Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW Summer Struggle Sapporo Report! (7/11/21)
The struggle wraps up in Sapporo!
Will Sapporo belong to the ungovernable?
Finally, after going back and forth for weeks, Tetsuya Naito & Sanada will challenge the Dangerous Tekkers for their IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships!
NOTE: NJPW no longer wants to feed AXS TV now that it is with Anthem and Impact Wrestling. But never fear, I will cover NJPW in the spirit of AXS in providing the most important matches of the show.
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Shingo Takagi VS Master Wato; Takagi win.
- IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: Dangerous Tekkers VS Tetsuya Naito & SANADA; Naito & Sanada win and become the new IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions.
PLAY BY PLAY
Shingo Takagi VS Master Wato!
Kota Ibushi is recovering from a vaccination shot, but the Way of the Grandmaster is still ready to fight the Dragon! Will the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion use Wato as a tune-up for the Golden Star?
The bell rings and fans rally as Wato and Takagi circle. They approach, Wato tests the waters with a kick but Takagi stays back. Fans rally, they tie up, and Takagi brings Wato around to ropes. Wato slips away and the two reset. They approach, feel out the grapple, and knuckle lock. Wato breaks free to KICK Takagi in the chest! And KICK! Wato throws forearms, wraps on a headlock, but Takagi powers out. Wato bumps Takagi but Takagi comes back to run him over! Fans fire up as things speed up, Wato hurdles to back elbow, back hand and sobat! Takagi rebounds into a dropkick! Fans cheer and Wato fires up as he brings Takagi up.
Wato whips, Takagi reverses but Wato holds ropes. Wato boots Takagi, sends him out, then builds speed to TORNILLO! Direct hit and Takagi goes down, and fans fire up with Wato again. Wato gets Takagi up as fans rally, and Wato puts Takagi in the ring. Wato stomps Takagi, covers, TWO! Wato keeps his cool as he throws elbows and kicks. Takagi eggs him on, gets up, but the kicks keep coming! Wato KICKS Takagi off his feet, covers, ONE!! Wato fires off more kicks but Takagi just eggs him on. Wato tries forearms but Takagi leans into them! Wato tries to scoop but Takagi is a big guy. Takagi scoops and SLAMS Wato down! Then drops a BACK SENTON!
Fans cheer as Takagi watches Wato get up. Takagi runs in to clotheslines Wato out of the ring! Takagi goes out to fetch Wato, gives him some toying kicks, then brings him around to throw knees. They’re by commentary and Takagi checks in with Hiromu. Wato throws forearms and chops but Takagi ROCKS Wato with one! Takagi RAMS Wato into the apron, then brings him around to put in the ring. Takagi slingshots to STOMP Wato down! Takagi stands on Wato, Red Shoes counts, and Takagi lets go of the ropes to flex. Fans cheer, Takagi stomps Wato and brings him up. Takagi puts Wato in a corner for JABS and CHOPS! Wato grits his teeth but Takagi whips corner to corner.
Takagi runs in to clothesline, then he suplexes Wato high and hard! Cover, TWO! Wato stays in this but Takagi wraps on a chinlock. Takagi grinds Wato down, fans rally up, and Wato fights to move around. Takagi leans on Wato but Wato still gets a ropebreak. Takagi lets off clean but gives Wato more toying kicks. Wato gets up and CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Takagi eggs him on, Wato throws forearms, but Takagi puts some stank on his DOUBLE CHOPS! Fans cheer while Wato writhes, and Takagi brings Wato up into a corner. Takagi has the fans rally more as he whips corner to corner. Takagi runs in, Wato dodges and comes back but is put on the apron.
Takagi ROCKS Wato, runs, but into the SPRINGBOARD FLYING UPPERCUT! Wato fires up and fans rally as he fires off KICK after KICK! Takagi blocks the final one but Wato SLAPS then SCREW HIGH KICKS! Cover, TWO! Takagi gets up but Wato wrenches and reels him in! Takagi resists the Mouse Trap, to fireman’s carry! Wato fights off, sobats and runs, but into the elbow! JAB! YUKON LARIAT! Fans fire up while Wato is in a daze. Takagi drags Wato up and fans rally. Takagi gets Wato up, reels him in, and hits a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Wato is tough but Takagi keeps his cool. Takagi gets Wato up, drives in elbow after elbow, and fans fire up!
Takagi runs, but Wato ducks the sliding lariat to BUZZSAW! Both men are down and fans fire up! Wato slowly sits up, gets Takagi up, and reels him in. Takagi blocks the lift, then again. Wato almost gets Takagi but Takagi back drops Wato away! Fans rally again and Takagi smirks as he brings Wato back up. Wato breaks free to KICK and KICK, but Takagi blocks to CLUB the leg! Takagi gives toying kicks and slaps, but Wato throws forearms! Takagi eggs him on again and Wato hits harder. Takagi pie faces Wato so Wato fires off SLAPPING palm strikes! Takagi likes the fire but Wato throws more forearms. Takagi throws boxing elbows!
Fans rally as Takagi ROCKS Wato, but Wato back elbows! Takagi says that one actually hurt! But Wato catches his Yukon Lariat into a MOUSE TRAP DRIVER! Cover, TWO! Takagi survives, Wato gets him up and scoops for a TTD! Hiroyoshi Tenzan is surely proud of that one! Wato gets to a corner, climbs up, and RP- NO! Takagi moves and Wato flops on the mat! Takagi powers up as Wato stands, and Takagi runs in to PUMPING BOMBER! But Takagi says that’s not enough yet. Takagi gets Wato back up, runs again, but Wato dodges! Wato runs, but into a POP-UP POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO, but Takagi gets an STF right away! And he’s bending Wato way back!!
Wato endures, fans rally, but Takagi’s brand of STF is a deep twist! Wato is fading so Takagi makes it a cover, TWO!! Wato still lives but Takagi runs, SLIDING LARIAT! Takagi keeps the fire going with “OI! OI! OI!” Takagi gets Wato back up, pump handles and torture rack, but Wato makes it a CRUCIFIX DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Wato runs but Takagi pops him up again, only for Wato to SPIKE-RANA! Cover, TWO!! ROUNDHOUSE and then a tilt-o-whirl, Wato rolls Takagi up! Takagi slips right out, runs and SLIDING FOREARMS Wato down! Takagi roars and fans fire up again as he gets Wato back up. Takagi runs, for PUMPING BOMBER!! Cover, TWO!?!
Fans cheer and Takagi roars again as Wato somehow survives! But Takagi wants us to see this, especially Ibushi! Takagi gets Wato up, pump handle and rack, LAST OF THE DRAGON!! Cover, Takagi wins!
