Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (2/26/21)
Who is heading to WrESTleMania?
Will Bianca Belair choose the Raw or SmackDown Women’s Champion?
After weeks of deliberation, the Women’s Royal Rumble Winner is ready to decide! Will The EST of the WWE choose Asuka of Raw or Sasha Banks of SmackDown for a WrESTleMania moment?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Rey & Dominik Mysterio VS The Alpha Academy; The Alpha Academy wins.
- Apollo Crews VS Shinsuke Nakamura; Crews wins.
- Liv Morgan w/ Ruby Riott VS Tamina w/ Natalya; Tamina wins.
- The Street Profits VS Sami Zayn & King Corbin; The Street Profits win.
- Daniel Bryan VS Jey Uso; Double Count-Out, Bryan does not receive a Universal Championship match at Fastlane.
PLAY BY PLAY
Roman Reigns heads to the ring!
The Head of the Table is still WWE Universal Champion after the stacked deck sham he put together for the Elimination Chamber PPV last Sunday, and is still flanked by Paul Heyman and Jey Uso. But after putting a battered Daniel Bryan down, Roman got SPEARED by Edge! And after pointing to the WrestleMania sign, it was clear what Edge wanted next! Pyro goes off, fans give thumbs down on the ThunderDome screens, and Heyman hands Roman a mic. “I don’t think it’s a secret: SmackDown needs me.” The same for the Elimination Chamber PPV needing him. So Roman answered the call, because that’s what the Tribal Chief does! He saves the show! So Roman defended his title against the Chamber winner!
And then what happened? Roman SMASHED Daniel Bryan in “the most exciting ass whooping of the year, maybe the decade.” That is who Roman is in this life. Anyone else in his shoes, anyone else in this role, they’d boast and brag and throw a party. But not Roman! Roman is above that, and operates at a higher level. No one else understands. It was nearly perfect. But it wasn’t perfect, because of one man: EDGE. So yes, Edge got one on Roman. A Spear in Roman’s ring on Roman’s night. Then Edge had to go and point at the sign and make it official: Roman VS Edge at WrestleMania!
But Roman is telling us all right now, Edge doesn’t want that. Edge doesn’t need that in his life. So Roman will give Edge another opportunity: back out. Go home and never look back. Edge has a beautiful family, is a father and husband. Roman doesn’t want to hurt Edge. Roman likes what Edge stands for, respects the legacy and the comeback. But Roman doesn’t want to hurt Edge. “So understand this, get it through that thick head of yours.” A man like Edge doesn’t stand a chance against a man like Roman. But here comes the GOAT, Daniel Bryan!
Bryan says “nearly perfect” huh? That’s how Roman describes his title defense? Bryan felt the need to come out and say, from his perspective, that’s true. How “magnanimous” of Roman to face someone who went through an Elimination Chamber! Roman DOES deserve a celebration! But there have been some rumblings about some people who think differently. That Roman coming out immediately after the Chamber was cowardly. To take a man exhausted from fighting five others and going through hell, and start a match right there, that person isn’t a real champion at all.
But Bryan isn’t saying that! No, he isn’t complaining! He’s just addressing what others are saying. But Bryan was a bit baffled by was for the Head of the Table to defend his Universal Championship in the second match. Wouldn’t he want to be the main event? Or would that have given the winner too much time? So the thing is, Bryan was in this ring against Roman in his very first match in the WWE, and Bryan always saw Roman’s talent! Roman wants to create a legacy, so here’s a chance to make it all right, so that there will be no doubt and no comparison between them, because there have been a lot. Bryan challenges Roman to defend that title one more time, 1v1, at Fastlane.
Jey Uso snatches Bryan’s mic and asks what DB is doing. All Bryan has is excuses! Bryan lost to the Best of the Best! Back of the line, Uce! If you want to get to the Head, go through the Right Hand Man! Be careful or you’ll get got! Bryan asks Roman if Jey speaks for him now. Roman says after what he did to Bryan, Bryan wants to get hurt again? Jey DECKS Bryan! And then throws him out of the ring! Jey goes out to TOSS Bryan up and over barriers! Roman smiles and laughs with Jey about what they did to Bryan just now. But will a simply blindside be enough to keep Bryan down?
Adam Pearce and Sonya Deville discuss the BiggEST Decision.
Bianca VS Asuka, Bianca VS Sasha, both are huge. Edge comes in, though, and is pretty sure they were listening to Bryan just now. Is Bryan going to get a match at Fastlane before Edge gets his at WrestleMania? He wants to talk. What will the Rated R Superstar and the WWE Officials come up with in regards to Bryan wanting another round with Roman?
SmackDown returns as The Bloodline talks backstage.
Roman has Heyman take the belt and Jey apologizes for jumping the gun. But DB was disrespecting them! Roman says there’s nothing to apologize for, so long as Jey gets the job done. That’s what matters. Roman tells Jey to handle this, but will he get the Goat?
SmackDown now returns to Edge’s discussion with Pearce and Deville.
Edge arrives and is hearing people talking about Roman VS Bryan at Fastlane, but last thing he heard from the officials is that there would be a tag team match. Which is it? Pearce knows it was on the table, but that was all tentative. Now Bryan is issuing his shot and Jey stepped up, this all fell in their laps! But see, if Bryan beats Jey, they’ll make the title match at Fastlane. And no disrespect to Edge, but the Universal Championship is a big attraction. Oh, no disrespect, huh? Edge leaves perhaps feeling disrespected. But will Edge really protest Bryan taking the title from Roman? Or is it something else Edge wants that facing Bryan can’t give him?
Rey & Dominik Mysterio VS The Alpha Academy!
Just last week, the Mysterios were just as shaken up by Chad Gable getting the Blue Collar Brawler to transform into a menacing machine! Gable gets on the mic and has us relive that in replay footage. The Dozer did not show mercy to Rey, and for purpose of “film study,” they use slowmo on the last part, where Otis hits a huge second rope splash. Gable has Otis pumped up and ready to go again, will we just see a replay in real-time this week?
The teams sort out, Otis and Rey start and Gable tells Otis to stick to the plan. Otis rushes Rey but Rey trips him up! But Otis turns around to run Rey over! Otis drags Rey into position, and runs to hit an elbow drop! Otis stalks Rey, scoops him, and then TOSSES him to a corner! Gable keeps coaching Otis and Otis runs corner to corner to RAM into Rey! Otis throws clubbing forearms but Gable has Otis cool off and bring Rey over. Otis does as ordered and Gable tags in. Gable fireman’s carries Rey to pop him up for a GUTBUSTER! Gable bumps Rey off buckles, RAMS into him, then runs, into a BOOT!
Rey reaches for Dom but Gable fireman’s carry takeovers! Gable drags Rey back but Rey ENZIGURIS! Hot tag to Dom! Dom rallies on Coach Gable! Back elbow in the corner, whip corner to corner but Gable reverses. Dom goes up and over and wheelbarrows Gable into buckles! Dom hops up, walks the ropes and hits a TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO!! Gable survives but Rey tags in! Dom lifts Gable up, SEATED SENTON SPINEBSUTER! Rey DECKS Otis, Dom catapults Gable to ropes, DOUBLE 619!! Rey climbs up, bad ribs and all, for a FROG SPLASH! Cover, but Otis breaks it in time! Otis CLOBBERS Dom!
The ref reprimands, Gable tells Otis to go out so he can tag in. Otis again does as ordered and tags in, to catch Rey’s springboard, to a POWERSLAM! Gable tells Otis to finish Rey, and Otis puts Rey in a drop zone. Otis climbs up, for the DOZER SPLASH!! Cover, Alpha Academy wins!
Winner: The Alpha Academy, by pinfall
Last week, Otis and Gable lost because they went too far! This week, they win by sticking to the plan! Will Gable and Otis bulldoze their way to a SmackDown Tag Team Championship opportunity?
Apollo Crews heads to the ring!
A change in mindset is accompanied by a change in ring gear. Apollo sports new gear after unleashing aggression and frustration on both Shinsuke Nakamura AND Big E last week, where Big E was left injured! Big E is home recovering but Apollo is here smiling at what he’s done. Part of Apollo’s new gear is a long scarf, that he takes time to put on before getting a mic. “A lot of people have been wondering what’s been going on with me lately.” This isn’t the Apollo they knew. Well to be honest, no one ever knew a thing about him! For far too long he’s been nice, humble and respectful, yet has not received the same respect. Being who Apollo is and who his family is, that is unacceptable.
Apollo isn’t from the hood or from suburbia. He is from Nigeria! He is a “REAL African American”, and this is the REAL Apollo! His ancestors are ROYALTY! His great grandfather, Akume Uhaa, ruled the Tiiv Nations and controlled some of the richest lands in Nigeria! Akume spent his days draped in gold, and his nights with his five wives! FIVE, imagine that! Akume’s word was law, and his power was feared. This is who APOLLO is, and what he represents! He wears the colors of Nigeria, for they represent wealth, dominance and power. Big E found that out firsthand last week, because just like great-grandfather Akume would say, if your enemies defy you, you show them the steel.
Big E was defiant, telling Apollo to go to catering. But what Apollo did was go back to his roots, to tell us how his great-grandfather would’ve said it! “I showed Big E the steel, and I guarantee you he will NEVER disrespect me again.” And as for the King of Strong Style, he will suffer the exact same- Shinsuke Nakamura interrupts! Will he make Apollo regret what he has done?
Apollo Crews VS Shinsuke Nakamura!
But Apollo doesn’t let Nakamura finish his entrance! Apollo attacks from behind, drags him up and throws him out! Apollo grabs the steel steps!! The ref gets in the way but Apollo tells him to move! The ref refuses so the steel is thrown aside while SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns, the match has started, and Apollo drags Nakamura out of a corner to reel him in and CLOBBER him! Apollo makes sure his scarf is neatly set on the corner, before he whips Nakamura corner to corner hard! Apollo drags Nakamura up, snap suplexes him and covers, ONE! Apollo grinds Nakamura down with a chinlock but Nakamura endures. Nakamura fights up, throws elbows to get free, but Apollo grabs hair and pulls him in for a GERMAN SUPLEX! Nakamura landed on his knees and comes back with a DYNAMIC DROPKICK! Both men are down as Nakamura shakes out the cobwebs.
Apollo drags Nakamura up but Nakamura KICKS him down! Nakamura KICKS and KICKS, then whips Apollo to the corner. Apollo reverses, but Nakamura dodges to KICK him in the back! Nakamura hangs Apollo out to dry to AX KICK him down! And then SLIDING KNEE! Cover, TWO! Nakamura stomps away, wraps Apollo up but Apollo fights out and GERMAN SUPLEXES! He holds on to GERMAN SUPLEX Nakamura again! Apollo wants the hat trick, and he GERMAN SUPLEXES again! Cover, TWO! Apollo grows annoyed with Nakamura, and drags him up to whip. Nakamura reverses, Apollo ducks one kick but not the windmill!
Apollo gets to a corner, Nakamura runs in but blocks the boot! Nakamura spins Apollo into ropes, and hits the SLIDING GERMAN! Cover, but they’re too close to the ropes! Nakamura has to let off, but he aims from the other corner. Apollo bails out to avoid Kinshasa, and Nakamura is frustrated. Nakamura pursues, runs around the way but into a kick! Apollo whips Nakamura into steps! Apollo puts Nakamura in, drags him up, and lifts but Nakamura slips out! Nakamura has a sleeper hold! Apollo gets to the corner, and uses his scarf to save him from being dragged out of the corner! And then Apollo uses the scarf to YANK himself in, ramming Nakamura’s head into buckles!
Nakamura staggers back, Apollo ENZIGURIS him! Apollo drags Nakamura up for an OLYMPIC SLAM! Cover, Apollo wins!!
Winner: Apollo Crews, by pinfall
Apollo’s heritage has helped Apollo win! Will it be long before Apollo adds gold to the green and white he now wears?
Roman sits in his private room.
Heyman walks over to say he saw Pearce make it official: If Bryan wins tonight, he gets a title shot at Roman at Fastlane. So no tag team match? Well it’s only if Bryan wins tonight. Roman thinks on that. Does he have a way of making sure things go as originally planned?
Liv Morgan w/ Ruby Riott VS Tamina w/ Natalya!
Things got a bit odd last week when Billie Kay came out bandwagon-ing the duo of second generation superstars, thereby distracting the Riott Squad. But how will things turn out this time, minus the distractions?
The bell rings, Tamina powers Liv to a corner, but Liv avoids a haymaker! Liv tries to roll Tamina but Tamina swats Liv away! Liv goes Matrix to avoid the clothesline, but Tamina sweeps the legs! Tamina drags Liv up but Liv kicks her away! Liv dodges the stomp, throws hands but Tamina swings on Liv. Liv dodges again to RANA Tamina to a corner! Liv runs in but into a SUPERKICK! Ruby coaches Liv but Tamina shouts at her, “Is this what you want?!” Tamina drags Liv up and DECKS her! Natty cheers as Tamina dribbles Liv into buckles! Tamina TOSSES Liv across the way! Tamina runs to HIP ATTACK Liv in a corner! Cover, TWO!! Liv still lives but Ruby is worried for her.
Liv hits Tamina back but Tamina CLOBBERS her with a back elbow! Liv sits up in a daze and reaches for Tamina. Tamina slaps Liv’s hands off her then drags her up. Tamina suplexes Liv up and over hard, then covers, TWO! Tamina is annoyed but she drags Liv back up. Liv throws body shots, but Tamina throws Liv down by her hair! Tamina looms over Liv, pushes her around, and drags her up to whip to ropes. Liv blocks the hip toss, goes for a backslide, but Tamina flips her up and over! Liv ENZIGURIS Tamina back! Ruby rallies up as Liv dodges Tamina in the corner and dropkicks her back! Liv fires off, the ref counts, but Tamina throws Liv into the corner.
Liv BOOTS Tamina, hops up, leaps, and missile dropkicks! Down goes Tamina and Liv covers, ONE!! Natty shouts for Tamina to “FINISH HER!” Tamina dodges Liv in a corner now, and then fireman’s carries to the SAMOAN DROP! Tamina roars, drags Liv right up again, and whips her into a scoop! SWINGING SIDE SLAM! Cover, Tamina wins!
Winner: Tamina, by pinfall
Ain’t nobody meana! Will the second generation stars soon shine in a Women’s Tag Team Championship opportunity?
SmackDown returns with Deville and Pearce in the ring.
Pearce says “Bianca Belair has been called the future of the WWE.” “And tonight,” Sonya adds, “she’s going to make her WrestleMania decision. The future is now!” They welcome the 2021 Women’s Royal Rumble winner and the EST of WWE, Bianca Belair! Bianca heads to the ring, gets a mic for herself, and she says it’s been exactly 3 weeks, 5 days, 2 hours and 6 minutes since she won the Royal Rumble and her life changed! And that’s just the beginning, because now she gets a WrestleMania main event against a Women’s Champion of her choosing! So will it be Raw’s Asuka? Or SmackDown’s Sasha Banks?
Bianca knows everyone’s been patiently waiting, and as silly as this might sound, her mom always told her life is about choices. A good choice is all good, but a bad choice haunts you forever. The choices you make define you, so her choice is clear. Wait, Reginald is here to interrupt! Mother Belair is right, this choice will define Bianca’s legacy. Bianca made a choice to team with Sasha, and so she knows how Sasha thinks, attacks and counterattacks. Bianca was elevated by Sasha’s genius. Reggie knows how hard Bianca has worked to get here, and that journey is inspiring to so many. Bianca is special, and we are all in awe because she is living the dream!
BUT, Reggie knows deep down, if Bianca chooses Sasha, the dream will dissolve into a nightmare! When Bianca is down on the mat, broken, defeated, haunted by her bad choice, she will hear her mother’s words ringing in her ears. Her choices will define her, and she will be nothing but a loser. But here comes The Boss! Bianca can’t help but laugh as the SmackDown Women’s Champion struts to the ring. Sasha snatches Reggie’s mic, pats his head, and says he was to NEVER speak for her! She pushes him aside and says, “Enough of this!” Bianca, Sasha is more than just the champion! She is the standard! So if EST wants to make history, and to become the conversation, she will choose Sasha.
