Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW Castle Attack Results & Report! (2/28/21)
There’s gold in the Castle Attack!
Will there no longer be a NJPW Double Champion?
NJPW is not done in Osaka just yet! And Tetsuya Naito will never be done with the IWGP Intercontinental Championship, IF he can take it from Kota Ibushi! Will Naito deny the Golden Star God’s will to unify the belts?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- The United Empire VS Satoshi Kojima & Hiroyoshi Tenzan; Kojima & Tenzan win.
- Six Man Tag: Chaos VS Bullet Club; Chaos wins.
- IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: Guerrillas of Destiny VS Hirooki Goto & YOSHI-HASHI; Guerrillas of Destiny win and retain the titles.
- NEVER Openweight Championship: Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Great-O-Khan; Tanahashi wins and retains the title.
- IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship Triple Threat: BUSHI VS El Phantasmo VS El Desperado; Desperado wins and is the new IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion.
- IWGP Intercontinental Championship: Kota Ibushi VS Tetsuya Naito; Ibushi wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
The United Empire VS Satoshi Kojima & Hiroyoshi Tenzan!
Will Ospreay & Jeff Cobb already defeated the King of Cozy and Ikari no Mogyu yesterday in a Six Man Tag, but it seems the war continues! With the Dominator getting ready to face The Ace, will the Assassin and Hawaiian Hulk win again?
The bell rings and the Empire attacks! They throw Tenzan and Kojima out, Ospreay is after Kojima with forearms and elbows while Cobb chokes Tenzan on railing! The Empire whips Tenzan and Kojima at each other and the two collide! Ospreay goes into the ring, Cobb sets Tenzan and Kojima up, but as Ospreay slingshots, Tenzan and Kojima fight free! Ospreay PLANCHAS Cobb! Kojima attacks Ospreay, Tenzan adds on, and they put Ospreay in the ring. Kojima and Tenzan start throwing forearms, Ospreay pinballs between them, and Kojima uses the Mongolian Chops! Kojima scoops and slams Ospreay, Tenzan runs and Kojima slingshots, elbow drop falling headbutt combo! Cover, TWO!
Kojima clubs and puts Ospreay in a corner. Kojima unleashes the machine gun CHOPS! Cobb runs in but Kojima adds him to the machine gun CHOPS! Cobb turns things around on Kojima, but Kojima dodges and Cobb CHOPS Ospreay! Kojima then puts Cobb back in the corner for more machine gun CHOPS! Kojima pushes Cobb out of the way and machine gun CHOPS Ospreay! Kojima whips Ospreay corner to corner, forearms, and fires up! Kojima climbs the corner but Cobb drags him off with a military press! But Kojima slips out to hit a DDT! Fans fire up as Kojima goes after Ospreay with haymakers and CHOPS! Kojima whips, Ospreay dodges to BOOT Tenzan!
Ospreay elbows Kojima then leaps for PIP PIP CHEERIO! Cover, TWO! Tag to Cobb and the Empire drags Kojima up to double whip. Cobb runs Kojima over, sits him up, Ospreay Penalty Kicks! Cover, TWO! Ospreay DECKS Tenzan while Cobb drags Kojima up. Cobb headbutts Kojima to a corner, CHOPS him now, and CHOPS, and CHOPS, and fires off his own machine gun CHOPS! Cobb whips corner to corner, runs in and forearm smashes! Cobb throws Kojima down, covers, TWO! Cobb drags Kojima up and throws a big forearm! Tag to Ospreay, Ospreay climbs and Cobb has Kojima on the ropes, for draping double stomps!
Ospreay runs to dropkick Tenzan off the apron, then he runs to drop knees on Kojima! Cover, TWO! Ospreay keeps his focus as he looms over Kojima. Fans rally up, Kojima throws body shots but Ospreay hits Kojima down low! Ospreay powerbomb lifts but Kojima fights out to COZY CUTTER! Both men are down but fans rally up! Kojima hurries for his corner, hot tag to Tenzan! Tenzan runs Ospreay over, DECKS Cobb, and then fires up! Tenzan wants to Mongolian Chop but can’t so he kicks Ospreay and headbutts him to the corner. Tenzan regular CHOPS, whips corner to corner, then runs in to corner splash! Tenzan calls his shot, and he gets Ospreay up and over with a suplex! Cover, TWO!
Tenzan stomps Ospreay, headbutts him more, but Ospreay throws forearms. Tenzan forearms back, and the two go back and forth! Tenzan kicks low, wants to Mongolian but he hesitates. Ospreay mule kicks in that opening! Ospreay whips corner to corner, runs in but Tenzan puts him up and out! Ospreay ROCKS Tenzan with a forearm, springboards, PIP PIP CHEERIO! Tag to Cobb and he runs corner to corner at Tenzan, for a LEAPING back elbow! Cobb reels Tenzan in but Tenzan fights off the back suplex. Tenzan headbutts but Cobb JABS! Cobb runs but Tenzan WINDMILLS!
Tag to Kojima and he DECKS Ospreay before bringing Cobb up. Kojima suplexes for a BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Fans fire up with Kojima but Ospreay attacks from behind! Ospreay fires off forearms but Kojima swats him away! Kojima runs, Ospreay dodges and Cobb elbows Kojima at ropes! The Empire combines, tornado ENZIGURI! Cobb lifts Kojima up, RAMS him to a corner, and Ospreay DECKS Tenzan to then run side to side and BOOT Kojima! Ospreay feeds Kojima to Cobb’s ATHLETIC PLEX! Cover, but Tenzan breaks it! Fans fire up as Ospreay stomps Tenzan. Ospreay drags Tenzan up and Cobb gives him Mongolian Chops!
Cobb turns Tenzan around, Ospreay uses the Mongolian Chops! Back to Cobb for more Mongolian Chops! Ospreay and Cobb keep going back and forth hitting Tenzan with his old signature and Tenzan falls! Fans rally up for Tenzan but Ospreay slaps him around. Tenzan USES MONGOLIAN CHOPS! Isn’t he banned from doing that!? The ref doesn’t call a disqualification, though, because it isn’t outright illegal! Let’s just say Tenzan is “stealing” it from Great-O-Khan! Tenzan gives Mongolian Chops to Cobb over and over, until Cobb falls! Kojima gets in, he and Tenzan coordinate to double whip Cobb, then hit the 3D! Cover, but Ospreay breaks it!
Ospreay runs into Tenzan’s SIDE EFFECT! Kojima powers up the arm and runs at Cobb, but Cobb SUPERKICKS! Cobb scoops Kojima, for a TOUR- NO! Kojima slips out, and COZY LARIATS Cobb! Cover, Kojima & Tenzan win!!
Winners: Satoshi Kojima & Hiroyoshi Tenzan, by pinfall
If Ospreay & Cobb are the Empire, just call Kojima & Tenzan the Resistance! Will they continue to defy the United Empire and deny them their desire to take over NJPW? Or will the Dominator have something to say about Tenzan using those Mongolian Chops?
Six Man Tag: Chaos VS Bullet Club!
The Rainmaker, and Mr. KOPW 2021 beat the King of Darkness and Crown Jewel 1v1, but the Stone Pitbull was made to Breathe with the Switchblade! Will Tomohiro Ishii redeem himself against Jay White? Or will Kazuchika Okada and Toru Yano finally see that Everything Is Evil?
White wants Ishii to stay back while he shows off the muscles. Bullet Club then Low Sweets, and Ishii steps up. White is surprised he wants him again after losing yesterday. But White decides to start, just to tag out to Chase. White mockingly claps to rally fans, and Chase circles with Ishii. They tie up, Chase headlocks, Ishii powers out but Chase throws forearms. Chase fires off more forearms but Ishii doesn’t budge. Ishii swings, Chase dodges, and Chase collides with Ishii! Ishii’s ribs bother him, and White strikes! The ref reprimands but Evil gets in and he hits the Chaos corner! Chase and White stomp Ishii but the ref reprimands and White backs off.
Chase tags White, they mug Ishii, and then Yano gets in only for Chase to knock him down. White digs his boots into Ishii in a corner while Chase grinds Yano down in the other. Evil is after Okada on the outside while White and Chase whip Yano and Ishii. Yano and Ishii reverses, White and Chase collide! Ishii and Yano run White and Chase over! Okada whips Evil into railing! Ishii drags White up by his hair, CHOPS him to a corner, and then CHOPS him again! Ishii fires off forearms, the ref counts and Ishii lets off at 3. White rams into Ishii but Ishii tries to suplex. White knees low, whips Ishii but Ishii stops at the corner. Ishii whips, White reverses and Ishii hits the corner hard!
Gedo cheers while White drags Ishii up. Evil and Chase mug and stomp the other Chaos members, and then White throws Ishii out. White distracts the ref so that Gedo and Dick Togo can mug Ishii! Dick holds Ishii open so Gedo can mule kick him in the ribs! The ref sees Dick stomp Ishii and reprimands him. Dick backs off, Chase drags Ishii up and in for White, and White covers. ONE, but White covers again! TWO, and White tries again, TWO!! Bullet Club argues the count but White stomps Ishii back down. Only Gedo cheers as White tags Evil in. Fans rally for Ishii but Evil sits Ishii up. Ishii hits back with forearms but Evil scoops and slams him! Cocky cover, ONE!
Evil argues with the ref but then he stomps Ishii. Tag to Chase and Chase stomps Ishii before standing him up. Chase reels Ishii into a cobra twist! White mocks the fans rallying, and then the Bullet Club creates the cobra twist chain! Chaos protests but Bullet Club lets go before the ref sees. Chase tags White and they stop Ishii from getting away. They mug Ishii, but Ishii just gets mad! White rakes Ishii’s eyes, then tags Evil. Evil DECKS Okada and Yano, White digs his boots into Ishii, and then they both drag Ishii up. They mug Ishii, going after his ribs with forearms. Ishii boots White and elbows Evil away! Ishii runs White over, and drop toeholds Evil onto him!
Chase runs in but into a GERMAN SUPLEX! Fans fire up but Ishii clutches his bad ribs. Ishii crawls, and hot tags Yano! And Yano goes to the corner pad! That’s one undone, but Evil runs in! Yano dodges Evil, Evil stops himself from hitting bare buckles, and Yano tosses the pad to Dick! The ref argues with Dick but Evil kicks at Yano! Evil whips, Yano holds ropes, but Gedo swipes at him! The ref reprimands Gedo but Yano shoves Evil into him! Yano SLAPS Evil, then powers up with YTR, and dodges Evil’s ambush! Yano SLAPS Evil again, then whips him to the bare corner! Dick puts the pad back to save Evil!
Yano runs in, Evil dodges and Dick takes the pad away! Yano runs into bare buckles! Evil tags Chase and Chase stomps Yano. Chase throws a strike fest, runs, but Yano grabs hair! Chase breaks free, kicks low, and runs, into an atomic drop! Fans rally and Yano tags in Okada! Okada throws forearms on Chase, Chase kicks low and runs, but into Okada’s BOOT! Fans fire up and Okada reels Chase in for a gut wrench. Chase fights that, then bell claps and neckbreakers Okada down! Cover, TWO! Chase keeps his cool as he takes aim. BANG, and Chase reels Okada in. yano grabs Chase and throws him down! Evil runs Yano over, Ishii runs Evil over!
White bobs ‘n’ weaves with Ishii, reels him in, but Ishii goes to suplex! White slips out of that, wrenches, but has to duck Ishii’s clothesline! White throws a knee to the bad ribs! But Ishii still suplexes White! Ishii SWATS and ROCKS Chase, but Chase LARIATS! Chase JEWEL TRIGGERS Okada, but Okada avoids the Jewel Heist to put on the MONEY CLIP!! Chase is fading fast as Okada squeezes tight! Chase taps, Chaos wins!!
Winners: Chaos, by submission
The Rainmaker shoots down the Bullet Club and stands tall with his friends! But things are far from through between White and Ishii, will they battle again come the New Japan Cup? Will Okada rise up again and head back for the mountaintop?
IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: Guerrillas of Destiny VS Hirooki Goto & YOSHI-HASHI!
These two teams faced off in separate 1v1 matches and went 1-1! Now the tiebreaker is for the gold, and could go either way! Will GoD still reign? Or will Chaos #TurnItAllAround?
The introductions are made, the heavyweight tag titles are raised, GoD Low Sweets, but Chaos attacks them first!
Goto throws Loa out while Hashi is after Tama! Hashi elbows Tama, the bell rings, Goto and Hashi double whip. Goto kicks Tama, wrenches him down, and Hashi leap frogs to stomp Tama! Goto Penalty Kicks, Hashi mule kicks! Loa gets in, he gets double kicks and a double whip, for a double shoulder tackle! Then the hip toss senton! Fans cheer as Hashi goes out after Jado! Goto flanks Jado and they put him in the ring! Chaos hammers away on Jado’s back! Jado bails out, but GoD attacks Chaos back! Tama headbutts Hashi, Loa ROCKS Goto, and GoD whips Chaos, only for Goto to reverse! Loa runs Hashi over, Tama dodges Goto, and GoD double dropkick Goto out!
Loa drags Hashi up and reels him in for a POWERBOMB! The ref checks on Hashi, that bomb really rocked him! Loa toys with Hashi, doing the hand check like the ref would. The ref has Loa back off but Loa tags Tama in. Tama rains down hands on Hashi, then paces around. Fans rally for Hashi and Tama gets annoyed. Loa shouts for Hashi to show the fighting spirit! Tama drops an elbow! Hashi finally stirs, Tama drags Hashi up and fans rally again. Hashi fires forearms off on Tama! Tama hits low, headbutts hard and Hashi goes down. Tag to Loa, Tama stomps Hashi around and Loa slingshot sentons! Tama slingshot sentons, too, and Loa covers, TWO!
Fans fire up for Hashi and Loa mockingly applauds. Loa brings Hashi up but Hashi fires off forearms! Loa claps, eggs Hashi on, and Hashi throws more forearms. Loa ROCKS Hashi with one, then ROCKS him again! Loa still eggs Hashi on and he whips corner to corner. Hashi comes back but Loa leaps over the basement dropkick! Loa says he learned this tricks from last time! But Hashi still gets the spinning mule kick! Hashi crawls to hot tag Goto! Goto rallies on Loa with big shoulders and elbows. Loa blocks the hip toss, body shots and runs, but Goto follows to clothesline Loa down! Tama runs in but Goto kicks him to snap suplex him onto Loa! Goto drops an elbow! Cover, TWO!