Winner: Shingo Takagi, by pinfall
Water may put out fire, but not when it’s this much fire! Takagi shows Wato he still has a long way to go before reaching the world title scene, but will he be ready for a world title level fight from the Golden Star?
El Desperado makes his way ringside?
The Rogue Luchador is still THE IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion, and perhaps he wants to support his Suzuki-Gun teammates? Oh, wait, he gets his phone out, and he is recording Hiromu on commentary. Hiromu records him back, it is a battle of vlogging smart phones! Then he goes around the way, to join commentary! Suzuki-Gun and Los Ingobernables de Japon are closing out the show in more ways than one!
IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: Dangerous Tekkers VS Tetsuya Naito & SANADA!
Taichi & Zack Sabre Jr. have doubted the chances of Los Ingobernables de Japon’s Uncontrollable Charisma and Cold Skull working well as a duo, but here they are! Will the Sliest Wrestler in the World and the Submission Master make Naito & Sanada #JustTapOut? Or will the Heavyweight Tag Division be Tranquilo?
Wow, not only is Desperado on commentary for this, but Douki and Miho Abe are in the Tekkers’ corner. Introductions are made, Suzuki-Gun poses with the Tekkers’ towel, and LIJ takes off their elaborate entrance gear. The belts are raised, Taichi taunts Naito with the dancing pecs, but LIJ fist bumps. Naito starts and wants Taichi but ZSJ insists. The decision is made, and we see if Suzuki-Gun stays strong in Sapporo!
Fans cheer and rally as Naito makes sure ZSJ knows it’s “L I J!” that the fans like. ZSJ doesn’t care and he tags out to Taichi. Naito gets who he wants after all, but Taichi says he wants Sanada. Fans cheer, and Sanada reaches out. Naito tags, but then ZSJ tags back in! The Tekkers are playing games but Sanada circles with ZSJ all the same. They tie up, ZSJ gets a hammerlock, Sanada spins but ZSJ spins with him. Sanada reaches back to headlock but ZSJ drop toeholds to a leg lock. ZSJ laces the legs, floats to a headlock but Sanada slips out to hammerlock. ZSJ fights up, headlocks back, then cravats. Sanada powers through to wrench and trip to toehold! ZSJ gets away and fans cheer!
Sanada and ZSJ reset and circle. They approach, knuckle lock but ZSJ uses that to get a straitjacket! Sanada turns the straitjacket onto ZSJ and ZSJ drops down. ZSJ rolls back to put the jacket back on Sanada, but Sanada again turns it around. ZSJ gets up, Sanada trips him and twists the foot! ZSJ flips over, reels Sanada in and has the cravat back. Sanada endures, rolls and throws ZSJ off, and fans cheer the exchange. Sanada and ZSJ circle again, tie up, but ZSJ wrenches and trips Sanada for a toehold of his own. ZSJ uses his head for leverage as he wrenches the foot. Sanada fights, flips, reels ZSJ in but ZSJ uses that to Bow ‘n’ Arrow!
Sanada pops right out, covers, ONE, and Sanada arm-drags ZSJ down, but ZSJ headscissors to bring Sanada into an armbar! Sanada kips free and the fans cheer as the two stand off! Taichi tells ZSJ to stay cool, and Naito says ZSJ is bad news. Sanada and ZSJ tie up with knuckle locks again but ZSJ puts Sanada’s hands on the mat to stand on! ZSJ wrenches one arm around to a wristlock then again to wrangle Sanada. Sanada kips up, WRINGS ZSJ, then holds the wristlock. Sanada wrenches again, tags in Naito, but ZSJ gets away to tag Taichi. Fans rally up and Naito settles for the guy he wanted anyway. Taichi and Naito slowly circle, then tie up.
Naito powers Taichi to ropes but Taichi calls for the break. Taichi then turns it around and Naito calls for the break. Red Shoes counts, Taichi pats Naito on the shoulder and backs off. Naito sucker punches ZSJ! Taichi throws hands on Naito and whips him to ropes. Naito holds ropes, boots Taichi, then dropkicks ZSJ off the apron! Naito kicks Taichi in the leg, throws him out to join ZSJ, then builds speed! The Tekkers scramble away but Naito rolls, Tranquilo~! Naito grins as he waits for a Tekker to return but ZSJ throws a tantrum. Taichi calms ZSJ down and takes his own time returning.
Taichi stares Naito down but ZSJ wants in after all of Naito’s taunting. Taichi tags ZSJ in, and fans cheer, but Naito tags right out to Sanada! Now ZSJ is annoyed and he kicks at Naito. Naito gets away and Sanada turns ZSJ around! ZSJ headbutts low and headlocks but Sanada powers out. ZSJ dodges Sanada, Naito trips him up! Sanada adds a basement dropkick! Sanada dares Taichi to do something, Taichi gets in to get a drop toehold! Naito adds a basement dropkick there! Sanada stands on ZSJ while Naito throws Taichi into railing! Naito intimidates Miho-chan, Sanada CLUBS ZSJ. Naito returns to the LIJ corner to bring ZSJ through ropes so Sanada can CLUB him!
Tag to Naito, he stomps a mudhole into ZSJ then drags ZSJ up. Naito snapmares and ties ZSJ up in the leg hook full nelson! ZSJ endures as Naito puts on the pressure. ZSJ pushes back but can’t get free. ZSJ tries to use his leg but Naito just grabs that to make ZSJ a pretzel. Sanada tags in, he stomps ZSJ and Naito lets the hold go. Sanada cravats to wrench ZSJ’s neck and ZSJ endures. ZSJ gets a leg, Sanada wrenches the neck more, and fans rally up. Sanada snapmares ZSJ, drops an elbow, covers, ONE! ZSJ gets away but Sanada chases after. Sanada facelocks ZSJ, brings him over, and Naito tags in. LIJ mugs ZSJ, and Naito mockingly asks if ZSJ wants more.
Naito CLUBS ZSJ, cravats, and cranks the neck wrench. ZSJ endures, Red Shoes has to keep Taichi in the corner, and ZSJ fights up with body shots. ZSJ snapmares but Naito holds on to the cravat! ZSJ grabs at Naito’s face but Red Shoes reprimands. ZSJ and Naito get up, ZSJ spins through the cravat to PELE the arm! Fans cheer, Taichi gets in and KICKS the bad arm! Red Shoes reprimands but Taichi tags in and goes after Naito. Taichi whips, Naito reverses but Taichi reverses back to HOOK KICK! Taichi DECKS Sanada, and fans fire up as Taichi kicks Naito out of the ring. Taichi whips Naito hard into railing! Naito falls in a heap but Taichi brings him up to whip into the other railing!
