, that’s one. Khan finds tires on the outside and brings them in! Yuya hurries to cover tires again! Khan stomps Yuya, still stacks three, so it’s all down to this seventh tire! Yuya and Khan tug-o-war yet again, the fans rallying behind them! Khan grabs Yuya’s arm, but Yuya slips around to a SLEEPER! Khan fights up but Yuya squeezes tight! Yuya then CLUBS away on Khan, runs, but into a TIRE SWEEP! And a BASEMENT DROPKICK!
Khan grabs the final tire, but Yuya schoolboys him away! Yuya rolls through, snatches the tire, and complete his stack! Yuya wins the first round!
Khan: 0; Yuya: 1
Just like with Tanga Loa, Khan drops the ball in the first round! But then, will history repeat itself here as we prepare for the second round?
The tarps are set down, the table is set, and it’s time to eat up some Hiroshima lemons! Khan makes sure the people watching at home and around the world understand that Hiroshima lemons are the best, which probably means they’re the most sour. Khan puts on his bandana and takes his seat at the table. He and Yuya get some wet wipes to clean their hands, and it all comes down to who finishes their one lemon first. Ready, set, EAT! Yuya starts fast and that face shows how sour these are. Khan says hold on, and he just takes a HUGE bite! Yuya is suffering but Khan is reveling in the sourness! Khan’s already halfway through!
Yuya can barely keep the lemon in, but Khan’s eaten it all up! Can he get it all down before Yuya? Khan is chewing and chewing, Yuya is practically shaking from how sour it all is! Khan keeps going and… Yes, Khan has it all down! Khan wins!
Khan: 1; Yuya: 1
Khan now lets his body feel the stinging sweetness, and he says it was delicious! But then, that leaves us with this third and final round. And this time it’s a TABLES match! Who will be feeling sour and sore after this one?
The bell rings, both men rush in, Yuya dodges to fire haymakers! Yuya whips, Khan reverses but Yuya CLOBBERS him! Khan gets up, but Yuya DROPKICKS him down! Khan bails out, Yuya aims and PLANCHAS! Direct hit at the ramp, and the Heat Storm fires back up! The table is there, so Yuya drags Khan right up! Yuya goes to suplex but Khan blocks! Khan fights with body shots, turns things around, but Yuya fights the suplex! They fight for control, but Khan RAMS Yuya into the apron! The fans rally, Khan drags Yuya back up, and whips him into railing! Yuya tumbles up and over into No Man’s Land!
Khan storms out after Yuya and he asks fans move aside. Young Lions help the fans clear out while Khan drags Yuya up. Khan brings Yuya around and reminds everyone, No Disqualifications! Khan BOWLS Yuya through chairs, and that’s definitely a strike! The fans cheer Khan as he stands on chairs, but then asks more fans to move aside! Khan stomps Yuya, stomps a chair onto Yuya, then tosses that chair aside. Sorry to whoever had that seat… Khan then drags Yuya up and brings him around, but Yuya throws body shots! Khan Mongolian Chops Yuya down! Khan drags Yuya back up, and BOWLS him into more chairs!
Yuya is stuck on the seats, that wasn’t quite a strike. But Khan stacks chairs on Yuya to pick up the spare. Khan SMACKS chair with chair! Yuya sputters while fans applaud, and Khan goes back to fetch Yuya. Taichi and Taka are there but so are Newman and Akira. The Empire keeps the two out of five guys at bay while Khan drags Yuya to the back of the crowd. Khan whips Yuya into the emergency exit! Khan then SLAMS railing down on Yuya, and then SMACKS railing with railing! Khan talks trash while Taka and Taichi coach Yuya up. The ref checks Yuya, but he’s somehow able to continue, so Khan drags him up.
Khan brings Yuya around to drag him through the chairs! Khan brings Yuya back to ringside, then into the ring. The fans applaud, and then Khan goes looking under the ring. Khan eventually finds another lemon! Khan takes a big bite and uses the citrus to power up! Then he DIGS the lemon into Yuya’s face! The citric acid burns but the fans fire up! Khan goes to fetch the table from outside, puts it inside, and then sets it up in a corner. The fans rally up as Khan stalks Yuya. Khan drags Yuya up, reels him in to scoop, but Yuya slips free! Khan avoids hitting table, but Yuya DOUBLE CHOPS! Yuya whips Khan into the blue corner, then DOUBLE CHOPS again!
The fans fire up and Yuya grits his teeth. Yuya roars, brings Khan up and reels him in for a BIG back suplex! The fans rally again and Yuya brings Khan up. Yuya clinches, but Khan fights the lift! Yuya still tries, but Khan fights it to a head ‘n’ arm clinch. Yuya gets around, headlocks, but Khan pops out to waistlock. Yuya fights being pushed around, then switches to get an arm. Khan clinches but so does Yuya. They fight for control, and Khan’s SAYANAGI takes Yuya down! The fans fire up and both men stir. Yuya flops out of the ring, but Khan crawls in pursuit. Khan drags Yuya up, then RAMS him into railing!
Yuya writhes, Khan goes looking under the ring, and he brings out another TABLE! Khan SMACKS Yuya with the table, then stands the table up at ringside. Khan drags Yuya up, SMACKS him off the apron, then climbs up. Khan drags Yuya up onto the apron, Mongolian Chops, then regular CHOPS! Khan UPPERCUTS, then clamps on the IRON CLAW! Khan scoops but Yuya fights free! Yuya DROPKICKS! Khan holds onto ropes to stay up, but Yuya hurries to run! Yuya LARIATS, but into the IRON CLAW!! Khan drags Yuya up and over, ELIMINATOR- NO, Yuya grabs ropes to fight that off! Khan kicks low, winds up, but Yuya traps the arm!
Yuya traps the other arm, takes aim, but Khan fights the Deadbolt with all his might!! The fans are thunderous as Yuya still tries! Khan BITES Yuya’s ear! And then POSTS him! But Yuya runs up, into a BOOT! Yuya falls back, Khan sits down, and the fans rally again! Khan undoes his hand tape, ends up pushing the table over, and then he folds it all up. Khan puts the table in the ring, pushes Yuya aside, and then he sets this table up again, in the blue corner. Yuya goes up top to CROSSBODY! The fans fire up as Yuya roars! Yuya has his choice as he hauls Khan up. Yuya traps the arms, but Khan makes it a BELLY2BELLY!