Fans rally and Goto drags Loa up to fireman’s carry. Loa fights free, kicks low and knees to then enziguri! Goto staggers and Loa grins. Loa runs, Goto and Loa collide with clotheslines! Neither man falls and Loa eggs Goto on. They collide again with clotheslines, and they both egg each other on! Goto and Loa run, COLLIDE, and both men fall to the mat! Fans rally, both men head for their corners, hot tags to Tama and Hashi! Hashi rallies with elbows and shoulders, Tama reverses the whip but Hashi dodges to HEADHUNTER! Fans fire up with Hashi and he runs corner to corner, but Tama dodges!
Tama fires off fists, whips Hashi corner to corner, but Hashi comes back to LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Hashi keeps his cool and he drags Tama up. Hashi reels Tama in, but Tama slips out of the bomb! Tama gets around to dragon sleeper and TONGAN TWIST! Cover, TWO! Hashi survives but Loa gets in. GoD drags Hashi up and they throw body shots, uppercuts, and the neckbreaker! Cover, TWO! Tama is frustrated but he and Loa drag Hashi back up again. Tama reels Hashi in, Hashi fights back, and he throws hands on them both! Loa gets around, GoD hits the BACK SUPLEX NECKBREAKER! Cover, but Goto breaks it!
Loa goes after Goto, Tama adds on, they give Goto GUERRILLA WARFARE! Jado calls for Magic Killer and GoD drags Hashi up. Fans rally, but GoD still hits MAGIC KILLER! Cover, TWO!?! Hashi survives and Tama can’t believe it! Jado calls for Super Bomb so Loa drags Hashi up. Loa RAMS Hashi into a corner, Tama runs in to leap but Hashi dodges the splash! Loa kicks Hashi, gets him up, but Hashi RANAS Loa away! Tama fireman’s carries Hashi for a FLAPJACK! Tama shouts, “Why don’t you just die, Hashi?!” Tama stomps away on Hashi, fans rally up but Tama and Loa coordinate. Loa and Tama climb opposite corners, Loa leaps for the FALLING HEADBUTT, but FLOPS when Hashi moves! And Goto shoves Tama off the top! Fans rally up, Hashi crawls over, and hot tags Goto in!
Goto fires up, and he hits a corner clothesline on Loa! Then one on Tama! Then on Loa! Back to Tama! Jado gets on the apron but Goto DECKS him! GoD goes after Goto together, and double whip him to ropes. But Goto DOUBLE LARIATS GoD first! Goto hits MURAMASA on Tama, to the BULLDOG! Cover, Loa breaks it! Hashi goes after Loa, whips him to a corner, and then runs in to clothesline! Hashi reels Loa in, Goto helps out, GOTO BUSTER! Tama staggers into a fireman’s carry but fights out! Hashi still SUPERKICKS Tama! Chaos coordinates, G Y R!! Cover, TWO!?! Tama survives but Goto keeps focus. Goto and Hashi drag Tama back up again and Goto dragon sleepers.
Hashi gets legs but Loa CHOPS and GERMAN SUPLEXES Hashi! Goto DECKS Loa but Tama DECKS Goto! Tama drags Goto up and reels him in. Loa helps out but Hashi returns the GERMAN SUPLEX! Tama SUPER PUNCHES Hashi, but Goto fireman’s carries and USHIGOROSHIS Tama! Loa scoops Goto for a POWERSLAM! All four men are down and fans fire up! Jado coaches GoD while they and Chaos stir. Hashi and Loa rise first, and Hashi fires off forearms! Loa eggs Hashi on, Hashi hits more and more, but Loa ROCKS him with one! And ROCKS him and ROCKS him, but Hashi staggers about!
Loa says “I bring out the fighting spirit because you suck!” Hashi dodges his haymaker to BACKSTABBER! Hashi fires up, fans rally for him and Goto as Goto and Tama stagger to their feet. Goto runs corner to corner but Tama does, too! Goto denies Gun Stun, fireman’s carries, but Tama fights out! Tama shoves, Goto dodges, Tmama dodges and redirects but has to run from Goto! Goto follows, Tama dodges and hurdles, Goto spins but into a leaping facelock! Goto powers through to a fireman’s carry! Hashi SUPERKICKS, Goto POWERSLAMS!! Cover, TWO?!?! Tama survives!?!
Goto drags Tama back up, dragon sleepers, but Loa has a title belt! Hashi dodges that attack, throws Loa out, but Tama snapmares Goto! Jaod KENDO SMACKS and Tama GUN STUNS!! Cover, GoD wins!!
Winners: Guerrillas of Destiny, by pinfall (still IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions)
Chaos forgot Jado is the insurance policy! But there’s nothing they can do about it now! GoD holds onto the gold, but will they make it through the Spring if Chaos came this close?
NEVER Openweight Championship: Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Great-O-Khan!
The Once in a Century Talent took this title off the Dragon, Shingo Takagi, in an epic battle! But now the Dominator wants to conquer the NEVER division in the name of the United Empire! Will Khan be able to trump the Ace with his iron hand?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and after Tanahashi shows off the muscles, the battle for dominance begins!
Fans rally already with “Let’s Go, Ace!” Tanahashi rushes Khan, Khan dodges and clamps on the claw, but Tanahashi slips free! Tanahashi full nelsons, Khan elbows free but Tanahashi blocks the boot! Khan clamps the claw on anyway, but Tanahashi breaks free again. Tanahashi dodges the Mongolian Chop and dropkicks a leg out! Fans cheer as Tanahashi watches Khan. Khan bails out, fans rally “Let’s Go, Ace!” but Khan taunts Yota Tsuji, the Young Lion Tanahashi has been mentoring. Tanahashi goes out to reinforce Tsuji and has him step aside. Khan sucker punches Tanahashi then whips Tanahashi into railing! And then Khan gives Tanahashi SNAKE EYES off the apron!
Khan stands on Tanahashi and mockingly asks what’s wrong. Fans still rally for Tanahashi as Khan drags him up and puts him in a full nelson. Khan is telling Tsuji to hit Tanahashi!? Tsuji seems tempted to make a name for himself, but Tanahashi fights free, only for Khan to RAM Tanahashi into the railing! Khan puts Tanahashi in, has a cocky cover, ONE! Fans rally for Tanahashi again but Khan drags Tanahashi around to dead lift him in a gut wrench. Khan carries Tanahashi around before hitting the gut wrench suplex! Cover, TWO! Khan grabs a leg and stomps the knee, to then get a standing kneebar!
Tanahashi endures, fights around, but Khan drags him from ropes for a proper KNEEBAR! Tanahashi manages to roll and get the ropebreak! Khan lets go at 4, paces about, and he drags Tanahashi up. Khan waistlocks and lifts Tanahashi to RAM him into the corner! Khan makes sure Tsuji watches as he sits on Tanahashi in the corner! The ref reprimands, Khan stands up at 4, but then grabs Tanahashi’s arms to pull them back! The ref counts again and Khan lets off at 4. Khan brings Tanahashi around to cover, TWO! Khan grows annoyed and he mocks the fans that clap, “Let’s Go, Ace!” Khan brings Tanahashi up but Tanahashi fires off forearms!
Tanahashi blocks the kick but Khan HELL STAB uppercuts! Khan drags Tanahashi up to knee low and whip to ropes. Tanahashi comes back with flying forearms! Fans fire up with Tanahashi and he throws forearms and body shots on Khan! Khan staggers, Tanahashi throws EuroUppers, and then Tanahashi scoop slams Khan to a drop zone! Tanahashi hops up, and hits the second rope somersault senton! Cover, TWO! Tanahashi keeps his cool, fans rally up, and Tanahashi runs corner to corner. Khan boots but Tanahashi blocks to DRAGON SCREW! Tanahashi holds on to GROUND DRAGON SCREW! Khan clutches his knee, Tanahashi grabs the legs and ties them up!
Khan fights and gets the ropebreak! Tanahashi stomps Khan’s legs, then drags Khan up from the apron side. Khan hotshots Tanahashi down! Khan’s bad leg slows him down but he still gets back in the ring. But Tanahashi gets his leg in the ropes! DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! And a dropkick! Fans fire up as Tanahashi hits another DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! Tanahashi drags Khan around by the leg, ties the legs up, and has the CLOVERLEAF! Khan endures and powers up, but Tanahashi drags him from ropes! Tanahashi sits back but Khan powers up again, and Khan claws his way to the ropebreak! Tanahashi lets go fast and keeps his cool as he stomps Khan down.
Tanahashi drags Khan up and reels him in, but Khan blocks the Twist! Tanahashi keeps trying, Khan throws body shots and SMASHES Tanahashi off his knee! But it was the bad knee so that was double-edged! Khan still comes back and manages a GOURD BUSTER on Tanahashi! Khan falls over because of the bad leg and fans rally up as both men are down. Khan hobbles over, stalks Tanahashi to a corner, and whips him corner to corner, following to clothesline from behind! Khan hoists Tanahashi up backwards and Mongolian CHOPS Tanahashi on the back! Khan drags Tanahashi into a Tree of Woe and digs his boots in!
The ref counts, Khan stops at 4, and he gets the bad leg moving. Khan goes corner to corner and basement BOOTS Tanahashi down! Cover, TWO! Khan keeps after Tanahashi with a lift, ATOMIC FACEBUSTER! Khan gets Tanahashi up for a BACK SUPLEX FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Tanahashi is still in this and Khan grows frustrated. Fans rally up but Khan stands first. Khan says he’ll end it now! Khan clamps onto Tanahashi with the iron claw! Tanahashi resists the lift, and clamps onto Khan’s face! It’s claw versus claw, but Khan pries Tanahashi’s hand off! Tanahashi swats Khan’s hand then ROCKS him with an uppercut! Khan falls over and Tanahashi catches his breath.
Fans rally up again, “Let’s Go, Ace!” and Tanahashi steadies himself. Tanahashi watches Khan rise, then runs, but Khan uses the ref as a shield! STRAIGHT RIGHT FIST!! Both men and the ref are down and fans rally up again! Khan crawls and shouts to Tsuji to get him something! Tsuji gets a chair?! Is Tsuji now an Empire Young Lion? Tsuji slides the chair… TO TANAHASHI! Khan is furious at Tsuji’s betrayal, but Tsuji is staying loyal to The Ace! Tanahshi takes a seat and smiles at Khan, but Khan runs in. Tanahashi drop toeholds Khan onto the chair! Khan writhes and flounders into a TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Tanahashi runs, but Khan BOOTS him down!
Khan clamps on the claw, drags Tanahashi up, ELIMI- SLINGBLADE!! Tanahashi hurries up top, Khan stands, HIGH FLY FLOW-BODY! Tanahashi hurries back up, HIGH FLY FLOP!! Khan avoids the splash and both men are down again! Tsuji and the fans still rally, “Let’s Go, Ace!” but Khan drags himself up in a corner. Tanahashi stands, Khan shotgun dropkicks him down! Khan is slow to rising but Tanahashi roars as he fires up! Both men stand, both men roar, and they both run at each other! Khan hits a big flying forearm! Cover, TWO! The fans are thunderous with “Let’s Go, Ace!” as Khan brings Tanahashi up.
Khan whips Tanahashi to a corner, then runs in to corner clothesline! Khan whips, Tanahashi reverses, SLINGBLADE! Khan is right up, but Tanahashi SLINGBLADES again! Khan rises again, Tanahashi runs, into a LARIAT!! Cover, TWO!! Tanahashi survives and Khan can’t believe it! Khan clamps a claw onto Tanahashi’s face and drags him back up! It’s a claw torture rack! Khan stomps around to add torque, but Tanahashi endures! Khan spins and spins for a SWINGING SLAM! Khan fires up, tears away the tape and clamps the claw directly onto Tanahashi! ELIMI- CRUCIFIX!! Cover, Tanahashi wins!!
Winner: Hiroshi Tanahashi, by pinfall (still NEVER Openweight Champion)
The Ace had a trick up his sleeve and he snatches the victory away from Khan! Khan is furious and he grabs at the ref, but the ref says the count is the count! Tsuji stays close to Tanahashi as the belt is brought over to him. With both skill and savvy, will it take far more than strength and aggression to take this title from the Once in a Century Talent?
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship Triple Threat: BUSHI VS El Phantasmo VS El Desperado!
Another unfortunate injury takes the Ticking Timebomb out of action! He forfeited this title, but his amigo in Los Ingobernables de Japon will fight to keep it close! Will the Death Mask be able to shine with gold? Will ELP only need one good shot? Or will the Rogue Luchador start on his road to taking over the Junior Heavyweight Division?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and one way or another, a new champion will be crowned in the Castle Attack!
Desperado rushes ELP but he dodges. ELP dodges Bushi but Bushi dodges and ELP falls out of the ring. Desperado CLUBS Bushi, whips him to ropes, but Bushi goes to rana! Desperado blocks, Bushi fights off the bomb, but Desperado knees low. Bushi goes to a corner, Desperado runs in to back elbow, but ELP runs in! Desperado sends ELP into Bushi, then hip tosses ELP down! Bushi runs but Desperado sends his basement dropkick into ELP! Desperado then snap suplexes Bushi onto ELP! Cover on ELP, ONE! Desperado ROCKS ELP with an uppercut, then runs corner to corner at Bushi. Bushi boots back, hops up and FLYING RANAS Desperado down!
Fans fire up but ELP clubs Bushi and whips him to a corner. ELP runs in, Bushi dodges and elbows ELP, to BULLDOG DRPOKICK both opponents! Cover on ELP, TWO! Bushi keeps cool, drags ELP up and throws forearms. Desperado ROCKS Bushi with an uppercut, ELP ROCKS Desperado! ELP whips, Desperado reverses and runs in, but ELP pops Desperado up and crotches him on the rope! Bushi runs in, ELP pops him up and out but Bushi lands on the apron. Bushi blocks ELP to drag him in, but no apron DDT! ELP shoves Bushi down, climbs up to ROCK Desperado, and then climbs up higher. ELP walks the tight rope to SENTON Desperado down! Cover, TWO!