Bianca is the EST of the WWE, but Sasha disagrees. Sasha is the BEST. Sasha is number one! That just makes Bianca… second best. Sasha laughs, holds up her title, and smiles. Bianca says, “Girl, uh-uh.” Sasha standing here with a lot to say but she’s gonna eat her words on the GrandEST Stage of Them All! Bianca will take the title, and show she IS the strongest, the fasted, the roughest, and the B-EST ever! “So Sasha…” Bianca points to the sign! “It’s on.” The decision has been made, whether Reggie likes it or not! But who will come to regret this more come WrESTleMania?
Sami Zayn meets with King Corbin backstage.
The camera crew is annoying Corbin but Sami has them back up a bit. Sami asks Corbin to answer truthfully: What does Corbin think of the conspiracy against Sami? Corbin thinks the crew needs to get to the bottom of this: WHY are they teaming together? That’s Sami’s idea, actually. What? Why? Well, they don’t get along, yes, but they had great chemistry in that Elimination Chamber qualifier. Plus, Sami could use a win! He was robbed of his Intercontinental Championship, and of an Elimination Chamber victory. Sami thinks he and Corbin could easily beat the Street Profits, and then move on to becoming tag team champions! Sami’s brain, Corbin’s brawn, they could take over! They can be the New CanAm Connection! Kingdom of Liberty! Sami’s just spit-balling.
Corbin stops Sami with the names, and agrees that yes, they could easily beat the Profits and then run the SmackDown Tag Division. Is that on record? But Corbin doesn’t want Sami telling him what to do, and he wants Sami’s camera crew to stop recording him! Just be professional. Sami says they can just edit out that last part…
The Street Profits VS Sami Zayn & King Corbin!
Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins are ready to prove to Sonya Deville that they ARE ready for a tag title rematch! But as we just heard, the Great Liberator and Wolf King might be thinking of going for the same gold! Will the Profits be up? Or will the yet-to-be-named duo drag them down and out of the running?
SmackDown returns as Corbin makes his entrance, followed by Sami’s. The teams sort out, Sami starts against Ford. They circle, tie up, and Ford powers Sami to a corner. The ref counts, Ford lets off but Sami gives a push. Sami also uses the ropes as a defense while protesting Ford was pulling hair. Sami and Ford circle again, Sami kicks low and throws a haymaker! “That’s what cheaters get!” Sami CHOPS Ford, whips him corner to corner but Ford goes up and over and shows off his agility! Ford then arm-drags Sami down and clamps onto the arm! Ford goes to tag Dawkins but Sami gets away, and the SmackDown Tag Team Champions are watching backstage!
Sami protests again and then tags Corbin in. Corbin and Dawkins circle now, tie up, and Dawkins headlocks. Corbin powers out, Dawkins rams him but Corbin rebounds to run Dawkins over! Things speed up, Dawkins hurdles then hurdles again, to whip Corbin for a dropkick! Corbin staggers, Dawkins wrenches an arm to a wristlock, and keeps Corbin from Sami! Sami wants the camera crew to watch this ropebreak not being enforced! Corbin whips Dawkins but Dawkins reverses! Corbin slides out, but can’t slide in because Sami’s crew is in the way! Corbin yells at them, they move, but Dawkins ROCKS Corbin with a right! Ford gets in, PROFITS IN MOTION!
Corbin hits the barriers, Sami protests but Ford dares him to get in! Sami chooses not to and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Corbin rains down elbows into Ford’s shoulders! Ford is dazed, Corbin tops him off with more elbows, then tags in Sami. Sami and Corbin mug Ford, Sami chokes Ford on the ropes, but Sami stops when the ref counts. Sami brings Ford up, bumps him off buckles, and tags Corbin back in. Corbin throws knees into Ford, whips him corner to corner, and then runs in, only for Ford to boot him! Ford enziguris Corbin but Sami tags in! Sami drags Ford, Ford hops and hops and still gets the hot tag! Dawkins rallies on Sami, and hits a leaping back elbow! Dawkins runs in to CYCLONE SPLASH in the corner! Then a BULLDOG! Cover, TWO!
Dawkins brings Sami up but Corbin gets in, only for Dawkins to dropkick Corbin! Dawkins throws Corbin out, Sami gets Dawkins with a DDT! Cover, TWO!! Sami complains about the count, the film crew bugs Corbin! Corbin is furious at them and he DECKS one! Sami is upset with Corbin, Ford FLIES out to take Corbin down! Dawkins gives Sami the ANARCHY SUPLEX! Ford tags in, and flies in FROM THE HEAVENS! Cover, the Profits win!
Winners: The Street Profits, by pinfall
And the comeback continues! Will this convince Sonya to give Ford & Dawkins a rematch with the Dirty Dawgs on the Road to WrestleMania?
Backstage interview with Daniel Bryan!
Kayla Braxton asks him about his opportunity at another Universal Championship match, and maybe even become a WrestleMania spoiler. Is there a chance Bryan faces Edge as champion at Mania? Well that’s looking a little too far ahead. There’s first Jey Uso tonight and Roman Reigns at Fastlane. But the chances are looking good. In fact, Bryan’s chances at beating Roman might be better than Edge’s. Bryan has an infinite amount of respect, because of his career and also because what Edge did to get back. Edge beat Randy Orton at WrestleMania 36, then came back again at this year’s Royal Rumble. But with that time off, Edge might be a bit rusty. Bryan has always been honest with Edge, so Edge might not have what it takes. Edge is a hall of famer but-
Oh, Edge is here now. Edge heard everything Bryan just said. Edge beating Roman seems doubtful, yet Bryan is confident he can easily beat Roman at Fastlane. No one said “easily beat Roman.” Well, to be serious, Edge VS Bryan at Mania, who would win that? Bryan smirks and says he’ll keep that answer to himself. But talking about possibilities means nothing if Bryan doesn’t win tonight. Bryan goes to make final preparations, but will they be enough to get Bryan to the starting line?
WWE celebrates Black History Month.
“Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.” – Maya Angelou
Seth Rollins heads to the ring!
The Savior of SmackDown is all smiles, but surely he is still seething about the disrespect shown by the rest of the roster. Rollins’ legal action is pending, will he give us an update after the break?
SmackDown returns and Rollins says he is here “to share with you some incredible news.” The letter he wrote on our behalf to complain to management got a HUGE response on social media. Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, all that, it was all trending. But wait, Cesaro interrupts! And he’s throwing his shirt off because he wants to throw down! Rollins says they do have to talk things out, let bygones be bygones. Take it easy, Cesaro! They’ve been friends a long time so hear him out! Just trust Rollins! Cesaro stops but Rollins says this was all just an accident. Rollins didn’t mean Cesaro was a loser, no! Twitter blew that out of proportions! Cesaro was in a bad situation, that’s what Rollins meant.
Rollins wants a chance to make this right. Cesaro just needs to stay put right there in the middle of the ring, like the star that he is! Rollins wants to make this up to Cesaro. “Who says you can’t grab the brass ring?!” This is a star right here! Cesaro is strong, probably pound for pound the strongest ever, and easily one of the most technically gifted performers. Cesaro has it all, so Rollins’ question is, “Friend to friend, why is it that you always seem to come up short?” What is Cesaro missing? Rollins will tell him what it is, because HE has it! “Killer instinct!” Rollins has it, and he can give it to Cesaro!
Rollins came back to lead SmackDown into the future, and if Cesaro will let him, it starts with leading Cesaro! Rollins grabbed the brass ring, shattered the glass ceiling, and accomplished things in the WWE that Cesaro has only dreamed of! And Rollins wants to give that to Cesaro! Imagine them working together side by side! They’d be UNSTOPPABLE! So instead of turning on Rollins, they wouldn’t even be having this conversation! Cesaro would’ve won the Elimination Chamber match, he would’ve beaten Roman Reigns, and he would’ve won the Universal Championship! But Cesaro turned his back on Rollins.
“However, it is never too late to start again.” All Cesaro has to do is #EmbraceTheVision! Let Rollins lead you! What does Cesaro say? And Rollins knows Cesaro doesn’t have to answer. Cesaro can take a week, maybe two, think it over and give “us” the answer. Cesaro doesn’t wait, he trips Rollins up! Rollins tells Cesaro to stop, but nope! Rollins goes for a SWISS SWING!! Around and around and around, and then some more! Rollins’ suit jacket flies off! This is at least 30 revolutions! Cesaro tosses Rollins, and Rollins staggers about in a dizzy daze, until Cesaro DECKS him with a EuroUpper! In other words, “No thank you.” Will Cesaro become a star his way?
As Cesaro exits, Bryan enters! They fist bump for luck, will Bryan be able to get another golden ticket to WrestleMania?
Daniel Bryan VS Jey Uso!
SmackDown returns and Jey makes his entrance. The bell rings, Bryan and Jey rush each other and the hands start flying! Jey CLUBS Bryan, headlocks, but Bryan powers out. Jey runs Bryan over hard, things speed up, and Bryan hurdles to hip toss Jey down! Bryan brings Jey up to wrench the arm, and hit an elbow breaker! Bryan kicks, Jey forearms, Bryan EuroUppers! Bryan throws more uppercuts, wrenches again, wrenches more, and digs knuckles into Jey’s elbow. Bryan hits Jey low, whips him corner to corner, but Jey reverses. Bryan goes up and over, takes a moment to speed up again, and he ducks and dodges Jey to hit a leaping lariat!
The fans rally on their screens as Bryan fires up! Bryan runs corner to corner to dropkick Jey! Bryan throws Yes Kicks, but lets off as the ref counts. Bryan bumps Jey off buckles, hoists him up top, and climbs up to join him. SUPER STEINER! Cover, TWO! Bryan keeps cool as he stomps Jey. Bryan gets the arm, wrenches and hammerlocks it on the mat to STOMP it! Bryan drags Jey up but Jey scrambles away. Jey clutches his arm, the ref starts a count, but Bryan DIVES into a SUPERKICK! Jey takes Bryan out of the air and then drags him up, to give him a SHIN BREAKER to the desk!
Bryan is down, Jey refreshes the count, to drag Bryan up and POST the bad leg! Bryan is down and SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns and Jey stomps Bryan then gives the leg a DDT! Bryan clutches the leg, Jey gives it another DDT! Bryan writhes, Jey goes for an arm, but Bryan drag shim down! Bryan wants the Yes Lock but Jey hammers the leg! Jey pulls the tape off the leg but Bryan gets away to ropes. Bryan gets up and throws EuroUpper and kicks! Bryan runs, into a SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Jey seethes, goes up top, and leaps, but the splash FLOPS as Bryan moves! Both men are down, Bryan works to get his bad leg moving, and he pulls down the knee pad. Bryan gives Jey YES KICKS from all sides! Jey flops around as Bryan keeps giving kicks!
Bryan stomps Jey, brings him up, whips him to ropes, but Jey drops to uppercut! Jey runs but is dumped out of the ring! Bryan builds speed to WRECK him with a dropkick! Bryan gets on the apron to LEAP for a FLYING KNEE! The ring count is climbing as Bryan gets his bad leg moving again! The fans are fired up on their screens as Bryan puts Jey in the ring. Bryan climbs, but Jey stands, to get under the missile dropkick! Jey RAMS Bryan into buckles, then STOMPS the bad leg! Jey turns Bryan over for a HALF CRAB! Bryan endures but Jey sits deep! Bryan crawls, reaches, but Jey drags him from the ropes! Bryan finds space to roll through and kick away on Jey’s face!
But Jey turns Bryan over to the Half Crab again! Jey sits even deeper, but Bryan powers up to slip through and throw more kicks! Bryan scrapes Jey off and both men slowly rise. Jey goes after the leg but Bryan BUZZSAWS him! Cover, TWO! Bryan keeps his focus as Jey rolls away to a corner. Bryan goes to the other corner, powers up with Yes Fingers, and fans follow suit. Bryan runs but Jey CHOP BLOCKS the leg! SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO!! Bryan survives and Jey is beside himself. Jey goes to a corner, climbs up top, but Bryan trips him up! Bryan climbs up to join Jey again, brings Jey up with underhooks, for a SUPER BUTTERFLY SUPLEX! And then a roll into the YES LOCK!!
Jey reaches, but Bryan gets the other arm! They end up in the ropes and Bryan has no choice but to let go. Bryan goes out after Jey and whips him, but Jey reverses and sends Bryan into steel steps! The ring count is climbing past 5! It’s 7! Jey gives Bryan a SHIN BREAKER to the steps! The count reaches 10, they’re both out!!
Double Count-Out (Bryan does NOT get a Universal Championship match at Fastlane)
Jey kept him from winning but he isn’t finished with Bryan! He puts Bryan in the ring, but Bryan gets Jey down for a YES LOCK! But ROMAN REIGNS attacks!! Roman hammers away on Bryan, drags him off Jey and SLAMS him back down! Roman grabs at Bryan again, but Bryan drags him down! YES LOCK! But Jey SUPERKICKS Bryan off!! Roman and Jey are furious with Bryan’s defiance, and Roman SPEARS Bryan! And puts him in the GUILLOTINE!! Roman chokes Bryan out, and then holds up the title! Is this what Edge will have waiting for him at WrestleMania? And what are the plans now for Fastlane?
My Thoughts:
A pretty great episode that moves things towards Fastlane. The SmackDown Tag Division seems to be rebuilding slowly, but we got good tag matches out of Rey & Dom VS Alpha Academy and Profits VS Sami & Corbin. More the latter match, as Otis and Gable win pretty handedly over the Mysterios, which seems like a shame, really. That match should’ve been very competitive but it was very short. And it was after a Double 619, which should really only be used when you know the Mysterios are winning. The Profits get a win because they’re clearly heading back to the titles and the Dirty Dawgs, but I did find it amusing that Corbin hates cameras being that close on him, and Sami’s “documentarians” were in his way.
Tamina gets a win over Liv without any appearance by Billie Kay to establish that Tamina and Natalya are definitely moving up the SmackDown side of the Women’s Tag Division. As they should be, really. Tamina and Natty seem to be the more underrated superstars in the WWE for how long they’ve been around. It will be very telling where Tamina & Natty stand once we’ve seen Nia & Shayna VS Dakota & Raquel, and then at some point, Naomi & Lana. If no other time during the year, WrestleMania should be where the Women’s Tag Titles have a Triple Threat or more, one team from each brand. Tamina & Natty can definitely make a case for being SmackDown’s contenders post Fastlane.
And speaking of, while we didn’t get Carmella this week, we got more Reggie hanging around Sasha. It makes a lot of sense for Bianca to challenge Sasha for WrestleMania, and I can already see Reggie telling Mella he was setting things up for her. Bianca has chosen SmackDown’s champion, and Mella is on SmackDown. Mella can try to take the title from Sasha one last time, in hopes of going on to WrestleMania to defend against Bianca. Then at Fastlane, maybe Reggie is why Mella loses, she dumps him and Sasha rejects Reggie, Reggie goes to 205 Live. Sasha VS Bianca is going to be really good, and could go either way at this point.
Apollo completing his Heel turn tonight was great stuff. Right from his promo before the match, he is exactly how he should be. He is pumping himself up over his strength and agility, but rightfully so since he can back it up. He gets a dirty win over Nakamura so that he stays strong without looking too strong, as Nakamura is of course Nakamura. I’m sure Nakamura will want payback, he and Apollo might even have a Fastlane match. Big E will surely be back in time for Mania, so Apollo wins at Fastlane to earn a title match, and Big E will be more than happy to go against him for payback. At this rate, I feel like Apollo will find a way to win and use the IC title as vindication.