But Yuya rises back up! Yuya runs in, gets around, and GERMAN SUPLEXES! But Khan’s right up! Khan LARIATS Yuya down! The fans fire up as Yuya is right back up, and URENAGES! Both men are down again and the fans are thunderous! Khan flounders around, he and Yuya crawl to center, and Yuya fires a forearm! Khan gives it back! Both men stand, and Yuya fires a haymaker! Khan comes back to forearm! Yuya wobbles, but he comes back to HAYMAKER! Khan staggers, wobbles, but comes back to FOREARM! Both men stagger, but Yuya fires another haymaker! Khan fires a flurry of forearms, but Yuya haymakers!
Khan ROCKS Yuya, but Yuya DOUBLE CHOPS! And DOUBLE CHOPS! And DOUBLE CHOPS! But Khan throws an IRON RIGHT! The fans fire up again as Yuya falls! Khan roars with Monster Rage and he hauls Yuya up! IRON CLAW, and then ELIMIN- NO, Yuya slips free! Yuya wrenches, traps the arms, DEADBOLT SUPLEX through the table!! YUYA WINS!!
Winner: Yuya Uemura, 2-1 (NEW KOPW Champion)
Yuya slammed the Deadbolt shut on Khan and now he takes the title from him! The Heat Storm is rising, how hot will he make the KOPW Division through the Summer?
10 Man Tag Elimination Match: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Bullet Club War Dogs!
These factions have been battling all over this Road to Wrestling Dontaku, but now they will fight ’til the last man! Will there be a roll call for Bushi, Hiromu, Takagi, Yota y Naito? Or will this alliance with the Good Looking Emperor, Jake Lee, help David Finlay, Gabe Kidd, Clark Connors & “Drilla” Dan Moloney shoot down LIJ?
Wait, it seems Naito has brought backup of his own? It’s SLYLY! The dragon-like mascot of Hiroshima Toyo Carp, and half-brother to the Philadelphia Phillies’ Phillie Phanatic! Well, Naito does love him some baseball. Tensions are running high, and Finlay throws his shirt at Yota. Yota balls that shirt up, and throws a fastball over the plate! The teams sort out, Finlay pushes Yota around and Gabe talks trash on Takagi. Red Shoes gets them all to settle down, and the War Dogs bark and put up the Too Sweet. Jake joins in at the end there. LIJ mocks the barking before they fist bump, and the fans cheer.
Things finally sort out and Finlay starts against Yota. The fans fire up behind “YO~TA! YO~TA!” at the bell, and Yota makes sure Finlay hears that. Finlay gets on the corner but the fans all boo. The two circle, tie up, and Yota uses his size to put Finlay on ropes. Finlay turns that around to grind forearms in Yota’s face and push him around. Finlay then backs up to SPIT at him! The fans boo but Yota CHOPS Finlay in return! The fans cheer, Yota headlocks, and Yota grinds Finlay down. Finlay powers up and out to headlock back, but Yota powers up and out. They RAM shoulders, Yota rebounds to run Finlay over!
The fans fire up, things speed up, but Finlay bails out. The fans boo but Finlay says he’s got time. Yota barks at Finlay but Finlay just mockingly applauds. Finlay returns, kips up just to show off, but then Hiromu wants in! Yota tags Hiromu, Finlay tags Drilla. Hiromu fires forearms on Drilla, whips, to ROCK, trip, KICK the ropes, then run and SHOTGUN Drilla down! The fans fire up while Hiromu barks. Hiromu runs corner to corner to clothesline, snapmare and basement dropkick! The fans fire up but Connors runs in to knee Hiromu low! Connors barks, runs, but Hiromu kicks low! Bushi dropkicks legs out so Hiromu can basement dropkick!
The fans fire up but Drilla fires hands and CHOPS on LIJ. Hiromu CHOPS back, he and Bushi double whip to TU LO SABE! Cover, TWO! Drilla stays in this but Hiromu fires Hiroshima up. Hiromu fireman’s carries, but Drilla slips free to RAM Hiromu into the corner! The Dogs mug Hiromu while Jake Lee runs up to BLAST Naito! Finlay and Connors help out in mugging Yota and Bushi! Things have pilled out into the crowd in multiple areas while Naito fights back! Jake kicks Naito, then whips him hard into railing! Naito tumbles up and over into No Man’s Land! Gabe and Takagi throw HEADBUTTS back and forth!
Finlay snatches a phone? He’s taking pictures of Jake stomping away on Naito! But then Yota attacks Finlay! Finlay POSTS Yota, a ring count starts, but the Dogs just keep beating LIJ down! Drilla finds his way back to ringside, Hiromu manages to make his way in! Hiromu crawls in at 17 but Drilla is there to stomp him! Drilla bumps Hiromu off Finlay’s boot! Drilla tags Jake in, they mug Hiromu, and Jake digs his boot in while Finlay pulls Hiromu’s hair! Red Shoes is busy getting everyone to stop brawling! Jake lets off but Hiromu fires off CHOPS! Jake just kicks low, whips, and then HIP TOSSES Hiromu down!
Hiromu staggers up but Jake clamps on a SLEEPER! Tag to Finlay and they mug Hiromu in the corner. Red Shoes reprimands and counts, the fans boo, and Finlay lets off at 4. Finlay soaks up heat, then he takes Hiromu’s Kamaitachi mask and THROWS it to the crowd! Finlay then BLASTS Yota off the apron! The Dogs CHOKE Hiromu more, mug him while Finlay argues with Red Shoes, then Finlay brings Hiromu up. Finlay fireman’s carries and goes to dump Hiromu! Hiromu clamps onto ropes, Bushi runs in to make the save! Connors goes after Bushi so Takagi makes the save! But Connors goes after Takagi now!
Finlay puts Hiromu on the apron but Hiromu rolls back in, SAFE! The fans cheer while Finlay is frustrated. Finlay storms up on Hiromu in a corner but Hiromu CHOPS and CHOPS! Finlay knees low, whips corner to corner hard, and Hiromu flounders all the way back to where he started! Finlay drags Hiromu up and over, the fans still cheering him on, but Connors tags in. Connors BLASTS Naito off the corner, then snap suplexes Hiromu down! Connors runs to ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Hiromu stays in this but Connors stays on him with a seated full nelson. The fans continue to rally for “HI-RO-MU!” as he endures!
