Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW Wrestle Grand Slam Tokyo Report! (7/25/21)
Summer in the Tokyo Dome!
Who steps up to the plate and hits it out of the park?
NJPW returns to the Tokyo Dome for a true summer slugfest! IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, Shingo Takagi, defends against THE ACE!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kickoff – KOPW 2021 New Japan Ranbo with Handcuffs: Chase Owens wins and becomes the new provisional Mr. KOPW 2021.
- IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: El Phantasmo & Taiji Ishimori VS Mega Coaches; ELP & Ishimori win and retain the titles.
- IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: El Desperado VS Robbie Eagles; Eagles wins and becomes the new IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion.
- Kazuchika Okada VS Jeff Cobb; Okada wins.
- IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: Tetsuya Naito & SANADA VS Dangerous Tekkers; Dangerous Tekkers win and become the new IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions.
- IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Shingo Takagi VS Hiroshi Tanahashi; Takagi wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
KOPW 2021 New Japan Ranbo with Handcuffs!
It’s just as the name says! This is a 22-man battle royal for Toru Yano’s KOPW trophy, but eliminations don’t have to only be by pin, submission or going over the top! If you get cuffed to the ropes or any other part of the ringside area, you’re done! Will #YTR be able to avoid his own wacky way of losing? Or will someone capture the Clown Prince and take his prized possession?
First out is Bullet Club’s Crown Jewel, Chase Owens! He’s still Texas Heavyweight Champion, will he look to add another prize to his collection? Second out is the United Empire’s Dominator, the Great-O-Khan! Will he win this prize for the glory of Will Ospreay? The bell rings and Chase BOOTS Khan right down, stomps him, and chokes him! The ref reprimands and Chase lets off, to try and throw Khan out! Khan holds onto the ropes, pulls Chase’s ear, and gets back in to CLUB the ear! Fans cheer as Khan gets Chase down for a modified kneebar! Chase kicks at Khan but Khan gets that leg. Chase holds off the Boston Crab by pulling Khan’s beard!
The ref reprimands, Chase knocks Khan down, and the countdown is here! The third entrant is… Tomoaki Honma! The Kokeshi is here as Chase digs his boots into Khan’s neck! Chase lets off to stomp Khan at the ropes and then choke him on the ropes. The ref reprimands again and Chase lets off. Chase watches Honma closely as he heads up the ramp. Honma gets in and Chase fires off hands! Honma fires up and fires forearms back! Chase knees low, CHOPS Honma, then whips. Honma holds ropes, boots Chase back, then runs to run Chase over! Fans fire up with Honma and Honma runs, FALLING HEADBUTT!
Khan gets up but Honma knocks him down! Honma runs but Khan avoids the falling headbutt! And now entry number four is here! It’s… Togi Makabe! The Uncaged Gorilla is headed out as Khan has a claw clamped into Honma’s shoulder. Chase and Khan mug Honma but Makabe evens things up! Makabe throws hands on both Khan and Chase, then goes to shove Khan out. Khan holds ropes, Chase clubs Makabe but Honma clubs Chase. Chase rakes Honma’s eyes, kicks Makabe low, then he and Khan double whip. Makabe breaks through the clothesline to double clothesline them! Makabe and Honma coordinate to DOUBLE LARIAT SANDWICH Khan!
The countdown is done again and entry five is DOUKI! El Japones del Mal takes his time as Makabe and Honma stomp down Chase and Khan. Khan gets Honma’s leg for a HEEL HOOK, but Honma gets the ropebreak! Makabe gets Douki as soon as he gets in, and chokes him! The ref reprimands, Makabe lets off, and Makabe drags Douki up to ROCK him with a forearm! Khan CLUBS Makabe, Chase CLUBS Makabe, and then they double whip Makabe. Makabe again breaks the line but runs into double kicks! Khan and Chase throw Makabe over and out and ELIMINATE him! But now entry number six is here, and it’s TIGER MASK!
Chase throws up a Too Sweet to Khan, but Khan ROCKS Chase with an uppercut! Honma goes after Douki but gets dragged into the ITALIAN STRETCH #32! Honma scrambles around, gets Douki under the ropes for a ropebreak, and Khan drags Chase over to the ropes! Khan wants to cuff Chase, but Chase holds it off! Khan stomps Chase down and Chase is spared. The ref finally notices what’s going on with Honma and Douki, and Douki has CUFFED Honma!! Douki ELIMINATES Honma!! Honma himself can’t believe it, and finally Tiger Mask is ringside. Douki claws Khan’s eyes to throw him down and then stomps him in a corner.
Khan resists, the ref counts the ropebreak and Douki lets off. Tiger Mask sobats, whips and tilt-o-whirl BACKBREAKERS! Chase gets payback on Khan in the corner, but Khan gets away before he can be cuffed. Chase drags him back, stomps him down, and tries again. Khan kicks the cuffs then drags Chase into a HEEL HOOK! Tiger Mask shoves Douki onto the ropes but Douki fights! Yoshinobu Kanemaru is entry seven and he’ll surely reinforce Douki as fellow Suzuki-Gun members. Khan MONGOLIAN CHOPS Tiger Mask and tries to shove him over! Tiger Mask fights Khan off, Chase goes to throw Douki out! Douki holds on and Kanemaru gets in to kick Tiger Mask!
Kanemaru stomps Tiger down, leaving Chase to drag Douki around. Douki resists but Chase isolates an arm! Chase digs fingers into Douki’s face but Douki gets away. Tiger tries to shove Kanemaru out, the countdown begins again, and entry eight is MINORU SUZUKI! Now Suzuki-Gun is three strong as Kanemaru stomps Tiger mask and Douki goes after Khan. Chase goes after Kanemaru with a headlock punch! Then Chase chokes Tiger Mask! The ref reprimands all the choking around and they stop. Tiger Mask CHOPS Chase, Chase throat chops Tiger Mask! Douki and Khan fight in the ropes but the ref calls for the ropebreak.
Khan and Chase make up for their little spat earlier and watch closely as Suzuki finally hits ringside. Fans clap along with Kaze Ni Nare as Suzuki fires off on Chase! Tiger Mask goes after Kanemaru, Khan gives Douki more Mongolian Chops! Suzuki wants Chase’s arm for the cuffs but Chase holds onto ropes to resist. Khan chokes Douki, Suzuki has Chase in an ankle lock and Tiger Mask headbutts Kanemaru. The ref reprimands Suzuki, he’s in the ropes with Chase. Entry nine is here and it is SHO! High Voltage makes his way out as Suzuki and Khan brawl. Khan Mongolian Chops but Suzuki eggs him on! Then Suzuki uppercuts, throws body shots and has Khan on the ropes.
Sho gets Kanemaru up and goes to get him out. Kanemaru fights back, Suzuki helps him out and they mug Sho. Kanemaru then stomps Chase in a corner, another countdown begins and entry 10 is YOH! Roppongi 3K will be at full force but Suzuki is looking to cuff Sho! Yoh hurries as Sho resists, and he gets in to fire off on Suzuki! Suzuki eggs Yoh on so Yoh keeps throwing forearms! Douki attacks Yoh to help Suzuki, Khan has Chase in a heel hook but Chase has Khan in his own heel hook! Yoh throws forearms, Suzuki slaps Yoh around, then DECKS Yoh with a forearm! Suzuki DECKS Sho, too! Khan and Chase stop fighting with heel hooks, and Suzuki scoops Yoh!
Sho saves Yoh from Suzuki, Kanemaru CLUBS Tiger Mask, and entry 11, the halfway point is… YUJI NAGATA! Blue Justice is here as Suzuki throws hands on Sho. Chase leaves Khan alone to go after Tiger Mask, Douki and Suzuki go after Sho at the ropes. Kanemaru throws Yoh but Yoh holds ropes! Nagata gets in and starts this ageless rivalry with Suzuki! They brawl with forearms back and forth and this feels a lot like the last time these two men in a Ranbo. Suzuki snapmares Nagata and runs to PENALTY KICK! Nagata sits up, into another PENALTY KICK! Nagata sits up again, Suzuki goes to kick but Nagata blocks! Nagata gets up but Suzuki holds off the back suplex!
Entry 12 is SATOSHI KOJIMA! The King of Cozy Style and #ThirdGen teammate of Nagata is here, but Nagata is about to dump Suzuki out! Suzuki holds on, gets on the apron, and looks to drag Nagata out with him! They’re both on the apron and they’re firing off forearms! Kojima goes after Douki then Khan. Suzuki and Nagata are in a SLAP fight, but Suzuki gets Nagata with a sleeper! Kojima fires off machine gun CHOPS on Khan! RPG3K coordinate, aim, and DOUBLE SUPERKICK Suzuki off the apron! RPG3K ELIMINATE Suzuki!! What a shock! Nagata gets back in while Kanemaru goes after Sho!
Khan whips, Kojima reverses and then forearm smashes Khan down! Entry 13 is HIROYOSHI TENZAN! Third Gen is now at full power as Ikari no Mogyu arrives! Kanemaru throws Yoh but Yoh holds onto ropes! Kojima fires off machine gun CHOPS on Chase, Tiger Mask stomps Douki. Yoh drags Kanemaru out to join him but Sho helps Yoh hold on! Khan gets Sho and dumps him out to the apron, and with Sho goes Yoh and Kanemaru, Khan ELIMINATES three at once!! The Dominator feels even more powerful now, but Tenzan goes right at him with haymakers and headbutts! Khan Mongolian Chops but Tenzan gives them back! It’s a Mongolian Chop fight!
Tenzan gets the edge but then they clash with DOUBLE MONGOLIAN CHOPS! And again! Tenzan headbutts Khan down! Nagata stomps Khan, Kojima joins in, and Third Gen mugs Khan! Entry 14 is Bushi! Los Ingobernables de Japon is present on all levels of the card. Third Gen double whips Khan but Khan fights out of the TenCozy combo! Khan shoves Tenzan into Kojima then DECKS Nagata! Khan fires off more Mongolian Chops, then he scoops Tenzan and carries him to ropes! Tenzan gets on the apron and throws hands with Khan! Tenzan headbutts then sets Khan up, Kojima runs in, but Khan slips away! Kojima clotheslines Tenzan and accidentally ELIMINATES him!!
Kojima is in shock and he turns around into forearms from Khan. Kojima fires off on Khan, kicks and KOJI CUTTERS! Off comes the armband and Kojima runs but Khan ducks the lariat! Atomic drop lift puts Kojima on the ropes but Kojima fights back! But Khan BOOTS and ELIMINATES Kojima! Khan has five eliminations all to himself! Nagata fires off on Khan as payback, and has Tiger Mask helping, too. But here comes entry 15, Master Wato! Nagata drags Khan out under the bottom rope to whip him into railing! And BOOT him! Nagata takes advantage of the rules, but Douki has Tiger Mask in a surfboard stretch!
Wato fires off kicks on Bushi, but Bushi throws Wato as Tiger Mask throws Douki. Douki and Wato fall through the middle ropes, they’re still in this. But Bushi and Tiger Mask are alone in the ring right now. They double DIVE to take out Douki and Wato! Chase returns from hiding to SUPERKICK Bushi! Chase has cuffs and drags Bushi over to railing. Khan does the same to Tiger Mask! Khan CUFFS and ELIMINATES Tiger Mask while Chase CUFFS and ELIMINATES Bushi!! And now, entry number 16 is EVIL! The King of Darkness is here as Chase, Khan and Nagata return to the ring. Wait, that’s not Evil, that’s DICK TOGO! Is Dick subbing in for Evil?
Nagata fires off on Chase, has him up on the ropes, but Chase fights back! Douki gets back at Tiger Mask while getting back in the ring. Wato drags himself in, Chase and Dick Low Sweet as Bullet Club now has two members. Khan clamps claws onto Wato and Douki for DOUBLE DOMINATOR SLAMS! Double covers, Khan ELIMINATES Wato and Douki!! Khan has EIGHT eliminations all to himself! That has to be a record! Nagata drags Khan up to throw hands, and here comes entry 17, Tomohiro Ishii! The Stone Pitbull will surely want payback on Dick for what went down in Nagoya. Nagata and Khan spill out of the ring under the bottom rope to brawl!
Dick sees Ishii rushing in, so he bails out! They’re playing cat ‘n’ mouse as they go around the way. Khan fires up to CHOP Nagata. The ref is trying to restore some semblance of order as Ishii gets in to BOOT Chase! Ishii dares Dick to help his friend as he stomps Chase down. Dick baits Ishii into going after him instead, and then rakes his eyes! Entry 18 is YUJIRO TAKAHASHI, so Bullet Club has even more members! Ishii whips Dick hard into railing then goes for cuffs! Dick resists, Tokyo Pimp hustles, and Yujiro clubs Ishii! Dick and Yujiro mug Ishii, stomp him down, and then feed him into the ring where Chase waits. Bullet Club mugs Ishii with stomps!
Khan and Nagata keep brawling on the outside as another countdown begins. Nagata scoops and SLAMS Khan, and entry 19 is YOSHI-HASHI! Ishii’s fellow NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Campion is here! Ishii fights off Bullet Club, throws Dick up and out but Dick holds on! Chase and Yujiro hurry to help Dick while we can see Khan and Nagata trying to cuff each other. The Headhunter hurries to help Ishii as Yujiro stomps Ishii at the apron. Hashi fires off on Yujiro, whips him to ropes, but Yujiro reverses. Hashi dropkicks the legs out! Dick kicks Hashi and rakes his eyes! Dick and Ishii brawl on the apron, and Ishii ROCKS Dick!
Yujiro trips Ishii from the outside and ELIMINATES him! Dick gloats but Hashi knocks him down and ELIMINATES him! At least now they’re even. But Chase goes after Hashi with Yujiro as another countdown begins. Entry 20 is HIROOKI GOTO! The third NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag champ is a little late to help Ishii but he’s just in time to help Hashi! Chase and Yujiro hurry to try and get Hashi up and out but the Fierce Warrior runs in to save Hashi! Goto throws hands and stomps Bullet Club while Ishii chases Dick away with a chair! Khan and Nagata still brawl on the outside as Hashi and Goto leap frog stomp combo! Then Penalty Kick to mule kick! Goto drags Chase up, Hashi has Yujiro, and they buckle bump both men before firing off stomps.
Entry 21 is here, and it is KENTA! Fang Revived lost in Nagoya but he wants to redeem himself in Tokyo! Also, Khan has taken off a corner pad to add a little something to this match. Hashi tries to cuff Yujiro but Yujiro resists. Yujiro kicks but Hashi blocks to club the leg. Khan has Nagata in a standing head ‘n’ arm triangle, against a post! Hashi sees Kenta get in and kicks him first! Hashi CLUBS Kenta, Goto helps out and they double whip, only for Kenta to DECK Hashi! Goto fireman’s carries and puts Kenta on the apron, Hashi runs in, but Kenta ROCKS Hashi with a forearm first! Goto runs in but Kenta dumps him out and ELIMINATES him!
Khan fires off Mongolian Chops and uppercuts on Nagata as Bullet Club regroups. Kenta and Yujiro stomp Hashi but entry 22 is TORU YANO! The provisional Mr. KOPW 2021 is of course the last one out! Meanwhile, Khan CUFFS and ELIMINATES Nagata! That’s NINE just from Khan! Bullet Club mugs Hashi and Chase is ready for Yano, but Yano uses his red chair to JAM Khan in the back! Yano gets Khan’s hands and a pair of cuffs! YANO CUFFS AND ELIMINATES KHAN!! Yano takes down the most dominant man in this year’s Ranbo with ease! Chase goes out to brawl with Yano but Yano POSTS Chase!
Yano gets in to pull Yujiro and Kenta back from Hashi! Hashi mule kicks Kenta and tries to cuff him! Chase CLUBS Yano just as Hashi CUFFS and ELIMINATES Kenta! Hashi CHOPS Chase, gets Yujiro up and whips Yujiro into a corner. Hashi runs in to CHOP Yujiro, then whips him to CHOP! Hashi turns Yujiro, Chase kicks Hashi, and Yujiro BITES Hashi’s hand! Chase and Yujiro mug Hashi in a corner then get his hand! Yano attacks Chase but Yujiro CUFFS and ELIMINATES Hashi! Bullet Club mugs Yano, as it is only Chase, Yujiro and Yano left! Everyone has to watch ringside as Bullet Club double whips Yano to ropes. Yano holds ropes to taunt them!
But Kenta can kick Yano from there! Yujiro runs in, but Yano pulls ropes down to dump Yujiro out and ELIMINATES him! Chase runs in but Yano fights him off! Chase whips, Yano reverses, and Yano goes to undo a buckle pad! Kenta attacks Yano from ropes and holds him in the corner! Chase runs in, Yano gets away and Chase hits buckles! Yano rolls Chase up to cover but Kenta kicks it apart! The ref reprimands but Kenta says it’s fair. Yano kicks Chase, runs but Chase SHOTGUN KNEES first! Cover, Hashi is there and he kicks it apart! Hashi says it’s only fair! Yano rolls Chase up, he’s out of reach, but what happened to the ref?! Who tripped him up?!
Yujiro is back and has the pimp cane! Yano turns around, CANE SHOT! POCKET SAND from Chase! Hammerlock, LARIAT!! Cover, TWO!!! Yano survives but Chase fires up, JEWEL TRIGGER! And then the underhooks, PACKAGE DRIVER!! Cover, Chase wins?!!?
Winner: Chase Owens, by pinfall (NEW Provisional Mr. KOPW 2021)
The trickster got tricked by the tricky Bullet Club! And now Chase adds the trophy to his accolades! Bullet Club taunts Hashi as they keep him cuffed. Chase isn’t done with Yano, either, as he puts him in the modified STF! Young Lions grab at them but Bullet Club knocks them down! Chase lets go when he’s satisfied, and he has his hand raised in victory. But how will Chase choose to redesign Yano’s precious trophy so that it becomes the crown jewel of his collection?
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: El Phantasmo & Taiji Ishimori VS Mega Coaches!
The “cutest tag team” in Bullet Club look more like a couple of suspicious hooligans to Ryusuke Taguchi & Rocky Romero! Not only do they want to take these titles from the Headbanger and Bone Soldier Reborn, but they want to expose what is in ELP’s right boot! Will they at least do one of those things before this is over?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see if coaches can be champions!
The teams sort out and the ref checks ELP’s boot. There’s nothing he can find suspicious about it, and the Bullet Club Low Sweets. Taguchi and Rocky huddle up and break, and fans rally already, “TA-GU-CHI!” Taguchi and Taiji start, circle, and Taguchi shows his fancy foot work. Taiji avoids the spinning hip attack but Taguchi catches him to a headlock! Taiji fights up and powers out and things speed up. Taguchi runs and runs and runs and HIP ATTACKS! Taiji scrambles, ELP gets in and attacks from behind! ELP whips, Taguchi runs and runs then dropkicks ELP’s dropdown! Tag to Rocky, the Coaches fire off on Bullet Club with haymakers and CHOPS!
The Coaches whip, Bullet Club reverse, but the Coaches hold ropes. ELP & Taiji run in but into BOOTS! The Coaches fake Bullet Club out, to then DOUBLE HIP ATTACK! Fans fire up as Taguchi keeps ELP from running away! Taguchi and Rocky try to take off the boots but Taiji drags ELP out! The Headbanger’s secret, if there is one, stays safe but Taguchi and Rocky dares ELP to get back in. ELP SUPERKICKS a Young Lion out of frustration! Taguchi and Rocky rush out to go after Bullet Club! Rocky throws hands on ELP, Taguchi is after Taiji, and they put both men back in the ring. Fans cheer as this continues, and Taguchi gives Taiji some stink face!
Taguchi and Rocky coordinate with hand signals, and they go corner to corner. Rocky hits a clothesline as Taguchi hits a hip attack, and then they go corner to corner the other way to hit it again! Are they starting up Endless Clotheslines and Endless Hip Attacks?! But Taiji dodges Rocky as ELP dumps Taguchi out! ELP corner clotheslines Rocky, then Taiji hits a back elbow! Taiji sets up as a step, but Rocky uses him to FLYING RANA ELP! Rocky swings on Taiji, Taiji dodges and Taiji CLOBBERS Rocky! Fans cheer that showing of strength and rally up as Taiji brings Rocky up. Taiji cravats to neck wrench Rocky and throw in shoulders. Taiji snapmares and NECK TWISTS!
Tag to ELP, ELP drags Rocky up and scoops to hit a BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! ELP goes up the corner and drops an elbow! Cover, TWO! ELP BITES Rocky’s hand! Tag to Taiji, ELP reels Rocky in and Taiji CLAWS Rocky’s back! Tag back to ELP and he climbs up again, mocking the hand signs and dancing that Taguchi does, to jump and CLAW Rocky! Taiji goes up the corner now, ELP has him, and Taiji mocks the dancing, to jump and CLAW! Taguchi gets in to show Taiji how the dance moves are done, but Taiji DECKS him! ELP throws the “stupid idiot” out of the ring. Taiji stands on Rocky’s foot, tags in ELP, and ELP drags Rocky up for a snap suplex. Uno amigo!
ELP gets Rocky up, Dos Amigos! ELP gets Rocky again, but Rocky slips out to CLAW ELP! Rocky duck sunder ELP but ELP tackles him down! ELP drags Rocky away but Rocky ENZIGURIS! But Taiji runs in to KICK Rocky down! Taiji drags Rocky away, ducks the enziguri but the HEEL KICK gets him! Fans fire up as Rocky crawls for his corner, but ELP trips Taguchi before the tag can be made! ELP gets in and CLAWS Rocky’s back! ELP brings Rocky around, tags in Taiji, and they mug Rocky. Fans rally as ELP aims, spins, but Rocky switches to shove Taiji into ELP! The champs dodge Rocky to double back suplex, but Rocky lands on his feet! Rocky DOUBLE RANAS Bullet Club!
Fans fire up as Taguchi returns! Rocky crawls over, hot tag to Taguchi! Taguchi fires up, HIP ATTACK for Taiji! HIP ATTACK for ELP! Repeat! Baseball slide and apron HIP ATTACK for Taiji! Taguchi springboards, FLYING HIP ATTACK! Cover, TWO! Taiji is still in this and so is Bullet Club, but Taguchi gets Taiji up. Taiji slips out of the suplex, Taguchi standing switches, but Taiji elbows free. Taiji runs, Taguchi follows, but Taiji is ready this time, he catches the Hip Attack to an ATOMIC DROP! Taiji spins Taguchi around but Taguchi fights free with body shots. Taguchi runs, fakes Taiji out and HIP ATTACKS! Fans fire up with Taguchi, “YO YO YO!”
Taguchi goes to a corner, calls upon the powers of Strong Style, “ORAYO!” But Taiji rolls his Bum-a-ye up to a cover! TWO, Taiji mule kicks and whips. Taguchi reverses but Taiji handsprings, wheelbarrows and victory rolls! ONE and Taguchi has the cover, ONE! Taiji pulls the tights as he has the victory roll back, TWO! Taguchi gets up to HIP ATTACK Taiji down! Fans fire up again, Rocky is back and Taguchi tags him in. Rocky runs at Taiji, SLICE ROCKY! Cover, TWO!! Taiji survives, Rocky dropkicks ELP away! Taguchi gets Taiji in the ropes as Rocky goes to the corner, missile dropkick! Taguchi hits a GOURD BUSTER, Rocky covers, ELP breaks it in time!
Taguchi throws ELP out hard, the Coaches regroup as fans rally up. Rocky gets Taiji up, cravats, but Taiji blocks Slice Rocky this time! Rocky slips out, kicks low, whips, but Taiji handsprings to NEURALIZER! Both men are down and fans fire up again. ELP tags in, springboards but Rocky dodges. ELP DECKS Taguchi, goes up and over Rocky and springboards to CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! ELP DIVES Out to take out Taguchi, and possibly a cameraman! ELP gets back up to springboard SWANTON, then LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO!! Rocky survives the onslaught and ELP can’t believe it! Fans rally up as ELP drags Rocky up and reels him in.
ELP tucks the arms but Rocky RANAS! Cover, TWO!! ELP drags Rocky back up, to a STYLES CLASH!! Cover, TWO?!? Rocky survives and ELP is frustrated. ELP takes aim, BANG, and runs in, V-TRIGGER! ELP reels Rocky in, Electric Chair lifts, but Rocky victory rolls out of it to an ARMBAR! Taguchi intercepts Taiji with a HIP ATTACK! ELP resists but Taguchi has Taiji in OH MY GARANKLE! Taiji scrambles to keep ELP from tapping out!! Taiji rolls to throw Taguchi onto Rocky and break the hold! All four men are down and fans rally back up. Rocky slowly rises, ELP follows, and Rocky throws a forearm! ELP forearms back, but Rocky stays up to KICK the bad arm!
