Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (8/31/21)
It’s a very packed NXT!
NXT Champion, Samoa Joe, awaits for someone to rise up from among the masses!
Gargano VS Knight, Ciampa VS Holland, O’Reilly VS Hudson and more, all on an action packed NXT! Will someone prove themselves worthy of a title match?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Mandy Rose w/ Gigi Dolin & Jacy Jayne VS Sarray; Sarray wins.
- Kyle O’Reilly VS Duke Hudson; O’Reilly wins.
- Imperium VS Drake Maverick & Grayson Waller; Imperium wins.
- Johnny Gargano w/ #InDex VS LA Knight; Knight wins.
- Jessi Kamea w/ Franky Monet & Robert Stone VS Raquel Gonzalez; Gonzalez wins.
- Roderick Strong w/ The Diamond Mine VS Ikemen Jiro; Strong wins.
- Tommaso Ciampa VS Ridge Holland; Ciampa wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Mandy Rose w/ Gigi Dolin & Jacy Jayne VS Sarray!
The Golden Goddess is back again, and her proteges are right behind her! But more than that, Mandy’s back in the ring, ready to show how much she has grown. But will she be burned by the Warrior of the Sun?
The bell rings, Mandy dismisses Sarray’s handshake immediately, and fans duel already. The two circle, Mandy wants fans to only cheer her own but that’s not happening. Mandy and Sarray tie up, go around, and Mandy puts Sarray in a corner. The ref counts, Mandy messes with Sarray’s hair then lets off. Sarray chases after and Mandy uses a corner for defense! Can’t take what she dishes out, perhaps? Mandy takes her time returning, circles with Sarray, and they tie up. Sarray waistlocks, Mandy elbows free to then switch, and she slams Sarray to the mat. Mandy gloats, fans boo, but Mandy grinds Sarray’s face into the mat! And she even does push-ups to show off!
Mandy lets off, Sarray sits up and Mandy pie faces her. Sarray comes back with a forearm! Sarray runs, Gigi and Jacy do a bad job trying to swipe at her, and Sarray wheelbarrows Mandy for a victory roll to basement dropkick! Fans fire up with Sarray, she reels Mandy in for a fisherman, but Mandy fights free of the suplex. Sarray kicks, wrenches, tries again, but Mandy tries body scissors to block. Sarray powers through for the PERFECT PLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Sarray goes after Mandy with a whip but Mandy reverses. Sarray ducks under the clothesline to come back with a heel kick! Cover, TWO! Sarray keeps her focus and the fans fire up again.
Sarray climbs as Mandy flounders. Sarray leaps but Mandy dodges the missile dropkick! Mandy hurries to rain down rights on Sarray then lets off to soak up the heat. Mandy drags Sarray up and talks some trash before she bumps Sarray off buckles. Mandy bumps Sarray off more buckles as the ref reprimands, and then Mandy stomps a mudhole into Sarray. The ref counts, Mandy lets off but then gets Sarray on the ropes. Mandy pulls hair and pushes Sarray’s face into ropes, but the ref counts so Mandy lets off. Mandy drags Sarray up, reels her in and snap suplexes! Cover, TWO! Mandy is annoyed but she drags Sarray around by her hair. Mandy sits Sarray up for a neck wrench!
Fans rally as Sarray endures the twist in her neck, the knee in her back, and Mandy messing her hair up more. Sarray fights to her feet, throws body shots and forearms, but Mandy shoves. Mandy scoops Sarray on the rebound for a FALL AWAY SLAM! And a kip up just because! Mandy looms over Sarray, taunts her, then drags her back up. Mandy hooks Sarray up for a modified cobra twist neck wrench. Fans still duel and Sarray still endures, and the ref reprimands Mandy for more hair pulling. Sarray fights, rolls Mandy and gets a leg! Mandy flails but Sarray still gets the deathlock! MUTA LOCK! Gigi and Jacy coach Mandy but the ref has them stay back.
Mandy endures, reaches around, and manages to thumb Sarray in the face! Sarray falls over and lets the hold go, then scrambles over to ropes. Mandy staggers over, gets Sarray up but Sarray blocks haymakers to give forearms! Mandy throws hands but Sarray ROCKS her! Sarray keeps on Mandy with those forearms, Mandy tries to cover up but Sarray just powers through! Mandy gets mad, Sarray eggs her on, and Mandy SLAPS Sarray! Sarray seethes and Mandy runs, Sarray dropkicks Mandy down! Mandy ends up on ropes and Sarray runs in, SUNRAY DROPKICK! Mandy falls out, Gigi and Jacy are their for her, and then they panic! Jacy demands a towel!
A towel is given, Jacy gets back to Mandy and uses the towel to cover Mandy up. Is Mandy bleeding or just bruised? Sarray demands Mandy get back and the ref’s ring count is 5 of 10! But Team Mandy is fleeing?! Mandy gets counted out, Sarray wins!
Winner: Sarray, by count-out
Well, the main thing is, Sarray’s getting back on track with a win! She was already burning up the Rose as it was, will Mandy and friends come back with thorns?
Tommaso Ciampa speaks.
“Ridge Holland did exactly what he said he was going to do.” Ciampa won’t “cry over spilt milk,” he and Timothy Thatcher have known that you can’t win them all. But what happened after the match, that Ciampa has a problem with. “Ridge, Pete and the boys taking out” Ciampa and Thatcher, and then using that billy club to put Thatcher out indefinitely! “That don’t sit well with me.” Ciampa sees that these boys want to run roughshod over NXT, but Ciampa IS NXT! Tonight, Ciampa fights for his home, his family, and even dedicates tonight’s “ass whooping” to Toothless Timmy himself.
If the boys want to be the baddest men in NXT, they need to see they picked a fight with the most DANGEROUS man on the planet! If they don’t know already, “a motivated Ciampa is a scary Ciampa!” Is the Psycho Killer going to put some fear in the heart of Northern Grit?
Kyle O’Reilly VS Duke Hudson!
Whether he’s #CoolKyle or Killer Kyle, O’Reilly is ready to fight and hook anyone with that submission game. However, The Smug Breakout Tournament entry sees his chance to change the dynamic of the NXT power rankings right here and now! Will Hudson put up his dukes and put a dent in Kyle’s newest NXT Championship hopes?