Naito is stuck on the railing, Taichi brings him back to ringside, and ZSJ is after Sanada on the other side. Taichi RAMS Naito into railing right at commentary and Hiromu almost falls out of his seat! Red Shoes and Hiromu reprimand but Taichi stomps Naito down. Taichi stands on Naito’s head but lets off as the ring count starts. Taichi gets Naito up and into the ring at 8 of 20. Miho-chan apologizes on Taichi’s behalf while Taichi stomps Naito’s arm. Taichi brings Naito up with a hammerlock and RAMS him into a corner. ZSJ pulls the arm through ropes while Taichi keeps Red Shoes distracted. ZSJ lets go and Taichi comes back to choke Naito!
Red Shoes reprimands, counts, and Taichi lets off to tag ZSJ. ZSJ stands on Naito now as fans rally up. ZSJ wrenches the bad arm and twists the wrist. ZSJ bends the fingers, wrangles Naito, and shouts, “TRANQUILO!” as he STOMPS the arm! Tag to Taichi and Taichi stands on the bad arm. Cover, but Red Shoes sees it’s a choke! Taichi lets off, tries the choke cover again, but Red Shoes reprimands. Taichi chokes with both hands, then gets Sanada as he runs in for a two hand choke, too! Taichi lets off, drags Naito up and hammerlocks the arm. Taichi chokes Naito while trapping the bad arm in the corner. ZSJ digs a boot in, Red Shoes reprimands and counts, but ZSJ lets off.
ZSJ tags in, Taichi still chokes Naito, but Taichi lets off. ZSJ slaps Naito around, fans rally up, and ZSJ wrenches the bad arm over and over. Naito throws body shots, ZSJ wrenches again but Naito ROCKS ZSJ with forearms! Naito whips, ZSJ reverses, but Naito BOOTS from the corner! ZSJ stays up but gets BOOTS again! Naito runs but into a half nelson! Naito arm-drags then atomic drops to a NECKBREAKER! Fans fire up as both men are down! Naito and ZSJ stir, crawl for corners, hot tag to Sanada! Taichi runs in anyway to intercept, but Sanada hurdles, hurdles and dropkicks Taichi back out! ZSJ snapmares but Sanada handsprings through to dropkick the leg out!
Fans fire up with Sanada as ZSJ bails out. Sanada aims, slingshots but ZSJ dodges! Sanada lands on the apron, forearms ZSJ away but ZSJ boots! Sanada blocks the boot to put the leg through ropes, DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! ZSJ writhes but Sanada climbs a corner. ZSJ gets up and hobbles as Sanada CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! ZSJ survives but Sanada keeps his cool. Fans rally up for “L I J!” as Sanada gets ZSJ up. Sanada trips ZSJ, ZSJ kicks out of the leg lock, but Sanada cartwheels around the monkey flip. Sanada lets the headscissors slip off but ZSJ backslides! Sanada pops that right to a sunset, TWO! ZSJ sits on a prawn hold, TWO!
Sanada sunset, ONE! ZSJ prawn, TWO! Sanada sunset, TWO! ZSJ prawn, TWO!! Sanada narrowly escapes, fans cheer, and Sanada blocks ZSJ’s kick. ZSJ breaks free but misses the Pele to the arm! Sanada STANDING MOONSAULTS, but into a TRIANGLE HOLD! Sanada is caught as ZSJ squeezes tight! Fans rally up as Sanada endures, and Sanada fights up to dead lift! ZSJ shifts around to facelock, then he WRINGS Sanada’s arm into the mat! Sanada clutches his shoulder and fans rally up again! ZSJ crawls, tag to Taichi! Taichi drags Sanada up for Kowata Kicks, but Sanada just glares at him.
Taichi kicks low, gives more Kowata Kicks, then shoves Sanada into a corner. Taichi corner clotheslines, snapmares and KICKS Sanada in the back! But Sanada gets up and stares Taichi down! Sanada throws a forearm, Taichi throws a kick. Sanada throws another forearm, Taichi throws another kick. Forearm, kick, forearm, kick, back and forth! Fans rally, Sanada gets the edge with his forearms, but Taichi comes back to BOOT! Sanada stays up, Taichi eggs him on so Sanada BOOTS! Taichi stays up and fans cheer. Taichi rebounds, Sanada blocks the boot to EuroUpper! Taichi KICKS, Sanada ROLLING ELBOWS, Taichi ENZIGURIS! Both men are down and fans fire up!
Taichi slowly rises as fans rally. ZSJ goes after Naito on the outside and drags him down to a double wristlock on the floor! Taichi fires up, Sanada rises, but Sanada ducks the buzzsaw! Fireman’s carry and toss to the dragon sleeper! But Taichi slips out and Alabama lifts! Sanada fights off but runs into a ROUNDHOUSE! Taichi gets Sanada up and reels him in, but Sanada turns powerbomb into RANA! Sanada fireman’s carries for a TKO! Both men are down again and fans fire back up! Fans rally, Naito has taken care of ZSJ and is back on the corner. Sanada crawls over, and makes the tag! Naito gets Taichi up to fire off strikes, then whip him to a corner.
Naito runs in, rocket kicks and leg sweeps, COMBINACION CABRON! Fans fire up as Naito poses, and Naito gets Taichi up again. Naito hoists Taichi up top and climbs up, but Taichi fights the super steiner! Taichi makes it an Alabama position! Naito fights for his life, clubs away on Taichi’s back, and adjusts to get the SUPER STEINER! Cover, TWO!! Taichi survives but Naito gets him back up. Fans rally, “L I J!” “NA-I-TO!” Taichi fights off Gloria but Naito throws back elbows. Taichi again fights, ZSJ gets in and EuroUppers Naito in the corner! But ZSJ turns around into Sanada’s dropkick to the legs! Taichi kicks Sanada low, but Naito knocks Taichi down!
Naito basement dropkicks Taichi, turns ZSJ around, but ZSJ snapmares him down first and NECK TWISTS! Sanada runs in, ZSJ trips him, but Sanada blocks the Penalty Kick! Sanada DRAGON SCREWS ZSJ down, but Taichi kicks and whips Sanada to a corner. Sanada elbows Taichi away, Quebradas but Taichi gets under. Taichi DECKS Sanada with a forearm! Taichi dodges Naito and GAMANGIRIS him in the corner! All four men are down and the fans are thunderous! Taichi slowly rises and Naito follows. Both men are in opposite corners, Taichi fires himself up, and he dares Naito to bring it! They rush each other, Taichi boots but Naito fires forearms!