ELP throws off his armbands to ROCK Rocky with a right. Rocky roars and fires up, as do the fans! Rocky fires off forearms, ELP SLAPS him! And SLAPS him! ELP pumps up but Rocky JUMP KNEES! Rocky runs into a mule kick! Taguchi tags in and springboard missile dropkicks! Taiji tags in to springboard FLYING KNEE! Taiji and ELP hurry to get Taguchi back up. They double whip, Taiji runs in to DOUBLE KNEE! ELP gives Taiji a boost, but Rocky springboards back in, DOOMSDAY DEVICE POISON-RANA!! Taiji takes his own partner out and Taguchi covers Taiji, TWO!! Taiji survives but the Coaches coordinate!
Taguchi goes up a corner, says his prayers, and Rocky whips Taiji into the Funky Weapon! Then Rocky uses the Funky Weapon to help with the TORNADO DDT! Taguchi powers up, “ORAYO~!” BUM-A-YE!! Cover, TWO!?! Taiji survives the butt attack but Rocky rolls Taiji into Taguchi’s wheelbarrow! Rocky runs, BLACK HOLE VACATION!! Cover, ROPEBREAK?!! Taguchi miscalculated where the ropes where, but Rocky calls for Strong Zero! Taguchi gets Taiji up in the Alabama, and Rocky goes up top. But ELP shoves Rocky down! Taiji hits a CODE RED! Both Taiji and Taguchi are down as fans rally up. Taguchi bails out to regroup with Rocky, but Taiji hits a GOLDEN TRIANGLE?!
Fans fire up as Taiji hits Kota Ibushi’s form of Quebrada, and then Taiji sets up the Coaches. ELP climbs up, he wants Taiji to send them out further!? Taiji throws ELP and Rocky over the railings into the no man’s land between ringside and the front row! ELP takes aim, walks the tightrope, and SUPER ARIHARA MOONSAULTS!!! Direct hit but it was a rough landing for ELP, too, as he clutches his foot! ELP says his heel and ankle are hurting. Taiji hurries to get Taguchi up and around to ringside while ELP hobbles after. ELP tags in, hobbles over to Taguchi and drags him up. ELP reels Taguchi in with the straitjacket torture rack.
Taiji springboard flying knees Taguchi, for the SPINNING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!?! Taguchi survives and fans fire up again. Taiji gut wrenches Taguchi for CIPHER UTAKI! ELP is up top, THUNDER KISS 86! Cover, Rocky breaks it!? Rocky returns to save his team and the match, and he fires off haymakers on Bullet Club! Rocky DECKS Taiji, fires up, but turns around into SUDDEN DEATH! ELP’s superkick takes Rocky down! Taiji gets Taguchi up, sets him up, ELP gets his foot working, but Taguchi blocks Sudden Death to send the kick into Taiji! Taguchi rolls ELP up, TWO!! ELP hurries, but swings into a BLUE THUNDER BOMB! Cover, TWO!?
OH MY GARANKLE!! Taguchi keeps ELP back, drops an elbow on the leg, then pulls at the boot! He wants to reveal the secret! ELP drags himself and Taguchi over to gets the ROPEBREAK! Taguchi gets the boot off! What’s inside it?!? The ref checks, but Taiji grabs at the shoe! Taguchi turns around into ELP’s THROAT PUNCH! Underhooks, CR2!! Cover, Bullet Club wins!!
Winners: El Phantasmo & Taiji Ishimori, by pinfall (still IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions)
But what about the shoe?! Taguchi was distracted by exposing the mystery and that allowed the champions to retain! Taiji even checks to make sure “it” didn’t spill out. But shouldn’t NJPW still look into what ELP keeps hidden in that heel?
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: El Desperado VS Robbie Eagles!
The Rogue Luchador was so close to becoming the Junior Heavyweight Double Champion again, but he just missed the mark. The Sniper of the Sky promises to hit the target now that he’s back in NJPW! But will Eagles be outdrawn by Despy in the Dome?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and it feels like high noon in the Dome!
Fans rally and Eagles encourages them to get louder. They circle, tie up, and Desperado gets a leg. Eagles gets up but Desperado facelocks as they end up in ropes. The ref calls for the break and the two let off cleanly. They reset, feel out a knuckle lock, but Desperado wrenches Eagles’ bad arm and throws him down. Desperado has a back mount, then floats to get a leg! Eagles gets the ropes and the ref calls for the break again. Desperado lets off at 4, but YANKS the leg then drops a SPLASH on it! Eagles winces and gets to ropes as Desperado mockingly asks if he’s alright. Desperado slaps Eagles around at the ropes, brings him up for a headlock then hits a takeover.
Eagles endures, headscissors back, and pushes up to put on pressure. Desperado rolls to tie Eagles up into a deathlock. Fans cheer the technical exchange as Desperado then floats to a facelock. Eagles fights up to wrench an arm and wristlock. Desperado rolls, wrenches, wristlocks in return, but Eagles rolls and rolls and handsprings to wrench back! Desperado gets in the ropes, steps back in and has Eagles’ arm wrapped in the ropes! Fans cheer the savvy and Desperado kicks the ropes to jam the arm. Desperado whips but Eagles holds ropes. Desperado rakes Eagles’ eyes! The ref reprimands, Desperado whips Eagles but Eagles reverses to go up and around to arm-drag!
Eagles dodges, but his leg jams a bit coming off the ropes. Desperado slaps Eagles around some more then runs, but Eagles gets a rolling takedown to a basement dropkick! Desperado goes to the apron and then out to railing. Fans rally up as Eagles takes aim and builds speed. Eagles fakes Desperado out and jumps back, but he winces as he lands on his feet again. Eagles still eggs Desperado on and draws a line in the sand. Desperado runs in but Eagles kicks low! Eagles CHOPS hard and Desperado goes to a corner. Eagles throws forearms, kicks at Desperado, but lets off to then dig his knee in. The ref counts, Eagles lets off to drag Desperado up.
Eagles whips corner to corner, Desperado reverses and runs in. Desperado blocks the boot, puts the leg on ropes, then dropkicks the bad leg! And then DRAGON SCREWS Eagles out of the corner! Eagles crawls away, the ref checks the leg, but Eagles doesn’t want to quit. Desperado stands on Eagles at the ropes, then stands on the leg! The ref counts, Desperado lets off at 4, and he comes back to get Eagles up for a SHIN BREAKER! And then adds a GROUND DRAGON SCREW! Eagles writhes, Desperado drags him away from ropes and covers, TWO! Desperado gets annoyed but fans rally up for Eagles. Desperado wags his finger and gets Eagles up.
Eagles throws body shots but Desperado rakes his eyes! Desperado runs, but into a knee! Eagles KICKS Desperado down! Eagles fires up to KICK Desperado more! And more! Desperado blocks a kick to kick out the bad leg! Desperado drops a leg on the leg then ties Eagles up with the BUTTERFLY DEATHLOCK! Eagles endures but writhes as Desperado puts pressure on the knees! Fans rally as Desperado moves around and puts more pressure, but Eagles drags himself and Desperado back. Desperado grabs Eagles by the hair but Eagles throws body shots! Desperado falls back to put pressure! Eagles endures to get the ROPEBREAK!
The ref works on undoing the leg lock and Eagles is free, but Desperado drops knees on the bad knee! The ref checks again but Eagles refuses to quit here. Desperado gets Eagles up, whips him corner to corner, but Eagles falls! Eagles can’t run on the bad leg and Desperado is annoyed. Fans rally for Eagles but Desperado drags Eagles up. Desperado CHOPS Eagles to a corner, runs corner to corner but Eagles dodges! Eagles runs in but Desperado puts him on the apron! Eagles’ leg jams again and Desperado knocks him off to the floor! Eagles clutches his knee and Desperado goes out after him. Desperado gets Eagles up to smack off the apron!
The ref reprimands, Desperado taunts the fans, and Desperado gets Eagles up to whip, but Eagles reverses to send Desperado into the apron! Eagles uses the apron to tiger feint kick Desperado, and Desperado tumbles over the railing! Both men are down on the outside and a ring count begins. It’s already 10 of 20 before Desperado gets back up. Eagles stands at 11 and hops in at 12, but Desperado gets back to ringside at 15. Desperado slides in at 17, only for Eagles to springboard and missile dropkick a leg out! Eagles drags Desperado around, ties him up, RON MILLER SPECIAL!! Desperado roars as he endures the pain! Eagles digs in as much as he can as Desperado reaches out!
Eagles thrashes, Desperado flails and crawls, Desperado gets the ROPEBREAK! Eagles lets off but comes back to drop a knee on the knee! Some payback from earlier as Eagles steps through to get a spinning toehold. Eagles then gets an arm and traps it in an omoplata, to then figure four and STOMP the legs! Fans rally up as Eagles covers, TWO! Eagles drags Desperado up, reels him in, but Desperado rakes eyes to avoid the backpack! Eagles elbows Desperado, goes to run, but Desperado reels him in for a back suplex! Both men are down but the fans fire up! Both men slowly sit up, and Eagles shakes out the bad leg.
Desperado crawls over to throw a forearm, and Eagles hits back with one. Desperado forearms Eagles again, but Eagles comes back with another. The two talk trash, “Is that it, Champion?” “Yes, I’m Champion!” The forearms keep flying and both men stand up. Fans fire up as the forearms go faster, but then Desperado kicks Eagles’ bad leg! Eagles stays up and kicks Desperado’s bad leg! Desperado kicks Eagles’ bad leg, Eagles KICKS Desperado’s bad leg! Desperado KICKS Eagles’ bad leg, then drags Eagles up. Eagles KNEES out of the shin breaker! And then ROUNDHOUSES, SUPERKICKS and EN- NO! Desperado ducks enziguri to DECK Eagles!
Fans fire up as Desperado fires up and he gets Eagles in GUITA- No! Eagles fights free, cravats, but Desperado blocks the sliced bread and kicks a leg out! Desperado gets Eagles up for GUITARRA DEL ANGEL! Cover, TWO!! Desperado roars with frustration as Eagles survives! Fans rally up, Desperado hobbles up and gets Eagles in the double underhooks! PINCH- RANA! Eagles has a cover, TWO! Eagles wants the leg lock but Desperado boots him into a corner! Eagles hobbles back, into a SPINEBUSTER! And STRETCH MUFFLER! Desperado thrashes the leg, Eagles reaches out, fans rally, and Desperado drags Eagles away for NUMERO DOS!! Eagles endures but he’s caught!
Eagles fights with one free arm, but Desperado rolls him away! But Eagles fights up to sunset flip, TWO!! Eagles trips Desperado, Desperado cradles, TWO!! Eagles school boy bridges, TWO!!! Desperado narrowly escapes, but Eagles dropkicks his leg out! Fans fire up more as both men are down! Eagles rises first and heads and aims his finger gun. Eagles gets Desperado up, cravat, but no sliced bread! ES EL CULERO! TWO!?! Eagles narrowly escapes, avoids Desperado’s dropkick, but Desperado avoids the buzzsaw! Eagles drops to a knee as his bad leg is his support leg, but he blocks Desperado’s kick! Mule kick, but still no sliced bread!
Desperado shoves Eagles at the ref, Eagles stops himself, LOCO MONO and ROUNDHOUSE! Both shots take both men down!! Fans are thunderous as the ref checks on both men. Eagles sits up first and feeds off the rally. Eagles drags himself over to ropes and fires up as he sees Desperado stirring. Eagles aims, SUPERKICK! But he’s not done there, he gets Desperado up, TURBO BACKPACK!! Cover, TWO!?!? Desperado survives again and Eagles grows desperate. Eagles goes up top, fans rally up as he gets his bad leg moving, and Eagles 450 SPLASHES the leg!! RON MILLER SPECIAL!! Desperado roars as he endures the pain!
Desperado drags himself over but Eagles drags him away! Desperado tries again, claws his way over, but Eagles lets go to fire off knees into the bad leg! Eagles drops back down, RON MILLER 2.0!! DESPERADO TAPS?!? EAGLES WINS!!!
Winner: Robbie Eagles, by submission (NEW IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion)
Everyone is shocked to see this incredible upset! The Sniper of the Sky had a target, hit the mark, and now has the title! The first Australian to hold this title, and the 90th reign, and the 41st champion ever! Will all these numbers add up to Eagles having the most incredible first reign ever?
Kazuchika Okada VS Jeff Cobb w/ Great-O-Khan!
The Rainmaker may not have a title, but a 1v1 win over him is a prize in itself! The United Empire’s Hawaiian Hulk has been building momentum pinning the rest of Chaos, will he finally topple the man at the top? Or will the Tour of the Islands be called on account of rain?
The bell rings and fans rally up already for “O-KA-DA! O-KA-DA!” Cobb and Okada stare down, circle, and tie up. Cobb powers Okada towards ropes but the ref calls for the break. Cobb lets off, fakes a punch and then aims at Okada with the hang loose. Okada shrugs that off as he and Cobb circle again. They tie up, Cobb powers Okada back to ropes but Okada turns it around. The ref calls for the break again, Okada lets off, and fakes Cobb out to pat him on the shoulders. But Cobb kicks and throws forearms! Cobb whips, Okada reverses and boots, to snapmare and run to basement dropkick! Fans cheer while Okada brings Cobb back up.
Okada turns Cobb for a NECKBREAKER! Cover, ONE! Okada clamps onto Cobb with a chinlock, grinds him down, but Cobb fights up. Okada knees Cobb in the back, brings him around and bumps him off buckles. Okada wrenches, whips corner to corner, runs in but Cobb dodges to RAM into Okada! Cobb hoists Okada up top, climbs up to join him, but Okada resists and throws forearms. Cobb hops down, but dropkicks Okada down! That’s usually an Okada move! Cobb goes out to fetch Okada, and ROCKS him with a right! Okada staggers away but Cobb brings him up to bearhug and SLAM onto the apron! Okada falls as he clutches his back, and Cobb refreshes the count.
Cobb stands on Okada to use him like a surfboard! The ref reprimands, Cobb hops off, and then Cobb goes to the ring to let the count begin. Okada is still down as the count reaches 8 of 20, but he drags himself at 12. Cobb is annoyed and he storms right up to Okada to stomp him! Cobb drags Okada up, scoops him, and KNEES him in the side! And again! And then he TOSSES Okada away! Cobb drags Okada back up, puts him in the corner, and CHOPS and LARIATS, all in one motion! And again! And again! Okada falls over, Cobb covers, TWO! Cobb is annoyed again but he drags Okada back up. Okada throws a forearm but Cobb doesn’t flinch. Cobb ROCKS Okada in return!
Okada shakes that off to come back with another forearm, but Cobb ROCKS him again! Okada comes right back to fire off forearms, only for Cobb to DECK him with one! Cobb dead lift suplexes! But Okada slips out to waistlock! Cobb elbows Okada away and runs, into a FLAPJACK! Both men are down and fans fire up. Cobb gets up but Okada follows, and Okada fires off forearms. Okada whips, Cobb reverses but Okada ducks and dodges to back elbow! Okada fires up and so do the fans! Cobb gets up, Okada whips him to a corner and runs in to back elbow. Okada kicks and DDT’s! Cover, TWO! Okada keeps his focus as fans rally up again.
Cobb slowly rises, Okada stalks behind him, but Cobb blocks the Alabama lift. Cobb CLUBS Okada, scoops him, runs, but Okada slips off! Cobb ends up in a corner, Okada runs in but Cobb boots him away! Cobb hops up, but Okada dropkicks Cobb down! The receipt has been paid! Khan checks on Cobb while Okada rests in the ring. Fans rally up, Khan fans Cobb with the United Empire towel. Okada goes out to fetch Cobb, and whip him hard into railing. And then BOOT him over the railing! Khan protests and the ref wants Okada to get back to the ring. Okada drags Cobb up to have him draped on the railing, DRAPING DDT! The Rainmaker invokes the Viper here!
A ring count starts as Okada leaves Cobb behind. Okada hobbles and comes back at 8, gets in at 10 of 20, and lets Cobb crawl around a moment before going back out. Okada gets Cobb up and into the ring and fans cheer the sportsmanship. Okada rallies fans with clap-clap-clap-stomp, and then Cobb stands. Okada Alabama lifts but Cobb is big! Cobb slips off, swings a clothesline, but into the MONEY CLIP! Cobb flails around, pries at the hold, but he starts to fade! Okada squeezes tight but Cobb RAMS Okada into a corner! Okada lets go and Cobb runs back in to CORNER CROSSBODY! Cobb lands on the apron as Okada falls over, and Cobb climbs up.
Cobb gets Okada up the ropes!? Okada resists but Cobb CLUBS him! Cobb still wants the superplex but Okada resists! Okada fires off haymakers, Cobb swings but Okada dodges to uppercut! Cobb tumbles down, fans fire up as Okada aims, Okada PLANCHAS but is caught! Cobb pops Okada up to a STALLING, RUNNING SUPLEX! Fans fire up after seeing such strength on display! Khan fans off Cobb as the ring count starts again. Cobb stirs at 5 of 20, rises at 7, Okada stirs at 8. Cobb is in at 10 of 20, Okada rises at 12, but his leg is holding him back! Okada crawls at 15, stands at 17, hobbles at 18, but gets in at 19! Fans fire up as Okada beats the count literally at the last second!
Cobb stands, gets Okada back up, scoops him and RAMS him into a corner! Then OKLAHOMA STAMPEDE! Cover, TWO! Okada survives but the GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT hits! Cover, TWO!! Okada survives again as Cobb shows his reserves run deep! Khan coaches Cobb up as fans rally for “O-KA-DA!” Okada is in a corner, Cobb runs in but blocks a boot. Cobb reels Okada in for an ATHLETIC PLEX! Cover, TWO!! Okada survives yet again! Khan argues the count on behalf of Cobb but Cobb gets up and hobbles over. Cobb drags Okada up, whips him to ropes, but Okada holds ropes. Okada boots back, runs in but Cobb side steps to GERMAN SUPLEX!
Cobb gets Okada up, whips, but Okada SHOTGUN DROPKICKS! Cobb staggers up and fires off forearms and CHOPS! Cobb runs but into another dropkick! The fans are thunderous as Okada roars and gets Cobb up. Okada scoops Cobb but Cobb is too big for that! Okada spins to backslide, Cobb rolls off, LARIAT! Okada holds onto the arm, drags Cobb back up and reels him in, another LARIAT! Okada fires himself up and fans are rallying as he gets Cobb up. Okada wristlocks and ripcords, but Cobb dodges! Cobb scoops Okada to a gut wrench, but Okada fights free to DIS- COBB LARIATS!! Cobb intercepts Okada’s clothesline with one of his own and both men are down again!
Fans return to the thunderous rallying as Okada and Cobb stir. Okada sits up but Cobb follows, and the two stare down. They go forehead to forehead before going forearm for forearm! Okada hits, Cobb hits, and then Cobb slaps Okada on the head. They stand, Okada forearms but Cobb forearms back. Cobb eggs Okada on so the forearms go faster and faster! Fans rally up as the shots keep coming, and Okada gets the edge. Okada EuroUppers, talks some trash, and walks into a CHOP from Cobb! Cobb BLINDSIDE LARIATS! Cobb gut wrenches for the DOCTOR BOMB! Cover, TWO!?! Okada survives and Cobb can’t believe it! Cobb gets Okada up, whips, TOUR OF THE-
NO! Okada slips out and wants to gut wrench! Cobb fights free and SUPERKICKS! Okada staggers, fires up, but runs into a HEADBUTT! Cobb whips again, TOUR OF THE- Wait, Okada slips out again! Okada wristlocks, ripcords, but Cobb ducks to ripcord for a COBB MAKE- NO! Okada Alabama lifts but Cobb sunset flips, only for Okada to sit on it! Cover, OKADA WINS!!
Winner: Kazuchika Okada, by pinfall
If you blinked, you probably missed it! Cobb himself is stunned by how Okada just snatched away that victory! Okada says that’s just the different levels they’re on. Will Okada keep reminding us of his worth and make his way back to the top of NJPW? Will Cobb remember all this and pay Okada back next time?
IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: Tetsuya Naito & SANADA VS Dangerous Tekkers w/ Miho Abe!
Though Los Ingobernables de Japon’s Uncontrollable Charisma and Cold Skull won these titles in Sapporo just two weeks ago, Taichi and Zack Sabre Jr. are back to take them away! Will LIJ pitch a perfect game in Tokyo? Or will the Sliest Wrestler and the Submission Master manage to hit it out of the park?
The introductions are made, Naito is very particular about how the belts are given to Red Shoes, and the belts are raised. Taichi calls out Sanada but Sanada calls out ZSJ and ZSJ tells him he’ll regret it. The elaborate entrance gear is put away, LIJ fist bump, and these two teams slug it out in a seventh inning stretch!
Wait, the teams are sorting out the starting line-ups. Taichi still wants Sanada, Sanada still wants ZSJ and ZSJ wants after Naito. Naito doesn’t mind, and so he and ZSJ start in a rematch from Osaka. Fans rally as the two circle and feel out the grapple. ZSJ wrenches the knuckle lock to a wristlock but Naito rolls and trips ZSJ up. ZSJ shifts to a cradle, ONE, and the two stand off. Fans cheer again as the two go again. ZSJ and Naito knuckle lock, ZSJ drops to get a leg and trip Naito up. ZSJ has a toehold but Naito fights back, so ZSJ shifts to a standing toehold. Naito rolls, trips ZSJ, and he has the toehold now. ZSJ uses his leg to pry Naito off but Naito goes after that leg!
ZSJ goes after Naito’s leg but Naito goes for a cover, but ZSJ headscissors him. Naito kicks but ZSJ pushes up for leverage. Naito bridges, turns around, pops free and rolls ZSJ up into a snapmare then chinlock. ZSJ slips out the back, Naito rolls, wrenches, but ZSJ rolls. Naito avoids the kick and the two stand off again as fans cheer. ZSJ and Naito circle, Naito bows, and then tags out to Sanada. ZSJ asks what the what but he tags out to Taichi. Taichi wants to avenge his loss in Osaka and fans rally up as Sanada shows off the dancing pecs. Taichi isn’t going to fall into that again, but Sanada goes up a corner to show off. Sanada insists Taichi take a turn, and fans seem to cheer that idea.
Taichi again refuses, having done that enough in Osaka. He and Sanada tie up, Sanada wrenches but Taichi gets ropes. Red Shoes calls for the break, Sanada lets off, and Taichi applauds along with the fans. Sanada and Taichi go again, and Sanada wrenches to a hammerlock. Taichi gets to ropes again, and Sanada lets off clean. Fans cheer, Taichi and Sanada circle. They feel out the grapple but Taichi kicks low! Taichi wrenches but Sanada wrenches back! Sanada keeps Taichi from ropes this time, so Taichi rolls, trips Sanada, and CHOKES him! Not even bothering to hide it! Taichi gets Sanada up into the corner and ZSJ tags in.
ZSJ DECKS Naito, Taichi throws Sanada out, and the Tekkers go out after LIJ. ZSJ has a chinlock on Naito, but also a fish hook to the nose! Taichi whips Sanada hard into railing, ZSJ straitjacket stretches Naito and stomps him down. Taichi uses camera cables to choke Sanada! Red Shoes reprimands, counts, but Taichi lets go with only one hand. Taichi puts Sanada back in the ring for ZSJ, and ZSJ gets Sanada up to cravat. ZSJ brings Sanada over to the corner, Taichi tags back in, and Taichi swipes at Naito. ZSJ snapmares Sanada for Taichi to choke him! Red Shoes counts, Taichi lets off, but then chokes him again! Red Shoes counts again and Taichi stops, to TWO HAND CHOKE!
Red Shoes counts, Taichi finally stops choking Sanada, and Taichi stands on Sanada’s neck. Sanada pushes Taichi’s foot away but Taichi gets him up to bump off buckles. Tag to ZSJ, Taichi stomps Sanada and ZSJ drags Sanada out by a leg. ZSJ leg hooks an arm, then shifts to a normal hammerlock. Sanada fights up, ZSJ spins him around and wrenches the arm, but Sanada rolls, handsprings and cartwheels to WRING ZSJ! ZSJ spins, wrenches and wrangles Sanada but Sanada kips up, wrenches, hammerlocks, headlocks, hammerlocks and headlocks to a takeover! ZSJ headscissors, Sanada kips free but ZSJ headbutts low to headlock back.
Sanada powers out then dropkicks ZSJ’s legs out! Taichi runs in but Sanada kicks low and Naito runs in to RANA Taichi down! Taichi bails out, Naito chases after and brings Taichi up to CLUB him down. Fans fire up as Sanada gets ZSJ up to throw him out. Naito whips Taichi into railing, then Sanada gets ZSJ up to put the bad leg around railing. ZSJ fights back with fish hooks but Sanada wrenches the leg! Red Shoes reprimands but Sanada BOOTS the railing to jam ZSJ’s leg! ZSJ falls over, Sanada drags him up and into the ring and drags him to the LIJ corner. Naito tags in, stomps ZSJ’s bad leg, then drags him up to put the bad leg on ropes.