ELP grows annoyed, but he drags Desperado up to pull on the fingers, and SNAP them! And SNAP them! ELP BITES Desperado’s hand, then knuckle locks it. ELP CHOPS Desperado, goes up and up and tightrope walks, to then go to the other corner, bop Desperado, and keep on going. ELP just shows off now, saying, “Too easy, baby!” But Desperado trips ELP up! ELP is crotched on ropes, but Bushi gives Desperado the DRAPING APRON DDT! Bushi climbs up to SUPER STEINER ELP off the top! Cover, TWO! Bushi keeps his cool as he drags ELP up. ELP spins out of the fisherman but Bushi kicks low. Bushi whips, ELP reverses but Bushi dodges to DIVE out onto Desperado!
Bushi drags Desperado up but ELP runs to go up and SPRINGBOARD CROSSBODY them both! Fans admit that was great stuff! ELP hears fans cheering, but leaves fans hanging on the Too Sweet. ELP POSTS Bushi, then fetches Desperado. ELP talks some trash and kicks at Desperado. ELP drags Desperado up to DECK him, then CHOPS him further up the ramp! ELP ROCKS Desperado with a haymaker, but Desperado throws body shots! ELP ROCKS Desperado again, but Desperado blocks the suplex. Desperado throws more body shots, switches positions, and he suplexes. ELP slips out to TEAR Desperado’s mask! ELP reels Desperado in, Gotch hold PILEDRIVER to the ramp!!
ELP even mocks Minoru Suzuki with that one! The ref checks on Desperado but ELP drags him up first. ELP takes Desperado’s mask away! ELP mocks the fans who are offended, and then he puts the mask on to mock Desperado more! Des-ELP puts Bushi in the ring and then takes Desperado’ smask off. ELP STOMPS the mask, then PUNTS it out of the ring! Medics check on Desperado while ELP covers Bushi. TWO, and ELP whips Bushi to a corner. Bushi slips out to swing kick ELP away! Bushi climbs, leaps, and missile dropkicks ELP! Fans fire up for the Bushirooni! ELP bails out but Bushi SLINGSHOT RANAS him down! Fans fire up with Bushi as he drags ELP up.
Bushi puts ELP in, takes aim from a corner, and runs in, only for the Code Breaker to be blocked! ELP knees low and whips Bushi into the corner hard! ELP tears Bushi’s shirt off, and then wraps it around his fist to punch Bushi with! ELP sits Bushi up to CHOKE him with the shirt! The ref counts, ELP lets go at 4, and fans rally up. ELP drags Bushi up and hoists him up top backwards. ELP puts Bushi in a Tree of Woe and throws knees into Bushi’s stomach! Desperado is still down as ELP mocks the rallying claps. ELP takes aim from the corner, says BANG, and then runs in to handspring around, just for the CROTCH DIG!
The ref reprimands, ELP hops off and Bushi falls out of the Tree. ELP covers but the ref refuses to count because of all those antics. Fans rally while Desperado is still down. ELP drags Bushi up and whips him corner to corner. Bushi reverses, ELP goes up and over and then dodges to springboard crossbody! Somersault to LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO! ELP clamps onto Bushi with a chinlock and grinds him down. Bushi endures, ELP shifts to a sleeper, but fans rally. Bushi reaches, fights up, and fights free! Bushi runs, but ELP gets around to half straitjacket torture rack! ELP spins for a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Bushi survives but ELP goes up top.
ELP steadies himself, takes aim, BANG and FROG SPLASH! Cover of “Thunder Kiss ’86,” TWO!! Bushi survives again and ELP is frustrated. ELP gets his boot ready, but Desperado returns! Desperado has a spare mask, even! ELP is surprised by this most of all, but he swings on Desperado! Desperado dodges to SPEAR! But that might’ve been double-edged given the bad neck. But Desperado fires off on ELP with fists! The ref pulls Desperado away but Desperado goes back for more. Desperado CHOPS ELP, whips him to the ropes, but ELP holds the ropes. ELP boots but Desperado blocks to clothesline ELP out!
Fans fire up for Desperado as he builds speed and DIVES! The somersault tope takes him and ELP out! Desperado drags ELP up and into the ring and fans fire up again. Desperado drags ELP up, reels him in and suplexes for a brainbuster! But that’s just uno amigo! Desperado hoists ELP up top with the second, and ROCKS him with an uppercut! Fans rally, Desperado climbs, and he drags ELP up. ELP resists the superplex, Desperado throws body shots, but Bushi adds on! Bushi climbs up to get around and sunset flips, POWERBOMB SUPERPLEX! Cover on Desperado, TWO! Cover on ELP, TWO! Bushi drags Desperado up for a BACKSTABBER! Cover, ELP breaks it!
Bushi goes after ELP with forearms, but ELP rakes Bushi’s eyes! The ref reprimands, ELP lets off and boots, but Bushi blocks to put the leg in the ropes! Bushi ENZIGURIS ELP down and ELP ends up stuck! Bushi gives Desperado a FISHERMAN SCREW! Cover, TWO!! Bushi aims from a corner as Desperado staggers up, CODE BREAKER! ELP gets free and throws Bushi out! ELP covers Desperado, TWO!! Desperado survives and ELP doesn’t get to steal Bushi’s work! ELP drags Desperado up, reels him in, underhooks the arms, and lifts, and surprise! STYLES CLASH!! Cover, but Bushi GHOST PINS ELP! TWO!!
Bushi throws forearms on ELP, runs, but ELP KNEES Bushi down! Was that a V-Trigger? ELP says BANG to Desperado, and V-TRIGGERS him! That was definitely a V-Trigger! And this is definitely an Electric Chair lift! But Desperado counters the One Winged Angel to EL ES CULERO!! TWO?!?! ELP narrowly escapes and Desperado can’t believe it! ELP runs but into a SPINEBUSTER! Desperado gets the STRETCH MUFFLER! ELP endures as Desperado thrashes about, and Desperado drags him from ropes! NUMERO DOS!! But ELP rolls to make it a cradle, TWO!! Desperado mule kicks then reels ELP in! Double underhooks, but no Pinche!
ELP spins out, straitjacket and torture rack, but Desperado slips out! Desperado wrenches and reels ELP in for GUITAR DEL ANGEL! Cover, TWO!?! Desperado is furious! Desperado drags ELP up, reels him in again and double underhooks, but ELP stomps Desperado’s foot! LOADED MULE KICK! LOADED BUZZSAW! ELP drags Desperado, hooks the arms, CANADIAN REVOLUTION II!! Taker cover, but Bushi stops the ref!! The fans fire up as the ref reprimands Bushi but Bushi dodges ELP. ELP ducks the enziguri but not the mule kick! Bushi runs to CODE BREAKER! Cover, TWO! ELP survives but Bushi just goes to a corner.
Fans fire up as Bushi climbs and takes aim, M- LOADED SUPERKICK!! But Bushi flops out of the ring!! ELP can’t finish it here, but he takes aim at Desperado again. ELP reloads, but Desperado does the splits! LOCO MONO!! The straight right rocks ELP but Desperado isn’t done here! Desperado underhooks ELP, but ELP back drops to bridge! TWO!? PINCHE LOCO!! And a rolling butterlfy to ANOTHER PINCHE LOCO!! Cover Taker style, DESPERADO WINS!!!
Winner: El Desperado, by pinfall (NEW IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion)
INCREIBLE! Desperado is Mr. Junior Heavyweight Champion! He has the singles AND tag team titles! Though Hiromu is hurt, does this make Desperado THE best Junior Heavyweight today?
IWGP Intercontinental Championship: Kota Ibushi VS Tetsuya Naito!
The Double Championship may have run its course, but the course of history will follow the winner! Will the Golden Star God hold onto this belt to then fuse it with the Heavyweight Championship? Or will the Uncontrollable Charisma free his favorite-not-favorite belt from that fate?
The introductions are made, the white strap is raised, and Naito takes his time with his entrance gear. Fans clap already for “I-BU-SHI!” “NA-I-TO!” The bell rings and the differences between destinies begins!
Fans rally more as Naito and Ibushi circle. They approach, feel out the grapple, and tie up. Naito puts Ibushi on the ropes, Red Shoes calls for the break but Ibushi puts Naito in a corner. Ibushi lets off with a sharp pat on the shoulders, but Naito comes right out to circle with him again. They approach, Naito goes for a leg but Ibushi gets around to full nelson. Naito throws Ibushi down but Ibushi headscissors. Ibushi squeezes tight, Naito fights up and around and pops out to get the leg. Naito has a toehold, Ibushi uses headscissors to bring Naito down, but Naito pries free to get the toehold back. Ibushi uses a chinlock to drag Naito off, and he grinds Naito into a headlock.
Naito powers up, but Ibushi holds tight so he can’t power out. Naito throws body shots, wrenches to a keylock, but Ibushi fights back to wrangle Naito down. Ibushi has the cording hold, Naito rolls back and gets up. Ibushi clamps onto the arm, Naito trips Ibushi up and gets through the leg guard to go after the arm. Ibushi slips around and facelocks. Naito reaches back and gets a ropebreak with a foot. Ibushi lets go and fans cheer the technical exchange. Naito paces around the ring, taking a full lap before getting back in. Ibushi is ready and the two circle again. They feel out a grapple, Naito reels Ibushi into a facelock, but Ibushi shoots around to waistlock.
Ibushi rolls Naito around, shifts again, but Naito holds off the headlock and gets a double wristlock! Naito pulls back on the arm, shifts to get the other arm, chicken wing cradle! TWO, but Naito keeps on the left arm with a hammerlock. Ibushi rolls around, gets up and wrenches Naito’s arm to a wristlock. Naito rolls, wrenches back, but Ibushi drops to drop toehold! Ibushi floats to a chinlock but Naito fights up. Naito stands, powers Ibushi to a corner, and Red Shoes calls for the break. Ibushi lets go, Naito takes his time backing off, and he pats Ibushi on the shoulder. And then he fires off with clubbing forearms! Red Shoes grabs at Naito but Naito pushes him down!
Red Shoes goes out to recover, Naito whips Ibushi corner to corner but Ibushi boots him away! Naito runs back in, Ibushi goes up and over and avoids the basement dropkick! Ibushi runs, Naito drops to pop Ibushi up and then dropkick the legs out! Fans cheer this newest exchange as Ibushi is down. Ibushi growls and Naito eggs him on. Ibushi tries to stand but that leg bothers him. Naito sits and waits while Ibushi grows frustrated with his own body. Ibushi shakes the bad leg out, Red Shoes checks it, and Naito dropkicks it again! Ibushi bails out, Naito pursues, and Naito stomps Ibushi around ringside!
Red Shoes reprimands, Naito drags Ibushi up, and Naito whips Ibushi, only for Ibushi to hobble and fall over. Fans rally up, “I-BU-SHI!” “NA-I-TO!” Naito watches from the apron as Ibushi stirs. The ring count climbs, and is already 10 of 20 before Ibushi stands. Naito goes out to catch Ibushi at the apron, and he elbows away on Ibushi’s leg! Red Shoes reprimands and Naito backs off. Naito goes in, drags Ibushi up, and he kicks away on Ibushi’s ribs! Naito has the bad leg and he CLUBS the knee! Naito hooks the legs up, modified figure four! Ibushi endures as Naito adds pressure to the knees! Ibushi sits up and eggs Naito on! Naito adds more pressure and fans rally as Ibushi endures!
Ibushi drags himself and Naito over towards the ropes and gets the ropebreak! Naito claims he needs help so Red Shoes undoes the hold for him. Naito drags Ibushi by his leg, and SMASHES the knee into the mat! Ibushi grimaces, but he glares at Naito. Naito SMASHES the knee, then kicks Ibushi down to SMASH the knee again! Cover, ropebreak! Naito keeps his cool as he looms over Ibushi. Fans rally more, Naito drags Ibushi up, but Ibushi throws forearms! Naito kicks the bad leg! Naito grabs the leg but Ibushi resists the lift. Naito kicks the leg again, runs, but Ibushi manages to dropkick Naito down! Both men are down and fans rally up!
Ibushi rises first, fires off forearms then whips Naito. Naito reverses but Ibushi manages a FLYING KICK! Ibushi rallies the fans and he hits a STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Ibushi shakes his head and he fires up more. Naito grimaces as Ibushi stalks behind him. Ibushi waistlocks, Naito mule kicks the bad leg! Naito stands Ibushi up to kick the bad leg again! Ibushi eggs Naito on so Naito kicks the bad leg again! Naito elbows, Ibushi eggs him on so Naito SLAPS Ibushi down! Naito sits Ibushi up to basement dropkick in the back! Cover, TWO! Naito keeps cool again as he stands on Ibushi’s bad leg.
Naito stomps the leg, drags Ibushi up and puts him in a corner, to whip Ibushi corner to corner. Rocket kick and sweep, COMBINACION CABRON! Naito takes a moment to pose before he drags Ibushi up for a neckbreaker! Cover, TWO! Naito drags Ibushi back up, then catches Ibushi’s forearm into a backbreaker! PLUMA BLANCA! Ibushi endures the leg hook full nelson, kicks his way around, and he gets the ropebreak with his feet! Naito holds on, Red Shoes reprimands and counts but again Naito “needs help.” Red Shoes undoes the hold, Naito drags Ibushi back up and hammerlocks, but Ibushi resists the lift! Ibushi fights free but Naito kicks the bad leg!
Naito gets the leg but Ibushi elbows free! Ibushi whips, Naito leaps, but into Ibushi’s SNAP GERMAN! Naito staggers up, Ibushi runs in but into the TORNADO DDT! Both men are down again and fans fire up! “I-BU-SHI!” “NA-I-TO!” Both slowly stir, Naito sits up first, and he drags Ibushi up to throw forearms. Ibushi throws the forearms back, and Naito grins. Naito forearms Ibushi, Ibushi forearms back! Naito DECKS Ibushi but Ibushi gets back up to throw another forearm. Naito returns it, they go faster and faster, and the fans fire up as this gets fast and furious! Ibushi gets the edge so Naito kicks the leg! Ibushi sobats, runs, but into a basement dropkick!