The Universal Championship story, which is also Roman’s story, was another great one this week. Bryan rightfully points out Roman taking advantage of things, he and Jey have a great match, and it actually works perfectly that it was a count-out draw. Edge seems half-in, half-out about Bryan winning at Fastlane, because Edge surely wants to be the one to dethrone Roman. Bryan having this draw, that can be used for a classic, “I didn’t win but I didn’t lose,” and therefore he deserves one more chance at earning a title shot. Then there’s still the tag team idea to fall back on, where Edge and Bryan can have tension and dysfunction, and maybe Roman takes advantage so he and Jey can win that. Of course, the math then says Roman would lose to Edge, and I’m not sure that happens, even at Mania.
My Score: 8.4/10
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The champions of ROH are in action!
ROH has a NEW World Champion in Eddie Kingston! But will Katsuyori Shibata, the Mogul Embassy and Athena be able to hold onto their titles?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- ROH Pure Championship: Katsuyori Shibata VS Nick Wayne; Shibata wins and retains the title.
- Diamante VS Catie Brite; Diamante wins.
- Lee Johnson VS Lee Moriarty w/ Shane Taylor; Moriarty wins.
- Mercedes Martinez w/ Diamante VS Trish Adora; Mercedes wins.
- ROH Women’s World Championship: Athena VS Angelina Love; Athena wins and retains the title.
- Six Woman Tag: Leyla Hirsch & The Renegades VS Skye Blue, Willow Nightingale & Kiera Hogan; Skye, Willow & Kiera win.
- Ethan Page VS VSK; Ethan wins.
- Spanish Announce Project & Tony Nese w/ Mark Sterling VS El Hijo Del Vikingo, Metalik & Gravity w/ Alex Abrahantes; Vikingo, Metalik & Gravity win.
- Cole Karter & Griff Garrison w/ Maria Kanellis-Bennett VS Action Andretti & Darius Martin; Action & Darius win.
- ROH World Six Man Tag Team Championships: The Mogul Embassy w/ Prince Nana VS Willie Mack & The Infantry; The Mogul Embassy wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Eddie Kingston speaks.
“I’m in pain. Uh, that stage hurts. Claudio hurts every time he hits you. Uh, I don’t like him as a human being, but I shook his hand because let’s be honest, he’s was a great ROH champion, and I’ve always said he’s a great wrestler. I just don’t like him as a person, and that’s not gonna change. But I can definitely show him that I’ve grown. I’ve grown up. Back in the day, I wouldn’t’ve shook his hand, I would’ve spat in his face and then I would’ve gloated. But bro, I grew up, man. I gave him his due and his respect. I’m just, uh, I’m proud. I’m happy.
“Uh, when I get back to the hotel, I’m not gonna be proud ‘n’ happy because now I gotta defend this championship and this championship, and that’s gonna be hard, but I like it. Without struggle, there is no progress, y’know what I mean? I’d feel weird if there was no struggle. But uh, this is dedicated to Xavier, the second-ever ROH World Champion. Rest in peace, bud. Thank you for everything you’ve done for this business. Thank you for being good to me in the locker room. But this one’s for you, dog. Because people should remember who you are, man. X marks the spot, baby. Love you, X. Rest in peace.
“I’m good now. I just wanna go see my parents. We good, Jean Carlo? We good, baby. New York in this mother, ya heard?” The Mad King has two crowns, how long shall he reign?
ROH Pure Championship: Katsuyori Shibata VS Nick Wayne!
The Wrestler is back, ready to put another man to the test. The Prodigy of Rain City is here, but will he reign so soon into his young career? Or will Shibata show him he still has a long way to go?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and our judges for this match are Jerry Lynn, Jimmy Jacobs and Dalton Castle. The Code of Honor is upheld, the bell rings, and we see if Wayne’s World can survive Shibata!
The two circle, feel things out, and Shibata waistlocks to drag Nick down. Nick shifts around but Shibata half nelsons. Nick fights up, wristlocks, then goes for a leg. Shibata sprawls to push Nick down, then he waistlocks. Nick goes for a leg but so does Shibata, and Shibata uses that to get a roll-up! Nick keeps his shoulder sup so Shibata lets off. Fans cheer and Shibata keeps after Nick but with a leg guard. Nick and Shibata grapple, Nick grabs a leg in a toehold but Shibata uses that to body scissor and chinlock. Nick pries at the hold, but Shibata shifts to go for an arm! Nick clasps hands and fans rally up as he moves around.
Nick stacks Shibata, but Shibata also keeps a shoulder up. Shibata powers Nick down to a short arm scissor! Nick endures, shifts, but Shibata has the mount pretty easily. Shibata slaps Nick around, then stomps him down! Nick goes to ropes but that is a neutral break. Fans rally as the two reset and feel things out. They knuckle lock, Shibata knees low and snapmares, but Nick ducks the kick! Fans fire up as the two reset. Shibata kicks Nick but Nick kicks back. Shibata blocks to have an ANKLE LOCK! Nick flails, reaches out, but endures as Shibata drags him back. Nick almost has ropes, then tries again, ROPEBREAK!
Shibata lets go as Nick uses his first. Nick holds on, Shibata tries to drag Nick away, but Nick kicks and kicks. Shibata lets go and Nick gets out of the ring to walk off the pain. Shibata heads out after Nick, but Nick kicks first! Nick whips and Shibata hits railing! Fans rally up as Nick runs in but Shibata BOOTS him down! Shibata then whips Nick into railing! Shibata whips Nick into even more railing! Nick gasps for air, but Shibata BOOTS him down! Shibata rolls into the ring, letting the count take care of Nick. Nick checks his face and clutches his neck at 5 of 10 but Shibata goes out to stand Nick up. Shibata puts Nick in and fans applaud.
Shibata stalks Nick, stomps him, then kicks him! Shibata kicks Nick more and more and fans rally. Shibata CHOPS Nick then brings him up again. Shibata CHOPS, Nick drops to his knees, and Shibata gives him more sharp yet toying kicks. Nick sits up, but Shibata just kicks him down! We hit five minutes and Nick CHOPS! Shibata just shrugs it off! Nick CHOPS, but Shibata eggs him on! Nick CHOPS, so Shibata CHOPS! Nick is stinging, Shibata runs and BOOTS Nick down! Nick roars and rises up but Shibata BOOTS him again! Shibata runs, but Nick UPPERCUTS! Nick runs to UPPERCUT Shibata down!
Fans fire up and Nick brings Shibata up to cravat. But Shibata denies Shiranui! Only for Nick to SHOTGUN on the return! Fans rally as Nick storms up to the corner. Nick fires forearms, then runs corner to corner, and a very Shibata like HYDRAULIC DROPKICK! Fans fire up as Nick drags Shibata up. But Shibata breaks free! Nick BOOTS Shibata, throws a forearm, but Shibata just scowls! Nick throws another forearm but Shibata eggs him on. Nick throws more forearms, then a CHOP! And another CHOP and another CHOP, but Shibata leans into them! Shibata is backing Nick down like that! Nick fires forearms now, but Shibata DECKS him with just one!
Shibata whips Nick to a corner, then BOOTS him! Then Shibata rains down forearms to sit Nick down! Shibata stomps a mudhole, but Nick gets up! So Shibata UPPERCUTS him down! Shibata runs to HYDRAULIC DROPKICK! Nick feels how it’s done, and Shibata hauls him up. HALF HATCH! Cover, TWO! Nick hangs in there but Shibata wraps on a chinlock! Nick fights up but into a COBRA TWIST! Fans rally as Nick endures, fights his way over, and has a ROPEBREAK! That’s his second of three as we pass eight minutes, and Shibata lets off with a knee to the side! Shibata reels Nick in to waistlock, but Nick fights!
Nick grabs the ropes again, that’s his third and final! But then Nick uses ropes to push up and over, then he mule kicks! Nick cravats, NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Shibata is tougher than that but Nick hurries up. Nick full nelsons but Shibata breaks to switch. Nick fights the lift so Shibata ripcords. Nick ducks to ripcord and ROUNBDHOUSE! And SUPERKICK! Nick goes up and up and WAYNE’S- SLEEPER!! Shibata has Nick and Nick is fading fast! Shibata sits him down to PENALTY KICK!! Cover, Shibata wins!
Winner: Katsuyori Shibata, by pinfall (still ROH Pure Champion)
At nine minutes and 16 seconds, Shibata puts this one away! Nick shows skill beyond his years, and Shibata respects that by offering a handshake. Nick takes it to keep the Code of Honor, but when and where will Nick get another shot at gold?
Backstage interview with Lee Johnson.
Lexi Nair is with Big Shotty and brings up his match with Shane Taylor from last week, and how he has a match tonight with the newest member of Shane Taylor Promotions, #TAIGASTYLE, Lee Moriarty. How is Shotty feeling going into this match? Johnson tells Lexi, “Here we are again!” But wait, Shane Taylor Promotions walks in, and Moriarty tells Big Shotty that he hopes there were no hard feelings in what happened last week. Who knew Johnson would get distracted by Moriarty walking out there? Sure, Moriarty looks good, but just leave the past in the past. Code of Honor! Shake his hand. He promises it’s clean.
Shane says Johnson could always get knocked out again. Johnson stares Shane down and Lexi says they can all settle this in the ring. STP heads out, will Big Shotty be able to handle Moriarty with Big Bad Shaney T at ringside?
Diamante VS Catie Brite!
The Cuban Diamond is back in action on ROH, ready to shine in the spotlight once and for all. Will she show she can shine brighter than Brite? Or will Brite have a bright future here in ROH?
The Code of Honor is upheld, the bell rings, and Diamante DECKS Brite! Brite staggers up, Diamante fires off on her, then CHOKES her on the ropes! The ref counts, Diamante snapmares to then mess with Brite’s hair. Diamante then CLUBS away on Brite, but the ref reprimands about the hair pulling. Diamante CLUBS Brite down, puts her back on ropes, and CHOKES her again! The ref reprimands, Diamante lets off at 4, then she drags Brite up. Diamante says Brite ain’t on her level, then she SMACKS Brite off buckles! Diamante JABS, CHOPS and repeat! The ref counts, Diamante lets off, but then CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS!
The ref reprimands and counts more, so Diamante whips Brite corner to corner. Diamante runs in but only gets buckles! Roll up, TWO! Diamante staggers up, and she SHOTGUNS Brite down! Fans fire up as Diamante dusts herself off. Diamante drags Brite up, for the TWIST! Cover, Diamante wins!
Winner: Diamante, by pinfall
The Brite Light was simply used to make the Diamond shine! But when and where will Diamante get the gold that she wants?
Backstage interview with Willie Mack & The Infantry.
Lexi is with Trish Adora and the trio that will be challenging for the ROH World Six Man Tag Team Championships tonight. Which are currently held by the Mogul Embassy. Captain Dean says not for long. Bravo, hit ’em with the deal. Let ’em know why it’s not for much longer. Bravo tells Lex that he ain’t gon’ flex, and he’ll answer the question so first thing is this. Did Infantry become one of the hottest teams in ROH? Yep. Has adding the Mack Attack one of the hottest trios? Yep. So not only are they ready to win, they’re ready for war! He ain’t gonna talk no more, let Mack take over.
Mack says they are about to make history. With Adora by their side, they’ve got Shawn Dean, Carlie Bravo. Is this their first ROH title match ever? Uh, yeah… Wow, who knew? They really out here. Well, then the Embassy better watch out, they’re gonna do the damn thing. Mack may not have won that $25,000, but they’re gonna get these titles and have major capital! Let’s go, baby! Turn up! Bravo says have no fear, the future ROH World Six Man Champs are here! #CopyThat. The team heads out, will they be able to bring down those behemoths under Prince Nana’s command?
Lee Johnson VS Lee Moriarty w/ Shane Taylor!
We just heard from Big Shotty and #TAIGASTYLE, but now it is time to put some action behind those words! Will Johnson or Moriarty prove they are the alpha Lee in ROH?
The Code of Honor is upheld, the bell rings, and the two tie up. They go around, Johnson wrenches, but Moriarty rolls. Johnson wrangles Moriarty but Moriarty kips up and clinches. Johnson wrenches to another wristlock but Moriarty spins, slips through and twists Johnson’s arm to an ELBOW BREAKER! Johnson gets away and fans rally as the two reset. They circle, feel things out, then Johnson trips Moriarty to waistlock. Moriarty fights up, pries free to switch and hammerlock. Johnson slips around to hammerlock back. Moriarty slips around but Johnson turns it right back around to have the armlock.
Moriarty tries again but again Johnson puts the hammerlock back on him. Moriarty does squats, then spins, but Johnson holds on! Moriarty pulls hair to put Johnson in a corner! The ref counts, Johnson lets off, but Moriarty ELBOWS Johnson! Fans boo but Moriarty soaks up the heat. Moriarty CHOPS, then he says one more! Only to feint and kick low! Moriarty soaks up the heat, whips Johnson but Johnson goes up and over! Moriarty hits buckles, Johnson ducks ‘n’ dodges, leap frogs and DROPKICKS! Moriarty bails out, fans fire up, and Johnson pursues. Johnson ROCKS Moriarty, then ROCKS him again!
Johnson CHOPS Moriarty and fans fire up! Moriarty staggers away but Johnson follows him, to CHPO him again! Johnson then puts Moriarty in the ring, slide sin but Moriarty stomps away on him! The ref counts, Moriarty lets off and he stands Johnson up. Moriarty CHOPS and fans fire up! Moriarty swings but Johnson dodges to CHOP back! Johnson headlocks, Moriarty powers out, and things speed up again, Moriarty’s kitchen sink knee knocks Johnson down! Johnson writhes while fans rally, and Moriarty stands Johnson up to snap suplex! Bridging cover, TWO! Moriarty still bridges while he mockingly applauds Johnson.
Moriarty wraps Johnson up in a seated abdominal stretch! Fans rally as Johnson endures, and Johnson fights up, only for Moriarty to knee low, but Johnson blocks! Trip and jackknife bridge! TWO, and Johnson goes for a leg. Moriarty steps over, whips Johnson away and things speed up, but Johnson rolls Moriarty again! TWO, and Moriarty CLOBBERS Johnson! But Johnson is up to CLOBBER Moriarty! Fans rally and a standing count starts! Johnson stands, goes to a corner, but Moriarty runs in. Johnson ELBOWS Moriarty, goes up and over and things speed up again. Johnson rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT, then a NECKBREAKER!
Johnson kips up and fans fire up with him! Moriarty clutches his neck as Johnson hauls him up, to a BLUE THUNDER BOMB! Cover, TWO! Moriarty survives and Shane is relieved, but Johnson pounds the mat. Fans rally as Moriarty crawls to a corner. Johnson storms up but Moriarty YANKS him into buckles! The ref reprimands but Moriarty stomps away! The ref backs Moriarty off, but then he storms up to YANK Johnson up! Johnson lands on his feet, ELBOWS Moriarty again, then SUPERKICKS him down! Fans fire up as Johnson aims from a corner. Johnson goes to the apron, goes up the corner, and takes aim, to FROG SPLASH!!
Johnson bounces off the impact, crawls back to the cover, ROPEBREAK!! Moriarty survives by a literal foot but Johnson fires himself back up. Johnson whips, Moriarty holds ropes then HOTSHOTS Johnson! LEG LARIAT! Cover, Moriarty wins!
Winner: Lee Moriarty, by pinfall
Shane is proud of his new recruit for finishing that one in the blink of an eye! Will TAIGASTYLE help Shane Taylor Promotions take over ROH once and for all?
Athena puts Billie Starkz (and Lexi Nair) through Minion Training.
The Fallen Goddess says they are here for one thing and one thing only: They have consistently failed her time and again! So today, they are doing training! “Yes, Minion Overlord!” These are all things essential to them becoming the best minions they can be! Is that understood? “Yes, Minion Overlord!” Athena blows the whistle and it begins! First, running up and down the bleachers! You wanna be a minion? Let’s go! They also do standing ovation training, they shine the stage, and Lexi keeps Billie from pressing the “big red button.” Athena wants Billie to stop smiling and being happy. Only angry face from now on!