ZSJ fights back but Naito wrenches the leg! ZSJ tries a wristlock but Naito just pulls on the leg! Naito almost has ZSJ falling out of the ring! Red Shoes counts, Naito lets off and ZSJ falls back. Naito gets ZSJ up to kick the leg. Naito whips ZSJ corner to corner, runs in to rocket kick and sweep, and just like Osaka, he feints ZSJ out to dropkick the bad leg! Naito drags ZSJ to a cover, TWO! Naito gets ZSJ up, has the bad leg and tags in Sanada. Fans rally as Sanada hops up to drop an ax handle on the knee! Sanada stands ZSJ up, ZSJ steps over but Sanada still trips him. Sanada steps through, ZSJ boots him away, but Sanada cartwheels around the monkey flip to dropkick ZSJ’s leg out!
Sanada drags ZSJ over to ropes, and Naito helps him keep the leg on the ropes. Sanada springboards to drop down on the leg! Taichi protests but Red Shoes keeps him back. Sanada tags Naito and Naito drags ZSJ around to hook up the legs in the modified Figure Four! Sanada plays defense as ZSJ endures and fans rally up! ZSJ pries at the hold but Naito puts more pressure on. ZSJ gets the ropebreak, Naito lets off, and ZSJ crawls as fast as he can! Naito drags ZSJ up first, has the leg, and hits a SHIN BREAKER! Red Shoes checks on ZSJ but he refuses to quit. Fans rally up as Naito taunts ZSJ and stomps the leg.
Naito gets ZSJ up again but ZSJ headlocks to block. Naito powers through and SHIN BREAKERS again! Naito keeps hold of the leg, taunts ZSJ, but ducks the enziguri. ZSJ reels Naito in to get Naito down for a NECK TWIST! Naito flounders and writhes while fans fire up. ZSJ crawls and tags in Taichi! Taichi runs in to clothesline Naito, whip him and clothesline again, then snapmare and KICK him! Sanada runs in, Taichi dodges to waistlock but Sanada switches. Taichi resists the lift to PELE! Sanada is down but Naito returns to kick and whip. Taichi reverses to wrench and HOOK KICK! Cover, TWO! Fans fire up while Taichi keeps his cool.
Taichi powers up as Naito rises, and Taichi runs, but Naito blocks Ax Bomber, ducks Ax Bomber, and hits an atomic drop to NECKBREAKER! Both men are down and fans fire up again. Naito and Taichi stir, Naito tags Sanada in. Sanada gets Taichi up, throws forearms then whips him to the corner. Sanada runs in but Taichi dodges, and Sanada tumbles up and out. Sanada springboards in, Taichi dodges, but Sanada dodges the Ax Bomber to atomic drop! Taichi falls over, and Sanada gets the legs! Fans fire up as Sanada ties Taichi up in Paradise! Sanada encourages the fans to get louder, and louder, and louder. Sanada dropkicks Taichi out of Paradise!
Sanada goes to a corner, climbs up and waits for Taichi to stand. CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Sanada grabs at Taichi but Taichi kicks him away. Taichi gets up but Sanada comes back, only for Taichi to choke him again! Sanada chokes back! Sanada puts Taichi in a corner, Red Shoes counts, but Taichi powers up to push Sanada back. Taichi choke grips but Sanada choke grips back! Sanada breaks Taichi’s grip but Taichi KICKS a leg! Sanada throws a forearm, Taichi KICKS a leg again! Sanada ROCKS Taichi, eggs him on, and the KICKS and forearms keep going! Fans fire up as they go faster and faster, and Sanada gets the edge! But Taichi KICKS once more!
Both men stay up and catch their breath. Sanada comes back to EuroUpper! Taichi KICKS! Fans cheer as Taichi eggs Sanada on. Sanada EuroUppers but Taichi comes back to KICK! Sanada drops to his knees and fans fire up more! Taichi dares Sanada to get up as fans rally. When he doesn’t get up, Taichi sits Sanada up, but Sanada blocks the buzzsaw! Sanada fires off forearms, spins, but Taichi ENZIGURIS! ZSJ runs in to BLAST Naito off the apron! Taichi gets Sanada up, but Sanada ranas the bomb away! ROLLING ELBOW, to TIGER DRIVER! Cover, TWO! Taichi survives but Sanada keeps his focus as fans fire up.
Sanada goes up top, ROUNDING BODY- No, Taichi moves and Sanada lands on his feet! ZSJ runs in to EuroUpper Sanada down! Naito returns to CLOBBER ZSJ, then basement dropkick! Taichi back kicks Naito, Sanada dropkicks Taichi’s legs out! ZSJ gets around Sanada to spin him, WRING his arm out, but Naito dropkicks ZSJ down! Naito runs at Taichi in the corner but Taichi dodges to GAMANGIRI! Taichi runs at Sanada, Sanada dodges to dropkick Taichi! Taichi rebounds to AX BOMBER!! All four men are down and the fans are thunderous again! Fans rally up as Taichi slowly rises. Taichi fires himself up, and OFF COME THE PANTS!
Taichi aims from the corner as Sanada rises. Sanada sobats first! Taichi fights off the Northern Lights but Sanada fireman’s carries and throws Taichi into the dragon sleeper! SKULL- NO! Taichi rolls out to ROUNDHOUSE Sanada down! Fans fire up again as both men are back down! Taichi rolls and crawls to his corner and ZSJ tags in. ZSJ hobbles around to aim from a corner, and he runs to BOOT Sanada! And he BOOTS Naito just because! ZSJ runs in but Sanada elbow shim away. Sanada Quebrada but ZSJ gets under, but Sanada dropkicks the leg out! LA MAGISTROL but ZSJ blocks! ONE, Sanada has a ghost pin, TWO! ZSJ brings Sanada around to a ghost pin, TWO!!
ZSJ and Sanada get up, ZSJ EuroUppers but Sanada gives it back! ZSJ EuroUppers again, then catches Sanda’s to a backslide, then jackknife! TWO, Sanada dodges to O’Conner Bridge, but ZSJ blocks to a double chicken wing bridge! But Sanada copies ZSJ’s pushdown for a double cover!! TWO!!! Tokyo almost had the flipside to Osaka but Sanada fireman’s carries! ZSJ fights out to get the cobra twist! Sanada endures, hip tosses free, but ZSJ bridges up, only for Sanada to DRAGON SCREW! Both men are down again as fans fire up! ZSJ calls to Taichi as he crawls over. Naito tags in first, though, and he stomps ZSJ’s bad leg.
Naito stomps ZSJ into a neutral corner but lets off as Red Shoes counts. Naito gets ZSJ up, whips, but ZSJ falls over! ZSJ clutches the bad knee but Taichi runs in. Naito kicks Taichi back out, then mockingly asks ZSJ if he’s alright. Fans rally up as ZSJ grits his teeth and stands up. Naito blocks a boot, shoves ZSJ to a corner and blocks the boot again. Naito puts ZSJ in the ropes for a DRAPING BACKBREAKER! Naito gets ZSJ up to NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!! ZSJ survives but Naito keeps cool. Naito gets ZSJ up but ZSJ hobbles on the bad leg. Naito forces ZSJ to stand, just to kick the bad leg! Fans rally, Naito stomps the bad leg, and ZSJ fights up to his feet.
Naito hammerlocks but ZSJ blocks Gloria by squatting. Naito kicks the bad leg, whips again, but ZSJ reverses. ZSJ catches the flying forearms into an IRON OCTOPUS! ZSJ pulls back on the arm, Naito fights free and CLUBS the bad leg. Naito kicks at the leg, uses the ropes, but ZSJ denies the tornado to PELE the arm! Taichi clotheslines Naito in the corner and ZSJ BOOTS Sanada. Taichi sets Naito up for ZSJ to run in and TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO!! Taichi coaches ZSJ and they set Naito up. Scoop, but Naito fights out, but Taichi BLINDSIDE AX BOMBERS! ZSJ EuroUppers Naito into Taichi’s Alabama lift, but Sanada saves Naito from the combo move!
Sanada whips Taichi out of the ring but ZSJ EuroUppers Sanada. ZSJ BOOTS Sanada in a corner, hobbles and comes back to EuroUpper. ZSJ runs at Naito but he dodges, Sanada runs in to back elbow ZSJ. Sanada feeds ZSJ to Naito’s back elbow, then dropkicks ZSJ into the enziguri! BIG back suplex, rolling jackknife cover, TWO!! ZSJ survives the onslaught and fans fire up again! LIJ gets ZSJ’s legs to DOUBLE KNEE SMASH! Naito wrenches the leg to the SHORT LEG SCISSOR! Taichi runs in but Sanada intercepts, to the FIGURE FOUR! LIJ has dual submissions on the Tekkers! ZSJ endures, Taichi pries at Sanada’s, but Naito thrashes ZSJ’s leg around!
ZSJ fights, scrambles, flails, crawls, and gets the ROPEBREAK! Naito lets go fast, but Sanada keeps Taichi suffering. Red Shoes reprimands, Sanada lets Taichi go, and those two get out of the ring. Naito gets ZSJ to the LIJ corner, stomps ZSJ around, then drags him up the corner. Taichi hurries around the outside to attack! Naito rakes Taichi’s eyes! Sanada dropkicks Taichi off the apron! And PLANCHAS! Those two are down, and Naito gives ZSJ ESPERANZA!! Cover, TWO!?! ZSJ survives but Naito won’t stop there! Naito gets ZSJ up and in another corner. Naito stomps ZSJ while egging him on. Fans rally up as Naito hoists ZSJ up top.
Naito CLUBS the bad leg, climbs up top, and SUPER STEINERS, but ZSJ sunset flips it! Naito slips out but ZSJ gets him in the TRIANGLE HOLD! Naito flails, ZSJ squeezes tight, but Sanada gets back in to stomp ZSJ. ZSJ eggs Sanada on while he holds tight on Naito! Sanada keeps stomping, but Taichi gets in to drag Sanada into SEITEIJYUJIRYOU!! Now Tekkers have LIJ in dual submissions! Naito fights to get up and reach around but ZSJ squeezes as tight as he can! Taichi twists and stretches Sanada, fans are thunderous, and Sanada powers out, only for Taichi to choke grip! CHOKE- NO! Sanada dropkicks Taichi away!
Sanada goes up, ROUNDING BODY PRESS on ZSJ!! Naito is free but Taichi Alabama lifts Sanada for BLACK MEPHISTO! Naito hits Taichi with CORRIENDOSHIKI!! Naito fires up with the fans and he gets ZSJ up! Wrench, but ZSJ scoops to hit ZACK DRIVER!! But ZSJ can’t cover from the bad leg bothering him! Fans rally up as Miho goes nuts! ZSJ stirs but realizes he’s in the wrong corner. A standing count begins on ZSJ and Naito, and is already at 5! ZSJ springs up to stop Red Shoes at 7! ZSJ drags himself over to get Naito. ZSJ gives Naito slaps, but Naito clubs the bad leg! ZSJ kicks at Naito, and kicks, and kicks. Naito gets up to stomp the bad leg again!
ZSJ dares Naito to keep going so Naito stomps it again. ZSJ kicks at Naito with the good leg, then hobbles up to egg Naito on. ZSJ throws a EuroUpper! Naito throws a forearm! ZSJ throws another EuroUpper, so Naito throws another forearm. EuroUpper, forearm, repeat! ZSJ gets the edge but Naito CHOPS! ZSJ EuroUppers again but Naito kicks the bad leg! Taichi runs in to BOOT Naito! Sanada runs in to BOOT Taichi! Taichi goes to boot but Sanada blocks to EuroUpper! Taichi fires up and dodges Sanada to DANGEROUS SAIDO! Naito gets Taichi for back elbow after back elbow! Taichi hits his three point stance, to SUMO FOREARM!! Everyone is down but Taichi fires up!
Taichi shouts to ZSJ and Miho rallies the fans up again. The Tekkers coordinate from opposite ends of the ring and they get themselves up at the corners. ZSJ runs to PENALTY KICK Naito! Cover, TWO!! Taichi gets up and fires up with ZSJ. Taichi staggers up into a corner and roars as ZSJ gets Naito up. But Sanada tackles Taichi while Naito scoops ZSJ for VALENTIA! Sanada smothers Taichi while Naito gets ZSJ up! Wrench, tilt-o-whirl, DEST- NO! ZSJ drags Naito down to the EURO CLUTCH!! TEKKERS WIN!!!
Winners: Dangerous Tekkers, by pinfall (NEW IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions)
The Tekkers are back on top after only a couple weeks!! Taichi & ZSJ are now THREE-TIME tag team champions, and Naito is furious that he got caught! But with how quick the turnaround was from winning to losing these belts, can Naito and Sanada get another shot soon?
But wait! Yoshi-Hashi and Hirooki Goto appear! They are still NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Champions, but are they planning on cutting in? LIJ and Tekkers don’t want Goto-Hashi to get ahead of themselves, this match just ended. What will NJPW management decide to do about Chaos wanting their shot?
IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Shingo Takagi VS Hiroshi Tanahashi!
Firstly, we here at the Chairshot wish Kota Ibushi a speedy recovery, but also know that he should make sure he is 100% before returning. However, the show must go on! The Dragon wants to be a fighting champion, and The Ace wants to fight and become champion! It’s an epic rematch from their NEVER Openweight Championship match earlier this year, which Tanahashi won! Will Takagi strike out against Tanahashi again? Or will he prove that this time, he’s ready for the Once in a Century Talent?
The introductions are made, Takagi has a new, fiercer mask, and the belt is raised as we see if Takagi can live up to that new standard!
Fans rally up, “LET’S GO ACE!” “TA-KA-GI!” as Tanahashi and Takagi circle. They approach, tie up, and are in a deadlock. Takagi gets a point of leverage but Tanahashi pushes back harder. Takagi gets Tanahashi on ropes but Tanahashi turns it around. Tanahashi lets off cleanly and fans cheer. Takagi and Tanahashi circle again, feel out the grapple this time, and knuckle lock for a test of strength! Tanahashi digs in his heels and powers up, but Takagi kicks low to wrench and wristlock. Tanahashi slips in to get a takedown and he ties up Takagi’s legs. Tanahashi floats to a headlock as fans rally, and Takagi fights up to pry the hold.
Takagi hammerlocks, headlocks and hits a takeover, but Tanahashi headscissors. Takagi slips free and fans cheer the stand off. The fans rally again, “LET’S GO ACE!” “TA-KA-GI!” Takagi and Tanahashi go again, Takagi headlocks, but Tanahashi pries at the hold. Takagi holds on tight but Tanahashi throws body shots. Tanahashi whips Takagi, drop toeholds him down and gets a headlock. Takagi endures, fights up, powers up but Tanahashi holds tight. Tanahashi grinds Takagi down, Takagi fights up but again Tanahashi holds tight! Takagi tries again, throws body shots and powers out, but Tanahashi rams shoulders. Takagi rebounds to run Tanahashi over!
Takagi steps on Tanahashi, drops an elbow, then another elbow. Tanahashi avoids the back senton to drop an elbow of his own! Fans fire up as Tanahashi air guitars. Takagi gets to a corner but Tanahashi heads over. Tanahashi throws body shots, whips Takagi corner to corner, but Takagi reverses. Takagi runs in but Tanahashi elbows him away. Tanahashi jumps up to CROSSBODY, but Takagi catches him! Takagi fireman’s carries to a DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Fans fire up as Tanahashi staggers. Takagi runs in to clothesline Tanahashi out! Fans cheer as Takagi goes out to fetch Tanahashi, and he encourages them to keep rallying, “TA-KA-GI!” “LET’S GO ACE!”
Takagi stomps Tanahashi, stands on him, but lets off to kick and stomp him at the railing! Takagi paces while Red Shoes says to get this in the ring. Takagi brings Tanahashi around to bump off the apron, and says, “Mada mada mada,” he’s not done yet. Takagi bumps Tanahashi off the apron again, then fireman’s carries to SNAKE EYES off the apron! Tanahashi falls down as fans fire up. Takagi gets back in the ring, the ring count begins, and Tanahashi slowly rises. Tanahashi stands at 6 of 20, staggers over, and gets in at 10 of 20. Takagi stands on and DOUBLE STOMPS Tanahashi at the ropes!
Takagi gets Tanahashi up to whip to ropes and KNEE! Then he runs to RAM Tanahashi against ropes! Takagi gets Tanahashi with a BIG suplex, then covers, TWO! Takagi keeps Tanahashi down with a chinlock. Tanahashi endures as fans rally up. Tanahashi fights up, throws body shots, and fires off fast hands! Tanahashi runs but into the elbow! YUKON LARIAT! Takagi skips his jab to throw Tanahashi off on that one. Takagi gets Tanahashi back up, SNAP SAIDO! Cover, TWO! Takagi keeps after Tanahashi with headlock, trapping an arm at the same time. Tanahashi endures, fans rally up, and Tanahashi scoots around to get the ropebreak! Takagi lets go as Red Shoes counts.
Takagi dares Tanahashi to get up. Tanahashi stands, fires off forearms, but Takagi DECKS him with one! Takagi flexes the muscles then drags Tanahashi back up. Takagi hooks the arms but Tanahashi resists the Gory Especial! Tanahashi fires elbows, but Takagi spins him to DDT him down! Takagi sits Tanahashi up to throw elbows into the shoulder, then he runs, only for Tanahashi to dodge the sliding lariat! Tanahashi dropkicks Takagi’s leg but Takagi stays up and rebounds to kick. Tanahashi blocks to DRAGON SCREW! Takagi crawls to a corner and fans rally back up. Tanahashi rises, hobbles after Takagi and fires off forearms and stomps in the corner.
Tanahashi whips corner to corner but Takagi reverses. Tanahashi comes back for FLYING FOREARMS! Fans fire up with Tanahashi as he gets Takagi back up. Tanahashi scoops and SLAMS Takagi, then goes to a corner to hop up. SUNSET SENTON! Cover, TWO! Takagi scrambles away but Tanahashi powers up. Tanahashi runs and dropkicks Takagi’s leg out! Takagi gets to ropes but Tanahashi is after his legs. Takagi gets the ropebreak and Tanahashi abandons the cloverleaf for now. Tanahashi runs at Takagi in the corner, but Takagi dodges! Takagi runs in but Tanahashi boots. Takagi blocks that to LARIAT! But Tanahashi comes back to fire forearms!
Takagi ROCKS Tanahashi with forearm after forearm, then JABS and CHOPS on repeat! JAB, JAB, CHOP! Takagi runs corner to corner but Tanahashi follows, to SHOTGUN dropkick Takagi out of the ring! Fans fire up as Tanahashi gets back up. Tanahashi goes up top for ACES HIGH FLY FLOW!! Direct hit and down goes Takagi! Fans are thunderous now as Red Shoes checks on both of them. Tanahashi and Takagi are able to continue so a ring count begins. The count is 10 of 20 as Tanahashi stands, and he puts Takagi in at 15. Takagi gets to a corner but Tanahashi storms over to fire off forearm after forearm after forearm!
Tanahashi gives Takagi a dozen, then goes corner to corner to dropkick! Fans fire up more, and Tanahashi stands back up. Tanahashi grits his teeth as he drags Takagi up and reels him in. Takagi blocks the suplex and throws body shots! Takagi suplexes but Tanahashi resists, to TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Tanahashi gets Takagi back up, another TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! And then a third TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Fans are thunderous after that hat trick, and Tanahashi wants Takagi to rise. Takagi flounders up, Tanahashi runs, but Takagi catches slingblade into the Gory Especial, and NOSHIGAMI! Both men are down again and fans rally back up!
Takagi rises, gets Tanahashi in a wheelbarrow, for a WHEELBARROW GERMAN SUPLEX! Takagi gets up again, sits Tanahashi up, SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! Takagi says there’s still more to come, and he gives Tanahashi toying kicks. Tanahashi gets mad and sits up but Takagi keeps kicking. Tanahashi blocks to dropkick a leg out! Takagi comes back to fireman’s carry, but Tanahashi lands out of the gutbuster drop to GROUND DRAGON SCREW! Fans are electric as Takagi gets to a corner. Tanahashi runs in, but he blocks Takagi’s boot, to DRAGON SCREW again! Tanahashi hoists Takagi up top, SUPER DRAGON SCREW!!! Takagi writhes as fans rally up!
Tanahashi gets the legs for the TEXAS CLOVERLEAF! Takagi is caught as Tanahashi sits deep! But Takagi powers, reaches out, but Tanahashi drags him away and sits even deeper! Takagi powers up, Tanahashi falls over from his own legs tiring out, but Tanahashi stands back up! Tanahashi sits as deep as he can, but Takagi is right there, and he gets the ROPEBREAK! Fans are thunderous again as Tanahashi lets go! Tanahashi stomps Takagi on the apron! Tanahashi stands Takagi up, goes for the leg, but Takagi clubs at Tanahashi. Takagi gets Tanahashi’s leg in the rope, clubs and DRAGON SCREWS Tanahashi back! The Dragon’s Dragon Screw evens things up!
Takagi drags Tanahashi to the apron for an elbow breaker to the leg! Is this another form of knee breaker? And then Takagi CLUBS the leg against the apron! Tanahashi flops to the floor and Takagi hobbles about. Takagi stands on Tanahashi’s leg at the railing but he lets off as Red Shoes reprimands. Takagi wants media to move aside as he gets Tanahashi up. Takagi whips Tanahashi but Tanahashi reverses! Takagi avoids the slingblade and he lifts Tanahashi up! Takagi has Tanahashi draped out backwards, for a TAKAGI GTR!! Fans are thunderous again as both men are down! Red Shoes checks on Tanahashi but he refuses to quit now.
Another ring count begins and Takagi drags himself into the ring at 10 of 20. Tanahashi is still down, and we reach 15! Tanahashi starts to get up at 16, fans rally as he wobbles at 17, and he springs in at 19, into a SLIDING LARIAT! Takagi roars, drags Tanahashi up, pump handle to MADE IN JAPAN!! Cover, TWO!?! Tanahashi survives and fans are thunderous once again! Takagi gets Tanahashi up at the ropes, then runs for PUMPING BOMBER!! Cover, TWO!?!? Takagi keeps focus as Tanahashi survives again. Fans clap along with “OI! OI! OI!” and Takagi stands. Takagi hobbles back over to Tanahashi, drags him back up, and pump handles for the rack!
Tanahashi resists with elbows to the back! Takagi POINT-BLANK PUMPING BOMBERS! And then boxing elbows! Fans fire up with every shot and Takagi gives Tanahashi a good 20 of ’em! Tanahashi fires up, but Takagi HEADBUTTS him down! Takagi drags Tanahashi back up, pump handles and torture racks, SLINGBLADE?!?! Tanahashi counters and both men are down as the fans keep the thunder rolling! Tanahashi fires up, runs, but Takagi follows to clothesline at the ropes! Takagi runs but Tanahashi gets around! Takagi breaks the full nelson, Tanahashi STRAITJACKET GERMANS! Bridging cover, TWO!! Takagi escapes but Tanahashi fires up again!
Tanahashi runs, to SLINGBLADE! Cover, TWO!!! Tanahashi knows he’s close and fans fire up with him as he climbs! Takagi stands, Tanahashi CROSSBODIES! Tanahashi fires up but Takagi grabs a leg. Tanahashi CLUBS Takagi but Takagi holds on, so Tanahashi CLUBS him more! Tanahashi is free, fans rally up and Tanahashi stands Takagi up. Shout out to Kota Ibushi with KAMI-GOYE!!!! Tanahashi goes to the top rope, for HIGH FLY FLOW!!!! Cover, TWO!?!?!? HOW?!?!? HOW?!?!?! The Tokyo Dome is volcanic as Tanahashi rises again. Tanahashi drags Takagi up, full nelsons, but Takagi gets to the ropes! Takagi holds on, Tanahashi pulls him away, but Takagi still resists!
Tanahashi wants the straitjacket again but Takagi knows it, and pump handles to LAST OF THE DRAGON!!!! But Takagi can’t make a cover, he’s so exhausted! Fans build back up to that electric level as Takagi and Tanahashi stir. Takagi slaps himself to get back into this. He even punches himself and headbutts the mat! Takagi throws a forearm, Tanahashi gives it back. Takagi forearms, Tanahashi forearms, repeat as they stand up! Takagi staggers but comes back with another forearm. Tanahashi gets the edge but Takagi hits back. The forearms keep going back and forth, faster and faster, but Takagi gets the edge with about five. Tanahashi uses boxing elbows just like Takagi!
Takagi and Tanahashi roar, TANAHASHI HEADBUTTS!! Tanahashi was paying tribute to Shibata yesterday, was that another one?! But Takagi still gets back up! Tanahashi runs, into an elbow! JAB! YUKON- NO! DRAGON SUPLEX! But Takagi is right back up?! PUMP- NO! ANOTHER DRAGON SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!!?!! Takagi escapes at the last nanosecond and the fans get back to the volcanic levels! Tanahashi drags himself to the apron, to the corner, and to the top rope. Takagi rises up to join him! Tanahashi throws clubbing hands but Takagi headbutts from below! Takagi finishes climbing, but they start brawling up top!
