Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE WrestleMania Backlash Results & Report! (5/16/21)
Will Roman Reigns acknowledge Cesaro?
Not the Grandest Stage, but close enough!
Don’t get it twisted! WrestleMania happened, but someone’s gonna feel the Backlash! Will Roman Reigns still be Tribal Chief and WWE Universal Champion after facing the Swiss Superman?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kickoff Show – Open Challenge: Sheamus VS ???; Sheamus wins.
- Raw Women’s Championship Triple Threat: Rhea Ripley VS Asuka VS Charlotte Flair; Rhea wins and retains the title.
- SmackDown Tag Team Championships: The Dirty Dawgs VS The Mysterios; The Mysterios win and become new SmackDown Tag Team Champions.
- Lumberjack Match: Damian Priest VS The Miz; Priest wins.
- SmackDown Women’s Championship: Bianca Belair VS Bayley; Bianca wins and retains the title.
- WWE World Championship Triple Threat: Bobby Lashley w/ MVP VS Drew McIntyre VS Braun Strowman; Lashley wins and retains the title.
- WWE Universal Championship: Roman Reigns w/ Paul Heyman VS Cesaro; Roman wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
It’s the #WrestleManiaBacklash Kickoff Show!
Join Kayla Braxton, Booker T, John “Bradshaw” Layfield and Peter Rosenberg in discussing, analyzing and predicting all the action for tonight!
Sonya Deville joins the panel!
She feels like she should join them permanently. JBL will gladly trade Pete for her. But they know Bianca VS Sasha was match of the night for WrestleMania 37. Bianca VS Bayley, how does she see this going? Sonya knows Bayley has experience on her side but Bianca is just red hot. Bayley can get under your skin, that could be what messes up Bianca tonight. Kayla agrees, Bianca is still green, she might not be ready for the mind games. Booker says preparation is the only luck you’ll ever have. Bianca is prepared, but you cannot sleep on Bayley. This isn’t about perfume and make-up, but cashing checks and winning belts.
JBL says he and Bayley are both role models, wonderful people, those that people want to be like. But he agrees with Booker: every once in awhile, you see someone come into sports and take things to a new level. That is Bianca. She could be greatest of all time on a new level. Bayley is the only one to beat Bianca since she came to SmackDown, though, and that could help her. Peter knows Bianca’s got a great story, but Bayley has been unbelievable these last few years. Bayley could be best in the business today on all levels. Booker agrees there. At a certain point, the lightbulb turns on and that turned on early for Bayley. Bayley could flip the script.
Sonya says the common dominator is both women are so consistent. You can count on both women to perform no matter what. It isn’t just talk, it isn’t just hype, it’s real. Bianca isn’t afraid of the spotlight, but will she shine under it?
And then there’s Priest VS Miz in a Lumberjack match! Priest chose this stipulation, he wants to make sure Miz can’t run away. Priest said last week that it could be Raw superstars, SmackDown superstars, zombies and aliens, one way or another, Miz gets dealt with! Now, don’t expect all that, but the legends know that the Lumberjack match mindset is that you’re locked into the situation and will have to fight until the end. Miz is in that situation, but he’s also someone Booker truly believes can handle it. Miz won’t weasel his way out, he’s a fighter. He came up the old school way so Priest better watch out!
JBL goes with the “future mayor of Houston, Texas” on that. Miz is a TWO-TIME Grand Slam Champion. Priest has this bravado, but he might regret this. The Lumberjacks outside will not let either man get away. Miz “takes a walk” a bit, but that’s still within the rules. Miz knows what it is with this kind of match, so he’ll have tricks up his sleeve. The last one of these Miz was in, though, he LOST to Bobby Lashley! He wants to redeem himself for that and for WrestleMania against Bad Bunny! Peter, stop sucking up to Bunny so you can get him on your show!
When it comes to the Raw Women’s Championship Triple Threat, Kayla says it is Sonya’s fault we’re here. Sonya says this is something worth watching. Charlotte Flair has every right to be in the title picture. Is Rhea Ripley a force to be reckoned with? Yes, she’s champion. That doesn’t mean you write Charlotte out of the picture. Charlotte grabs the brass ring each time. Pete does say it looked like there was, well, not bullying, but some pressure. Sonya says she runs this, but she won’t judge Pete. She and Pearce each make decisions, she’s just doing her job. But what does that say to the locker room that Charlotte is getting this treatment and no one else is?
Sonya hates the notion of how just because she’s a Flair, she gets special treatment. Charlotte has the talent and the track record to prove she’s worthy, so Sonya will do what she sees is fit. Pete will admit, you can’t result of this result, this is going to be great. But Charlotte attacked a ref, got suspended, and is now just back! “We all make mistakes,” and Sonya could name the ones Kayla’s made. We move on and get better. Kayla is ready to say something back but says this is live so she can’t. Whoa~! Kayla is wondering will this Triple Threat only split Rhea’s focus? Sonya says the Asuka VS Rhea match was to smash the tension so it could be a fair Triple Threat.
Fair Triple Threat? There’s no such thing! Sonya says they should focus on the title, not their personal grudges. But a champion could lose the title without taking the pin, so it isn’t really fair. Sonya says they all got caught up in their heads, this was to make an even playing field. And look at how hyped we all are for this match! That is Sonya’s job. Good point. But the legends know all about this, these matches always screw the champion. It’s Rhea’s time to shine but she’ll have to be on guard at all times because she could lose without losing. “Fairness” is up for debate, but this will be a lot of fun. And what greater challenge for a champion than to put her to the test. If Rhea wins this, she’ll have even more confidence! So this was in Rhea’s best interest? Of course! If Sonya says so.
The Dirty Dawgs find Dominik Mysterio backstage.
They tell him to go find his dad and get ready. But then they stand in his way. And then they step to him. Dom flinches, but then Ziggler HEADBUTTS Dom! Roode throws Dom into road cases and into walls! “Put him down!” Roode assaults Dom in the corner of the room, and then Ziggler helps him get a spare case up and over to throw onto Dom! “See you out there, kid!” Referees rush over and someone goes to find Rey! Will Dom be able to do anything to get back at the obnoxious champions?
Open Challenge: Sheamus VS ???
The Celtic Warrior survived the match with Humberto Carrillo while Carrillo wasn’t as lucky. Carrillo is out with a bad leg, but Sheamus’ mouth still works. “What’s the crack? Sheamy’s here on the kickoff, fella!” He’s issued more open challenges to anyone and everyone who wants to step to the champ! And tonight won’t be any different! He wants another open challenge, but it still won’t be a title match. Those dopes of the past gave away matches, but Sheamus wants people to EARN the opportunity! So anyone who wants to try and take the greatest superstar of all, THE WWE US Champion, come and get it, fella!
The one to answer is RICOCHET! The One and Only returns from WWE Main Event to see if he can earn his way back to this title! Will the Celtic Warrior not be ready for the King of Flight?
The bell rings, Sheamus isn’t taking Ricochet seriously and he gets SHOTUGN DROPKICK! Sheamus shoves, Ricochet runs and collides with him! Ricochet kicks but Sheamus blocks it, so Ricochet SLAPS him! Sheamus CLOBBERS Ricochet and seethes as he stalks Ricochet to a corner. Sheamus throws heavy hands, CLUBS Ricochet on the back, then TOSSES him across the way! Ricochet gets to the other corner, Sheamus digs his fingers into Ricochet’s face. Ricochet throws hands, runs, but into a back elbow! Sheamus drags Ricochet up, ROCKS him with EuroUppers, and whips him corner to corner. Ricochet kicks back, CHOPS, then runs, but into the IRISH CURSE!
Sheamus looms over Ricochet as he writhes from the backbreaker. Sheamus kicks “Ricky” to a corner and stomps him. The ref counts, Sheamus lets off, and Sheamus has Ricochet through ropes to bend him back for Beats of the Bodhrain! Ricochet takes 10 before the ref counts 4, and Sheamus wipes the sweat from his brow. Sheamus stomps Ricochet around, tells him to cheer up, and puts on the DUBLIN SMILE! Ricochet endures the fish hooks, the ref reprimands, and Sheamus STOMPS Ricochet down. Sheamus says the ref is ruining the fun. Sheamus clamps onto Ricochet with a chinbar and armlock but Ricochet fights with haymakers and kicks!
Ricochet is free, he staggers up and jawbreakers Sheamus! Ricochet CHOPS and throws body shots but Sheamus KICKS him down! Sheamus gets Ricochet up but Ricochet throws back elbow after back elbow! Ricochet fires up, runs, but Sheamus reels him in to CLUB him on the back! Ricochet PELES! Sheamus wobbles while Ricochet fires back up! Ricochet BOOTS Sheamus, goes to a corner and boots again. Sheamus blocks that, shovels Ricochet up to an Alabama lift but Ricochet holds ropes to escape! Ricochet BOOTS, goes out and hotshots Sheamus away! Ricochet springboards, FLYING CLOTHESLINE! STANDING SHOOTING STAR, to the LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO!!
Sheamus survives and Ricochet is frustrated! Sheamus gets up slowly, but Ricochet CLUBS him on the back! Ricochet reels Sheamus in and fireman’s carries, but Sheamus CLUBS free! Sheamus fireman’s carries but Ricochet sunset flips! Sheamus rolls through to KNEE Ricochet to a corner! Sheamus runs in, Ricochet is up and over! BACKSTABBER! Ricochet crawls to the corner while Sheamus is down! Ricochet climbs the corner slowly, springboards again, 450 SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Sheamus survives again and Ricochet is beside himself! Ricochet grits his teeth, gets back to the corner and back up top, but Sheamus avoids the 630!
Sheamus kicks but Ricochet dodges the Brogue! Roll up, TWO! KNEE!! Cover, Sheamus wins!
Winner: Sheamus, by pinfall
It wasn’t a Brogue but it was a knockout shot! Sheamus gets his belt, his jacket and his hat, and is ready to move on already. “Look at that! Another victory for the Celtic Warrior!” Sheamus has issued more challenges than anyone in the history of the WWE! But Ricochet is back up, snatches the hat then dropkicks Sheamus down! Sheamus bails out but Ricochet snatches the jacket now! Ricochet does a dance in Sheamus’ stuff, dabs on ’em, then throws it back at him! Will Sheamus have to give Ricochet an opportunity for the title in order to get his revenge?
WrestleMania is what it’s all about, right?
Dave Batista narrates that The Grandest Stage is for the grandest moments. But listen up, champs. “It’s just that: a moment.” Understand that what you have is coveted, and that puts a target on your back. Batista knows. It could be for a short time or for all time, but the backlash is coming. A Tribal Chief may have to acknowledge a challenger. A Nightmare could end. One behemoth will overcome two. The EST could be D O N E. The stakes have been raised, anything could happen, and it is time to eliminate those in the way of victory! “Gamble with fate, bet on your strength, leave nothing and take everything.” WrestleMania’s Backlash is here, what’re you gonna do about it?
Raw Women’s Championship Triple Threat: Rhea Ripley VS Asuka VS Charlotte Flair!
Fair or not fair, that is the question. The answer will be found when the Nightmare takes on the Empress of Tomorrow AND the Queen of Flair at the same time! Will Rhea keep her reign going? Or will a wrestling royal retake the throne?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and Rhea faces her toughest challenge yet!
Rhea, Asuka and Charlotte all stare down as they approach center. They circle, each keeping space, but then Rhea rushes Charlotte. Charlotte bails out, Asuka and Rhea both tell her to get in. Charlotte doesn’t so they go out after her! Charlotte hurries back in the ring, Rhea runs in but Charlotte clotheslines! Asuka attacks, Rhea rolls Charlotte, Asuka breaks it! Asuka shoves Rhea, Rhea shoves back. Charlotte staggers into DOUBLE KICKS! Asuka and Rhea brawl now, Rhea fires off, and Rhea whips Asuka, but Asuka hip attacks Charlotte down! Asuka dodges Rhea, follows and wheelbarrows for the victory roll! ONE, and Asuka goes for a sunset flip! Rhea rolls through but Asuka wants the arm!
Rhea rolls, kicks free but Asuka kicks back! Asuka runs into the corner to HIP ATTACK! Asuka throws Rhea down, Charlotte drags Asuka out! EXPLODER! Charlotte scowls as she goes into the ring and counter punches Rhea! Rhea hits back, Charlotte pulls hair! Charlotte reels Rhea in but Rhea kicks back! Rhea runs but Charlotte collides shoulders! Charlotte vows to be a FOURTEEN time champion! Rhea dares her to try, so Charlotte runs. They RAM shoulders again and Rhea grins. Rhea runs now, but Charlotte follows to kitchen sink knee! And EXPLODER! Charlotte stomps a mudhole into Rhea, then drags her up to whip her corner to corner.
Rhea reverses the whip, Charlotte goes up and out and shoulders back in! But Asuka anchors Charlotte and Rhea WRECKS Charlotte with a dropkick! Asuka climbs, Rhea BOOTS her down and the ThunderDome is fired up for Rhea! Rhea goes out, Charlotte CHOP BLOCKS her! The Queen looms over both opponents and puts Asuka in. Charlotte stomps Asuka in a corner, digs her boots in, and doesn’t have to let up because No Disqualifications! Charlotte bends Asuka against ropes and shouts, “You’ll NEVER beat me! Never!” Charlotte lets Asuka go to cover, ONE! Asuka shakes her head, but Charlotte snapmares her and cartwheels to BOOT her down! Cover, TWO!
Charlotte tries another cover, TWO! Charlotte laughs though she’s frustrated. Charlotte pie faces Asuka and says Asuka knows Charlotte is better. Asuka fires off fast hands and kicks! Asuka whips, Charlotte blocks, but Asuka KICKS away on her legs! Charlotte breaks free, runs but Asuka dodges and comes back, FLYING ARMBAR TAKEDOWN! Charlotte scrambles, moves but into a triangle! Charlotte gets a leg around to ropebreak! Asuka lets go, to get the arm and throw Charlotte down the other way! Rhea stomps Asuka down! Rhea drags Charlotte up but Charlotte CHOPS and CHOPS! Charlotte reels Rhea in but Rhea gets around. Rhea runs into a backbreaker and BUCKLE SHOT!
Charlotte seethes while she leaves Rhea behind. Asuka gets up but Charlotte scoops her. Asuka slips out and gets the waistlock, but Charlotte elbows out hard! Charlotte CHOPS and CHOPS, and CHOPS Asuka off her feet! Rhea returns to wrench and LARIAT! And LAIAT! And ripcord HOOK KICK! DROPKICK for Asuka! Rhea grins as she spins Charlotte for a cravat and KNEE! Snapmare and basement dropkick! Rhea drags Charlotte up, NORTHERN LIGHTS SUPLEX! Bridging cover, Asuka breaks it in time! Asuka pops Rhea up for a KNEE of her own! But Rhea kicks from below! Asuka BUZZSAWS Rhea for that one!
Everyone is down but the fans rally up! Asuka fires up and she drags Charlotte up. Charlotte gets around but Asuka elbows her now! GERMAN SUPLEX for the Queen! And another GERMAN! HIP ATTACK for Rhea! Charlotte staggers up into a ROUNDHOUSE! Asuka aims at both opponents and gives KICK after KICK back and forth! KICK for Rhea, KICK for Charlotte! SLIDING WIZARD for Charlotte! Cover, TWO! Charlotte survives which means Rhea is still in this, too! Asuka fires up and goes to a corner. Asuka climbs, and missile dropkicks Rhea down! Charlotte is in a corner, Asuka runs in but is put on the outside. Asuka ROCKS Charlotte, KICKS Rhea down, but Charlotte KNOCKS Asuka down!
Charlotte sees her two opponents on the outside, goes to a corner and climbs up top! The Queen’s Gambit, the SUPER MOONSAULT!! Charlotte roars that this is HER division! She puts Asuka in, climbs back up, but Rhea anchors her! Charlotte fights, Rhea clubs away on her, and then Rhea climbs up to join her! Rhea gets Charlotte up, Charlotte resists the superplex, and Asuka adds on! She can’t get the bomb so she just joins Rhea in a DOUBLE SUPERPLEX!! All three women are down and the ThunderDome is fired up! Asuka and Rhea sit up first, grabbing at each other. They throw forearms, Charlotte sits up and joins in with her own forearms!
Charlotte hits Asuka, Asuka hits back, Rhea hits them, they’re hitting all over the place! They stand, Rhea HEADBUTTS Charlotte, HEADBUTTS Asuka, but Charlotte keeps going! The boot misses, the roundhouse misses, Asuka and Rhea work together again to double suplex Charlotte, only for her to land on her feet! DOUBLE CHOP BLOCK!! DOUBLE NATURAL SELECTION!!! DOUBLE COVER?!? TWO!!! Rhea and Asuka survive Charlotte’s attempt to pull a Roman Reigns! Charlotte drags Rhea by a leg and then brings Asuka over. They’re both in the drop zone, Charlotte climbs, but both women get clear of the moonsault! CODEBREAKER for Charlotte!
But Rhea clubs away on Asuka, RIP- NO! ASUKA LOCK!! Rhea powers out with elbows, then GERM- NO! Asuka fights the suplex, and dodges so the BOOT gets Rhea! Asuka gets Charlotte in the ASUKA LOCK! Charlotte rolls back, she knows it too well! Figure Four denied, Charlotte hits a buckle, Asuka hits a ROUNDHOUSE! Asuka HEEL KICKS Rhea to keep her down! Charlotte runs in but is put out! BACK HAND! Asuka runs into a BOOT! Rhea gets Asuka for the RIPTIDE!!! Cover, Rhea wins!!
Winner: Rhea Ripley, by pinfall (still Raw Women’s Champion)
The Queen tired to slip in at the right moment but it didn’t go her way! The Mosh Pit Kid keeps on going, and rubs it in Charlotte’s face! Will the Nightmare continue through to the Summer?
The Miz and John Morrison talk backstage.
Damian Priest chose a Lumberjack match? Really? Does Miz really seem like the kind to run away? Well he did run away on Monday. That’s besides the point! Morrison lost! Yeah, well, Morrison is going to talk tot he lumberjacks and let them know it is in their best interest to help Miz win. How is he going to do that? Johnny Drip Drip is very persuasive. He’s going to make sure Priest falls for the thirst trap! Miz doesn’t think Morrison knows the proper usage of that term. Well they don’t call Morrison the must moist-see superstar for nothing. Does anyone call him that?
SmackDown Tag Team Championships: The Dirty Dawgs VS The Mysterios!
We saw the Glorious Show-Offs bully and beat down Dom during the kickoff show, so we’re not even sure if this match will happen! Can the son show the same toughness as his father and persevere to make history?
Rey and Dom talk in the medic’s room, but Dom doesn’t look to be in any shape. Dom apologizes but Rey says they can live to fight another day. There will be another opportunity down the line. Rey will go alone if he must. Wait, is this going to be a handicap match for the titles now?!
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and does even the King of Lucha stand a chance against two Dirty Dawgs?
Rey goes after both Dawgs and the bell rings to get this on record! Roode CLUBS Rey, whips him but Rey sends Roode into Ziggler with a headscissors! Roll up, TWO! Rey keeps on Roode with a whip, but Roode reverses. Rey dodges, dropkicks Ziggler away, but Roode kicks low! Roode throws hands, whips, but Rey kicks back! Rey runs and slides under to SPLASH onto Ziggler! Roode goes out to CLUB Rey down! Roode brings Rey around, bumps him off the apron, and then refreshes the count. Roode stalks Rey around the way, scoops him, but Rey slips off to POST Roode! Rey gets in the ring and then goes to the apron, to SEATED SENTON Roode down!