Taichi runs but into Naito’s kick and TORNADO DDT! But Taichi’s right back up!? He gets around Naito for a DANGEROUS SAIDO! But he can’t make the cover!! Desperado and Hiromu get fired up on commentary as both Taichi and Naito are down. The fans rally as hard as ever and Naito starts to stir. Taichi gets himself to ropes and then tags in ZSJ! Miho-chan checks on Taichi while ZSJ stomps Naito. ZSJ gets Naito up to ROCK him with a EuroUpper! Naito leans on ropes but ZSJ brings him around for another EuroUpper! Naito staggers about again, ZSJ gives him a third EuroUpper! Naito kicks the bad leg, but ZSJ drop toeholds, floats and NECK TWISTS!
Naito gets back to a corner, ZSJ hobbles to the opposite end. ZSJ runs in but Naito dodges, Sanada back elbows! Naito back elbows, Sanada dropkicks, Naito enziguris! Sanada back suplexes, Naito runs in to jackknife bridge, Taichi breaks it in time! Sanada throws Taichi out and PLANCHAS! Direct hit and now Naito gets ZSJ up. Naito hops up top, reels ZSJ in, ROLLING STUNNER! Cover, TWO! ZSJ survives but fans fire up for Naito as he takes aim from the corner! Naito runs in, tilt-o-whirls but ZSJ dumps him down to put on the IRON OCTOPUS! ZSJ uses his arms for extra leverage, and Taichi gets Sanada for SEITEIJYUJIRYOU!
The Dangerous Tekkers have LIJ in double submissions but LIJ endures! ZSJ cranks back harder on Naito’s arm and Taichi drags Sanada down to the mat! The fans are thunderous as Naito fights to waddle for ropes! ZSJ pulls WAY back and drags Naito down to the mat! Red Shoes checks but Naito hasn’t given up! And what about Sanada and Taichi? Are they just going to stay in? Naito scrambles and kicks, and gets a ROPEBREAK with his foot! ZSJ lets Naito go in frustration, as does Taichi as he lets go of Sanada. All four men are down again and fans stay thunderous! Sanada flops out, Miho almost cries for Taichi, but ZSJ sits Naito up just to kick him down.
ZSJ sits Naito up, knocks him back over, again and again. ZSJ is toying with Naito and starts taunting him, “C’mon then!” ZSJ gets up and KICKS Naito! Naito sits back up and eggs ZSJ on. ZSJ eggs Naito on and gives him more toying kicks. The kicks get a little harder, but Naito blocks the Penalty Kick! Naito waistlocks, ZSJ elbows him so Naito shoves ZSJ to give him an elbow back! ZSJ swings on Naito but into a backslide hook, that Naito just uses to spin ZSJ for another back elbow! ZSJ falls over but Naito drags him up. Naito throws more of those solid back elbows, then whips. ZSJ reverses but Naito hits FLYING FOREARMS!
Fans fire up as Naito gets ZSJ up for the scoop. ZSJ fights out, scoops, but Naito fights! Naito scoops, ZSJ slips out, DRAGON SUPLEX! Bridging cover, Sanada breaks it! Taichi chokes Sanada to a corner! Sanada breaks free to fire off forearms. Rolling- CHOKE SLAM!! Naito gets up, Taichi gives him an AX BOMBER!! Taichi fires up and the fans are thunderous as Taichi calls on ZSJ. Taichi drags Naito up, Alabama lifts, but Naito fights! Naito BOOTS ZSJ, CLUBS away on Taichi, then swings on ZSJ. ZSJ gets Naito in a cobra twist! ZSJ then feeds Naito to Taichi for the LAST RIDE! Taichi sits Naito up for a PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO!?! Naito survives and no one can believe it!
Fans rally up as the Tekkers regroup. Taichi takes off the pants! ZSJ gets Naito up as Taichi takes aim. But Sanada gets Taichi for a dragon sleeper! DESTINO!! Cover, TWO!! ZSJ survives but Sanada lets Taichi go to give ZSJ a ROUNDING BODY PRESS!! Sanada blocks the Tensho Jujihou and spins Taichi for a SLICED BREAD to SKULL END!! Naito fires up and he gets ZSJ up, to wrench and tilt-o-whirl, DESTINO!!! Cover, LIJ WINS!!!
Winners: Tetsuya Naito & SANADA, by pinfall (NEW IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions)
Desperado is shocked and Hiromu is pumped! Somehow, some way, Naito and Sanada were able to pull off a walk-off homer and take these titles from the Tekkers! Naito is a two-time and Sanada is a THREE-time heavyweight tag team champion, and did it their first try together! Miho-chan really does cry now as the “team of destiny” falls. Naito & Sanada are given the belts and Naito sets his down in the center of the ring for a moment as the rest of LIJ arrives. Naito does applaud as Taichi and Miho sulk away from ringside while ZSJ is helped to the back.
Naito gets the mic to say, “Buenos noches, Sapporooo~!” It’s the first time for NJPW in Hokkaido since last September, but they and LIJ are back, cabron! LIJ won out the night, and Naito thanks everyone for coming to the Makomanai Sekisui Heim Ice Arena tonight and last night, even in these uncertain times. Naito wants everyone to know that this is his first tag title since 2010. As such, it is his time to thank the man that even suggested he get back in the hunt, and taught him how fun being in this division can really be, and that man is Sanada.
“There is no doubt whatsoever that in this unit and in this world of professional wrestling, Shingo Takagi is shining brighter than anyone. So it is incumbent upon us and Bushi and Hiromu Takahashi to take that personally, and to fight for competition. The fight to be the face of our faction.” So for everyone here in Sapporo wondering if LIJ will be spearheading NJPW next time they’re here, the answer is tranquilo, assenayo! But that said, Naito hopes everyone here is ready to close this out with the LIJ role call. Shout out loud at home and in your hearts! “Bushi! Sanada! Hiromu! Takagi! Y Naito! NOSOTROS, Los! Ingoberrrrrrnables~! DE! JA! PON!!”
Hiromu finally hops off commentary to celebrate with the rest of LIJ, and they pose together, the tag titles front and center. Will it only be a matter of time before LIJ is back at 100% power and dripping in gold?