Hiromu fights around, even as Gedo barks at him to give up. Hiromu still gets the ROPEBREAK! Finlay pushes the foot away and that distracts Red Shoes, allowing Drilla to join in and stomp Hiromu! Drilla & Connors double whip but Hiromu gets around to lift Connors and throw him at Drilla, FORCED RANA! The fans fire up but Connors keeps Hiromu away from his corner! Hiromu blocks a kick, and a punch, to DRAGON SCREW! The fans rally again while both men are down! Hot tag to Naito! Naito rallies on Connors, BLASTS Drilla, swings on Jake, but Jake gets away. Connors CLUBS Naito, whips, but Naito reverses to arm-drag!
Naito atomic drops, runs, and ELBOWS Connors down, to then basement dropkick! The fans fire up while Naito stares Jake down. Naito covers Connors, TWO! The fans rally, Naito drags Connors up and dragon sleepers, for the NECKBREAKER! And then, LEG HOOK NELSON! Connors endures but Gabe stomps Naito! Gabe BLASTS Takagi, the rest of the Dogs attack, and Gabe stomps away on Naito! Gabe tells off the fans but the fans boo. Red Shoes reprimands so Gabe steps away, and Connors drags Naito up. Connors UPPERCUTS, whips, but Naito reverses to TORNADO- NO, Connors powers out!
Connors dodges Naito, redirects and POUNCES! Naito is down but the fans rally up. Naito and Connors crawl, hot tags to Takagi and Gabe! The fans fire up for the NEVER Openweight Championship appetizer! They RAM shoulders, Takagi ROCKS Gabe then runs to RAM him! Gabe rebounds to RAM Takagi, but Takagi rebounds to RAM Gabe! Gabe fires a forearm, whips Takagi to a corner then runs in to clothesline! Takagi says that’s not enough, so Gabe UPPERCUTS! Gabe says he’s a madman, then whips, only for Takagi to reverses. Takagi runs in, blocks a boot, and clotheslines through! The fans fire up with Takagi, but Gabe shoves him!
Takagi kicks and CLUBS away on Gabe, but Gabe BITES Takagi’s forehead! Red shoes reprimands, but Takagi spins Gabe around to suplex high and hard! Cover, TWO! Gabe’s still in this but the fans rally behind “TA-KA-GI!” Takagi looks around, “Oi, Hiroshima! TOKI GA-” NO, Gabe CLOBBERS Takagi! It isn’t his time yet, and Gabe stands Takagi up to HEADBUTT again and again! Then Gabe suplexes high and hard! Cover, TWO! Takagi’s tougher than that but Gabe shakes his head. Gabe scuffs Takagi, eggs him on and runs, but Takagi blocks the Rebounder to HEADBUTT! Gabe HEADBUTTS! Both men shake their heads, and then Takagi HEADBUTTS!
Gabe HEADBUTTS! Takagi HEADBUTTS again and again, but then Gabe HEADBUTTS again and again! Takagi fires a forearm, Gabe gives it back, repeat! The fans fire up as the shots go back and forth! Gabe gets the edge, but Takagi fires boxing elbows! Gabe CHOP! Takagi ELBOWS! JABS! Gabe UPPERCUTS and YUKON LARIATS! But Takagi’s right up to LARIAT!! Gabe rises and shouts! Both men run in, DOUBLE LARIATS collide! And again! Gabe fires palm strikes, talks trash, but gets a JAB, HEADBUTT, and a PUMPING BOMBER take takes both men up and out! DOUBLE ELIMINATION!!
Fans go wild as Takagi’s sacrifice play makes things 4v4! Bushi and Drilla jump in and Drilla fires off shots! Drilla ENZIGIRIS, ripcords, but Bushi dodges to RANA! And DROPKICK! Drilla bails out but Bushi builds speed, only for Connors to SNAP POWERSLAM! Drilla gets in, he and Connors get moving, SPEAR GORE COMBO!! Cover, TWO!! Bushi survives but the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions coordinate. Connors BLASTS Naito off the apron before he climbs a corner, and Drilla gets Bushi up. Drilla suplexes, but Bushi slips free! Bushi shoves Drilla into Connors, then runs back in to CODE-
NO, Drilla blocks and aims for ropes! Bushi slips free, dodges Drilla, but Drilla ducks the enzigiri, only for the REWIND HEEL to hit! Bushi whips Drilla up and out and to the floor, Bushi ELIMINATES Drilla! We’re 4v3 in LIJ’s favor, but then Connors SPEARS Bushi! Connors says this is it, and he reels Bushi in for- NO! Bushi turns No Chaser into a backslide! BUSHI ROLL! Bushi ELIMINATES Connors!! The Black Mask singlehandedly handles the tag champs and the fans fire up! But then Finlay CLOBBERS Bushi and rains down fists! Finlay roars in rage, then he drags Bushi up. Canadian Rack, but Bushi slips free to backslide!
Finlay rolls through to UPPERCUT! Jake BLASTS Naito, BLASTS Yota, and then Finlay gets Bushi up! Finlay POWERBOMBS Bushi to the outside, onto Naito and the rest! Finlay ELIMINATES Bushi! We’re back to 3v2 as Finlay still has Jake but LIJ still has Naito, Hiromu and Yota. And speaking of Yota, he gets in to brawl with Finlay! Yota whips, Finlay reverses but Yota flipping RANAS! Then he BLASTS Jake! Yota runs corner to corner to STINGER SPLASH Finlay! Yota keeps moving, he runs Finlay over to then run and SPLASH! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up with Yota as he smiles and paces around.
Yota brings Finlay up and fireman’s carries, but Finlay slips free. Yota kicks, runs, but Finlay ELBOWS him down, then SENTONS on top! Finlay barks as he aims at Yota. Yota rises, Finlay runs in, and UPPERCUTS at the corner! Then clotheslines! Then FALCON ARROWS! Cover, TWO! The fans rally for Yota but Finlay grows frustrated. Finlay drags Yota up, reels him in, but Yota fights the lift! Finlay CLUBS away on Yota, tries again, and he has Yota up, but Yota fights free of the bomb! Yota fires forearms, but Finlay UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS again! Finlay runs, but Yota backslides to KNEE Finlay down!