Athena also puts them through booing drills, where they are to boo Willow Nightingale. Athena makes sure Billie gets that through her head! Boo Willow! No smiles! Keep running! Then they ride the elevator together as Athena does the grades. Billie tries to sneak a peek but almost gets caught. Billie also has to throw away her pompoms. She tries to be intimidating to the others in the locker room. Though it’s more like a kid playing dinosaur or something… The Renegades leave and Billie thinks she “did it,” but Lexi explains that she in fact did not. And then they cross paths with Willow! Athena snaps her fingers and Billie boos! Willow asks why!
Athena says she likes what she’s seen today. Lexi has graduated MIT, so she will now Lexi Nair, “Minion Bestie.” Billie, you sucked. Athena leaves and Billie isn’t sure what to do with that. Will Billie ever not be on Athena’s bad side?
Mercedes Martinez w/ Diamante VS Trish Adora!
The OG Badass has been rolling back up the ranks, but the Afropunk is also primed for that number one spot. Who comes out in pole position in the chase for the title?
The Code of Honor is upheld, the bell rings, and the two circle. They tie up, are in a deadlock, and they break. Adora grins but Diamante coaches Mercedes up. They tie up again, Mercedes waistlocks and she SLAMS Adora down. Mercedes headlocks, Adora powers up and powers out, but Mercedes pulls hair to bring Adora back in! The ref reprimands, but Adora lifts! Mercedes uses that to flying takeover! Mercedes says that was so pretty and thanks the fans for the cheers. But Adora rolls to a cover, ONE and Adora runs Mercedes over! Fans fire up as Adora taunts Mercedes. Mercedes swings, misses and Adora fires off forearms!
Adora winds up to ROCK Mercedes! Adora runs in to SPLASH in the corner! Adora fireman’s carries, but Diamante distracts so Mercedes can pull hair, get free and shove, then SPINEBUSTER! Fans rally up as Mercedes mocks the salute. Mercedes taunts Adora, kicks her around, then UPPERCUTS! Mercedes scuffs Adora, CHOKES her on the ropes, then lets off as the ref counts. Diamante CHOKES Adora now! Fans are torn but Diamante gets away with it. Mercedes UPPERCUTS Adora, then fireman’s carries. Adora fights free, shoves Mercedes, but Mercedes sidesteps to ROLLING ELBOW! Adora sits down but Mercedes stands her up.
Mercedes puts Adora on the ropes, DRAPING ANARCHY! Cover, TWO! Adora hangs in there and both Mercedes and Diamante are frustrated! Mercedes slaps Adora around, eggs her on, and fans rally up. Adora scowls, Mercedes fires palm strikes an an UPPERCUT! But Adora hits the BASEMENT GERMAN SUPLEX! Fans fire up with Adora, and she BOOTS Mercedes down! Then SENTONS! Cover, TWO! Mercedes hangs tough, she’s a former champion for a reason. But Adora drags Mercedes back up, fireman’s carries again, but Mercedes flails to sunset flip! Adora stays up to drag Mercedes up by her hair!
Adora short arm but Mercedes ducks to HALF NELSON SUPLEX! Then RUNNING KNEE!! Adora falls back, rises up slowly, into the BAYONET FOREARM! Mercedes then clamps onto the legs, SLAPS Adora into giving up the arms, and then pulls her back and back and up! BRASS CITY SLEEPER!! Adora taps, Mercedes wins!
Winner: Mercedes Martinez, by submission
Mercedes doesn’t let go until she’s good and ready. The OG Badass and the Cuban Diamond mock the Infantry, but will these two be the ones waiting on the other side of the Women’s World Championship match? Speaking of…
ROH Women’s World Championship: Athena w/ Billie Starkz VS Angelina Love!
The Fallen Goddess has yet to be dethroned in ROH, but tonight she faces the Pretty Psycho! Angelina has held titles before, even the Women of Honor World Championship that preceded this title! Will Angelina return to the top in this new era of honor? Or will nothing stop Athena’s already historic reign?
Athena is still in coach mode, telling Billie to get the fans fired up, but from behind Athena. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who’s ready to get crazy!
The Code of Honor is upheld, the bell rings, and fans rally for Athena. Athena thanks them and she circles with Angelina. They tie up, go around, and then have a deadlock at the center. They break, Angelina and Athena each complain the other pulled hair. The ref didn’t see any of it, so the two go at it again. Angelina waistlocks, Athena switches but Angelina switches back. Athena switches again but Angelina runs to RAM Athena into buckles! But then Athena arm-drags her down! Athena keeps on the cording hold but Angelina endures. Angelina fights up, arm-drags and has the armlock on Athena.
Athena fights up, Angelina wrenches to a wristlock, but Athena flips and wrenches and arm-drags again! Athena kips up, fans fire up, but Angelina CLOBBERS Athena! Angelina cheers herself on but Athena kips up again. Angelina runs in, into a SOBAT! Then a trip, and METEORA! Cover, TWO! Angelina bails out, fans rally up, and Athena goes out after her. But Angelina uses Billie as a hostage! Then she throws Billie into Athena, and she throws Athena down! Billie says that’s not fair! Angelina puts Athena in, dribbles her off the mat, then stands over her. Angelina soaks up the heat but Athena sunset flips! TWO!
Angelina stacks, TWO! Athena stands but into a knee! Angelina scoops Athena to a SIDEWALK SLAM! Cover, TWO! Angelina is frustrated but the fans rally behind Athena. Billie cheers Athena on but Angelina wrangles Athena with a chinlock. Angelina grinds Athena down, but the fans rally up. Athena fights to her feet, but Angelina throws her down! Angelina smiles as she keeps on the chinlock. Fans rally, Athena fights up again, and Billie has pompoms! Athena BITES Angelina and arm-drags free! Fans fire up as Athena fires forearms! Athena BACKHANDS Angelina! Athena whips, Angelina reverse=s but Athena CLOBBERS her!
Fans fire up as Athena rallies! Then Athena wrenches, SOBATS, and ENZIGURIS! Athena howls and fans fire up! Athena handsprings to FOREARM in the corner! Athena snapmares Angelina, goes up top, but Angelina trips her up! Fans boo Angelina while Billie coaches Athena up. Angelina drags Athena off with a fireman’s carry but Athena slips off to shove. Athena runs in but only gets buckles! Angelina BOOTS Athena down! Cover, TWO!! Angelina is shocked, and Billie is halfway in the ring? The ref has her slip back out and Angelina says to watch her. Billie says she didn’t do anything!
Athena waistlocks, Angelina switches and rolls her up, but Athena rolls through to reel Angelina in! Canadian Rack, CLIFFHANGER GUTBUSTER! Cover, Athena wins!
Winner: Athena, by pinfall (still ROH Women’s World Champion)
Angelina Love gave Athena a fight worthy of this title, but only Athena proved worthy of this title! She is now 39-0, and Billie presents her with the whistle. Coach Athena takes it, smiles and nods, and says Billie is finally learning. Athena pats Billie on the head, the two head out, but how much further does Billie have to go before she is championship material herself?
Backstage interview with Maria Kanellis-Bennett, Cole Karter & Griff Garrison.
Lexi is with The First Lady of Wrestling and her new prospects, they are going to team up for the very first time together. Are they ready for this? The bigger question is if Griff is with The Kingdom. Griff wants to put this out there right now: this is a trial and error kind of thing. Like he said last week, he feels he’s lost a step after returning from injury, and this seems like a relatively good opportunity. So yeah, he is ready. Okay, good. See you out there. Karter repeats, “See you out there.” Will the Ivy League MVP be able to make it work with the Diamond in the Rough?
Six Woman Tag: Leyla Hirsch & The Renegades VS Skye Blue, Willow Nightingale & Kiera Hogan!
The Fallen Goddess is still atop the mountain, and all six of these young and hungry wrestlers want their shot! But will Charlette & Robyn be able to keep up with their #LEGIT partner? Or will Chicago Skye, the Babe with the Power and the Hottest Flame keep their own momentum going?
The Code of Honor is upheld, though maybe with some sarcasm and sass. The teams sort out and Robyn starts against Kiera. Fans cheer “Happy Birthday!” for Kiera and she ties up with Robyn. Robyn knees low and says this is her birthday gift! Robyn whips but Kiera ELBOWS her! Then RANAS! Robyn ends up in a corner, Kiera runs in to SHOTGUN her down! Kiera runs corner to corner to HIP ATTACK! Then she goes side to side to BOOT WASH! Kiera drags Robyn around, covers, TWO! Kiera drags Robyn over, tags in Skye, and fans rally as they double whip. Robyn holds ropes but gets a SHINING WIZARD for it!
Kiera adds another HIP ATTACK! Fans rally as Skye YANKS Robyn down to then mule kick! Cover, TWO! But then Leyla and Charlette YANK Willow and Kiera down from the outside! The ref reprimands them while Skye drags Robyn up. Robyn dodges the forearm to ROCK Skye! Snapmare and then a cover, TWO! Robyn drags Skye up, tags Charlette, and the Renegades double suplex. They hold Skye up for five before the SLAM! Cover, TWO! Maria is on stage, she’s still hoping Leyla joins up. Charlette wraps on a chinlock but Skye fights up., Skye throws body shots but Charlette CLUBS her down!
Charlette puts Skye in the corner, RAMS into her, then RAMS her again! Maria likes it as Charlette bumps Skye off buckles. Tag to Robyn, and she cravat SLAMS! Charlette runs to ROLLING NECKBREAKER! Charlette holds on to bridge for a modified cravat neck wrench! Skye endures, CLUBS free, and then drags Charlette up. But Charlette SPINEBUSTERS! Cover, TWO! Skye hangs tough but Charlette drags her up. Charlette bumps Skye off buckles, tags Robyn, and Robyn whisps her in to back body block! Robyn runs in to KNEE Skye, but then Leyla tags in! Leyla finally has a turn, and she GERMAN SUPLEXES!
Leyla drags Skye up to GERMAN SUPLEX again! Maria likes what she sees as Leyla hits a third GERMAN SUPLEX! Leyla then sucker punches Kiera! Fans boo and Willow dares her to do that to Willow. Leyla runs in at Skye instead, but Skye ELBOWS her back! Skye knocks the Renegades down, but Leyla gets her for a snap takedown and LEGIT ARMBAR!! Skye hurries to stack, TWO! Leyla blocks a kick, but not the BASEMENT ROUNDHOUSE! Hot tags to Willow and Robyn! Fans fire up as Willow rallies on the Renegades! Willow DECKS Leyla for good measure! Willow fires off on Charlette but Charlette kicks low!
Charlette reels Willow in but Willow suplexes! Robyn makes the save, the Renegades mug Willow, but Willow fights the double suplex to DOUBLE SUPLEX the Renegades! Cover, Leyla breaks it! Leyla HAMMERS away on Willow but Kiera CLOBBERS her! Robyn goes after Kiera, Skye is after her, Charlette returns! The brawl breaks down, spills out of the ring, and Robyn runs up. Skye dodges but Robyn dodges! Robyn catches Skye to a BACK2BACKBREAKER! Kiera runs in, boots the lariat and then ROUNDHOUSES! Kiera reels Robyn in, HANGING NECKBREAKER! Charlette spins Kiera for a BACKBREAKER!
Willow is back, she hits an URENAGE! Leyla storms back in to SHOTGUN Willow! Leyla whips, Willow reverses and then POUNCES! PERIOD! Tag to Skye and Willow hauls Charlette up. Fireman’s carry, SUPERKICK to DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Willow BLASTS Robyn, Skye SUPERKICKS Leyla! Kiera runs in to DIVE and she takes out Robyn! Skye hurries to get Charlette up, for CODE BLUE! Cover, Skye’s team wins!
Winners: Skye Blue, Willow Nightingale & Kiera Hogan, by pinfall
Maria is no longer as impressed by Leyla as she was. Will the First Lady have to change tactics about her Kingdom’s Army?
Backstage interview with Angelico, Serpentico, Tony Nese & Mark Sterling.
Lexi is with this rather odd collection and says tonight, they will be teaming up in Six Man Tag action for the first time ever. What led to all this? Smart Mark says the Premier Athlete is always on the lookout for possible young up ‘n’ coming wrestlers to join the Premier Brand. This is a one time offer: if they win, FREE GROUP TRAINING! Maybe Nese can whip them into shape to have more muscles. Nese says they don’t look the part but he can work on that as a personal trainer. But they are to do exactly what he says, exactly what he does, and follow him to victory. Understand? You got it? Comprende, hombre?
And don’t come out there until he tells them. Sterling agrees, but does compliment Serpentico’s mask and the hand streamers. Sterling & Nese head out, and Angelico says those guys’ vibes are way off. Serpentico says they’re burros. Sterling heard that! Will this team work out so that they can work out?
Ethan Page VS VSK!
All Ego got a great win in his ROH return, showing his ego has mellowed out a bit. Will he continue to build back up? Or will the former Trustbuster bust him down even more?
The Code of Honor is upheld, though Page doesn’t let go right away. The bell rings, Page and VSK circle, and fans rally up for Page. Page has them get louder, so there’s still some ego. The two tie up, Ethan headlocks, but VSK pulls hair! VSK headlocks, Page powers out and then CLOBBERS VSK! Fans rally and Page complains about the hair pulling. Page then scoops VSK but VSK CLAWS the eyes! The ref reprimands but VSK ROCKS Page with a haymaker! VSK mocks the fans for cheering Page, then he storms up on Page. VSK whips but Page blocks! And again! Page reels VSK in to scoop and POWERSLAM!
Page fires up and the fans are with him! Page drags VSK up, reels him in, Canadian Rack! But VSK slips free, ducks ‘n’ dodges ‘n’ slides to DROPKICK! But Page rebounds to run VSK over! VSK goes to a corner, Page runs in but only gets buckles! VSK mule kicks, front kicks, but the enziguri whiffs! Page wraps on a half straitjacket, then he scoops VSK and carries him around, for the CRADLE SUPLEX! Then a step-in CUTTER! Cover, Page wins!
Winner: Ethan Page, by pinfall
Page shakes VSK’s hand to keep the Code of Honor, and he is rolling already! Will he truly be refreshed with a title opportunity?
Spanish Announce Project & Tony Nese w/ Mark Sterling VS El Hijo Del Vikingo, Metalik & Gravity w/ Alex Abrahantes!
The Premier Brand is looking to expand, but Angelico y Serpentico haven’t been sold just yet. Will they make a better trio than even they can imagine? Or will this alliance of luchadores bring them all crashing down?
Sterling of course has a mic to say that everyone knows this is Tony Nese. His client has something very important to say. “Penn State College. I tried telling this company, if we wanted to perform in front of real athletes, we should’ve done this show in Ohio State.” Fans boo but Nese says that he’s just being honest. Maybe if Penn didn’t spend so much time at The Creamery, they’d be in shape! Ladies, ladies, ladies, it’s called the Freshman 15, not Freshman 50. But Nese has great news for everyone. They all know he is a personal trainer, so before they have any more wrestling tonight, he is gonna treat each and every one of them to GROUP TRAINING!
Stand up! Let’s get going! Get off your lazy asses! Stretch! Reach up! But then Angelico y Serpentico make their way out! They stopped listening to Nese’s orders from earlier, is this partnership falling apart already? Then after Serpentico throws his streamers, Abrahantes’ trio makes their entrance, Gravity leading the way. The teams sort out, Nese tells SAP to watch and learn. Nese then makes Serpentico start against Metalik, and the Code of Honor is upheld. The bell rings, fans rally up and the two tie up. Serpentico wrenches, hammerlocks, facelocks, wrenches and whips, but Metalik goes up and over and keeps moving.