My Thoughts:
Another good night, on par with last night’s Sapporo event. Good for Kota Ibushi taking the vaccine for the sake of his health and other’s, but a shame he was feeling those side effects. Takagi VS Wato was still a solid singles match with Wato looking really good even in losing. I said it last night that I didn’t see Naito & Sanada winning, but that makes it a great surprise that they did. I can’t be sure what the plan is from here then, unless NJPW is hoping Japan will easy up soon and more teams signed under NJPW can return. English commentary even said that there aren’t many teams running around in Japan right now, the Tekkers might get a rematch before anyone else steps up.
My Score: 8.5/10
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Coverage
Mitchell’s Saturday Night’s Main Event Results & Report! (1/25/25)
Everything’s bigger in Texas!
Live from San Antonio, it’s Saturday Night!
With just a week left before The Royal Rumble, WWE has Shawn Michaels moderating the contract signing between Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens! But can they keep it civil? Or will HBK have to lay down the law between them?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- WWE Women’s World Championship: Rhea Ripley VS Nia Jax; Rhea wins and retains the title.
- WWE Intercontinental Championship: Bron Breakker VS Sheamus; Bron wins and retains the title.
- Braun Strowman VS Jacob Fatu; Braun wins, by disqualification.
- WWE World Heavyweight Championship: GUNTHER VS Jey Uso; Gunther wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
Ted DiBiase is here!
The Million Dollar Man is back, and he even has his Million Dollar Championship! Will he look to raise the stakes in San Antonio?
WWE Women’s World Championship: Rhea Ripley VS Nia Jax!
These two just did battle last night in Austin, and while Mami’s team felt the smackdown, she and the Irresistible Force are feeling raw here in San Antonio! Will Rhea be golden on this side of the Royal Rumble? Or will Nia look to grab up all the gold?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is really on top!
Nia HEADBUTTS Rhea before the bell! The ref reprimands ant eh fans boo, but Nia runs up! Rhea dodges, DROPKICKS, and Nia staggers back. Rhea runs up and fires forearms in the corner, but Nia shoves her away. Rhea ducks ‘n’ dodges Nia to then tilt-o-whirl DDT! The fans fire up as Rhea shows off some agility! Nia tumbles out of the ring, Rhea goes to the apron, and Rhea CANNONBALLS! Down goes Nia and the fans fire up more! Rhea puts Nia back in the ring, then hurries to short arm LARIAT! Nia stays up so Rhea short arm LARIATS, and goes again! But Nia pop-up HEADBUTTS Rhea down!
The fans boo but Nia runs and SPLASHES Rhea in a corner! Nia hoists Rhea up top, but Rhea BOOTS her away! Nia ROCKS Rhea in return, then she climbs. The fans rally for Mami but Nia fireman’s carries! Rhea fights, but Nia still SUPER SAMOAN DROPS! Cover, TWO! Rhea survives, if only just so, and SNME goes to break.
SNME returns and Nia thrashes Rhea around in a chinlock. Rhea fights up, JAWBREAKERS free, and then runs, but Nia slips around. Nia back suplexes, Rhea lands out, and Rhea kicks low. Rhea KNEES Nia, winds up, LARIAT! Nia stays up, so Rhea dodges to CHOP! Rhea knuckle locks, then she springboards, but Nia stops the rana! Nia pops Rhea up, but Rhea SUNSET BOMBS! Cover, TWO!! Nia survives and Rhea can’t believe it! Rhea pulling that off is unbelievable, too! Rhea pump handles Nia, but powers up to a SAMOAN DROP! Nia drags Rhea to a drop zone, goes up the corner, but the fans boo.
Nia adjusts and SUPER LEG DROPS! Cover, TWO! Rhea survives but Nia is amused. Nia stands over Rhea while the fans rally up. Nia climbs up again, but Rhea CLUBS Nia! Rhea gets under Nia, and she POWERBOMBS Nia down! And then Rhea ties up the legs, for the PRISM TRAP! Nia powers up, pushes Rhea away, and the fans boo. Nia and Rhea rise up, and Rhea runs in! Nia catches her for an URENAGE! Nia snarls and storms up on Rhea to KICK her to the drop zone. Nia goes up the corner, but Rhea SHOVES her into the post! Nia goes to the apron, Rhea DECKS her! Rhea then goes up the corner?!
Rhea aims, the fans fire up, and Rhea SUPER CROSSBODIES! Down goes Nia and Rhea fires up! San Antonio is with Rhea as she reels Nia in. Pump handle, but Nia SPLASHES her! Cover, ONE!! Nia is furious, and she SMACKS Rhea off the mat, Nia puts Rhea in the drop zone, A-NIA-LATOR!! But Nia isn’t done, she goes back up. But Rhea grabs Nia’s foot! Nia shakes free, climbs again, but Rhea gets under Nia! Electric Chair Lift, and SLAM!! Both women are down and the fans fire up again! Both women stir, and Rhea drags herself to the corner. Rhea stands, but so does Nia. Nia runs up, but Rhea dodges! Nia hits the buckles, Rhea ROUNDHOUSES!
Rhea pump handles, and she powers up, RIPTIDE!! Cover, RHEA WINS!
Winner: Rhea Ripley, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s World Champion)
That was a brutal battle, but Rhea’s brutality saw her through! Nia still plans on winning the Royal Rumble, will she still go for Tiffany Stratton? Or will she change course and want one more round with Rhea Bloody Ripley?
WWE Intercontinental Championship: Bron Breakker VS Sheamus!
The title matches don’t stop, because we go one more round between these two badasses! Will the dogs be barking with the Big Bad Booty Nephew? Or will The Celtic Warrior finally complete his WWE Bingo?
SNME returns and Jesse Ventura joins commentary for this make-or-break moment for Sheamus. Bron makes his entrance and the fans bark already. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and one way or another, we’re getting a banger!
The bell rings, the two circle, and the two tie up. Sheamus powers Bron back but then they go along the ropes. Sheamus has a headlock as they end up in a corner, and the ref counts. Bron scuffs Sheamus and laughs, but Sheamus tells Bron to get serious. They circle, tie up, and then Bron kicks! Sheamus blocks the kick, and he LARIATS Bron! Sheamus fires hands on Bron in a corner, then he brings Bron around to whip. Bron reverses, but Sheamus blocks the hip toss! Sheamus LARIATS Bron again and the fans fire up! Bron goes to a corner, Sheamus is right on him to whip. Bron reverses, but Sheamus comes back, into an OVERHEAD SUPLEX!