The fans fire up again as we pass 20 minutes, and Yota drags Finlay up. Yota goes up and up but Finlay shoves him over! Yota’s on the apron, he and Finlay brawl! Yota ROCKS Finlay, but Finlay gets in Red Shoes’ face! Jake grabs at Yota, Yota kicks him away, but Finlay BLASTS Yota down and ELIMINATES him! The fans boo but the Dogs have made this 2v2! Finlay and Jake stand together, and they dare Naito & Hiromu to join them. Naito and Hiromu oblige as they step inside. Naito stares Jake down, Hiromu stares Finlay down, and they start swinging! The fans fire up, but then Finlay fireman’s carries Hiromu! Finlay aims for ropes!
Naito gets past Jake to save Hiromu, but then Jake BOOTS Naito down! Jake scrapes Naito out of the ring and goes after him, but Hiromu fireman’s carries Finlay! Hiromu runs at ropes and dumps Finlay out! Finlay stays on the apron but Hiromu SUPERKICKS! Finlay holds onto ropes and wobbles, but Hiromu builds speed! Hiromu DIVES and SUNSET FLIPS, but Finlay still holds on! Finlay throws down hands, gets back inside, he’s SAFE! Hiromu is also safe because he went through the second rope. Hiromu runs back in, but avoids Blue Thunder to wheelbarrow! But Finlay turns that into an IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER!
Hiromu writhes, the fans rally as hard as they can behind him, but Finlay drags Hiromu up. DOMINATOR! Cover, Naito breaks it! Jake stomps Naito and TOSSES him out! It was all second rope so Naito’s safe, but Finlay talks trash on Hiromu. Finlay drags Hiromu up, reels him in, suplexes, but Hiromu slips free! Finlay UPPERCUTS, and UPPERCUTS, and UPPERCUTS! Flashback to the 23rd! Hiromu just takes UPPERCUT after UPPERCUT from Finlay, but he doesn’t stop! Then he SUPERKICKS! Hiromu runs, but into another UPPERCUT! Finlay gets Hiromu up, but Hiromu RANAS Finlay up and out to ELIMINATE him!!
The fans are thunderous as The Rebel is shocked! Hiromu mocks him, but then Jake runs in! Hiromu gets under the boot to get under Jake! Jake fights Hiromu off, snarls, and then runs up! Hiromu dodges to kick a leg! Hiromu runs, but Jake kitchen sink knees! Jake takes aim, runs up, and FACE BREAK SHOT! Hiromu tumbles up and out and to the floor, Jake ELIMINATES him! And now, at 25 minutes in, we’re down to just Jake and just Naito! Naito slowly rolls into the ring as the fans rally behind him. Jake watches Naito stand, and the two stare down. Jake runs in but Naito dodges to fire off forearms!
Naito whips but Jake reverses to KNEE low! Jake fires up but fans boo as he stands Naito up. Jake reels Naito in for a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Naito protects the plate but Jake is aiming another heater! Jake waits as Naito stands, then winds up to choke grip! But Naito throws back elbows to get free! Naito then wrenches, TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up again while both men are down! Naito rises, he drags Jake up, and he throws those heavy back elbows! Jake crawls around, Naito brings him up, and Naito throws more heavy back elbows! Jake wobbles and staggers to the corner but Naito is right on him.
Naito brings Jake around for even more heavy back elbows! Jake falls over, the fans fire up, and Naito aims from the corner. Naito drags Jake up and in, but Jake BOOTS Naito down! Naito dangles off the apron! Red Shoes keeps the War Dogs from interfering, and Naito stands up. Jake aims, runs in, but Naito avoid the FBS! Naito drags Jake ot the apron, Jake elbows him back! Jake runs up, but into an ELBOW! Naito goes up and over, sweeps the legs, then BASEBALL SLIDE DROPKICKS! Jake falls, LIJ wins!!
Winners: Los Ingobernables de Japon, Naito as the lone survivor
It came down to the bottom of the ninth, technically speaking, and Naito just hit the walk-off homer! Jake is stunned and Finlay is frustrated, but Yota just smiles back at him. Finlay and Yota will have it out as part of Wrestling Dontaku Night One, who will be smiling then?
As for LIJ, they regroup in the ring and have their hands raised. Slyly’s even still hanging around! But uh, he’s a little too chunky to get in the ring, so he just settles for pumping up the crowd like he does at baseball games. Naito gets the mic to say that it was three months ago, the Splash Strong series back in January, since Naito was last in Hiroshima. Naito would like to thank the fans from coming here tonight, “Gracias, amigos.” The fans cheer, and Naito continues by saying, “Hiroshima is my second home. I really long to have a match at Mazda Stadium.” The fans love the sound of that!
Naito does preface that him saying that doesn’t mean there’s anything planned. So please, tranquilo, be patient, and look forward to the day that finally happens. So, shall they do it? The fans cheer again! So then, for the first time in Hiroshima Sun Plaza Hall in a year and eight months, is everyone ready? The fans cheer because they sure are! Well then, the only way to close The Road to Wrestling Dontaku here in Hiroshima… Bushi! Hiromu! Takagi! Titan! Yota! Slyly! Y Naito! NOSOTROS! LOS! INGOBERRRRNABLEEEES~! DE! JA! PON!! Slyly gets in on the roll call! Will all of LIJ have success as we reach Wrestling Dontaku next week?
My Thoughts:
A great event to conclude Road to Dontaku before getting to Wrestling Dontaku itself. An unfortunate change in the card, Sanada fell ill and could not compete, so his match alongside Taichi against Tanahashi & Tomoaki was changed into Tanahashi and a Young Lion VS Tomoaki and a Young Lion. Hopefully Cold Skull gets well soon. Great tag title match from TMDK VS GoD, and while I figured TMDK was going to retain, I didn’t think it’d be in a shady way like holding tights. While ZSJ VS Cobb for the NJPW World TV title is still to come, I doner of GoD shift gears and ELP becomes a singles guy so Leo and Loa can team up. Then ELP can challenge ZSJ in a battle of initials while the Brothers Guerrilla get to take on Shane & Mikey.