The bell rings and Duke already sees the rib tape. Kyle keeps Duke at bay with kicks but Duke shoves him to ropes. Kyle gets to a corner, jukes Duke then hits him with haymakers! Kyle turns things around and fires off on Duke in the corner, but lets off as the ref counts. Duke JABS Kyle and knocks him right down! Kyle sits up and has his leg guard as Duke follows him around the ring. Kyle avoids a stomp, gets a leg but Duke is too tall to just topple over. Duke smashes his knee into Kyle’s chin, then scoops him, only for Kyle to make that a SLEEPER! Kyle is a backpack with the body scissors, but Duke THROWS Kyle right off!
Duke composes himself, storms over but into a leg lock! Kyle wants that heel but Duke clubs Kyle’s thigh. Duke stays standing and powers free, then gets Kyle with both hands! Duke TOSSES Kyle to a corner, then ROCKS him with a body shot! Kyle falls over and grits his teeth but Duke gets him up for a big knee into the gut! Then another! Then a shove for another knee! Duke whips Kyle for a kitchen sink knee! Cover, TWO! Kyle shows his grit but Duke wraps on a rear bearhug! Kyle endures the squeeze and fights to his feet. Kyle pries the waistlock, wrenches the arm, but Duke whips him away. Duke hooks Kyle up but Kyle sees what Duke is after, we have dueling cobra twists!
Kyle gets Duke’s arm and has him in the abdominal stretch! But Duke powers out with a hip toss! Duke whips Kyle hard into a corner and Kyle bounces off buckles! Kyle falls over, Duke mocks Kyle’s air guitar skills, then he has Kyle’s legs. Duke stomps Kyle down the middle in the bad ribs! And then again! And a third time just for good measure. Duke taunts Kyle, scuffs him with his boot, but Kyle comes back with forearms and kicks! Kyle whips but his ribs limit him! Duke whips, kitchen sink turns into school boy, TWO! Kyle knees Duke in the ribs! AX but no Smash as Duke fireman’s carries, for a BIG GUTBUSTER! Kyle writhes as NXT goes picture in picture.
Duke watches Kyle while pacing. Duke drags Kyle up to wrench, KICK in the ribs, then waistlock to a body scissors! Kyle endures a new squeeze on the ribs but shakes his head. Kyle hooks Duke’s feet to make it a modified toehold! But Duke fish hooks Kyle’s nose! The ref counts, Duke lets off the fish hook and the body scissors, and then drags Kyle up. Duke whips, catches Kyle and puts Kyle in the cobra twist now! Kyle endures all over again as Duke thrashes him in the stretch. Kyle shakes his head, grits his teeth, and fans fire up as he fights free! Kyle throws muay thai knees, runs, but into a BIG back elbow! Duke seethes now as he paces around.
Duke sits Kyle up, clamps onto the arms and digs in a knee as he has a grounded motorcycle stretch. Kyle fights up so Duke shoves him away, then Duke rushes in with big body shots and knees in the corner! Kyle falls again, Duke rips away the rib tape! Duke CLUBS Kyle down, drops a big elbow, then covers, TWO! Duke keeps Kyle down with a rain of rights into the ribs! Duke paces, talks trash to Kyle, then sits him up to get the arms again. Duke has the motorcycle stretch again, but Kyle refuses to give up. Kyle fights against Duke’s stretch, gets to his feet again, but Duke wrangles him back down. NXT returns to single picture as Duke now has his boot on Kyle’s back.
Fans rally for Kyle, and they taunt Duke, “You Still Suck!” Kyle fights up again, Duke wrangles him but Kyle fights right back up. Kyle turns the hold around onto Duke! Duke turns it right around on Kyle, but Kyle flips, handsprings, but Duke blocks the back suplex! Duke CLUBS Kyle again, stalks up behind him, and back suplexes, only for Kyle to land on his feet! Kyle bobs ‘n’ weaves but with KICKS! Then a strike fest and leg sweep! Duke flounders to ropes, Kyle fires himself up and fans join in. Kyle runs in at the corner to forearm smash! Kyle wrenches an arm, ELBOW BREAKER! Leg pick for a DRAGON SCREW! Now Duke is the one writhing!
Kyle runs in to KICK the bad leg! And runs again, but into a DOUBLE AX HANDLE from Duke! Duke gets his bad leg moving, Kyle gets to a corner, and Duke runs in. Kyle BOOTS Duke first, then runs in, tilt-o-whirl to a GUILLOTINE! Kyle has the body scissors and he drags Duke down to the mat! Duke endures, reaches out, pries at the hold but he powers up instead. Duke runs and RAMS Kyle into a corner! Fans boo, Duke scoops Kyle, and throws a KNEE! Duke then runs in to clothesline Kyle at the corner! OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! Cover, TWO!! Kyle survives and Duke is shocked! Duke gets to his feet while Kyle goes to the apron.
Duke goes after Kyle and CLUBS him with big forearms. The ref reprimands because of the ropebreak, so Duke BOOTS! Kyle dodges and has the leg, for a DRAGON SCREW HOTSHOT! And then another DRAGON SCREW! Kyle fires up, climbs, KING KONG KNEE DROPÂ to the leg! HEEL HOOK!! Duke endures, but he taps! Kyle wins!
Winner: Kyle O’Reilly, by submission
Duke was big and Duke was tough, but Kyle is savage with his submissions! Will Kyle get yet another chance at the NXT Championship?
Ilja Dragunov is here!
The NEW NXT UK Champion, the CZAR OF UNBESIEGBAR, is back after that truly brutal rematch with Walter! It is a new era for all of NXT, and as battered as he still feels, Dragunov still wants to speak to the fans. Fans tell him, “You Deserve It!” and he can’t help but smile. “Before I go back home, I wanted you all to see that I am still alive.” Fans don’t want Dragunov to leave so soon, but Dragunov says he feels even more alive than he’s ever felt before! He feels like “a man that has survived the biggest and most intense battle of his life!” Fans still chant and Dragunov admits, he likes it here. We will see him again soon, he promises.
But now, he takes pride in showing the world what it takes to be THE NXT UK Champion! “The will. The passion. The soul! The struggle. Who is willing to go through all of that to take this away from me?!” As we all saw, the Ring General has fallen! “Long live the CZAR!” The Moscow Madman has boldly called out both the NXT and NXT UK rosters, will there be anyone bold enough to accept his challenge?