Metalik ducks ‘n’ dodges, Serpentico drops down and avoids the handspring elbow! Metalik avoids the boot to CHOP! Metalik whips, Serpentico reverses but Metalik elbows him down! Metalik runs in, Serpentico monkey flips him but Metalik lands on his feet! Things keep moving, Metalik scoops and BACKBREAKERS Serpentico! Cover, ONE!! Metalik keeps on Serpentico and brings him up to wrench. Tag to Gravity but Serpentico gets away. Gravity has to stay back as Serpentico goes to his corner. Angelico tags in, and he circles with Gravity. They feel things out, knuckle lock, but Angelico crisscrosses Gravity’s arms into a one-arm double armlock!
Gravity stomps at Angelico’s feet but Angelico easily avoids those. Then he wraps Gravity up in a straitjacket stretch! Angelico ripcords, whips, but Gravity holds ropes. Angelico rushes in, Gravity gets around, schoolboys but Angelico rolls through. Gravity kips up, flips through the wrench and arm-drags Angelico away! Fans fire up as Gravity runs in, ARABIAN PRESS ARM-DRAG! Another kip up while Angelico bails out, and Gravity builds speed. Angelico ducks but Gravity handsprings! Gravity space walks, tag to Vikingo! Fans rally up but Nese tags in to say he has to handle this. But Vikingo CROSSBODIES!
Nese rushes in, Vikingo dodges to whip, but Nese reverses. Vikingo reverses back to HEEL KICK! BOOT! ENZIGURI! Nese is in the corner and fans rally behind Vikingo. Vikingo runs up to GAMANGIRI! Nese wobbles, Vikingo goes up but Nese hurries away. Vikingo still springboards to MISSILE DROPKICK! Nese bails out, Vikingo builds speed and he goes up and up, pauses so physics can catch up with him, and Viking SKY TWISTERS! Direct hit and both men are down, so SAP rushes in! Gravity y Metalik dodge them to DOUBLE DROPKICK them out! SAP bails out and the luchadores DOUBLE TOPE!!
Fans are thunderous as Metalik y Gravity stand tall! “This is Awesome!” as Metalik puts Nese back in. Metalik CHOPS, CHOPS and runs, to KNEE Nese lose! Metalik fires the fans up, then runs, but Nese distracts the ref while Sterling trips Metalik up! Fans boo Smart Mark but Nese runs in to basement dropkick! Nese soaks up the heat, drags Metalik up and bumps him off buckles. Nese tells Angelico, “See how it’s done? Let’s see what you got!” Nese tags Angelico, Angelico snapmares Metalik and ties up one arm. Angelico uses the other arm for a RECLINER! Metalik endures, kicks around, and gets a ROPEBREAK!
Angelico lets off as Metalik saves himself by a literal foot. Angelico tells Nese that he does things with submissions. The people know it! Well, the fans chant “LUCHA! LUCHA!” Metalik crawls but Angelico brings him up. Nese tags himself in, he and Angelico mug Metalik, and Nese scoops Metalik to SLAM him! Then he drops a leg, brother! Nese says power style is how it’s done, then tags Angelico back in. Angelico argues with Nese, then brings Metalik up. Angelico puts Metalik on the top rope, CHOPS and CHOPS, but Metalik throws hands! Angelico goes up but Metalik CLUBS him! Metalik adjusts, to SUPER SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB!
Nese is frustrated as Metalik and Angelico crawl. Hot tag to Gravity! Gravity LARIATS Angelico, LARIATS Serpentico, DECKS Nese, and repeat! Angelico gets around, full nelsons, but Gravity arm-drags free! Gravity runs in to POWERSLAM! Then he somersaults to STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, Nese breaks it! Nese brings Gravity up to whip, but Gravity holds ropes. Nese runs in but Gravity TOSSES him out! The ref checks Nese after that rough landing, but Angelico EDDY GORDO KICKS Gravity down! Metalik runs in to suplex Angelico high and hard! Serpentico runs in, Metalik blocks a kick to give a kick.
Metalik gets Serpentico up, SIT-OUT BOMB! Cover, but Nese SOBATS Metalik in the back! Fans rally up as everyone is down around the ring. Nese goes to his corner, Angelico drags Gravity over but Nese tags in! Angelico complains but Nese drags Gravity up. Nese wants to see how “ugly this SOB is!” He pulls at Gravity’s mask! Fans boo, and Serpentico storms in to stop Nese! As a luchador himself, #SNAKEMAN will not stand for this! The ref has Serpentico back off, Nese tells them to listen to him for once. Nese wants to tag out but SAP ditch him! Fans cheer, Sterling is freaking out, and Gravity stands to SUPERKICK! Nese falls, tag to Metalik!
Metalik goes up, for the tightrope SWANTON! Cover, the luchadores win!
Winners: El Hijo del Vikingo, Metalik & Gravity, by pinfall
Vikingo can’t get in the ring to celebrate, he took more damage to that hip than expected, but he and the team still celebrate. Will the AAA Mega Champion, the King of the Ropes and the Astronaut of Lucha still reach new heights in ROH?
Backstage interview with Ethan Page.
Lexi is now with All Ego and congratulates him on the win tonight. She says Ethan’s been on a roll, and he figures yeah, two is good enough for a roll. He wants to make it three, but the feeling he had after winning these couple weeks is something he hasn’t felt in the longest time. Everyone who has been watching Ethan these last three years has seen the ups and downs, and lately, it has been a lot of downs. But there was a really big bright spot in that spiral and it was the greatest night of his professional career. He wrestled for the most prestigious prize in wrestling today, the AEW World Championship, in his hometown with his family in the front row, it does not get better than that.
But then it didn’t go his way, and nothing else really has, but Ethan says to touch the gold, to feel the pressure, to be in the marquee match, and to be inches away from changing his life… He realized that ROH is the place for competition, and he needs to be competitive so that he can continue momentum, climb back up, and touch gold again. But this time, he won’t let go. That’s the plan. Then he has his groove back? Sure, go and say that. All Ego got his groove back! Will Ethan return to former glory and finally have gold to show for it?
Cole Karter & Griff Garrison w/ Maria Kanellis-Bennett VS Action Andretti & Darius Martin!
A brand new team, put together by The First Lady, takes on another young team that has been fingertips away from taking titles for their own. Will Maria’s investment pay off with a win tonight? Or will the Sight to See & Air Wolf take flight?
The Code of Honor is upheld, the teams sort out, and Karter starts against Darius. Fans rally, the two tie up and Darius wrenches to a wristlock. Karter whips, Darius reverses and arm-drags! Darius has the armlock, drags Karter up to wrench, and he tags Action. Action goes up but Karter gets away to tag in Griff. Maria cheers Griff on and he circles with Action. They tie up, Griff waistlocks and SLAMS Action down! Action fights around, pries free, switches, but Griff switches back to back suplex. Action lands on his feet to waistlock but Griff RAMS him back into the corner. Griff is free but Darius sneaks the tag!
Darius slingshots in to get ahead of Griff and keeps him from Karter! Darius RAMS Griff into Action’s knees, then Darius mule kicks. Action goes up to DOUBLE STOMP Griff on the back! Darius & Action BLAST Karter, then double kick Griff to DOUBLE SUPLEX! Karter returns, but into DOUBLE DROPKICKS! Fans fire up and Darius runs in, but Griff puts him on the apron. Darius RAMS Griff, Karter runs up but into an elbow! Griff storms up but Darius ROCKS him! Darius aims but Karter anchors him. Darius kicks Karter away, Action protests but that distracts the ref, allowing Maria to anchor Darius!
Darius kicks free, but turns around into a BOOT from Griff! Karter cheers but Griff asks what was that all about. Griff drags Darius up, bumps him off buckles, and tags in Karter. They mug Darius, Karter stomps a mudhole in, and Maria applauds. The ref counts, Karter lets off and even Griff says to keep things clean. Karter snap suplexes Darius, and then he soaks up the heat. Karter covers but it’s really a choke! The ref counts, Karter stops at 4, then Karter stalks Darius. Darius goes to ropes so the ref has Karter back off. Karter argues with the ref but that’s to distract, so that Maria can CHOKE Darius!
Maria gets away with it again but Action warns her. Darius staggers up into a DROPKICK from Karter! Cover, TWO! Maria defends her innocence but Griff is upset. Karter whips Darius to a corner, tags Griff in, and then Griff whips Karter in. Darius TOSSES Karter up and out! Then he goes up and over Griff! Griff hurries to get a leg, but Darius BOOTS him away! Hot tags to Action and Karter! Action dodges Karter to DECK Griff, then he DECKS Karter! Action rallies on them both, and fans fire up! Action whips but Karter reverses, only for Action to handspring and DOUBLE BACK ELBOW! Fans fire up as both Maria’s boys are down!
Action kips up while Griff and Karter go to opposite corners. Action runs in to RAM Griff! And then he SPLASHES Karter! Action runs corner to corner again but Griff dodges the splash! But then Action SHOTGUNS Griff into Darius’s GERMAN SUPLEX! Griff tumbles out but Karter shoves Darius into Action! Karter DECKS Darius, rolls Action, and puts his legs on the ropes! But Griff shoves them off the ropes! Karter and Maria argue with Griff, because Griff doesn’t wanna cheat! Karter says you don’t disrespect Maria! But then Action FLIES over Karter to take out Griff! And Darius SUPERKICKS Karter!
Darius reels Karter in to BRAINBUSTER! Tag to Action, he springboards to 450 SPLASH!! Cover, Action & Darius win!
Winners: Action Andretti & Darius Martin
Maria is not happy, but perhaps it was her own fault for thinking Griff was going to change his morals for the sake of success. Griff upholds the Code of Honor with Action & Darius, but then Karter says up theirs! Karter & Maria have Griff leave with them, is Griff going to ditch this team before long?
ROH World Six Man Tag Team Championships: The Mogul Embassy w/ Prince Nana VS Willie Mack & The Infantry!
Brian Cage, Bishop Kaun & Toa Liona have been unstoppable as a trio with a 16-0 record in trios action. However, teams have been getting closer and closer. Will Shawn Dean & Carlie Bravo bringing the Mack Attack along be exactly what brings these titans down? Or will nothing stop the Embassy’s reign of terror?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who gets to go on to Rampage tomorrow night!
The Code of Honor is upheld, the fans chant “Whose House?” “SWERVE’S HOUSE!” and some do the Nana dance. Kaun starts against Dean, the bell rings, and Kaun rushes in! Dean avoids the boot, says it was close, and they circle. They tie up, Dean headlocks but Kaun powers out to run Dean over! Things speed up, Dena hurdles but Kaun shoves. Dean jumps over but Kaun CLOBBERS him! But then Dean avoids the senton! Dean DROPKICKS, Kaun staggers, but Dean wrenches and tags Bravo. The Infantry double whips, double hip tosses, and then they crisscross the legs to SPLIT that wishbone! Bravo says that’ll leave a mark.
Bravo drags Kaun up but Kaun CHOSP! Kaun wristlocks but Bravo gets free before Kaun tags Liona. Bravo says okay, that’s how it is, huh? Bravo and Liona circle, Liona rushes in but Bravo dodges to JAB! Bravo bobs ‘n’ weaves, JABS, then rope-a-dopes. But Liona TOSSES him to a corner! Liona runs in, Bravo dodges then comes back. Bravo jukes and ROCKS Liona! Fans fire up and Bravo talks some smack, but Liona stays up! Bravo turns around into a LARIAT! Liona glares at Mack, then goes back to Bravo. Liona scoops to put Bravo on the ropes, to fire KNEE after KNEE into him! The ref reprimands and Liona just fires off more!
The ref counts, Liona drops Bravo and roars at Mack & Dean. Liona then tags Kaun, and Kaun slingshot SENTONS! Bravo sputters but Kaun drags him up to snap suplex. Uno Amigo! Then a waistlock, GERMAN SUPLEX! Bravo fights but Kaun still hits the back suplex! Cover, TWO! Kaun kneels on Bravo’s head while he argues with the ref, and Bravo flails! Dean pushes Kaun over but Kaun just grins as he drags Bravo up. Kaun tags Cage and fans fire up for The Machine. Cage CHOPS Bravo, puts him in the corner and RAMS him! And RAMS him again! And CHOPS! Cage fires up the fans as he throws point-blank clotheslines!
Fans count as Cage picks up speed, and Cage gets to TEN! Cage whips corner to corner hard, and Bravo staggers into a BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Bravo hangs tough but Cage drags him up. Cage ROCKS Bravo with a forearm, whips him corner to corner then scoops again, but Bravo slips free to BACKSTABBER! Fans rally up as Bravo crawls, but Cage grabs a leg! Cage drags Bravo back, ducks the enziguri, then drops an elbow! “Who betta than Cage?” Cage then sucker punches Dean! Cage stands Bravo up, suplexes, but Bravo slips free to hot tag Mack! Fans fire up as these rivals meet again, and Mack hits a SLINGBLADE!
Mack BLASTS Liona, lines up a shot on Cage, and body shots! Mack whips, to LARIAT! Then WHEEL KICK! Fans fire up and Mack scoops Cage, for a SLAM! Kaun storms in but Mack ducks the haymaker to DECK him! Mack BOOTS Liona off the apron, Nana protests, but Mack runs in at Cage to BOOT! Cage falls over, Mack covers, TWO! The Machine is tougher than that but Mack goes up the corner! Fans fire up, but Cage stands to GAMANGIRI! Cage drags Mack off the top, to then go up. Fans rally as Cage deadlift SUPERPLEXES Mack!! Mack writhes and “This is Awesome!” as Cage drags Mack back up.
Cage stands Mack up but Mack kicks low! Cage denies the stunner, but Mack ends up in his corner. Tag to Bravo before Cage SUPERKICKS Mack! Bravo ROCKS Cage, ROCKS him again, then spins him around to ROLLING ELBOW! Cage falls, Kaun runs in! Bravo spins him around, SIDEWINDER! Liona slides in while Bravo takes aim at Cage & Kaun. But then Bravo turns around, and he screams as he drops down under the Pounce! Liona wipes himself out and Dean PENALTY KICKS Cage! Dean runs in to JUMPING CLOTHESLINE in the corner! Dean goes out to PENALTY KICK Kaun, and Bravo runs up on Liona!
Bravo hits a KNEE SMASH! And SUPERKICK! Dean SUPERKICKS! Liona roars but Infantry shouts, “KICK HIM!” They DOUBLE SUPERKICK Liona, and Liona staggers into a DOUBLE SUP- NO, Liona fights it off! Liona DOUBLE SUP- NO, Mack saves the Infantry! STUNNER!! Then the Infantry reload, DOUBLE SUPLEX!! Fans fire up while Nana freaks out! Bravo tags Mack but Kaun runs in! Dean blocks a boot, gives it to Bravo, ENZIGURI and then NECKBREAKER! Cage is back and he LARIATS Bravo! Mack is up top, but Cage intercepts! Mack shoves Cage down, though! To then FROG SPLASH!! Cover, TWO?!?
Cage survives and shocks Mack! But he and the Infantry regroup, and fans fire up with them! Mack, Bravo & Dean aim from corners, Mack STUN- NO, Cage denies Mack again! Kaun fireman’s carries Mack and tucks him, AIR RAID CRASH! Dean runs at Kaun, but Liona POUNCES him! Bravo is alone, Cage reels him in to a GERMAN SUPLEX! The Infantry is down and out, the Gates of Agony drag Mack up! They OPEN THE GATES!! Cage covers, The Embassy wins!
Winners: The Mogul Embassy, by pinfall (still ROH World Six Man Tag Team Champions)
The reign of terror continues! At least, for another 24 hours. Rampage: Grand Slam pits these monsters against The Hung Bucks! Will this dominance continue even as ROH and AEW blur the lines? Or will Hangman Adam Page once again hold these belts with Matt & Nick Jackson?