Great Rural Revitalization again, they managed to pull off great comeback spots each round. I was very surprised Yuya won out, I felt like Khan could’ve done one more Rural Revitalization before losing. But at the same time, Yuya feels like the unofficial fourth Reiwa Musketeer behind Narita, Shota & Tsuji. Yuya getting a title, any title, ahead of the others is good stuff for him, and could even bring about a feud with one of the Musketeers for the Summer. And then a great 10 Man Elimination Tag. I again really like that NJPW allows over the rope eliminations even in a tag match like this to really mix things up. Jake Lee not winning out for the War Dogs is really surprising, but I feel like that means Jake will defeat Naito 1v1.
My Score: 8.9/10
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It’s a violent end to a legendary friendship!
Former Best Friends, Trent Beretta & Chuck Taylor, have been through many Parking Lot Brawls, but this is their first time as enemies! Will there be broken bones to go along with the broken hearts?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Parking Lot Brawl: Trent Beretta VS Chuck Taylor; Trent wins.
- Thunder Rosa VS Deonna Purrazzo; Rosa wins.
- “Big Bill” Morrissey VS Trevor Blackwell; Bill wins.
- Katsuyori Shibata & Daniel Garcia VS Shane Taylor Promotions; Shibata & Garcia win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Parking Lot Brawl: Trent Beretta VS Chuck Taylor!
Years of friendship, thrown away, and why? Because #JustTrent had a problem with Freshly Squeezed having more success in AEW than them? Because #JustTrent had a problem with Cassidy as a person? Because #JustTrent turned out to be the selfish one in the relationship? Well, then will #JustTrent get his ass kicked? Or will he take advantage of how Chuckie T. is a Kentucky Gentleman?
Trent stares Chuck down while we hear the crowd of other wrestlers taunting him. Trent takes a swing, but Chuck dodges to fire off hands! The brawl is on, and Chuck gets the edge! Chuck ROCKS Trent, then SMACKS him off a car hood! And then off the car door! Chuck drags Trent up, but Trent RAMS Chuck into the car! And throat chops him just because! Trent gets space, runs back in, but Chuck dodges so Trent hits the passenger door! Chuck gets a trash can lid and he stands Trent up. Trent jumps through the open window but Chuck drags him back out. Trent kicks low, and he gives Chuck a CAR HOOD BACK SUPLEX!
Trent grabs the trash can lid, SMACKS Chuck right in the head and Chuck falls down! The crowd boos but Trent opens a car trunk to bring out a trash can, a dustpan and a baseball bat! Chuck storms up but Trent CHUCKS the trash can into Chuck’s face! Chuck flounders and Trent smirks. Trent SMACKS Chuck with the trash can, CLUBS him around, and Chuck is busted open! The white car has red polka dots on it now, and Trent talks trash, “This is what you wanted?!” Trent runs up, but Chuck POP UP POWERBOMBS Trent onto a car hood! Trent writhes, Chuck staggers around, and Chuck brings Trent around.
Chuck headlocks Trent before he SMACKS him off another car door. Trent goes around the back and then up onto a truck! Chuck follows, and he CLUBS Trent in the chest! But Trent slips under, and he CLAWS Chuck’s bloody face! Trent DECKS Chuck and Chuck falls through drywall sheets! Trent looms over Chuck as he crawls out of the wreckage. Trent stalks Chuck, brings him around and SMACKS him with the trash can lid! Trent hoists Chuck onto a car roof, SMACKS him again, then goes back to the truck. Trent climbs onto the roof of the truck, to FLYING ELBOW from car to car! Cover, TWO!!
Trent is furious, but Chuck is still in this as Rampage goes picture in picture.
Trent fumes, paces around, and goes back to the goodies. He brings out… Is that a screwdriver?! And he JABS Chuck in the head with it!! And then he DIGS it into Chuck’s forehead!! As if he wasn’t already bleeding badly!! Trent leaves Chuck behind, to fetch what looks to be a flat screen TV. Then he brings out a wood door!? Did someone visit Home Depot before coming here? Chuck CHOPS Trent in return then fires haymakers! Trent CLAWS Chuck’s face! Trent grabs that TV and CHUCKS it, only for Chuck to duck it! Rampage returns as TV screen hits windshield! Chuck kicks low to snap suplex Trent through the door!!
The crowd is losing its minds as Trent crawls. Chuck gets Trent’s legs, to CATAPULT him into the truck’s tailgate!! The crowd fires up while Chuck gets a sinister look on his face. Chuck takes a piece of that drywall to SMASH it on Trent! Chuck gets that trash can, he SMACKS Trent with it! Chuck sees the pile of extra goodies nearby, and he uncovers some light tubes! But first, he’ll clean up the mess, he SMACKS Trent with the dust pan! And SMACKS him again and again! And then one more shot with the trash can! Trent writhes, but Chuck drags Trent up. Chuck SMACKS Trent off the tailgate, then clears some space.
Chuck climbs up, but Trent ROCKET LAUNCHES him onto the light tubes!!! The tubes shatter under Chuck’s back! Trent sputters, he’s bloody now, too. Trent puts Chuck against the car hood and stands on him! Trent soaks up the heat, but Chuck TRIPS Trent! Trent writhes, Chuck reels Trent in, Canadian Rack, RAZOR’S EDGE onto a windshield!! Trent writhes while fans chant “HOLY CHUCK!” Chuck covers Trent on the hood, TWO!! Trent survives and hurries around the back of this sedan. Chuck snarls, goes up after Trent, and they meet on the roof. They’re both so bloody as they fire forearms back and forth!
The crowd cheers Chuck and boos Trent, and as the two swing wild, they end up HUGGING! You GOT to give the people what they want, right? They stand, Chuck ROCKS Trent and reels Trent in, but Trent LOW BLOWS!! Trent has Chuck now, PILEDRIVER ON THE CAR ROOF!!! And then, SNAKE BITE!! Trent is choking Chuck out!!! Chuck IS out, Trent wins!!
Winner: Trent Beretta, by submission
The Best Friends tore each other apart, but it is #JustTrent that stands tall in the end. He’s clearly lost the respect of his peers given how the other wrestlers are chanting “You Suck! You Suck!” But wait, Trent isn’t done? He has a monkey wrench!? Cassidy & Kris step forward to say no, this is going too far! Trent says this is all Cassidy’s fault! And SMASH, Trent hits Chuck’s leg with the wrench, and even shatters the glass behind it!! Chuck clutches the already recovering leg, and now Cassidy wants after Trent! Kris stops Cassidy, Trent’s still got the wrench! Trent escapes into the shadows of the arena, what darkness is living in Trent’s heart?