Arash Markazi interviews Kay Lee Ray.
Arash notes that the Scary Queen of Scots picked perhaps “the most shocking time” during the “most impactful show” to make her NXT prime debut. What gives her that right to do that? KLR says she makes an impact wherever she goes. She thrives on the biggest moments. So of course she chose the biggest moment possible to let us all know she is here. So then, she’s going to be in NXT prime full time? “This division needs a boost. It needs a new top player. Someone to inject a bit of life into it, and that is exactly why Mr. Regal phoned me-”
Arash interrupts there to ask about Raquel Gonzalez and Dakota Kai, as well as Io Shirai and Ember Moon, and Zoey Stark- KLR stops Arash there to say she does NOT care about any of those names. Who even is Stark? Stark is lucky she has Io Shirai to hide behind right now. And speaking of Shirai, she must’ve foreseen KLR showing up, because now she’s buddied-up in the tag division. As for Kai, she couldn’t get the job done, and Ember Moon is just one Gory Bomb away from a broken head. Those are all yesterday’s news. KLR is here because Regal knows what she’s capable of.
And what is it she’s capable of? “Anything I want.” KLR dominated NXT UK, the longest reign of several decades. Now, she’ll do the same in the USA. Arash leaves it at that, but will KLR make sure there’s much more to talk about now that she’s here in NXT?
Backstage interview with Carmelo Hayes.
He’s the 2021 Breakout Tournament winner, but has it totally set in yet? Yes, it has. He feels like a champion already, but he has his golden ticket. He can choose any champion he wants. People are already thinking he’ll run it back with Kushida for the NXT Cruiserweight Championship, and he might. But there’s the North American Champion who just took a loss, so maybe Hayes swerves everyone by choosing that title. Or maybe still, Hayes goes right to the top with Samoa Joe. But Elektra Lopez walks in with sarcastic applause. Good for Hayes, having these options. But let’s set things straight: the NXT NAC is already Santos’ to win, not Melo’s.
Well Hayes won the title contract, he can do what he wants. But then the rest of Legado del Fantasma walks in. Escobar has Wilde and Mendoza calm down, and sarcastically says, “Don’t you know who this is? This is the Breakout Star of the Year.” Escobar congratulates Hayes on that, but also brings up how Hayes mentioned the North American title. That’s for him, not Hayes. But Hayes is new so he gets a pass. Mostly because Escobar is nice enough to let Hayes walk towards his title opportunity. Escobar does give Hayes one bit of advice, though. “Stay out of my business.” Hayes asks if that’s a threat, but also thinks of it as a challenge. Is Hayes jumping into the middle of the war between Legado and Hit Row?
Imperium VS Drake Maverick & Grayson Waller!
Fabian Aichner & Marcel Barthel not only kicked Alexander Wolfe out of the faction, but made sure Wolfe and Killian Dain were no longer viable in NXT! But Rockstar Spud holds a grudge, and it seems he’s gotten the 21st Century Success Story to be his partner. Will this newest odd couple be just as baller as Drake & Damo were? Or will Waller & Maverick get dunked on instead?
The teams sort out and Waller insists he start, since this is his NXT debut. Aichner starts for Imperium and circles with Waller. The two tie up, Aichner powers Waller to ropes but lets off as the ref counts. Aichner hits low, ROCKS Waller, then kicks him and bumps him off buckles. Aichner CHOPS Waller, but Aichner is busy arguing with the ref so Waller gets an arm and wrenches it. Aichner pulls hair, whips Waller to ropes, but Waller kicks back! Waller kicks again but Aichner blocks and reels him in for a LARIAT! Aichner drags Waller up, bumps him off buckles, then tags in Barthel. Imperium mugs Waller, Barthel clinches but Waller JABS and forearms!
Barthel chokes Waller, puts him in a corner, then CHOPS him before the BUTTERFLY SUPLEX! Waller writhes, flounders and gets to ropes while Barthel paces. Barthel whips, Waller reverses and leap frogs to then duck, only for Barthel to BOOT him down. Barthel PENALTY KICKS, CLUBS and PENALTY KICKS again! In other words, “NEIN!” Barthel clamps on a chinlock and thrashes Waller about but Waller jawbreakers free! Waller dodges Barthel, hot tags to Maverick and Aichner! Maverick rallies on Imperium, firing off kicks on Aichner! Aichner shoves, Maverick dropkicks his leg out, then runs and redirects for another basement dropkick!
Barthel gets in, Maverick dropkicks him then baits him to ropes. Maverick dumps Barthel out, but Aichner waistlocks. Maverick holds off the suplex, elbows free but Aichner reels him back in. Back suplex but Maverick lands on his feet! And Waller tags himself in!? Waller and Maverick argue since that wasn’t planned, and Aichner runs in to BOOT Waller down! Barthel drags Maverick out and THROWS him into steel girder! Aichner sets Waller up, Barthel tags in and then climbs up. EMPERIAL BOMB!! Cover, Imperium wins!
Winners: Imperium, by pinfall
Waller bit off more than he could chew, and he basically choked in his NXT debut. Is the duo of Waller & Maverick over already? Will Imperium fight their way back towards the NXT Tag Team Championships?
Indi Hartwell talks with Johnny Gargano backstage.
Indi just wants Johnny to “give him a chance.” Gargano will think about it. But Dexter Lumis is already there. Gargano tells him to stop doing that. Just be normal, Dex! Indi still holds out hope The Way will find a way to accept her Dex, will being in Johnny’s corner go a long way in helping that?
NXT hears from Pete Dunne and the boys.
Danny Burch says, “When you’ve been on the shelf for five months, one week is a really long time to have to wait. Isn’t that right, Oney?” Oney Lorcan says yes, and reminds MSK that the One Two called them out a week ago, so they want an answer. Dunne says, “Y’know who can’t seem to shut his mouth? Tommaso Ciampa. The most dangerous man on the planet? Are you mad?” Tonight, they’ll prove it. Ciampa’s facing a real bad man in Ridge Holland.
And Holland says for himself, if Ciampa wants to dedicate this to his mate, Thatcher, “that’s nice.” But maybe they can share how motivated each of them is, when they’re next to each other in the hospital. Is Holland going to break Ciampa’s Blackheart along with his body?