Rey hurries back in the ring, but he has to have a champ in the ring with him! The Dawgs regroup, the count is 7 of 10, but both Dawgs get in at 9! Roode runs into a drop toehold, Rey fires off hammering hands, and he whips Roode. Roode reverses to kick low! Roode stalks Rey, scoops him but Rey pops up to victory roll, TWO!! LARIAT from Roode! Rey is down, Ziggler tags in, and Ziggler hurries to cover, TWO! Rey is still in this and Ziggler grows frustrated. Ziggler pushes Rey around, mockingly has him reach for a partner who isn’t there, then digs his fingers into Rey’s eyes! Ziggler laughs and points at the empty corner before he goes back to Rey.
Ziggler grinds fingers into Rey’s face, the ref counts, and Ziggler lets off at 4. Ziggler tags Roode and they mug Rey against ropes. Roode bumps Rey off buckles, throws forearms, and CHOPS! Roode whips Rey corner to corner hard! Rey bounces off buckles to hit the mat, and Roode again mocks him by daring him to tag someone. Roode grins as he looms over Rey. Rey gets up slowly but Roode brings him up. “You’ve got nobody!” Roode whips, Rey stops and drop toeholds Roode into buckles! Rey is on the apron and he dropkicks Ziggler down! Rey ROCKS Roode, goes up top, but Ziggler trips him up! Rey falls into the Tree of Woe and Ziggler plays dumb.
Roode stomps Rey, Ziggler says it is a matter of time. Ziggler gets his cheap shots in as Roode digs boots into Rey’s knees. Rey gets free of the Tree but he flops to the floor. Tag to Ziggler and he fetches Rey. Ziggler has the leg and taunts Rey before hitting a LEG DDT! Ziggler puts Rey in, covers, TWO! Rey is still in this, this is that legendary toughness! Tag to Roode, Roode drops elbows on Rey. Rey slowly gets up but Roode lets him stagger and fall over. The ref talks with Rey about the leg, Roode drags Rey away to drop knees on it! Roode taunts Rey, stomps him, then tags Ziggler. Rey fights back and springboards to wheelbarrow! Roode blocks, FAMOUSER FACEBUSTER COMBO! Cover, TWO!!
Ziggler is furious that Rey still lives! Roode coaches Ziggler and Ziggler looms over Rey. Ziggler fixes his hair, tags in Roode, and Roode taunts Rey. Roode tags Ziggler back in, and Roode slides Rey out for Ziggler to SUPERKICK out of the air!! Rey is a heap on the floor and Roode soaks up the heat from the ThunderDome! Ziggler goes into the ring and lets the count take care of this. Rey drags himself up at 7, stands at 8, and gets in at 9.9!! Ziggler is beside himself! Tag to Roode, he throws headbutts, and Rey falls over. Tag back to Ziggler, the Dawgs get Rey up, for a double suplex! Rey fights it to make it a DOUBLE DDT! Rey finds one last gasp and ThunderDome fires up!
Rey flounders to a corner, gets Roode up to POST him! Ziggler runs in and back suplexes, but Rey lands on his feet! Rey POSTS Ziggler! Both Dawgs are stuck but Rey is still alone! Wait, what’s this? DOM is hobbling out to the ring! Bad ribs aren’t enough to hold him back, he wants in! Ziggler crawls after Rey and Rey is shocked! Dom says he’s no worse than Rey is now, so why worry? Rey headscissors Ziggler to the ropes! Rey runs and DECKS Roode! Ziggler hits a ZIGZAG!! Cover, TWO!!! Ziggler can’t believe it! Dom shouts to his dad that he has to tag him in! Ziggler gets Rey up, tags Roode back in, and the Dawgs mug Rey.
Roode fireman’s carries Rey and talks trash to Dom, and hits a GUTBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Rey is not giving up and Roode is just annoyed Dom is out here now! Dom rallies for Rey as Roode gets Rey up to CLUB him down. Roode bumps Rey off buckles, and more buckles! Roode fireman’s carries again and goes up the corner!? Rey fights back with elbows! Rey shifts, jumps, and hits a SUPER BULLDOG! Both men are down, Dom shouts and reaches, and the ThunderDome screens are going wild! Rey crawls, hesitates, and Roode is after him! Rey elbows Roode away, boots Roode, Dom tags in!! Dom and Roode stare down, it’s payback time!
Dom dodges Roode, DECKS Ziggler and fires off on Roode! Whip, but Roode reverses, SPINEBUSTER! Roode says this is it! Rey regrets even going close to his corner as Dom writhes. Roode tags Ziggler, the Dawgs get Dom up and double whip to double hip toss, POWERBOMB NECKBREAKER COMBO! Cover, TWO!! Dom’s toughness is shining through! Ziggler anchors a foot but Dom throws hands. Ziggler drags Dom away, gets him up, and POSTS him in the Dawgs’ corner! Ziggler taunts Rey, Roode taunts Dom, “You should’ve stayed down! You’re an embarrassment! You don’t belong here!” Ziggler is tuning up, but Dom SUPERKICKS first!!
Both men are down and Rey is starting to believe in his son! Dom crawls over, but Ziggler is in the way. Dom crawls over Ziggler, hot tags to Roode and Rey! Rey climbs up, LEAPING SEATED SENTON! Rey hits Ziggler, dodges Roode and runs into a tilt-o-whirl BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!! The Mysterios are still in this and Roode doesn’t understand why! Roode tries to laugh it off as Rey goes to a corner. Roode reels Rey in, tells Dom to watch this, and he gets Rey up, but Rey fights back! Rey hammers to hit a seated senton, then tilt-o-whirls Roode into a buckle! CORNER 619! Rey tags Dom back in then DIVES to SUNSET BOMB Ziggler!
Dom is up top, shout out to Latino Heat! FROG SPALSH!! Cover, THE MYSTERIOS WINS!!
Winners: The Mysterios, by pinfall (NEW SmackDown Tag Team Champions)
History, thy name is Backlash! The first-ever father and son tag team championship duo is here! Rey & Dom have the tag titles together! It is the family business to defy the odds and come out on top, and that is continuing with Dom! Kayla congratulates them in the ring and Rey says that for the first time, the SmackDown Tag Team Champions are father and son! Dom says this is an honor and blessing. They made history tonight, so it’s time to celebrate! BOOYAKA 619! Will this historic win be just the first of many for the King and Prince of Lucha?
Morrison finds the Lumberjacks.
Shave and a haircut, drip drip! He opens the door, and finds… ZOMBIES?! Priest wasn’t lying about his special request! Morrison leaves before he ends up one of the Walking Dead.
Jimmy Uso waits outside Roman Reigns’ private room.
He goes inside, and finds Jey sitting there. What’s up, Uce? Where’s the champ, the Head of the Table, the Tribal Chief? He wouldn’t be those things without Jey! The room says Roman, but it should say Roman and Jey. They should get their own room. It wouldn’t be as awesome as this, but at least it’d say Jimmy & Jey Uso, the Tag Team Champions. What does Jey do? Carry Roman’s bags? Do his laundry? Jey doesn’t need to hear this. And then, Roman walks in. Jimmy wants to wish the champ luck. He’ll need it. Jimmy leaves, but Jey stays put.
Morrison tells Miz about the zombies!
They were like… dead! Undead! The lumberjacks, are zombies! Is this another weird motivational tactic? This isn’t about Morrison but about Miz embarrassing Priest. Whatever Morrison thinks he saw, it was in his head. Right, right. They head out, and the zombies come creeping in! Will Priest #LiveForever as he leads an army of the dead?
Lumberjack Match: Damian Priest VS The Miz!
The Archer of Infamy thought he was done with the Greatest Tag Team of the 21st Century back at WrestleMania 37 when he and Bad Bunny put them down on the Grandest Stage of Them All. But if its one thing the Hollywood A-Lister loves to do is sequels. Will there be an open ending to this newest chapter? Or will it be a Skull Crushing Finale?
Oh no! The zombies are the lumberjacks, after all! Dave Batista, you have some explaining to do! Commentary runs for it, and so does Morrison! The bell rings, even Priest seems unsure what to make of this, but he and Miz still circle. They tie up, go around, and Miz makes sure Priest is near the ropes! The zombies grab at Priest, Miz kicks Priest and throws him out! Priest kicks Miz, kicks away zombies, but Miz DECKS Priest! Miz stomps Priest, runs, but his sliding dropkick misses! Miz sees he’s surrounded by the zombies! Miz hurries back in, Priest hits a FLAPJACK! Miz sees zombies grabbing at him and scrambles away!
Miz kicks Priest, throws him out, Priest fights the zombies off again! Priest gets in, Miz BOOTS him down! Cover, TWO! Priest shakes out cobwebs, which the zombies know a lot about, and Miz stomps him down! Priest sits up, Miz BOOTS him down! Miz gets Priest up, throws knees, then CLUBS him! Miz throws Priest to a corner, runs in an hits the A-List Lariat! But Miz gets dragged out by zombies! Miz fights free, and goes under the ring! The zombies look for him, and Miz slips out the other side! But there are more zombies so Miz gets back in, Priest CLOBBERS him! Both men are down, the zombies are fired up, but they could just be hungry…
Miz gets up, Priest dodges his boot to kick and kick and ROLLING ELBOW! Miz staggers, zombies are after him, WHEEL KICK! Cover, TWO! Miz gets up, Priest back elbows in the corner! Priest puts Miz down, climbs up top, and FLYING WHEEL KICKS!! Cover, TWO!! Miz survives, clutches a leg, but Priest is ready! Miz wrenches out, Priest blocks the forearm with a forearm, but Miz trips Priest to get the legs! FIGURE FOUR! Priest endures, the ropes are not really an option with zombies creeping around, but the zombies drag them both out anyway! They both fight the zombies off! Miz throws one over barriers, Priest DECKS one! They call truce to fight the zombies!!
Priest and Miz are like a two man wrecking crew on the zombies! Priest BOOTS one down, then a big zombie storms in! Priest hits the big zombie but it stays up! Priest goes up the steps for a FLYING ROUNDHOUSE! The big zombie goes down! Priest and Miz get in the ring, they go to high five but Miz tries a cheap shot! Priest was ready, BROKEN ARROW! Cover, TWO! Priest snarls and he takes aim. Morrison returns?! Johnny Drip Drip tries to be a hero but Priest ROCKS him! Morrison catches the kick to EDDY GORDO! KNEE PLUS?!?! Cover, TWO!! Miz’s parody of Daniel Bryan fails to finish this!
Morrison dodges zombies and then PARKOUR SENTONS three zombies down! ROUNDHOUSE to a fourth! Morrison goes up onto the barrier but the other zombies get him first! They drag Morrison down to the depths! Miz panics, Priest BELL CLAPS and HIT THE LIGHTS!! Cover, Priest wins!
Winner: Damian Priest, by pinfall
Priest wins the first ever Zombiejack match, and the Greatest Tag Team is left for dead! Are the zombies going to turn them into the Hollywood Undead?
Jey confronts Jimmy.
What the hell, Uce? Roman doesn’t need this right now! Well Roman might lose the title, and then what? What will Jey do then, huh? Maybe the name on that locker room should say “Roman Reigns and his bitch.” Jimmy storms off, Jey is pissed, what is happening to the Bloodline?!
SmackDown Women’s Championship: Bianca Belair VS Bayley!
The EST proved she might be the B E S T at WrestleMania 37 against The Boss! But now she’s going up against the longEST reigning SmackDown Women’s Champion and self-proclaimed Role Model of the WWE! Will Bianca prove without a doubt that she isn’t a rookie, but a young legend in the making?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if Bianca can turn away another of the NXT Four Horsewomen!
Bianca dares Bayley to bring it but Bayley wants fans to chant for her. Bianca gets an “E S T” chant started instead, and the two tie up. Bianca waistlocks, Bayley switches, Bianca switches it back. Bayley switches again but so does Bianca, and they go and go until Bayley tumbles out of the ring! Bianca dusts her hands off, but Bayley keeps her cool. Bayley gets back in the ring, takes a breath, and the two tie up. Bianca gets the arm, wrenches and wrings Bayley’s arm. Bayley endures as Bianca clamps onto the shoulder. Bayley fights up, reaches for ropes but Bianca hammerlocks to keep her away. Bayley reaches around, goes after the ponytail, but the ref reprimands.
Bianca shoves Bayley away and fakes her out with the hair whip! “Don’t touch my hair.” Bianca headlocks Bayley, Bayley powers out, but Bianca goes up and over and things speed up. Bianca rolls, whips, duck sand hurdles, but Bayley blocks the monkey flip to a cover! TWO and Bianca waistlocks. Bayley pushes back but Bianca makes it an O’Conner Roll! TWO, Bianca goes up top and says kiss this! Bayley runs in but into a dropkick! Bianca kips up and Bayley scrambles to ropes! Bianca pushes Bayley, whips her hard, and Bayley bounces off buckles! Bianca whips Bayley hard again, and again Bayley bounces off buckles!
Bianca claps for Bayley, whips her back the other way, but Bayley slips out. Bayley forearms but into a hip toss! Bianca handsprings but Bayley bails out to catch her breath. Bayley is fuming but Bianca is smiling as she waits on Bayley. Bayley doesn’t return so Bianca chases her. Bianca hurdles Bayley’s tackle and then runs her over! Bianca puts Bayley in, handsprings to MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Bayley wants a timeout but Bianca isn’t giving her one. Bayley pulls Bianca’s ears and throws her down! Bayley fires off hammering fists! Bayley drags Bianca up, whips her hard to a corner, and now Bianca bounces off buckles!
Bayley stalks up behind Bianca, chokes her on the ropes, but the ref counts. Bayley lets off, covers, TWO! Bayley gets Bianca up to knee her in the back! And again! Bayley clamps on a chinlock and digs her knee in. Bianca endures as Bayley talks trash. Bianca fights up, fans rally, and Bianca throws body shots. Bianca swings but into Bayley’s back suplex! Cover, TWO! Bayley storms over to a corner, climbs up top, but Bianca ROCKS her with a forearm first! Bianca throws a shoulder, into a HOTSHOT STUNNER! Bayley drags Bianca up but Bianca holds off the suplex! Bianca gets Bayley up and in for a suplex slam! Both women are down and fans fire up!
Bianca hurries but Bayley gets a cradle! TWO! Both women roll, trying to get control of the cradle! They end up out of the ring, and Bayley wants to suplex! Bayley gets Bianca up for a GOURDBUSTER to steel steps! Bianca flops down and Bayley gets her up again to suplex her to the floor! Bayley puts Bianca in at 7 of 10, covers, TWO!! Bianca writhes in pain and gets to a corner but Bayley is seething. Bayley heads over, brings Bianca up, but Bianca fires off body shots! Bianca shoves, Bayley hurdles but Bianca runs her over! Bayley elbows Bianca away, but runs into a scoop! Bayley fights free, fireman’s carries, and spins for a SWINGING SIDEWALK SLAM! Cover, TWO!!
Bianca survives and Bayley is furious! Bianca gets to a corner, Bayley runs in and KNEES her down! Cover, TWOÂ and Bayley is sent into a cameraman! Bayley is furious at Bianca’s power reserves, and she rains down furious fists on Bianca! Bayley talks trash, but then talks to herself. She laughs at “the rookie” and dares her to crawl around. Bianca gets up, Bayley keeps laughing, and Bayley dodges a haymaker, only to get DECKED with the other! Bianca is fuming now as she goes after Bayley with clubbing forearms over and over! Bianca kicks Bayley to a corner, then TOSSES her across the way! And then TOSSES her the other way! And dropkicks her down!
Bianca says she’s the champ, and she whips Bayley. Bayley reverses, Bianca goes up and over but Bayley dodges to send her into buckles! Bayley snarls again, gets Bianca up and hooks her up, but no Rose Planter! Bianca shoves and hits a SPINEBUSTER! High stack cover, TWO!! Bianca stalks Bayley, gets her up and in the torture rack, but Bayley fights free! Bayley runs and clotheslines! Bayley puts Bianca in a drop zone, hurries up top, MACHO ELBOW!! Cover, TWO!! One of Bayley’s best, and Bianca survives it! Bayley scrapes Bianca out of the ring, goes outside, and runs in for the daredevil- No, the dropkick is caught! Bianca drags Bayley out and around, but Bayley POSTS her!
Bayley goes into the ring, waits on Bianca to get up, and then runs to DIVE but FLOPS as Bianca dodges! Bianca gets Bayley’s arms, for an APRON GLAMEST SLAM! Bianca puts Bayley in, covers, TWO!! Bayley survives, part of why she was the longest reigning champion! Bianca stomps Bayley, runs in, but Bayley dodges and backslides! Feet on ropes!! TOW!! Bayley gets around to O’Conner Roll, and holds the ropes! The ref sees it this time! Bianca says Bayley’s cheating, Bayley SLAPS her! Bayley argues with the ref but turns around into forearms! They brawl, Bianca gets the edge, but Bayley rakes the eyes! The ref missed it because of positioning!
Bayley defends her innocence, and she grabs Bianca’s ponytail. She pulls Bianca in and hits a BAYLEY2BELLY!! Cover, TWO!??! Bianca survives Bayley’s classic finisher and Bayley can’t believe it! Bayley drags Bianca up by her ponytail again, uses that to tie Bianca up into the headlock, ROSE PLAN- NO! Bianca turns it into a cradle!! Bianca wins!!
Winner: Bianca Belair, by pinfall (still SmackDown Women’s Champion)
Bayley demands they replay this and take note of what happened! Bianca “cheated” by using her ponytail! But Bayley was the one using all the cheats she could think of! Will Bayley have to face up to reality that she’s not the best and that Bianca IS?
Backstage interview with MVP.
Montel Vontavius Porter’s “business proposition” was rejected, but Braun Strowman’s display shows that he makes poor decisions. Actually, he lacks the intellectual capacity to hold the title. Braun isn’t smart enough to see the bigger picture. McIntyre is smart enough and savvy enough to know that picture has no room for him. Then what about the Triple Threat? MVP isn’t concerned, but everyone knows Lashley is at an inherent disadvantage. Well, MVP isn’t concerned since Lashley will overcome everything. He isn’t just a champion, he isn’t just the WWE Champion, he is the ALL MIGHTY WWE Champion. Will MVP’s confidence come back to haunt Lashley?
WWE World Championship Triple Threat: Bobby Lashley w/ MVP VS Drew McIntyre VS Braun Strowman!
Not only did the All Mighty and Scottish Warrior battle for this title at WrestleMania 37, the battled for this very title roughly a year ago at Backlash 2020. Now #WrestleManiaBacklash is adding a Monster Among Men to the mix! Will Braun tip the scales in his own favor? Or will he be used as a giant pawn in MVP’s game against McIntyre?
The introductions are made, the title is raised, and there can only be one!
Lashley tells McIntyre they can take Braun out of this, but Braun runs McIntyre over and ROCKS Lashley! Braun goes corner to corner to splash McIntyre, then splash Lashley! Lashley gets up to hit a COPLETE SHOT! McIntyre stomps Braun, and maybe he is taking Lashley up on the offer. Braun gets up and choke grips McIntyre but Lashley knocks Braun down! The mugging continues, Lashley gets Braun up and reels him in. He tells McIntyre to help out, and they mug Braun with knees! Then they double suplex the Monster up, holding him for 10, then SLAM him down! Braun writhes and now the truce is over! McIntyre and Lashley brawl, McIntyre whips Lashley and hits an OVERHEAD suplex!