My Thoughts:
A very good ROH, and it seems ROH is sticking to an hour and 45 minutes. At least, I sure hope so, it still takes me far too long to do these. I will say there wasn’t any actual filler. Even Diamante beating a jobber than being ringside for when Mercedes Martinez beats Trish Adora can be seen as story for the duo of Diamante & Mercedes growing stronger. If only ROH had some more titles for the women’s division, because they’ve got a lot more talent than can fit into the world title scene. Good Six Woman Tag to feed into Leyla’s story with Maria, while also showcasing just what I said with how there are midcard title worthy talents.
Good stuff with Maria’s story of building The Kingdom’s Army, and there is a clear story to Griff not wanting to get on board with the Heel tactics, and he could break away to then have some real good matches with Karter. We got a very fun “Minion Training” vignette from Athena, Billie & Lexi, but that is not the two week window To Do List thing they set up literally last week. Feels like ROH wasn’t keeping track of what they were doing, but oh well. Athena VS Angelina Love was a good title match, but a quick one because yeah, Athena is that much better than Angelina. Still waiting for when Athena either pushes Billie too far and she rebels, or Athena creates a monster not even she can control, all leading to a title match between them.
Really good, really fun Six Man Tag with Nese sticking his foot in his mouth and making Spanish Announce Project turn on him. Good win for the luchadores, though Vikingo taking himself out of the match was not good. Vikingo needs to be more careful, he is running really hard and fast, much like Darby Allin. The Pure Championship was a really good opener, but I figured Shibata was winning over Nick Wayne. Nick still looked great, as he has since debuting in AEW, but he’s probably gotta wait until he’s 19 to get a championship. Also, it feels like ROH wants to build towards a rematch of Shibata VS Josh Woods at the next ROH exclusive PPV so Shibata isn’t losing before then.
Great promo from Eddie to get his reaction after winning the ROH World Championship. He pointed out he’s in for a busy schedule defending two titles in two companies, as I’ve been saying, but Eddie will be able to do it. And even then it is great story material for him to struggle with the schedule after a month or so. Really good promo from Johnson, Moriarty & Shane, then really good match from Moriarty VS Johnson. Shane called out Keith Lee last time, too, I wonder if Keith Lee joins Lee Johnson to take on Shane and Moriarty so we get even more Lees in the mix. Honestly, Keith Lee needs to get on something, and then move on to a title because duh, it’s KEITH LEE.
Ethan Page with a good win and good promo after, and while it’s a shame he won’t finish his story with The Hardy Boyz, that story went a few chapters too long anyway. Ethan getting going in ROH will be good stuff, maybe he can be a contender for Samoa Joe’s TV Championship. And then some really good stuff in the ROH Six Man Division, with a good promo from Mack & Infantry, and another great Six Man title match. But of course, with Hung Bucks VS Embassy set for Rampage (which has also been recorded by now), and how that feeds into Hangman VS Swerve at WrestleDream, no way was this match (which was recorded even before Rampage) was going to change anything. As I’ve been saying in the AEW articles, there is a chance the Hung Bucks win the titles, unless Swerve screws Hangman over.
My Score: 8.6/10
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Who hits the Grand Slam? And who strikes out?
Dynamite returns to Arthur Ashe, and Maxwell Jacob Friedman returns to New York to defend his AEW World Championship against Samoa Joe!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- ROH World & NJPW Strong Openweight Championships, Winner Takes All: Claudio Castagnoli w/ Wheeler Yuta VS Eddie Kingston; Eddie wins and becomes both ROH World & NJPW Strong Openweight Champion.
- Chris Jericho VS Sammy Guevara; Jericho wins.
- AEW International Championship: Jon Moxley VS Rey Fenix w/ Alex Abrahantes; Fenix wins and becomes the new AEW International Champion.
- AEW Women’s World Championship: Saraya w/ Ruby Soho VS Toni Storm; Saraya wins and retains the title.
- AEW World Championship: MJF w/ Adam Cole VS Samoa Joe; MJF wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
ROH World & NJPW Strong Openweight Championships, Winner Takes All: Claudio Castagnoli w/ Wheeler Yuta VS Eddie Kingston!
This isn’t a rivalry, this is a grudge that has gone on for just over a decade, and this will be the end of it all! Will the Swiss Superman take away the title the Mad King fought so hard to get? Or will Eddie prove he IS the better man?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who leaves Arthur Ashe a double champion!
The bell rings and fans are thunderous already as Eddie and Claudio stare down. They slowly approach, then Claudio just BOOTS Eddie down! But Eddie’s right up to CHOP! And CHOP! Claudio forearms, Eddie CHOPS, repeat! New York is behind their own as he continues to go back and forth with Claudio! Claudio fires off forearm after forearm, then he talks trash. “Is that all you got?” Eddie CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Claudio fires more forearms, then TOSSES Eddie out of the ring! But then Eddie drags Claudio out to whip hard into railing! Claudio hobbles, holding a knee, but Eddie choke grips him!
Fans fire up as Eddie MACHINE GUN CHOPS Claudio against the railing! Eddie ROCKS Claudio, brings him around, and whips him, only for Claudio to reverse and short arm LARIAT! Fans boo but Claudio soaks it up. Claudio drags Eddie up, ROCKS him, and stalks him. Claudio puts Eddie in the ring, fans rally up and Eddie catches Claudio in the ropes! DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! Eddie dropkicks that bad leg! Claudio avoids the next one and he deadlift gut wrenches, for the POWERBOMB! Claudio hobbles and fans boo, but Claudio drags Eddie up. Claudio reels Eddie in, but Eddie fights the lift!
Eddie CLUBS the bad leg, fans rally up, but Claudio SLAPS Eddie! Eddie SLAPS back! And GERMAN SUPLEXES! Fans fire up again as Claudio bails out to the apron. Fans chant “F HIM UP, EDDIE, F HIM UP!” Eddie storms over, and fires off backhand after backhand! Then URAKEN! But that hurts Eddie’s hand just as much! Claudio clamps on a SLEEPER in the ropes! But Eddie elbows free, only for Claudio to back suplex Eddie to the ramp! The LED Plexiglas ramp is a stiff worker, and Claudio looms over Eddie. Eddie is dazed and the fans rally up behind him. Claudio drags Eddie up, then stomps a hand!
Claudio then clotheslines Eddie back into the ring! Fans boo as Claudio climbs the corner. But Eddie rolls to the corner, only for Claudio to DIVING DOUBLE STOMP anyway! Claudio stomps Eddie, drags him up, and scoop SLAMS him! Claudio goes back up, to then DIVING HEADBUTT but FLOPS as Eddie moves! Eddie staggers up, but into an UPPERCUT! Cover, TWO!! Eddie is still in this and Claudio is fuming as Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Claudio and Eddie go to ropes, and then Claudio storms over. Claudio CLUBS away on Eddie at the ropes, then he drags Eddie up. Eddie pushes Claudio away but Claudio reels Eddie in. Claudio suplexes but Eddie blocks! Claudio throws body shots, tries again, but Eddie still blocks! Eddie then suplexes Claudio up and over! Fans fire up while both men flounder. Claudio stands first, runs and he BOOTS Eddie in the head! And then Claudio scuffs Eddie, kicks him around, taunts and toys with him, but Eddie CHOPS! Claudio kicks, Eddie CHOPS! Claudio SLIDING LARIATS! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Eddie reaches out in time!
Claudio sits Eddie up and clamps on with a top wristlock chinlock combo! Fans rally up as Eddie endures being squeezed and twisted around. But then Claudio KICKS Eddie in the back, and STOMPS the hand! Then he STOMPS the other hand! Eddie clutches fingers, but Claudio drags Eddie up by an ear. Eddie CHOPS! And CHOPS! Dynamite returns to single picture as Claudio eggs Eddie on. Eddie CHPOS, Claudio fires UPPERCUT after UPPERCUT in the corner! Claudio sits Eddie down, the ref back shim off, but then Claudio fireman’s carries! T K O! Cover, TWO!! Fans are thunderous as Eddie hangs in there!
Claudio scuffs Eddie again, and that riles Eddie up. Claudio gives more toying kicks, then some harder shots. Eddie pounds the mat and fans fire up with him! Claudio kick sand kicks and kicks, and Eddie wobbles, only to sit up again. Claudio drags Eddie up to UPPER- NO, BACKSLIDE! TWO! Eddie ENZIGURIS! And then an EXPLODER!! Eddie has Claudio again, for a SAIDO! Cover, TWO! Claudio goes to a corner, Yuta coaches him, and Claudio sees Eddie go to the far side. Eddie runs in to clothesline! Eddie fires up and fires off MACHINE GUN CHOPS!! Claudio just brushes those off? Eddie CHOPS and CHOPS, then JABS! Claudio drops to a knee and fans are thunderous!
Eddie hauls Claudio up, Claudio fights the Northern Lights Bomb, so Eddie fires Kawada knees! Claudio JABS back! Eddie staggers, Claudio shakes out the cobwebs, and then both men stare down again. Fans fire up as the two step up, Claudio eggs Eddie on, then fires a forearm! Eddie CHOPS! Forearm! CHOP! Repeat! Claudio eggs Eddie on so Eddie CHOPS! Claudio UPPERCUTS! Eddie staggers back, steadies himself, and he CHOPS again! Claudio dusts that off, so Eddie CHOPS only for Claudio to catch it! HEADBUTT, short arm LARIAT!! Cover, TWO, but Claudio rains down HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS!
Claudio reels Eddie in, straitjacket for the RICOLA- RANA!! Cover, TWO!! Claudio has the cover, TWO!! Flashbacks to Supercard of Honor there, but Eddie is up! Into an UPPERCUT!! Cover, TWO?!? Eddie survives and Claudio is furious! Claudio drags Eddie up, straitjacket, RICOLA BOMB!! Cover, TWO?!?! New York is electric as Eddie still lives! Claudio is beside himself, but he pulls off the elbow pad now. Claudio drags Eddie up, talks some trash, and UPPERCUTS! URAKEN!! URAKEN!! Then a half nelson, HALF ‘N’ HALF PLEX!! Claudio stands, into the URAKEN!! NORTHERN LIGHTS BOMB!!! Cover, TWO!?!?
Fans are electric again as Eddie powers up! Eddie drags Claudio up, reels him in, but Claudio fights the lift! Claudio then UPPERCUTS! Eddie URAKENS!! And POWERBOMBS!! High stack, EDDIE WINS!!
Winner: Eddie Kingston, by pinfall (still NJPW Strong Openweight & NEW ROH World Champion)
He has done it! The Mad King has conquered Claudio and now reigns over two kingdoms! Yuta tells Claudio that yes, it really did happen. Yuta helps Claudio to his feet, and Eddie keeps his eyes on them. Claudio offers a handshake, and Eddie… accepts it! Claudio hands the ROH title over then takes his leave. Fans chant “You Deserve It!” and that is an understatement. How much more history will be made by Eddie Kingston now?
The Kingdom visits Roderick Strong in the hospital.
This was recorded sometime last week after Dynamite. Matt Taven & Mike Bennett sit by Roddy’s bedside as the nurse fluffs Roddy’s pillow. Mike says they wanted to invite everyone here so they could personally thank everyone for all the gifts and cards. Taven likes this card here. “I hope it makes your day brighter knowing how much everyone cares. Your attention to neck health awareness has been inspirational, and one day, I hope to be as neck strong as you. XOXO Olga.” Mike excuses the nurse and then Adam Cole visits. Roddy calls out to Adam and asks where he is, he can’t see. Then open your eyes.
Roddy does open his eyes and is happy to see Cole is here. Of course he is, he wouldn’t miss this for the world. Cole then says hi to The Kingdom and they ask him where he’s been. He got here as quick as he could. Oh, convenient, Cole shows up just as The Kingdom has to leave. Mike tells Roddy sorry, they gotta go. They’re going to be the new #1 Contenders to the ROH World Tag Titles. Roddy understands. He knows they don’t need it, but good luck. New champs coming soon. Taven then insults Cole’s shirt and pants. Is that how he dresses when he’s mourning? Cole says that’s real appropriate to say.
Cole then tells Roddy that he is glad Roddy is doing okay, and Cole hates to do this but he has to leave soon, too. Max has the world title match with Samoa Joe, and after what happened all last week, Cole has to make sure Max will be okay. Roddy says who cares! What about him? Cole wants Roddy to know he loves him, but Max is the one in danger. Roddy makes the bed sit up so he can look at Cole properly, just so he can tell Cole to go. Then Roddy lowers himself back down. Will Cole be able to help MJF through whatever is coming?
Backstage interview with Christian Cage & Luchasaurus.
Renee Paquette is with Captain Charisma and the AEW TNT Champion to bring up that this Friday, Rampage: Grand Slam, it will be Darby Allin & Sting taking on these two in a tag team match. Obviously, Christian & Luchasaurus have a ton of experience- Christian cuts Renee off to say they have a ton of experience in defending the TNT Championship. And at Rampage: Grand Slam, Christian & Luchasaurus walk through Darby & Sting, and then move on from them. But obviously, Darby isn’t going to move on until he gets another chance at Christian’s- er, their TNT Championship!
So here’s a proposition: Saturday on Collision, Darby VS Christian VS Luchasaurus in a Triple Threat for the TNT Championship! Sound good to Darby? Oh, and one more little wrinkle: if Darby wants his shot, then Sting is not allowed at ringside! And when Darby steps into the ring for their Handicap- er, Triple Threat… Then Darby has as much a chance of winning this championship as both the Yankees and the Mets! ZERO! As for Friday, bring your boy. Christian & Luchasaurus head out, will they dominate this entire week?
Chris Jericho VS Sammy Guevara!
For the first time ever, The Ocho and the Spanish God go 1v1 with each other! They’re both ready to fight harder than they ever have before, but who will come out on top?
Sammy’s entrance has him wearing an LED vest as a reference to all of Jericho’s light up jackets, and Sammy even has Monteasy live to rap the theme song! Is this Sammy’s time to take flight? Or will he be unable to get off the ground with Judas in his mind?
The bell rings and fans fire up as the two circle. Sammy offers a handshake, Jericho accepts it, and the two tie up. Jericho headlocks, then switches and hammerlocks to headlock again. Sammy powers out, but Jericho runs him over, only for Sammy to kip up! So Jericho slaps Sammy! Sammy slaps back, and the hands start flying! Fans fire up and Sammy CHOPS! Jericho CHOPS! Repeat! Sammy gets the edge, whips, hurdles, flips over, and Jericho stumbles into the DROPKICK! Fans fire up as Sammy spins to hit his pose! And Jericho still joins in? Sammy is surprised by that and Jericho SLAPS him again!
Sammy goes to ropes, Jericho storms up but Sammy rolls him up! ONE, and Sammy cradles! ONE, and Jericho CHOPS! And CHOPS! Sammy CHOPS! Jericho CHOPS! Jericho CHOPS again, then CHOPS Sammy in the corner! Fans fire up as Jericho whips corner to corner. Jericho runs in but into an elbow! Sammy swings, Jericho spins him around, TIGER BACKBREAKER! Sammy goes to the apron but Jericho storms over. Triangle jump, but Sammy ducks and Jericho hits the floor! Sammy builds speed and FLIES! Direct hit and down goes Jericho! Fans fire up as Sammy puts Jericho in the ring.
Sammy goes up the corner, leaps, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Jericho hangs tough but Sammy keeps his cool. Sammy slashes his throat and he torture racks! But Jericho fights that, to hit a CODE BREAKER! Sammy goes to the apron again, but Jericho goes out after him. Fans rally as Jericho drags Sammy up, CLUBS him, but Sammy throws body shots. Jericho CLUBS and CLUSB and CLUBS Sammy, to then suplex. Sammy blocks, throws more body shots, but Jericho hits back! Then Jericho suplexes to the floor! Fans fire up while both men writhe and Dynamite goes picture in picture!