Team Mandy gets revenge on Sarray!
The thorns come out after all! Gigi and Jacy jump Sarray and deal some damage! Will Sarray get reinforcements to help her prune back these weeds?
Johnny Gargano w/ #InDex VS LA Knight!
As if #PapaJohn didn’t approve of this relationship already, he can’t even get a proper no-look high-five! Indi and Dexter aside, can Gargano focus on shutting up the big mouthed Million Dollar Megastar? Or will tonight be L A Knight’s night, yeah, dummy?
The bell rings, fans chant “LA Sucks!” as he ties up with Gargano. Knight scoops and SLAMS Gargano, but Gargano gets to a corner. Knight talks some trash on Gargano and Dexter, perhaps trying to convince Indi she’s engaged to the wrong man. But fans chant “INDEX! INDEX!” in support as Gargano comes back to tie up with Knight. Knight gets an arm, wrenches it to a wristlock, but Gargano rolls and wrenches back to a drop toehold. Gargano has a facelock, Knight fights and moves around but Gargano gator rolls with him. Knight fights up and powers out with a toss! Knight checks his face, then clamps on a headlock. Fans boo Knight as he grinds Gargano down.
Gargano fights up, powers out but Knight runs him over with a shoulder. Fans boo again but Knight grins and runs. Gargano dodges, hurdles, comes back and drops down onto Knight’s drop down! Knight scrambles to get the ropebreak, thwarting Gargano’s crossface. Gargano has Knight in a corner but Knight JABS him! Knight throws more hands, kicks and still more hands, before he whips Gargano to ropes. Gargano ducks, dodges and RANAS Knight! Then atomic drops to an arm WRINGER! La Magistrol, TWO! Knight gets up but into Gargano’s dropkick! Fans fire up for “JOHNNY WRESTLING!” as Gargano stalks Knight.
Gargano gets Knight up, has him in a corner and CHOPS him! Knight kicks back, Gargano CHOPS him again, then throws forearms and more CHOPS! Gargano fires off on Knight, lets off as the ref counts, and then wrenches for an ELBOW BREAKER! That Million Dollar Arm gets another ELBOW BREAKER, but then Knight pulls hair! Knight whips and CLOBBERS Gargano, then smirks as he sees Gargano at the ropes. Knight runs in but Gargano sends him out! And then DIVES! Direct hit and Gargano soaks up the cheers from the fans. Knight sits up at the ramp, Gargano goes after him again with a CHOP against the boards. Dexter is watching closely while Indi is just watching Dexter.
Gargano puts Knight in the ring, fakes out his elbow drop, and then gets in to wrench the arm again. Knight ROCKS Gargano with a haymaker first, then gets Gargano up for a FLAPJACK HOTSHOT! Indi grows worried for Gargano as Knight gets Gargano up. Snap suplex, and then Knight gloats. Gargano gets to ropes again but Knight goes to the apron. Knight KNEES Gargano back into the ring, then slingshots for the SHOULDER TACKLE! Knight soaks up the heat as NXT goes to break.
NXT returns and Knight CLUBS Gargano down. Knight chokes Gargano on the ropes! The ref reprimands, Knight lets off and brings Gargano around for a scoop. Gargano slips out, waistlocks but Knight bucks that off. Knight wants a neckbreaker but Gargano makes it a backslide! TWO, Gargano runs in but Knight dodges to kick him in the back! NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Knight is annoyed but this is Johnny Triple Crown he’s facing. Knight RAMS Gargano in a corner, then throws his shoulder in more. The ref counts, Knight lets off and paces. Fans taunt Knight as he runs in, and Gargano dodges! Knight hits buckles, Gargano CHOPS and forearms!
Gargano whips, Knight sees the back drop and throws Gargano down by his head! Knight goes to a corner to catch his breath, and then runs out, only to miss the knee drop! Gargano gets up, ducks a clothesline for the schoolboy kick! Knight staggers, Gargano runs in to forearm smash! Gargano goes up, leaps and TORNADO COMPLETE SHOTS! Knight bails out but Gargano builds speed to DIVEÂ into a forearm! Knight gets up and slingshots, but Gargano slides under! Knight belly flops, Gargano aims now, slingshot SPEAR! Direct hit and a jackknife cover, TWO! Gargano is growing annoyed now but he drags Knight back up.
Gargano bumps Knight off buckles, climbs up the corner and rains down punches! Fans count it out and Gargano gets 5 before Knight carries Gargano. Gargano sunset flips it, TWO! BUZZSAW! Gargano runs but into a pop-up! Knight catches Gargano on his shoulder, then tosses him backward for an inverted powerslam! Cover, TWO! Knight is growing frustrated but he paces about. Fans rally behind Gargano, and Indi tries to get Dexter to join in. Knight waits for Gargano to stand, kick but Gargano shoves out of the cravat! Gargano goes to superkick but Knight blocks and spins Gargano for another kick of his own! Gargano slips out of BFT to drop down, GargaNO Escape!
But Knight rolls it to a cover, TWO!! Gargano narrowly escapes and he ROCKS Knight with a forearm. Gargano runs in, Knight puts him on the apron, but Gargano enziguris back! Gargano slingshots but Knight punches him down! No One Final Beat, and Dexter catches Gargano?! Indi smiles because this is a good thing, but Gargano scrambles away as soon as he realizes what happened. Gargano is still against #InDex, and he thinks Dexter is picking a fight with him. But as Knight runs in from behind, Dexter moves Gargano aside to stare Knight down! Knight says his fight is with Gargano, not Dexter. But then Gargano SUPERKICKS Knight into the ring!
Indi is excited and wants Gargano to try the high-five with Dexter again. Dexter holds his hand out but Gargano hesitates. Fans want to see it, but Knight reels Gargano in! B F T!! Cover, Knight wins!!
Winner: LA Knight, by pinfall
Indi realizes this is technically her fault, but she isn’t about to say it out loud. Has this set back The Way accepting Dexter by several steps? And does this mean LA Knight is that much closer to challenging Samoa Joe?
MSK has NXT Media follow them.