Braun staggers into a GLASGOW KISS! Lashley drags McIntyre out, RAMS him into the barriers, then gets him up in a fireman’s carry. McIntyre slips out to POST Lashley! McIntyre throws knees, Braun CANNONBALLS and wipes them out!! Braun THROWS McIntyre into barriers, puts Lashley in the ring, and choke grips for a CHOKE SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Lashley survives but Braun just glares down at him. Braun keeps on Lashley, scoops him, but Lashley slips out and wants the arms! Braun fights the nelson off, McIntyre SPRINGBOARD CROSSBODIES?! McIntyre gets up, Lashley staggers into another OVERHEAD Suplex! Braun runs in but McIntyre POSTS him!
McIntyre runs at Lashley, is put on the apron but he ROCKS Lashley with a right! McIntyre climbs, leaps, another CROSSBODY! And a kip up! Braun runs in but into a NECKBREAKER! Cover, Lashley breaks it! Lashley bumps McIntyre off buckles, fires off hands, and roars as MVP says to keep on him. Lashley OVERHEAD Suplexes McIntyre now! McIntyre flops out of the ring. Lashley goes after Braun, MILE HIGH SPINEBUSTER!! Cover, TWO!! Lashley keeps his focus while MVP argues the count, but tow is two. Lashley BLASTS McIntyre off the apron and McIntyre hits barriers! Lashley goes out and THROWS McIntyre into more barriers!
Lashley gets McIntyre back up, fireman’s carries again, and this time, POSTS McIntyre! But Braun CLOBBERS Lashley with steel steps! He wants Lashley to get up, Lashley does, and Braun RAMS him again! Braun TOSSES the steps up the ramp, and then stalks Lashley to the corner. McIntyre CLAYMORES Braun over the barriers!! Lashley drags himself back to the ring, McIntyre crawls after him. McIntyre gets Lashley up to throw hands and they go up the ramp. McIntyre SMACKS Lashley off the steel steps Braun tossed up there! McIntyre moves those aside, brings Lashley back up, but Lashley blocks the suplex, to suplex McIntyre onto ramp!
MVP coaches Lashley up and Lashley stands back up. Lashley gets McIntyre up, CLUBS him to the stage, and they head towards ThunderDome screens. Lashley RAMS McIntyre into LED boards, then brings him to the main stage piece! McIntyre reverses to GLASGOW KISS! McIntyre dribbles Lashley’s head on the LED boards! McIntyre RAMS Lashley through the LED boards!! McIntyre has gotten rid of the Rocky Mountain Machine and roars as fans lose their minds! McIntyre keeps MVP back with a glare, and he goes looking for Lashley. Where did Lashley go? Braun CLOBBERS McIntyre outta nowhere!
Braun gets McIntyre up and throws him down the ramp! McIntyre tumbles, staggers up, STROWMAN EXPRESS sends McIntyre into the ring apron! Braun drags McIntyre up, puts him in, and stands him up, to CLUB him in the chest! Braun runs to drop a BACK SENTON! Cover, TWO!! McIntyre survives and Braun can’t believe it! Braun gets McIntyre up, McIntyre wrenches free but Braun ROCKS him with a right! Braun runs in, hits buckles, and McIntyre scoops to MICHINOKU DRIVER!?!? Cover, TWO!!! A shocking feat of strength, and a shocking survival! Braun drags himself up, McIntyre is after him, but Braun TOSSES him out of the ring!
Braun goes out, and the Strowman Express is back on track! Braun storms around the corner, but into an OVERHEAD suplex?!? Braun is a heap by the steel steps, but he manages to sit up. McIntyre aims at him from the barriers, and he loads up! Braun stands, McIntyre runs, but Braun pops him up, POWERBOMB THROUGH THE ANNOUNCE DESK!! Both men are down, “This is Awesome!” and far from over! Braun staggers up, rips his shirt off, and he glares at McIntyre in the wreckage. Braun drags McIntyre up, but McIntyre is dead weight as Braun drags him to the ring. Braun puts McIntyre in, stalks him, and shouts, “YOU’RE DEAD!”
Braun scoops, McIntyre slips out and shoves, to dodge and CLAYMORE!! Lashley returns and throws McIntyre out of the ring!! Lashley SPEARS Braun!!! Cover, Lashley wins!!
Winner: Bobby Lashley, by pinfall (still WWE World Champion)
The All Mighty looks more like the Ultimate Opportunist there! But a win is a win. Will no one, no matter how big and how bad, ever take this title from Lashley?
The next WWE PPV is going to be hell!
Normally more an October tradition, HELL IN A CELL comes to the WWE Universe in June! Happy Father’s Day, fans, because 6/20/21 will be one hell of a night!
WWE Universal Championship: Roman Reigns w/ Paul Heyman VS Cesaro!
The Reigns-ing, Defending, Undisputed, Uncontroverted, Universal Heavyweight Champion demands respect but never gives it back. Will he regret doing that when he’s up against a hungry and uber talented Swiss Superman? Or will he once again have his Right Hand Man waiting to be his insurance policy?
Jey is pumped up backstage, but Roman doesn’t want him talking about “us.” But Jey’s always in his corner, just in case. In case of what? Jey is starting to sound like Jimmy. Why doesn’t he go find his brother. Roman makes his entrance without the Right Hand Man, because he wants to prove he can do this with his own hands! The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if Roman only needs Roman to defeat Cesaro.
Cesaro and Roman circle, Cesaro pressing the issue. Roman stays on the rope side, they tie up, they go around the ring and end up in the ropes. The ref counts, they go off ropes to still go around the ring. Roman puts Cesaro in a corner, the ref counts, but Cesaro slips out. Roman pushes Cesaro away and the two reset. They circle, tie up, and go around again. Roman waistlocks, Cesaro gets the arm and they shift back to collar ‘n’ elbow. Roman headlocks, hits a takeover, but Cesaro fights up. Roman headlocks, Cesaro powers out, Roman runs him over! Cover, ONE! Roman headlocks, Cesaro fights up, and powers out. Things speed up, Cesaro hurdles and runs Roman over!
Cesaro gets a cradle, ONE! Cesaro has a lateral press, ONE! Roman bails out to regroup with Heyman and cool off. Heyman says Roman is Tribal Chief, he’s doing just fine. Roman gets back up and in the ring, with Cesaro giving him space. Roman rushes in but into a waistlock! Roman elbows free, RAMS Cesaro into the corner and throws forearms! Cesaro staggers, Roman bumps him off buckles. Roman whips, Cesaro dodges and springboards to FLYING EUROUPPER! Cesaro fires up, Roman gets up, Cesaro hits a SIPNEBUSTER, and has the legs! Roman scrambles, gets the ropebreak, and boots Cesaro away!
Roman gets up while Cesaro shakes his head. Roman throws Cesaro out hard, and Cesaro gets up clutching an arm. The ring count climbs but Cesaro is using it to walk it off. Cesaro is back on the apron at 7 and steps in at 8, but Roman fires forearms! Cesaro EuroUppers in return and the brawl is on! Cesaro gets an edge, whips, but Roman reverses and CLOBBERS Cesaro! Roman POSTS Cesaro, focusing on the bad arm! The ring count starts again, Roman watches as Cesaro gets up, and Roman goes out to bounce Cesaro off the desk. Cesaro elbows back, Roman bounces him off the desk again! Roman puts Cesaro back in at 6 of 10 and crawls to a cover, ONE!
Roman is annoyed and he clamps onto Cesaro with a headlock. Roman grinds Cesaro down but Cesaro endures. Heyman likes what he sees as Roman shifts to a cravat. Cesaro still fights up, uses the pants to try a suplex! Roman resists, and then Roman suplexes Cesaro instead! Cover, ONE! Cesaro shakes his head, and Roman stares him down. The two stand, Cesaro is in a corner, and Roman ROCKS him with forearm after forearm! The ref counts, Roman stomps Cesaro but backs off. Cesaro hits back with forearms of his own! And EuroUppers! Roman ROCKS Cesaro with his own uppercut! Roman goes back to the cravat and grinds Cesaro down to the mat!
Cesaro endures, fans build to a rally, and Cesaro fights up to throw body shots. Cesaro powers and whips Roman, but Roman LEAPING LARIATS! Cover, ONE!! Roman cannot believe it! Cesaro pie faces Roman, Roman rains down furious forearms! Roman clamps on a chinlock, Cesaro fights up, and Cesaro kicks low. Cesaro throws haymakers and EuroUppers, but Roman shoves to fireman’s carry and SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Roman is getting frustrated with Cesaro as Cesaro is still in this. Heyman chuckles as Roman goes to a corner. Roman locks ‘n’ loads, takes aim and runs in, but Cesaro ducks to POP-UP UPPERCUT! Heyman panics as both men are down!
Cesaro watches Roman go to a corner. Cesaro runs in to EuroUpper again! He whips Roman corner to corner to EuroUpper again! And another! Cesaro runs to BOOT Roman down! Cover, TWO! Cesaro has a leg, and then he gets the other! Roman flails, Cesaro stomps the leg over and over, then drops an elbow! And another! Cesaro keeps after the legs, steps through, and gets a SHARPSHOOTER! Roman crawls and gets the ropebreak! Cesaro lets go fast, sees Roman bailing out, and builds speed! Cesaro FLIES!! A Swiss Tornillo takes out Roman and Cesaro fires up! The fans are fired up as Cesaro puts Roman back in!
Roman gets out as Cesaro slides in, and Roman is using the count for a breather. Cesaro goes out and shrugs, then runs around to EuroUpper Roman into barriers! Cesaro puts Roman back in, chases Heyman off, and goes to a corner. Cesaro climbs, leaps, FLYING CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO!! Roman survives but Cesaro thinks of what he has to do next. Cesaro looms over Roman at the ropes, drags him up by his hair and then his ear, and brings him to the corner. Cesaro climbs, Roman throws body shots! Roman ROCKS Cesaro but Cesaro JABS back! Cesaro SMACKS Roman off post! Heyman is worried as Roman is dazed on the apron!
Cesaro climbs up again, brings Roman back up, but Roman ROCKS him with an uppercut! Cesaro ends up stuck on the top, Roman BOOTS him down! Roman gets Cesaro’s bad arm and bends it against the crossbar! The ref counts, Roman lets go at 4 but Cesaro’s elbow has taken serious damage. Roman grins as he sees Cesaro clutching the bicep. Roman runs in around the way and DRIVE-BY DROPKICKS Cesaro into post! Roman puts Cesaro in, covers, ONE!! Cesaro’s arms are bothering him but he still got out quickly. Roman is amused now! He smiles as he looks down on Cesaro. Cdesaro throws a forearm but that hurts the arm!
Roman kicks a leg, YANKS on the bad arm again and again, then wrenches through, and again! Roman smiles at the camera and says Daniel Bryan better enjoy watching his friend get worked over! Roman doe elbow breaker after elbow breaker al la Bryan, but Cesaro headbutts free! Roman runs to LARIAT Cesaro down! Cover, TWO!! Cesaro is still in this, and Roman just smirks. Cesaro sits up and Roman tells him to understand. “I love wrestling, it’s fun for me.” He CLUBS Cesaro, throws haymakers, and knees! Roman throws strikes all over, throws more knees in the corner, but the ref counts. Roman lets off at 4 and goes back to Cesaro.
Roman gets Cesaro up, whips him, and BOOTS him down! The ref checks on Cesaro given the bad arm and the cuts and scrapes all over him. Roman crouches by Cesaro and tells him Roman has a lot of responsibilities Cesaro could never handle. Cesaro sits up and Roman stands him up to HEADBUTT him to a corner! Roman stomps Cesaro in the corner, the ref counts again, and Roman gets in the ref’s face. The ref says Roman has to respect the authority, and Roman goes back to Cesaro. Cesaro throws a back elbow with the good arm! Roman grins but Cesaro EuroUppers! That’s the bad arm again! Cesaro BOOTS Roman, Roman BOOTS back! Cesaro hits a DISCUS!!
Cesaro writhes, having used the bad arm again! Roman is in a daze, Cesaro gets the bad arm moving again. Roman checks his jaw, Cesaro gives him a junkyard dog headbutt! Roman sits up and throws a haymaker. Cesaro does the same! They brawl on the mat, Cesaro throws body shots and EuroUppers, despite the bad arm hurting! He just fights through to fire off hands and stomps in the corner! Roman gets to the apron, Cesaro drags him up to the top! DEAD LIFT SUPERPLEX!! Cover, TWO!! Roman survives and Heyman is relieved! Cesaro drags himself over and gets a leg. Cesaro headbutts it! And then stomps it! And steps through, but Roman holds off the Sharpshooter, so Cesaro DOUBLE STOMPS!
Cesaro drags Roman up, reels him in, and Gotch holds! The bad arm holds back the lift! Roman ROCKS Cesaro and gets the arm for a FUJIWARA ARMBAR! Roman pushes back as far as he can but Cesaro endures the pain! Cesaro fights, rolls, and gets an Oklahoma Roll! TWO!! Roman narrowly escapes and swings on Cesaro! Cesaro dodges, springboards, into a SUPERMAN PUNCH!! Cover, TWO!!! Heyman is in disbelief and Roman is beside himself! Cesaro, bad arm and all, is still in this and the ThunderDome screens are fired up! Roman talks to himself like he has in the past, and both he and Cesaro go to corners.
Roman lets out the battle cry, runs in, but into a EuroUpper! POP-UP- But the arm gives up! Roman gets the GUILLOTINE FACELOCK!! Roman drags Cesaro down, but Cesaro powers up!! SPINEBUSTER!! Cover, TWO!! But Cesaro has the legs! Roman grabs to Cesaro’s face but Cesaro rains down furious forearms and elbows! Then the SHARPSHOOTER!! Roman hasn’t tapped on record, will he tap out here?! Cesaro uses the bad arm as just balance, and then he grabs Roman’s arm for a CROSSFACE!!! Cesaro drags Roman away from ropes, and pulls back as hard as he can! Heyman is speechless, but Roman goes after the bad arm with his forehead!
Roman pries free, turns that way, and gets on top of Cesaro for point-blank shots! Roman rains down elbows and Cesaro is in a daze! Roman gets Cesaro in a high stack, to a DEAD LIFT POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO?!?!? Cesaro barely gets his bad arm off the mat! Roman is as stunned as he’s ever been from how long Cesaro is lasting! Roman shows no mercy and rains more forearms down! Cesaro keeps his shoulders up, and then grabs Roman’s arm! Cesaro gets up, Roman can’t get free, Cesaro arm-drags but Roman CLOBBERS Cesaro! Facelock, gator roll, GUILLOTINE!! Cesaro is bright red but he gets back up!
Cesaro has a leg, he uses that for leverage to SPINEBUSTER Roman again! But Roman still holds on tight!! Roman throws elbows in, and squeezes tighter! Cesaro is fading! Cesaro gets a second wind and pries at the hold!! Cesaro is almost free!! But Roman puts more pressure on and squeezes tight! Cesaro keeps moving, keeps trying, but he’s out! Roman wins!
Winner: Roman Reigns, by submission (still WWE Universal Champion)
Cesaro snaps back to consciousness, but a little too late! If Cesaro is Swiss Superman, this makes Roman the Darkseid of SmackDown! Jey Uso rushes out to present Roman with the celebratory lei. Jey again acknowledges Roman as Tribal Chief, and he glares at Cesaro. Roman gives approval, and Jey SUPERKICKS Cesaro! Jey rains down rights, the ref tells him to stop! Cesaro’s already been through enough, but Jey says it’s “night-night!” Jey climbs up, but SETH ROLLINS heads out? The Architect has been after Cesaro since before WrestleMania 37, and he joins Roman in the ring. They stare down for a moment, but Rollins smiles. He goes after Cesaro himself!
Rollins fires off fists and stomps Cesaro out of the ring! Rollins gets Cesaro up to RAM him into steel steps! And then takes the bad arm and SLAMS it on the steps! And then he throws Cesaro over the announce desk! Rollins SLAMS Cesaro’s bad arm on the desk, and shouts, “What did you think was gonna happen?!” Rollins gets a chair to SMACK Cesaro’s bad arm! “Do you know who I am?!?” Rollins SMACKS Cesaro again! And JAMS him in the ribs! And then puts the bad arm through the chair! Rollins uses the chair like pliers to TWIST Cesaro’s arm! And then he tells Cesaro to listen to him! “I’m SETH FREAKIN’ ROLLINS! Nobody makes a mockery out of me!”
Rollins POSTS the chair-trapped arm!! And then a CURB STOMP to the bad arm!! Roman and company have long since left, but Rollins soaks up all the heat meant for them both. Will Cesaro be able to recover from this? Will Rollins finally leave him alone? And who is next for the Tribal Chief?
My Thoughts:
This PPV was a lot better than it should’ve been with the lazy name and almost-as-lazy build. Status quo was kept on almost all the titles, but I try not to fault an event for that so long as the way the champions win are satisfactory. Not sure if that completely happened here for me. It was more the WWE World Championship Triple Threat. Lashley apparently hiding inside the ThunderDome screens after McIntyre threw him through the side was a bit sneakier than I thought he’d be. But I suppose that’s how Triple Threats tend to go, and it was the one thing that’d tip things in his favor.
We got some more tension building with the Usos, and Roman VS Cesaro was an awesome main event, but we all figured Roman was retaining. It’s a bit of a shame Rollins had to come out and add on, just to bring things back to Rollins VS Cesaro for what will apparently be Hell in a Cell next, not Money in the Bank or even Extreme Rules. That will certainly be one of the Cell matches, and will hopefully be the blow-off for the feud. Roman retaining and Lashley retaining does go for something I was hoping for with the two already planning to meet at Survivor Series. It won’t be copy-paste but them actually trying to one-up each other until they finally meet, Champion VS Champion.
The SmackDown Women’s Championship was of course going to stay with Bianca, it was her first defense and she’s literally just getting started. I do find it interesting the match started with her almost clowning Bayley, but then Bayley gets a bit grittier and starts turning the tide. The use of the ponytail was very clever, it really made for a frantic ending and Bayley will want another shot because of the “controversy.” Maybe Sonya will favor Bayley like she did Charlotte to give her the spot in the Triple Threat. That Triple Threat felt a bit more unpredictable, and as it was going, I’m a little surprised it wasn’t Charlotte capitalizing on Asuka. No Alexa Bliss was a surprise, but at least that gives Raw something to do.
Sheamus getting a kickoff match that I didn’t see advertised at all even during the preshow was alright, but he kept repeating himself from Raw in the promo. Ricochet stepping up is great, I wish the stuff I hear he and Mustafa Ali have been doing was on Raw because Raw needs the ratings anyway. Humberto Carrillo got pretty banged up from that sunset bomb botch, so Ricochet is certainly stepping into the US Championship feud. Ricochet is perhaps an even better high-flyer, and he and Sheamus had a really good match here so the rematch for the title will be even greater. And maybe they can still get Mansoor involved, maybe bring in Mustafa Ali, get the US title as active as the Intercontinental title.
The Lumberjack match turning into a corporate plug zombie movie match was so ridiculous, I was both disappointed and laughing so hard watching it. I was hoping this was going to settle things between Priest and Miz, and then start things for Miz VS Morrison, but I can’t be sure it even did the first thing. Though if Miz and Morrison don’t show up on Raw as the Greatest Zombies of the 21st Century, I’ll actually be even more disappointed. Priest himself should get in on the US Championship scene with Sheamus and Ricochet, that’d be awesome stuff.