The fans bark while Sheamus sputters. Bron storms up on Sheamus, headlocks, but Sheamus powers up and out. Bron ducks ‘n’ dodges and builds speed to CLOBBER Sheamus! Sheamus tumbles out of the ring but Bron goes out the side. Bron builds speed around the outside! But Sheamus scoops! Sheamus then LAWN DARTS Bron into the timekeeper’s area! The fans fire up with Sheamus, and then Sheamus fetches Bron to bring him back to the ring. Sheamus then climbs a corner, takes aim, and FLYING LARIATS! Cover, ONE!! Bron is tougher than that, but Sheamus stays on him. Sheamus throws Bron tot he apron, then stands him up!
The fans fire up but Bron fights free! Bron throws a haymaker, but Sheamus DECKS Bron for it! Sheamus goes out, uses the steps to leap, INTO A SPEAR!! Both men fall in a heap and the fans go nuts! Bron grins while SNME goes to break.
SNME returns again and Bron fires off in the corner. Sheamus fires back and they go back and forth. Bron KNEES low, then he digs Sheamus into the corner. Bron ROCKS Sheamus, then fireman’s carries. GUT BUSTER DROP! Bron doesn’t let off, he hoists Sheamus up again, GUT BUSTER DROP! Cover, TWO! Sheamus survives but Bron has a bull’s eye on those ribs. Bron throws hands but Sheamus eggs Bron on! Bron SLAPS Sheamus, Sheamus eggs Bron on more, and they start throwing shots! The fans fire up but Bron body shots! Bron runs, into a KNEE CAPPER! Cover, TWO! Bron stays in this and Sheamus grows frustrated.
Bron goes to the apron, Sheamus storms up, and the fans fire up as Sheamus gives us BEATS OF THE BODHRAIN! Sheamus goes all the way to TEN, then past it! He gets SIXTEEN in before the ref counts 4! Sheamus hauls Bron up and up, to then crucifix lift! CELTIC CROSS!! Sheamus busting out a classic and he crawls to the cover, TWO!! Bron survives again and the fans fire up! Sheamus drags Bron up, fireman’s carries, but Bron fights free! Bron shoves Sheamus into the buckles, then gorilla presses for the SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Sheamus survives and Bron is growing frustrated. Ventura loves it, they’re going to the wire!
Bron storms up but Sheamus BOOTS Bron from the corner! Sheamus skins the cat! But Bron springs right up! SUPER STEINER! The fans fire up and Bron takes aim! Straps are down, Bron runs in, into a BROGUE!!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!!! Bron survives by a literal foot and Sheamus can’t believe it! Sheamus was so close but he’s still so far! “This is Awesome!” as Sheamus powers up in the corner. Bron rises, but the ribs hold Sheamus back! Bron RAMS Sheamus, Sheamus rebounds to KNEE CAPPER! Sheamus tries again, but Bron ducks the Brogue! SPEAR!! Cover, BRON WINS!
Winner: Bron Breakker, by pinfall (still WWE Intercontinental Champion)
The Fella falls short, only because Bron’s foot found the ropes! Will Sheamus ever get his hands on this title? Will anyone ever take this title off of Bron?
Shawn Michaels is here!
San Antonio fires up for their Heartbreak Kid, the WWE Hall of Famer, and the man who put ladder matches on the map! HBK will moderate the contract signing for the WWE Championship ladder match, after the break!
SNME returns and HBK has the mic. “I am sweating through my suit, because for the last three minutes, I’ve been dancing around because I am so happy to be back home in San Antonio!” The fans cheer that! HBK says he “has been given one job here tonight, and that is to walk out of this ring with the signatures of Kevin Owens and Cody Rhodes.” Nick Aldis couldn’t get it done, so he sent in the closer! Rest assured, it is happening tonight. So as they say, without further ado, he will introduce the challenger for the Undisputed WWE Championship, from Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Kevin Owens! The fans boo but The Prizefighter still goes to the ring.
Kevin wears a new shirt, “Cody Sucks Eggs,” and he has the Winged Eagle on his shoulder. HBK now welcomes out THE Undisputed WWE Champion, The American Nightmare, Cody Rhodes! The fans cheer Cody’s entrance, “WHOA~ OH~!” and Cody even climbs up a ladder to show he’s not afraid of heights. Cody gets his second round of pyro, then he goes to the ring to join HBK and KO. The fans cheer as Cody and Kevin stare down, but HBK tells them, “Gentlemen, if you would be seated please.” They don’t, so he says fine, he digs it.
HBK says for months, these two have battered and beaten each other. And as much as everyone has enjoyed watching it, HBK has an assignment. That is to walk out of this ring, with their signatures on the contract. So one way or another, it needs to happen. So again, he asks they please sign. Cody takes the pen first, and he signs his part as champion. Kevin then takes the pen, looks a the contract, but then picks up the mic. “Y’know, last night you (Cody) said something that really pissed me off. You said that 10 times outta 10, Kevin Owens takes the easy way out. Is that right? That’s a lie. That’s what you are, you’re a liar.”
Kevin could’ve taken the easy way out at Bash In Berlin because of Cody’s knee, because Kevin cared about their friendship more than Cody ever did! And you know who takes the easy way out? It’s CODY! Who between them left WWE when things got tough? Kevin stayed, Cody quit! Cody shouts, “ENOUGH! ENOUGH, Kevin!” Cody didn’t come here to talk about the past, or so Kevin can justify his actions. Cody didn’t get all dressed up, HBK didn’t return to San Antonio, to hear Kevin talk! Cody is done worrying about Kevin Owens. Cody instead must focus on who he is defending his title against at WrestleMania.
So if Kevin would just please, SIGN, THE, CONTRACT! The fans cheer, but Kevin tells Cody, “Trust me, you’re not done worrying about Kevin Owens. Because once I sign this, you know what that means? That makes it official. That Saturday night at the Royal Rumble, I will shut everyone up who dares to say I’m not the real champion. I am the true, rightful WWE Champion! And once I win the title, everything you got when you came back, your face on every poster, on all the buses, all the fanfare, all the grand entrances, all the attention, the pyro, everything, it’s coming to ME! Because that’s what I’ve deserved for the last TEN YEARS, and I’m taking it from YOU!”
HBK waits a moment, then says, “Jesus, Kevin. You just sound jealous.” Kevin glares at HBK and asks what he just said. HBK says that Kevin sounds jealous. JEALOUS!? Kevin says that’s rich! HBK is just like Cody! When things got tough for HBK, he quit, too! You wanna know who is jealous? HBK is jealous that Kevin brought more pride to the Winged Eagle than HBK ever did! And once Kevin wins, he will give everyone a champion they can be proud of, that they can look to, and won’t lose his smile~! The only one losing at the Rumble is Cody! Kevin finally signs his part, then he SHOVES it into HBK!