Nash Carter & Wes Lee apologize to the cameraman for asking him to do this while in the bathroom, but this has to be documented. They go to William Regal’s office and Carter reminds Lee to be professional and knock, Regal prefers that. They knock, Regal answers the door and welcomes the tag champs in. To cut to the chase, MSK wants to give Lorcan & Burch their opportunity at the titles. Regal says that’s very noble. Lee connects the dots, going from how Burch got hurt so that he and Lorcan were stripped of the titles, and MSK never really beat Lorcan & Burch on their run to becoming champions. So as fighting champions, MSK want to have this match.
Regal understands, especially since Lorcan & Burch never got a rematch for the titles. Given their current behavior, such as attacking Ciampa & Thatcher, Regal wasn’t going to give Lorcan & Burch their shot. But if MSK insists, next week we will see MSK VS The One Two fight for the NXT Tag Team Championships! MSK thank Regal for that decision and feel so much better now. But will they feel so much worse should Lorcan & Burch knock them off their thrones?
Boa speaks.
“I let her down. But Mei Ying will show the world the strength of Tian Sha!” Wait, does that mean…? YES! Mei Ying, the fearsome leader of Tian Sha, finally has her in-ring debut! Who will feel the wrath of the dragon empress?
Jessi Kamea w/ Franky Monet & Robert Stone VS Raquel Gonzalez!
While the Robert Stone Brand has been made over in Franky’s bougie bad image, Jessi might be in for a brutal makeover of her own. Will Big Mami Cool rearrange Jessi’s face to send a message to Kay Lee Ray?
The bell rings, Raquel and Jessi tie up, and Raquel powers Jessi to a corner. The ref counts, Raquel TOSSES Jessi away at 3! Jessie comes right back, they tie up again and Raquel knees low. Raquel suplexes, but Jessi slips out and gets a leg! Raquel CLUBS Jessi, reels her back in and gut wrenches to a Canadian rack! Raquel RAMS Jessi into a corner, puts her on the top rope, and talks smack to Stone and Franky. But Jessi throws a forearm back! Jessi hops down but Raquel blocks her boot! Raquel scoops Jessi for a sidewalk slam! No cover as Raquel goes right up the corner, for the VADER ELBOW! Now cover, ROPEBREAK.
Jessi drags herself to the apron but Raquel keeps her cool. Raquel runs in to BOOT, but Jessi dodges! Jessi hotshots the leg! Jessi hurries inside, ducks and dodges and chop blocks! Jessi gets the leg but Raquel whips her away. Raquel follows, Jessi stops and dodges to then trip Raquel up! Jessi KICKS Raquel’s back leg, then BASEMENT WHEEL KICKS! Jessi has a standing toehold but Raquel kicks at her with the free leg. Raquel kicks Jessi away, avoids the wheel kick this time, then dropkicks Jessi down! Jessi staggers into a scoop and SLAM! Raquel gets Jessi up to ALLEY OOP HOTSHOT! Jessi flounders, Raquel gets a waistlock but Jessi stomps a foot to get free! PELE!
Jessi runs at Raquel but Raquel CLOBBERS her in return! Raquel gets Jessi up, CHINGONA BOMB!! Cover, Raquel wins!
Winner: Raquel Gonzalez, by pinfall
Stone checks on Jessi while Franky steps to Raquel and talks some smack. Franky laughs but Raquel stares daggers at her. Will bougie bad be next up to go after the NXT Women’s title belt?
Backstage interview with Ember Moon.
The Shenom requested this time to speak, and she says, “I’m just sitting in the back trying to enjoy my birthday,” so happy birthday, Ember. But KLR is running her mouth. Ember gets it, KLR name dropped her to try and make a name for herself. But… Ember isn’t like anyone KLR’s faced. KLR was the longest reigning NXT UK Women’s Champion and they can’t take that from KLR. But Ember will take away KLR’s ability to talk crap if she doesn’t keep Ember’s name out of her mouth. Now if KLR wants to do something about that, Ember says they go next week. Can someone pass that along for her? Will Ember look to snuff out KLR’s flames before they get too hot?
Wade Barrett interviews Samoa Joe.
What kind of insight can Joe give us into his expectations as the NEW NXT Champion, as well as for NXT’s future as a whole? Joe says his expectations might be a bit unexpected. Many will assume he wants to dominate the competition, terrorize his opponents. That all goes without saying. But the reality is, Joe’s expectations lie more in reestablishing a precedent. Joe wants to redefine what it means to be NXT Champion, what it means to be a standard bearer, as “a man who walks forward and represents himself in the utmost fashion in all aspects of what we do.”
Joe says this began long before he ever got the title back. It started in the week leading up to TakeOver 36. It wasn’t spent with the luxury of a nice fight camp, of being relaxed or being 100%. No, Joe wasn’t afforded such a luxury. Joe was over in Las Vegas, holding tryouts for the next big superstars that would secure the future of NXT. And then right from there, Joe was on a red-eye away from SummerSlam, no sleep at all, jetlagged and dying to see his family, but his focus had to be on NXT. There was a mission to accomplish, Joe needed to get the title back. And Joe needed to be the one to get the title so that said precedent could be set.
Wade notes Joe did set that precedent, as this is a record breaking third reign. With this being Joe’s third reign, does that change perspective? Yes. Joe has learned one thing: legacy is important. The list of men who carried this title before him is itself important. Men like Shinsuke Nakamura, Finn Balor, now Joe carries that legacy and the precedent. From media to fans to everyday communication, how Joe represents himself to the world, “this now will be what it takes to be a champion in NXT.” Joe’s path, Joe’s example, it will all be the way to become NXT Champion. Now, this all lies in the hands of those around Joe.
Who on the roster steps up? Who amongst them braves the wild of coming at Joe, trying to seize destiny? These questions need to be answered, and Joe is more than happy to help us find those answers. A new champion, a new era, will Samoa Joe forge NXT into something even more amazing?
Roderick Strong w/ The Diamond Mine VS Ikemen Jiro!
The Savior of the Backbreaker put out a challenge to the Cruiserweight Division to help him prepare for challenging Kushida. Answering that challenge straight out of the purple ‘n’ orange was The Handsome One! Jiro looks up to Kushida, but will he do the Time Splitter proud against the Diamond Mine’s leader? Or will he be crushed by the pressure instead?