The SmackDown tag titles as the only title to change, it is great for Rey and Dom to have these, but the Dirty Dawgs attacking Dom was many things in one. It was cheap Heel heat, it was cheap ‘n’ easy drama for the match, and it was perhaps all to cover for Dom not being at the in-ring skill level he should be at for such a moment like this. I don’t want to say WWE rushed in getting Dom to RawDown just so he and Rey could become a team, but when Dom was getting going, they suddenly let off the gas. There should’ve been more for Dom with Buddy Murphy, more of that tease where Rey was taking Dom to go talk with someone, and how Dom was going to train and get better (both in kayfabe and for real).
I do like that Dom hit the last move and it was a Frog Splash in honor of Eddie. THAT should’ve been the someone Rey meant, and they should’ve watched film on Eddie Guerrero from the WWE Network, before NBC threw a billion dollars at Vince to get the streaming rights. Or was that angle shut down because Peacock was getting the rights and they weren’t ever gonna have the Eddie Guerrero collection in time? Either way, lame that they didn’t follow through. They really need to reconsider and bring that back around somehow.
My Score: 8.6/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
 MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)Â
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports PodcastÂ
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Is Orange Cassidy coldblooded? Or just in control?
Before their AEW World Championship match at Full Gear, Jon Moxley puts Wheeler Yuta in Orange Cassidy’s way! Will Cassidy destroy The Decoder before going for The Maniac?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- 8 Man Tag: Will Ospreay, Mark Davis, Ricochet & “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs VS The Don Callis Family; The Don Callis Family wins.
- Kris Statlander VS Hikaru Shida; Kris wins.
- 2v1 Handicap: Bobby Lashley w/ The Hurt Syndicate VS Joe Keys & Cheeseburger; Lashley wins.
- Darby Allin VS Claudio Castagnoli; Claudio wins.
- Orange Cassidy VS Wheeler Yuta w/ The Death Riders; Cassidy wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
8 Man Tag: Will Ospreay, Mark Davis, Ricochet & “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs VS The Don Callis Family!
This All-Star 8 Man is going to make for a massive match! The Aerial Assassin, Dunk Zilla, The One & Only and the man the family foolishly forgot are now teamed together against Konosuke Takeshita, Kyle Fletcher, Brian Cage & Lance Archer! Will Ospreay lead this team to victory ahead of the grudge matches at Full Gear? Or will Callis’ Alpha, Aussie Arrow, Machine & Murderhawk Monster make sure #EverybodyDies?
Well forget sorting out, Ospreay leads his team in attacking the Callis Family right on the ramp! The fans fire up as Hobbs is after Archer, Davis is after Cage, and of course Ricochet is after Konosuke while Ospreay is after Kyle! Hobbs smacks Archer off railing, Kyle CLUBS Ospreay on the back, but Ospreay kicks low. Ospreay sends Kyle into railing, rips the tearaway pants right off him, and then LASHES him with them! Davis sends Cage into railing while Ospreay uses those pants to SLING Kyle into more railing! Davis CLUBS away on Cage, Ospreay blows snot on Kyle’s pants, and Davis sends Cage into more railing.
Kyle turns things around to send Ospreay into railing! Konosuke helps Cage against Davis but Hobbs still throws hands on Archer. Kyle CLUBS Ospreay, CLUBS Ricochet, but Konosuke puts Davis in the ring. The bell rings and this is finally a match. Konosuke headlocks Davis but Davis fires body shots. Davis powers up and out, but Konosuke RAMS him! The fans fire up as Davis stays up. Davis runs to RAM Konosuke! Konosuke stays up and the fans rally. Konosuke runs to RAM Davis, but Davis runs. Konosuke bypasses, leaps, but Davis catches him for a TOSS! And a SENTON! The fans fire up with Davis, and Ricochet reaches out.
Davis tags Ricochet in , then holds the way open, for Ricochet to FOSBURY FLOP onto Konosuke! But Cage CLOBBERS Davis! Cage then RAMS Ricochet into the apron, POSTS him, but Ospreay PENALTY KICKS Cage! The fans fire up as Ospreay goes up, but Kyle UPPERCUTS him! The fans boo as Kyle goes up, CLUBS away on Ospreay, and Ospreay falls to the floor. But now Hobbs is up! Kyle says wait! Then he fires hands! Hobbs just CHOPS Kyle! Hobbs climbs up to get Kyle, but Archer CLUBS Hobbs! Archer drags Hobbs down, throws hands, then puts Hobbs in between steps and post! Hobbs fights back, but Cage sends Ospreay into the steps!
The fans boo as Hobbs’ leg is crushed between steps and post! Archer puts Ricochet in the ring while a medic checks Hobbs. Archer brings Ricochet up but Ricochet slips free to fire off fast strikes! Hobbs is being helped to the back and Ospreay is concerned that this is now 4v3. Ricochet still fires strikes on Archer, but Archer grabs Ricochet by the neck! CHOKE- NO, Ricochet RANAS Archer first! Archer tumbles, stands up, and Ricochet springboards, but Archer CLOBBERS Him out of the sky! Archer BLASTS Davis, then catches Ospreay out of the air! Archer TOSSES Ospreay away and fans boo. But Ricochet springboards back in!
Archer catches Ricochet, and he CHOKE SLAMS Ricochet out onto Ospreay and Davis! The fans boo as the Don Callis Family is in control, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Cage & Kyle flex to soak up the heat, then Archer goes out after Ospreay and the rest. Konosuke fetches Ricochet into the ring, waistlocks, and then brings him away from the corner. Archer beats up on Ospreay while Konosuke fires knees into Ricochet. Ricochet tumbles to ropes but Konosuke is on him. Davis fires hands on Archer, then sends him into railing! Davis fires more hands, but Konosuke CHOKES Ricochet at the ropes! The ref counts, Konosuke steps off and tags Kyle. Kyle stays between Ricochet and his corner. Kyle taunts Ricochet, stomps him around, then whips him to ropes. Kyle ELBOWS Ricochet down, then stalks him to a corner.
Kyle stomps away on Ricochet while Archer intimidates commentary. Kyle shouts at the camera while the ref counts, and Kyle steps off of Ricochet’s neck. Kyle bumps Ricochet off buckles, tags Cage, and Cage stands Ricochet up. Cage CHOPS Ricochet, then whips him to ropes for an ELBOW! Cage flexes while he taunts Ospreay & Davis. Cage drags Ricochet up but Ricochet RAMS him! And RAMS him! And fires forearms! Cage ROCKS Ricochet, then runs, but into a tiger wall kick and ENZIGIRI! Konosuke tags in and storms after Ricochet. Konosuke stomps Ricochet, then rains down fists! The ref reprimands while Dynamite returns to single picture.
Konosuke argues with the ref while Ospreay rallies the fans. Konosuke stays between Ricochet and his team, but Ricochet SLAPS Konosuke! Konosuke ROCKS Ricochet for it! Ricochet fires forearms and an UPPERCUT! Konosuke keeps Ricochet from his corner, reels Ricochet in, but Ricochet victory rolls! TWO, and Ricochet ducks a chop to handspring BACK ELBOW! The fans fire up while both men are down! Ricochet and Konosuke crawl, hot tags to Kyle and Ospreay! The fans fire up as these two fire fists and forearms! Kyle kicks and whips but Ospreay ducks ‘n’ dodges to CLOBBER Kyle!
Ospreay whips, Kyle reverses, Ospreay handsprings to NEURALIZER KICK! Kyle staggers, Konosuke tags back in! Ospreay dodges Konosuke to BLAST Cage & Archer! Ospreay fires fists on Konosuke, but Konosuke CLAWS Ospreay’s face! Konosuke runs, but Davis intercepts with a fireman’s carry! AUSSIE DENTAL PLAN! Or maybe in this case, just a United Empire Dental Plan! But in any case, Davis scoops Konosuke, for the LAWN DART CUTTER! Cover, TWO!! Konosuke survives but the fans fire up. Ospreay & Davis bring Konosuke up, double pump handle, but the #MurderMachines make the save!
Archer puts Davis in a corner, Cage ducks Ospreay’s haymaker to waistlock. Archer runs up, BOOT GERMAN SUPLEX COMBO! Davis fires hands on Archer but Cage waistlocks, ripcords, and ROCKS Davis! Then fireman’s carry into the ASSISTED NECKBREAKER! The fans boo but the Murder Machines DOUBLE RIPCORD Ospreay up for Konosuke’s BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay survives and shocks everyone! Archer argues with the ref but the count was fair. Konosuke tags Kyle while fans rally up behind Ospreay. Kyle smirks as he stalks Ospreay. Kyle BOOTS Ricochet off the apron for good measure!
Kyle tells Ospreay that this is how he wants it, right? All about Ospreay! Kyle stomps away on Ospreay in the corner, then digs his boots in! The ref counts but wait! Here comes Hobbs! Hobbs hobbles but Kyle hurries to send Ospreay to the Callis corner. Tag to Konosuke and then Kyle slides out. Kyle runs up on Hobbs, but Hobbs CLOBBERS him! The fans fire up as Hobbs makes his way to the corner. Ospreay fights free of the corner but Konosuke holds him back! Ospreay fires forearms, reaches out, repeat! The fans rally as hard as they can, but Konosuke reels Ospreay in! Konosuke hits a back suplex, but Ospreay lands out!
Ospreay dodges Konosuke, hot tag to Hobbs! The Powerhouse powers up to rally on Konosuke! The fans fire up as Hobbs TOSSES Kyle, but the Murder Machines attack! They reel Hobbs in, but Hobbs fights the double suplex! The fans fire up but the Murder Machines double whip. Hobbs DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up as Hobbs has targets in all corners! SPLASH for Konosuke! SPLASH for Cage! SPLASH for Kyle! SPLASH for Archer! The fans are thunderous and Hobbs brings the straps down. Archer kicks low, then runs, but Hobbs dodges, to SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up again, and Hobbs tags Davis!
Davis runs up to BOOT Konosuke, BOOT him again, but Konosuke just fires up! Ospreay CANNONBALLS onto Kyle while Konosuke fires hands! Konosuke spins, but Davis DECKS him! Davis roars, stands Konosuke up, but Konosuke backdrops back! POWER- NO, Davis stops the knee to ENZIGIRI! Davis gut wrenches Konosuke, for a PILEDRIVER!! Cover, KYLE BREAKS IT! The fans boo but now Aussie Open is face to face! Kyle pie faces Davis, talks trash, but Davis glares at him. Kyle SLAPS Davis, so Davis TACKLES Kyle! Davis throws hands, Kyle gets up, and Davis runs up! Kyle dodges and Konosuke DECKS Davis!
Ricochet springboards, FLYING LARIAT on Konosuke! But Cage POP-UP POWERBOMBS Ricochet! Hobbs SPINEBUSTERS Cage! Archer CHOKE SLAMS Hobbs! Ospreay hits the PIP PIP CHEERIO FOREARM on Archer! Ospreay dares Kyle to man up and fight him! Kyle snarls, gets in, and they fire forearms again! Kyle swings, Ospreay catches him, but Kyle breaks the full nelson with an elbow! Ospreay HOOK KICKS Kyle! Ospreay runs, Kyle dodges, but then Ospreay slips through the lariat! Kyle slips through the bomb, hoists Ospreay up, but Ospreay slips free! Kyle ducks the hook kick to SUPERKICK! Kyle runs, into the SPANISH FLY!!
The fans are thunderous as Ospreay takes aim from a corner! Kyle rises, so does Davis, and Ospreay runs up, Kyle uses Davis as a shield from the HIDDEN BLADE!! Ospreay freaks out, Kyle SUPERKICKS Ospreay out of the ring! Then Kyle DIVES onto Ospreay! Konosuke brings down his kneepad, aims at Davis, POWER DRIVE KNEE!!! Cover, Don Callis Family wins!!
Winners: The Don Callis Family, by pinfall
The Alpha stands tall over Davis as friendly fire takes out Ospreay’s team. But what happens when things divide into 1v1 matches? Will Konosuke still be International Champion after he and Ricochet go #OuttaThisWorld? Will Kyle prove that he IS The Protostar after tearing down Will Ospreay?
Jon Moxley & The Death Riders speak.
“Despite recent discoveries that Orange Cassidy is a snake, coldblooded, uncaring, unmoving, a serpent lurking in the darkest corners of the battlefield, my objective remains the same, my job on Saturday night remains the same. You may be this borderline sociopath, you may be a great guy just like everybody thinks. I don’t care if you’re a great guy. I don’t care what kind of person you are. When the bell rings on Saturday night, and the AEW World Championship hangs in the balance, you are a threat to my people. And I will destroy you.
“There’s so much more going on behind Orange Cassidy’s eyes than any of us could’ve imagined. You may make it to Full Gear with your mind in tact, but your body… For that matter, Darby Allin’s body… Still up for grabs.” Claudio jumps in, speaking in German about what he’ll do to Darby. Then in English, he says, “Tonight, I’m gonna end you.” Moxley pats Claudio on the shoulder. Will The Maniac’s top henchmen do his dirty work for him when they dismantle Cassidy & Darby? Or will it just be fuel on the fire for Freshly Squeezed & The Relentless One? Speaking of…
Darby Allin speaks.
“Claudio, I’m gonna keep this really short. Let’s not forget you’re the one who put the chair around Bryan’s neck and pulled the trigger on his career. Every single one of you Death Riders will have your day. And Claudio, today’s your day.” Will Moxley’s men be dealt with in brutal fashion before he suffers the same?
The Hurt Syndicate arrive.
Renee Paquette waits in the parking lot as an SUV pulls up, and she welcomes Montel Vontavious Porter, Shelton Benjamin & Bobby Lashley to the show. She heard MVP has a surprise in store, what’s he got planned? MVP says yes, there is a special treat for the AEW audience, and that is this announcement: The All Mighty Bobby Lashley will be in action here tonight on Dynamite in Reading, Pennsylvania, prior to his PPV debut on Saturday! Renee asks if MVP is at all concerned to put Lashley in a match- OH NO, Swerve attacks!! Swerve knocks Lashley over, then laughs as he gets away!
Shelton helps Lashley up but that ambush might’ve been with Swerve’s own silver chain. Will Lashley elect not to compete tonight after all? Or is he about to make an example out of whatever poor soul is put in front of him?
Adam Cole is here!
Reading fires up as the Panama City Playboy makes his way to the ring. They join in with the “BOOM!” and “ADAM COLE, BAYBAY!” Cole grabs a mic to ask, “Who’s ready for Storytime with Adam Cole, Baybay?” Reading sure is ready! Cole wishes so so badly that he could get his hands on MJF this Saturday, but he’s not. MJF did everything in his power to make sure he and Cole didn’t fight on Saturday, and he succeeded. But do you know who else succeeded last week? Roderick Strong did! The fans cheer as Cole says he and Roddy have the exact same goal: Give MJF the ass whooping of a lifetime! And that is exactly what happens at Full Gear!
The fans cheer, and wait, Kyle O’Reilly makes his way out here. The longtime friend of Cole & Roddy makes his way out here, and already has a mic. Kyle isn’t sure if Cole remembers, but 14 years ago, right here in Reading, PA, Cole and Kyle had their second match ever against each other. They’ve come a long way. Being associated with Cole has given Kyle some incredible highs, and some serious lows. And through those lows, Kyle knows Cole better than anyone. Which makes Kyle the only one willing to tell Cole the truth. The truth is, this crusade against MJF has got to end before someone gets hurt.
This obsession, Cole needs to wash his hands of it. His ankle has already been reconstructed, what’s next? Cole has friends willing to take a bullet for him, Kyle included, but Cole has got to stop having his friends fight his battles. Roddy barely makes it out alive last week, and now he wants to fight MJF! He wants to END MJF, all because of Cole. Kyle just doesn’t have a good feeling about any of this. Cole asks Kyle what he’s trying to say here. Kyle doesn’t think Roddy can handle MJF? Kyle asks Cole if he really thinks MJF isn’t already three steps ahead. MJF hasn’t been here for weeks but he’s pulling all the strings.
Cole should know that dealing with MJF is like playing with fire, and Kyle doesn’t wanna see his friends get burned. Cole needs to realize why so many of his friends are willing to go to war for him, and it’s because he is a great leader, an elite pro-wrestler, and a great friend, who doesn’t wanna see his friends get hurt. At least, so Kyle thinks. But Cole has to face facts: MJF is more of an evil bastard than Cole will ever be, and that is a good thing. Kyle drops his mic and walks away. Cole drops his mic, and has a lot to think about. Does Kyle have a point? Can Cole just let Roddy handle MJF and then move on?
Orange Cassidy speaks.
“A little later tonight, I’m gonna make an example out of you, Wheeler Yuta. And I’m gonna show everybody exactly what I’m gonna do this Saturday to you, Jon Moxley. And that’s walk down to that ring and beat you, alone.” But The Conglomeration steps in. Mark Briscoe has Rocky Romero & Tomohiro Ishii with him as he asks Cassidy, “What sense does that make, man?” Moxley said himself, there’s five Death Riders, one Cassidy. Conglomeration has his back, they are here for him. Cassidy says no, no one else needs to get hurt. Get hurt? What’s Cassidy talking about? The Conglomeration are ready to scrap!
PLEASE!! Cassidy is asking them… They don’t have to believe him or even understand him. But just promises him they’ll stay back here. If Cassidy insists, then so be it. Cassidy says there you have it, Jon. Five of you, one of him. Do what you’re gonna do. Because at Full Gear, Moxley’s gonna need all the help he can get. Cassidy is himself wanting the best for his friends, but will that work out for the betterment of AEW? Or is he just playing into Moxley’s hands?
Kris Statlander VS Hikaru Shida!
The #BornAgainKristen bodied the bullies that are Mercedes Mone & Kamille the last time she saw them, but she still needs to tune up for Full Gear. However, taking on the THREE-TIME AEW Women’s World Champion might be more than just a workout. Win, lose or draw, will the Shining Samurai get Kris ready for The CEO?
The bell rings, Kris and Shida shake hands and the fans applaud. The two circle, tie up, and Kris wrenches to a wristlock. Shida handsprings and wrenches back, then hammerlocks. Kris reaches back, hits a headlock takeover, but Shida headscissors. Kris kips free and the fans cheer while the two reset. Shida and Kris circle again while the fans fire up. The two tie up, Shida wrenches and hammerlocks, then CLUBS Kris on the back. Shida CLUBS Kris again, then waistlocks. Kris fights the lift with elbows, then switches. Kris SLAMS Shida, then flips her over. Shida kips up to arm-drag Kris! Kris ends up in a corner, and Shida runs up to KNEE her!
Shida climbs up and the fans cheer as she rains down fists! But Kris stops Shida at 5 and carries her out of the corner! Shida slips free, Kris blocks a lariat to SWEEP the leg! STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Shida is tough and she goes to ropes, but Kris whips her to a corner. Kris runs up but into a RANA! Kris cartwheels through! Then she CLOBBERS Shida! The fans fire up while Kris flexes. Kris drags Shida into a motorcycle stretch but Shida endures. The fans rally up and Shida fights to her feet. Shida arm-drags Kris down, and wraps her in a straitjacket stretch! Kris fights up with a bridge, but Shida hops on!