Tanahashi gets the edge but Takagi holds on to headbutt again and again and again! And AGAIN! Takagi turns around and drags Tanahashi to a top rope fireman’s carry! Tanahashi fights, but Takagi pump handles that arm! SUPER STAY DREAM!!!!! Cover, TWO?!?!?! HOW DID TANAHASHI SURVIVE!?! Is there something stronger than a volcano? Because the fans are getting to some new level! Takagi gets Tanahashi up but Tanahashi SHOTEIS! Tanahashi wants another but Takagi ducks to SHOTEI back! Both men wobble, Tanahashi SHOTEIS again! But Takagi ROLLING PUMPING BOMBERS! Both men are down and fans keep that more than volcanic level!
Takagi gets Tanahashi up, pump handle and racks, LAST OF THE DRAGONS!!! Cover, Takagi finally wins!!
Winner: Shingo Takagi, by pinfall (still IWGP World Heavyweight Champion)
The third-ever world champion in NJPW stays the third-ever world champion! He’s no one-and-done, he’s a Grand Slam Dragon! Red Shoes raises his hand and hands the belt to him. Tanahashi is helped out of the ring and is very emotional over this loss. Will The Ace be back to try again some day?
Takagi manages to stay standing, and he gets the mic to speak. “Tanahashi Hiroshi. You really are amazing, aren’t you? Your nickname, ‘The Ace,’ is for real. In a way, you probably won tonight. Now we are 1-1, so we have to do this again.” But that doesn’t mean Takagi is skipping Ibushi. Takagi knows it was a tough decision for Ibushi to make. Ibushi can’t wrestle right now, but he surely wanted to, and Takagi appreciates that. But Takagi is “even more certain of one thing. Until Ibushi returns, I can’t lose this title! OI, TOKYO DOME! OI!” Fans get loud as Takagi takes a breath.
Takagi admits he’s a bit bummed. It is what it is because the pandemic isn’t over. They gotta keep practicing social distancing and such. He knows the fans are dealing with it even more than the wrestlers. But don’t forget to remain vigilant and careful. The fans could’ve easily stayed home and watched the Olympics, but they all chose pro-wrestling! Takagi appreciates that choice, and bows to show his respect. Takagi is turning 39 this year, so he’s getting up there, but HIS generation will lead the pro-wrestling world! “So with this IWGP World Heavyweight Championship as my ticket… As the best in NJPW, the best in ALL of pro sports right now… This Dragon will soar to the top of the sports world!” Fans cheer Takagi’s mission, but can he become the best of the best of the BEST?
Wait, why did the lights drop down?! EVIL and Dick are on the titantron! “I wonder which of those punks won. Togo, who do you think won?” Were they not watching…? Dick wags his finger because it doesn’t matter who won. Those good-for-nothings just tarnish the value of the belt. Evil says he’s up next! The King of Darkness has spoken, but then he appears in the ring! That video was all a trick! Evil reels Takagi in for EVERYTHING IS EVIL!! Dick presents Evil with the title as if he’s already won it! Evil stands over Takagi as he holds up the belt! Will Darkness Fall and Evil reign? Or can the Dragon finally get his own revenge on the one who betrayed LIJ?
My Thoughts:
What an awesome event for NJPW to top off the streak from Osaka and Nagoya! The New Japan Ranbo with cuffs was a lot of fun, and Great-O-Khan was doing so well, I almost thought he was going to win. It was hilarious that Yano just handcuffs him like it was nothing. But I could not have seen Yano losing. At the same time, there has been something building between him and Chase Owens, I would love if Yano finds a way to force Chase to put that Texas Heavyweight Championship on the line. The Junior Heavyweight Tag title match was great stuff, but I should’ve known Taguchi would go too hard on solving the mystery and lose the title match. Maybe we get a rematch where we finally see the thing in the shoe revealed.
The Junior Heavyweight Championship was another awesome match, but what a shock that Eagles won! I didn’t think he’d win here, it was his first big thing since coming back and Desperado was on such an awesome roll. But maybe that’s all the reason NJPW needed to do this. Eagles shocks Desperado and could bring this title to other companies. Eagles speaks English so that would make it easier for him to show up and start feuds in Impact or AEW as these companies start to work together. Okada VS Cobb was great, and Okada winning with just a quick pin makes me think these two meet again 1v1, maybe during the G1 Climax at a pivotal moment in their respective runs.
The Heavyweight Tag title match was also awesome, and with Tekkers getting a rematch so soon because a lot of other heavyweight division teams being busy or just out of the country should’ve made it obvious they’d win. Goto & Hashi wanting a turn is really intriguing. LIJ doesn’t want to be snubbed just for losing, maybe we get a contender’s match between these teams, winners face Tekkers at Wrestle Grand Slam MetLife in a few weeks. And then, what a masterpiece we got out of Takagi VS Tanahashi! Higher level title, higher level match, so that makes sense, but when Tanahashi hit Kami-Goye, I almost thought Tanahashi was winning!
Takagi wins, though, because as he says in his promo, he has to face Ibushi first. But Evil making a challenge, clearly NJPW is planning on using this to give Ibushi more time to recover. Evil is a great choice given LIJ hasn’t exactly gotten over him betraying them, and Takagi is definitely going to beat Evil while beating up Dick Togo at the same time.
My Score: 9.5/10
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The stars of AEW align over Orlando!
The Continental Classic semifinals AND finals, the AEW World Heavyweight Championship Fatal 4 Way, and so much more all converge at Worlds End!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Zero Hour – Toni Storm VS Leila Grey; Toni wins.
- Zero Hour – Jeff Jarrett VS QT Marshall; Jarrett wins.
- Zero Hour – 8 Man Tag: Top Flight & The Outrunners VS Lio Rush, Action Andretti, Brian Cage & Lance Archer; Lio, Action, Cage & Action win.
- AEW Continental Classic Semifinals: Kyle Fletcher VS Will Ospreay; Ospreay wins and advances to the finals.
- AEW Continental Classic Semifinals: Ricochet VS Kazuchika Okada; Okada wins and advances to the finals.
- AEW Women’s World Championship Tijuana Street Fight: Mariah May VS Thunder Rosa; Mariah wins and retains the title.
- AEW Dynamite Diamond Ring: MJF VS Adam Cole; MJF wins and retains the diamond ring.
- AEW International Championship: Konosuke Takeshita VS “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs; Takeshita wins and retains the title.
- AEW TBS Championship: Mercedes Mone VS Kris Statlander; Mone wins and retains the title.
- AEW Continental Classic Finals: Will Ospreay VS Kazuchika Okada; Okada wins and retains the AEW Continental Championship.
- AEW World Championship Fatal 4 Way: Jon Moxley VS Orange Cassidy VS Jay White VS Hangman Page; Moxley wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
It’s the Words End Zero Hour!
Join Renee Paquette, RJ City, Matt Menard, Madison Rayne, and… Mark Sterling… in discussing, analyzing and predicting all the action for the last PPV of 2024!
Mercedes Mone arrives.
And she’s in the most blinged out monster truck ever! “Orlandooo~! Say hello to your C E O!” The Two Belt Boss struts her way into the stadium, but will she be leaving with slightly lighter luggage? Or will she bring down the Galaxy’s Greatest once again at Worlds End?
Backstage interview with Leila Grey.
Lexy Nair is with the Top Flight Attendant as she makes her Zero Hour debut against “newcomer” Toni Storm. How has Leila prepared? Leila says this is a huge night indeed, but she has been waiting and preparing for this moment. She spent the last three months training at the NJPW LA Dojo to hone her skills and becoming the best version of herself. She gave it her all there, and she’ll give it her all here. No more sitting on the sidelines. So to Toni, respectfully, Leila beats her into oblivion. It’s Leila’s time now! Get it? Got it? Good! Will Leila weather the storm to come out a contender?
Zero Hour – Toni Storm VS Leila Grey!
The bell rings and the fans rally up. The two shake hands to show there is respect, and they circle. They tie up, Toni headlocks, but Leila pries the hold open to wrench, wristlock and YANK the arm! Toni rolls, kips up, and wrenches to a hammerlock. Toni hits the headlock and the takeover, but Leila fights up. Leila wrenches out again to then double wristlock takeover! Leila shifts, Toni stacks her, ONE! Toni facelocks, rolls Leila and covers, ONE! Toni keeps Leila down with a chinlock and leans on her. Leila fights up, powers up but can’t power out as Toni holds tight. Leila fights up to her feet, throws body shots, and then powers out.
Toni RUNS Leila over and the fans cheer! Things speed up, Toni redirects and SHOTGUNS Leila! The fans cheer more and Toni scoops for a BACKBREAKER! Cover, ONE!! Leila is tough but Toni scoops her again. Toni SLAMS Leila, runs, and SPLASHES! Cover, TWO! Leila goes to a corner but Toni storms up. Toni ROCKS Leila in the corner, whips her corner to corner, then runs in. Leila goes up and over to roll Toni up, TWO! Leila LARIATS Toni and keeps going! ROLLING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! The fans rally while Toni goes to the ropes. Leila storms up on Toni, stands her up, and CLUBS her down!
Leila brings Toni up again, UPPERCUTS, and then kicks low! And kicks! And kicks a leg out! Leila runs to SHOTGUN Toni down! Leila takes a moment to soak up cheers and jeers, then covers, TWO! Toni stays in this but Leila stays cool. Leila storms up while the fans rally up, and Leila digs her knee in. The fans rally, Leila lets off, and then Leila fires forearms. Leila brings Toni out to ROCK her again! Toni fires back, the fans rally, and the forearms fly! Toni ROCKS Leila, but then Leila dodges to CUTTER! Roll back and DRAGON SLEEPER STRETCH! Toni endures, fights the grip, and the fans rally up again.
Toni reaches out, finds her way over, and has the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Leila lets off quickly, and Leila kicks Toni around. Leila brings Toni up to fire forearms, then whips her to a corner. Toni comes back to THESZ PRESS! The fans fire up while Toni rains down fast hands! Toni lets off to then pose in the corner… Not timeless but Toni Time! HIP ATTACK! Then FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Leila survives as Toni’s not quite perfect. But Toni hauls Leila up, reels her in, but Leila wrenches out! Leila ROCKS, BOOTS, and whips. Leila runs up but Toni dodges! Leila ELBOWS Toni first, then goes up!
Leila leaps, BLOCKBUSTER! Both women are down and the fans rally up! Leila crawls to the cover, TWO! Toni survives and Leila grows frustrated. The fans rally, Leila runs back in and SHINING WIZARDS in the corner! Snap suplex, roll through, and another suplex, but Toni cradle counters! TONI WINS!!
Winner: Toni Storm, by pinfall
The “rookie” snatches that win from Leila and is on quite the run since her “debut!” With the AEW Women’s World Championship and AEW TBS Championship both on the line tonight, will Toni look to take on the champs on the other side?
Backstage interview with QT Marshall.
Lexy Nair is now with “Big Doom QT” and says he steps in the ring with Double J. What is his mindset tonight? Oh, his mindset? C’mon, Jeff Jarrett is a living legend, Hall of Famer, maybe even the greatest of all time, and can still do it at a high level. But he is NOT an innovator! He is NOT someone revolutionizing this industry like QT. After Full Gear, QT selling out the building with his match against Big Boom AJ, his life has changed. QT might have to change his home address with all the fans just trying to catch a glimpse of his life. He knows Lexy has been politicking for this interview, and that’s fine, because she is no different than Jarrett.
Jarrett wants to stay relevant in pro-wrestling, so he had to stick his nose in QT’s business at ROH Final Battle by hitting Aaron Solo in the head with that guitar. Solo may never look the same! But hey, Jarrett wants to be on the QT Bandwagon. It must be so hard waking up, looking in the mirror, and he can’t imagine how his best years are behind him. But QT is a compassionate man. When he beats Jarrett, the dream still comes true as Jarrett will still be relevant. Lexy is at a loss for words and QT says she shouldn’t be so upset. Think about it! What’s worse than losing in the ring? Being forgotten.
But when you get in the ring with QT, that’ll never happen. It’ll be viral and last forever! Here, let’s take a selfie. This one’s on him. Cheese! You’re welcome. QT leaves, but will that big mouth of his be able to eat all that crow?
Zero Hour – Jeff Jarrett VS QT Marshall!
The bell rings and the fans fire up for Double J! But then QT poses and just gets boos. The fans even chant, “QT SUCKS! QT SUCKS!” QT says okay, be that way! He and Jarrett tie up, and QT arm-drags. QT mocks the strut, then does his own little flexing dance. The fans still boo while QT and Jarrett reset. Jarrett and QT feel things out, tie up, and QT headlocks. QT spins, hammerlocks, headlocks, then drop toeholds. QT slaps Jarrett around but Jarrett gets up in a huff. QT lounges on the ropes, the fans boo more, and Jarrett is annoyed. Jarrett and QT circle, tie up, but then QT kicks low! And ROCKS Jarrett with a right!
QT brings Jarrett around to ROCK him, then tells the ref to back off. QT whips, Jarrett reverses and hip tosses! Then hip tosses again! The fans cheer as Jarrett shows QT how it’s done! QT runs up but Jarrett ROCKS him, TOSSES him, but QT holds on! QT skins the cat while Jarrett struts! Jarrett dodges and LARIATS QT up and out! The fans fire up as we get a proper Fargo Strut! QT huffs ‘n’ puffs and storms up to the apron. The fans chant “You Still Got It!” for Jarrett. Jarrett has QT hold on and watch him do the flex dance! Jarrett then catches QT to a SLEEPER! But QT runs in and HOTSHOTS Jarrett off buckles!
QT goes up and he FLYING UPPERCUTS Jarrett down! The fans boo, QT stomps Jarrett around, then rains down fists. QT stomps Jarrett, fans chant “You Still Suck!” Cover, TWO! QT is annoyed but he winds up to ROCK Jarrett with a right hand! The ref reprimands about closed fists but QT just DECKS Jarrett! The fans boo but QT soaks it up. QT drags Jarrett up, but Jarrett counter punches to fire hands! Jarrett ROCKS QT, whips him, but QT handsprings! NEURALIZER KICK! QT grins and applauds for himself while the fans boo. QT pushes Jarrett to a cover, TWO! QT argues with the ref but the ref defends the count.
QT drags Jarrett around, has a neck wrench, but the fans rally up. QT pushes on the hold while admiring himself on the tron. Jarrett fights as the fans rally, and Jarrett stands to fire body shots! Jarrett whips, QT reverses and catches Jarrett to a SLEEPER! Jarrett runs around and around but QT holds on! Jarrett slips around to hit a BIG back suplex! Both men are down and the fans fire up! A standing count applauds, and QT goes to ropes. QT stands and he storms back up, but Jarrett counter punches! And again! And again! The fans fire up, Jarrett whips, but QT reverses! Jarrett still LARIATS! And LARIATS! And BACKDROPS!
QT goes to a corner but Jarrett climbs up on him! This is for Schiavone! Jarrett rains down fists on QT! The fans count and Double J goes to TEN! QT sputters, Jarrett waits on him, but QT blocks a kick! Jarrett ENZIGIRIS! Cover, TWO! QT stays in this and Jarrett grows frustrated. Jarrett drags QT up but QT throat chops! QT trips Jarrett, and he calls his shot! The fans boo as QT steps through, but Jarrett kicks him to the apron! Jarrett runs up but QT ELBOWS him! QT climbs a corner, but Jarrett grabs him! ROCKET LAUNCHER! Not long distance but it was a hard landing! And now Jarrett has the legs! SHARPSHOOTER!
The fans fire up as Jarrett shouts out his old friend, Owen! But wait, here comes Solo! That face is just fine, QT is such a liar! Jarrett tells Solo to back off, but QT rolls Jarrett! TWO! But then QT steals THE STROKE! Cover, TWO!! QT can’t believe it but Jarrett survives his own move! QT signals to Solo to grab Jarrett’s guitar! The fans chant “QT SUCKS! QT SUCKS!” but Solo holds up Jarrett’s guitar. Solo says this is for what happened to his face! But then Jay Lethal runs out here! Lethal and Solo brawl, Jarrett snatches QT to a cradle! TWO, but Jarrett slips around to backslide! TWO!! Kick and STROKE!! Cover, Jarrett wins!
Winner: Jeff Jarrett, by pinfall
The Last Outlaw gets the last laugh as now Team Triple J is 2-0 against “Big Doom QT!” Will QT have to admit he isn’t as good as he thinks?
Backstage interview with Toni Storm.
Lexy is now with the Rockstar and says what a successful victory! She’s been on quiet the roll! Yes, first time for everything! First PPV match, first win, she did it! She went all out, she’s over the moon! Safe to say, AEW is officially on Toni Time! And then hey, Deonna walks in! Deonna mockingly copies Toni, acting like this is the first time they’ve met. Toni explains that they met last week. Deonna pretends her memory is so bad, and surely Toni must think she’s an idiot for forgetting. But hey, here’s an idea. They should make a memory no one will forget! Next week’s first-ever Collision on Max, Toni VS Deonna!
Dude! Toni would love that! She’s wanted that forever! Oh, Deonna is so glad Toni’s excited. Deonna leaves, Toni thanks her for this chance, but is Toni just falling into the Virtuosa’s trap?
Zero Hour – 8 Man Tag: Top Flight & The Outrunners VS Lio Rush, Action Andretti, Brian Cage & Lance Archer!
Darius & Dante Martin don’t like that The Bad Child & Sight to See snatched a title opportunity from them, but all they can do is try and slow them down. Will Truth Magnum & Turbo Floyd help them get even with their former friends? Or will Don Callis’ Murder Machines make sure #EverybodyDies?
The teams sort out but things get real tense between the former Top Flight Airlines… The bigger men calm things down, and we have Darius step up against Archer. Darius then DROPKCIKS Archer at the bell! Darius fires hands in the corner but Archer shoves him away. Darius comes back, is put on the apron, but he CHOPS! Darius step sin but Archer shove shim again. Darius comes back but Archer STOMPS him down! Archer bumps Darius off buckles, tags in Cage, and the Machines ROCK, ROCK, KNEE and BOOT! Cage hauls Darius up to scoop and use for bicep curls! Cage then TOSSES Darius away to flex.
The fans are torn but Action snipes a tag. Action disrupts the plan but he doesn’t care, and he tags in Lio. They double whip Darius but he grabs ropes. Darius then TOSSES Lio, dodges Action, and tags Dante! The former friends all stand off, and they start shoving! The fans cheer, the ref has them all back off, and it boils down to just Lio and Dante. The fans rally up as Dante fires hands! Dante whips. Lio reverses, but Dante sunset flips! Lio rolls through, keeps moving, but Dante JUMP KNEES him down! Lio flops out, Dante builds speed, but Archer stands in the way! That’s too tall a mountain, but Action jumps onto Dante!
Action has the SLEEPER, but Dante swings free and ELBOWS Action down! Lio comes back, Dante ELBOWS him then LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Dante drags Lio up, brings him over, tag to Turbo Floyd! Private Party is watching closely as Turbo brings Lio around for a wrench. Tag to Truth, The Outrunners double whip, but Lio ducks the elbows! Lio handsprings, but into a DOUBLE ATOMIC DROP! Action runs up, but he gets a DOUBLE ATOMIC DROP! The fans cheer and then Truth whips Turbo up to DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! The fans fire up as the Outrunners flex and spin!
Truth brings Lio up to fireman’s carry, and he starts up the AIRPLANE SPIN! Lio CLAWS the eyes! The ref reprimands but Lio flounders away. Archer gets a cheap shot on Truth! Action and Cage add on, the ref reprimands, but Lio soaks up the heat. Lio stomps Truth, tags Action, and they mug Truth. The fans rally but Lio & Action double whip Truth to an open corner. Action whips, Lio reverses, Action LARIAST! Lio LARIATS! Action has a fireman’s carry, ROLLING SENTON then SUPERKICK! STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Truth goes to ropes but Action is after him with a CHOP!
Action brings Truth over but now Cage snipes the tag. They argue but Cage whips Truth to then ELBOW him down! Cage hauls Truth back up, CHOKES him on the ropes, and the ref counts. Cage lets off, even Callis gets a cheap shot in! The fans boo, Archer CHOKES Truth, but he stops so Cage can bring Truth up. Tag to Archer and the Machines mug Truth. The fans tell Callis off, but Archer whips Truth to a corner. Archer runs up to ELBOW, then he keeps moving, for another ELBOW! Archer keeps going, another ELBOW! Truth flops over and Archer laughs. Archer drags Truth over, he tags Cage, and Cage stomps Truth.
Cage paces while Turbo & Top Flight coach Truth. Truth fires body shots on Cage, then fires hands! Cage KNEES Truth down, but Truth JAWBREAKERS back! Cage staggers, Truth crawls, but Cage BLASTS Turbo! The fans boo but Cage scoops and SLAMS Truth! Cage flexes, the fans boo, but then Truth rolls him up! TWO!! Cage escapes, grabs Truth, but Truth fires hands! Cage holds on but Truth throws more hands! Cage CLOBBERS Truth! Cage shouts, “Who Betta Than Cage?” Cage takes a swing but Turbo counter punches! Truth hits a BIG back suplex! Both Cage and Truth are down and the fans rally up!
Cage and Truth crawl, they reach out, hot tags to Archer and Turbo! Turbo dodges Archer, Top Flight DOUBLE GAMANGIRI! Turbo rallies on Lio with haymakers! Action runs up, but into a scoop SLAM! Lio staggers into a scoop SLAM! Scoop SLAM for Action! Turbo scoop SLAMS Lio onto Action! But Archer choke grips! The fans are torn but Turbo breaks free! Turbo wants to scoop but Archer’s too big! Cage CLUBS Turbo, he intercepts Truth, but The Outrunners DOUBLE SUPLEX Cage! Archer has Turbo again, scoops, but Turbo slips free! Truth helps out, DOUBLE SCOOP SLAM! The fans fire up for The Outrunners!
Top Flight get in, they DOUBLE SUPERKICK Action! And now, we get a QUADRUPLE HANDSHAKE! And QUADRUPLE ELBOW DROPS! The fans are all fired up as Dante tags in! Dante leaps over Cage, comes back, but Cage LARIATS him inside out! Cage reels Dante in but The Outrunners make the save! They double whip and DOUBLE BOOT Cage! Lio & Action are back, they TOSS the Outrunners and DOUBLE HANDSPRING KICK! Then they DOUBLE DIVE! Down go the Outrunners, right into the desk! Action goes back for Top Fight, but he ends up in the SHOTGUN GERMAN!
Lio returns, whips, but Darius helps Dante go e up and over! Dante helps Darius TORNADO DDT! Cage is back, he clinches Dante for the FULL NELSON SLAM! Archer has Darius, SUPER CHOKE SLAM! And then Cage has Dante! The Machines give Dante the CHOKE SLAM BOMB!! Cover, OUTRUNNERS BREAK IT! The fans are thunderous, but then Cage runs up! Outrunners dodge to DOUBLE LARIAT Cage, taking themselves up and out with him! Archer has Dante in the danger zone, but Lio tags in! Archer is pissed, but Lio says it’s the FINAL HOUR!! Cover, Bad Child and team win!
Winners: Lio Rush, Action Andretti, Brian Cage & Lance Archer, by pinfall
Don Callis doesn’t appreciate the bad boys of AEW stealing this win from their own teammates, but “Oh my God, is that Private Party?” Marq Quen & Isiah Kassidy have had enough watching backstage, they’re out front for “SHOTS! SHOTS! SHOTS!” Brother Zay dares Lio & Action to pull up and try something. Lio says that’s fine, they can have their match right now! But no, Zero Hour is almost over and Worlds End is already jam packed. When and where will Lio & Action get their shot at the AEW World Tag Team Championships?
Backstage interview with Triple J.
Lexy is with Jarrett, Lethal, Sonjay & Satnam, and she congratulates them. Lethal says he could not be more proud of his friend, Jarrett! Get Karen on the phone! But then Jarrett tells Sonjay something, and Sonjay is rather confused and upset by it. Jarrett says it doesn’t matter, it isn’t Sonjay’s decision. Lethal asks what’s going on and Jarrett says that for the last 30+ years, the week between Christmas and New Years, he would reflect on his career and look ahead to the future. That’s no different here and now. Jarrett says Wednesday, Asheville, Fight for the Fallen, the mother of all simulcasts, Jarrett has an announcement about his career!
Jarrett heads out, leaving Satnam and Lethal just as confused. What could the Last Outlaw be thinking for 2025? Will at least be good news?
Where will you be then the world ends?