The bell rings, Strong and Jiro circle, Jiro shows off the jacket but Strong CHOPS him down! Strong fires off hands, CHOPS and knees in a corner, then brings Jiro around for a fireman’s carry. Jiro slips off, shows off the jacket again, then dodges to run. Jiro arm-drags Strong then runs to RANA him! JACKET PUNCH! Strong is down but he scrambles out to regroup with the Diamond Mine. But Jiro PLANCHAS! Strong gets out of the way, Jiro lands on his feet, and then runs in, into a hip toss into the steel steps! Strong leaves Jiro behind to get in the ring and the ring count begins. Jiro writhes, Strong goes out to fetch him into the ring, and then stomps Jiro all over.
Strong stands Jiro up to CHOP him off his feet. Strong stomps Jiro more and more and shouts, “You made a big mistake!” BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Strong wraps on a chinlock, clubs Jiro, then traps an arm. Strong has a grounded cobra twist, Jiro endures and fans rally up. Strong stands Jiro up, Jiro throws body shots but Strong knees and whips. Jiro reverses, runs in but Strong dodges. Jiro elbows back, hops up but Strong YANKS him down! Strong grins while Jiro writhes, and Strong stomps away on him again. Cover, TWO! Strong is right back on with a chinlock and Malcolm Bivens makes sure the Creed Brothers are taking mental notes.
Strong shifts sides to get another seated cobra twist, but Jiro fights up. Jiro throws body shots, Strong knees low, then Strong throws forearms. Jiro boots back, Strong CHOPS him, then Strong runs side to side. Jiro dodges to send Strong into a corner! Jiro rallies with forearms and a JACKET PUNCH! JACKET PUNCH! JACKET PUNCH! DISCUS JACKET PUNCH! Strong goes to a corner, Jiro whips him corner to corner but Strong reverses. Strong runs in but Jiro dodges again! Jiro hotshots Strong down then ARABIAN PRESSES! Cover, TWO! Strong is still in this but Jiro has the fans fired up. Jiro ducks an elbow to small package, TWO!
Jiro KICKS the legs out but Strong KNEES right back! Strong gets Jiro up, END OF HEARTACHE! Strong gets Jiro up again, another END OF HEARTACHE!! Cover, Strong wins!
Winner: Roderick Strong, by pinfall
A pretty ugly end for the Handsome One’s valiant efforts, but Strong is showing how ready he is to add gold to the Diamond Mine. Strong calls Kushida a coward for staying away, and calls himself the uncrowned Cruiserweight Champion. But will we see in time that the Super Junior is still better than the hardheaded Strong?
Backstage interview with Io Shirai, Zoey Stark, Kacy Catanzaro & Kayden Carter.
It is now official, the NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions have their first defense against the human highlight reel duo next week! Kacy says she and Kayden both respect Shirai & Stark, but they are the real team, inside and out of the ring. Kacy & Kayden are best friends without even trying. “This happens naturally,” but Stark & Shirai can’t say that. Stark points out that Shirai is one of the most decorated women in NXT History. When the team started, Stark was 100& committed to it. She might even go so far as to take a bullet for Shirai. Wow, okay, going to extremes but whatever.
Shirai speaks up and tells KC Squared that she doesn’t like either of them. She still doesn’t like Stark that much, either, but Stark is her teammate, so she’ll win alongside her. KC Squared says, “We’ll see about that.” Stark says they definitely will. But then Shirai is gone before Stark can offer her fist bump. Will the champions become friends through this next battle? Or will the best friends take those titles and make themselves champions?
Backstage interview with Cameron Grimes.
How has the Carolina Caveman been since Ted DeBiase’s “final lesson” last week? Grimes tells McKenzie that that darn DeBiase taught us all there’s still only one Million Dollar Man. But Grimes also learned that there’s only one Cameron Grimes! So Grimes will take Ted’s advice and- The Grizzled Young Veterans interrupt. Zack Gibson says, “Look who it is! The Million Dollar Redneck himself! How does it feel, lad, to go through all that struggle for weeks and weeks and weeks, to have nothing but a blagged replica championship to show for it?” Speaking of which, James Drake presents another replica Million Dollar Championship! Oh, wait, does this make Gibson a champion now?
Gibson continues to mock Grimes by saying next week, Grimes can be replica North American Champion. Or even replica NXT Champion or replica Universal Champion! Imagine that! Maybe they all go to WWE Shop to get it! Grimes laughs at GYV’s jokes. They need a loan, right? Gotta make up for going halfsies on the replica Million Dollar belt, right? Grimes wants to see that for himself. Man, WWE Shop does a great job! McKenzie, you should feel the weight of this thing. It feels heavier than the one Ted gave Grimes. Looks a bit better, too. Grimes then drops the belt on Gibson’s foot! Oh, well, maybe this will help. Grimes tosses them a $100 bill as he shouts, “TO THE MOON~!”
Grimes leaves Drake hopping mad and Gibson just plain hopping. Will GYV look to get even with Grimes in the ring next time?
Tommaso Ciampa VS Ridge Holland!
Old Man Ciampa put Northern Grit on notice, now it’s time to make good on the promise! But with the Bruiserweight and the One Two in his corner, is it all but guaranteed that Ridge wrecks Ciampa and puts him on the sideline, right next to Timothy Thatcher?
The bell rings and the two tie up right away. Ridge powers Ciampa to a corner, the ref counts and Ridge lets off quick. Ciampa headlocks but Ridge powers out. Ciampa rams shoulders with Ridge but neither man falls, so Ciampa quickly gets the headlock and takeover! Ridge rolls back but Ciampa blocks that to shift to a facelock. Ridge gets up and powers Ciampa to a corner, then fires off body shots and uppercuts. Ridge wrenches, Ciampa ROCKS him but Ridge clinches for an OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! Ciampa gets to the other corner, Ridge blocks his boot to DECK him with a forearm! Ridge KICKS Ciampa right in the back and Ciampa writhes to the apron.
Ridge stands Ciampa up, the ref has the boys back off, and Ciampa hotshots Ridge down! Ciampa gets in, Ridge is in the corner now, and Ciampa runs in to KNEE Ridge right in the face! The boys glare at Ciampa, but Ciampa runs again. Lorcan & Burch bail Ridge out but Ciampa goes out after them all. Ridge scoops Ciampa, aims for boards, but Ciampa slips off to shove Ridge into those boards! Ciampa blocks Ridge’s body shot, wrenches Ridge’s arm, and POSTS Ridge shoulder first! The ref reprimands but Ciampa gets in the ring to refresh the count. Ciampa throws hands then puts Ridge on the table to CLUB him in the chest!