The fans rally while Kris RAMS Shida into a corner! Shida holds onto the straitjacket and pulls! The ref counts, Shida lets go at 4, and then MISSILE DROPKICKS! Kris tumbles and the fans duel as Shida fires up! Shida goes outside, drags Kris to the apron, and CLUBS her! Shida runs to KNEE LIFT! Kris flops to the floor and fans cheer while Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Shida brings Kris up again, and whips her into railing hard! Kris writhes, Shida drags her up, and then Shida whips Kris into more railing! Kris writhes again and Shida refreshes the ring count. Shida sits Kris in a corner to rain down fists! The fans fire up but the ref reprimands, so Shida stops. Shida brings Kris around, pushes her into the ring, and then stalks her. Shida stomps Kris around, brings her up, and snap suplexes! Kris writhes but Shida brings her up again. Shida then snap suplexes Kris into a corner! Shida drags Kris to a cover, TWO! Kris stays in this but Shida stays on her with a chinlock stretch!
Kris endures being bent back, and she reaches out with her free arm. Shida pulls back more but Kris rises up! Shida is again a backpack, but then she slips down. Kris fires body shots, slips around and lifts for a BIG back suplex! Kris huffs ‘n’ puffs as she rises up, but then Shida dodges the sliding forearm! Ghost pin! TWO, and Kris has a cradle! TWO! Shida ROCKS Kris, but Kris PELES! Shida staggers, but she comes back to ENZIGIRI! Both women are down and the fans fire up! The ref checks both women and they’re okay to continue, so a standing count begins. Shida and Kris stir at about 4 of 10, then rise up at 6.
Kris grabs Shida, but Shida fires a forearm! Dynamite returns to single picture as the shots go back and forth. Shida fires a flurry, then whips Kris to ropes. Kris ducks ‘n’ dodges, then dodges a knee! SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up with Kris as she whips Shida to a corner. Kris runs up to UPPERCUT, then she goes side to side for a KNEE LIFT! Shida ends up in ropes but Kris reels her in. Fisherman BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Shida survives and the fans fire up again! Kris hoists Shida up, gut wrenches, but Shida slips free! DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Shida eggs Kris on, then dodges her to fire forearms! Kris just shakes her head!
Shida fires more shots, but Kris fireman’s carries! But Shida slips free, straitjacket roll-up! TWO!! KNEE STRIKE! And then short arm LARIAT! Shida takes aim, but she starts to doubt the Katana! Shida runs up but Kris dodges the boot to then scoop and INVERTED SLAM! Then Kris aims, DISCUS- NO, Shida backslides her! TWO!! Shida reels Kris in, suplexes, FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO?!? Kris survives and Shida is shocked! Shida brings Kris up but Kris fires body shots and forearms! Shida ROCKS Kris, but Kris wrenches to kick! Kris runs, but into the JUMP KNEE! Shida hurries to suplex, but Kris turns it around!
Shida slips out of Kris’ suplex to slip around, GERMAN SUPLEX! Shida roars, aims, KATA- NO, Kris gut wrenches! Tuck and STATURDAY NIGHT FEVER!! Cover, Kris wins!!
Winner: Kris Statlander, by pinfall
Shida gave Kris a powerful match, but clearly Shida has to iron out her own crisis of confidence. Kris still shows Shida respect by helping her up. But wait, here comes Mercedes Mone & Kamille! The fans boo The CEO & Brickhouse but Mone has a mic. “Readiiiiing~! Say hello to your C E O!” The fans boo instead. Mone asks Kamille if she wants to hear a fun fact about Pennsylvania. The 76ers have had yet another terrible season! Embarrassing~! But shoutouts to Mone’s Celtics for another incredible victory. The fans boo Boston but Mone says another person with an incredible win was Kris Statlander. Mone is rarely impressed by her competition.
Does anyone else want to hear another fun fact? “NO!!” Well, Mone has held the TBS Championship longer than Kris! So at Full Gear, Mone will NOT lose, because she is The CEO, the greatest TBS Champion of all time! And she will NEVER lose this title! Fans tell The CEO to STFU, but Mone tells Kamille go get the job done! She is so pissed off! GO! NOW! Kamille walks up the steps past Mone, but with only one good arm! Mone says hurry up, but Kamille looks at both Shida and Kris. Kamille takes as swing, but Kris blocks to ROCK her! Shida QUESTION MARK KICKS Kamille! Then Kris & Shida TOSS The Brickhouse!
Shida goes out after Kamille, but then Mone goes after Kris! Mone goes for the backstabber, but Kris holds onto ropes! Mone is almost stuck up there, but Kris pops her around! STATURDAY NIGHT FEVER!! The fans fire up as Kris stands tall over The CEO! Will Kris once again become the Face of TBS? Or will Mone find a way to win even without her insurance policy?
The Hurt Syndicate has a cameraman with them.
MVP says hold on, he and Shelton have found Swerve. They go after the man in the big fur jacket, but that’s not Swerve! Swerve gave his jacket to the guy, but MVP & Shelton still beat this guy up for helping Swerve. MVP says they’ll find Swerve later, Lashley has his match up next. And it’ll be a 2-on-1 Handicap?! The All Mighty really IS mad, what poor duo is about to be destroyed?
AEW hears from Jay White and Hangman Adam Page.
“Hangman. You and I are on that same path to that same destination, trying to grasp at that same prize. 2024 still has some time left for The Switchblade to share the spotlight with Hangman once more!” But the Blackhat Cowboy asks White if he knows “Who the hell I am?! I am the Hangman! I am THE man! They named this whole godforsaken PPV after ME!” White says when he makes Hangman TAP, it will be a public declaration! But Hangman says White can’t make him tap, even if his life depended on it! These two vicious gunslingers will write one more chapter in their storied rivalry, but who comes out riding off into the sunset?
2v1 Handicap: Bobby Lashley w/ The Hurt Syndicate VS Joe Keys & Cheeseburger!
The All Mighty thought he’d have an easy night getting in a little warm-up, but The Realest quickly reminded him why he’s the most dangerous man in AEW! Lashley’s now doubling down to make a point, will there be nothing left of Keys & Cheese after tonight?
The bell rings and while the fans rally for Cheeseburger, he and Keys each argue the other should start. Lashley runs up and TOSSES Burger across the ring! Keys runs away, Lashley runs to RAM into Burger! Lashley brings Burger up, Keys runs in, but Lashley catches him for a COMPLETE SHOT DDT COMBO! Lashley drags Keys up and TOSSES him out! Lashley then turns to look at Burger in the corner. The fans rally for Burger, but Lashley CLOBBERS him! The fans boo but MVP & Shelton high-five Lashley. Lashley drags Burger up to gut wrench, Canadian Rack, and DOMINATOR! Keys runs in to break the cover!
The fans cheer Keys as he fires hands, but Lashley just gets angrier! Keys short arm LARIATS, but Lashley stays up! Keys runs, into a MILE HIGH SPINEBUSTER! Lashley storms around, then aims at Keys. Keys staggers into the SPEAR! Lashley isn’t done there, and he clamps on the HURT LOCK! Keys can’t open that lock, he is OUT! Lashley wins!
Winner: Bobby Lashley, by submission
MVP & Shelton join Lashley in the ring to celebrate, but then “Whose House?” “SWERVE’S HOUSE!” The fans fire up, and here comes Prince Nana with a chair! Nana eggs the Hurt Syndicate on so Shelton storms out after Nana. MVP watches the rest of ringside for Swerve, but Swerve slides out from under the ring! The fans fire up as Swerve slips in to CHAIN PUNCH Lashley!! MVP gets on the apron but Swerve DECKS MVP with a chain punch! And then Shelton eats a chain punch! The fans are thunderous as Swerve aims, and hits a HOUSE CALL on Lashley! Swerve hurries to the top rope, and he gives Lashley a KILL STOMP!!
The fans are thunderous as Swerve stands over Lashley! MVP & Shelton get up and get in, but Swerve escapes, chain draped on his neck! Will AEW then, now and forever be whose house? “SWERVE’S HOUSE!”
Backstage interview with Mariah May & Mina Shirakawa.
Renee is now with the AEW Women’s World Champion and her best friend, the Rev-Pro Undisputed British Women’s Champion. They are planning their Championship Champagne Celebration for Full Gear, BUT Friday Night Rampage will feature the two of them teaming up for the first time in just over a year. Mariah says no champion deserves a celebration more than her. Her rise to the top was meteoric, and her reign will be historic. She takes ish and makes it shine, any time and any show, against anyone. In Mariah’s division, you hold this title, or you die.
Mina says yes, Mariah has been working so hard. She came back to tell her she is so very proud. And Mina will give Mariah a celebration she’ll never forget! Mariah says the “H Cup Angel” (Mina) and the “Woman from Hell” (Mariah herself) are going to make Rampage into Glampage. Everyone wants Mina, but Mina wants Mariah. And then… They’ll dance! These two shimmy and shake their way out, will they finally be toasting their victories at Full Gear?
Darby Allin VS Claudio Castagnoli w/ The Death Riders!
The Relentless One told The Swiss Superman that revenge was coming, and here is Darby’s chance! Will Darby avenge Bryan Danielson? Or will he just be the next to fall?
The bell rings and Darby stares Claudio down. Darby takes some deep breaths then circles with Claudio. Darby slips around to waistlock but Claudio flings him off, only for Darby to roll to his feet. They circle again, and the fans rally behind Darby. Darby and Claudio feel things out, tie up, and Darby headlocks. Claudio lifts Darby but Darby thrashes the hold. Claudio throws Darby off, runs up, but Darby uses that to get around and springboard arm-drag! The fans fire up while Claudio bails out, and Darby taunts Claudio with some drop steps. Claudio snarls, but then Darby fakes him out with a slingshot!
Claudio is annoyed and takes a swing but Darby slingshots up and over! Darby taunts Claudio again while the fans rally up. Claudio cools off before he storms up the steel steps. Claudio pops Darby up but Darby keeps from hitting buckles! Darby ELBOWS Claudio away, goes up, then leaps, but Claudio catches him! Claudio SLAMS Darby down, flips him back to his feet, but Darby slips around to waistlock. O’Conner Roll, TWO! Darby springboards to SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Claudio bails out but the fans fire up. Darby goes up a corner, and he SUPER COFFIN SPLASHES into a waistlock! Claudio swings and THROWS Darby away!
Darby staggers to his feet but Claudio runs up, to POUNCE Darby into railing! Darby writhes against the railing, but Claudio runs up to UPPERCUT Darby up and over! Fans freak out as Darby hits the floor! Claudio leaves Darby behind while the ring count climbs, but Darby drags himself up at 7. Claudio goes back out after Darby to suplex! Claudio holds Darby up while he marches up the steps! The fans fire up for this feat of strength and balance, and then Claudio TOSSES Darby back into the ring! Darby writhes again while Claudio steps back in. Claudio stalks Darby, talks some trash, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Claudio looms over Darby, then deadlift gut wrenches for a GUTBUSTER! And then another GUTBUSTER! And then another GUTBUSTER! Darby writhes while Claudio stands over him again. Claudio watches Darby crawl towards a corner and stalks him. Claudio drags Darby up, brings him around, and ROCKS Darby with a forearm! Darby pushes Claudio, then CHOPS! Claudio DECKS Darby! Darby tumbles out of the ring! The ref wants Claudio to stay back while Darby drags himself up. Darby is back in before the count starts, but then Claudio DOUBLE STOMPS him! Claudio kicks Darby around, then clamps on with a neck wrench!
Darby endures, fights up, but Claudio powers him down. Darby BITES Claudio’s hand! The ref reprimands but Darby fires off forearms on Claudio. Claudio HIP TOSSES Darby up and out of the ring! Darby hits the floor and flounders around while the ref reprimands Claudio. Claudio again waits on Darby, and then he DOUBLE STOMPS Darby the moment he’s in! The ref counts as Claudio stands on Darby at the ropes. Claudio steps off at 4, brings him around, and clamps on an armlock and chinbar. Darby endures, fights around, and manages to fireman’s carry Claudio! But Claudio rains down elbows! HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL even!
Claudio clamps on with a double wristlock and he grinds Darby down. Darby still endures and the fans rally up again. Darby fights around and Dynamite returns to single picture. Darby fires body shots but Claudio knees low! Claudio then HIP TOSSES Darby into a corner! Darby tumbles out of the ring but Claudio pursues! Claudio SWINGS Darby into railing! Then Claudio fireman’s carries, to TOSS Darby back in the ring! Claudio storms in while Darby flounders away. Darby flops back out of the ring but Claudio pursues him again. Darby trips Claudio up and traps him in the apron skirt! Darby then fires forearms, and BITES Claudio’s ear!
The fans fire up but Claudio shoves Darby away. Darby slides into the ring then DIVES onto Claudio! And then runs to DIVE again! Down goes Claudio and the fans fire up! Darby crawls over to bring Claudio up and into the ring. The fans fire up as Darby climbs up a corner, though slowly given all the damage to his back. That lets Claudio trip Darby up! Darby is stuck up top, and Claudio climbs up after him. Claudio gut wrenches for a SUPER GUT WRENCH PLEX!! Cover, TWO!! Darby survives and Claudio can’t believe it! The fans fire up but Claudio calls for the swing! Claudio grabs the legs, but Darby twists to a victory roll! TWO!!
Claudio escapes and runs up, but Darby ducks ‘n’ dodges, roll and- WHOA, Claudio has to fight to stay up, and then he deadlifts Darby! Darby pops through to CODE RED!! Cover, TWO!! Claudio survives and the fans fire up again! “This is Awesome!” as Darby and Claudio crawl for ropes. Claudio runs up to UPPERCUT! And UPPERCUT again and again and again! The ref backs Claudio off, but then Claudio fires off body shots! Darby flops over but Claudio has the legs. Claudio FLIPS Darby up and over the ropes, but Darby lands on the apron! Claudio BOOTS Darby down! The ref wants Claudio to hold on but Claudio goes out after Darby.
Claudio drags Darby by his legs, then SWINGS him around! Into steel steps!! The fans lose their minds, the ref reprimands Claudio, but Claudio doesn’t care. The fans tell Claudio he is sick, but Claudio TOSSES Darby over the announce desk!! Schiavone, Excalibur & Matt Menard narrowly avoid becoming collateral damage! But Claudio clears the desk and brings Darby up. Claudio puts Darby on the desk, then stands over him. The ref reprimands but Claudio just ignores him. Claudio drags Darby up, and gorilla presses him! SUPER DUPER TOSS onto the timekeeper’s table!! The fans lose their minds as Darby is down but that table’s somehow still standing!
The ref checks on Darby but Claudio storms right over! The ref tells Claudio to stop so they go to the ring. Claudio lets the ring count start, and yet Darby somehow stirs at 4 of 10! The fans rally as hard as they can and Darby crawls his way over! Darby is still far away at 7! But then he powers up and LEAPS in at 9!! But Claudio LARIATS Darby inside-out!! Cover, Claudio wins!
Winner: Claudio Castagnoli, by pinfall
Darby truly is relentless, with durability like no other, but it just wasn’t enough against the strength and brutality of Claudio! Will no one stop The Death Riders from running roughshod over AEW?
Backstage interview with Private Party.
Renee is with Marq Quen & Isiah Kassidy and brings up that at Full Gear, the AEW World Tag Team Championships are on the line in a Fatal 4 Way. Private Party takes on The Acclaimed, The Outrunners and The Kings of the Black Throne. In such a match, the champs do NOT have to be pinned or submitted to lose their titles, so what is their strategy? Brother Zay says they obviously can’t tell her that, the other teams are watching. But it seems like the odds are against them. Fortunately, the odds have been against them their whole lives, their whole careers, just like against The Young Bucks.
But look what happened: Private Party defied the odds, beat The Bucks, and are your AEW World Tag Team Champions. That is the same thing that happens on Saturday. They leave Newark, New Jersey still your tag team champions. Because there ain’t no party like a Private Party, that’s a flex. Oh, speaking of! It’s AJ & Big Justice! They’re fired up to be here, but Justice wants to know what that face Zay made was last week. Oh, right, this one, with the chin scratching. And AJ says they’ve got a BIG announcement coming up after this! Maybe some double chunk chocolate cookies? BOOM!!
A green Porsche Taycan pulls up to the middle of nowhere.
And out steps MJF. The Wolf of Wrestling tells the hobo to “go get it” as he throws spare change off to the side like birdseed. MVP then sits back and tells Roderick Strong, “You’ve been through so much. The kid who grew up trailer park trash with two abusive alcoholic parents. For crying out loud! Your own mother shot your father right in front of you. That’s traumatizing. And as you know, Roddy, trauma is the result of an overwhelming sense of danger, powerlessness and fear. However, healing is a result of feeling safe, empowered and supported. That’s why you’d do anything for Cole. He makes you feel all those positive things that you lacked.
“It’s why I was no different than you. It’s why I trusted him. Unfortunately, the difference between you and I: Cole for me was a mirage of what I wanted him to be. A fraud, a liar. And whilst Cole is a fraud, I do actually believe deep down, in his narcissistic, sociopathic, frail, feeble frame, is a man who cares about Roderick Strong. This is precisely why upon further contemplation, I am happy you won, Roddy. Because I want Adam Cole to watch a person he cares about suffer! And because of your White trash upbringing, you aren’t intelligent enough to realize that you don’t have a prayer. And I’m sending you back to where you belong. To your grimy little trailer park.
“And after the match, you’ll be in so much physical anguish, you’ll wish your mother hadn’t shot your father, but instead shot you.” As if this scumbag couldn’t stoop any lower, he brings up Roddy’s past to hurt him. But will Roddy make sure MJF’s future is the one full of pain and suffering?
Backstage interview with AJ & Big Justice.
Renee is with the Costco Tiktok sensations and says that in the Full Gear Zero Hour, we will see #BigBoomAJ take on QT Marshall in a match 20 YEARS in the making. AJ says it may have been 20 years in the making for QT, this all started for AJ when QT threw the double chunk chocolate cookies down! Renee says AJ has not been in the ring in those 20 years, is he concerned about how his body will hold up? AJ isn’t worried about that, because he just has one strategy, and that’s the strategy they use each and every day. That strategy is to bring the BOOM~! But hey, there’s another special announcement.
Because when AJ rings QT’s bell, and he Power-Booms QT right in the middle of that ring, there is only one guy they want ringing the bell: Big Justice’s best friend, THE RIZZLER! Time to bring the BOOM~! Will QT be sleeping on the mat for The Rizzler? Will he be skibidi? Fanum Tax? Why are those even words?
Tony Schiavone is on stage.
And he welcomes out The Undisputed Kingdom! The fans cheer as Roderick Strong makes his way out, accompanied by Matt Taven & Mike Bennett. Schiavone brings up Roddy VS MJF at Full Gear, and we just heard all that disgusting stuff MJF had to say. Roddy’s response is that to be honest, he has not slept a wink since last week. IT is finally happening! Roddy feels like a kid on Christmas morning. He finally gets his hands on “MAAAAAX~!” The fans echo that, and Roddy says if MJF was here tonight, and not hiding out there, Roddy would ask him: Is Roddy supposed to be ashamed of his childhood?
Is Roddy supposed to be ashamed of his parents? You don’t think Roddy’s heard that stuff before? His whole LIFE, that is what people brought up! His mom’s an addict, his dad’s an addict, mom shot dad. Good job, Max, you made Roddy feel like he was in elementary school again. And people may look at Roddy’s past and feel sorry for him, but Roddy asks us not to. Because looking at MJF, Roddy feels sorry for him. Understand this, Max. With Roddy’s life, he learned that to get the most out of life, you have to earn it. If you wanna break the cycle, you have to earn it. And that is what Roddy’s done ever since he was a kid!