The ref checks both men but they’re okay to continue. Jericho drags himself up with the apron skirt, then soaks up the cheers and jeers from New York. Jericho drags Sammy up and SMACKS him off the desk! The ring count is climbing, but Jericho clears off the desk! Jericho SMACKS Sammy with the desk hood! Jericho slides into the ring to stop the count and soak up more cheers and jeers. Sammy stands up, and slides in at 9! Jericho stomps Sammy, drags him up and reels him in, for a BIG back suplex! Jericho smacks Sammy around, eggs him on, and brings him up again, but Sammy cradles! TWO! Jericho rushes in to BOOT Sammy down!
Jericho drags Sammy up again, puts him in a corner and on the top rope. Jericho CHOPS! And CHOPS! And then he climbs up, to rain down fists! Jericho goes all the way to TEN, then SUPER STEINERS! Sammy writhes, Jericho pushes him to a cover, TWO! Jericho huffs ‘n’ puffs and paces around as Dynamite returns to single picture. Fans rally, Jericho stands Sammy up and CHOPS! And CHOPS! Jericho eggs Sammy on, so Sammy CHOPS! And forearms! And CHOPS! Sammy fires off more, whips Jericho to ropes, but Jericho KICKS him away! Jericho runs, into a SPANISH FLY! Cover, TWO!
Both men stand and Jericho LARIATS Sammy down! And then LARIATS him again! Cover, TWO! Sammy is still in this and fans rally up. Jericho brings Sammy up, CHOPS him again, then has him in a corner. Jericho CHOPS, whips corner to corner, but Sammy goes up and over, ducks and steals the CODE BREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Jericho survives his own move and Sammy is beside himself. Jericho goes to the apron, Sammy runs in to BLAST him off! Jericho hits the desk! Sammy then goes to the apron, to then go up the corner?! Sammy aims, says a quick prayer, and ARIHARA MOONSAULTS!
Sammy clutches a leg, puts Jericho in, and he fires up! Fans are with Sammy as he goes to the apron. Sammy springboards, into a DROPKICK! Sammy goes back to the apron, Jericho triangle jumps, into a CALF KICK! Not the cleanest but something got Jericho. Sammy SUPERKICKS to knock Jericho down, and then he goes back up top! FLYING CUTTER!! Cover, TWO!! Jericho just gets that arm up and Sammy grows frustrated. Sammy drags Jericho up, torture racks, GO TO- NO, Jericho blocks! Jericho trips Sammy and has the legs! WALLS OF JERICHO!! Fans are thunderous while Sammy endures!
Jericho sits deep on the hold, but Sammy reaches out! Sammy crawls his way forward, but Jericho drags him back! Sammy clubs at Jericho’s legs, tuck sunder and throws hands from below! Sammy then throws Jericho away! Sammy JUMP KNEES Jericho to a corner! Sammy runs in, is put on the apron, and Jericho ROCKS him! Jericho goes up the other side of the corner! Jericho drags Sammy up to join him, CLUBS him, but Sammy throws hands in return. They both stand on the top rope, to SUPER CUTTER!! Both men are down and fans are losing their minds! Sammy crawls to the cover, TWO!!!
Jericho is still in this but Sammy is too sore to be upset. Sammy and Jericho sit up, Jericho goes to ropes but Sammy is right on him. Sammy CHOPS, then whips. Jericho reverses, but Sammy avoids the dropkick! Sammy goes to the ropes, LIONSAULT onto knees!! Jericho counters his own move, and then runs to BULLDOG! Fans fire up as Jericho lines up the shot, Jericho LIONSAULTS! Cover, TWO!! Jericho grits his teeth, but he also has a sinister grin on his face now. Jericho throws down fists, then he brings Sammy up for a knee to the head! And another! And another! Jericho runs, into a JUMP KNEE!
Sammy torture racks! GO TO HOSPITAL!! But Sammy doesn’t cover!? Sammy goes up the corner instead, takes aim, and SHOOTING STAR- CODE BREAKER!!! Cover, Jericho wins!!
Winner: Chris Jericho, by pinfall
Sammy gambled and just got busted! Jericho wins, proving why he is the master and Sammy is the apprentice. But the real question is, can these two still be friends? Jericho offers a hand, Sammy accepts, and they hug it out! Fans cheer as Le Sex Gods stick together! But then Sammy LOW BLOWS Jericho?! Jericho falls against Sammy but Sammy shoves him down! And here comes Don Callis?! No, Sammy, no! But Don pats Sammy on the shoulder. Don threw his friendship with Jericho away, and now takes away Jericho’s last friend! Will the Spanish God soon be a wrestling god thanks to the Don Callis Family?
MJF & Adam Cole pull into the parking lot.
The brochachos pull up in an emerald green Porsche, and as he steps out of the car, Maxwell Jacob Friedman calls out Samoa Joe! “I’ve been holding a grudge against you for eight long years. And when you decided to shove me, I took that and I turned it into a little ball, and I put that chip on my shoulder. And tonight, I take that chip and I bash your skull in! See, it was bad enough when you shoved me. But you took, and you took, and you took, and you tried to take away the two things now that are most precious to me: you are trying to take away my AEW World Championship, and you are trying to hurt my brother, Adam Cole.”
That is where Joe messed up. Tonight, MJF will choke Joe out in front of thousands of New Yorkers, MJF’s people! And the last thing Joe is gonna hear as he fades out is… “M! J! F! M! J! F!” Because they’re better than you, and Cole gets a call? It’s Roddy? Seriously? He’s upset but Cole wants him to talk it out. Cole says he still has MJF’s back but this is an emergency. Roddy, relax, you are not gonna die! Cole heads out to talk with Roddy about his neck, and MJF tells Joe, “Your ass is mine.” Will the ROH World Television Champion look to change that with his own two hands?
Backstage interview with Don Callis & Sammy Guevara.
Renee walks up to ask them if this all but confirms that Sammy has joined the Don Callis Family, but Don says not to cut her off, “but all will be revealed this Friday on Rampage. C’mon, kid, we got a lot to celebrate.” The two traitors head out, but then cross paths with Daniel Garcia! Sammy and Danny stare down, and then Sammy asks if he has something to say. Don has Sammy stand down and says Danny is money. For now, the two of them will go. Don gets Sammy outta there, but what are Danny’s feelings? He left the JAS, but is he upset Sammy joined the DCF?
AEW International Championship: Jon Moxley VS Rey Fenix w/ Alex Abrahantes!
The Maniac made it past the human skyscraper that is “Big Bill” Morrissey, but now he has to face what he did to the Immortal Firebird almost a month ago! Will Fenix burn Moxley down? Or will Moxley ace this, game, set and match?
Moxley goes up the ramp so he can drop his belt on top of Fenix’s cape. Moxley taunts Fenix, Fenix storms up after Moxley and CHOPS! Fans fire up as the brawl is on! Moxley ROCKS Fenix, whips him at the ring but Fenix goes up the ropes to JUMP SOBAT! Fans fire up while Moxley flops to the floor. Fenix uses the ramp as a runway to FLY and take Moxley down! Fans lose their minds and Fenix crawls his way over to Moxley. Moxley is dazed but Fenix’s back is sore from that landing. Fenix still stands up and he drags Moxley up. Fenix ROCKS Moxley, CHOPS him against railing, and then puts Moxley in the ring.
The bell finally sounds so this is a match! Fenix baits Moxley, avoids the stomp and then shoulders into Moxley! Fenix slingshots to sunset flip, ONE! Moxley stacks, TWO! Moxley staggers, Fenix kips up and things speed up. Fenix handsprings over the leg sweep! Moxley swings, Fenix catches him to CHOP, knuckle lock, and go up and up and FLYING ARM-DRAG! Moxley stands back up and Fenix somersaults, into a FOREARM! Moxley is done playing around, and he runs to CURB STOMP! Cover, TWO! Fenix survives the shoutout to the Visionary, but Moxley rains down fists! Moxley then shifts to a cover, TWO!
Moxley has the double wristlock but Fenix fights up with body shots. Moxley facelocks but Fenix powers out to BITE the hand! Fenix BOOTS the punch, CHOPS and CHOPS but Moxley pokes the eyes! Moxley whips, Fenix tiger feints but into a BOOT! Fenix flounders to the ramp and then the floor but Moxley pursues. The ring count climbs and Moxley CHOPS Fenix against railing! Moxley dumps Fenix over into the front row! Fans fire up as Fenix drags himself up. Moxley drags Fenix up but Fenix throws body shots! Fenix ROCKS Mox, then pushes him away. Fenix jumps up onto the railing, but Moxley shoves him back down!
Moxley has Fenix on the railing, to DRAPING PARADIGM SHIFT!! Fenix is dazed now and Moxley gets a chair! The ref reprimands so Moxley puts Fenix in the ring. Cover, TWO! Fenix is hanging tough but Moxley eggs him on. Fenix chops but that was nothing, and Moxley BOOTS him! Moxley rains down fists, lets off, and Fenix crawls to a corner. Moxley storms over, brings him up, and clotheslines! Moxley flips fans off, runs in, but Fenix dodges to GAMANGIRI! And GAMANGIRI! And then JUMP SOBAT! Moxley staggers, into the SOMERSAULT CUTTER! Cover, TWO!! But Fenix hurries to a corner and goes right up! FROG SPLASH! Cover, TWO!!
Moxley is still in this but Fenix fires up again. Fans are with him as he runs, but into a KING KONG LARIAT! Moxley roars, fans fire up even more, and then Moxley flips off Fenix. Abrahantes coaches Fenix up, and he kips up to his feet! Fenix dodges Mox to SUPERKICK him out of the ring! Fenix goes out after him, brings him around, and puts him on the railing now! Fenix goes to the apron, then up the corner! Fans are losing their minds already, SUPER FLYING LEG DROP!!! Both men crash down and Dynamite goes picture in picture!
The ref checks both men and they’re somehow okay to continue. Abrahantes coaches Fenix as he and Moxley stir. Moxley crawls to the ring, Fenix follows and pushes him in. Fenix then aims from the apron, springboards, but into a kick! PARADIGM SHIFT!! Cover, TWO!! Fenix survives but Moxley just snarls and storms around. Moxley gets Fenix’s legs, ties them up, and has a TEXAS CLOVERLEAF!! Fenix endures, reaches out, and fans rally as he fights forward. But Moxley shifts to a CLOVERLEAF STF!! Moxley grinds the hold, then shifts to just a facelock. Moxley drags Fenix up, Gotch hold for the PILEDRIVER!! Cover, TWO!!!
Fenix survives again and Moxley is fuming! Moxley storms around the ring, Abrahantes coaches Fenix and the fans rally up. Moxley clamps on with a SLEEPER, then drags Fenix up again. Moxley CHOPS Fenix to the corner and Fenix drops to his knees! Moxley stands Fenix up to CHOP again! Dynamite returns to single picture and Moxley storms around. Fenix sputters, stands, and CHOPS! Moxley forearms, then he puts Fenix back in a corner. Moxley puts Fenix up top, climbs up to join him, but Fenix resists with body shots. Fans rally as Fenix HEADBUTTS and HEADBUTTS! Moxley falls, Fenix jumps to DIVING DOUBLE STOMP!!
Both men are down and New York is thunderous again! Fenix crawls to a cover, TWO! Fenix drags Moxley up and reels him in but Moxley resists the lift. Fenix CLUBS Moxley, but Moxley Alabama Lifts him! Fenix still CLUBS Moxley, they end up on ropes, and Moxley throws body shots! Moxley DECKS Fenix to the outside! Moxley goes out to run downhill, CURB STOMP ON THE RAMP!! Fans sing “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” for the Visionary as Moxley drags Fenix in. Moxley lifts, to stall, and PILEDRIVER!! Cover, TWO?!?! Fenix survives and fans are thunderous again! Moxley is seething and he drags Fenix back up.
Moxley puts Fenix in a corner, CHOPS him, and CHOPS him, and then hoists Fenix up top. Moxley goes up, underhooks, but Fenix fights! Moxley falls, Fenix adjusts, SWANTON BOMB!! Then Fenix drags Moxley up and fireman’s carries, to BLACK FIRE DRIVER!! Cover, TWO?!?! HOW?!? Fans call BS, that twitch could NOT have been enough! But Fenix figures F it, BLACK FIRE DRIVER again!!! Cover, FENIX WINS!!
Winner: Rey Fenix, by pinfall (NEW AEW International Champion)
New York cannot believe it but they are loving it! Moxley’s reign ends after just three defenses, and Fenix has his vengeance! Death Triangle regains the gold once held by The Bastard, will Fenix blaze his own trail with this title? As for Moxley, he is getting checked by medics, what condition will he be in after such an epic fight?
Samoa Joe speaks.
“Oh Maaaax~! You feel it, Max? The night is upon us, a great celebration! Tonight is a night of consequences. And Max, you have run your mouth, you have made your angst known, you have told the world you’ve harbored your grudge against me for eight years.” But MJF better be prepared to hold onto that grudge a little longer, because Joe will smash him from pillar to post, in front of MJF’s people! And tonight, Joe finishes taking what he was trying to take from MJF all those years ago. But it won’t be MJF’s future, it’ll be his championship. We’ve already seen the landscape shift, will the One True King of Wrestling Television add to that?
AEW takes a closer look at the ROH World Tag Team Championship #1 Contenders match.
Matt Hardy says that Friday on Rampage: Grand Slam, he and Jeff will compete in a match, with the winners going on to face MJF & Adam Cole for the ROH World Tag Team Championships at WrestleDream! But Matt Taven says they are the OGK, and the Melvins will put respect on the name of The Kingdom. Mike says that they do three things this Friday: Punch ’em in the wiener; hit ’em with piledrivers; and become the #1 Contenders! Best Friends join in, and Trent says this is one more shot for the boys to go on and get another shot to win the big one. Chuck knows MJF & Cole say they’re best friends, but we all know there is only one set of Best Friends that matter, and it’s these two!
Vincent says that a long time ago, being crazy meant something. But now, everybody’s crazy! The Righteous is here to purify AEW, and it starts this Friday on Rampage. Dig what they’re saying? It’s a Fatal 4 of four powerful teams, but who will come away with those golden tickets to Seattle?
AEW Women’s World Championship: Saraya w/ Ruby Soho VS Toni Storm!
The Outcasts used to be a strong trio within the AEW Women’s Division, but this very title is what tore apart the friendship of The Knight and the Lightning. Saraya won an All In London Fatal 4 to become champion, but Storm won the Fatal 4 to earn this match! Will Storm complete the #PortraitofaStar with some gold? Or will this Knight still reign?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is the real star of the AEW Women’s Division!
The bell rings and Storm wants a hug? Saraya says no, she’s crazy as a loon and totally betrayed The Outcasts! Storm still offers, so Saraya SLAPS her! Fans boo and Storm looks hurt emotionally. Saraya SLAPS Storm again and says Storm is nothing without Saraya! “You need me! YOU NEED ME!” Then she SLAPS Storm again! So now Storm smiles? Saraya is confused, but Storm CHPOS her! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS again! Ruby shouts from the apron but Storm rushes over! Storm avoids Ruby’s cheap shot to CHOP her down! But Saraya BOOTS Storm down! Fans boo but Saraya tells Storm she’s a stupid cow!
Saraya has Storm on ropes, goes to the apron, and fires off knee after knee after knee! Storm flops to the floor and Saraya soaks up the heat. But then Storm trips Saraya up! Saraya hits the apron, Storm pushes her back in the ring. Storm sees Ruby standing there, and she goes under the ring? What in the world? The ref goes to check with Saraya, Storm sticks her feet out and Ruby drags her out from under there. Storm has SHOES! She kicks Ruby, then SLAPS her with those slippers! Fans fire up and Storm goes back to the ring. The ref says drop the shoe, then snatches the slipper away. But he misses the HIGH HEEL SHOT!! Cover, TWO!!