Ibushi hobbles, Naito trips him up, and gets the ANKLE LOCK! Naito drops down for a leg scissor! Ibushi endures and fans rally up as Naito puts more pressure on the leg! Ibushi crawls around, claws for ropes, but Naito pushes on the knee even harder! Ibushi still gets the ropebreak! Naito lets go faster this time, and takes a moment to catch his breath. Ibushi is in the corner, fans rally up, but Naito stomps Ibushi’s bad leg. Naito throws back elbows, stomps the leg, then throws more back elbows! Ibushi starts to flop over in the corner as Red Shoes counts. Naito lets off, just to stand Ibushi up for more back elbows! Naito pushes Ibushi through the ropes then climbs the corner.
Naito drags Ibushi up and hits a SUPER THROWBACK STUNNER! Naito then drags Ibushi up, for GLORIA! Cover, TWO!! Ibushi barely escapes but Naito grins again. Naito drags Ibushi back to a corner, hoists him up top backwards, then climbs up behind him. Ibushi resists so Naito CLUBS away on his back! Naito sits Ibushi back up, but Ibushi slips out to trip Naito up! ROUNDHOUSE! Both men are down but fans fire up again! Ibushi kicks at Naito while they’re both on the mat, and he gets Naito to the apron. Ibushi gives more kicks before he drags Naito up. Ibushi goes up the ropes, waistlocks Naito, but Naito resists the lift!
Naito throws clubbing shots, Ibushi gives them back. Ibushi dead lifts for the SUPER GERMAN SUPLEX!! Ibushi crawls to the cover, TWO?!!? Naito narrowly escapes but his eyes look vacant! Ibushi drags himself up, grits his teeth, and aims from a corner. Naito slowly sits up, Ibushi runs to BOMAYE! Ibushi reels Naito in, Naito fights the bomb, but Ibushi still hits THE LAST RIDE!! Cover, TWO!! Naito still lives and fans fire up again! Ibushi vows to end this! Ibushi gets the wrists, sits Naito up, but Naito avoids the Kamigoye to scoop and VALENTIA!! Both men are down after the modified brainbuster but fans fire up again!
Naito rises, drags Ibushi up, and wrenches the arm, but Ibushi blocks the tilt-o-whirl! Ibushi throws elbows but Naito throws his heavier elbows! Naito throws more elbows, Ibushi drops to his knees, but Naito just stands him back up. Naito throws even more elbows into Ibushi, but Ibushi dodges to LARIAT!! Both men are down again and fans rally up! Ibushi roars and fires up, then gets the wrists. Naito elbows first, then ENZIGURIS! Ibushi staggers, into DESTINO!! Cover, TWO?!?! Ibushi survives but Naito gets up. Naito drags Ibushi up, wrenches and tilt-o-whirls, but into a gut wrench! Ibushi fireman’s carries but Naito fights it with flailing elbows!
Naito finally slips off, runs in, but into a ROUNDHOUSE! Naito roars and comes back, into a V-TRIGGER! KENNY~! Ibushi sits Naito up from behind, BLINDSIDE KAMIGOYE!! Ibushi isn’t done there, he sits Naito up from the front, but Naito gets around to hammerlock and cradle! TWO, KAMIGOYE!! Cover, TWO!??!? Naito survives all that but Ibushi just wants to end him! ANOTHER KAMIGOYE! Ibushi flops down onto the cover, and Ibushi wins!!!
Winner: Kota Ibushi, by pinfall (still IWGP Intercontinental Champion)
The Golden Star God is still a dual champion! Ibushi has denied Naito his wish of having the Intercontinental Championship back! Does this mean Ibushi will finish his plans and unify the top two titles in NJPW? But wait! The other dual champion, DESPERADO, returns! Desperado goes to the ring and applauds Ibushi’s win here. Ibushi stands and allows Desperado to join him in the ring. Desperado gets the mic first, and he says, “Congratulations on your defense, champion. It was pretty bold of me to come out here after you had that intense fight.” Desperado says that isn’t really important. He reminds us that he is the new IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion.
Does Ibushi remember the first time Desperado challenged for this title? What year was it? Hard to recall. Anyone here in Osaka remember? After all, it happened in Osaka, against IBUSHI! “The champion completely beat me. How long ago was that?” It took Desperado a long time but he’s finally reached that title now! Ibushi nods respect. Desperado says the last few years, there’s been a tradition at the NJPW Anniversary Show that the Heavyweight and Junior Heavyweight Champions have a singles match. So it might have taken Desperado a long time, but he’s here to claim his prize for winning! But Desperado doesn’t just want a singles match! He wants BOTH belts that Ibushi has!! Fans really like that idea!
Desperado doesn’t remember how long it’s been but it has been a long time. And Desperado will show Ibushi he’s not the same man he was back then. Commentary lets us know it was February 11, 2014, so that makes it 7 years and 17 days. Ibushi says it was basically 8 years. And he’s been saying he’ll take on all challengers, anytime, any place, and anyone! The challenge is on! Desperado won his first singles title, and that’s great. And though it was a long time ago, Ibushi hasn’t forgotten that match! “I will never forget how much you SUCKED back then!” Desperado says he’s a different animal now, and Ibushi will find that out!
Then he’ll see at the Anniversary Show in just FOUR days! Because Ibushi is a fighting champion! And he will never betray the fans, he’ll never quit, run away or lose! He will absolutely keep his promise! Ibushi thanks the fans for coming out to see them in these difficult times, and hopes they keep watching and supporting NJPW! Ibushi sets the mic down and finally celebrates his win! But with only a handful of days to prepare, will the IWGP Double Heavyweight Champion be ready for a determined IWGP Double Junior Heavyweight Champion?
My Thoughts:
Another great event, a touch better than yesterday’s, but mostly because of the title matches being part of the show. The non-title tag matches were both good, from Kojima & Tenzan shocking the United Empire, and Chaos standing tall over Bullet Club. I like that Tenzan stopped caring about the agreement to never use the Mongolian Chops again. Why agree to a deal with bad guys when they just rub it in your face anyway? Okada is building momentum for the New Japan Cup, but I’m pretty sure we’re going to get a match for Okada at the Anniversary Show. Guerrillas retaining the titles make sense, we’d end up with too many dual champions right now if Goto-Hashi won.
I figured Tanahashi would retain the NEVER Openweight Championship, he only just got it. The match was great, but given the story element of Tsuji’s loyalty coming into play, this is not done between them. This story might even be Tsuji’s way from moving out of Young Lion status. Usually that happens by going on excursion, but that is made so much harder right now because of COVID concerns, so tradition might have to be put aside for these special circumstances.
The IWGP Junior Heavyweight Triple Threat was great stuff, and I missed Desperado & Kanemaru winning back the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag titles as part of the Road to Castle Attack series. But him winning the singles title is great, both for making him a dual champion, and for him to finally have that accomplishment. The Intercontinental Championship match was awesome stuff, on par with even a Heavyweight Championship match, mostly because it was Ibushi and Naito. Ibushi wins to keep the tease of title unification, but I love that Desperado wants to pounce on all of that.
I assume by unifying the Heavyweight & Intercontinental titles, that somehow removes the weight restriction. Otherwise, Desperado can’t have both Junior Heavyweight and proper Heavyweight titles. Granted, I don’t think Desperado wins more belts to make him a triple to quadruple champion, but that match is going to be great stuff to then launch us into the stacked New Japan Cup schedule for March.
My Score: 9.2/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE WrestleMania 41 Results & Report! (4/20/25)
This is more than just a gamble!
Will this be a historic finale to WrestleMania?
John Cena has said he is retiring after 2025, but he wants to take the Undisputed WWE Championship with him! Will his 17th be everyone’s last reign? Or can Cody Rhodes save the future?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- WWE Women’s World Championship Triple Threat: Iyo Sky VS Bianca Belair VS Rhea Ripley; wins and
- Open Challenge: Randy Orton VS ???
- WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez VS Lyra Valkyria & ???
- Sin City Street Fight: Damian Priest VS Drew McIntyre; wins.
- WWE Intercontinental Championship Fatal 4 Way: Bron Breakker VS Penta VS Finn Balor VS Dominik Mysterio; wins and
- AJ Styles VS Logan Paul; wins.
- Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes VS John Cena; wins and
PLAY BY PLAY
[Because it is Easter, coverage will be on delay]
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Who will define the future of the WWE?
For the first time in his career, CM Punk main events WrestleMania, in a Triple Threat with Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns, for the veritable soul of WWE! But will the Wise Man being in his corner help CM Punk win his first WrestleMania main event?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- WWE World Heavyweight Championship: Gunther VS Jey Uso; Jey wins and becomes the new WWE World Heavyweight Champion.
- WWE World Tag Team Championships: The War Raiders VS The New Day; New Day wins and become the new WWE World Tag Team Champions.
- Jade Cargill VS Naomi; Jade wins.
- WWE United States Championship: LA Knight VS Jacob Fatu; Fatu wins and becomes the new WWE United States Champion.
Rey MysterioRey Fenix VS El Grande Americano; Grande wins.- WWE Women’s Championship: Tiffany Stratton VS Charlotte Flair; Tiffany wins and retains the title.
- Triple Threat: CM Punk w/ Paul Heyman VS Seth Rollins VS Roman Reigns; Rollins wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
It’s the WrestleMania 41 Night 1 Countdown Show!
Join Michael Cole, Pat McAfee, Wade Barrett & Big E in discussing, analyzing, and predicting all the action set for the first night of WrestleMania’s Las Vegas weekend!
Rey Mysterio speaks.
“This is lucha libre. Born int he streets of Mexico, perfected in the ring. Masked warriors, high flying chaos, pure adrenaline. For nearly a century, lucha libre has redefined wrestling. A cultural force inspiring generations. And now the whole world is watching AAA and WWE. Taking lucha libre higher, faster, farther, together. The future flies here.” WORLDS COLLIDE: WWE, NXT & AAA!
AAA executives and various luchadores join the panel!
Michael Cole is honored to have Rey Mysterio, the LWO, Legado Del Fantasma, Andrade, Rey Fenix, Penta, Stephanie Vaquer and AAA’s El Hijo del Vikingo here, as well as representatives of the AAA lucha libre company, as WWE is now officially making an acquisition deal with Mexico based company, Fillip. So joining us are AAA CEO & GM Dorian Pena, AAA President Marisela Pena, Fillip co-founder, Alberto Fasja Cohen, and WWE’s HHH. To start with Dorian, what does this mean to AAA given they’ve created some of the best talent over the last 30 years? Dorian says it is a huge honor because it is the beginning of a new chapter for wrestling.
For three decades, Dorian’s uncle, Antonio Pena, founder of AAA, as well as Dorian’s late father and the vision of his mother, Marisela, they’ve kept this tradition going for 33 years. To be finally here with all this talent, they feel so very proud. The fans cheer for “LUCHA! LUCHA!” Cole asks now from a business standpoint, what does this mean? Cohen says the opportunity was there, they took it, and it has really been years in the making. This partnership is something he’s wanted for a long time. To have the support of the Orland family, it will be an amazing thing for years to come. Cole is excited because some of the top wrestlers on the planet will finally be seen globally.
Now, to HHH, it was perhaps a decade ago that HHH had the idea of bringing under all these groups under on umbrella. When will we get to witness all this? HHH says he’ll get to that in a second. Before any of that, he just wants to take Ms. Marisela, as well as Dorian and Alberto. He has nothing but respect for what they created, and nothing but respect for lucha libre. Some of the greatest stars have come out of AAA, have been in the WWE, have been seen around the world. The impact of lucha libre, especially the cultural, resonates through generations. It cannot be understated, and WWE looks to further that tradition for the sake of everyone who loves it.
HHH promises that WWE will take that to a new level. There was even an article in the LA Times that spoke to the power and popularity of lucha libre. With that in mind, HHH remembers back to 30 years ago, sitting in his apartment with Brian Pillman Sr. and others, watching the very first Worlds Collide take place. So it is HHH’s honor to announce that 30 years later, live from The Forum in LA, June 7th, Worlds Collide will take place again! The fans love that news! And if you don’t think that is exciting, then look no further to who is at this desk here today. The greatest of all time, Rey Mysterio!
The fans chant “6 1 9! 6 1 9!” and Rey appreciates that. HHH brings up the unbelievable Rey Fenix, the full LWO, as well as Penta, Dragon Lee, Santos Escobar and the Garzas. Then of course one of the most spectacular luchadores of all time, Andrade Almas, and THE NXT Women’s Champion, Stephanie Vaquer. And now, combine that with the current AAA talent like the one and only Vikingo, it is as Rey said in that video. This show is going to be incredible, because starting now, the future flies here!
Jackie Redmond interviews Rey Mysterio.
Jackie is honored to have the #GLOAT, Greatest Luchador of All Time, and she can’t imagine an announcement like this without him. She thanks him for being here, especially after what we saw last nigh ton SmackDown. How is he feeling? He wishes he could say he’s feeling great. Spiritually, he is. But physically, it is unfortunate he suffered an injury at the hands of American Made. He is no longer cleared to compete. So he can’t face El Grande Americano tonight? No, not with the clearance. But he has a substitute! Lucha will still be put on the map tonight, because Rey Mysterio nominates Rey Fenix! The fans fire up as now the Immortal Firebird gets to have his WrestleMania debut!
Jackie congratulates Fenix on this moment, but also asks Rey Mysterio to think back to when he was a young man of 14 starting on his journey. What would 14 year old Rey would say? Rey got choked up hearing this news. Thinking back to skinny little 14 year old Rey Rey, he had so many things in his way, no one believed he could be a wrestler. But when he finally made his way at about 17, there is one man who encouraged him, and that was Konnan. The fans have a mixed reaction to that name, but Rey says Konnan brought Rey to the founder of AAA, and that was 1992. Now it is full circle as WWE and AAA are working as one.