And now looking at MJF, he’s been spoon-fed everything. And when something doesn’t go his way or something happens and he doesn’t like it, MJF throws a temper tantrum like a baby until that changes. So Roddy wants MJF to do something for him: Look in the mirror and think about all the things that MJF has done to people. The manipulating, the backstabbing, the using. MJF needs to realize, when the bell rings at Full Gear, MJF will pay for all those sins. With every chop, with every punch, with every elbow, with every backbreaker! And when it is all over, Roddy walks to his hotel room for the best night of sleep in his life because he earned it.
Especially because Roddy will know he has broken MJF’s back, and left him humbled! Roddy is all fired up, and the fans are with him! Will MJF finally get what’s coming to him? Or will he give Roddy nightmares for the rest of his life?
AEW shares footage taken from last Saturday night.
First, a recap video of Daniel Garcia thwarting Jack Perry’s attempts to abduct and torture Matthew Menard, as well as the joyride they took in the Scapegoat bus, with Perry as the hood ornament. And now, they have Perry strapped into a chair, the bus headlights as the only source of light. Menard is behind the camera as he asks Perry how he’s feeling. How’d that work out for him, huh? Garcia splashes Perry with water to wake him up, and says “Let’s have a conversation. I’m all ears.” Perry chuckles and says Garcia thinks he’s so much better than him. Look at where they are! Garcia shouts back that he doesn’t wanna be here!
Garcia just wants to wrestle, but AEW is full of savages! Perry tried to take Daddy Magic’s life! And those in power just sit back and watch, pretending that nothing’s going on. So what do they do? Gotta take the power back, right? Perry counters with, “Everybody’s got a code. Everybody cares about right and wrong until it costs them something. Until they have to SACRIFICE!” Garcia gets in Perry’s face, grabs him by the mouth, and says Perry’s always going on about sacrifice but Perry has no idea what Garcia’s had to go through! Perry has NO idea what Garcia’s had to sacrifice to be here!
Garcia knows where Perry wants him to go, but Garcia promises that he’s never gonna go there. Perry smirks, then SPITS in Garcia’s face. Garcia wipes that off his face and says bet. Garcia’s got something for Perry, so just wait right there. Garcia goes to the bus while Perry mockingly asks what he’s gonna do. Menard tells shut up, Jack! Life must be so hard for him! What’s Jack got to be sad about?! Garcia comes back and he has a crowbar! Perry dares him to go ahead. Garcia raises the bar, but he SMASHES up the bus! Garcia throws the crowbar away and Perry laughs. Is that it? Garcia tells Menard they’ll get out of here. What? Where’s Garcia going?
Perry says yeah, walk away. Menard tells Perry that Garcia’s gonna whoop his ass! Just wait! Menard leaves, Perry shouts into the night, but will The Face of TNT soon be the one sacrificed for the greater good?
Renee Paquette presides over the ROH World Championship contract signing.
She welcomes us backstage to the signing for this match, which will happen next week, Dynamite: Thanksgiving Eve, in Chicago. The challenger, Tomohiro Ishii, is on her left, and the champion, Chris Jericho, is on her right. Jericho, as champion, you have the honors to sign first. Jericho smiles and waves as he says, “Hi, guys.” But Renee, you should know better. A champion of Jericho’s caliber does not just sign a contract thrust at his face randomly. He has a whole legal team that needs to approve this contract. Renee says it was sent to said legal team last week. Oh, really? What about today? The now! Jericho lives in the now!
Jericho says he’ll get this checked by his legal eagles one more time. But for now, wait here. Choto matte kudesai. Jericho steps around the corner and then down the hall. He smiles at his own picture on the wall. What a good looking guy. But wait, Ishii has followed Jericho to the hall. Jericho is a bit worried as he keeps moving. Jericho tries to block Ishii’s path but a trash can isn’t enough. Jericho tells staffers that Ishii wants to talk to them. They step in the way but Ishii pushes them aside. Jericho moves faster, pushes more people in the way, but Ishii pushes them aside. Was that RJ City?
Jericho goes up some stairs but Ishii follows. Ishii’s even gaining ground! Jericho goes through a doorway and ends up in the concourse! Fans cheer as Jericho and Ishii keep up their cat ‘n’ mouse game. Jericho decides to go into the stands! Ishii follows, and they head down the bleachers towards ringside! Jericho hurries over railing but so does Ishii. They go into the ring, and now Jericho tells Ishii to stop following him! Jericho wants a mic, a mic is brought, and Jericho says hey, listen, Ishii. Jericho would sign this contract, but he doesn’t have a pen. Ishii has a pen! Oh. Ishii clicks it for Jericho, and pushes it into him.
Jericho takes the pen, looks at the contract again, and still hesitates. Jericho signs his part, and then hands things over to Ishii. But then BRYAN KEITH & BIG BILL ATTACK! It was all a massive set-up! Bad Apple & Redwood beat down Stone Pitbull, and then sit him up! Jericho has the pen ready, but here comes The Conglomeration! Mark Briscoe & Rocky Romero rush in, and Mark TACKLES Jericho! Rocky fires off on Bill while Mark CHOKES Jericho! Keith saves Jericho from Mark but Mark fires hands on Keith! The fans fire up, but then Bill SKYSCRAPER- NO, Mark UPPERCUTS Bill first! Rocky adds on!
The fans fire up as The Conglomeration pinballs Bill, and then Ishii CLOBBERS him! Bill tumbles out, but Rocky DIVES! Bill is sent into railing! Keith stands up, into a kick and underhooks! JAY DRILLER! Jericho stands up, Ishii has him, and hits a BRAINBUSTER!! Conglomeration stands tall over The Learning Tree and his Branches, and now Ishii signs his part! The match is now official, and Ishii is looking to take a bite out of Jericho! Will The Conglomeration have the ROH World Championship to be thankful for this year?
Backstage interview with Jamie Hayter.
Renee is with the former AEW Women’s World Champion and notes that last time, we were going to hear from her, only for her to be interrupted by Julia Hart. What is Hayter’s reaction to that? Well, yeah, she isn’t angry, but she is baffled why Julia chose to interrupt Hayter. They’ve never really spoken or interacted, or even wrestled each other. Hayter is just curious as to why Julia felt it was okay to do that. Granted, Julia can do whatever she wants, Hayter moves to the beat of her own drum just as much as Julia. But… if Julia wants to have a chat-
Uh oh, something is happening to the video! Brody King’s message echoes, “It’s time to come home.” Julia Hart walks through the woods. Brody says The House is her foundation. She has seen her rebirth. Now it is time to rebuild. She has woken up stronger, more determined, and more dangerous than ever. Julia aims her arrow to shoot down a target: her past self. Her obstacles are just bull’s eyes. She is the Princess of the Black Throne, and the Keeper of Secrets. She is Julia Hart, and her heart grows harder. She hits her mark, but will she find Hayter Hits Hard?
Orange Cassidy VS Wheeler Yuta!
Freshly Squeezed has been accused of being coldblooded and uncaring, but he got pretty heated as he told The Conglomeration to keep themselves safe tonight. He goes 1v1 with The Decoder, a young man who was once Cassidy’s student, and who left him behind to join the then Blackpool Combat Club. If anyone is uncaring, it is Yuta with how he would then follow Jon Moxley’s lead in the destruction of Bryan Danielson and Chuck Taylor. Who will be the more ferocious fighter tonight, this close to Full Gear?
The bell rings and Yuta SHOTGUNS Cassidy! Yuta follows Cassidy to a corner to CHOP, then ROCK, then CHOP again! Yuta whips corner to corner but Cassidy goes up and out. Cassidy bumps Yuta off buckles, climbs up top, but has to leap over. Yuta comes back but Cassidy catches him to a backslide! TWO, but Cassidy reels Yuta in for a cradle! TWO! Yuta pulls on an ear! But Cassidy arm-drags and wrangles Yuta into the SEATBELT! TWO!! Yuta escapes and the fans fire up as these two stand off. Yuta huffs ‘n’ puffs, but Cassidy shows he wants a grapple. They feel things out, knuckle lock, but Cassidy blocks a kick!
Cassidy reels Yuta in for a headlock, but Yuta powers up and out. Cassidy ducks ‘n’ rolls, tilt-o-whirls, but Yuta suplexes! Into STUN DOG MILLIONAIRE! Yuta tumbles out and fans fire up! Cassidy builds speed to DIVE! Down goes Yuta and the fans fire up again! Cassidy brings Yuta up, whips, but Yuta reverses to reel Cassidy in! Cassidy fights the suplex, but then Yuta fights a suplex. Yuta suplexes, to RAILING BRAINBUSTER!! Cassidy writhes and fans are stunned! Yuta stomps Cassidy, then leaves him behind for the ring count. Cassidy crawls into the ring, Yuta exposes a crossbar, and then he GRINDS Cassidy’s face into the steel!
The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but Yuta steps off at 4. Cassidy seethes as he rises up, but Yuta has him at the corner. Cassidy kicks Yuta’s legs out and Yuta falls onto a turnbuckle! Yuta falls back, Cassidy climbs, but Yuta grabs Cassidy first! Yuta drags Cassidy down but Cassidy fires hands. Yuta squeezes the facelock tight, then hits an APRON DDT! The fans boo Yuta while Cassidy writhes, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Cassidy clutches his neck while Yuta waits in the ring. A ring count starts and Yuta eggs Cassidy on. Cassidy reaches up as the count reaches 5 of 10, but he doesn’t sit up until 6. Cassidy hobbles up, stumbles and falls, but springs back to life! He slides in at 9! Only for Yuta to be right on him! Yuta reels Cassidy in, but Cassidy turns that into BEACH BREAK! Cover, TWO!! Yuta survives but Cassidy is too sore to be frustrated. They both sit up, and Yuta crawls his way over to a corner. Cassidy rises, checks his neck, then runs up, but into an ELBOW! Yuta goes up, but Cassidy JUMP FOREARMS! Cassidy positions Yuta just right before he climbs the corner.
Yuta resists but Cassidy still brings Yuta up. Yuta continues to fight the suplex, throws body shots, then shoves Cassidy down. Cassidy rolls back to his feet, runs back up the corner, but Yuta again fights the suplex! Cassidy fires hands, but Yuta fires back! They brawl up top, Cassidy HEADBUTTS Yuta! But Yuta HEADBUTTS back! They both wobble, but then Cassidy BITES Yuta! The ref reprimands, but Cassidy CLAWS Yuta’s back! This is very Moxley of him to do! And then Cassidy hits the SUPERPLEX! Both men are down and the ref checks. They’re both okay to continue, so a standing count begins!
Cassidy sits up, spots Yuta, and heads that way. Yuta sits up, they fire forearms as they stand! Dynamite returns to single picture as these shots go back and forth. The fans fire up for Cassidy but boo Yuta as the shots go faster and faster! Yuta BITES Cassidy’s forehead! Yuta spits then runs, but Cassidy dodges! BODY BLOW! SUPERKICK! Yuta sits down, Cassidy runs, PENALTY KICK! Cassidy slashes his throat, hauls Yuta up, BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Yuta survives but Cassidy seethes. Cassidy rains down fists on Yuta! The ref reprimands about closed fists and hair pulling, but Cassidy doesn’t stop until the ref counts 4.
Cassidy stands, and he throws off the elbow pad! Cassidy aims at Yuta, runs up, but Yuta ducks the punch! GERMAN SUPLEX! Yuta runs to CHOP in the corner! And then a wrench and PAIN THRILLER! The fans boo while Yuta seethes and stands over Cassidy. Yuta sits Cassidy up, for HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! But Cassidy blocks one! And bends fingers, to then SNAP them! The fans fire up as Cassidy SNAPS finger after finger! Yuta swings, Cassidy BOOTS him, then serves up SOLE FOOD! Scoop and MICHINOKU DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Cassidy is busting out all his best friends’ best moves, but he hasn’t gotten it done!
Cassidy aims, loads up, and ORANGE- NO, Yuta ducks! Orange fights the suplex, switches to O’Conner Roll! TWO, Yuta dodges Cassidy, scoops him, and CROSS LEG TOMBSTONE!! Cover, TWO?!? Cassidy survives and Yuta is furious! The fans are thunderous, but Yuta rains down HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! Cassidy grits his teeth but he’s almost a ragdoll! Yuta lets off to then hook the arms, CATTLE MUTILATION!! Cassidy endures as Yuta thrashes him around! Cassidy powers up as the fans rally, and he kicks around to the ROPEBREAK!! Yuta holds on, the ref counts, and Yuta finally lets go at 4!
The ref reprimands Yuta, but Yuta pushes past the ref to go outside the ring. Yuta grabs a chair! Yuta storms into the ring while the fans boo, and the ref says don’t do it! Cassidy dodges the chair shot! Victory roll, CASSIDY WINS!!
Winner: Orange Cassidy, by pinfall
Yuta is in disbelief! Cassidy beat him with a technical move! Yuta snarls but the ref keeps him back. Cassidy did what he promised in beating Yuta, but then he stares his former student down. Is Cassidy going to offer a handshake? WAIT, PAC ATTACKS! The Bastard BOOTS Cassidy down so we’ll never know what Cassidy was going to do! The fans boo more but Pac & Yuta stand on Cassidy. The rest of the Death Riders appear, and Marina Shafir has duct tape! The AEW World Trios Champions stomp away on Cassidy, like vultures picking the bones. Moxley steps into the ring while Marina hands the tape over to Pac.
Claudio puts Cassidy’s hands in his pockets, and then Pac tapes them in! Cassidy is physically bound, and Moxley paces around. Cassidy is pushed around by all the Death Riders, then Moxley DECKS him! Claudio hauls Cassidy back up, the Death Riders keep bullying him, and then Moxley SLAPS Cassidy down! But the bullying continues as they stand Cassidy up. Cassidy “kicks” Moxley! Defiant to the end! But Moxley DECKS him again! Moxley paces around more, then stomps Cassidy right on the face! Moxley leads The Death Riders away, and The Conglomeration finally comes out here.
Mark has scissors to cut Cassidy loose, and the fans boo as The Death Riders still retreat. Cassidy tries to stand up, but he has to use ropes to do it. Even so, Cassidy stands on his own two feet. Moxley eggs on the fans while Cassidy puts his sunglasses on. And then hands up, and then into the pockets! Try as they might, The Death Riders could not break the Freshly Squeezed fighting spirit! Will Cassidy finally become AEW World Champion? Or will Moxley find a way to break Cassidy at Full Gear?
My Thoughts:
A great go-home Dynamite here, though it felt like it contracted Go Home Syndrome. A lot of recap and other promos, but good promos all the same. Good follow-up from last week with Hayter and Hart, that will probably really get going after Full Gear. Good promo from Mariah & Mina to hype up their celebration segment for Full Gear, and with Toni Storm’s announcement of her retirement, you can bet Toni is anything but retired! Toni Storm most assuredly will return very soon, maybe even to ruin the celebration and spark another feud. I still want us to get to Mariah VS Mina but maybe Storm moves things back so that Mariah VS Mina happens in 2025.
Good promo from Private Party to also have AJ & Big Justice show up. The promos didn’t really add much to any of the matches, though. I’m very sure AJ does hit the BOOM on QT to win, and then Private Party finds a way to survive the Fatal 4. Great stuff with Perry, Garcia and Menard, that was another very action movie kind of promo, maybe even like that grittier Batman movie. But with Garcia not sinking to the same lows as Perry, that will be why Garcia loses. Honestly, why not just have Perry blatantly get himself disqualified? What great heat for Perry while keeping Garcia strong in not becoming TNT Champion.
Great promos in this MJF story. I appreciate Cole throwing his support behind Roddy was good, as well as Kyle O’Reilly wanting Cole to just leave it at this. MJF of course insults Roddy over his past while also trashing Cole at the same time, but great response from Roddy. Also I’m not a car guy so it took me a little too long to Google out what car MJF was driving. Anyway, given all these promos, I am very confident MJF wins at Full Gear and then Cole still wants after MJF, only for Kyle to have to fight Cole to make him stop. Then we’ll maybe get Cole VS MJF at Worlds End, or even some time in 2025.
Very good stuff with The Hurt Syndicate, even with them getting jumped by Swerve. Poor Cheeseburger, that’s one fan favorite that got fed to Bobby Lashley. But Swerve getting the better of the Hurt Syndicate again and again tonight, all the more reason Lashley wins at Full Gear. Very good promo vignette from White and Hangman to hype up their grudge match, which still feels it could go either way since they’re tied on the year. And Jericho and Ishii had perhaps simultaneously the most clever and most ridiculous contract signing segment ever. And of course Jericho worked out some sort of trap, only for it to go badly for him and his team. But with that, that means Ishii is losing next week, as I figured he would.
Awesome opening match with the 8 Man, and I liked that they had Hobbs do the “fighting through the pain” angle in the match. Also, great bit with Kyle Fletcher sending Davis into harm’s way so that the Callis Family can get the better of Ospreay’s team. I thought the Faces were going to win here, but the math now says Ospreay finds a way to beat Kyle, and maybe Ricochet takes the International Championship from Konosuke Takeshita. The Continental Classic is coming, and they could easily use that round robin to get Konosuke back to a feud with Kazuchika Okada and they battle for the Continental Championship at Worlds End like we should’ve gotten at WrestleDream.
Awesome match from Kris VS Shida, and I appreciate the crisis of confidence for Shida. Kris gets a great win to go into Full Gear, and then Kris and Shida get the better of Mone & Kamille, so all the more reason Mone finds a way to survive. As for Kamille, I feel like she should ditch Mone for being treated like crap by Mone, and maybe we can get a feud of Mone VS Kamille going into 2025. And of course, plenty of promos from Death Riders and “Team AEW” members. Moxley just kinda went on and on about stuff he’s already said in reference to Cassidy, but I did like Claudio going bilingual in talking trash on Darby.
Awesome matches from those stories, of course. Darby really got thrown around but he continues to show that toughness. Claudio getting the win mostly keeps Darby back so that Darby can build towards a world title match at Worlds End. Cassidy VS Yuta was great stuff, too, with great back and forth of Cassidy wanting to end it quick, having to grit it out with Yuta, and then Cassidy still finding a way to end it with a quick pin. And they did a good job muddying the math. Cassidy wins the match, but the Death Riders beat him down, only for Cassidy to literally stand tall at the end of the show. I still don’t see him taking the world title from Moxley, though, with Darby still in the wings, but this could end up Cassidy’s best match yet.
My Score: 8.9/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
 MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)Â
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports PodcastÂ
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Will this be the mightiest Tag League yet?
It’s time for NJPW World Tag League 2024, and this year already looks mighty good as IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, Zack Sabre Jr, is in the A Block! Will he and Ryohei Oiwa make everyone #JustTapOut?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kickoff – Shoma Kato VS Masatora Yasuda; Kato wins.
- Six Man Tag: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Jado & Katsuya Murashima VS Taiji Ishimori & The Filip Brothers; Taiji & The Filip Brothers win.
- Six Man Tag: Toru Yano, Boltin Oleg & Tiger Mask VS The House of Torture; The House of Torture wins.
- Six Man Tag: Taichi, Douki & Taka Michinoku VS The United Empire; Taichi, Douki & Taka win.
- Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS TMDK; TMDK wins.
- World Tag League 2024 A Block: Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma VS Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman; Cobb & Callum win.
- World Tag League 2024 A Block: Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji VS Alex Zayne & Ryusuke Taguchi; Takagi & Tsuji win.
- World Tag League 2024 A Block: Bishamon VS KENTA & Chase Owens; Bishamon wins.
- World Tag League 2024 A Block: Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa VS Gabe Kidd & SANADA; ZSJ & Oiwa win.
PLAY BY PLAY
World Tag League 2024 A Block: Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma VS Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman!