Don Callis is watching this.
And he seems to like the sadistic savagery he just witnessed. Trent may not have Best Friends anymore, but could he end up with a whole new family?
Backstage interview with Kyle O’Reilly.
Arkady Aura is with #CombatKyle and brings up his impressive showing in Dynamite’s Casino Gauntlet this past Wednesday. But we all want to know, what is next for her? Well, on Saturday, May 11th, AEW is coming to his hometown! Collision in Vancouver, British Columbia! The Rogers Arena, the same building an 11-year-old Kyle saw his first wrestling show ever. And at that show, Kyle told his dad that he was gonna do this one day. Papa O’Reilly said, “Oh yeah, sure you will, kid.” But somehow, Kyle pulled it off. 25 years later, he’s coming back home to do the one thing he’s ever been good at and that’s wrestling.
Kyle is going to take on the best wrestlers this world has to offer, right here in AEW, where the best wrestle. Kyle is ready for a fight, who will take him up on that in two weeks?
Thunder Rosa VS Deonna Purrazzo!
La Mera Mera and The Virtuosa could not coexist in the race for the AEW Women’s World Championship, and now they will Rampage against each other! Who will stand tall, ready for another shot at the title?
The bell rings and the fans rally up. Deonna and Rosa step up, talk a little trash, then Deonna pie faces Rosa! Rosa swings but Deonna catches the arm! Rosa avoids the takedown to knee low! They tie up again, go around and around, and Deonna puts Rosa in a corner. The ref counts, Rosa powers her way out but Deonna headlocks. Rosa powers up and out, but Deonna RAMS her! The two stay up, Deonna eggs Rosa on then kicks her low! Deonna whips, Rosa blocks the hip toss, but then Deonna blocks a hip toss! Rosa avoids the lariat to DECK Deonna! Rosa rains down fists but the ref reprimands.
Rosa sits Deonna up, clamps on a COBRA CLUTCH, and she grinds Deonna down. The fans rally but Deonna fights up. Deonna throws hands, then wrenches, but Rosa breaks free. Deonna BOOTS Rosa, then has the arm for the ARMBAR DDT! Deonna dusts herself off as she paces, then she KICKS Rosa’s arm. And KICKS it again! Rosa goes to ropes, Deonna pushes her down and ties her up in Paradise! Rosa is stuck, Deonna soaks up the cheers and jeers, and then runs to DROPKICK Rosa out of Paradise! Deonna stands Rosa up but Rosa ROCKS her first! Deonna stands, Rosa RAMS into her then bumps her off buckles.
Rosa goes up and up to leap, but Deonna blocks the rana and has a BOSTON CRAB! They’re in the ropes, the ref counts, and Deonna lets go. Rosa crawls to the corner, Deonna paces while soaking up the heat. Rosa stands, builds speed, and she WERCKS Deonna with a dropkick! Rosa fires up despite the pain in her back, and she kicks Deonna. Deonna stands, Rosa CHOPS her against the post! And CHOPS her again! Deonna ducks, Rosa chops post! Deonna SUPERKICKS Rosa down, and Rampage goes picture in picture.
Deonna steps on Rosa’s face, steps away, and Rosa staggers up to railing. Deonna storms up but Rosa kicks her low. Rosa then runs Deonna side to side to POST her! But then Deonna RAMS Rosa into apron! And SMACKS her off it! Deonna snarls, brings Rosa around, and she puts Rosa in the ring. Cover, TWO! Deonna clamps onto Rosa to pull her arms in, for a straitjacket stretch! Rosa endures, fights up, but Deonna turns that into a BACKSTABBER! Cover, TWO! Rosa is still in this, and she is feeding off the energy of the fans! Rosa stands, and she ELBOWS Deonna! And body shots! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS again!
Rosa has Deonna in a corner to UPPERCUT! Rosa runs corner to corner and back again, but Deonna dodges! Rosa POSTS herself and falls to the apron! Deonna storms back over, brings Rosa up and wraps the bad arm against ropes! The ref counts, Deonna KICKS the ropes as she lets off, and Rosa clutches the elbow. Deonna returns but Rosa RAMS into her! Deonna CLUBS Rosa, has her in a corner, and HEADBUTTS the lower back as Rampage goes to break.
Rampage returns and Deonna runs in, but into an ELBOW! And then a BOOT! Rosa goes up to MISSILE DROPKICK! The fans fire up with Rosa as she rises up! Deonna runs in, Rosa dodges to fire forearm after forearm! Deonna shoves, Rosa ENZIGIRIS! Rosa runs, to SHOTGUN BOOT! Deonna flounders to ropes, Rosa pounds the mat and the fans rally again. Rosa runs side to side to DROPKICK again! Cover, TWO!! Deonna toughs it out while Rosa shakes out her arm. Rosa drags Deonna up, but Deonna SOBATS! Deonna runs to KNEE LIFT and RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Deonna wants the Fujiwara but Rosa rolls free!
Deonna BOTOS Rosa down, covers, TWO! Rosa is still in this and the fans rally up. Deonna is frustrated but she fireman’s carries Rosa. Rosa fires elbows, waistlocks, but Deonna pries the hold open! Deonna waistlocks, Rosa victory rolls and STOMP 182! The fans rally up again and Rosa covers, TWO! Deonna stays in this but Rosa stays on her. Rosa drags Deonna to a drop zone, goes to a corner and climbs. But Deonna rises and catches the leap! FUJIWARA ARMBAR!! Rosa endures, reaches out, pushes Deonna over to get a REAR NAKED CHOKE!! Deonna is in the body scissors but she fights around!
Deonna rises, to BACKPACK SENTON! Deonna is free, the fans fire up, and Deonna brings Rosa back up. Deonna SLAPS Rosa, then reels her in! Gotch Hold, but Rosa jackknife bridges! TWO, Deonna sunset flips, TWO! Prawn hold, TWO! FUJIWARA!! Rosa rolls it to a cradle, ROSA WINS!!