Welcome to the Jungle by Guns ‘n’ Roses plays, and the lyrics are most fitting: You can have anything you want, but be careful who you take it from. There are dangerous men and women on both sides of these championships, and even one diamond ring. But in this wrestling ring, everyone thinks they’re the hero of their own story, born to slay the villain. But hero, villain, somewhere in between, it really only matters if you’re the one standing tall at the end. “You know where you are? You’re in the jungle, baby! You’re gonna diiiie~!” So again, where will you be when the world ends? Time to find out.
AEW Continental Classic Semifinals: Kyle Fletcher VS Will Ospreay!
The top seed in Blue League takes on the second seed in Gold League, and by a bit of serendipity, the C2 brings us a rematch from Full Gear! The Protostar bested his former mentor, but can he do it again? Or will the Aerial Assassin finally have his revenge?
The bell rings and there’s no clock on this one, there has to be a winner! Kyle runs up but Ospreay dodges to CHOP and CHOP! Ospreay whips, Khyel reverses but Ospreay BOOST him! Ospreay runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges and RAN- NO! Kyle brings Ospreay up but Ospraey fights free! Ospreay fires a forearm, Kyle CHOSP! Kyle runs, Ospreay hurdles then drops, but Kyle keeps moving! Ospreay ducks the kick to roll Kyle, but Kyle rolls through! Ospreay dodges to springboard, OSC- NO, Kyle stops that to suplex! Ospreay slips out, each man dodges and counters, then Ospreay sweeps! Cover, ONE, and Kyle avoids the buzzsaw!
The fans fire up while Kyle bails out, he needs to slow things down. The ring count starts, fans sing for “Ospreay~ Ospreay Ospreay Ospreay~!” Kyle takes his time but he returns at 6 of 10. The fans rally up again and Ospreay circles with Kyle. They feel things out but Kyle backs off as fans cheer Ospreay. They go again, Kyle kicks low then ROCKS Ospreay. Kyle CHOPS, the fans “WOO~!” and Kyle mocks the Ospreay fans. But Ospreay CHOPS Kyle! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Ospreay has Kyle in a corner, fires hands, then follows him to another corner. Ospreay swings but Kyle dodges to throat chop! The ref reprimands but Kyle ignores it.
Kyle whips, Ospreay grabs ropes then dodges to LARIAT Kyle up and out! The fans fire up and Ospreay aims to PLANCHA! Kyle moves so Ospreay lands on the apron. CANNONBALL! And Ospreay even lands on his feet! The fans are thunderous and Ospreay gives a little salute. Ospreay then takes his time to go bring the steel steps around. The fans rally, the ring count is 5, but Kyle BOOTS Ospreay! Kyle storms up on Ospreay and whips, but Ospreay LEAPS over the steps! Then comes back to FLYING RAN- NO! Kyle makes that an APRON POWERBOMB! Ospreay falls in a heap, Kyle refreshes the ring count, and he looms over Ospreay.
Kyle scoops, and he aims to run and LAWN DART Ospreay into the LED barriers! Kyle grins and soaks up heat while standing on the barriers. Kyle even flexes on ’em before he goes back to Ospreay. Kyle snatches a fan’s sign, rips it, and wipes his butt with it! But that guy has a second copy of his sign! Kyle says “SUCK IT!” then refreshes the ring count. Kyle stalks Ospreay, drags him up, and says he loves seeing Ospreay busted open! Fans tell off Kyle but he SMACKS Ospreay off the steps! Kyle soaks up more heat, then he stalks Ospreay. Kyle puts Ospreay in the ring, paces, and Ospreay reaches out in a daze.
Ospreay stands but Kyle BOOTS him down! The crimson mask is already pretty much colored in, and Ospreay sputters back up. Kyle stands Ospreay up to give him Kawada Kicks! Ospreay’s blood paints those nice new white boots! Ospreay staggers back but Kyle TASTES the blood! The fans tell Kyle he’s sick, but Kyle goes over to Ospreay. Kyle climbs up and he rains down fists! The fans boo but Kyle goes all the way to TEN! Kyle again tastes the blood, but Ospreay YANKS Kyle down! Kyle hits buckles, and Ospreay ROCKS Kyle with haymakers! Ospreay whips, Kyle blocks and swings, but Ospreay dodges! Handspring, but Kyle catches him!
LAWN DART into buckles! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay survives but even he has to check it was two. The ref checks on Ospreay, that blood is flowing. Kyle wants the ref to call this but Ospreay refuses to give up. Kyle kicks at Ospreay, eggs him on, but Ospreay CHOPS! There wasn’t that much behind it, but Ospreay CHOPS again. Kyle eggs Ospreay on but Ospreay fires a forearm! Kyle BOOTS Ospreay! Ospreay wobbles, Kyle soaks up heat, but then Kyle runs in at Ospreay! Ospreay LARIATS!! The fans are thunderous as both men are down! Ospreay storms back up to fire off fast hands! Ospreay whips, BACKDROPS, and he brings Kyle righ tup!
Ospreay bumps Kyle off buckles, then scoops him, for a LAWN DART! Payback there, then a BOOT! The fans fire up as Ospreay steadies himself, STANDING SKY TWISTER! Cover, TWO! Ospreay has to blink the blood out of his eyes while he goes to the apron. Ospreay aims, springboards, but Kyle gets under! Mule kick to a leg, SUPERKICK to the face! Kyle reels Ospreay in for a suplex, but STUN DOG MILLIONAIRE hits! The fans fire up and Ospreay rises! But Kyle snatches his arms! SNAP HALF ‘N’ HALF! Ospreay staggers up, Kyle runs in, but into a STANDING SPANISH FLY! Cover, TWO!! The fans fire up as Ospreay has a wild grin!
The fans rally and sing for Ospreay as he drags Kyle up and reels him in. Kyle resists but Ospreay gives him Kawada Kicks! Ospreay stands Kyle up to CHOP! Kyle staggers and drops to his knees, but Ospreay eggs him on. Kyle stands, and he nods to then CHOP! Ospreay nods, and he CHOPS! The fans fire up as the CHOPS go back and forth! Ospreay roars, and he CHOPS again! Kyle goes to ropes and grits his teeth. Ospreay puts his hands back, daring Kyle to take another shot. Kyle says bet, but then Ospreay blocks the superkick! HOOK KICK! Ospreay runs but then Kyle dodges! Ospreay slips through the lariat to lift!
Kyle slips free, he lifts, but Ospreay pops out the back! Ospreay dodges to springboard, OSCUTTER!! Cover, TWO!! Kyle survives and the fans fire up as Ospreay aims from a corner. HIDDEN- LARIAT! Kyle takes Ospreay down, but hauls him right up! Scoop and “This is Awesome!” as Ospreay POISON-RANAS! Kyle steals HIDDEN BLADE!! Both men are down on the blood painted canvas, the fans cheer “A E DUB! A E DUB!” for giving us this artwork of violence! The ref has a standing count, but both men are rising at 4 of 10. Kyle and Ospreay go forehead to forehead, then give junkyard dog headbutts!
Kyle has Ospreay’s blood painting his forehead, but they keep going! They stand, and they keep giving these headbutts! Ospreay runs to HEADBUTT, but Kyle returns the favor! They shift to shoulders, Kyle FLYING- SUPERKICK!! Ospreay takes Kyle outta the air! The fans fire up again and Ospreay aims from a corner. Ospreay runs in, but Kyle rolls him! Kyle uses the ropes! The ref sees that and says nope! Kyle says the ref should just do his job and count! The ref says hell no, not like that. Kyle shoves the ref, the ref shoves Kyle, HIDDEN BLADE from Ospreay!! Cover, TWO!!! Kyle survives but Ospreay takes off the elbow pad!
Ospreay aims again but Kyle uses the ref as a shield! Then SUPERKICK! Ospreay goes to a corner, Kyle GAMANGIRIS! And then suplex, BRAINBUSTER!! Cover, TWO?!?! Ospreay survives and Kyle is furious! So he POWER DRIVE KNEES!! And then LAST RIDE!! Cover, TWO!?!?! Ospreay survives and Kyle is livid! The fans are loving this, though, as Ospreay crawls to a corner. Fans rally for Ospreay and again say, “This is Awesome!” Kyle seethes, but he runs in for an ENZIGIRI!! Kyle keeps Ospreay on his feet, and he tells him this is what he gets! GAMANGIRI!! Then suplex and STUN DOG RANA!!!
Ospreay rolls through and high stacks into a STYLES CLASH!!! Cover, OSPREAY WINS!!!
Winner: Will Ospreay, by pinfall (advances to the finals)
Kyle put Ospreay through so much, and not just here tonight, but Ospreay perseveres! And now, he’s one of tonight’s finalists! Will Ospreay battle THE Continental Champion, Kazuchika Okada? Or will it be The One & Only Ricochet that meets his old rival in the end?
AEW Continental Classic Semifinals: Ricochet VS Kazuchika Okada!
This here is now the flipside, as the top seed in the Gold League takes on the second seed in the Blue League. HOWEVER, Ricochet must make it through THE Continental Champion, THE greatest tournament wrestler, THE Rainmaker! Will THE defending champion make it to the finals of this tournament? Or will THE One & Only make sure the C2 is #OuttaThisWorld?
The bell rings and the fans fire up already. Ricochet and Okada circle, the fans cheering on “O-KA-DA! O-KA-DA!” Okada and Ricochet tie up, and Okada puts Ricochet in a corner. Ricochet turns things around, then lets off fast to back up. Fans taunt Ricochet with “BALD! BALD! BALD!” Ricochet and Okada tie up again, and Okada again puts Ricochet in a corner. Ricochet again turns things around, but Okada pulls an ear! The ref counts, Okada lets go, and Ricochet protests. Okada says this is for Ricochet pulling hair earlier. Ricochet swings, Okada dodges to kick and headlock. Ricochet powers up and out but Okada runs him over!
Ricochet kips up and stares Okada down. Okada kicks low, whips, but Ricochet rolls over Okada’s back. Okada runs up, Ricochet dodges to roll back and RANA! Ricochet kips up then DROPKICKS! Okada bails out and fans boo Ricochet, but Ricochet just blows a kiss. Ricochet runs but Okada gets in, to BOOT Ricochet right down! The fans fire up while Ricochet flounders around. Okada stalks Ricochet to a corner, then ELBOWS him! Ricochet staggers but Okada stalks Ricochet to another corner. Okada throws another ELBOW, then brings “BALDIE! BALDIE!” around to snapmare. Okada hushes the fans, and he runs and runs and runs, to then redirect!
Okada runs more, then SLAPS Ricochet on the back of the head! The fans fire up and Ricochet goes to a corner. Okada whips Ricochet corner to corner, then runs in, but Ricochet goes up and out! Ricochet slingshots but Okada DECKS him! Okada goes to the apron but Ricochet rolls back in. Okada stands Ricochet, DECKS him, then steps in, but Ricochet grabs the leg! HOTSHOT down low! The fans boo but Ricochet talks trash. Ricochet then builds speed and DIVES! Right into the desk! “What’s good now, huh?!” Ricochet flicks his head sweat at the fans! Ricochet soaks up more heat, then he puts Okada back in.
Ricochet springboards, and he FLYING LARIATS! The fans boo more but Ricochet covers, TWO! Okada stays in this but Ricochet KNEES him in the back again and again! Ricochet hears the fans laughing at him and singing “Hey Hey Hey~, You’re Bald~!” Ricochet drops an elbow, BOOTS Okada, then steps on him. Ricochet clamps onto Okada with a GROUND COBRA TWIST, and he even digs his knuckles into the ribs. Ricochet shifts to a ghost pin, TWO! Ricochet keeps Okada down with a basement SHOULDER TACKLE! And then another! Ricochet swaggers but fans boo. Ricochet taunts Okada and pulls his hair!
Ricochet flicks the hair on his hands at the ref, and he mocks the Okada fans. “This is the great Okada, huh?” Okada scowls as he sits up, and the fans rally as Okada stares Ricochet down. Ricochet CHOPS, but Okada rises up. Ricochet CHOPS, fires a forearm, but Okada winds up to fire back! The fans rally, Okada whips, but Ricochet goes up and over! Ricochet keeps moving, but Okada ducks ‘n’ dodges! Ricochet TIGER WALL KICK! Forearm, SOBAT, and- FLAPJACK! Okada turns things around but both men are down while the fans fire up! Okada glares at Ricochet, then fires forearms. Okada whips, Ricochet reverses, but Okada ELBOWS him down!
Ricochet goes to a corner, Okada runs up and ELBOWS him again! Okada kicks low then hits a DDT! Ricochet gets stuffed! Cover, TWO! Ricochet toughs it out but Okada looms over him. Okada eggs Ricochet on, then runs up, but he blocks a boot! Okada ROCKS Ricochet again, but Ricochet fights the gut wrench! Ricochet RAMS Okada into buckles, then runs in. Okada puts Ricochet on the apron but Ricochet RAMS into him! Ricochet springboards, Okada dodges and gets under the handspring! But Ricochet gets around to back suplex! LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO! RUNNING SHOOTING STAR! Cover, TWO!
Okada toughs it out but Ricochet drags him to a drop zone. Ricochet soaks up heat while he climbs up top, then 450- NO, he has to roll through as Okada moves! Ricochet comes back, but Okada pops him up into the Alabama Lift! REVERSE NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Ricochet stays in this but Okada stays cool. Okada brings Ricochet up, scoops him, and SLAMS him! Standard formula means Okada goes to the corner and climbs up. Okada aims for the MACHO ELBOW! The fans fire up with Okada, and Okada brings out the Rainmaker MIDDLE FINGER! Okada brings Ricochet up to ripcord, but Ricochet fireman’s carries!
Ricochet says “Sorry!” DETONATION- NO, Okada blocks the kick! But Ricochet slips through the lariat to fireman’s carry! Okada slips free, Ricochet ELBOWS him and runs, but into Okada’s DROPKICK! The fans fire up and Okada scoops! Ricochet slips free, dragon sleeper and suplex, VERTIGO! Cover, TWO!?! Ricochet hurries up to a corner! SHOOTING STAR PRESS! Cover, TWO!! Okada survives and Ricochet is a bit stunned. Ricochet goes to a corner, he loads up and takes aim. SPIRIT- NO, Okada ducks! Okada BOOTS, Ricochet HEEL KICKS! And V-TRIGGER! ROUNDHOUSE! Okada DROPKICKS back!
The fans fire up while both men are down again! The ref starts a standing count, and both men stir at 3 of 10. Ricochet goes to ropes while Okada grits his teeth. Both men stand at 6, and Okada runs up, but into a KNEE from Ricochet! Ricochet reloads, SPIRIT- Scoop and SIDEWALK SLAM! Okada then ripcords, RAINMAKER!! Cover, OKADA WINS!
Winner: Kazuchika Okada, by pinfall (advances to the finals)
And now the Continental Championship is set! Okada will have his chance to defend his title, and we’ll see him face off with a former disciple! Will Okada teach Ospreay that no matter what, The Rainmaker is still the greatest tournament champion?
Wait, someone throws a toilet paper streamer into the ring! And then “Whose House?” “SWERVE’S HOUSE!” The fans fire up as The Realest makes his way out here! Swerve has a mic but he hears the fans chant, “Whose House?” “SWERVE’S HOUSE!” Swerve says Ricochet got about as far as he did in last year’s C2. But didn’t Ricochet vow he was gonna win it all? And Swerve being a man of his word… He said if Ricochet blew it, as he just did… Swerve was going to embarrass Ricochet in a big way. Ricochet did everything Swerve knew he would, and that was run his mouth. Interviews, internet, and he even said if not for Ricochet, AEW wouldn’t exist!
Ricochet’s talked a lot of mess, and Swerve is gonna be the one to clean up a mess. What’s the best way to clean up a mess? Prince Nana brings out a wheelbarrow of toilet paper! He hands out rolls to the fans! Swerve says the front row here, let’s help Ricochet. They want a “clean slate” for Ricochet, right? They’ll forget 2024 and move on to 2025, right? So with the “instruments” Nana is handing out, let’s wish Ricochet a Happy New Year. On the count of three! One, two, THREE! HAPPY NEW YEAR~! The TP goes flying into the ring, and everyone cheers! Ricochet seethes while covered in TP, but Swerve says, “Happy New Year, Trevor.”
Swerve & Nana leave Ricochet behind, will Ricochet ever live down being number two in AEW?
Backstage interview with Will Ospreay.
The trainer finishes patching up Ospreay’s bloody forehead as Renee walks over to congratulate him. Now standing across him in the finals is his former mentor, Okada. Has Ospreay ever been in a situation like this before? Well, he doesn’t look to bad right now, does he? Is there something on his face? But in all seriousness, Ospreay thought to himself, “It don’t matter!” There’s a lot of wrestling tonight, everyone will be exhausted, but by the time Ospreay goes back out there, well, he has faced Okada about 10 times, but lost 8. So there is one thing Ospreay needs from Orlando: carry him through this!
That’s right, promise Ospreay you’ll get up off your asses and tell him that he can do this! Ospreay will fight every single inch, because he lives for this s*it! Okay, he’s a little lightheaded. He feels like he got run over by a truck. But hey, this is his former mentor, his “big brother,” so after Ospreay beats Okada, Ospreay is going to freakin’ DISNEYWORLD! In the immortal words of Tony Khan, LET’S EFFIN’ GO!! Ospreay is still banged up and bloody, but will he be golden after tonight?
AEW Women’s World Championship Tijuana Street Fight: Mariah May VS Thunder Rosa!
The Glamour claims she has “killed” the AEW Women’s Division because no one can stop her, but La Mera Mera promises this division still lives. And Rosa also has her father in the crowd for this, bringing dirt from the graveyards of Tijuana to give her strength. Rosa vows to take Mariah’s title and maybe even her soul, but will she have it all going into 2025? Or will the Woman From Hell make Rosa regret ever even trying?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and with nothing holding them back, we see how far these women are willing to go!
Mariah gets too close to Papa Thunder, and Rosa CLOBBERS Mariah for it! Then she fires hands and CHOPS her! Rosa puts Mariah in the ring, then runs up to wrench and snapmare, then SLIDING LARIAT! Rosa keeps moving, goes side to side and SENTONS! Cover, TWO! Mariah stays in it after that fast ‘n’ furious start, but Rosa brings her up. Mariah throws Rosa down, rains down fists, and then CHOKES Rosa with her own bandanna! The fans boo but Mariah stands Rosa up and runs, only to miss the shotgun! Rosa puts Mariah on ropes to CHOKE her! The fans cheer as Rosa runs side to side, and UPPERCUTS Mariah in the back!
Rosa stomps around, the fans rally up, and Rosa runs again, to DROPKICK Mariah against ropes! Rosa drags Mariah to a cover, TWO! Mariah stays in this but Rosa kicks her around. Rosa goes out and starts looking under the ring. Rosa brings out chair after chair while Mariah crawls! Rosa even checks another side, and finds herself a trash can, another trash can, and she chucks one into the ring! Mariah avoids getting hit, then she bails out ot go up the ramp! But there’s no count outs and Rosa runs up to CLOBBER Mariah! Rosa drags Mariah up, but Mariah ROCKS Rosa! Mariah DDTS Rosa on the stage! Cover, TWO!
Mariah seethes but she goes for some of the decorations. Rosa grabs herself a big bottle of tequila! She takes a sip, and she SPITS it in Rosa’s face! Not even a spray, just straight up spit! Rosa gets pissed, and she TACKLES Mariah through the wall! Cover, TWO! Rosa CLUBS away on Mariah, then finds herself a trash can. Rosa has a wild grin and the fans cheer. Rosa turns around but Mariah SHOTGUNS the can and her! Then she chucks the trash can at her! Rosa tumbles down the ramp, returns to ringside, and the fans rally up. Mariah storms down to ringside, but Rosa SMASHES a beer bottle on Mariah’s head!!
Mariah goes down in a heap, the ref checks her, but Rosa covers, TWO!! Mariah survives getting smashed but the fans rally for Rosa. Rosa puts Mariah in the ring, hurries after her, and Rosa stomps Mariah around. Rosa has Mariah on ropes, bumps her off buckles, and then she digs her boot in! Rosa lets off to bring Mariah around and SMACKS her off a chair! Mariah writhes but Rosa digs the chair into Mariah’s neck! Rosa tells Mariah that she’s gonna regret hitting on her dad! Rosa stands Mariah up, but Mariah HEADBUTTS!! Mariah then runs to SHINING WIZARD! Cover, TWO! Rosa stays in this but Mariah stomps her around.
Mariah grabs a chair, and SMACKS Rosa on the back! Mariah then fires a forearm, but Rosa comes back with one of her own! The forearms go back and forth, the fans cheering Rosa and booing Mariah! Rosa fires a flurry, then kicks low and fireman’s carries! Rosa AIRPLANE SPINS Mariah to then hit a DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO! Mariah is still in this but Rosa looks at her options. Fans want tables but Rosa goes for the pinata! The fans don’t mind that, because Rosa busts the thing open, to pour out THUMBTACKS!! Mariah freaks out but Rosa just steps over to stomp her! Rosa hauls Mariah up and brings her in!
Rosa tucks the arms, lifts, but Mariah fights! Mariah ROCKS Rosa, fireman’s carries Rosa, and hits MAYDAY on the tacks!! Cover, TWO!! Both women are hurting from the tacks sticking into them, but Rosa gets herself out of the ring. Mariah storms out after her, whips her, and Rosa is sent into the steel steps! Mariah then grins at Papa Thunder as she walks back over. Mariah takes his CANE of all things! Mariah mocks the old man, talks trash on him, then goes looking under the ring. Mariah brings out BARBED WIRE! Mariah wraps that around her leg, and she runs up on Rosa! Rosa dodges, Mariah crashes into steps!
Mariah writhes, Rosa covers, TWO! Mariah survives her double-edged tactic, but Rosa stands her up. Rosa whips Mariah into the railing right in front of the Thunder Family! And y’know what? Dad’s cane is now Rosa’s weapon! She SMACKS Mariah with it again and again, then drags her back up. Rosa puts Mariah against the apron to CHOP! Mariah falls in a heap, and Rosa brings out a TABLE! The fans fire up as Rosa brings that around and sets it up. Rosa stands Mariah up, fires forearms, and then lets her wobble. Rosa uses the table as a ramp! FLYING SHOTGUN DROPKICK! The fans are thunderous from that impact!
Rosa drags Mariah up, puts her in the ring, then storms up to cover, TWO! Mariah is still in this but Rosa goes for the steel chain! Rosa uses it to CHOKE Mariah! Rosa is digging her boot into Mariah’s back for leverage! Mariah endures, reaches out, but she has to crawl through tacks to get anywhere! Rosa lets go of the chain so she can grab that chair first! The fans fire up as Rosa sits the chair up. Rosa SMACKS Mariah off the seat! Then it’s back to the chain! Rosa CHOKES Mariah, drags her around like a dog on a leash, and the ref checks. Mariah finds a black bag, TIJUANA GRAVEYARD DIRT!!
Mariah drags Rosa up and to the apron, there’s a table waiting for them! PILEDRIVER down through the table!! Cover, Mariah wins!!
Winner: Mariah May, by pinfall (still AEW Women’s World Champion)
Mariah grins, having used Rosa’s good luck charm against her! Will no one stop the reign of glamour that Mariah is on?
AEW Dynamite Diamond Ring: MJF VS Adam Cole!
These two were the unlikeliest of friends, but that’s apparently because they were never truly friends at all. The Wolf of Wrestling angrily confessed that he was a snake all along, but he still thinks the Panama City Playboy is in the wrong for pulling the trigger first. Will Maxwell Jacob Friedman have the final say on The Ballad of Better Than You Baybay? Or is Cole about to shine like a diamond when he takes away the one thing MJF has left?
The introductions are made, The Kingdom guard the diamond ring, and we see who is really the hero here!
The bell rings and Cole stares down with MJF. Cole then rushes up but MJF bails out. MJF smirks and says we do this on his time. But Cole BOOTS him down! Cole rains down fists, then drags MJF up to throw into railing! Cole tells SOB MJF to get up! Cole puts MJF in the ring, goes up a corner, but MJF hurries out the side again. The fans boo but Cole hops down to then follow MJF. MJF wants mercy, but then he YANKS Cole into the steel steps! MJF rolls in and rests. The fans chant, “He’s a Scumbag!” while MJF slowly stands up. MJF says if he needed their help, he’d ask for it! STFU!! The fans boo MJF instead.
Cole sits up and he’s busted open! MJF mockingly asks if Cole is okay. MJF slaps Cole around, then runs him into a POST! MJF stares down the fans flipping him off, and he does the step. MJF sits Cole up to CLAW Cole’s face, all while staring the fans down. MJF puts Cole in the ring, mocks the “BOOM!” then flips fans off. MJF does push-ups and then clamps on a headlock. MJF fires hands, the ref reprimands, but MJF lets go to soak up more heat. MJF goes back to Cole, and Cole’s not bleeding as bad as Ospreay was. Cole JAWBREAKERS, then he fires haymakers! Cole runs but MJF throws him down by his hair!