The fans boo but Kevin stares Cody down again. HBK says, “Gentlemen, there’s only one thing left to do, and that is to take these championships. May I please get a referee in here? And ascend them above the ring.” A referee does step in, and Kevin gives the Winged Eagle title a last kiss before handing it over. That belt is strapped onto the hanger, then the same is done with Cody’s corporate logo belt. The hanger is then lifted into the air, and HBK says next Saturday, Lucas Oil Stadium, one man ascends the ladder, and one man walks out THE Undisputed WWE Champion. He wishes them luck, then offers a handshake.
Kevin leaves HBK hanging, so Cody takes the hand. And Kevin sucker punches Cody! HBK warns KO, but then KO kicks HBK! But Cody SUPERKICKS Kevin! HBK is furious, so he tunes up the band! The fans are thunderous for some SWEET CHIN MUSIC!! Kevin tumbles out of the ring while San Antonio cheers! Will Cody make sure “The Canadian Dream” is living a nightmare after the Royal Rumble? Or will Kevin find a way to ruin Cody’s Road to WrestleMania?
Braun Strowman VS Jacob Fatu!
There may not be a championship on the line, but you can consider this a title match in that the winner here could very well be the ALPHA monster! Will the Monster of All Monsters still be Braun Strowman? Or will the Samoan Werewolf tear down #OneBigSOB?
SNME returns and once again, Tama & Jacob walk ‘n’ talk. The Good Bad Guy says everyone’s on that YEHYEHYEH! Jacob tells Braun that he may be a tough SOB, but keep it 100, he never been in the ring with nobody like Jacob! He’s America’s Most Wanted! You know what time it is? Get in where you fit in! Cuz tonight, Jacob beats Braun’s ass post to post, live from NBC on coast to coast! Ya know what I mean?! Jacob makes his entrance, Tama letting him go alone. The bell rings and the fans rally up. Jacob and Braun stare down, tie up, and Jacob pushes Braun back, until Braun SHOVES Jacob down! Both men run up, and Braun RUNS Jacob over!
Braun storms up on Jacob at the ropes, the ref gets in between them, and Jacob sucker punches Braun! Jacob runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Braun ELBOWS him down! Braun snarls, runs up again, and he LARIATS Jacob up and out! Jacob is right back on his feet, and he HOTSHOTS Braun away! Braun comes back, Jacob DUMPS him out, then KICKS Braun! Jacob then DIVES! Direct hit and down goes Braun! The fans fire up while SNME goes to break.
SNME returns again and Jacob HEADBUTTS Braun again and again! The fans rally for Braun but Jacob runs, only for Braun to scoop! SIDEWALK SLAM! Both men are down and the fans rally up again. Braun and Jacob rise again, and Braun CHOPS! Braun fires a forearm, and another! Braun ROCKS Jacob, runs, and BOOTS Jacob down! Jacob goes to a corner while the fans fire up. Braun storms up to fire body shots, then stands Jacob up. Braun TOSSES Jacob across the way! Jacob tumbles out, sputters and coughs, and Braun goes outside! The Strowman Express is on the tracks, and he CLOBBERS Jacob into barriers!
The fans fire up again and Braun says let’s go again! Braun does another lap, to POUNCE Jacob over the announce desk! The fans fire up again and Braun takes off his shirt! Braun does another lap, and Jacob’s up in time, to SAMOAN DROP Braun onto the desk!! Jacob shoves Braun down, throws the desk hood onto him, then drags him up to send into steel steps! The ref reprimands, Jacob shoves Braun into the ring, and Jacob hauls Braun up. HEADBUTT! Braun sits in a corner, Jacob goes corner to corner! HIP ATTACK! And then HIP ATTACK again! Braun sputters now, and Jacob HIP ATTACKS again! AND AGAIN!!
Jacob shows no mercy, he hits a FIFTH HIP ATTACK!! The Samoan Werewolf goes again, A SIXTH HIP ATTACK!! Braun is barely even conscious, the ref stops Jacob, but Jacob TOSSES the ref!! Jacob runs to hit NUMBER SEVEN!! NUMBER EIGHT!! The fans boo but now the bell rings! The ref calls this one off for what Jacob did!
Winner: Braun Strowman, by disqualification
Jacob storms out around ringside, and he grabs a chair! He throws that into the ring, but then Aldis and security rush out here! Jacob CHUCKS that chair into the first guard! And then he LARIATS the next! Jacob ignores the refs and Aldis, more security arrives, and they get Jacob to back off. Braun sputters as blood pours from his nose and maybe even his mouth. Jacob’s bloodthirsty and he drags Braun from the corner! Producers get out here to try and stop this, but Jacob doesn’t care! He goes up, up, BEST MOONSAULT EVER!! The werewolf is too wild, but Tama Tonga gets him to stand down.
There are fans who want that “One More Time!” and Jacob hears them! BEST MOONSAULT EVER AGAIN!! The medics hurry out here, and now Jacob and Tama stand down. OR NOT! Jacob gets right back in the ring, and he goes right back up the corner! BEST MOONSAULT EVER!! With no Solo Sikoa to hold onto the leash, will no one be able to stop the Samoan Werewolf?
WWE World Heavyweight Championship: GUNTHER VS Jey Uso!
Der Ring General does not think “Main Event Jey Uso” is worthy of that nickname, and yet here they both are in tonight’s main event. These two already had it out during Gunther’s historic Intercontinental Championship reign, will history repeat itself? Or will Jey finally and for truly stand tall as THE World Heavyweight Champion?
SNME returns and Gunther makes his entrance. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who wins Saturday Night’s Main Event!
The bell rings, Jey puts his sunglasses aside, and Gunther BOOTS Jey down! Gunther talks smack while he stands Jey up, but Jey UPPERCUTS! And ROCKS Gunther with a right! Gunther CHOPS Jey, Jey ROCKS Gunther with more hands! Gunther CHOPS again! Jey is stinging as he falls against the ropes, but Gunther stands him up. Jey dodges the chop to fire body shots! Jey climbs up and he rains down fists! “YEET! YEET! YEET!” But Gunther stops Jey at 7, puts him on the corner, and CHOPS him to the floor! The fans boo while SNME goes to break.
SNME returns again and Jey fires hands! “YEET! YEET! YEET!” But Gunther clamps on a SLEEPER! Jey arm-drags free, but Gunther blocks a kick! Gunther LARIATS Jey down! Cover, TWO! Jey stays in this but Gunther stays on him with a NECK TWIST! Jey writhes while Gunther paces. The fans boo but Gunther stands Jey up. Gunther scoops and SLAMS Jey, then stalks him. Gunther stands Jey up to CHOP him! Jey is again stinging but he stays up. Gunther BOOTS Jey! Jey fires forearms! Gunther CHOPS! Jey fires more forearms! Gunther CHOPS again! Jey rebounds, but into an UPPERCUT! Jey UPPERCUTS back!