Ciampa gets space, runs in and KNEES Ridge off the desk! Ciampa taunts Ridge’s boys before sitting on the apron to pat himself on the back. The boys crowd Ciampa as he gets in the ring, but Ciampa sees Ridge making his comeback. Ciampa gets Ridge in the ropes, Ridge powers out but Ciampa BOOTS him down! Lorcan & Burch get on the apron, the ref tells them to get down and Ciampa swipes at them. Lorcan & Burch get away, Ciampa runs at Ridge, but Ridge POUNCES Ciampa into a corner! Fans boo and Ridge checks his chin as NXT goes picture in picture.
Ridge storms over to drop knees on Ciampa’s face, as well as falling ax handles. Ridge drags Ciampa back up, EuroUppers then has Ciampa on ropes to choke him! The ref counts, Ridge lets off while barking at the fans and Ciampa slumps down. Ridge drags Ciampa from the ropes, stands him back up and scoops him for a BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Ridge gets frustrated but he stomps Ciampa down. Ridge clamps onto Ciampa for a neck wrench. Ciampa fights up, throws body shots then a jawbreaker! Ciampa runs in at the corner to CHOP and CHOP Ridge, then whips him corner to corner. Ridge reverses hard and Ciampa bounces off buckles.
Ridge’s boys watch as Ridge stands on Ciampa’s neck. The ref counts, Ridge lets off and Ciampa sputters. Ciampa drags himself up but Ridge kicks him to a corner. Ridge throws hands, Ciampa CHOPS back. Ciampa kicks, Ridge kicks back, then Ridge CLUBS Ciampa down! Ridge catches his breath before he stomps Ciampa’s arm. Ridge kicks Ciampa down again then stalks him to ropes. NXT returns to single picture as Ridge whips Ciampa hard into another corner. Ridge taunts Ciampa, what with this match being dedicated to Thatcher. Ridge stands Ciampa up, and Ciampa throws forearms! Ridge ROCKS Ciampa back and now we have a forearm brawl!
Ridge ROCKS Ciampa again, Ciampa sits down but has his fists up. Ridge turns him around to CLUB him in the face! Fans rally for Ciampa as Ridge clamps on a chinlock. Ciampa endures, fights up, but Ridge CLUBS him down again. Ridge whips Ciampa to ropes, but Ciampa KICKS back! Ridge elbows Ciampa in a corner, whips him corner to corner, but Ciampa comes back to CLOBBER Ridge! Fans fire up with Ciampa and the forearms and CHOPS start flying! Ridge EuroUppers Ciampa off his feet, but Ciampa staggers back up to KNEE Ridge! Ciampa runs in to clothesline in the corner, then he goes side to side to clothesline again!
Ciampa keeps going, another clothesline! And then point-blank clotheslines over and over! Ciampa gets five and fires up more. He brings Ridge out, winds up, runs and builds speed to LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! Ridge is showing that grit but his boys are getting frustrated. Ciampa reels Ridge in, underhooks, but Ridge powers up to ALABAMA SLAM Ciampa down! The ref checks on Ciampa, the repaired neck is still a concern. Ciampa refuses to let this stop here, so Ridge high stacks, TWO! Fans cheer Ciampa’s toughness but Ridge’s boys want him to end this. Ridge stalks Ciampa to the ropes, shoves him and ROCKS him in the back with a forearm! Ridge shoves and ROCKS Ciampa again!
Ridge gets Ciampa up a third time but Ciampa elbows back! Ciampa staggers but he throws hands! Ridge throws those hands back and the brawling is back! Ciampa hits, Ridge hits, then Ciampa fires off JABS! Ciampa fires off hands from all sides and has Ridge on the ropes! The fans are thunderous as Ciampa reels Ridge in, only for Ridge to ROCK him again! So Ciampa CHOPS back! Both men wobble, Ciampa grits his teeth as he fireman’s carries Ridge to the AIR RAID CRASH! Cover, TWO!! Ridge’s boys are upset but he’s still hanging in there with a former NXT Champion. Ridge goes to ropes, Ciampa goes to the apron! Ridge fights off the DDT to HEADBUTT Ciampa down!
Ridge follows Ciampa as he crawls around the way. Ciampa stands, Ridge scoops him, and RAMS him into the boards! Ridge drops Ciampa and goes around, but Ciampa dodges! Ridge runs into boards himself, both men go to the ring at 8 of 10! Ciampa refreshes the count but Ridge grabs at him first. Ciampa back hands and CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Ridge ROCKS Ciampa in return, scoops him, but Ciampa fights with knees! Ciampa is in the ring, KNEES away on Ridge in the ropes over and over, then reels Ridge in for WILLOWS BELL!! Cover, Ciampa wins!!
Winner: Tommaso Ciampa
But Dunne DECKS Ciampa! The boys are sore losers and they’re finishing off Ciampa for Ridge! Lorcan & Burch sit Ciampa up but MSK shows up! The One Two go and brawl with Lee & Carter! SUPERKICK for Burch, back drop for Oney! MSK throw Burch into boards, then go after Dunne and Ridge! Dunne and Ridge bail out, they’ve done enough fighting for tonight. MSK makes sure Ciampa is alright, and clearly the boys can’t just do whatever they want. Will Lee & Carter make sure Lorcan & Burch learn that directly next week? And what of Ciampa’s grudge with Ridge and Dunne?
My Thoughts:
First off, yes, I am personally very happy that I was able to do my Play By Play again so soon. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to try already, but this was such a packed NXT, I felt worse thinking about letting this one go by me. And this was definitely a packed episode, where it felt like they were trying to get everyone in tonight. It could be because of the obvious remake for the brand that’s coming down the pipeline, making this and next week like a go-home/good-bye episode. The various backstage interview promos were on the cheesier side, but I like that we’re getting more Grimes VS GYV and that we’re going to see Shirai & Stark VS Kacy & Kayden, those are going to be a lot of fun.