The ref reprimands and the fans boo, but MJF clamps onto Cole. MJF BITES the forehead! The ref counts, MJF lets off to spit, and says that tastes like crap! The fans tell MJF he’s sick, but MJF clamps onto Cole with a SLEEPER! Cole endures, the fans rally up, but MJF grinds Cole to the mat. The fans rally up more, Cole gets his second wind and he fights to his feet! Cole fires body shots, then forearms! Cole whips, MJF reverses, but Cole leaps! MJF catches Cole for a POWER BREAKER! Cover, TWO! Cole survives and MJF argues with the ref. The ref says the count was fair, so MJF drags Cole to a corner.
MJF goes up and he looks to parody Cole again. “M J F, BAYBAY!” LONG ISLAND SUN- SUPERKICK! Cole takes MJF down, and the fans rally as hard as they can! Cole rises, MJF runs up, but Cole dodges! LARIAT! ELBOW! BOOT! Cole then waistlocks but MJF switches. Cole breaks free to PELE! And then BACKSTABBER! Cole suplexes for the GHOST BUSTER! Cover, TWO! MJF survives but Taven & Bennett tell Cole to keep going. Cole goes to the corner and he climbs up. MJF rises, into the PANAMA- NO, MJF ducks under, and Cole’s leg jams! MJF CHOP BLOCKS that leg! The fans boo but MJF takes advantage of the bad leg!
MJF stands on the bad foot, and then he STOMPS it! The fans boo while Cole writhes, but MJF tells them all to shut up. MJF then stalks Cole, drags him up, and he puts Cole in a corner. MJF puts the leg around ropes and pulls! The ref counts, MJF lets go, and MJF seethes as he goes around. MJF goes to Cole again, whips corner to corner, but Cole falls in a heap! Cole is upset with himself, and MJF says Cole is a joke, just like all the fans here! The ref check with Cole, Cole says he’s not giving up, so MJF slides out and brings Cole to the corner! MJF SWINGS the bad leg into the post! MJF talks trash to the fans, then goes back for Cole.
MJF SWINGS the leg back into the post! The ref reprimands but MJF refreshes the count. MJF struts around, then soaks up more heat from Orlando. MJF goes back to Cole, grabs the leg, but Cole YANKS MJF into the post! Cole rolls away, shakes out the bad leg, and The Kingdom cheers Cole on! The fans rally for Cole, too, and now MJF is busted open! MJF and Cole have matching crimson masks now, and MJF flounders into the ring. MJF staggers against the ropes, but he storms up on Cole all the same. MJF throws hands but Cole throws counter punches! Cole fires shot after shot, then fires off in the corner!
Cole climbs up, and he rains down fists! The ref counts but so do the fans, and Cole goes to nine, then winds up, “ADAM COLE, BAYBAY!” And then Cole BITES MJF’s bloody forehead! Cole snapmares MJF down, then goes up the corner! PANAMA CITY SUNRISE!! And then THE BOOM!! Cover, TWO!!! MJF survives and shocks Cole! The Kingdom is surprised, too, but they and the fans rally for Cole. Cole stands, and he brings down the kneepad! Cole runs again, but MJF drops on his face! Cole is annoyed, but he drags MJF up. Cole tells MJF that this ends when Cole says so. Cole runs again, but MJF stands to CHOP BLOCK!
Cole flounders around and MJF crawls to the far side. The fans rally up while both men glare at each other. They talk trash, and MJF claims he never cared about Cole! MJF runs up, and the brawl is on! The fans fire up, and Cole gets the edge! Cole has MJF on his knees, but MJF SPITS at Cole! So Cole SUPERKICKS! Cole roars, runs, but MJF CHOP BLOCKS again! Step through, and FIGURE FOUR!! The fans rally as hard as they can while Cole endures! MJF roars as he puts as much pressure on as he can! MJF thrashes around, Cole falls back, and it’s a cover! TWO as Cole sits up! MJF thrashes more, but Cole flips him off!
The fans rally as Cole works to turn things over! MJF resists, but Cole still flips the hold! MJF endures now, but he crawls forward to the ROPEBREAK! The hold is undone and MJF goes to the apron. Cole sits up slowly while The Kingdom coaches him from afar. MJF sits up on the apron while the ref checks on Cole. MJF sees The Kingdom, they dare him to try something. MJF SMACKS the steps and pulls an Eddie Guerrero! The ref thinks The Kingdom did it!? The fans defend the Kingdom’s innocence! The ref still EJECTS The Kingdom!! The fans boo but MJF smirks. MJF slithers his way to the diamond ring!
MJF has the diamond ring on his finger! MJF runs up, but into a SUPERKICK! Cole sees the ring on MJF’s finger, slips it off, and puts it on his own! So now The Kingdom argue to distract! Security ushers The Kingdom away, but MJF LOW BLOWS Cole!! MJF puts Cole in ropes, and hits a HEATSEEKER!! Cover, MJF wins!!
Winner: MJF, by pinfall (still Dynamite Diamond Ring Bearer)
MJF grins as he steals another win! But this win won’t be enough, MJF grabs a chair! MJF runs off the ref, has them cut his music, and he wants everyone hear it when he breaks Cole’s leg!! MJF puts the chair around Cole’s already repaired ankle, and he grins as he aims. But wait, The Kingdom returns? No, wait, it’s RODERICK STRONG! Roddy runs down the ring, MJF runs away, but wait! KYLE O’REILLY is here! MJF feels stuck between rock and a hard place, and yep! Kyle sends MJF into the ring! MJF panics, but he ends up in the TOTAL ANNIHILATION! Kyle & Roddy take out MJF, and they help Cole to his feet!
The fans cheer as the Undisputed OG all have MJF! Cole has the ring still on his finger, DYNAMITE DIAMOND PUNCH!! Cole SPITS on the ring and says MJF can have the damn thing. Cole leaves MJF behind, without a single friend in this world, as he celebrates with all HIS friends! Will Cole, Kyle, Roddy, Taven & Bennett make 2025 undisputed?
AEW International Championship: Konosuke Takeshita VS “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs!
We know The Don Callis Family isn’t really a family, or else they never would’ve forgotten about such a big part of their success like they did The Powerhouse. But will Hobbs make sure no one ever forgets his name ever again? Or will Takeshita prove why HE is The Alpha of AEW?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if old acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind!
The bell rings and Callis joins commentary to say this is all to prove a point, and that point is Takeshita is the best bell-to-bell wrestler. Takeshita fires a forearm, but Hobbs fires back! Fans cheer for “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” as the shots keep going back and forth! Hobbs gets the edge, he ROCKS Takeshita, then he whips. They RAM shoulders, then run again. Hobbs RAMS Takeshita, then dodges a lariat to POUNCE him! The fans fire up as Takeshita bails out and Callis panics! Hobbs paces while the ring count climbs, but then Hobbs goes out after Takeshita. Hobbs tells Callis to watch this. He ROCKS Takeshita again!
Hobbs ROCKS Takeshita again, and he signals he’ll be champ soon. Hobbs hauls Takeshita up, scoops him, and APRON POWERSLAMS him! Then APRON POWERSLAMS again! And then APRON SLAMS again! The fans tell off Callis and Hobbs agrees. Callis cowers behind Schiavone but Hobbs pushes Takeshita into the ring. But Takeshita CLAWS Hobbs’ eyes! Takeshita goes out to the apron and he brings Hobbs around. Takeshita says thumbs down, and he fireman’s carries! Hobbs fights, but Takeshita hits an APRON KNEE BREAKER!! Callis says ichiban (number one) and Takeshita nods.
Takeshita storms up on Hobbs, brings him around, and SMACKS him off the apron! Takeshita puts Hobbs in the ring, then drags him to a corner. Takeshita SWINGS Hobbs’ leg into the post! The ref reprimands but Takeshita SWINGS the leg into the post again! Takeshita then ELBOWS the knee! Hobbs dangles off the apron but Takeshita brings him around. The fans rally but Takeshita puts Hobbs back in. Takeshita tells them all to calm it down, then rolls in after Hobbs. Takeshita drags Hobbs by his leg, and hits a FOOT DDT! Hobbs writhes but Takeshita grins. Takeshita drags Hobbs by the leg, but Hobbs fires hands!
Takeshita FOOT DDTS again! Hobbs clutches his knee while the fans rally up. Hobbs goes to ropes, Takeshita storms over, and Takeshita wraps the bad leg around ropes! The ref counts, but Takeshita stands on the leg! The ref counts more, Takeshita steps off at 4, and Takeshita drags Hobbs up on the apron. Hobbs fights the suplex! Hobbs fires body shots, and he suplexes! Takeshita fights that to suplex Hobbs up and over! The fans fire up, that was definitely impressive. Takeshita looms over Hobbs to taunt him, then brings him up. Hobbs CHOPS! Takeshita shakes his head, but Hobbs stands. Hobbs ROCKS Takeshita!
Takeshita CLAWS Hobbs’ face! The ref reprimands, but Takeshita whips. Hobbs blows through the lariat to CROSSBODY! The fans fire up and Hobbs huffs ‘n’ puffs as he drags himself up with ropes. Hobbs hobbles, but he gets the fans chanting, “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” Hobbs runs to LARIAT Takeshita in the corner! Hobbs throws LARIAT after LARIAT, “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” Hobbs lets off as the ref counts, then throws more “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” Hobbs roars, Takeshita hobbles, and Hobbs reels him in! Scoop and POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Takeshita survives and Hobbs grows frustrated.
Hobbs slaps his leg into working and the fans rally up again. Hobbs stands, Takeshita also stands, and Hobbs runs up to fire more forearms! Hobbs whips, then SPINE- NO, Takeshita CLUBS free! Takeshita whips but Hobbs blocks! Hobbs grins, then he ROCKS Takeshita! Scoop and- NO, Takeshita slips free to scoop back! And then he tucks Hobbs in! BASTARD DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!! Hobbs survives being crunched and the fans rally up. Takeshita huffs ‘n’ puffs and runs up! DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Hobbs LARIATS, Takeshita LARIATS, repeat! “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” Then Hobbs gets the edge, only for Takeshita to duck!
Takeshita waistlocks, and he GERMAN SUPLEXES! The fans fire up and Takeshita takes aim! POWER DRIVE- NO! Hobbs blocks, not enough power! Takeshita ALPHA ELBOWS! Takeshita runs, but Hobbs SNAP POWERSLAMS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Both men rise fast, and they both roar! They both run up, HOBBS LARIATS!! Cover, TWO!!! Takeshita survives and Hobbs is beside himself! Callis is relieved, but the fans rally up for Hobbs. Hobbs hobbles but he stalks Takeshita. Takeshita rises, Hobbs gets him up, but Takeshita slips free! CHOP BLOCK! And then BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, ONE?!?!
The fans are shocked, Callis is freaking out, but Hobbs short arm LARIATS!! Cover, TWO?!?! Takeshita survives and Callis can breathe again. Takeshita is in a drop zone, and Hobbs climbs!? The fans are fired up for “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” but Takeshita hurries to anchor Hobbs! Takeshita climbs, Hobbs CLUBS him, but Takeshita still goes to the very top! Hobbs’ bad leg won’t let him stay up so he drops to the apron! Takeshita hops down, too, both men are running on fumes. Takeshita crawls into the ring, and he storms up to the corner! Takeshita drags Hobbs up but Hobbs fires hands from below!
Fans chant “Please Be Careful!” as Takeshita hauls Hobbs back up! SUPER DUPER PLEX!! Takeshita pulls it off, and then he goes up a corner, SUPER SENTON!! But Takeshita isn’t done, he aims from another corner! Hobbs slowly rises, into the POWER DRIVE- SPINEBUSTER!!! Cover, TWO?!?!? Takeshita survives and Hobbs is shocked! The fans rally for “A E DUB! A E DUB!” as Hobbs stands. Hobbs brings down the straps and the fans fire up even more! Callis fears what’s next, but Takeshita goes to the apron. But Hobbs storms over, and now Hobbs is bringing Takeshita up the corner! Callis is afraid again.
But Takeshita CLAWS Hobbs’ eyes! The fans boo but Takeshita goes up, only for Hobbs to clinch! SUPER POWERSLAM!! Both men are down as the bad leg doesn’t let Hobbs cover! Hobbs loosens the knee brace while fans declare “This is Awesome!” The ref helps Hobbs with the brace, and Hobbs hobbles over to Takeshita. Hobbs hauls Takeshita up, but Takeshita kicks the leg out! And then ALPHA ELBOW!! Hobbs wobbles, Takeshita runs up, POWER DRIVE KNEE! And now a FRONT GUILLOTINE!! Hobbs endures, the fans rally, and Takeshita squeezes tight! Then he suplexes, RAGING FIRE!!! Cover, Takeshita wins!!
Winner: Konosuke Takeshita, by pinfall (still AEW International Champion)
Callis sighs in relief as his Alpha survives! Takeshita embraces the title, but now he is headed for the TokyoDome! Will Takeshita make it through the WrestleKingdom-WrestleDynasty double header still the AEW International Champion? Or will Takeshita’s 2025 start with him losing it all?
Backstage interview with Kazuchika Okada.
Renee is with The Rainmaker and congratulates him on the win. He is now in the C2 Finals, facing Will Ospreay. Renee brings up how Ospreay mentioned their long relationship. How does it feel for Okada to be facing Ospreay again? Okada tells Ospreay that he is Okada’s younger brother, his “little” brother. Ospreay is on another level, but not Okada’s level, “b*tch!” Will nothing stop the greatest tournament winner from being Continental Champion?
AEW TBS Championship: Mercedes Mone VS Kris Statlander!
It is a rematch from Full Gear, and while The Two Belt Boss hasn’t lost any of her confidence, the #BornAgainKristen has a renewed sense of who she is. Will Kris remind us all she IS The Galaxy’s Greatest? Or will the Defeater of the Undefeated once again fail to defeat The CEO?
The introductions are made, the teal belt is raised, and we see if Mone stays perfect on the year!
The bell rings and the fans rally up as these two stare down. They circle, tie up, and go around. Kris SHOVES Mone down and the fans cheer! Mone composes herself, she should remember that Kris is the physically stronger. They tie up again, and Mone gets around to then headlock. Kris powers up and out and she CLOBBERS Mone! Kris flexes, the fans cheer, and Mone gets annoyed. Mone runs up, Kris dodges and scoops, but Mone tilt-o-whirls! Kris cartwheels through the rana, but Mone dodges the shotgun to DORPKICK! But Kris kips up! The fans cheer the standoff, and Mone also applauds. Mone offers a handshake, Kris takes it, but Mone throws a cheap shot!
Mone whips but Kris reverses, and then Kris fireman’s carries! Kris hits a swing but Mone arm-drags free! Kris tumbles out of the ring and fans rally up. Mone builds speed to WRECK Kris with the baseball slide dropkick! The fans rally while Mone soaks up the heat. Mone drags Kris up and SMACKS her off steel steps! Mone refreshes the count, stalks Kris, and then knuckle locks to go up and up to FLYING ARM-DRAG Kris into the barriers! Mone isn’t done, she METEORAS Kris against the LEDs! Mone then hops up and stands on the barriers. She soaks up heat for a moment before she LEAPS, but into Kris’ arms!
Kris carries Mone around the way, and even up the steps! The fans fire up for this feat of strength, and Kris SLAMS Mone on the apron! Mone rolls into the ring, Kris covers, TWO! Mone flounders away and Kris is annoyed, but she aims again. Kris runs up at the corner but Mone sends her into buckles! Roll up, TWO! Mone runs up, but Kris pops her up! Mone RANAS, covers, TWO! Kris hurries up but Mone wrenches and reels her in! But it’s Kris who suplexes! But Mone cradle counters! TWO!! Kris escapes, swings, but Mone dodges! Only for Kris to SNAP POWERSLAM! And then she deadlifts Mone for a BACKBREAKER!
The fans fire up as Kris is turning things up a notch! Another deadlift, and a FALL AWAY SLAM! Mone flounders out to the apron while fans fire up. Kris storms over, brings Mone up the corner, and fans duel as Kris has Mone on the very top! Mone fires body shots, so Kris adjusts to a fireman’s carry! Mone still fights, CLUBS away on Kris again, then she slips under! Mone has Kris for an APRON POWERBOMB! Kris flops to the floor and the fans fire up! A ring count starts but Mone rolls into the ring. Kris is still down at 3 of 10, and Mone grins as she lets it continue. Kris rolls into the ring at 6, but Mone dropkicks her! Cover, TWO!
Mone is frustrated already, and she KNEES Kris in the back again and again! Mone clamps on a chinlock, but the fans rally for Kris. Kris fights up, fires body shots, but Mone knees low! Mone whips Kris to a corner, soaks up some more cheers and jeers, then runs in, METEORA! Cover, TWO! Kris stays in this but Mone keeps calm. The fans rally and duel, but Mone stands Kris up. Mone whips Kris back to the corner, then whips her in again! Kris comes back to LARIAT! And ELBOWS! Kris drags Mone up, back suplexes, but Mone lands out! BACKSTABBER! Cover, TWO! Kris survives again and Mone shrieks.
Mone shakes her head but the fans rally up again. Mone stalks Kris, talks trash, and then drags Kris up by her hair. Mone grabs the arms for a straitjacket stretch! The fans rally again as Kris endures, and Kris fights to her feet. But Mone hits another BACKSTABBER! Mone keeps the straitjacket on to hit another BACKSTABBER! And now Mone bends Kris against the knees! Kris endures, fights to loosen the hold, and the fans rally up! Kris stands, and she RAMS Mone into buckles! And then in again! But Mone throws Kris down by the hair! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Mone hops up the corner.
Mone leaps, but Kris turns Meteora into POWERBOMB! The fans fire up while both women are down again! Mone and Kris stir, and Mone crawls to ropes. Kris rises, dodges Mone, and she short arm LARIATS! Then short arm LARIATS again! And again! Kris whips Mone to a corner, roars and runs in, UPPERCUT! Kris goes side to side to KNEE! O’Conner Roll, CHAOS THEORY! Cover, TWO!! Mone survives but Kris keeps calm. The fans rally as Kris stands, and she vows to end it here! Kris hauls Mone up, gut wrenches her, but Mone fights around! But Kris stops the suplex to scoop and MICHINOKU DRIVER! Cover, TWO!
Mone survives and Kris grows frustrated, but the fans continue to rally. Kris brings Mone around by her arms, hauls her up to the top rope, and then CHOPS! Mone wobbles, Kris backs up to run up, but Mone BOOTS! Mone then adds DEADLY NIGHTSHADE, and shouts, “I hate you, Kris!” TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO!! Kris survives and Mone is beside herself! The fans duel as Mone rises again. Mone brings Kris up and in, snap suplex! Una Amiga and Mone goes up again. Dos Amigas! And then THREE AMIGAS! But wait, Mone isn’t done, she hits QUATRO! CINCO! Fans fire up as we get SEIS! SIETE!
The fans cheer as Mone gives us Seven Amigas before going to the corner. The fans chant “EDDIE! EDDIE!” while Mone climbs. FROG SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Kris survives and Mone has no idea what’s going on! The fans rally up while Kris flounders to the corner. Mone pounds the mat in frustration but goes to the far side. Mone scowls, revs up, and runs in, METEORA only gets buckles! Backslide! Roll through, but then Kris turns Mone again! Flip and tuck! PACKAGE PILEDRIVER!! Cover, TWO!!! Mone survives and now Kris is shocked! The fans rally but Kris drags Mone back up. Kris suplexes, Mone slips out!
Mone hits a JAWBREAKER! JAWBREAKER! JAWBREAKER! Mone ROCKS Kris, but Kris ROCKS Mone! Mone fires another forearm, but so does Kris! The fans are leaning towards Kris as the forearms keep going! Mone SLAPS and fires off palm strieks! But Kris gets around, waistlocks, but Mone runs to the apron! They both tumble out and even bring the apron skirt with them! The fans fire up as they both stand, and Mone ducks a shot to Gory Especial! MONEY MAKER to the floor! Both women are down and the fans fire up! The ref checks, they’re both okay to continue, so now a ring count starts.
Mone and Kris stir, and Mone sits up at 4 of 10. Mone rises at 5, staggers around, and she rolls in at 6. Kris sits up at 7, Mone grins as we hit 8! But then Mone decides to go out at 9! She doesn’t wanna win like that, but then she puts Kris’ leg in the ring mat threads! Mone KICKS Kris’ leg, and now Mone wants the count! Kris is stuck! She fights to get free, but Mone goes out to METEORA to the floor! Mone rains down fists, the ref reprimands and counts, but Mone just HAMMERS away on Kris! Mone stops as the ref continues to reprimand, and Mone leaves Kris behind. Mone again wants the count, but Kris is untying her boot?!
Kris frees herself from the ring, but the count is 5 of 10! Kris hobbles up at 6, so Mone goes back out! METEOR- NO! Kris catches Mone for an APRON F5!! Mone flounders, Kris storms in! Fireman’s carry for another F5!! Cover, TWO!!! Mone survives and the fans cannot believe it! Kris is completely frazzled over this, but she drags Mone to a drop zone. Kris goes up the corner and the fans fire up! But Mone hurries up to KICK the legs out! Kris is stuck on the top rope, so Mone goes out and drags her into an APRON TOMBSTONE!!! The fans lose their minds because that was a rough landing for Mone, too!
The ring count climbs, and technically Mone isn’t in the ring just yet. Mone rolls in from the apron at 6, but Kris is still down! It’s 7! 8! 9! KRIS SPRINGS IN AT 9.99!! And Mone is right there to be absolutely shocked! Kris glares up at Mone in defiance and the fans are thunderous! Mone asks, “Why won’t you die?!” Mone SLAPS Kris, then rolls her into the STATEMENT MAKER CROSSFACE!! Kris endures, reaches out, fights around, and the fans rally as hard as they can! Kris claws her way forward, but Mone shifts to the bare foot! STF!! Kris endures all over again, but she still fights her way forward! ROPEBREAK!!
Mone shrieks while she holds on, but she still lets go at 4! Mone demands Kris just give up already, but fans hope they “FIGHT FOREVER!” Mone says Kris will never be champion again, and she SLAPS Kris down! Mone runs, but Kris LARIATS!! Kris hauls Mone up, tucks her in, STATURDAY NIGHT- NO, Mone victory rolls through! ANKLE LOCK!!! Kris flails, reaches out, rolls, and Mone ends up on ropes! Kris O’Conner Rolls her in, TWO! But then another roll! TWO!! Kris has the waistlock! Mone fights, wrenches, rolls, lateral press but then a float, into the SEATBELT!! MONE WINS!!!
Winner: Mercedes Mone, by pinfall (still AEW TBS Champion)
Kris still could not overcome Mone, and now The CEO is going to go to Tokyo with two belts. Will Mone return with both those belts when she has to take on Mina Shirakawa at WrestleDynasty?
As for Kris, the fans cheer her incredible effort. Kris gets her other boot back, but will she ever get a belt back around her waist?
It’s time for the Revolution!
March 9th, Los Angeles, the world will set its eyes on AEW! Who will make it there to prove they ARE the Revolution?
AEW Continental Classic Finals: Will Ospreay VS Kazuchika Okada!
Round after round, point after point, it all comes down to this! The Aerial Assassin said it himself that he’s very rarely ever overcome his “big brother.” Will Ospreay make this another of those times and take the title? Or will The Rainmaker solidify his legacy as the greatest tournament wrestler today?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and it’s finally time for the 2024 C2 finale!
The bell rings and the fans are already losing their minds just seeing this showdown happening in an AEW ring. The fans fire up more and more and Ospreay encourages it. Ospreay and Okada circle, tie up, and are in a deadlock. Okada powers Ospreay to the ropes, but the ref counts. Okada lets off slowly, and he fakes the chop to pat Ospreay on the shoulder. But then he really DECKS Ospreay! The fans are torn but Ospreay staggers back up. Okada ROCKS him, but Ospreay fires back! They go back and forth, then Ospreay CHOPS! Okada is stinging, but Ospreay CHOPS him again! Ospreay whips Okada to a corner, runs in, but Okada BOOTS him!
Okada whips, Ospreay ducks ‘n’ dodges to RANA! The fans fire up while Okada bails out, and Ospreay runs up to PLANCHA! Direct hit on Okada and the fans fire up! Ospreay has to steady himself, that head is still beat up, but at least it’s bandaged up. Ospreay stalks Okada, the fans sing and cheer Ospreay on, but there is dueling between the Ospreay and Okada fans. Ospreay fires a forearm, then UPPERCUTS him! Ospreay refreshes the ring count, then he whips. Okada reverses, Ospreay goes up the railing, then hops into the front row! Ospreay ROCKS Okada, goes back up, but Okada gets under the jump!