Storm is furious that Saraya survives! Storm argues with the ref then throws a fit as Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Storm drags Saraya into ropes, drapes her out, to DRAPING DDT to the ramp!! Ruby rushes up to check Saraya, her neck is a major issue for her. Storm is torn between remorse and rage, but Saraya seems okay to continue. So Storm drags her in through the ropes, to DRAPING DDT again!! Cover, TWO!! Saraya survives and Storm seethes. Storm storms around, pursues Saraya out of the ring, but tells Ruby to back off. But that distraction allows Saraya to BOOT Storm! Saraya then SMACKS Storm off the desk! Storm staggers and flounders away, then Saraya CLUBS her! Saraya scowls as she stands Storm up to CHOP!
Saraya pushes Storm into the ring, tells fans off, then hops back in. But Storm ROCKS her! And CLUBS her! And CHPOS her! Saraya goes to a corner, Storm hoists her up top, and then ROCKS her! Storm climbs, Saraya hits back, they brawl up top! Storm CLUBS and CLUBS and CLUBS, then stands Saraya up. Saraya fights back with body shots, and she CLUBS away on Storm now! Saraya adjusts, to SUPER SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Storm survives and Dynamite returns to single picture! Ruby is furious while Saraya argues with the ref. Fans boo as Ruby tries to start a Saraya chant.
Saraya sits Storm up but Storm hits first! Saraya hits back, Storm hits again! They go back and forth, forearm for forearm, and fans fire up as Storm just HAMMERS away! Fans are thunderous for Storm and she grabs a turnbuckle. Storm rips the pad right off! The ref takes that but the buckle is still exposed. And then Storm gets the spray paint! Ruby snatches that away, payback for that TBS Championship screw job! The ref argues with Ruby, then with Storm, and Ruby rolls the can to Saraya! Saraya SPRAYS Storm in the face!! KNIGHT CAP!! Cover, TWO?!?! Storm survives the flashback to All In!
New York is thunderous but Saraya is furious! Saraya slaps Storm around, drags her up, and bumps her off buckles! And again! And then she considers the bare buckle. Saraya sits Storm in the corner but Ruby wants her to finish this! Saraya stomps but Storm blocks! Storm sets the foot down, to KISS Saraya!? And then reel her in! STORM ZERO!!! Cover, TWO!?! Storm’s kiss goodbye didn’t finish this! But Storm puts Saraya in the corner, against that bare buckle! Storm goes to the far corner, says “I’m sorry, I love you.” SWEET HIP- NO, Saraya moves and the buckle gets Storm in the booty! Saraya reels Storm in and onto the ropes, DRAPING KNIGHT CAP!!! Cover, Saraya wins!!
Winner: Saraya, by pinfall (still AEW Women’s World Champion)
Saraya shouts that Storm forced her to do that! Storm reaches out, but The Outcasts leave her behind. Will Saraya & Soho move on from Storm to conquer the entire AEW Women’s Division?
BREAKING NEWS for Rampage: Grand Slam!
Considering it is a TWO HOUR special edition for Arthur Ashe, there’s more action to be had! And in a Mixed Trios match, Kris Statlander joins #OrangeHook to take on Anna Jay, Matthew Menard & Angelo Parker! Will the TBS Champion, the FTW Champion and Freshly Squeezed prove why they’re The Galaxy’s Greatest? Or will they owe some title shots to the sports… enner-tay-ners?
Then Skye Blue takes on Julia Hart in a battle of two young and hungry stars wanting their shot at some gold! Plus, after making a comeback at All In London, after sharing his side of the story, Mike Santana gets back in the ring! Will he blaze a trail to the top, all by himself?
BREAKING NEWS for Collision!
On top of the TNT Championship “Triple Threat” of Luchasaurus VS Christian Cage VS Darby Allin, Andrade El Idolo accepts Jay White’s challenge from last Saturday! Will the Latin Idol learn what it means to Breathe With The Switchblade? Then Rob Van Dam competes in his home state of Michigan, FTR defends the AEW World Tag Team Championships against The Workhorsemen, and Bryan Danielson gives Ricky Starks his rematch, in a TEXAS DEATH MATCH! With as much blood as was shed at All Out, how much more violent will the American Dragon and Absolute go?
AEW World Championship: MJF w/ Adam Cole VS Samoa Joe!
It’s the moment of truth! After watching the Grand Slam World Title Eliminator Tournament, Maxwell Jacob Friedman was very… happy(?) to see that the King of Wrestling TV won the right to have this match. MJF threw some Steiner math at Joe but now it’s time to put it to the test! Will the hometown antihero finally have his revenge? Or will we soon be calling him #TwoBeltJoe?
MJF’s entrance is an homage to Bret Hart and Mean Joe Greene. A kid shouts out to MJF, tells him to go get ’em, champ, and then MJF nods and gives the kid his scarf. And also whispers something before heading out. What’d he say? That the kid’s adopted?! Anyway… The introductions are made, the Triple B is raised, and we see who finishes Dynamite with a Grand Slam!
The bell rings and the fans are thunderous already for MJF. MJF and Joe circle, feel things out, and then Joe kicks a leg! MJF backs away to a corner, resets with Joe, and they feel things out again. Fans chant “He’s Our Scumbag!” but Joe just smirks. They circle, Joe corners MJF but the ref has him back off. So MJF pokes Joe in the eye! MJF hops on for a SLEEPER, but Joe THROWS MJF down! MJF clutches his neck, and conspicuous by his absence is Adam Cole. Was Roddy’s “emergency” more engrossing than Cole thought? Joe looms over MJF as MJF sits up, and MJF stands to say he’s okay. Joe CLUBS him down for it!
Joe stomps MJF, fans boo, but Joe stomps MJF on the neck! MJF goes to a corner, Joe JABS and JABS and JABS! Joe sits MJF down, then RIDGEHANDS him down! Fans boo but Joe just says “SUCK IT!” Joe eggs MJF on, drags him from the corner, and clamps on a neck wrench! MJF endures the torture but the fans rally up behind him. MJF fights up, throws body shots, but Joe throws him down by his hair! The ref reprimands but Joe drags MJF up to atomic drop! Joe runs but MJF dodges the boot! MJF kicks, Joe blocks and MJF apologizes, only to poke Joe in the eyes again! MJF jumps on for a SLEEPER!
Joe RAMS MJF into buckles! Joe is free, and he runs to BOOT! And SENTON! Cover, TWO! Joe paces, not at all bothered. Joe then drags MJF up, but MJF JABS, throat chops, and runs at the corner, into the “SIT YO ASS DOWN!” URENAGE! Joe paces while Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Now Joe covers, ROPEBREAK! MJF saves himself by fingertips but Joe just drags him to the outside. Joe CLUBS MJF against the apron! MJF sputters, Joe drags him out and whips him hard into railing! MJF falls in a heap and Joe mockingly applauds. Joe then storms back over, drags MJF back up and puts him back in the ring. Joe CLUBS MJF again and MJF flounders away. Joe hurries in after MJF, CHOKES him on the ropes, but lets off as the ref counts 4. MJF sputters, only for Joe to KICK him in the side! Joe paces, drags MJF up, and snapmares to then neck wrench again! MJF endures all over again but the fans still rally.
MJF fights up, using Joe’s twisting for leverage, and he throws body shots! MJF runs, but Joe CLOBBERS him! Cover, TWO! MJF is hanging in there but Joe keeps his cool. Joe drags MJF up and puts him in a corner to JAB! JAB! JAB! And CHOP! MJF leans against ropes and the ref reprimands Joe, but Joe JABS MJF again as Dynamite returns to single picture. Fans rally as hard as they can for MJF and he fires forearms back! Joe HEADBUTTS, then he hoists MJF up top! Joe tucks MJF in but MJF sunset flips! Stack cover, TWO! SUPERKICK! MJF learned that one from his brochacho! But Joe stays up, so MJF short arm LARIATS!
Joe is still up so MJF LARIATS again! Joe is still up, so MJF runs to LARIAT! That takes as much out of MJF as it does Joe, but fans are thunderous as MJF goes again. Joe LARIATS MJF down!! Cover, TWO!! Joe is getting annoyed now but he rips MJF’s new shirt up! Then he wipes his butt with it and throws it down on MJF! Fans boo and MJF is furious, that was his loving tribute to the New York MLB legacy! Joe gives scuffing kicks and toying pie faces. MJF is getting mad now! Joe HEADBUTTS, and MJF just glares at him! Joe SLAPS MJF, then CLUBS him! MJF fires off forearms!
Joe puts MJF in the corner, but MJF dodges to CLAW the back, and bump Joe off buckles again and again and again! Fans count all the way to TEN! MJF goes up to then rain down fists! Fans count all the way to nine, because then MJF BITES Joe’s head!! The ref reprimands, Joe shoves MJF away, but MJF backflips and lands perfectly!! MJF has New York all fired up as he takes the kangaroo stance! KANGAROO KICK!! Joe flops out of the ring, MJF kips up and shakes the ropes! Fans are thunderous but MJF stops because his neck bothers him again. The chants of “M J F! M J F!” gets MJF back to his feet!
MJF pounds the mat, fans rally, and MJF builds speed! No doubts this time, MJF DIVE into a GAMANGIRI! Joe goes up to get MJF on the apron, fireman’s carry, APRON DEATH VALLEY DRIVER!!! Joe then laughs as he watches MJF down on the floor! Joe drags MJF up while fans boo, and Joe puts MJF in the ring. Cover, TWO!! MJF is still in this and the fans are thunderous again! Joe is amused, but also rather frustrated. Joe goes out, and he brings out a TABLE! Fans are torn but they do love tables! Joe puts that table against railing, then drags MJF out of the ring! The ref reprimands but Joe brings MJF over.
Joe clinches, and URENAGES MJF through the table!! The ref reprimands, fans boo, but Joe just laughs again. Joe drags MJF up out of the wreckage, puts him back in the ring, and covers, TWO?!?!? MJF survives and the fans are thunderous again! Joe nods, he might even respect the fighting spirit. But now he pulls padding off the concrete floor!! Joe drags MJF out of the ring again, the ref reprimands, and they go to the bare floor! But MJF fights free, to BITE Joe’s leg!! Fans fire up as MJF lets off that, to reel Joe in! But MJF’s neck won’t let him lift Joe! Joe kicks MJF, reels him back in, and gets him up to PILEDRIVER to the concrete!!!
Fans are losing their minds and the ref freaks out! The medics check MJF but Joe just has an evil smile on his face! Joe looms over MJF but the ref has him back off. Joe doesn’t care, he SWATS and BOOTS medics and security! Joe drags MJF up and into the ring! Joe figures he can pay the finds once he has two champ checks! Cover, TWO!??!?! Joe is stunned!! Devil or not, MJF is not human!! Joe drags MJF up, and he says MJF better give up or else. MJF SPITS in Joe’s face! So Joe DECKS MJF!! Joe then drags MJF back to his feet, runs, and LARI- NO, MJF slips through, reels Joe in, and manages a POWERBOMB?!?! Cover, TWO!!!!
The fans are electric as both men are down! “This is Awesome!” as Joe and MJF stir! Joe sits up, as does MJF. They stand, and Joe CHOPS! Joe runs, but MJF ROCKS him with a forearm! Joe CHOPS, but MJF seethes to forearm! They go shot for shot, MJF SUPERKICKS! Joe ROCKS MJF! And again, and again, and again! Joe runs one more time, but MJF gets around to a SLEEPER! But Joe gets around, to a COQUINA! MJF grabs at the ref, and then LOW BLOW MULE KICKS in the distraction!! Fans fire up as MJF gets away from Joe. MJF then gets his Dynamite Diamond Ring out! MJF gives it a kiss and puts it on the pinkie!
MJF runs in, but Joe puts the ref in the way! The ref sees the diamond ring and confiscates it! Then Joe LOW BLOWS MJF!! Joe puts MJF up top, tuck shim in, MUSCLE BUSTER!!!! Cover, TWO?!?!?! HOW?!?!? Joe can’t even explain it!! The fans are volcanic as Joe drags MJF back up, into a SLEEPER!! MJF flails, reaches out, but Joe is leaning on him! The hand falls once! But wait! Here comes Adam Cole!! Cole coaches MJF on but the hand falls twice! Cole pounds the mat, fans rally up even harder, and MJF comes back to life!! MJF fights up and again Joe can’t explain it! MJF stands to BITE the arm!!
Joe lets go, MJF victory rolls! TWO!! MJF hurries to have a SLEEPER of his own!! Joe fights up, and he RAMS MJF into a corner! The ref had to bail out to avoid the impact! Cole distracts Joe on the apron, MJF undoes some wrist tape, and MJF CHOKES Joe with the wrist tape garrote!!! MJF hides it inside the sleeper!! The ref revives, MJF has Joe in body scissors!! The ref checks, Joe is OUT! MJF wins!!
Winner: MJF, by submission (still AEW World Champion)
MJF hides the evidence in his armpit, but then it falls out as the ref raises his hand in victory! MJF keeps the ref distracted and Cole takes care of truly hiding the evidence. MJF and Cole hug to celebrate, Cole had MJF’s back in the end. But Joe knows it, and he shoves Cole! MJF gets in the way to keep this from getting worse. Joe snarls, but he offers a handshake? MJF is wary, he knows all the tricks in the book, but fans want to see it. MJF takes the handshake, and there is now respect instead of a grudge. Will the One True King of Wrestling Television have to settle for defending his one crown?
As for the brochachos, they stand together with all their belts! The medics still check with MJF, that neck has to be killing him. With both the AEW World Championship and the ROH World Tag Team Championship around his waist, how long can MJF keep this up?
My Thoughts:
An awesome Dynamite for Grand Slam 2023, with the right balance of action and talking. A little surprised they didn’t open with the International Championship, but the Winner Takes All match was a great choice all the same. The right choice was made here with Eddie winning the ROH World Championship. Claudio doesn’t have to worry about going to ROH tapings when he only did so rarely, and Eddie can go back and forth between ROH and NJPW Strong, just as I’ve been saying since this match was teased. Then speaking of the International Championship, it was awesome stuff, but clearly, there was something along the lines of a concussion there with Moxley. Fenix wasn’t supposed to win, but winning the title given the injury makes sense. And hopefully Moxley is alright.
Jericho VS Sammy was great, and it was very surprising that Jericho won clean. But in the end, that’s because Sammy was gonna turn on him and join Don Callis! I like that Daniel Garcia’s part in this story is to now be the one member of the former JAS that left Jericho behind, who might now return to his side. Garcia VS Guevara is going to be great stuff, and at least there’s now more than two people in the Don Callis Family. Still waiting on Kota Ibushi responding to Don & Konosuke claiming they’re gonna end his career.
Really good promo from Christian Cage & Luchasaurus, but uh, isn’t having a TNT Championship match on Collision after the Rampage tag match a little too soon? Though, given Christian is only making such a match so he and Luchasaurus can beat down Darby and one of them still has the title is definitely more TV programming than PPV programming. Then maybe Darby gets a proper title rematch at WrestleDream to add another hometown wrestler to the card. The ROH World Six Man Tag Championships being the Rampage main event is great for the building story of Swerve VS Hangman, and might actually give Mogul Embassy a chance to retain.
Great title match from Saraya VS Storm, with great character work and references back to the previous matches. But as such, of course Ruby helps Saraya retain, and who knows where Storm goes from here. Good promo to set up the Tag Team Fatal 4 Way, but I still feel The Kingdom wins that to then challenge MJF & Cole. Great promo from The Kingdom with Roddy and Cole, and how that tied into Cole not being around for most of MJF VS Joe. Good promos from MJF and Joe, too, and we got a PPV worthy title match. MJF has now reached that Eddie Guerrero level where he can cheat and do Heel things but is still Face because the fans love him. As such, MJF wins, and it is great to see Joe show him respect.
Joe will still have plenty to do with his ROH TV title, and now I think AEW really commits to how Roddy & The Kingdom will get in between MJF & Cole, take those tag titles, and then MJF VS Cole Round 3 happens at like Full Gear to settle things once and for all.
My Score: 9/10
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