If you’d told Rey that in 1992, that’s crazy, let alone Rey being in the WWE himself. So this is such a great time for lucha libre, for wrestling, and for the fans that make this possible. He can’t even stop there! His first PPV was in 1994, Worlds Collide. So to be part of that again here in 2025 is unbelievable. Jackie thanks Rey for his time, and wishes him well. But then, will Fenix avenge the King of Lucha against the would-be greatest, El Grande Americano?
Backstage interview with the New Day.
Byron Saxton is with Xavier Woods & Kofi Kingston ahead of their WWE World Tag Team Championship match with the War Raiders. Byron says he still has respect for The New Day and what they’ve accomplished, but facts are facts. It has been over four YEARS since they’ve held tag team gold, and they’ve never won at WrestleMania. If they lose tonight, what does that do to the stock of New Day? Woods says Byron probably thinks because he’s won his fantasy football league three years running, he can be a head coach in the NFL? NO. This is the greatest tag team to ever exist, TWELVE reigns, and now they’re gonna make it lucky 13!
Woods vows that New Day will win big in Vegas and walk out the champions! Kofi says how dare Byron bring this negativity on their auras. Does Byron know what they do when they come to Vegas for the tag titles? Y’know what happened the last time? Facts are facts, they WON, and celebrated on The Strip! So instead of casting all this negative energy, take that energy and use it to appreciate the greatness that stands before him! Also, take this cheap ass suit, and his cheap ass questions, and like everyone else, drop down before them, raise your hands to the heavens, and THANK GOD for the New Day!
New Day storms off, talking trash more, and Byron thanks God that the interview is over. But will Woods & Kofi end the reign of Erik & Ivar? Or will they run into Ragnarök once more?
An incident has occurred backstage!
Bayley is down! Lyra Valkyria, security, and Adam Pearce all check with her. Bayley says it is her shoulder, and then Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez mockingly ask what happened. Lyra assumes it was them, Pearce asks if it was them, and Liv denies it. They are just now arriving! But guess Bayley won’t be competing tomorrow? That’s fine, they’ll take a forfeit win. No, there WILL be a match tomorrow, so get your minds right. Oh, what? They’ll have a 2v1 now? They’ll take that. Lyra says she can go for that. Pearce says no, she can’t fight this alone. But she has 24 hours to find a new partner. Lyra is stunned, but can the Morrigan turn her fortunes around?
Jelly Roll sings God Bless America.
Every legendary story has heroes… and villains.
HHH says, “These days, it can be hard to tell which is which. You think by now you’d know the whole story. This is just the beginning. All the history, all the legends. This time, right here, it’s the realest it’s ever been ever. Look around. We’re everywhere. Vegas is about to find out how real this s*it can get. You know what I like about legendary stories? Sometimes, they’re true. So tonight, who’s it gonna be? Heroes? Or villains?”
Triple H is in the ring!
The CEO, the Hall of Famer, the Game, is here and the fans cheer him on. HHH has a mic to say, “It is my distinct honor to welcome you to Las Vegas, where for the first time ever, right here, right now, all of you are being seen by the entire globe, live, now! So with that said, WELCOME TO WRESTLEMANIA!” The pyro goes off on the massive WWE Casino stage! But what fireworks will we see in the ring here tonight?
Salvatore Ganacci is here.
He isn’t just a world renowned artist and producer, but he’s repping for both Fatal Fury AND Main Event Jey Uso!
WWE World Heavyweight Championship: Gunther VS Jey Uso!
Der Ring General has certain been the villain of this story, looking down on Main Event Jey Uso, then absolutely brutalizing his brother, Jimmy, in front of Jey and the world. Jey has the people on his side, and even makes his entrance with the Las Vegas Raiders cheerleaders, aka the Raiderettes. Jey wears a brand new vest to show he IS the main event, no matter where he goes, but will he soon be the champion? Or will Gunther be like Thanos and make his victory inevitable?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if Jey can YEET Gunther once and for all!
The bell rings and the fans fire up as Jey and Gunther slowly circle. They stare down, the fans fire up more, and then the two circle a bit more. They tie up, are in a deadlock, and they go around. Gunther puts Jey on the ropes, then in the corner. The ref counts, Gunther and Jey clinch, but then Gunther CHOPS! Jey DECKS Gunther! The fans fire up as Gunther bails out! Gunther sees what he’s really dealing with this time, and the fans fire up behind Jey. Gunther slowly steps back inside, circles with Jey again, and the two tie up. Gunther headlocks for the takeover, and he grinds Jey down. Jey endures, keeps his shoulders up, and fights to his feet.
Jey powers up and out, but Gunther runs him over! Jey gets up to run Gunther over! Gunther gets up to CHOP! Jey staggers but ENZIGIRIS! Gunther bails out again, Jey tells him to get back in here. Gunther paces around the outside, then steps back inside. The fans “YEET! YEET! YEET!” as Jey and Gunther reset. They tie up, and Gunther KNEES low! Gunther then UPPERCUTS, and whips Jey to the corner. Gunther runs up but Jey dodges! Jey scoops but falls over under Gunther’s weight! Gunther covers, TWO! Gunther stays focused as he looms over Jey. Gunther puts Jey on the ropes to CLUB him in the chest!
The ref counts, Gunther lets Jey off the ropes to whip him across the way. Jey ducks ‘n’ dodges, scoops and SLAMS! The fans fire up again as Gunther flounders. Jey runs up to GAMANGIRI! Jey then hurries up top, but Gunther CHOPS Jey off the corner! The ring count now starts on Jey and Gunther soaks up the heat. Jey sits up at 5 of 10, drags himself up, and he rolls in at 7. Gunther stomps Jey down, drags him back up, and UPPERCUTS him back down! Gunther paces around Jey, stands him up, and CHOPS! Gunther CHOPS Jey again, and CHOPS again! Gunther whips Jey corner to corner, runs up and CHOPS again!
Jey sputters, Gunther soaks up the heat, and then Gunther whips the other way. Jey comes back to SPEAR! Cover, TWO! Gunther survives but Jey has evened things up! Both men are down and the fans fire up again. Jey throws hands, but Gunther pushes him back. Jey throws hands, but the ref keeps Jey from going after Gunther in the corner. Gunther uses that to CHOP! Gunther drags Jey up, but Jey fireman’s carries! SAMOAN DROP! The fans fire up as Jey goes up top. Gunther CHOPS Jey first! Gunther climbs up after Jey, for a SUPERPLEX! Jey rises up, but Gunther SHOTGUNS him down! Gunther drags Jey up, and POWERBOMBS! High stack, TWO!
Jey survives and Gunther grows frustrated. Gunther looms over Jey, shakes his head, and then drags Jey back up. Gunther talks trash, then SLAPS Jey down! Gunther hauls Jey up again, but Jey RANAS free! Then SPEARS!! Jey hurries up the corner, USO SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Gunther survives again and Jey is beside himself! Gunther bails out, Jey crawls to the ropes, and Gunther grabs the belt? Gunther wants to just leave?! The fans boo and Jey protests but the ref keeps him back. Jey builds speed and DIVES but into a BELT SHOT! The ref missed all that as he avoided getting hit! Gunther goes up, GUNTHER SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!?!?
The fans are thunderous as Jey survives, but Gunther rains down HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! SLEEPER!! Jey is caught but the fans rally as hard as they can! Jey crawls, reaches out, but Gunther squeezes as tight as he can! Jey reaches out, Gunther grabs that arm and uses it to turn Jey away! Jey still fights around, reaches out with a foot, but Gunther shifts to a BULLY CHOKE! Jey still has the ROPEBREAK! Gunther lets go in frustration but the fans rally even harder. Gunther tells Jey to give up, because it isn’t happening! Gunther KNEES Jey into the corner again and again, then CHOPS! Gunther paces while the fans boo.
Jey rises up, and he eggs Gunther on! Gunther CHOPS Jey, and then Gunther CHOPS him again! Gunther CLUBS Jey down, then paces. Jey UPPERCUTS Gunther! Gunther wrenches, CHOPS, then CHOPS him down! Gunther holds onto the wristlock, soaks up the heat, and then drags Jey back up. Gunther scuffs Jey, taunts him, but Jey stands to CHOP Gunther! Gunther CHOPS Jey! Jey HEADBUTTS Gunther! Gunther CHOPS! Jey ROCKS! Gunther ROCKS! Repeat! The fans fire up as the shots keep going back and forth! Gunther LARIATS but Jey stays up! Jey LARIATS but Gunther stays up! Now LARIATS go back and forth!
Jey UPPERCUTS, but Gunther BOOTS! Jey LARIATS and down goes Gunther! The fans fire up again as both men rise. Jey nods, but Gunther clamps on the SLEEPER!! Jey slips around to GERMAN SUPLEX! Gunther flounders and Jey grits his teeth. Both men go to the corners and rise again. They both run in, and Gunther’s SHOTGUN hits first! Gunther reels Jey in, but Jey slips right out of the bomb, to POWERBOMB GUNTHER! The fans fire up and Jey aims, to SUPERKICK! Gunther wobbles, drops to his knees, and Jey aims from the corner! Gunther rises, into a SUPERKICK! And a SPEAR!! Jey hurries to climb back up!
The fans are thunderous as Jey aims, USO SPLASH!! But he bounces off the cover, so he just goes right back up! USO SPLASH!! Another roll, and another climb! Vegas is electric as Jey hits a THIRD USO SPLASH!!! Gunther flounders around but Jey keeps his eyes locked on target! Jey drags Gunther into a SLEEPER!!! Jey puts on the body scissors, GUNTHER TAPS!!! JEY WINS!!!
Winner: Jey Uso, by submission (NEW WWE World Heavyweight Champion)
Las Vegas YEETS as hard as they’ve ever YEET’D before! Jey not only avenges Jimmy, he not only dethrones Gunther, but he does it with a submission! And speaking of Jimmy, he is here to celebrate with his brother! This is now the YEET Era, long may Jey reign!
WWE World Tag Team Championships: The War Raiders VS The New Day!
Erik & Ivar took these titles back in the cold of December, but they have been keeping the fires burning ever since. Meanwhile, Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods were so cold to Big E, and have been nothing but radioactive ever since. What will be the fallout of this war between world class tag teams?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and it’s time to see who rocks and who sucks!
The teams sort out and then New Day just attacks! Kofi CLOBBERS Ivar, then he and Woods mug Erik! Erik ROCKS Woods, grabs Kofi, and Woods ROCKS- Well, no, Erik just shrugs that forearm off! Erik then THROWS Kofi at Woods! Tag to Ivar, he and Erik are on the apron, and Erik THROWS Ivar at the New Day! The fans fire up, and Ivar lines up another shot. BASEMENT CROSSBODY against the apron! Ivar puts Woods in, tags Erik, then Ivar climbs. Erik TOSSES Woods for Ivar’s FLYING ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Woods survives being squashed again and again, but Erik waits on Woods. Erik runs up, but Kofi saves Woods!
The fans fire up as Erik builds speed, but Woods UPPERCUTS him! Woods fires hands, then he throws Erik into barriers! Then Woods puts Erik in the ring, tags Kofi, and Woods puts Erik through the ropes. Kofi goes up to DRAPING SENTON onto the apron! Erik flops to the floor but Kofi puts him back in the ring. Kofi covers, TWO! Kofi rains down fists, then he stomps away on Erik. The fans boo the New Day, and Erik fires body shots! Kofi fires back, mule kicks, then FAMOUSERS! Cover, TWO! Kofi is frustrated but he stays between Erik and Ivar. Kofi puts Erik back in the ropes, KNEE LIFTS, then tags Woods.
Woods goes up, up, and DOUBLE STOMPS Erik down! Cover, TWO! Woods taunts Ivar, soaks up the heat, and he does a Fargo Strut! The fans “WOO~!” and boo, but then Erik CHOPS! Woods CHOPS! Erik CHOPS! Woods ROCKS Erik, tags Kofi, and they double whip Erik to a corner. Woods sets up, Kofi runs in, POETRY- NO, Erik catches Kofi to SLAM him onto Woods! The fans rally while Erik crawls, hot tag to Ivar! The fans fire up as the War Beard BACKDROPS Kofi! And then scoops him for a SIDEWALK SLAM, and a SPLASH! Ivar fires up, the fans rally behind him, and he runs at the corner. Kofi dodges, comes back, but into a SEATED SENTON!
Woods runs in, Ivar cartwheels to dodge, then LARIAT! The fans fire up with “WAR! WAR! WAR!” Ivar reels Kofi in, underhooks, but Kofi fights the lift! Kofi then HEEL KICKS and Ivar drops to his knees! Tag to Woods, New Day double whip, but Ivar breaks the double lariat! Ivar handsprings to DOUBLE BACK ELBOW! The fans fire up and Ivar has a wild look in his eyes! Ivar climbs, but Woods YANKS him down! Ivar hits buckles, Woods hits the HONOR ROLL! Tag to Kofi and New Day mugs Ivar! Woods goes up, Kofi brings Ivar into position, but Erik BLASTS Woods! Erik has Kofi but Kofi arm-drags free! TROUBLE IN PARADISE!
Ivar stands, Kofi is after him, but Kofi pushes him away. Kofi swing kicks in the corner! Kofi climbs, but Ivar gets under the jump! LEG LARIAT! The fans fire up as Ivar climbs again! DOOMSAULT!! Cover, LIMIT BREAKER ELBOW breaks it!! Kofi covers Ivar now, TWO!! Ivar survives that sudden turnaround and the fans rally up. “NEW! DAY SUCKS! NEW! DAY SUCKS!” Woods tells them to shut up! Woods tags in, runs up, but ERik tags in! Erik ROCKS Woods, Woods ROCKS Erik, repeat! The fans rally up as the shots go back and forth, then Erik ROCKS Woods! Erik rolling- MULE KICK from Woods!
Woods FRONT KICKS, then HONOR- NO, Erik catches him for the NELSON KNEE STRIKE! Then an ACE TEN MAOU! Ivar is in, he feeds Woods to Erik, but Kofi saves Woods from Thor’s Hammer! Erik TOSSES Kofi, then pops Woods up! Ivar runs, but Kofi trips Ivar in the ropes! Woods CLAWS Erik’s eyes! Woods BOOTS Erik down, then tags Kofi back in! Kofi tags Woods back in, then they get Ivar up! DAYBREAK!! Cover, Kofi holds Ivar’s feet down! NEW DAY WINS!!