The Roughneck is bringing Everyone’s Kokeshi along for the ride, but this league might already be too much to handle. Can Honma help Shota bring about his Paradigm Shift? Or will they just get conquered by the United Empire?
The teams sort out and Shota starts against The Imperial Unit. The bell rings and Shota runs up to RAM Cobb! And RAM! And RAM! Cobb stays up so Shota kicks low. Shota runs to RAM Cobb, but Cobb rebounds to CLOBBER Shota! The fans cheer while Cobb stalks Shota. Cobb brings Shota up to whip him to a corner. Shota comes back to RAM Cobb! Cobb stays up, so Shota clinches! Cobb fights free with elbows, but Shota dodges a lariat to RAM Cobb! Cobb falls over! The fans fire up with Shota, and he brings Cobb up again. Callum runs in so Shota shoves Cobb aside to catch Callum. Shota shoves Callum at Honma for a shoulder tackle!
The fans fire up as Shota keeps moving and he SOMERSAULT SENTONS Callum! Shota then sets up so he and Honma can tabletop Cobb! Cobb sits up into Shota’s SHOTGUN! The fans fire up and Shota tags Honma. The fans rally behind Honma as he CLUBS Cobb. Honma reels Cobb in, but Cobb suplexes first! Cobb SLAMS Honma down, then calls for Callum. Callum rises but Cobb says hold on. The “Cobby Cat” mocks Honma by bopping himself on the head. Cobb then runs to FALLING KOKESHIÂ FLOP! Honma winds up and runs, but Callum is in the way! Cobb runs up, Honma dodges the lariat but Callum tags in.
Cobb dodges Honma, then shoves him at Callum. They pinball Honma around, and Callum BOOTS Honma while Cobb BLASTS Shota! Then Callum & Cobb coordinate to HIGH LOW with a shoulder tackle and leg sweep! The fans cheer and Cobb says You Can’t See Him! Callum stomps Honma, then KICKS him in the back. Honma gets mad but Callum scuffs him again and again. Honma rises, CHOPS, and CHOPS again! Callum CHOPS and pretends that hurt his hand. Callum CLUBS Honma down but the fans rally up. Honma rises to CHOP! And CHOP! And CHOP! Callum kicks low, reels him in, but Honma fights the suplex!
Honma catches Callum’s lariat to spin and DDT! The fans fire up while both men are down! Callum and Honma crawl, but Honma hot tags Shota! Shota rallies on Callum with big elbows! Shota whips, Callum reverses, but SHota ducks ‘n’ dodges to CLOBBER Callum! Cobb runs up, but Shota arm-drags him, then dropkicks the legs out! Cobb bails, Shota fires up, and the fans rally again. Shota whips Callum corner to corner, runs up on him, and UPPERCUTS! Shota reels Callum in for a FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect but Shota doesn’t let that slow him down!
Shota waits on Callum, then runs, but Callum avoids Ignition to hook Shota! Shota fights the backslide so Callum whips him to a corner. Callum runs up but Shota dodges! Shota runs up but Callum goes up and over! Callum keeps moving, but Shota ROCKS him, UPPERCUTS him, and runs! Callum follows to ROCK Shota at the ropes! Callum runs, but then stops to fake out Shota’s dropkick! Shota sits up, but he ducks the Penalty Kick! Shota rolls Callum but Callum rolls through. Shota ROCKS Callum, then spins, but Callum dodges the rolling elbow! DREAMCAST KICK! Shota drops to his knees and the fans fire up!
Callum and Shota crawl, hot tag to Cobb! Cobb runs up to waistlock Shota for a deadlift! Shota fights with elbows, goes to run, but Cobb reels him in for a forearm to the back! Cobb runs, but Shota DROPKICKS him! The fans fire up again and Shota heads for his corner. Hot tag to Honma! The fans rally as Honma CHOPS Cobb, and CHOPS, and CHOPS! Honma puts Cobb in a corner, whips him corner to corner, then runs up. Honma ELBOWS Cobb and hits a BULLDOG! The fans fire up as Honma shows Cobb how it’s done! FALLING KOKESHI- NO! Now Honma FLOPS as Cobb moves! Callum runs up to SHOTGUN Shota off the apron!
The fans fire up as Cobb RAMS Honma into the corner! Callum runs up to forearm SMASH! Callum drops down and Cobb LEAPS over to ELBOW Honma! Callum comes back and Cobb pops him up to the apron! ENZIGIRI, then fireman’s carry! Callum climbs, DOUBLE STOMP ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT! PENALTY KICK and GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT! Cover, Shota breaks it! The fans fire up and Shota TOSSES Callum! Cobb kicks Shota, whips, but Shota reverses to TORNADO DDT! Shota shouts to Honma and the fans fire up again. Honma rises and he storms up on Cobb. Honma & Shota double whip corner to corner!
Honma runs up to LARIAT! Honma feeds Cobb to Shota’s UPPERCUT! Honma LARIATS, Shota clinches, EXPLODER!! The fans cheer and Honma runs, SLIDING KOKESHI! Shota keeps moving, IGNITION! Honma covers, Callum breaks it! Shota stomps Callum out of the ring and leaves the rest to Honma. Honma drags Cobb up, but Cobb fights the suplex! Cobb ROCKS Honma, whips him, but Honma grabs ropes! Honma BOOTS Cobb, and Shota joins in! DOUBLE RUNNING KOKESHI! And then they DOUBLE FALLING KOKESHI! Cover, TWO!! Cobb survives but Shota goes after Callum! CANNONBALL to the floor!
The fans fire up again as Honma climbs! FLYING- NO, Cobb catches Honma! SPINEBUSTER, and FALLING HAMMER! Cover, TWO!! Honma survives and the fans fire up again! But then Cobb reels Honma in, for a TOUR OF THE ISLAND!! Cover, United Empire wins!
Winners: Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Shota & Honma earn 0)
A powerful showing from “The Kokeshi Brothers,” but they could not bring down Callum & Cobb. With the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships already on Great-O-Khan & Henare, will The United Empire completely dominate the NJPW Heavyweight Tag Division?
World Tag League 2024 A Block: Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji VS Alex Zayne & ???
Los Ingobernables de Japon’s heavy formation is in this block, ready to rampage like twin dragons. If only The Sauce could’ve brought his own monster back. Who will be the substitute for Lance Archer? And can he help heat things up?
Zayne makes his entrance before anyone else, and asks to speak on the mic. A mic is given, and Zayne says, “Kon’nichiwa.” The fans applaud, and Zayne explains that when he was contacted this year for WTL, he was also informed that Lance Archer could not make it. Zayne knew he had to do one thing: find the most “delicious” tag partner he could find. And that man is… RYUSUKE TAGUCHI!? The fans can’t believe the Funky Weapon is joining Zayne in this tournament! And he wears a green version of Zayne’s gear! Are things about to get really spicy now?
The teams sort out, and Takagi is in disbelief. LIJ fist bumps and the fans applaud. Taguchi and Zayne bow, “Itadakimasu,” and Zayne starts against Yota. They circle, tie up, and Yota powers Zayne back. But Zayne powers Yota back! Yota powers up to power Zayne onto the ropes, but Zayne turns things around. The ref counts, Zayne lets off slowly with a pat on the shoulders, but Yota plays with Zayne’s hair. Zayne smirks and Yota grins as the two reset. They circle, tie up, and are in a deadlock. Yota headlocks, but Zayne powers up and out. Yota RAMS Zayne but neither man falls. Fans cheer as Yota grins and Zayne plays with his own hair.
Things speed up suddenly, and Zayne sidesteps. Yota bucks the O’Conner Roll, then gets around Zayne. Zayne ELBOWS Yota away to a corner. Zayne runs up to BACK ELBOW and go to the apron in one go! Then he slingshots to RANA! Yota has a rough tumble, but he stands back up. Zayne runs up again, dodges the lariat and waistlocks, only to bring Yota back and run. Yota sidesteps Zayne then drops down, only for Zayne to IMPLODER KNEE DROP! The fans fire up but Zayne keeps moving, STANDING MARIPOSA! The fans cheer more while Zayne grins at Takagi. Zayne brings Yota up, tags Taguchi, and they double whip.
“Funky Sauce” misdirects Yota to hit a BULLDOG then basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer and Taguchi stomps Yota. Taguchi brings Yota up, kicks low, then whips. Yota reverses but Taguchi RANAS! A little slippery, but then Zayne BLASTS Takagi off the apron! Funky Sauce takes aim, Taguchi PLANCHASÂ but flops as Yota moves! Zayne is on the apron but Takagi YANKS Zayne down! The fans rally but Takagi hauls Zayne up to whip him into railing! Yota drags Taguchi up and puts him in the ring. Takagi gets the fans fired up, then he stands Taguchi up. LIJ double whip Taguchi to then DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE!
The fans cheer and then Takagi SENTONS! Yota SPLASHES down! Cover, TWO! Taguchi stays in this but Yota tags Takagi. The fans rally and duel while Takagi stands Taguchi up. Takagi bumps Taguchi off buckles, RAMS into him again and again, then digs his shoulder in. The ref counts, Takagi steps back, and he snapmares Taguchi down. Tag to Yota and Yota drags Taguchi up. Yota snapmares Taguchi to ROCK him in the back! Taguchi falls back, Yota tags Takagi, and LIJ drags Taguchi up. They DOUBLE ATOMIC DROP! Taguchi hobbles in pain, falls to his knees, and Takagi BLASTS Zayne off the apron!
Takagi gets annoyed with this Funky Sauce, but Taguchi fires off CHOPS! Taguchi runs, but Takagi easily dodges the hip attack! Takagi then suplexes Taguchi high and hard! Cover, TWO! Taguchi survives and the fans fire up. Takagi hears the fans dueling as he stomps Taguchi. Takagi KNEES Taguchi against the ropes again and again, then whips, for another KNEE! Takagi runs, but into a SOMERSAULT HIP ATTACK! The fans fire up while both men are down! Taguchi and Takagi crawl, hot tag to Zayne! Zayne jumps in and DECKS Takagi, then he BLASTS Yota! Zayne swats a lariat to fire elbow after ELBOW!
Takagi blocks the superkick to CLUB the leg! Yota joins in, LIJ whips Zayne, but Zayne KICKS Takagi, mule kicks Yota, and runs, DOUBLE SOMERSAULT KICKS! The fans fire up and Zayne runs at Takagi. Takagi ELBOWS Zayne, BOOTS him, then goes up. Zayne returns to JUMPING STEINERS! The fans fire up while Zayne covers, TWO! Takagi stays in this but Zayne brings him right up. Zayne goes to scoop but Takagi fights it! Zayne CHOPS, scoops, and BAJA- NO, Takagi slips free! SLIDING- NO, Zayne dodges! Zayne mule kicks, runs, but into the ELBOW! JAB! YUKONÂ feint and DDT! Both men are down again and the fans fire back up!
Takagi pounds the mat, the fans rally behind him, and he crawls, hot tag to Yota! Yota fires up and the fans are with him. Yota brings Zayne around to whip, but Zayne stops himself. Zayne dodges Yota, Yota dodges Zayne, and both men kick low! Yota comes back to BOOT! The fans cheer and Yota brings Zayne up again. Yota fireman’s carries but Zayne fights free. Yota ROCKS Zayne first! Yota tries another fireman’s carry but Zayne sunset flips it! TWO, and both men stand! Zayne rolls Yota, BASEMENT ENZIGIRI! Zayne hurries to hot tag Taguchi! Taguchi HIP ATTACKS in a corner! Taguchi goes corner to corner, for another HIP ATTACK!
Taguchi keeps moving, but Yota runs up! Taguchi dropkicks Yota’s legs out! The fans fire up and Taguchi keeps going! Another dropkick to legs, then a LEG SWEEP! Taguchi rolls Yota into the OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Zayne BOOTS Takagi off the apron! Yota scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Taguchi lets go but he brings Yota back up. Taguchi traps Yota and Zayne runs in to ELBOW! Zayne then sets up and Taguchi runs, SHOTGUN IN MOTION! Taguchi then brings Yota out to GOURD BUSTER! The fans fire up as Zayne climbs! But Yota KICKS Taguchi away, then GAMANGIRIS Zayne off the corner!
Taguchi kicks Yota, runs, but into a scoop and BACKBREAKER! Takagi slides in, and he finds the camera, “TOKI GA KITA!” The fans fire up as the time has come, and they join in on a chant of “OI! OI! OI!” LIJ whips Taguchi to a corner, then Yota runs in to ELBOW! Takagi whips Yota back in to SPLASH! Takagi adds a LARIAT, then feeds Taguchi to a BOOT! BLINDSIDE LARIAT! SUPERKICK! Taguchi is down, Yota covers, TWO! Taguchi stays in this and the fans fire up. Takagi stands Taguchi up and throws him to Yota for a POWERBOMB! Cover, Zayne breaks it! Takagi drags Zayne up, LIJ mugs him, but he fights back with CHOPS!
The fans fire up but Yota spins Zayne around to facelock, and Takagi wheelbarrows. Yota helps Takagi swing Taguchi down, then up for a BOOSTED WHEELBARROW GERMAN!! The fans fire up and Takagi leaves it to Yota. Yota takes aim and the fans rally. Taguchi rises, Yota runs in, GENE- LEG DROP!? And then La Magistrol! TWO!! Yota escapes in time, but Taguchi spins him to a backslide! TWO!! Yota escapes again! But Taguchi ENZIGIRIS! Taguchi fires up and the fans are with him! But Takagi LARIATS! GENE TRIGGER! PUMPING BOMBER!! And now Yota loads up, for the GENE BLASTER!! Cover, LIJ wins!
Winners: Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Zayne & Taguchi earn 0)
The Funky Sauce was hot, but they’re the ones that got burned! Will they be able to spice things up in the second round? Will Takagi & Tsuji keep the tag league tranquilo?
World Tag League 2024 A Block: Bishamon VS KENTA & Chase Owens!
Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi once again clash with The Fang & The Jewel, both sides hungry for gold. Will it be Lights Out in the opening round? Or will someone just #Go2Sleep?
The teams sort out but then Bullet Club just attacks! Chase is after Goto and Kenta is after Hashi, and they put each man in corners. The bell rings to get this on record as Kenta TOSSES Hashi. Chase CHOKES Goto in the corner, then stands on him! The ref reprimands and Chase lets off to bring Goto up. Chase ROCKS Goto, whips him, and Kenta POSTS Hashi! Chase hits a big hip toss then covers, TWO! The fans rally up while Chase stomps Goto’s leg. Chase scrapes his sole off Goto’s face, and Kenta whips Hashi again. Hashi reverses and Kenta hits railing in front of English commentary! Chase ROCKS Goto, CHOPS him, then whips.
Goto grabs ropes to stop, then he BOOTS Chase! Hashi returns and Bishamon DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! Then ZENMAI! Kenta returns but Bishamon kicks him first. “Se no!” Bishamon BEATS Kenta like a drum! The fans cheer and Bishamon flexes. Goto then goes back to Chase to stomp and CLUB him down. Goto kicks Chase, Chase shoves Goto and ROCKS him with a forearm! Goto knees Chase low, runs, but Chase TOSSES Goto out! Goto hurries back up, he counter punches Chase, and then counter punches Kenta! Chase slips out to YANK Goto down and THROW him into railing! Kenta intercepts Hashi with a kick!
Kenta whips Hashi away into railing while Chase sends Goto into other railing! The ref reprimands but Chase brings Goto through the gate. Chase has fans move out of the way, but then brings Goto back to ringside. Chase grins as he trolls the fans and pushes Goto into the ring. Kenta CLUBS away on Hashi before leaving him behind. Chase pulls on Goto’s arms then TWEAKS Goto’s neck! Not a twist, but equally painful. Chase tags Kenta while the fans rally for “GO-TO-O! GO-TO-O!” Kenta pushes Goto into the corner, Goto hits Chase, but Kenta RAMS Goto! The ref reprimands and counts as Kenta RAMS Goto more!
Kenta sits Goto down, and digs his boot in! The ref counts, Kenta stops at 4, and he tags Chase back in. They stomp Goto more, then Chase headlocks for a sucker punch! Cover, TWO! Chase drags Goto up and he bumps Goto off Kenta’s boot. Tag to Kenta and Bullet Club double whips. They DOUBLE ELBOW Goto down then Kenta covers, TWO! Kenta covers again, TWO! Kenta argues with the ref but the count was fair. Kenta drops an elbow, drops another elbow, then covers, TWO! Kenta gets mad at Hashi for no reason, but the fans rally up for Goto. Kenta CLUBS Goto, but Goto fires CHOPS in return!
Kenta knees low, whips Goto to a corner, but Goto reverses. Goto runs up but into a BOOT! Kenta runs but Goto follows! Goto avoids Chase’s cheap shot to LARIAT Kenta! The fans fire up while Goto and Kenta are down! Goto crawls, hot tag to Hashi! The fans fire up as Hahsi BLASTS Chase! Kenta kicks Hashi low then whips him to a corner. Kenta runs up but Hashi CHOPS in return! And mule kicks! And turns Kenta for a NECKBREAKER! The fans fire up and Hashi watches Kenta. Hashi waits on Kenta to rise, then runs up to CHOP! Hashi hoists Kenta up to hang him out to dry! The fans fire up as Hashi runs, and he DROPKCISK Kenta down! Cover, TWO!
The fans cheer Hashi on as he brings Kenta up. Hashi reels Kenta in, lifts, but Kenta fights with fists! Kenta slips free of the bomb, then slips around Hashi to spin and- NO, Hashi suplexes first! But Kenta slips free again, and he spins Hashi around, to SPIKE DDT! Hashi is stood up on his head before falling over, and Kenta tags in Chase. Chase brings Hashi up and fireman’s carries. Hashi fights free of that, but Chase slips around to half nelson, lift, and SWINGING FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Hashi survives but Chase says time to end this! Chase takes aim, C- NO, Hashi dodges the trigger! Chase knees low, runs, but Hashi dropkicks the legs!
The fans fire up whiel both men are down! Chase clutches his leg while Hashi crawls. Hot tag to Goto! Goto runs at Chase to LARIAT in the corner! Goto whips corner to corner, runs up again, but Chase BOOTS him! But Goto comes back! Only for Chase to BUCKLE SHOT and STO, then SENTON! Kenta steps in and Bullet Club drags Goto up. But Goto fires forearms and CHOPS! Kenta SOBATS! Chase KICKS! Kenta ROUNDHOUSES! Goto sits up into the “I HATE YOU!” PENALTY KICK! Cover, but Hashi breaks it! Kenta TOSSES Hashi then goes out after him. Chase drags Goto up and reels him in.
Chase tucks the arms but Goto fights the lift! Goto wrenches out but Chase ROCKS him first! Chase runs, Goto follows, but Chase ENZIGIRIS! Goto stays up, but the C-TRIGGER hits! Cover, TWO!! Goto survives but Chase hurries up! C-TRIGGER POINT BLANK!! And then the tuck for the PACKAGE PILE- NO, Hashi hits a BLOCKBUSTER! The fans fire up, Kenta BOOTS Hashi! Goto fireman’s carries Kenta but Kenta slips free! Kenta shoves Goto into Hashi, then waistlocks Goto. Goto fights the lift, and then ducks, HIDDEN GAP SUPERKICK for Kenta! The fans fire up as Bishamon regroups.