Okada kicks and DDTS to the floor! The ring count climbs but Okada refreshes it. Okada drags Ospreay up while the fans rally. Okada puts Ospreay in the ring, but has him out on the apron! DRAPING DDT to the floor! Okada strikes like a Viper but the fans are torn. Okada soaks up cheers and jeers, but he sneaks a middle finger while scratching his head. Okada leaves Ospreay behind to the count, he can retain with this. Ospreay flounders but we’re at 5 of 10. Ospreay slips in but Okada hauls him up, another DDT! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay stays in this but Okada stays calm. Okada paces while Ospreay slowly rises, and the fans rally up.
Okada scuffs Okada, kicks him, and mockingly asks if he’s alright. Ospreay CHOPS, so Okada kicks him again. Ospreay stands, he fires a forearm, but Okada eggs him on. Ospreay fires more forearms, but Okada knees low! And then NECKBREAKER! Ospreay sputters, Okada picks up some of the bloody tape and gauze, and he wipes his sweat away with it! The fans tell Okada he’s sick, but Okada kicks Ospreay around. Okada snatches what’s left of the tape, and he wears it like an armband! Okada flips Ospreay off, throws the bandages away, but Ospreay CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Okada knees low again!
Okada CLAWS the bloody forehead, then whips Ospreay to a corner. Okada runs up and he ELBOWS! Okada kicks and D- NO, Ospreay suplexes first! Okada sits up, face showing both shock and pain! The fans rally up while both men rise to their feet. Ospreay fires a flurry of forearms, then whips, but Okada reverses. Ospreay handsprings to NEURALIZER KICK! The fans are thunderous and Ospreay goes to a corner! Springboard, PIP PIP CHEERIO! Ospreay rolls to the cover, TWO! Okada is still in this but Ospreay prepares that elbow pad. Ospreay slaps himself to fire back up! The fans rally with Ospreay as he goes to a corner.
Ospreay aims as Okada rises, HIDDEN- NO, Okada FLAPJACKS Ospreay! Ospreay got some air from that, and both men are down again. The fans rally back up while Ospreay rolls to a corner. Okada runs up but into a BOOT! Okada returns but Ospreay BOOTS him again! Ospreay goes up, but Okada DROPKICKS Ospreay! Ospreay ends up in a Tree of Woe on the outside! The ref hurries to help Ospreay free, and Ospreay tumbles to the floor. Okada grins as he has Ospreay where he wants him. Okada slides out and stalks Ospreay. The fans duel but Okada drags Ospreay up. Okada has the bad leg for a SHIN BREAKER!
Ospreay hobbles, the ring count climbs, but Okada rolls in just to refresh the count. Okada brings Ospreay around, gut wrenches, but Ospreay fights free! Ospreay RAMS Okada into railing! HOOK KICK! Then Ospreay uses the railing, OSCUTTER to the floor! The fans are thunderous while both men are down! The ring count starts against, and the fans rally as Ospreay crawls to the corner. Ospreay rolls in at 4, Okada is still down at 5. Okada sits up at 6, but he doesn’t stand until 9! Okada slides in at 9.5, but Ospreay hits a COAST2COAST! The fans fire up and Ospreay springboards, OSCUTTER!! Cover, TWO!!
Okada survives and the fans rally up again! Ospreay slaps himself again and then reaches out for Okada. Ospreay brings Okada up, underhooks, but Okada fights the lift! Ospreay fires Kawada Kicks, then CHOPS! Okada drops to his knees, but Ospreay reels him in! But Okada Alabama Lifts, REVERSE NECKBREAKER! Okada scowls now, and he goes to the corner. “This is Awesome!” as Okada climbs, for the MACHO ELBOW! Okada stands and he winds it up again, Rainmaker MIDDLE FINGER! Okada drags Ospreay up, but Ospreay RAMS him into a corner! But Okada BOOTS, and SHOTGUNS!
Ospreay flounders to the corner, Okada hauls him up! Okada whips but Ospreay avoids this dropkick! SHOOTING STAR onto knees! Okada whips and DROPKICKS through! The fans fire up for the ripcord and- NO, Ospreay POP-UP POWERBOMBS, and then pops Okada into the STYLES CLASH!! Cover, TWO!!! Okada survives what finished Fletcher, but the fans are thunderous! Ospreay roars as he throws off the elbow pad! Ospreay goes to a corner, takes aim, HIDDEN- Scoop and MICHINOKU DRIVER! Then a ripcord, RAINMAKER!! Cover, TWO?!?! Ospreay survives and shocks everyone, Okada most of all!
Okada shakes his head but the fans hope these two “FIGHT FOREVER!” But it has to end somehow, there’s still the main event! Okada hauls Ospreay up but Ospreay fires elbows! Ospreay hobbles, but Okada ROCKS him! Ospreay drops to his knees, but he reaches out in a daze. Okada stands Ospreay up to UPPERCUT! The fans duel while Ospreay manages to stay on his feet. Ospreay leans against Okada, but Okada UPPERCUTS! Ospreay droops down, flops forward, but Okada gives him scuffing kicks! The fans boo but Okada hauls Ospreay up, just to DECK him! Ospreay falls towards ropes, but he refuses to give up.
Ospreay slowly rises and the fans rally. Okada dares Ospreay to take a shot. Ospreay stands and the fans fire up again! Ospreay storms up, but Okada ducks the free shot to GERMAN SUPLEX! And then ripcord and middle finger, RAIN- SPANISH FLY!! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay, crimson mask renewed, rises up as the fans fire up! Ospreay aims from a corner, Okada sits up, HIDDEN- DROPKICK! SUPERKICK from Ospreay! OSCUT- DROPKICK!! Ripcord, RAIN- NO, Ospreay ducks to STEAL RAINMAKER!! And now STORM BREAKER!!! Cover, TWO?!?! Okada survives and Orlando is erupting!
Ospreay rises, he brings Okada around, and he calls is shot! Underhooks and TIGER- NO, Okada flips free to LARIAT!! Okada holds onto the wrist while the fans are rallying up again. Okada drags Ospreay back up, to LARIATA! Ospreay stays up and he roars at Okada! Then he BOOTS, HOOK KICKS, and loads up! HIDDEN- NO, Okada ducks that! And he ducks the buzzsaw! But Ospreay slips through the Rainmaker to STORM- NO, Okada arm-drags free! They both run, they both dodge, HIDDEN- NO! Okada clinches and ripcords, RAINMAKER!!! Cover, OKADA WINS!!!
Winner: Kazuchika Okada, by pinfall (2024 Continental Classic Winner, still AEW Continental Champion)
Continental Classic? Nah, INSTANT classic! Okada wins the C2, he holds onto the title, and he ties Masahiro Chono in major tournament wins! Will anyone ever be better than Kazuchika Okada? But bigger than the win, Okada shows Ospreay respect by shaking his hand. But now, what is next for Ospreay now that he isn’t a champion?
Wait, Christopher Daniels makes his way out here, mic in hand. The Fallen Angel congratulates Okada on winning the C2, as well as continuing his reign as champion. The fans applaud that, too. Daniels says that normally, this would be where he comes down to present Okada with the title belt, but he can’t do that. What? That’s because as of tonight, Daniels is no longer an EVP for AEW. But THIS man is! IT’S KENNY OMEGA! The fans are thunderous as The Best Bout Machine finally returns, having survived diverticulitis and making a full recovery! The fans cheer on “KENNY! KENNY!” as he holds up the belt and brings it to Okada.
Fans lose their minds again seeing Omega and Okada in the same ring again. Okada holds up the Continental Championship, and Omega applauds the champ. Omega takes his leave, having to prepare for his own match at WrestleDynasty. Will the Best Bout Machine take care of Gabe Kidd to prove he’s back and better than ever?
AEW World Championship Fatal 4 Way: Jon Moxley VS Orange Cassidy VS Jay White VS Hangman Page!
The moment the Blackpool Combat Club turned on Bryan Danielson, we all should’ve known AEW would change for the worst. The Maniac has said a lot of things during his reign of terror, from how he is the only one willing to do what is necessary, to how no one else is worthy of even looking at the title. Freshly Squeezed almost had Moxley at Full Gear, but now things have gone above and beyond what anyone was expecting! Moxley ended Rampage by saying he would bring peace to AEW, but is he confusing “peace” with “quiet?” Or will there be an end to the madness with a new champion?
The introductions are made, the belt-, Well, no, the briefcase supposedly containing the title is raised, and time to see who is truly fighting for the greater good!
The bell rings and Marina makes sure briefcase is secured. But then White and Hangman argue over who gets Moxley first. Moxley drops out of the ring to let them argue, and Cassidy tries to calm them down. White & Hangman shove Cassidy away, so Cassidy just DIVES onto Moxley! The fans fire up as Cassidy fires hands! Hangman and White storm out there to join in, they mug Moxley 3v1! The fans cheer as Moxley is pinballed around ringside! They SMACK Moxley off the apron, and then stomp him against railing! The mugging continues, the ref has Marina stay back, but here come Claudio, Yuta & Pac!
Claudio drags Moxley up and over the railing, but that just means Moxley’s challengers pursue! The fans fire up as there’s a brawl in the crowd! Hangman fires hands with Claudio, Cassidy has Moxley in the bleachers, but Marina goes after Cassidy! The fans fire up, Moxley throat chops Cassidy! Moxley TOSSES Cassidy back to the floor, then sends him into more railing! Moxley fires forearms, the rest of the Death Riders brawl with Hangman and White, but then Moxley BOOTS Cassidy! Moxley “apologizes” to fans as he brings Cassidy up and TOSSES him over railing! Moxley and Cassidy go to the ring while Yuta, Hangman, Claudio and White brawl!
Security drags Claudio and Yuta away, no more brawling out there. Moxley mocks Cassidy by giving him those “devastating” kicks! Then Moxley kicks away on Cassidy for real! Moxley runs, but Cassidy bails out! Moxley pursues and he drags Cassidy up to put in the ring. But then Cassidy rolls out the far side! The fans cheer but Moxley gets annoyed. Moxley goes out the side, storms up on Cassidy, but Cassidy says wait, wait, wait. Hands in pockets! Moxley grins, but then surprise! Hangman & White are back to grab his arms! Cassidy runs up to ORANGE PUNCH Moxley! The fans fire up as now they bring him to the Spanish announce desk!
Fans fire up as White & Orange haul Moxley up for Hangman, TRIPLE POWERBOMB through the desk!! The fans fire up for that Shield shoutout, does that make Cassidy and the others the Elite Hounds of Justice? But now with Moxley down, Hangman DECKS White and whips Cassidy into railing! Hangman puts White in the ring, Aalbama Lifts, but White silps fere! White clinches, Hangman fights free! Both men dodge the big haymakers but Hangman LARIATS White! Cassidy is back, but Hangman scoops him, FALL AWAY SLAM into buckles! Cover, White breaks it! White ROCKS and CHOPS Hangman, but Hangman CLAWS White’s eyes!
Hangman whips White hard into buckles, then he BOOTS Cassidy! Cover, TWO! Wait, we get a glimpse at The Patriarchy watching from the skybox. Christian Cage has his Casino Royale contract, is he just waiting for this to finish? Hangman CHOPS White down while fans point at the other skybox. That’s Hook! Hook dares Christian to try so he can screw him up! Hangman sees all this, but then shrugs it off to go after White. Hangman whips White to railing, then he runs up, to BOOT White down! The fans are torn but Hangman BOOTS Cassidy! Hangman taunts fans, then whips Cassidy back into railing!
Hangman stands Cassidy up, and whips him hard into steel steps! But White CHOPS Hangman! Hangman DECKS White, and we see Marina checking on Moxley. Hangman whips White hard into railing, then he goes back for Cassidy. Hangman puts Cassidy in the ring, watches him go to a corner, but fans taunt Hangman with “Whose House?” “SWERVE’S HOUSE!” Hangman LARIATS Cassidy in a corner, then tells Orlando to shut up! Cassidy BOOTS Hangman! Cassidy goes up but Hangman ROCKS him! And CHOPS him! Hangman goes up but Cassidy fires body shots! Cassidy shoves Hangman down, leaps, FLYING LARIAT!
Cassidy keeps moving, ducks ‘n’ dodges then tilt-o-whirls, but Hangman stops the DDT! Suplex, but STUN DOG MILLIONAIRE hits! White is back but Cassidy elbows him away. But White spins Cassidy around, suplexes, STUN- NO! White stops that to CUTTHROAT SUPLEX! White ducks the sliding lariat, blocks a kick, but Hangman ROKCS White! White CHOPS Hangman, runs, but into a POP-UP- RANA! White then LARIATS Hangman up and out! But Moxley is back! He KNEES White down! Cassidy has Moxley! BEACH- NO, Moxley sunset flips! Cassidy rolls through to PENALTY KICK! ORANGE- CUTTER from Moxley!
Moxley stands, and he has a bloody wound on the back of his head! But he doesn’t care, he sees Hangman step up! The fans fire up as these two step up, and fans wanna see #CowboyS*it! The forearms start flying back and forth, but then Moxley fires knees and a forearm! Moxley runs but Hangman ROCKS him! Hangman runs, Moxley LARIATS! Cassidy runs up but is put on the apron! Cassidy ROCKS Mox first, but Moxley CLUBS him back! White rolls Moxley up! TWO!! Clinch and BLADE- NO, Moxley rolls White, TWO! Hangman is back to BOOT Moxley! White blocks a boto to DRAGON SCREW! Moxley LARIATS White!
Cassidy is back, tilt-o-whirl DDT! All four men are down and the fans fire up! Cassidy goes to one corner, the others stand, and all four men stare down. The fans fire up, but then Cassidy falls over! White CHOPS Moxley, ROCKS Hangman, repeat! White CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS< then he fires shot after shot! White catches Moxldey to a CDUTTRHOAT PLEX! DISCU SLAREITR for White! DEADEYE for Moxley! ORANGE PUNCH for Hangman! BLADE- NO, Cassidy slips out to ORANGE PUNCH! And then Cassidy runs at Moxley, tilt=-o-whirl, but Mxoley stops that! Cassidy fights the underhooks to ORANGE PUNCH!!
The fans fire up, Cassidy falls on the cover, but Hangman YANKS the ref out!! The fans boo but Hangman doesn’t care, there’s no rules but to win! And he aisma t Cassidy! BUCKSHOT!! Hangman reloads, he BOOTS White away, then takes aim! BUCKSHOT!! Hangman sees Moxley but Moxley kicks first! Gotch hold, but Hangman lifts first! DEADEYE!!! All four men are down again and the fans fire up! Hangman slides out to the apron, reloads, but Yuta is back to grab Hangman’s foot! Hangman BOOTS Yuta, but Marina sneaks a chair in! Moxley has the chair, but Hangman BOOTS! And now BUCKSHOT!! Cover, but the ref is still out!
Hangman shouts for a new ref, any ref, but Cassidy gets Hangman in a ghost pin!! TWO!!! Hangman escapes, and he CHOKES Cassidy! Cassidy breaks free, but Hangman LOW BLOWS! But White hits a BLADERUNNER!! Hnagman flounders away, but Moxley is back! So White gives him BLADERUNNER!! Cover, YUTA CLOBBERS THE REF!!! That’s two refs as collateral damage, and fans boo the little sneak! White glares at Yuta, the fans tell him off, but Yuta dares White to do something! But Marina is int he ring now! She spins White around, but he hits her with BLADERUNNER!!! The fans fire up but Yuta’s back in!
Yuta runs up, BUSAIKU KNEE on White!! Moxley hauls White up to underhook! DEATH RIDER!! Claudio shoves the first ref back in, and the ref counts, MOXLEY WINS!!
Winner: Jon Moxley, by pinfall (still AEW World Champion)
Hypocrisy, thy name is Moxley! No ego? Peace? Worthiness? Moxley isn’t the champion, the entire team of the Death Riders are, because it took them all to screw over three men! Cassidy is beside himself because his plan was working, if not for Hangman pulling the trigger too soon. But now The Death Riders drag White up, and Moxley has a chair. But wait! FTR is here! Dax & Cash warned that the Death Riders would face the consequences of their actions, and then the lights go out! “RATED FTR?!” YES!! Because here comes ADAM COPELAND!!! The fans are thunderous as now Team AEW has an edge over The Death Riders!!
Christian is in as much shock as anyone, and the fight is on! FTR brawls with Yuta & Claudio, but Claudio UPPERCUTS! But then FTR TOSSES Claudio & Yuta! Cash DIVES and he wipes out Claudio! Yuta returns, but into the SHATTER MACHINE!! Copeland steps into the ring, and from one maniac to another, he stares Moxley down. The fans are thunderous as these two start swinging! Edge dodges to SPEAR!! Moxley flounders, Edge throws off the jacket, and Christian says time to go. Edge grabs that chair from earlier, and he busts off the crossbar! THE DEAL!! Moxley endures the bar in his mouth!
Moxley flails but he fades! Fans chant “You Deserve It!” but Claudio drags Moxley out of the ring! Edge gets a mic, and once it turns on, he tells Moxley, “You look at me when I talk to you, kid! Yeah, I called you ‘kid’ because you were growin’ pubes when Is tarted doing this! You’re ALL MINE!! Rated FTR, we’re taking it all!!” Well, Moxley has the world title, and the Death Riders have the World Trios Championships, but are their days numbered now that Edge and the #TopGuys are after them?
My Thoughts:
An awesome Worlds End, though with just a few things to critique. We got another great Zero Hour, and it flows much better with just three matches, as it allows the matches to breathe while also giving time for preshow stuff like the panel discussing things and some interview promos on top of it. Great win for Toni and good stuff from Deonna throwing the “bad memory” act back at her. Toni VS Deonna will be great stuff for New Year’s Collision, and I would think it’s another win for Toni. Great win for Jeff Jarrett, and I like the announcement tease. The implication is Jarrett will retire but no, he’s definitely thinking he can go for a title.
Very good 8 Man Tag, and very good win for the Heels. I do like that Lio & Action sniped the win for themselves, that gives them momentum going into their tag title match with Private Party. I don’t think they’ll win, though, as Private Party’s reign has still only just begun. Very good intro video, and I guess TK really likes Guns ‘n’ Roses. Opening with the Continental Classic semifinals was the logical move, given the winners would need time to rest. It also worked out to fire up the fans, those four guys are just that good. Ospreay may have cut himself a bit too deep, though, that blood drip was a bit much.
Ospreay beating Kyle and Okada beating Ricochet were the right choices, especially the latter. Okada was of course going to be defending the title in the finals, and that really was an instant classic. Okada getting a moment with Omega was also great, that really teases what we could be getting in 2025. Swerve getting fans to throw toilet paper was great stuff, that really let the fans express the Heel heat (bordering on Go Away heat) Ricochet has gotten. Ricochet VS Swerve is going to be great stuff whenever we get it, can’t wait to see who wins out. Though at the same time, did TK really just pull another “dropped story” of Swerve with Lashley…?
Mariah VS Rosa was great, but it felt shorter than it should’ve been. I figured Mariah was going to find a way to win no matter what, but they could’ve pushed it another three minutes or so to really build some drama going into that finish. In the end, it just seems like another instance where the AEW Women’s World Championship gets overshadowed by the TBS Championship, because Mone VS Kris Round 2 was incredible. Now I will say, Mone wanting the ring out count was weirdly handled, like she went out there a couple more times than she probably had to. And really, Mone winning here is a bit of a shame because Kris is 0-2, and for what reason? Well, aside from maybe Kris moving up to the world title now.
MJF VS Cole was great stuff, but MJF retaining the diamond ring is another questionable choice to me. MJF has had that stupid ring for long enough, and it was a perfect pun of Cole and diamond waiting to happen. But fine, Cole gets the moral victory because Roddy returned, and both Roddy & Kyle helped Cole beat up MJF so that Kyle would stand tall with Undisputed Kingdom. I don’t think Kyle would leave Conglomeration for Kingdom, but whatever Kyle chooses could create drama between those factions. But that said, all the more reason Cole should have the diamond ring, and it could corrupt him like the One Ring from Lord of the Rings, and Cole uses it to win matches just like MJF used to.
Great match from Hobbs VS Takeshita, and great selling from Hobbs on his knee. Takeshita winning is only somewhat surprising, because going back to WrestleKingdom & WrestleDynasty, Takeshita is taking on Shingo Takagi. Takagi is still NEVER Openweight Champion, so now it will be Winner Takes All! And then, whoever is dual NEVER Openweight & AEW International Champion takes on Tomohiro Ishii in another Winner Takes All. I suppose it’d be awesome for Takeshita to return from Japan as dual champion, or even for Ishii or Takagi to show up as dual champion and defend both titles on NJPW events, but it just seems like Hobbs could’ve gotten this win to continue things with the Don Callis Family a little longer.
And of course, great stuff in the main event. It started how I figured, i.e. The Death Riders starting a fight with the challengers, them brawling all over, and then things turning into 3v1 on Moxley. At the same time, we of course knew the alliance was not lasting long, but it works that Hangman was the one to turn on the others. Great detail having Christian and Hook present, it was just as I figured last night where Hook was keeping Christian from cashing in. Moxley of course wins because of The Death Riders, but what a great moment with Copeland’s return. Rated FTR VS Death Riders on Fight for the Fallen will be great stuff, and maybe another opportunity for Christian to cash in. I can’t believe I actually want to see Christian cash in just to shake things up…
My Score: 9.4/10
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AEW Coverage
Mitchell’s AEW Rampage Results & Report! (12/27/24)
Rampage in the Hammerstein Ballroom!
For auld lang syne, my dear!
As 2024 comes to a close, AEW Rampage gives us a New Year’s Smash! But will Anthony Bowens cut down The Learning Tree with his powerful scissors?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Chris Jericho w/ “Big Bill” Morrissey VS Anthony Bowens w/ Max Caster; Jericho wins.
- Private Party VS Alec Price & Leo Sparrow; Private Party wins.
- Thunder Rosa VS Leila Grey; Rosa wins.
- Hook VS Nick Wayne w/ The Patriarchy; Hook wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Chris Jericho w/ “Big Bill” Morrissey VS Anthony Bowens w/ Max Caster; wins.
“All hail the King of New York!” At least, that’s what the new introduction for The Learning Tree says. He comes out once again wearing that weird Statue of Liberty headgear, but also holding up a cheap torch of liberty as he walks to the ring, ROH World Championship still around his waist. Will the Nueve get another 1-2-3 in Hammerstein? Or is the Scissor King about to cut Jericho down?
But as always, Platinum Max has a diss track! “I don’t mess with The Learning Tree. Chris Jericho’s so high, guys, I think he’s burning trees. We wreckin’ you guys! Anthony Bowens and the Best Wrestler Alive!” Caster gets up in the camera before he hands the mic over. Bowens tells, “HAMMERSTEEEEIN, BALLROOOOOM~! The Acclaimed have arrived!” No Daddy Ass but The Acclaimed scissor it up! The bell rings and Jericho waves, “Hi, guys~!” The fans boo, but then Bowens throws up the scissors and the fans cheer. Jericho waves, the fans boo. Bowens puts up the scissors, the fans cheer. And then repeat!
Caster applauds while Bowens and Jericho circle. Jericho wants to scissor? Bowens slaps those away to CHOP! And CHOP! CHOP! And then Bowens fires haymakers! Bowens has Jericho in the corner, fires more shots, then DECKS Jericho! The fans rally for Bowens and he storms back up. Bowens CHOPS Jericho, brings him out and knees low. Bowens fires forearms and elbows again and again and again! Bowens then CLUBS Jericho down! Bowens tells Hammerstein that “Everyone! Loves! The-” Caster gets in the shot! Bowens tells Caster to move and gives him a push. Caster shrugs that off to get a reluctant high-five from Bowens.
But Jericho pokes Bowens in the eyes! Bowens goes to a corner, Jericho fires forearms, then he whips corner to corner. Jericho runs up to LARIAT, then he snapmares Bowens down. Jericho soaks up heat acting like it’s cheers, then he brings Bowens up for a BIG back suplex! Cocky cover, ONE! Jericho waves to the fans, then he goes back to Bowens. Jericho CHOPS, CHOPS and CHOPS again! And then CHOPS again! Bowens staggers but Jericho bumps him off buckles. Jericho CHOPS again, whips corner to corner, then runs to BULL- NO, Bowens puts Jericho in the corner! Jericho sputters as he gets out of the ropes.
Bowens CHOPS, Jericho CHOPS, repeat! Jericho whips, Bowens reverses to CHOP, KNEE, and then CHOP on the back! Bowens sits Jericho down for a SHINING WIZARD! Cover, TWO! Bowens gets frustrated but the fans rally behind him. Bowens clinches, knees low, then whips. Jericho grabs ropes to avoid the dropkick! Jericho waves to the fans, then goes to ropes, but Bowens disrupts the Lionsault! DRAPING SIDEWINDER! Cover, TWO! Jericho survives but Bowens stays focused. The fans rally up and Bowens brings Jericho around. But Jericho wrenches out and trips Bowens up! Jericho has the legs!