Winners: The New Day, by pinfall (NEW WWE World Tag Team Champions)
Kofi & Woods snatch the belts and literally run away with them, knowing they stole this match! But by hook or by crook, New Day are once again W, W, E, World, Tag, Team, CHAMPIONS~! Will lucky number 13 be the best, or rather worst, reign ever?
Jade Cargill VS Naomi!
The Big 3 looked ready to take over the WWE, but in the shadows, a bitter paranoia grew, and it drove The Glow into taking a dark turn. She tried to end The Storm, but The Storm has come back with a vengeance! Will Jade leave Naomi far more than just Jaded tonight? Or will everyone learn to #ProceedWithCaution around Naomi?
As part of her entrance, Naomi rips her way through caution tape along with a new theme song. As for Jade, she gets Jim Cantore to report on the storm that’s hit Las Vegas! The bell rings and the two tie up, for Jade to SLAM Naomi down and rain down fists! Jade whips Naomi to a corner, stomps away on her, but the ref counts. Jade UPPERCUTS Naomi, TOSSES her across the way, and the fans rally up. Jade runs in and RAMS Naomi! And RAMS her! And RAMS her again! Jade stops as the ref counts, then she storms up on Naomi to hoist her up! Jade THROWS Naomi to another corner, but Naomi slips out to the apron.
Naomi ROCKS Jade, climbs up, but Jade TOSSES Naomi off the corner! Naomi flounders out of the ring, Jade pursues, but Naomi kicks low. Naoim ROCKS Jade, whips her, but Jade reverses and Naomi hits barriers hard! Jade storms back up on Naomi, drags her to her feet, and puts her back in the ring. But Naomi bails out the side again. Jade grabs at Naomi through the ropes, but Naomi CLAWS Jade’s eyes! Jade runs up, Naomi ducks and ROUNDHOUSES! Jade falls, Naomi drags her to the apron, and Naomi DRAPING FACEBUSTERS to the floor! The fans are torn but Naomi leaves Jade behind on the outside.
Naomi soaks up cheers and jeers but Jade is up at 5 of 10. Naomi DROPKICKS her back down! Naomi goes out, stalks Jade, and she SMACKS Jade off the steps! Then Naomi goes up to the apron, BLOCKBUSTER to the floor! Naomi drags Jade up again, puts her in the ring, and then stalks Jade. Jade sits up, but into a SPIKE HEADSCISSOR! Cover, TWO! Jade stays in this and Naomi is frustrated, but she talks trash on Jade. Naomi throws down hands, then fires a flurry of forearms! The fans rally up for Jade but Naomi sits her up, to KICK her back down! Naomi soaks up more cheers and jeers, then she drops a leg! Cover, TWO!
Naomi stays on Jade with a headlock, and even traps an arm for a unique clutch combination. The fans rally, Jade fights up, and Jade fires body shots! Jade lifts, Naomi slips free and CHOP BLOCKS! Naomi runs, but into a scoop! And BACKBREAKER! Both women are down and the fans fire up! Jade rises and she rallies on Naomi, to then FLAPJACK and SUPERKICK! Naomi ends up in a corner, Jade runs up and ELBOWS her! Jade whips corner to corner, runs in, but Naomi BOOTS her! Naomi goes up, leaps, but Jade catches her into a suplex, and JACKHAMMER! Cover, TWO! Naomi survives but Jade isn’t done with her!
Jade drags Naomi up, fireman’s carries, but Naomi slips free and ROUNDHOUSES! Jade rebounds to BOOT Naomi down! Jade fires up and the fans are with her! Jade drags Naomi up and has the chicken wings! But Naomi hooks the ropes with a leg! Jade lets go at 4, then runs corner to corner, but Naomi ELBOWS her! Jade comes back again, but Naomi goes up. Naomi leaps, but Jade catches her again! FALL AWAY SLAM! And a kip up! The fans fire up for Jade and she takes a bow. Jade steps on Naomi, goes up the corner, but Naomi gets up to ROUNDHOUSE! Naomi climbs up after Jade now, goes to the very top, and wheelbarrow SUPER BULLDOGS!
Naomi drags Jade into the drop zone, goes up, SPLIT LEG MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO!! Jade survives and the fans fire up again! Naomi is furious and she shouts at Jade. Jade eggs Naomi on, and Naomi SUPERKICKS her down! And then SUPERKICKS her again! Jade blocks the third, spins Naomi, JAD- NO, Naomi victory rolls it, TWO! But Naomi hooks Jade’s arms, RINGS OF SATURN!! Jade endures, fights around, rolls around, but Naomi rolls through! Only for Jade to fireman’s carry! The fans fire up and Jade goes for the F- NO, Naomi lands out of the F5! Jade ducks a roundhouse to Electric Chair Lift! And then POWERBOMB!?!
Jade then hooks Naomi up for JADED!!! Cover, Jade wins!
Winner: Jade Cargill, by pinfall
Jade proves she’s a superhero because justice was just served! But will the storm roll on until she strikes gold?
WWE United States Championship: LA Knight VS Jacob Fatu!
The Mega Star has had his run-ins with the rogue bloodline, but it is the Samoan Werewolf that has been hunting him and this title. Knight took out the pack when he ambushed Tama Tonga and then got Braun Strowman to help with Solo Sikoa, so now it comes down to just him and Jacob. Will Knight still reign like a king? Or will Jacob dog walk him, yadada mean?!
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see whose game it is!
The bell rings and the fans fire up already. Knight and Jacob circle, then Jacob swings! Knight dodges to ROCK Jacob, but Jacob comes back !Knight dodges, ROCKS Jacob again, then puts Jacob int he corner! Knight fires hands, Jacob shoves him away, but Knight RAMS into Jacob. Knight whips, Jacob reverses, but Knight dodges. JUMPING NECKBREAKER! Knight kicks and B F- NO! Jacob handstands out of it! The fans fire up while Knight is shocked. Jacob and Knight circle, Knight dodges to throw hands, but Jacob whips. Knight ELBOWS Jacob away, runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, but runs into the POP-UP SAMOAN DROP!
Jacob geeks out and the fans fire up! Jacob runs and CLOBBERS Knight! Jacob stomps Knight, drops a HEADBUTT, then stalks Knight to the apron. Jacob drags Knight up, but Knight RAMS him and slingshot sunset flips! Jacob stays up, breaks free, but Knight avoids the hip drop! Knight hoists Jacob up, but Jacob CROSSBODY COUNTERS! Cover, TWO! Jacob stays calm as he stalks Knight again. Jacob stomps Knight, drags him up, and then suplexes to hang Knight out to dry! Knight flops down, sputters and coughs, and Jacob grins. Jacob stalks Knight again, then whips him to ropes. Knight ducks ‘n’ dodges to dropkick the legs out!
Knight runs and DROPKICKS again! Jacob tumbles outside, and Knight runs to WRECK Jacob with a dropkick! Knight hobbles over, brings Jacob up and into the ring, then he goes up the corner. Jacob stands, Knight leaps, but into a POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Knight stays in this but Jacob stalks him again. Jacob runs and SENTONS onto knees! Knight saves himself but both men are down. The fans rally, Jacob rises, and Jacob storms up on Knight. Jacob whips knight, pops him up, but Knight fights the fireman’s carry! Knight then hits a CRUCIFIX DRIVER! Both men are down and the fans fire up again!
Both men go to corners, the fans rally, and Jacob runs in! Knight dodges and Jacob hits POST! Knight fires off, stomps a mudhole, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” The ref counts, Knight runs corner to corner and back again, KNEE WASH! Jacob flounders along the ropes, but Knight POSTS him! And POSTS him again! Knight runs, and he LARIATS Jacob inside-out! Knight goes up, and he spells it out, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” FLYING ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Jacob stays in this but Knight stays focused. Jacob is up, kicks low and mule kicks Knight down! Jacob grins while Knight sputters, and Jacob goes to a corner.
Jacob goes up, up, but Knight trips him up! No Best Moonsault Ever just yet, and Knight climbs up after Jacob. But Jacob ELBOWS Knight away! Jacob adjusts, but Knight goes right up after him! SUPER GERMAN SUPLEX! Cover, TWO!! Jacob survives and Knight is growing frustrated. Knight brings Jacob back up, the fans rally, and B F- NO! Jacob denies Knight again, and SUPERKICKS! Then Jacob runs to HIP ATTACK! And then HIP ATTACK! Jacob is having fun now as he runs and HIP ATTACKS again!! Jacob goes up, up, and SWANTON BOMBS! Cover, TWO!! Knight survives and the fans fire up!
The fans rally between Knight and Jacob as Jacob stands again. Jacob HEADBUTTS Knight, then HEADBUTTS again! And again! Knight sits up but Jacob HEADBUTTS again! Knight sputters, Jacob goes to the corner, and Jacob goes up, up, and BEST MOONSAULT- B F T!??! Cover, ROPEBREAK!!! Knight is absolutely at a loss for words, and that’s saying something! Vegas is erupting as Knight refocuses. Knight goes up the corner, but Jacob grabs him first! Knight fires hands, but Jacob SUPERKICKS the legs out! Knight lands on the top buckle, and Jacob goes up to SENTON!? Jacob them climbs back up, and he fireman’s carries! SUPER SAMOAN DROP!!
The fans are going nuts as Jacob goes right back up! BEST MOONSAULT EVER!!! But he isn’t done! ANOTHER BEST MOONSAULT EVER!!! Cover, JACOB WINS!
Winner: Jacob Fatu, by pinfall (NEW WWE United States Champion)
Haku is here to celebrate with the Samoan Werewolf! Jacob’s first WrestleMania, his first singles title, and he brings glory back to the family! Will this just be the first of many?
Rey Fenix VS El Grande Americano!
As stated earlier today, an unfortunate injury has now sidelined Rey Mysterio, so he will miss his WrestleMania moment. However, he isn’t the only one who wants after this supposed lucha legend. Is it Chad Gable? Is it really a luchador who history chose to bury? Will it matter when the Immortal Firebird burns him down and avenges the King of Lucha? Or will the future of lucha soon be American made?
Grande insults Vikingo at ringside, then pushes him! Vikingo GAMANGIRIS in return! Grande staggers into the ring, complains about Vikingo, but the bell rings! SOMERSUALT RANA! Cover, TWO! Grandoe sweeps and covers, TWO! Grande baits Fenix into a roll-up, TWO! The two stand off and the fans fire up. Grande and Fenix circle, feel things out, and knuckle lock. They go shoulder to shoulder but then Fenix HEADBUTTS! Fenix jumps and MONKEY FLIPS! It is a double cover, ONE as the hands come up! ONE as the other hands come up! TWO as both men bridge! The fans fire up as both men stand and go to a corner.
Fenix kicks Grande, but Grande jumps up the corner! Fenix jumps up to KICK and SUPER STEINER! Cover, TWO! Fenix brings Grande up to fireman’s carry, but Grande slips free. Grande shoves Fenix, Fenix BOOTS him back, then Fenix goes up, up and MISSILE DROPKICKS! The fans fire up as Fenix goes up the corner, and he SUPER CROSSBODIES! Direct hit but maybe a little double-edged. Fenix still rises and shouts AMINO~! The fans cheer him on, but the ring count is climbing. Fenix puts Grande in at 5, then aims from a corner. Fenix springboards, Grande dodges and waistlocks! GERMAN SUPLEX! “UH GRACIAS~!”
The fans boo but Grande clamps onto Fenix and rains down fists! Grande whips Fenix out of the ring, then soaks up the heat. Fenix RAMS into Grande, RAMS him again, then slingshots, but into a NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! Grande drags Fenix up, puts him on the top rope, and then climbs up. Fenix fires body shots, then HEADBUTTS! Fenix CHOPS Grande down, then he rises up. Fenix FLYING ARM-DRAGS, then DOUBLE STOMPS! Grable flounders away but Fenix runs up! Fenix kicks, mule kicks, but Grande ducks the buzzsaw, only for the HEEL KICK to hit! The fans fire up as Fenix brings Grande up.
Grande throat chops Fenix! Grande whips, but Fenix tiger feints and HEEL KICKS! Grande ends up in a corner, and the fans fire up for Fenix. Fenix runs corner to corner, but Grande OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY SUPLEXES him into the corner! Fenix flounders, Grande crawls to the corner, and Grande climbs up. The fans taunt him by chanting “GABLE~! GABLE~!” Grande MOONSAULT 450 SENTON?!?! Cover, TWO!! The fans fire up, but now Grande goes after Fenix’s mask! The fans boo, but Fenix ENZIGIRIS! Fenix fireman’s carries, KNEES Grande, and BLACK FIRE DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!! Grande survives and the fans rally up.
Fenix tightrope walks but Grande shakes the ropes to trip him up! Fenix falls hard, Grande scrambles away, and Grande is loading his mask!! The fans boo as Grande’s forehead now has the “five head,” and he brings Fenix up. But Fenix rolls Grande, RANAS him, and Grande goes to the apron. Fenix goes up, and he GOODBYE AMIGO KICKS! But it hurt his foot! The plate in the mask hurt Fenix’s foot!! The ref asks what happened, Fenix tries to explain, but then he hobbles to Grande. Grande gets the ANKLE LOCK!! Fenix endures, reaches out, but that foot is in such serious pain! Grande drags Fenix back, but Fenix fights up!
Fenix rolls Grande to a cradle, TWO!! Grande runs up, Fenix dodges to go up, up, DIVING- HEADBUTT from Grande!! The fans boo but Grande goes up the corner! DIVING HEADBUTT!! Cover, Grande wins!!
Winner: El Grande Americano, by pinfall
The mystery of Grande or Gable is still unanswered, but we do know that whoever this is just cheated to win big tonight. Vikingo helps Fenix to his feet, will Fenix be able to rise from the ashes of this defeat?
Shawn Michaels is here!