Hashi drags Chase up, whips him to Goto, but Chase BOOTS Goto! Chase swings on Hashi but Hashi ducks the lariat. Hashi powers Chase to ropes, Goto BLINDSIDE LARIATS, and then Hashi rolls Chase. Goto drags Chase up, Hashi has the legs! Chase BOOTS Hashi away! Chase then slips around to dragon sleeper, to steal G T- NO, Goto drops down to victory roll! Chase stands up, into a SUPERKICK! Goto drags Chase around while Hashi BLASTS Kenta! Dragon sleeper and SHOTO!! Cover, Bishamon wins!!
Winners: Bishamon, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Kenta & Chase earn 0)
Another classic in this storied rivalry, worthy of the titles themselves! Will this first win be the win that leads the Fierce Warrior & Headhunter back to the titles? Can Kenta & Chase borrow a page from Bishamon and #GetBackUp in the next round?
World Tag League 2024 A Block: Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa VS Gabe Kidd & SANADA!
TMDK has a team in each block, doubling their chances of taking this league. But perhaps burying the lead is the fact that THE IWGP World Heavyweight Champion is joining in the fun! Will The Front Man & The Mullet rock this league right from the start? Or will the Mad Man and the turncoat Cold Skull get this tournament #WarReady?
The teams sort out but Oiwa gets in Gabe’s face. Gabe pushes Oiwa, they start, and they tie up at the bell. The fans rally as Oiwa and Gabe are in a deadlock. They go around at center, then Oiwa digs his heels in to push Gabe back. Gabe turns things around to put Oiwa on ropes, but Red Shoes calls the break. Gable lets off, to then CHOP! Gabe scoops and SLAMS Oiwa, then he goes for legs. Oiwa UPKICKS Gabe, then stands up to scoop and SLAM Gabe! Gabe UPKICKS back, both men get up and go face to face. Then they go forearm for forearm! The fans rally as Oiwa gets the edge, but Gabe CHOPS!
Gabe headlocks. Oiwa powers up and out, and they RAM shoulders! Gabe eggs OIwa on and he runs to RAM Gabe! They both run now, and they RAM shoulders again, and again, and again! Gabe CHOPS then runs, but Oiwa CLOBBERS Gabe! The fans fire up while Gabe bails out. Oiwa eggs Gabe on and Gabe snarls. Gabe shakes the railing in frustration, then he paces around the outside. Gabe cools off, slides in, but then tags Sanada. Sanada steps in slowly, so Oiwa tags in ZSJ. The two rivals circle and the afns rally behind “ZAKKU! ZAKKU!” ZSJ and Sanada feel things out, knuclke lock, and ZSJ rolls to wrench.
Sanada is already frustrated so he kicks ZSJ low! Sanada TOSSES ZSJ out and then Gabe goes after Oiwa! Gabe CHOPS away on Oiwa while Sanada sends ZSJ into railing! And then more railing! Gabe does the same to Oiwa, and Sanada storms up on ZSJ. Sanada CLAWS ZSJ’s back, a definite attitude change showing. Gabe Too Sweets with Taiji Ishimori on commentary while Sanada pushes ZSJ into the ring. Sanada whips ZSJ to a corner, but ZSJ goes up, under, around, and RAMS into Sanada! ZSJ snapmares, Sanada handsprings through, but ZSJ UPPERCUTS him down! Tag to Oiwa and he BLASTS Gabe!
Oiwa goes back to Sanada and stands him up. Oiwa wrenches an arm, YANKS it, then wrenches to YANK it again. Oiwa tags ZSJ and ZSJ brings Sanada around to wrench, step over, and wrangle into a mounted armbar! Sanada endures as ZSJ bends the fingers and isolates the arm, to STOMP it! The fans cheer, ZSJ tags Oiwa, and Oiwa CLUBS Sanada’s arm. Oiwa headlocks for a takeover, then isolates the arm in an short arm scissor! The fans rally while Sanada endures and kicks around. Sanada reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Red Shoes calls it, Oiwa lets Sanada go, but then Oiwa brings Sanada up.
Oiwa whips, Sanada reverses, and Gabe trips Oiwa up! Sanda BLASTS ZSJ while Oiwa drags Oiwa out of the ring! Now things spill out into the crowd! Gabe CHOPS Oiwa, then SMACKS him off empty chairs! Sanada BOWLS ZSJ into chairs! Not quite a strike, so Sanada JAMS ZSJ up with a chair! That picks up the spare, and we can hear Gabe’s CHOPS on Oiwa echo out. Gabe stomps Oiwa while Sanada CHOKES ZSJ with a chair! Red Shoes reprimands the War Dogs, but Gabe POSTS Oiwa! Gabe says War Dogs run this, but Red Shoes starts a ring count. Gabe flexes on Oiwa, then drags him up at 7 of 20.
Gabe puts Oiwa in at 10 and Sanada covers, TWO! Oiwa stays in this and the fans rally behind him. Sanada is annoyed but he brings Oiwa up. Sanada CLUBS Oiwa, then bumps him off Gabe’s boot. Oiwa sputters while Sanada tags Gabe in. Gabe drags Oiwa up, mockingly asks where Zack-senpai went, then he UPPERCUTS Oiwa down. Gabe TOSSES Oiwa out, and he BLASTS ZSJ off the apron! Sanada whips Oiwa into railing! Gabe lifts ZSJ bu tZSJ wrenches free to KIMURA! Gabe powers through, to BITE ZSJ on the forehead! Sanada sends Oiwa into more railing, Gabe sends ZSJ through railing and into chairs!
Sanada BOWLS Oiwa into chairs now, there is the strike! Sanada continues to show his new edge as he JAMS Oiwa up with a chair. Red Shoes reprimands so Sanada brings Oiwa back to ringside. Sanada puts Oiwa in for Gabe and Gabe pushes Oiwa to a cover. Red Shoes says no, all the shenanigans were not right. Gabe gets in Red Shoes’ face about that, but Red Shoes stands his ground. Gabe storms around while the fans rally behind Oiwa. Gabe drags Oiwa up, to CHOP! Oiwa wobbles but he rises up. Oiwa CHOPS, and CHOPS, and fires forearms! Gabe DECKS Oiwa with just one! The fans still rally for Oiwa but Gabe stands on Oiwa’s face!
Gabe soaks up the heat, scuffs Oiwa and stomps him around. Oiwa sits up, Gabe runs, but Oiwa reels him in! Gabe fights the waistlock, runs, but into a SNAP GERMAN! The fans fire up while both men are down! Oiwa and Gabe crawl, hot tags to ZSJ and Sanada! The fans fire up as ZSJ dodges Sanada, full nelsons, then spins him to a headlock. Sanada powers out but ZSJ catches him to a COBRA TWIST! Sanada powers out to HIP TOSS, but ZJS UP KICKS! Sanada avoids the Penalty Kick, blocks the boot, but ZSJ steps through the dragon screw to NECK TWIST! And basment DROPKICK! The fans fire up and we’ve only hit 10 minutes!
ZSJ drags Sanada up, UPPERCUTS him, then UPPERCUTS again! Sanada blocks the next to spin and suplex, but ZSJ says no to the Magic Screw! NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! Sanada escapes but ZSJ stays focused. ZSJ stands Sanada up to scoop, but Sanada slips free. ZSJ fights the waistlock, runs, but into a dropkick to the legs! Sanada then DROPKICKS ZSJ down! Sanada fireman’s carries but ZSJ slips free, to have the IRON OCTOPUS! The fans rally while Sanada endures, and Sanada powers out to have a leg! DROPPING DRAGON SCREW! ZSJ clutches the leg and Sanada takes aim! SHINING-
NO, ZSJ ducks, but Sanada catches him to a backslide! ZSJ rolls through to NECK TWIST! Tag to Oiwa and Oiwa BLASTS Gabe off the apron! Oiwa goes back to Sanada and brings him up. Oiwa whips Sanada to ropes, ELBOWS Him down, then ZSJ PENALTY KICKS Sanada! Oiwa deadlift GUT RWENCH PLEXES! Cover, Gabe breaks it! Gabe CHOPS away on ZSJ and Oiwa, but ZSJ blocks! Oiwa DOUBLE CHOPS! ZSJ UPPERCUTS! ZSJ & Oiwa DOUBLE DROPKICK Gabe down! The fans fire up with Oiwa and he clamps onto Sanada with a SLEEPER! Sanada endures and fights up, but Oiwa thrashes him around!
Sanada still fights to his feet, slips around the back, and shoves Oiwa to ropes. Gabe trips Oiwa up! Oiwa kicks at Gabe but Sanada kicks ropes to jam Oiwa up! Sanada suplexes Oiwa into the MAGIC SCREW! Both men are down but the fans rally up again. Sanada crawls over, tag to Gabe, and Gabe storms right up on Oiwa. Gabe UPPERCUTS Oiwa right down! Gabe then puts Oiwa in a corner to fire off forearm after forearm! Red Shoes reprimands and counts, but Gabe digs his boots in while talking trash. Gabe shoves Red Shoes aside so he can keep stomping away on Oiwa! The fans rally and Red Shoes backs Gabe off.
Gabe seethes but the fans continue to rally for Oiwa. Oiwa grits his teeth as he sits up, but Gabe ROCKS him with another shot! Oiwa still looks up defiantly at Gabe, so Gabe fires shots! Gabe says Oiwa’s not worthy of being his NJPW Strong Openweight Challenger. Gabe says Oiwa’s just some “weak ass kohai!” Gabe SPITS on Oiwa, but Oiwa gets in Gabe’s face! Gabe fires slapping strikes, blocks a shot, then SLAPS Oiwa again! Oiwa spins to DOUBLE CHOP Gsbe down! Sanada runs up and kicks low! Sanada whips, Oiwa reverses, but Sanada reverses back, RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! ZSJ PENALTY KICKS Sanada!
Gabe runs up, ZSJ BOOTS him first! Gabe runs back in, slips out of the scoop, and he scoops ZSJ for EMERALD FLOWSON!! But Oiwa spins Gabe! Gabe avoids The Grip, runs, but into a LARIAT!! Cover, TWO!! Oiwa is frustrated but the fans rally behind him. Oiwa hauls Gabe up, ANACONDA PLEX!! Cover, TWO!! Gabe survives again but Oiwa roars! Oiwa drags Gabe up, reels him in, but Gabe fights the gut wrench! Gabe CLUBS Oiwa on the back, then he gut wrenches! Oiwa fights back, wrenches out, and he blocks a lariat to spin. Gabe HAYMAKERS, and SAIDOS!! Gabe crawls his way to the cover, TWO!!
The fans are thunderous as Oiwa survives! Gabe snarls and he drags Oiwa up. Gabe says this is the end. But Oiwa fights the suplex! Oiwa suplexes, but Gabe fights it! Oiwa still tries, but Gabe slips out to waistlock. Sanada DROPKCIKS Oiwa, Gabe UPPERCUTS! Gabe & Sanada work together to DOUBLE SUPLEX! Gabe suplexes again, BRAINBUSTER!! Cover, ZSJ BREAKS IT! Sanada TOSSES ZSJ out and tells Gabe to finish this! ZSJ RAMS Sanada, they brawl outside, and Gabe slashes his throat. Gabe drags Oiwa up, reels him in, but Oia slips through the gut wrench to backslide! TWO, and Gabe UPPERCUTS!
Gabe runs, but ZSJ is back! He BOOTS Gabe but Gabe SLAPS ZSJ! ZSJ KICKS the haymaker away to then ROUNDHOUSE Gabe! Sanada’s in to dragon sleeper! ZSJ arm-drags free, but Sanada comes back to SHINING WIZARD! Sanada then drags ZSJ up, but ZSJ scoops first! ZACK DRIVER!! ZSJ and Sanada flop out of the ring, leaving Oiwa and Gabe to rise up. They run at each other, to DOUBLE LARIAT! neither man falls, they DOUBLE LARIAT again! Gabe UPPERCUTS! Oiwa PALM STRIKES! Gabe PALM STRIKES, CHOPS, JABS, rebounds, into a roll-up! Hig stack, TMDK WINS!!
Winners: Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa, by pinfall
Gabe is in shock! He gets right in Red Shoes’ face but Red Shoes says it was a fair count! Gabe then goes after Oiwa to CLOBBER him! The fans boo and Young Lions rush in, but Gabe eggs Oiwa on! So Oiwa obliges and they brawl among the fans! The Young Lions rush in to separate the two, but Gabe gets loose to CLOBBER Oiwa! They scrap, ZSJ joins in, and he pulls the two apart. Gabe kicks a chair in frustration, then goes into retreat. Wait, Oiwa chases Gabe to the ramp and beats him down! Young Lions again scramble in to stop this, but it just heads to the back! Sanada shrugs it off, will the #ColdWarDogs just have to try harder in the next round?
As for the winners, well, they’re no longer ringside so there won’t be any in-ring closing words. Backstage interviews begin, Gabe promises Oiwa will be put in the ground! Will the Mad Man show The Mullet what it takes to be NJPW Strong? As for ZSJ, he gathers himself, and tells NJPW Media that he doesn’t know where The Mullet went. Actually, no, he has an idea: The Mullet must be smashing the s*it outta Gabe. “Roy The Mullet” is the next NJPW Strong Openweight Champion! Oiwa will hit Gabe so hard, his legs will turn into trombones! As for ZSJ, there is something rare happening in this year’s WTL, isn’t it?
Yes, it’s that the IWGP World EFFIN’ Heavyweight Champion is involved, as this should be! The first time the world champion’s been in this tournament in roughly a decade! ZSJ said he was gonna be a different kind of world champion for NJPW, and that he promises to take NJPW back to the top! Now obviously, a conflict of interests, as this tournament is Shane Haste’s & Mikey Nicholls’ to win, but ZSJ won’t give the boys an easy ride. ZSJ is dreaming~ of an all TMDK World Tag League finals! Then who knows, maybe Zack & Roy get the job done.
But ZSJ knows the Tokyo Dome is coming soon. And Shota Umino wants to be ZSJ’s challenger. ZSJ says he will be keeping his eyes wide open for Shota. ZSJ says he’ll have a DOUBLE main event in the Tokyo Dome, it’s in the bag. What about you, Shota? The Front Man heads out, having put the pressure on his challenger, but will all of NJPW soon belong to TMDK?
Here are the A Block standings!
Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa: 1-0, 2 points
Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman: 1-0, 2 points
Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji: 1-0, 2 points
Bishamon: 1-0, 2 points
Gabe Kidd & Sanada: 0-1, 0 points
Kenta & Chase Owens: 0-1, 0 points
Alex Zayne & Ryusuke Taguchi: 0-1, 0 points
Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma: 0-1, 0 points
My Thoughts:
A great start to World Tag League 2024, with just A Block opening things tonight. I will say those tune-up matches were interesting. Even though David Finlay is the Global Champion, it’s Taiji Ishimori that has apparently become Bullet Club’s international ambassador. Taiji brought Robbie X into the group, now he teamed with The Filip Brothers, Tome & Stevie, who knows who else Bone Soldier will recruit. Taiji’s team beating Tanahashi’s team, House of Torture cheating and beating Tanahashi’s friends, this is all putting the pressure on The Ace, meaning The Ace will win out at WrestleKingdom 19.
Shota Umino teaming with Tomoaki Honma, I wonder if this is to hold Shota back somehow. He is apparently still heading for WrestleKingdom and a world title match with ZSJ, so it’s not like Shota needs to win WTL, but I guess NJPW just wants Shota to give the fans a good time alongside a fan favorite like Honma. Also, Callum & Cobb have a fun new shirt for their team-up. I figured Zayne would need to improvise now that #MonsterSauce is no longer happening, and Taguchi was a great surprise choice. But #FunkySauce making its debut against a team as strong as Takagi & Tsuji was a shame because of course LIJ was winning that. Maybe Zayne & Taguchi can pull off a spoiler victory later on, but I don’t see Funky Sauce going that strong.
Bishamon VS Kenta & Chase really was an awesome match, and it is so surprising how Chase has grown in just the past couple years. Great win for Goto & Hashi, though, as they’re clearly the solid utility choices in the tag division. And what an awesome main event, with Sanada bringing out the most Heel stuff he’s done perhaps ever. A bit jarring really, but that’s just kinda old fashioned Heel turns for ya. Great win for TMDK, though, and definitely an unorthodox way of closing by having Oiwa and Gabe brawl all over ringside and into the back.
While ZSJ says it is big for the world champ to be in this tournament, which I do agree with on some level, it also makes some of the A Block action seem secondary. Gabe and Oiwa having their grudge was kinda the main motivator behind this match, and then it’ll be similar when Shota & Honma VS ZSJ & Oiwa happens. There is the added drama of, “What if someone pins ZSJ? Will they get a world title match before WK19?” Maybe Shota solidifies his WK title match by being the one that pins ZSJ in their match, but it all just feels like more flash than substance. No one else is going to pin ZSJ, Oiwa probably takes whatever losses their team will take, so A Block’s story suffers for it.
My Score: 8.9/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
 MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)Â
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports PodcastÂ
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Oblong Ball Foot Show: Another Harbaugh Bowl Incoming
Josh Allen and the Bills deal KC their first loss of the season but, is this Buffalo team now favorites...
Oblong Ball Foot Show: Who’s Your Fav Ninja Turtle?
Every team has now played more than half of their schedule and Tunney and Balaz got you covered as we...
Hockey Talk- The Hall Finally Calls [111224]
Hockey Talk celebrates Jeremy Roenick finally getting inducted into the Hall of Fame 16 years after his last game and...
Oblong Ball Foot Show: Are The Lions Better Than The Chiefs?
With Rey Cash out on assignment, Andrew and PC take you through Weapon and Dumbass of the week along with...
Hockey Talk- Capital Gains [110524]
Hockey Talk looks at the surprising Washington Capitals and their captain, Alex Ovechkin, as he draws closer to the goal...
Bandwagon Nerds #263: Dawn Patrol
BWN continues its coverage of Game 7 featuring the 1987 Stanley Cup Final between the Oilers and Flyers, plus Star...
Bandwagon Nerds #262: Curse of the Great Bambino
BWN begins its coverage of Game 7 featuring the 2003 ALCS clash between the Yankees and Red Sox, plus MCU...
Bandwagon Nerds #261: Flying Figgity
The Bandwagon begins its 6th year by concluding its review of Agatha All Along and mulling over the question of...
Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu Results & Report! (10/31/24)
IT'S TIME!
Hockey Talk- Jet Setters [102924]
Hockey Talk looks at the red-hot start to the season of the Winnipeg Jets and discusses how the defending champion...
Mitchell’s AEW Dynamite Results & Report! (11/20/24)
Dynamite is Freshly Squeezed!
Greg DeMarco Show: Looks That Kill
Patrick O'Dowd went to Arizona and he and Greg had themselves an extended weekend with IZW Looks That Kill!
Mitchell’s NJPW World Tag League Results & Report! (11/19/24)
It's Tag Season again!
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (11/19/24)
There's a lot on the line tonight!
Classic POD is WAR: What Is Thank You Alex Trebek? (111220)
The Chairshot, brings you THE podcast that will absolutely have you questioning everything you thought you knew about professional wrestling,...
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (11/18/24)
It's a BIG night!
#TheOddity 018: That’s Alot Of Chalamets
Join Dave Wortz and PC Tunney for your weekly newsletter on the ridiculous and dumb of actual headlines from around...
Mitchell’s AEW Collision Results & Report! (11/16/24)
Championship or Bust!
Mindless Wrestling Podcast: Posthumously? Really??
Smash or Trash is back this week as the guys are talking beverages! Plus, some thoughts on the Mike Tyson/Jake...
Mitchell’s AEW Rampage Results & Report! (11/15/24)
Ricochet is on a Rampage!