Winner: Thunder Rosa, by pinfall
Deonna thought she had the perfect formula but Rosa says she just beat her at wrestling! But then Deonna CLOBBERS Rosa at the ramp! The fans boo but Deonna drags Rosa up to RAM her into the bleachers! Rosa slumps down, but Deonna digs her boot in! Deonna SLAPS Rosa around, tells the ref to shut up, and she SLAPS Rosa more! So Rosa SLAPS back! They brawl on stage and then out to the ledge of the upper level! The fans fire up as they keep going! Security rushes in, the fans boo, but Deonna flips Rosa off! It seems nothing was settled here, will these two look to go Double or Nothing?
Backstage interview with The Undisputed Kingdom.
Arkady Aura is with Roderick Strong, Matt Taven & Mike Bennett as she notes Will Ospreay is the NEW #1 Contender to the AEW International Championship. Taven says hold on, before we get started here, “Not Lexy,” as three guys who care deeply about neck health, and as two guys who nursed someone from the brink of paralysis (aka Roddy), The Kingdom wishes a very speedy recovery to “the world’s greatest boss. TK, stay strong, buddy.” Roddy then shouts that “WILL… Ospreay. Congratulations, you did it! You have signed, sealed and delivered the downfall, demise and destruction of The Aerial Assassin at Double or Nothing.”
Roddy says the world can sing Ospreay’s praises, but none of that matters when you step in the ring with Roddy. Just like all the ones before, Roddy will dismantle Ospreay, he will BREAK Ospreay, and he will make Ospreay fall in front of The Savior of the Backbreaker. Roddy’s confidence is strong, but will Roddy be the one feeling the End of Heartache after taking on the #BillyGOAT?
“Big Bill” Morrissey VS Trevor Blackwell!
The human skyscraper says he wants to sit under the Learning Tree, but Chris Jericho’s gonna need a bigger tree if he’s to give guidance to Big Bill. Will Bill prove he is worthy of The Wizard’s sage advice?
The moment Bill is in the ring, he SPLASHES Trevor right in the corner! The bell rings, Bill runs to BOOT Trevor down! Trevor flounders around, Bill runs corner to corner and SPLASHES again! Trevor flops around, Bill wants Jericho to watch this. Bill said he’d show Jericho he is worthy, and we do see Jericho watching backstage, holding the FTW Championship on his shoulder and oddly still wearing a #LionHook shirt… Jericho nods as Bill CLUBS Trevor on the back! Bill then tells Jericho to watch him! Scoop and BIG BOSS SLAM!! Cover, but Bill lets off! Bill wags his finger, he wants Jericho to see more.
Bill brings Trevor up, reels him in, and short arm LARIATS! Cover, but again Bill lets off! Bill is having too much fun at poor Trevor’s expect. Bill says Jericho’s gonna wanna teach him. Bill hoists Trevor up for the SKYSCRAPER CHOKE SLAM!! One foot cover, a very Jericho move, and Bill wins!
Winner: “Big Bill” Morrissey, by pinfall
Trev might want to change his last name to Well-done, because he got roasted. Bill wants Jericho’s guidance, does he even need it when he can do all this?
BREAKING NEWS for Rampage!
Rampage won’t be following up Collision next week but it also won’t be back on Friday just yet. For AEW’s return to Canada, Rampage is going to be BACK TO BACK with Dynamite! Get ready for a truly All Elite Wednesday!
Katsuyori Shibata & Daniel Garcia VS Shane Taylor Promotions!
The Wrestler said during Collision earlier tonight that he was going to take on Shane Taylor Promotions by himself if he had to, but then the Dragonslayer offered his help. Now they’re both going to take on #TAIGASTYLE and Big Bad Shaney T. himself! Garcia wears basic trunks and boots to match Shibata, will The Wrestlers win out? Or will STP rumble, bad man, rumble?
The moment all four men are in the ring, Shibata CLOBBERS Lee Moriarty and then he and Garcia both go after Shane! The fans fire up as they stomp and kick Shane right out of the ring! Then they go out to keep after him! Shibata whips and BOOTS Shane into railing! Garcia fires off on Lee, then Shibata adds an UPPERCUT! Shibata whips and BOOTS Lee against railing! Garcia stomps Shane, Shibata snap suplexes Lee to the floor! Shibata leaves them behind to go into the ring and sit cross-legged! Garcia sits with him! The fans fire up and the two go out again. The brawling continues but Shane throws heavy hands!
Lee ROCKS Garcia, Shane puts Shibata in, and Shane storms in after Shibata. Lee sends Garcia into railing, but Shibata fires hands on Shane! Shibata KICKS and KICKS, but Shane blocks the boot! Shane JABS Shibata and Shibata falls back! Shane talks trash, the fans boo, but Shane drags Shibata up. Shane HEADBUTTS Shibata, tags Lee, and they mug Shibata. Lee stomps a mudhole in, lets off as the ref counts, but he sneaks mule kicks on Shibata the whole time! Shibata trips Lee, stomps him, but Lee gets up to RAM into Shibata! Lee brings Shibata around, suplexes, but Shibata slips free to waistlock!
Lee elbows free, kicks, but Shibata blocks! Lee KNEES Shibata but Garcia tags in! Shibata BOOTS Lee, Garcia LARIATS! Garcia DROPKICKS Shane, gets around Lee, TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! And then another TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Garcia brings Lee up again but Lee suplexes! Garcia slips free, spins Lee and kicks low, to then TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! The trifecta is complete and the fans fire up! Garcia storms up on Lee, brings him up, and UPPERCUTS! The fans rally for Garcia, he CHOPS Lee to ropes. And CHOPS Lee against ropes! Garcia runs, but Shane trips him! Lee distracts the ref so Shane can DRAPING DDT to the floor!
Shibata protests but Lee mocks him by sitting cross-legged. The ring count climbs, Garcia drags himself up at 3 of 10, slides in at 5, but Lee stomps Garcia at the ropes! Lee drags Garcia up, bumps him off buckles, then tags Shane. Shane pushes Garcia against the buckles, to then CHOP! Garcia seethes and he fires forearm son Shane! The fans fire up, Garcia throws more shots, then leaps, but into Shane’s arms! Shane RAMS Garcia into a corner, then CHOPS! Shane runs up, but Garcia BOOTS! Garcia spins, but Shane ROCKS him first! And URENAGES! And then SPLASHES down! Cover, TWO!
Shane seethes but he keeps Garcia from Shibata, and Rampage goes picture in picture.