The fans fire up as Mr. WrestleMania, The Heartbreak Kid, is here! “Alright, boys and girls. What an incredible night so far. We have had new champions crowned, WrestleMania moments and memories created, and Las Vegas, we ain’t done yet!” The fans cheer, and HBK says right now, the WWE and ol’ HBK want to thank all 61,467 of the fans here for a sold out WrestleMania Saturday! “And if you ain’t down with that, we got two words for ya!” “SUCK IT!!” The pyro goes off to celebrate this moment, will Sunday night only be bigger and better?
WWE Women’s Championship: Tiffany Stratton VS Charlotte Flair!
Even with all the other top level feuds on this card, it was this rivalry that ended up the most personal and perhaps the most toxic. But while both sides struck with their venom and vitriol, it all comes down to what happens bell to bell. Will #TiffyTime be brought to a sudden halt? Or will the Queen be denied the throne she believes is her birthright?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if there’s still Tiffy Time on the clock!
The bell rings and the fans rally up while the two stare down. Tiff steps forward but Charlotte stays back. Then Charlotte steps forward, and she trips Tiff to rain down fists! Tiff turns things around to hammer away on Charltote! The fans fire up, Charlotte turns it back around, adn the scrap goes outside! Charltote fires hands, but Tiff fires back! The fans fire up but the ring count climbs! Tiff CHPOS Charltote! Charlotte KNEES low! Charlotte headlocks Tiff, but Tiff POSTS Charlotte! Tiff pushes Charlotte into the ring, storms up on her, and the fans fire up, only for Charlotte to BOOT Tiffy! Tiff runs up, but Charlottep uts her on the apron.
Tiff ROCKS Charlotte, but Charltote ROCKS Tiff! Charlotte CHOPS Tiff in the corner, CHOPS again, then CHOPS again! Charlotte whips corner to corner, Tiff reverses, but Charlotte headstands, only for Tiff to back body block! Tiff hauls Charlotte up, scoops her and puts her in the Tree of Woe. Tiff goes up to WOE STOMP! Cover, TWO! Charlotte is tougher than that but she goes to the apron and then the floor. Charlotte leans against the apron, but Tiff drags Charlotte up! Charlotte trips Tiff, has the leg, and Charlotte drags Tiff to a corner. Tiff BOOTS Charlotte away, runs up, but into a BARRIER BACK SUPLEX!
The fans fire up, Charlotte refreshes the ring count, and Charlotte tells people to move aside. Charlotte RAMS Tiff into the barriers, then paces. Charlotte drags Tiff up, SMACKS her off the apron, then puts her in the ring. Charlotte SMACKS Tiff off the mat, SMACKS her off it again, then scuffs her. The fans boo but Charlotte just puts Tiff on the ropes. Charlotte CHOKES Tiff, steps off at 4, but then kicks at Tiff. The ref reprimands but Charlotte paces. Charlotte snapmares Tiff, then clamps on a headscissors! Charlotte gives Tiff her version of the Devil’s Kiss! The fans boo as Charlotte then THROWS Tiff around with the headscissors!
Charlotte THROWS Tiff again and again, then kips up. The leg is fine and Charlotte is fired up! “I! AM! HER!” The fans boo while Charlotte stalks Tiff to a corner. Charlotte pie faces Tiff, eggs her on, but the fans rally for Tiff. Charlotte whips Tiff, then catches Tiff’s dropkick into a BOSTON CRAB! Maybe even a Walls of Jericho! Tiff endures, powers up, and rolls Charlotte to a cover! TWO, and both women stand! Tiff counter punches, ROCKS Charlotte, but Charlotte turns things around to NECKBREAKER! Tiff staggers, but she dodges the boot! Tiff then DROPKICKS Charlotte down! The fans fire up while Charlotte goes to a corner.
Tiff handsprings corner to corner and BACK ELBOWS! Tiff whips Charlotte to the other corner, and Tiff handsprings again! Another BACK ELBOW! Tiff whips Charlotte to ropes, picks her up, and SPINEBUSTERS! Cover, TWO! Charlotte stays in this and both women are down. The fans rally as Charlotte rolls away to the ropes. Charlotte is back on the apron but Tiff pursues. Tiff drags Charlotte up, but Charlotte HOTSHOTS her! Tiff staggers, Charlotte goes up the corner. Tiff ROCKS Charlotte first! Tiff fireman’s carries and ROLLING SENTONS! Tiff goes to the corner, PRETTIEST MOONSAULT- NO, Charlotte dodge and Tiff rolls through!
Charlotte mule kicks, whips, but Tiff reverses. Charlotte goes up and out, BOOTS Tiff away, then aims. Charlotte slingshots in and rolls Tiff up, but Tiff rolls through! Basement DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Tiff stays calm as Charlotte stays in this. The fans rally for Tiffy Time as she whips Charlotte. Charlotte reverses, puts Tiff on the apron, but Tiff RAMS into her! Tiff slingshots and hops over to keep moving, but Charlotte BOOTS her down! Cover, TWO!! Tiff survives and Charlotte seethes. Charlotte eggs Tiff on, CHOPS her, and CHOPS her, and CHPOS her again! Charlotte stands Tiff up just to CHOP her down!
Charlotte drags Tiff up, CHOPS again, and the fans “WOO~!” Charlotte pie faces, but Tiff ROCKS and CHOPS and fires a flurry! Tiff runs, she LARITS at the ropes! Tiff runs again, but Charlotte dodges to BOOT Tiff down! Charlotte seethes, runs, but Tiffy avoids Natural Selection to cartwheel and- NO, Charlotte stops the Alabama Lift to SIT OUT POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Tiff survives and Charlotte is further frustrated. The fans rally and Charlotte sees Tiff go to the corner. Charlotte runs up, Tiff ELBOWS her, but Charlotte GAMANGIRIS! Charlotte puts Tiff’s leg int he ropes, but Tiff avoids the knee drop! But Charlotte LARIATS Tiff down!
The fans boo while Charlotte steps on Tiff. Charlotte goes up the corner, but Tiff hurries to anchor her! The fans fire up, but Charlotte kicks her away! But Tiff comes back to trip Charlotte up! Tiff then climbs up behind Charlotte, brings her up, but Charlotte fires elbows! Tiff falls, Charlotte adjusts, and she rolls back to get behind Tiff! Charlotte then hits a BIG back suplex, but Tiff lands out! Tiff avoids a boot, and SKY HIGHS Charlotte! High stack, TWO!! Charlotte survives again, but Tiff is too tired to be upset. The fans rally, both women rise, and Tiff runs up, but into the BACKBREAKER and a HOTSHOT! Charlotte then YANKS Tiff back before she goes up the corner!
Tiff stands, Charlotte CROSBODIES, but Tiff rolls it through to a cover! TWO!! Charlotte escapes, grabs Tiff and KNEES her again and again! Charlotte THROWS Tiff into buckles, and Tiff flops to the outside. Charlotte goes out to the apron, climbs the corner, but Tiff shoves her in! Charlotte hobbles on the bad leg! Tiff KICKS and KICKS and KICKS! Tiff trips Charlotte, turns her over, and SMASHES that knee! Charlotte writhes, Tiff just grabs the leg, but Charlotte stands and BOOTS! Cover, TWO!! Tiff stays in this and Charlotte grows further frustrated. Charlotte drags Tiff over to the corner, and she has the leg to SLAM it against the post!
Tiff writhes, but Charlotte SLAMS the leg again! The fans boo but Charlotte rolls into the ring. Charlotte then storms up but Tiff ELBOWS her away! Charlotte ROCKS Tiff, puts the leg in the ropes, KNEE DROP on the knee! Charlotte has the legs, FIGURE FOUR! Tiff endures, the fans are torn, but Charlotte eggs Tiff on! Charlotte SLAPS at Tiff, SLAPS her more, but Tiff CLUBS away on the bad leg! They fight until the Figure Four is undone! Charlotte goes for it again, but Tiff BOOTS her into the corner! And CHOP BLOCKS! Charlotte crumbles, but Tiff hauls her up! Fireman’s carry and ROLLING SENTON! Tiff goes to the corner and the fans fire up!
PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER onto the knees!! Charlotte saves herself, then drags Tiff into a cradle! TWO!!! Tiff survives that sudden turnaround and Charlotte is despairing right about now. Charlotte drags Tiff to the drop zone, then she climbs back up. The bad leg slows her down, and then Tiff grabs at the leg! Charlotte kicks Tiff away, but Tiff is right back up! Tiff fires off on Charlotte, then brings her up, but Charlotte SUPER GOURD BUSTERS! Charlotte adjusts and FLYING NATURAL SELECTION!!! Cover, TWO!??! Tiff survives and Charlotte is completely baffled! The fans rally as hard as they can for Tiffy Time while Charlotte thinks on what she has to do.
Charlotte sits Tiff up, talks trash on her, but Tiff SLAPS Charlotte! Charlotte CHOP BLOCKS Tiff’s leg! Step through, FIGURE- CRADLE! Charlotte rolls through, scoops, but Tiff slips free! Tiff ROCKS Charlotte! Charlotte comes back, Tiff dodges and Charlotte spears buckles! Tiff reels Charlotte in for the Alabama Lift, BUCKLE SLAM! Tiff hauls Charlotte back up, CLUBS away on her, then fireman’s carries! One more time, ROLLING SENTON! And then one more try, PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!!! Cover, TIFFY WINS!
Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s Champion)
It was a generational battle, it was one for the ages, and it is Tiffany’s defining moment! No crown for the Queen, is Tiffany the new face of the WWE Women’s Division?
The Hall of Fame Class of 2025 is on stage!
The fans cheer for the Immortal Moment of Bret Hart VS Stone Cold Steve Austin, as well as Typhoon and the family of the late-great Earthquake, Michelle McCool, and of course… TRIPLE H! The Game makes his entrance again, and the fans cheer as he shakes hands with all the legends and friends on stage.
Triple Threat: CM Punk w/ Paul Heyman VS Seth Rollins VS Roman Reigns!
Triple H opened the night mentioning legendary true stories, and this is certainly an epic tale. It was 12 years ago that the Second City Saint and The Wise Man brought in a shield to keep him on top as Best in the World. But after the Hounds of Justice broke free of their leashes, things fell apart. And not just because the Architect betrayed the Big Dog, but because CM Punk left. But now, Punk is back, and if you believe Rollins, things are only getting worse because of him. Heroes, villains, or just men with their own agendas, that’s for history to decide. This battle is not just a grudge match but a match that decides the future of WWE’s identity. Who wins and finishes this story?
Rollins is ready to #SailIntoTheBlack as he wears an all black robe with a wild collar, and then uses a flamethrower! The tron changes to reflect how Rollins is ready to #BurnItDown, but then the lights go out…? Because surprise, Rollins took off the black robe to reveal his shining white suit underneath! The fans sing “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” and they max out the sound level meter! But then Roman Reigns makes his entrance and the singing changes to chants of “O T C! O T C!” The Tribal Chief needs nothing more than to lift his finger and set off the pyro before going to the ring. Overhead, the extra trons show off the many legends of the Anoa’i Dynasty as Roman walks past.
Roman gets his second round of pyro, and that leaves one last entrance. “Don’t let these tattoos fool you, I’m a great man of discipline. I don’t drink, I don’t smoke, I don’t do drugs. I’m straightedge.” CM Punk repeats the words from one of his very first WWE vignettes. “My addiction is wrestling.” This Fire Burns, “you don’t have the fire inside that I have. I have won championships, I have made friends, and I have made enemies. Tonight is MY night. Tonight is MY main event. Pressure is my playground. My fire has always been burning. My addiction is wrestling.” The fans chant for him, and Punk makes his entrance to Living Color playing Cult of Personality LIVE!
The fans sing along, Jelly Roll and George Kittle rock out, and Punk even joins in to get a selfie video with the band. Punk then kneels down, Heyman by his side, to say, “IT’S CLOBBERIN’ TIME~!” The song wraps up and the fans chant for “C M PUNK! C M PUNK!” even harder now as he stands on the corner. Heyman is technically in Punk’s corner, but he stands about halfway between Punk and Roman, communicating his conflicted feelings about this situation. Roman also finds himself in an awkward situation, because who is he supposed to hand the ula fala to? He simply sets it in the corner, as he is not happy with Heyman.
The bell rings and the fans fire up already! Rollins smirks, Punk grins, but Roman frowns as they all stare down. Rollins suggests he and Roman could work together for a minute, but Roman shakes his head no. Punk says y’know what, they should settle this. Punk goes outside to talk with Heyman for some “advice,” but Punk is already playing mind games. Rollins tells Roman that Punk doesn’t deserve to be here, he shouldn’t be here, so they can get rid of him together. Roman UPPERCUTS Rollins down! Roman bumps Rollins off buckles, then off more buckles! Roman climbs up, rains down fists, and the fans count along.
Punk jumps in and CLUBS Roman at eight of ten. Punk then CHOPS Rollins! Punk CHOPS Rollins again, then goes back for Roman. Punk KICKS Roman, but Roman ROCKS Punk! Punk ROCKS Roman, ROCKS him again, then whips. Roman LEAPING LARIATS Punk down! Then he LEAPING LARIATS Rollins down! Roman LARIATS Punk up and out of the ring! The fans fire up as Roman sees Rollins is on the apron. Roman goes outside, runs in around the way, and hits a classic DRIVE-BY DROPKICK! Roman snarls, and he SMACKS Punk off the apron! And SMACKS him again! Roman asks Heyman, “Is this your guy?!”
Roman whips Punk but Punk reverses to POST Roman! The fans fire up and Rollins DIVES! Direct hit and Roman hits barriers! Rollins then RAMS Roman into more barriers! And then into the steel steps! The steps go tumbling away and the fans sing for Rollins. But then Rollins looks across the way to see Punk. They both run up, and they brawl! The fans fire up and Punk THROWS Rollins into barriers! Rollins still drags Punk down, they scrap, and Rollins kicks Punk away. Punk comes back, the brawl continues, and Punk LARIATS Rollins into the crowd! The fans fire up as Punk hops up onto the barriers, to AX HANDLE Rollins down!