Jericho turns Bowens over, WALLS OF JERICHO! Bowens endures, even as Jericho sits deep! Bowens powers up as Rampage goes picture in picture.
Bill rallies for Jericho but Bowens keeps fighting. Jericho wants Bowens to quit but Bowens refuses! Caster rallies the fans for Bowens and Bowens crawls, but Bill pulls the rope back!? Jericho then drags Bowens away from the ropes! Bowens still fights, the ref reprimands Bill, and now Bowens turns things over! Bowens throws hands from below! But Jericho pokes him in the eyes again! Jericho turns Bowens back over and sits even deeper on the Walls of Jericho! Bowens endures, Bill and Caster each cheer as hard as they can, and Rampage returns to single picture. Bowens fights, claws, crawls, and Caster pushes ropes closer! ROPEBREAK!
The fans cheer as Jericho lets Bowens go, and Caster coaches Bowens up. Bill claims there was a tap but the ref ignores him. Jericho storms up, and Bowens ROLLING ELBOWS! Jericho wobbles, Bowens runs up, FAMOUSER! Cover, TWO!! Jericho survives and Bowens grows frustrated. Bowens grits his teeth, clutches his back, but Bill grins on Jericho’s behalf. Bowens goes to the corner, climbs up, and fans ironically cheer on Bill. Jericho ROCKS Bowens, then climbs up. Jericho brings Bowens up to CLUB away, but Bowens throws body shots! Bowens DUMPS Jericho to the apron, and then Jericho flops to the floor!
Bowens adjusts his position up top to SUPER CROSSBODY! Down go Jericho & Bill! The fans are fired up and Caster joins in on cheering. Bowens puts Jericho in, goes back to the corner, and he climbs back up! The fans rally, but “Bad Apple” Bryan Keith shows himself! Keith distracts the ref, but Caster hurries in! Caster scoop SLAMS Jericho! Now Keith’s distraction is only helping as Caster opens Jericho up! Bowens says why not. SCISSOR ME TIMBERS! Cover, TWO!! Jericho survives and Bowens is beside himself, but Jericho wouldn’t be champion if he wasn’t this tough. Speaking of, Keith grabs the championship!
Bowens brings Jericho up, but gets a CODE BREAKER for it! Cover, TWO!! Bowens survives and Jericho gets mad at the ref! Keith sneaks around with the belt, and he tells fans to shut up. Jericho aims, runs up on Bowens, but Bowens ducks! Bowens fires off Rock, Paper, Scissors SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO!! Jericho survives again but Bowens barely has the energy to be upset! Now Bill gets on the apron! The ref argues with Bill but Keith has the belt! Caster storms in to stop Keith! They tug-o-war, Bowens shouts to Caster to just stop, but Keith lets go first! The belt SMACKS Bowens in the face!! Caster panics, Keith TACKLES him out of the ring!
The fans boo as everyone is down, but Jericho crawls over! Cover, JERICHO WINS!!
Winner: Chris Jericho, by pinfall
Caster can’t believe how badly he messed up, and now the “King of New York” trumps the Scissor King! Will anyone ever cut down The Learning Tree when his Branches keep getting in the way? Is The Acclaimed going to be on the rocks after this mess?
Private Party walks through their New York.
They help out the homeless man at the subway station by stuffing his cup full o’ fifties, hop on a train headed to Main Street, hang out with their adoring fans and even the media, then arrive at 34th Street in time for the show. How they keep it so clean? Shots, of course. Everyone they meet welcomes them back, and every camera that sees them snags a picture. Brother Zay tells NYC, “Your champs is home.”
Private Party VS Alec Price & Leo Sparrow!
Marq Quen & Isiah Kassidy know Lio Rush & Action Andretti want their “SHOTS! SHOTS! SHOTS!” at these belts, so it’s time to tune up! Will these real New Yorkers show how champions do it in the Big Apple?
The teams sort out and fans chant “Yeeeah~!” for their guys. Zay starts against Price and the two circle. Price kicks low, mocks the “Shots! Shots! Shots!” then ROCKS Zay! Price whips, but Zay flapjack DROPKICKS! Zay kips up, tags Quen, and they get Price up for an atomic drop and ENZIGIRI! Then a CATAPULT for Price into the corner while Zay hits a triangle jump STUNNER on Sparrow! Quen sets up, Zay runs up, PARTY IN MOTION! Zay then puts Price up top before Quen FLIES out onto Sparrow! Zay ROCKS Price, then Quen runs in! Quen goes up for some GIN & JUICE! Cover, Private Party wins!
Winner: Private Party, by pinfall
A tune-up? That was more like a workout for Quen & Zay! The AEW World Tag Team Champions are ready, but wait! Here come Lio & Action! The Bad Child & The Sight to See egg Private Party on with those cocky smiles, so here comes Private Party! The brawl is on at the ramp! Quen has Lio, Action has Zay, and the fans fire up for the scrap! But then here comes the Top Flight OGs! Darius & Dante pick up Lio & Action to RAM them into Quen & Zay! The fans are going wild as we get a three way brawl! Security hurries out here, but stopping six men is easier said than done! Refs rush out here, right as Action CLOBBERS Dante!
The fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT! LET THEM FIGHT!” but Leila Grey is needing to get in the ring for her match! Will Private Party have to double book with Lio, Action and the Martins?
“Powerhouse” Will Hobbs speaks.
“It’s signed, it’s sealed, it’s delivered. At Worlds End, Takeshita VS Powerhouse Hobbs for the AEW International Championship. Y’see, Don, whenever I hear your name, I think about all the times you didn’t call me, you didn’t check me, you didn’t text me, you didn’t send a pitch in, whatever, when I was injured. But you failed, Don, cuz you constantly tried to replace me. You’ve walked the streets of Oakland with me, you’ve been to my neighborhood. I’ve introduced you to people. So what’s gonna happen at Worlds End? I’m gonna take that championship from Takeshita, and I’m gonna bust his head to the white meat.
“But hey, the New Year’s upon us. But for you, Don, Takeshita, the whole Don Callis Family, it is gonna be a Worlds End.” Hobbs gives the thumbs down, will he tear down The Alpha and bring the whole family with him?
Thunder Rosa VS Leila Grey!
The chaos has been cleared from ringside, just in time for La Mera Mera to make her way to the ring. Rosa is getting ready to fight Mariah May in a Tijuana Street Fight, will the Top Flight Attendant simply be an appetizer?
The bell rings and the two shake hands. The fans cheer the show of respect, and the two circle. They tie up, Rosa waistlocks, then she trips Leila to cover, ONE! Rosa waistlocks but Leila fights up. Leila switches but Rosa wrenches out. Rosa headlocks, spins, waistlocks again, but Leila wrenches out to step over and spin Rosa. Leila wrenches, snapmares, and then clamps on a chinlock. Rosa fights up while fans cheer, and Rosa snapmares free. Rosa clamps on a chinlock, then puts Leila in a corner. Rosa CHOPS and the fans cheer. Rosa whips corner to corner but Leila reverses. Rosa goes up and over, then arm-drags Leila around!
Rosa wrenches Leila, snapmares and runs, SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Leila survives that but Rosa brings her right up. Rosa scoops to SLAM, then asks, “One more time?” The fans cheer yes! Rosa scoops but Leila victory rolls! TWO, and Rosa runs up, but Leila ROCKS her first! Leila fires more shots, kicks low, kicks again, then kicks a leg out! Leila runs to SHOTGUN! The fans fire up and Leila storms over to Rosa. Leila stands Rosa up and reels her in, but Rosa fires body shots. Rosa CHOPS, then CHOPS again! Rosa whips, Leila reverses, but Rosa DROPKICKS Leila down! The fans fire up with Rosa as she rises!
Rosa stomps Leila around, brings her up, and Rampage goes picture in picture.
Rosa bumps Leila off buckles, turns her around, and CHOPS her again! Rosa puts Leila on ropes, then puts some stank and even a little Latina Heat on the DOUBLE CHOP! Leila sputters, but Rosa whips her to ropes. Leila reverses, drop toeholds, and she hooks a leg! Rosa endures but then Leila rolls to tie up the legs, INVERTED FIGURE FOUR! But then Rosa fights to turn that over! Now Rosa puts the pressure on, and she pulls hair! The ref reprimands, Rosa lets go of the hair, but Leila rolls and rolls, and they both fall to the floor! Rosa rises first, and she stomps Leila around. Rosa drags Leila up but Leila fires body shots!
Rosa whips Leila hard into steel steps! Rosa storms over, Leila fires more body shots! Leila CLUBS Rosa, SMACKS her off the steel steps, then CHOPS her! Both women go into the ring and Leila goes to a corner while Rampage goes to break.
New Year’s Smash returns and the fans duel as Leila fires forearms on Rosa in the corner. Leila brings Rosa out to snap suplex, then roll through for a GOURD BUSTER! The fans rally up while Rosa sputters. Leila storms back up to drag Rosa up and fireman’s carry. But Rosa fires elbows to get free! Rosa BOOTS Leila, CHOPS her, then UPPERCUTS! And CHOPS! And bumps off buckles! Rosa fires up, runs corner to corner and back again, A-LIST LARIAT! Leila flops down, Rosa SWINGING DROPKICKS! The fans fire up and Rosa has Leila on the ropes. Rosa throws off her elbow pads and the fans fire up!
Rosa runs in to DROPKICK Leila against ropes! Cover, TWO! Leila stays in this but Rosa stays on her. Rosa stands Leila up, underhooks, but Leila fights out to fire a forearm! Rosa fires back, but Leila catches Rosa to a SIDE EFFECT! Cover, TWO! Rosa survives and even roars! The fans rally up and Leila reels Rosa in. Leila underhooks but now Rosa fights the lift! Rosa backdrops free! Leila flounders, Rosa runs up to DOUBLE STOMP her down! Rosa shouts, “You can’t kill me!” COBRA CLUTCH STRETCH!! Leila TAPS, Rosa wins!
Winner: Thunder Rosa, by submission
Message sent to Mariah May, and Rosa says there are two things in life that matter most: respect and family! And Mariah crossed the line on both! Will Rosa make sure to cross out Mariah once and for all? Or will The Woman From Hell win this street fight with glamour?
BREAKING NEWS for Worlds End: Zero Hour!
The action kicks off at 6:30 PM Eastern time, and we have a grudge match from ROH Final Battle! Jeff Jarrett made sure QT Marshall didn’t cheat Jay Lethal, and now he looks to settle up personally! Will The Last Outlaw get one more win in 2024? Or will QT bring the DOOM to Orlando? Then, as Toni Storm continues her… “debut” in AEW, she takes on Leila Grey 1v1! Will it be Toni Time one more time? And in a massive 8 Man Tag, Top Flight teams with The Outrunners to take on Lio Rush, Action Andretti, Brian Cage & Lance Archer! Will Truth Magnum & Turbo Floyd help Dante & Darius hit top speed? Or will The Murder Machines help The Bad Child & Sight to See make sure #EverybodyDies?
Hook VS Nick Wayne w/ The Patriarchy!
This battle of second generation stars is all stemming from Christian Cage’s cowardly attack on Taz, and then escalated when The Patriarchy tried to convince Hook he was better off with him. The Cold-Hearted Handsome Devil may have his arm in a cast, but will The Patriarchy’s Prodigy need much more than that? Or will Wayne’s World #SendHook home without anything to show for it?
Christian says hello to commentary and is of course asked his plans for Worlds End given his Casino Royale contract allows him to cash in anywhere and anytime. Christian of course refuses to comment. In the ring, Hook is nonchalant as ever, so Nick runs up to attack from behind! The bell rings and Nick fires off on Hook in the corner! The fans boo but Nick soaks it up. Nick says he’s just that smart. But no he ain’t since he turned his back on Hook! Hook storms up and then TOSSES Nick to a corner! Hook fires off on Nick with body shots and a CHOP! But then he throws a left out of instinct and feels the pain!
Nick BOOTS Hook down, then shakes off the damage. Nick storms up, but Hook clinches! EXPLODER! The fans fire up while Nick writhes, and Hook gets the fans fired up more. But Nick BOOTS Hook again! Nick hurries to snap suplex! Nick soaks up heat from Hammerstein while Mother Shayna says, “He’s perfect! Perfect!” Nick stands Hook up, snapmares him, then drops a leg fast! Cover, TWO! The fans boo Nick but Nick just smirks. Nick talks smack on the fans, but then Hook DUMPS Nick out! Nick smacks off the apron as he goes! Hook then hurries out after Nick, SMACKS him off the apron, then whips him!
Nick reverses and Hook hits steel steps hard! Hook writhes, Nick goes into the ring to go after a buckle pad, and the ref hurries to stop him. But this is all so Kip can put Hook’s cast hand on the steps, and Christian uses the contract’s binder to SMASH it! The fans boo while The Patriarchy acts innocent. The ref can tell something went on, though, so he decides to EJECT The Patriarchy! The fans cheer and Christian is furious, but the ref says don’t even try it! Nick is beside himself but now it’s finally a fair fight! The fans cheer “Hey Hey Hey, Goodbye~!” while Rampage goes picture in picture.
Hook checks his bad hand, and it’s still working. But then Nick storms out, grabs that hand, and SLAMS it off the steps! Hook writhes all over again while Nick looms over him. Nick drags Hook up to whip him hard into railing! Nick soaks up the heat while he flexes, then goes back for Hook. Nick throws Hook into the ring, goes to a corner, and he swaggers over. Nick eggs Hook on, drags him up by the bad hand, then snapmares so he can isolate that arm! Nick soaks up the heat and STOMPS the arm! Hook writhes, Nick pushes him to a cover, TWO! Nick mockingly applauds Hook’s toughness, then grabs the bad hand.
Nick turns Hook over, pulls on the bad arm, and bends the fingers! Hook endures, but Nick BITES a finger! The ref reprimands, Nick lets off, and says that was finger licking good. Nick soaks up more heat, then stands Hook up to SMACK the bad hand off buckles! Hook sits down in the corner, but Nick drags him back up. Nick SMACKS the hand off buckles again! Then Nick snapmares Hook so he can STOMP the hand! Cover, TWO! Nick is annoyed but he cools off. Nick stands Hook up but Hook fires body shots! Hook runs, but Nick ELBOWS him down! Nick pulls on the bad hand as New Year’s Smash returns to single picture.
Wait, Nick doesn’t just pull at the hand! He RIPS the cast open! Nick TOSSES it to the crowd, free souvenir! Nick drags Hook around by the bad hand, then stands on it! Nick STOMPS the hand again! And then again! And then he fakes the stomp, to scuff Hook! The fans boo but Nick stands Hook up. Hook hits another EXPLODER! The fans fire up as Hook can still use the good arm for that! Nick rises up, Hook runs in and he KNEES low! Hook then hooks Nick for the IPPON! Then a LARIAT int he corner! NORTHERN LIGHTS! Nick writhes and flounders away, but Hook runs up! Hook stops the boot, and reels Nick in for a FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!
The bad hand kept that from being perfect, but Hook stays focused. Hook storms up on Nick, waistlocks, and the fans rally up. Nick fights with elbows! Nick is free, but then swings into the waistlock! Nick CLUBS the bad hand! Nick baits Hook into a corner and sends him into buckles! Nick storms back up, and he drags Hook by the bad arm. Nick puts Hook’s arm against the second rope’s crossbar, and then stands on it! The fans boo but Nick soaks up all the heat! The ref reprimands and counts, but Hook YANKS Nick down! Nick hits off the top rope before going to the apron! Nick crawls along the apron, but Hook hurries out after him!
Hook waistlocks while the fans rally up, but Nick grabs the ropes! Nick pries the hold open, then has Hook’s hand to bend those fingers back! ELBOW BREAKER, and then Nick goes up! WAYNE’S- NO! Hook catches Nick for an APRON GERMAN!! Nick flops to the floor and the fans fire up! Hook also flops down and the ref starts a ring count. The fans rally as Hook rises, and Hook drags Nick up to put in at 3 of 10. Hook hurries to cover, TWO! Nick stays in this but Hook snarls. Nick goes back to the apron but Hook grabs him. Nick BITES the bad hand! The ref reprimands, Nick stops at 4 to HOTSHOT Hook!
Nick hurries up top while Hook is down! Nick mocks RVD, then aims to FIVE STAR FROG SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Hook survives, Nick is not one of a kind after all! Nick seethes and he scuffs Hook. Nick stomps Hook, kicks him, then stands over him with arms crossed, a pose done by Hook’s other mentor, Katsuyori Shibata. Nick drags Hook up, then lifts him, for an EXPLODER! But Hook’s right up! Hook LARIATS Nick inside out! The fans fire up and Hook slowly rises. Wait, Christian & Kip return? This isn’t allowed! Well wait, speaking of Shibata, here he comes! And he’s armed with a 2-by-4! Hacksaw would be proud!
Shibata chases Christian & Kip all around the ringside area, then back up the ramp! The fans cheer “HOOOOO~!” and Hook has Nick! RED- ELBOW BREAKER! Nick aims for a corner, but Hook grabs him again! Nick slips free to get around and roll up, with tights! TWO!! ROUNDHOUSE!! Nick goes up, up, and WAYNE’S- REDRUM!!!! Nick sputters, flails, but fades! Nick is OUT!! Hook wins!!
Winner: Hook, by submission
The Patriarchy tried every trick in the book, but they could not break Hook! But will Hook make sure to break Christian Cage for what he did to Taz?
Marina Shafir has commandeered a camera!
The Problem makes sure we all see that The Death Riders have just mugged Darby Allin backstage! The Maniac has Wheeler Yuta & Pac stand Darby up, then tells him, “You left me no choice. No choice.” Moxley looks to Claudio and tells him to do it. Moxley then hits Darby with a BODY BLOW, and Claudio has a chair! Claudio puts the chair around Darby’s neck, just as he did to Bryan Danielson and to Chuck Taylor! Darby is pushed down onto the floor, and Claudio hops up onto a road case! Claudio jumps down to STOMP the chair!! Moxley then kicks Darby down stairs!! Darby tumbles all the way down to the bottom!
The fans boo this literal crime caught on tape, but The Death Riders leave Darby behind. Darby is down in the basement, will he ever rise back up?
Rampage returns and…
Moxley and Marina are in the ring, and Moxley has a mic to say, “If you’re showering me with hate right now, I forgive you. And I would ask you to look inward. Maybe this isn’t about me, this is about you. I’ve had to make some tough decisions, I’ve had to make some difficult choices. I’ve made some unpopular decisions. There are a lot of people in AEW who don’t like me, who have a problem with me, who have a problem with the things that I do, the things that I say, the things that we do. We do things that need to get done, and there’s a lot of people who have a problem with that.
“I think right now is a good time, here at the end of the year, to say that if anybody, anybody back there, if there is anybody in this buliding that has a problem with me or my people, or what we do, then you come out here right now and you tell me all about your problem. You tell me all about the problems you ahve with what you think we’re trying to accomplish. You come out here, tell me exactly what your problem is.” Moxley drops the mic and waits in his chair. And first out is KOMANDER! He definitely has a problem, he was one of the first to get hit by the Death Riders! Well, now he gets CLOBBERED by Claudio!
The Swiss Superman sprang outta nowhere, and he owes Komander for the Continental Classic on Christmas! The Death Riders put Komander in the ring and stomp away, but here comes Top Flight, another of the Death Riders’ victims! That’s still not enough, they get mugged 4v2! The fans rally for “A E DUB!” in hopes more heroes will appear. ORANGE CASSIDY IS HERE! Freshly Squeezed saunters out here, and Marina stands in his way. Well, turns out he’s not alone, because here comes Willow Nightingale! And the Babe with the Power runs up, dodges Marina, then fires off on her! Cassidy walks to the ring while the ladies handle things.
Wait, Hangman Page sneaks in from the crowd! And Jay White, too! The challengers to Moxley’s AEW World Championship are united against their common enemies and the tides have turned! Moxley stays back while his Death Riders fight the challengers, but then that leaves him open to Komander! The fans fire up as now Top Flight is back up, this is 7v4 in favor of Team AEW! And now let’s add Lio, Action, and even Konosuke Takeshita and Lance Archer! They may not get along with each other, but they all hate the Death Riders! Now Beast Mortos and The Butcher are here! And wait, Deonna Purrazzo and Harley Cameron are here!
Toni Storm and Thunder Rosa head out here, to go after Deonna and Harley as they’re trying to help Marina! Security hurries out here, but now we add Private Party and Daniel Garcia! They definitely hate The Death Riders! Rocky Romero is here to represent Conglomeration! Shibata joins in! Wait, wait, the spotlight finds Christian Cage watching from the upper deck! And he smiles, because all this chaos simply benefits him and his Casino Royale contract. MORE security and now Christopher Daniels head out here, the Fallen Angel wants to restore order! The Death Riders find an opening to slip away, and they grab a pipe!?
Pac uses that pipe to SMASH at the control board at ringside! They’re trying to end the show by any means necessary!! Pac BREAKS the board, and 75% of the lights go out! The brawling continues in the darkness, but it is clear the Death Riders are in retreat! Marina makes sure a cameraman follows them, too. They head right for the exit, Moxley says he’s done with this s*it. Things slowly calm down in the ring, and we stick with the Death Riders… as they get into the production truck?! Moxley shoves the head producer and mockingly asks how anyone’s supposed to do their jobs with all this chaos going on!
Moxley says, “They’re all fighting for scraps! But I will put an end to the chaos on December 28th, and I will clear the playing field, and I will bring peace to my people! And right now, what I’m gonna do is I’m gonna put an end to Rampage. CUT IT! CUT IT RIGHT NOW!” The team does as told, and we’re off the air. If this is how Moxley plans on running things, is AEW only going to fall apart under his rule? Or can Cassidy, White and Hangman free AEW from his reign of terror?
My Thoughts:
An awesome Rampage here, especially when this is to be the last Rampage for the foreseeable future. I do like how they kayfabe’d it to be Moxley cancelling the show, not a corporate decision to focus more on Dynamite, Collision, and even ROH. It parallels how Jericho was the kayfabe reason for Collision being made, not the combination of Warner Brothers Discovery giving AEW more and CM Punk needing a place to go that was separate from The Elite.
They did a great job with how they “shut down” Rampage, though. Well, first they give us another kayfabe attempt at murder, and this is actually the second time Darby Allin has been kicked down stairs in AEW. The Men of the Year, Scorpio Sky & Ethan Page, did that to him in 2020, and now The Death Riders have done it here. Obviously this is to make it seem like Darby Allin won’t be around for Worlds End, but I bet he does show up in an attempt to keep Claudio, Yuta & Pac from screwing over Cassidy, White & Hangman. I could just feel Moxley’s promo leading to a huge brawl, and it was a really fun one because we also got women involved going after Marina and each other.
Fun fact: Christian Cage opened the first episode, and he helped close the last episode. Speaking of Christian, and therefore The Patriarchy, very good match from Hook VS Nick Wayne, great bit of overbooking, including Shibata bringing out the Hacksaw Jim Duggan wood. Great win for Hook, and I’m pretty sure the story continues so that Hook stops Christian from his cash-in at Worlds End, setting up their own 1v1 match. Private Party’s match was so quick, but then it worked out that we got brawling from them with Lio & Action, and even with Darius & Dante. The tag champs are oddly taking Worlds End off, but we are seeing Top Flight and Lio & Action in the Zero Hour, so maybe the tag title match is going to be on Fight for the Fallen or even “Maximum Carnage” near the end of January.
Good segue from Private Party’s stuff with Top Flight to give us Leila VS Rosa, and that was really good match. Rosa of course won, but I’m still not confident in her chances of beating Mariah May. At best, it is 50-50 because the Tijuana Street Fight will allow them both to go wild, but with Toni Storm’s story going on, it’d be natural if they wanted Rockstar Toni to become a contender. Then we would see if Toni Time really did reset or if it’s all an act. And while Mercedes Mone has a busy next couple of weeks with Kris Statlander and their TBS Championship rematch, then WrestleKingdom/WrestleDynasty next week, I could see Rosa shift gears and finally get that TBS Championship should Mone retain through Worlds End.
Another interesting fact is that Jericho was on the first Rampage as “Le Champion” commentator Jericho, and he opens this last Rampage with a full-on “King of New York” gimmick, even though AEW is gonna leave New York. We still got great stuff out of The Acclaimed and their dysfunction. Caster was both helping and not helping Bowens, and so naturally Bowens loses. Jericho moves on, waiting for Bandido to be okay from that concussion he suffered at Final Battle (landing out of a springboard missile dropkick), and maybe biding his time with some other good midcard Faces at the same time. As for Acclaimed, Caster could try and apologize, or maybe he tries and brushes this off. Either way, Bowens gets mad at Caster, and the team is right on the edge of breaking up.
RIP Rampage, you served us well for the 177 or so episodes you had.
My Score: 8.9/10
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