Shane mocks Garcia’s dance, drags him up, but Garcia CHOPS! Garcia staggers, but Shane fires body shots in the corner! Shane ROCKS Garcia, tags Lee, and STP mugs Garcia. Garcia flounders to ropes, Lee CHOKES him! The ref counts, Lee steps away, and he stomps Garcia around. Lee wraps an arm around the ropes, then fishhooks Garcia! The ref counts, Lee lets off, and Garcia feeds off the energy of the fans. Lee brings Garcia up but Garcia fires forearm sand CHOPS! Lee gets around, and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Cover, TWO! Garcia stays in this but Lee stays on him with a wrench. Tag to Shane, and Lee hooks Garcia up in a COBRA TWIST, just so Shane can KNEE Garcia down!
Shane has Garcia on ropes, ROCKS him with a forearm, then scoops him for SNAKE EYES! Garcia slumps down in the corner, Shane drags him back up, and TOSSES him out! Shane goes out to then put Garcia against railing. Shane ROCKS Garcia, talks trash on fans, then brings Garcia around to scoop and SLAM him to the floor! Shane talks more trash on the fans, Lee has him cool off, and Shane brings Garcia up again. Shane puts Garcia in, tags Lee, and then Lee clamps on with a top wristlock and stretches Garcia out! Garcia endures, turns to fight the pressure, but Lee CLUBS him down. Lee drags Garcia up, tags Shane, and Shane scoop SLAMS!
Shane runs to SPLASH Garcia again! Rampage returns to single picture, Shane drags Garcia to a drop zone, and he goes up a corner. The fans boo but Shane blows them a kiss. FALLING SPLASH FLOPS as Garcia moves! T he fans fire up, but Lee KICKS him down! Lee hurries back and tags in, then he drags Garcia up. Lee wrenches, wristlocks, but Garcia endures. Lee SNAPS the fingers! The fans boo Lee being so villainous, but he drags Garcia up. Lee bumps Garcia off buckles, Shane holds Garcia up, but Garcia fights free with boots and haymakers and elbows! The fans fire up, Garcia sends Lee into Shane!
Lee hurries to waistlock but Garcia switches, SAIDO! The fans are thunderous as Lee and Garcia crawl! Hot tags to Shane and Shibata! Shibata BOOTS Shane! Shane roars, Shibata runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges and BOOTS! Shibata whips to BOOT Shane in the corner! Shibata fires forearms, the ref counts, but Lee runs up. Shibata DECKS him! Garcia RAMS Lee into a corner, climbs up, and while Shibata fires forearms on Shane, Garcia rains down fists! Garcia goes all the way to nine, then DOES HIS DANCE! Shibata and Garcia coordinate, DOUBLE HYDRAULIC DROPKICKS! The fans fire up and Garcia stands Shane up. Shibata runs in to BOOT!
Shibata CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS Shane, then CHOPS, CHOPS and JABS! Garcia does his dance while Shibata JABS and CHOPS to the rhythm! The fans are loving this, as now Garcia runs in to KNEE Shane! Shibata & Garcia get Shane up, to DOUBLE SUPLEX!! Cover, ONE?!? Shane has power to spare, but Garcia BOOTS him! Shibata BOOTS him! They go again, but this time Shane DOUBLE SUPLEXES them!! The fans boo but Shane tags in Lee. Lee runs up to clothesline Shibata, and JAB! And CHOP! JAB! CHOP! JAB! CHOP! Shibata just scowls at Lee! Lee says okay, and he fires more JABS and CHOPS!
Shibata steps into the shots, so Lee eggs him on! Shibata ROCKS Lee! Shane runs up, HEADBUTTS, then Lee HALF HATCH SLAMS! Cover, TWO!! Shibata toughs it out and STP grows frustrated. Lee drags Shibata up, kicks then waistlocks, but Shibata fights the lift! Shane storms in, helps Lee put on the full nelson, and Shane promises to knock Shibata out! But Shibata BOOTS Shane first! Garcia jumps on for a SLEEPER! Shibata switches on Lee for a SLEEPER!! The fans fire up as STP start fading out! Shane fires up to RAM Garcia into buckles! But Shibata BOOTS him! And Garcia SAIDOS!! Shibata PENALTY KICKS Lee!! Cover, The Wrestlers win!
Winners: Katsuyori Shibata & Daniel Garcia, by pinfall
Shibata helps Garcia stand up, and Garcia is proud to have won alongside one of his heroes! And with the fans cheering him on, Garcia sets up… to DO HIS DANCE! Will this momentum help Shibata avenge Hook and take that FTW Championship off of Chris Jericho? Or will The Learning Tree have some things to teach Shibata?
My Thoughts:
A great Rampage here, though I was oddly more excited when I thought it was just Deonna VS Rosa and the Parking Lot Brawl. But even so, at least Bill squashing a dude was used in story. He was showing off, he’ll surely have Jericho’s blessing if he helps defeat Shibata on Dynamite, but a part of me almost wants this to be all a trap. Bill was teammates with Ricky Starks in a feud against Jericho, and if Jericho is being obliviously arrogant then maybe Bill is using that against Jericho, too. But either way, let’s just hope this story helps Bill get going rather than slow him down like the #JerichoVortex has always done.
The Parking Lot Brawl was moving maybe a bit fast for me, especially with how there were some obvious spots already set up when they arrived, such as the drywall draped across the truck bed. But they surely got bloody, and in the end, Trent won out because he was willing to sink to the lowest low. And then they’ve written Chuck off again with that monkey wrench to the shin, so Cassidy VS Trent is definitely a Double or Nothing match. And something is just telling me that if Kris is gonna turn out to be the villain in the Willow Nightingale story, she’s probably gonna screw Cassidy over to help Trent, too.
Really good match from Deonna VS Rosa, and with Rosa getting a quick pin then that brawl, we’re clearly getting more out of them. Good promo from Kyle O’Reilly to hype AEW’s newest Canada tour, and good promo from The Kingdom to tie in their old Neck Health Awareness gag to the Tony Khan piledriver angle. Roddy calling out Ospreay, I would definitely think Ospreay wins the title at Double or Nothing. And really good tag main event from Shibata & Garcia VS Shane Taylor Promotions. STP keeps getting great showings even in losing, but Lee took the loss here to keep Shane himself strong. Great win for Shibata but this just adds to the go-home math where Jericho retains the FTW Championship on Dynamite.
My Score: 8.7/10
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