Punk grabs a chair and JAMS Rollins with it! And SMACKS him with it! That memorabilia just got even more valuable! Rollins uses a stanchion to JAM Punk up! And then Rollins uses the trash can to SMACK Punk! Punk falls, the fans rally and duel, and Rollins SMACKS the can on Punk’s back! And then on the back of Punk’s head! Rollins sits Punk up, tells him he’s done, but Punk kicks low! Punk reels Rollins in and snap suplexes Rollins onto the trash can! Rollins writhes but Punk brings him back up. Punk fires hands, Rollins fires back, and they brawl further along the way. Rollins shoves a trash can into Punk, but Punk CHUCKS it at Rollins’ head!
Punk brings Rollins back towards ringside and the brawling continues. But Roman finds them, and he FLIES into the crowd! The fans lose their minds as Roman wipes Punk and Rollins out! Roman rains down fists, then he TOSSES Punk onto the Hydration Station! Roman drags Rollins up to TOSS him onto Punk! Both men flop to the floor, and now fans want tables! Roman looks at the special edition announce desks and says let’s do it! He clears off the Spanish announce desk, drags Rollins up, and he SMACKS Rollins off the steel steps! Roman grabs the prop Prime bottle to SMASH it on Rollins’ back!
Roman puts Punk in the ring, SMASHES Rollins with the Prime bottle prop again, then he ROCKS Punk. And ROCKS him again! And HEADBUTTS! Punk kicks Roman’s bad leg! Punk CHOPS Roman, puts him in the ring now, then hurries to a corner. Punk mocks the “OOAH~” and runs, but Roman picks Punk up! Roman has a fireman’s carry for a SAMOAN DROP! Rollins springboards in, but into an UPPERCUT! Roman snarls and the fans cheer on “O T C! O T C!” Roman raises the one to the sky, then locks ‘n’ loads! The fans fire up as Roman aims, but Punk dodges the superman punch to SWINGING NECKBREAKER!
Rollins is up, Punk storms over, but Rollins RAMS him! Rollins slingshots, but into the fireman’s carry! Rollins fights free, shoves Punk at Roman, so Punk SHINING WIZARDS Roman! Rollins runs up, but Punk CALF KICKS! Punk grins as he has targets in both corners. Punk runs at Rollins, SHINING WIZARD! Punk runs at Roman, another SHINING WIZARD! Punk goes back to Rollins, SHINING WIZARD! Back to Roman, SHINING WIZARD! Punk turns Roman, kicks Rollins, DDT NECKBREAKER COMBO! The fans fire up while Punk has both men down! Punk drags Rollins to the drop zone, then climbs up the corner.
The fans rally as Punk aims, MACHO ELBOW on Rollins! Rollins sputters away and Punk decides to go for more. Heyman isn’t so sure, but Punk scoop SLAMS Roman into the drop zone. Punk climbs up again, he wants to go double or nothing here in Vegas! But Rollins goes right up after him! The fans fire up, Punk fights the suplex, and Roman gets under Rollins! Electric Chair Lift, but Rollins fires hands! Punk stands, DOOMSDAY DEVICE!! The fans fire up, and then Roman SUPERMAN PUNCHES Punk! Cover, TWO! Punk survives and Roman is stunned! “This is Awesome!” and Roman rises up again.
Roman fires up, the fans are with him, and Roman lets out a true “OOOAH~!” Roman runs up, but Punk KICKS the Spear! Then he fireman’s carries, but Roman fights with elbows! Roman ROCKS Punk, but Punk ROCKS Roman! They go back and forth, haymaker for haymaker, but then Punk gets the edge! Punk fires a flurry, then he clinches, ROCK BOTTOM!? Cover, TWO!! Heyman is conflicted as Punk now has the ANACONDA VICE!! Roman endures, flails, pries at the hold, but Punk pulls back! Rollins is up top! FROG SPLASH onto it all!! Cover on Roman, TWO!! All three men are down and Vegas is loving this!
Rollins stomps Punk, stomps Roman, repeat! Rollins rains down furious fists on Punk, then he drags Punk up to BUCKLE BOMB! Punk flops down and Rollins stomps away on Roman! Rollins drags Roman up, reels him in, and lifts for a BUCKLE BOMB! Roman flops down and the fans fire up! Rollins hears the singing, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” and then he glares at Punk and Roman. Rollins stands over Roman, but he goes after Punk! Rollins underhooks, but Punk fireman’s carries! Roman SPEARS Punk down! Rollins drags Roman up to underhook, but Roman BACKDROPS free! Rollins lands out!
Roman dodges Rollins, SPEAR into a PEDIGREE!! Rollins hurries to CURB STOMP!! Rollins kicks Punk out of the ring, covers Roman, TWO!?!? Perhaps Rollins wasted time keeping Punk out of this because he had Roman dead to rights! The fans rally up again as Rollins drags Roman to a drop zone. Rollins goes up the corner, says a quick prayer, PHOENIX- NO, Roman rolls out of the way! Rollins rolls through, Punk fireman’s carries! Rollins slips free, Roman runs up, but Punk slips away, SPEAR on Rollins!! Punk drags Roman up to fireman’s carry! GO TO SLEEP!! Cover, TWO?!?! Roman survives and Heyman isn’t sure what he’s feeling!
Punk seethes and thinks on what more it’ll take. The fans duel, Punk goes outside, and Punk fetches Roman back into the ring. Punk brings Roman up, says night-night, and he fireman’s carries again. But Roman flails and fires elbows! Rollins is back, he kicks Punk to PEDIGREE!! Cover, TWO!! Punk survives now and Rollins is stunned! Heyman checks on Punk as Punk goes to the apron. Rollins goes to Roman and says Roman never knows. That is why Rollins is here! Without Heyman, Punk, Rollins, Moxley, the Bloodline, Roman knows nothing! But Rollins still insists that Punk doesn’t belong. It should be Roman and Rollins. Punk is the outsider!
Rollins wants Roman to help him finish Punk! Rollins goes out and BOOTS Punk down! Rollins clears off English commentary, and he wants to do this like old times! Roman walks over, but he seems unsure about this. Rollins CLUBS away on Punk, and he tells Roman that this is the key! Roman still isn’t sure, but then he shouts, “PICK HIM UP!” Rollins lifts Punk up, Roman shouts at Heyman that he told Heyman this would happen! Rollins waits on Roman, but then Roman DECKS Rollins! And he lifts Punk to POWERBOMB him through the desk! It actually falls apart! The fans are going nuts while Roman paces around Rollins.
Roman drags Rollins up, POWERBOMB through the Spanish desk!! Roman drags Rollins up and into the ring, builds speed, and he SPEARS Rollins!!! Cover, TWO?!?!?! HOW?!?! Roman is again beside himself, and Vegas is torn between the different chants and songs! Roman goes out to get Punk. “Who asked for a favor, huh!?” Roman drags Punk up, tosses him into the ring, and Roman storms around while Punk sputters. Roman clamps on the GUILLOTINE!! Heyman is distraught as Roman squeezes the air out of Punk! Roman even adds the body scissors! Punk fights, flails, and pushes through to a prawn hold! TWO!!!
Roman lets go, but Punk clamps back on! ANACONDA VICE!!! Roman endures, Heyman is still distraught, but Punk pulls on the hold! Rollins rolls back in, and he grabs Punk’s legs! Rollins steps through, flips Punk off, and turns over to get Punk in a SHARPSHOOTER!! Rollins uses Bret Hart’s move, making Punk the Stone Cold in this situation! Punk is turning red, but Roman has Rollins in the GUILLOTINE!! And right into the body scissors! But Rollins powers up to lift Roman! Rollins powers up to NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO!! And back to the GUILLOTINE!! Rollins flails but he’s stuck in the middle of the ring!
PUNK CURB STOMPS ROMAN?!?! And then fireman’s carry, GO TO SLEEP for Rollins!!! Cover, TWO!?!?! Rollins survives, Punk is frustrated, and Heyman needs to sit down. Heyman sits on the steel steps as he watches in pain and frustration while the fans rally up even harder. Punk looks between Rollins and Roman, and he chooses to pick Roman up. Rollins flounders his way over as Punk works to fireman’s carry. Rollins grabs a leg so Punk snatches him to the fireman’s carry! GO TO SLEEP again! SPEAR outta nowhere!! CURB STOMP OUTTA NOWHERE!!! All three men are down and Vegas is erupting all over again!
Heyman leaves the steel steps to go to the timekeeper’s area, and he grabs a chair…?! But then… Who is he going to bring it to? Roman and Punk are nearby, so who is Heyman truly loyal to? Roman and Punk both look Heyman in the eye, and they both call for the chair! Heyman looks to Roman, and shakes his head. He slides it to Punk!! The fans are going nuts as Heyman gets on the apron, and he helps Punk stand so he can go after Roman. But then HEYMAN LOW BLOWS PUNK?!?! Did he just sucker Punk to help Roman?! Heyman apologizes profusely to Punk but Roman is loving this! The fans are going nuts all over again as Heyman says Punk made him choose!
Heyman says that is his Tribal Chief! He had to! Heyman presents the chair to Roman, and Roman stands up so he may take it. Heyman acknowledges Roman Reigns, and Roman SMACKS away on Punk! The fans are torn again, but Heyman reminds Roman that Rollins is still here! Look! The perfect parallel! Do it, My Tribal Chief! Roman nods, and he has Heyman step aside. Roman winds up as Rollins stands, but HEYMAN LOW BLOWS ROMAN!?!? Rollins saw that on the tron, and Heyman picks up the chair to present to his NEW Paul Heyman Guy! Rollins’ favor with Heyman presents itself at the most opportune time!
The fans sing “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” Rollins aims at Roman as Heyman watches from the corner. Rollins winds up, and SMACK to the back!! Then CURB STOMP!!! Cover, ROLLINS WINS!!!
Winner: Seth Rollins, by pinfall
The more things change, the more they stay the same! Rollins said Heyman was a snake, but it seems Rollins is very much the same! Rollins sits cross-legged a la Punk, and Heyman says he ACKNOWLEDGES his Chief Visionary! Rollins and Heyman leave both Roman and Punk behind, will they both #BurnItDown until all that’s left is Rollins’ vision for the WWE? As for Roman and Punk, what do either man do now that they have been abandoned by The Wise Man?
My Thoughts:
An incredible WrestleMania Night 1, and just a great night in a vacuum. But a three hour preshow with not even one match? That’s a waste in my opinion. I do appreciate the story beat of Bayley being taken out and Lyra needing a new partner, even if it seems like a headscratcher in the moment. Best bet is perhaps Lyra’s new partner is for a big return, i.e. Becky Lynch. Becky joining Lyra could change the math so that the Faces win the titles to then go to NXT. It adds more elements of drama and intrigue given it is Tatum Paxley & Gigi Dolin lying in wait. Tatum likes Lyra, but Lyra looks up to Becky, Tatum could get jealous and be very aggressive towards Becky.
Jey VS Gunther opening the main card may disappoint some people because of how Jey is the Royal Rumble winner and this was a world title match, but it was still an awesome match. Jey also got to clap back at the haters/doubters, because while he did use all his signatures, he also showed the grit to hang with Gunther, and then wins with a submission. I think that was Jey’s first submission win ever, and that is a great way to really stick it to Gunther, who also prides himself on his own grit. Either way, the story was going the way of Jey winning because of how Gunther looked down on him and then brutalized Jey’s brother. This is great for Jey, and I can’t wait to see what’s next.
New Day VS War Raiders was great stuff, and what a clever cheat for New Day to win. New Day are already obnoxious as Heels right now, they’re gonna be insufferable now that they’re champs again. Jade VS Naomi was great, especially with the total remake of Naomi’s character. I honestly didn’t realize that was a paper banner until Naomi tore through it, it looked almost like a screen. Naomi and Jade brought out some new stuff, and Jade got a great win here. From here, I suspect Jade moves up to a title shot, but I also feel like Naomi won’t let this grudge go without some bigger, crazier match.
Great stuff with LA Knight VS Jacob Fatu, though I really am surprised Solo stayed out of this. At the same time, it was pretty clear Jacob was going to win, so maybe Solo felt he didn’t need to interfere. Great win for Jacob, can’t wait to see where the story with Jacob and Solo goes from here. Rey Mysterio unable to compete was a bummer for him, but Rey Fenix and El Grande Americano gave us an awesome match on short notice. El Grande’s vignette was hilarious because the narrator clearly spoke over Chad Gable to be the voice of El Grande. And the sepia tone mariachi entrance was also a riot, loved it.
Grande cheating to win was fine, he is the Heel after all. And given Fenix’s moveset, the loaded mask was the perfect counter. Here’s hoping that Rey Mysterio is healthy enough to face Grande for Backlash. Also, what awesome news about the acquisition of AAA for WWE to make big collaborations from here on, starting with the Worlds Collide special. Not sure why it’s in the afternoon but I can’t be sure what’s going on in June that they’d need to do that. Either way, it’ll be great to see El Hijo del Vikingo have a match with some WWE stars. Let’s just hope Vikingo stays healthy, it’s well known that he’s been injured a few times the past 12 months because he goes too hard, too fast.
For how rough the build was in the middle, aka that worked shoot promo, Tiffany VS Charlotte was great stuff in the ring. They visually did the “anything you can do, I can do better” by having very similar ring gear, and it all contrasted well with how gritty they got at parts. I think Tiff even legit chipped a tooth… But in the end, Tiff winning is the right call. Tiff is the young up-and-comer, she’s proven she can hang in the ring, and more or less can hang on the mic, and the fans still love Tiffy Time. Charlotte can work to try again, or move on to a different title like the Intercontinental or even Women’s World Championship, because nothing’s keeping her from moving to Raw.
And then an awesome main event. Great entrances for all three men, and we got great action as well as great use of continuity between these three men. Heyman of course plays a part in this, and while I saw Heyman joining Rollins as a possibility, I did not think they’d go through with that. But what a powerful image for Heyman to betray Roman like that and stand with Rollins. Rollins and Heyman as a duo is going to be must-see stuff, and I’m pretty sure their next step is to go for a top title. I am glad that this mostly ends with Roman having no Wise Man, because I’ve been wanting to see Roman try to find his own way on his own since this thing with Roman, Heyman and Punk started.
My Score: 9.4/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
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FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
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