Jey fires hands, whips Gunther, but Gunther reverses! Jey hits buckles hard and falls to the mat! Gunther drops a KNEE on him! Gunther then STOMPS Jey’s arm! The fans boo but Gunther looms over Jey. Gunther clamps onto Jey with a chinlock and he grinds his forearm into Jey’s face! The fans rally for Jey and he fights up. Jey manages to fireman’s carry Gunther! The fans fire up but Gunther fights free! Gunther CHOPS! Jey ROCKS! Gunther UPPERCUTS! Jey UPPERCUTS! Gunther swings, Jey dodges, and Jey fireman’s carries! SAMOAN DROP! Both men are down and the fans fire up again!
Jey and Gunther crawl, and Gunther makes it to a corner. Jey goes to the opposite end, and the fans rally behind Jey with “UCE! OH~!” Jey runs, into the SHOTGUN DROPKCIK! Gunther hurries to haul Jey right up, GENERAL BOMBO! High stack, TWO! Jey survives and Gunther is surprised! Gunther catches his breath, calms down, and thinks on what else he should try. The fans rally for Jey even harder while Gunther stalks him to ropes. Jey goes to the apron, but Gunther goes out after him. Gunther stomps Jey, then stands on his neck! The ref reprimands but Gunther steps off. Jey sputters, but Gunther BOOTS him again, right as SNME goes to break!
SNME returns once again, and Jey trades shots with Gunther! The fans rally behind Jey as he gets the edge, “YEET! YEET! YEET!” Jey pops, locks and- Gunther BOOTS him! Jey kicks, Gunther blocks, but the DRAGON WHIP comes around! Only for Gunther to GERMAN SUPLEX! Gunther runs, into a SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO! Gunther survives and the fans can’t believe it! Jey catches his breath while Gunther goes to a corner. Gunther comes back, but Jey avoids the shotgun dropkick! Jey gets moving, and he HIP ATTACKS Gunther in the corner! Cover, TWO! Gunther is tougher than that, but the fans still rally.
Jey goes to the corner and the fans fire up! Jey climbs, but Gunther rises! Gunther CHOPS Jey, then CHOPS again! Gunther climbs up after Jey, brings him to the very top, but Jey resists the suplex! Jey fires body shots, then slips under Gunther! Jey brings Gunther out for a POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Gunther survives and the fans still can’t believe it! Both Jey and Gunther are down, “This is Awesome!” as they slowly rise. Jey and Gunther rise up, but Gunther kicks low! Gunther reels Jey in, but Jey RANAS! Jey then runs to SPEAR!! Cover, TWO?!? Gunther survives and Jey is frustrated, but Jey hurries to aim again!
Gunther rises, Jey runs up, SUPERKICK! Gunther staggers back up so Jey runs in, SPEAR!! Jey hurries to the corner! Jey climbs, the fans are thunderous, USO SPLASH!! Cover, TWO?!? Gunther survives yet again and Jey is beside himself! The fans rally with more “YEET! YEET! YEET!” and Jey aims from a corner. Jey runs up, but Gunther turns spear into POWERBOMB! And then he flips Jey over to POWERBOMB again!! DEEP stack, GUNTHER WINS!
Winner: Gunther, by pinfall (still WWE World Heavyweight Champion)
Gunther didn’t just win, he just survived this battle with Main Event Jey! Der Ring General seems to at least respect Jey a bit more now, but what is it going to take for Jey to truly be the main event player?
My Thoughts:
A great Saturday Night’s Main Event, and while they really made us wonder for a couple moments, they of course held the status quo. As I said going into tonight, it would be a bit odd if the moment Sheamus finally won the Intercontinental Championship was here on NBC TV. A moment like that should be saved for WrestleMania, but I’m not sure that’ll even happen now. Granted, we have three months to build, but what would the point be after all this? Rhea VS Nia was an awesome match, especially with Rhea busting out some stuff she’d never really done before. Rhea of course won because she just got this belt back, and Nia will be in the Women’s Rumble to beef it up while trying to get after Tiffany.
The contract signing segment being in the middle was a touch surprising, but I do appreciate that they understood a title match should be the main event. Good stuff from Cody, Kevin and HBK, especially Kevin’s shirt to reference Terry Funk’s classic “Dusty Sucks Eggs” shirt. Of course a fight started, and good stuff with HBK getting a Sweet Chin Music in, but this isn’t the go-home segment so don’t expect Kevin to win the ladder match just yet. Raw and SmackDown have their go-home episodes first, we’ll surely get a segment where Kevin gets even with Cody to put things back in Cody’s favor.
Great promo from Tama & Jacob as they head to gorilla, and then a great match from Jacob VS Braun. I was saying just last night that I expected a No Contest or Draw, but they instead went a much more vicious route. Jacob loses because he threw the ref aside, but he stands tall because he brutalized Braun like very few ever have. Jacob can definitely use this to do big things in the Rumble, and from there he can go for the US Championship, as I was also saying last night. Gunther VS Jey was awesome stuff, and they really got me thinking Jey was going to pull this off, but like with Sheamus, Jey’s crowning achievement is perhaps too big for just SNME. It would be pretty wild if Jey won the Men’s Rumble so that he could get one more chance at this title and win it in Vegas.
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)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
AEW returns to Daily’s Place!
AEW is back in Jacksonville, and it’s going to be BIG! Like, Katsuyori Shibata challenging for the International Championship BIG! Will The Wrestler be better than The Alpha?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Samoa Joe w/ Hook VS Nick Wayne w/ The Patriarchy; wins.
- Six Man Tag: Daniel Garcia & 2Point0 VS The Undisputed Kingdom; win(s).
- The Gates of Agony VS Brody King & Buddy Matthews; win.
- Kazuchika Okada VS Komander w/ Alex Abrahantes; wins.
- AEW TBS Championship Fatal 4 Way #1 Contender’s Match: Deonna Purrazzo VS Queen Aminata VS Yuka Sakazaki VS Serena Deeb; wins and will challenge Mercedes Mone for the title.
- AEW International Championship: Konosuke Takeshita w/ Don Callis VS Katsuyori Shibata; wins and
PLAY BY PLAY
[Due to scheduling conflicts, coverage will be on delay]
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!