One of the bigger things from those backstage promos is Carmelo Hayes getting to touch on each of the divisions. Hayes VS Escobar is going to be a very good match, and I like that Elektra Lopez already plays a role in Legado as being their spokesperson when dealing with other superstars. I actually do like the idea that a guy that is eligible for the Cruiserweight title wants something else to surprise us, but maybe Hayes can become one of those guys who wants multiple titles at once. WWE needs more wrestlers who are greedy and want more titles at once. Now I don’t see Hayes taking the North American Championship, but he can have a great match with Swerve to build his own power level.
Mandy VS Sarray was a great surprise as it wasn’t advertised, and I do like that Mandy’s taking that “superficial wrestler” angle. One bad dropkick to her face and she doesn’t want to fight, but then her minions get revenge for her. Maybe at some point, Sarray teams with a women’s tag team to take Team Mandy on 3v3. Honestly, it could be whoever has the tag titles after next week. And learning Mei Ying (Karen Q) is finally getting (back) in the ring is big stuff. I still say they should’ve gotten her in the ring sooner, aka when Xia Li was still healthy, because those two could’ve really fired up the Women’s Tag Division pretty quickly. But something is better than nothing, I’m excited for that.
KLR had a great interview promo calling out and talking smack on all the major names in the division right now, because all of those can count as “dream matches” for NXT. Ember being the one to respond is good, she will be a great start for KLR’s string of wins. Raquel VS Jessi was a bit clunky but I think that’s just from Jessi not having a lot of singles ring experience. Raquel of course wins, but I do like that Franky is stepping to her rather than being cowardly. Dragunov had a great promo and the fans clearly love him, but we all know one day, Dragunov has to go back to the UK to do NXT UK tapings. Maybe he has one more match on NXT as a great send-off.
Imperium of course won against Maverick since Maverick’s partner, Waller, was so gung-ho and cocky. But this is great continuity for Maverick overall, since he was feuding with Imperium before Nick Craptastic Khan went and ruined things releasing people. I think now that Walter is not NXT UK Champion, he can spend time on NXT prime and Imperium as a whole can start dominating this brand. Meanwhile, Samoa Joe has a great interview promo, and so much of what he said about the NXT Championship legacy, precedent and standards is alluding to what is going to happen with the brand’s makeover that WWE is already shoving down our throats with those little “NXT COMING SOON” ads.
Strong VS Jiro was really good but of course Strong wins. He is really fired up for his Cruiserweight Championship match, that match is going to be big, not just for the Cruiserweight Division but also NXT as a whole, so hopefully we don’t have to wait too long as Kushida heals up. Then all the other matches, I wonder if we’re getting an unofficial contender’s tournament. Kyle VS Duke, Gargano VS Knight, and Ciampa VS Holland, all great stuff, but I feel like the winners were chosen rather strategically for future matches. Kyle of course wins, Duke is still pretty new (even though he’s just Brendan Vink renamed), and Knight won because of The Way #InDex story.
Kyle VS Knight sounds like a really great next step to determine who challenges Joe, too hard to call really. But I hope that’s what we’re getting, as I agree with Brad Abel, someone needed to call him “La Knight,” and Kyle was the man who did it. Meanwhile, Ciampa winning was a bit of a surprise, that was a brutal, gritty match. But I suppose to keep the story going, Ciampa had to win so that “the boys” don’t just move on to someone else. MSK asking to give Lorcan & Burch their title match and then backing Ciampa up tonight, great stuff for next week right there. And while it might be a bit early to talk WarGames again, but c’mon. “The Boys” VS MSK, Ciampa and a returning Thatcher is definitely what the next one should be.
My Score: 9/10
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Is Orange Cassidy coldblooded? Or just in control?
Before their AEW World Championship match at Full Gear, Jon Moxley puts Wheeler Yuta in Orange Cassidy’s way! Will Cassidy destroy The Decoder before going for The Maniac?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- 8 Man Tag: Will Ospreay, Mark Davis, Ricochet & “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs VS The Don Callis Family; The Don Callis Family wins.
- Kris Statlander VS Hikaru Shida; Kris wins.
- 2v1 Handicap: Bobby Lashley w/ The Hurt Syndicate VS Joe Keys & Cheeseburger; Lashley wins.
- Darby Allin VS Claudio Castagnoli; Claudio wins.
- Orange Cassidy VS Wheeler Yuta w/ The Death Riders; Cassidy wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
8 Man Tag: Will Ospreay, Mark Davis, Ricochet & “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs VS The Don Callis Family!
This All-Star 8 Man is going to make for a massive match! The Aerial Assassin, Dunk Zilla, The One & Only and the man the family foolishly forgot are now teamed together against Konosuke Takeshita, Kyle Fletcher, Brian Cage & Lance Archer! Will Ospreay lead this team to victory ahead of the grudge matches at Full Gear? Or will Callis’ Alpha, Aussie Arrow, Machine & Murderhawk Monster make sure #EverybodyDies?
Well forget sorting out, Ospreay leads his team in attacking the Callis Family right on the ramp! The fans fire up as Hobbs is after Archer, Davis is after Cage, and of course Ricochet is after Konosuke while Ospreay is after Kyle! Hobbs smacks Archer off railing, Kyle CLUBS Ospreay on the back, but Ospreay kicks low. Ospreay sends Kyle into railing, rips the tearaway pants right off him, and then LASHES him with them! Davis sends Cage into railing while Ospreay uses those pants to SLING Kyle into more railing! Davis CLUBS away on Cage, Ospreay blows snot on Kyle’s pants, and Davis sends Cage into more railing.
Kyle turns things around to send Ospreay into railing! Konosuke helps Cage against Davis but Hobbs still throws hands on Archer. Kyle CLUBS Ospreay, CLUBS Ricochet, but Konosuke puts Davis in the ring. The bell rings and this is finally a match. Konosuke headlocks Davis but Davis fires body shots. Davis powers up and out, but Konosuke RAMS him! The fans fire up as Davis stays up. Davis runs to RAM Konosuke! Konosuke stays up and the fans rally. Konosuke runs to RAM Davis, but Davis runs. Konosuke bypasses, leaps, but Davis catches him for a TOSS! And a SENTON! The fans fire up with Davis, and Ricochet reaches out.
Davis tags Ricochet in , then holds the way open, for Ricochet to FOSBURY FLOP onto Konosuke! But Cage CLOBBERS Davis! Cage then RAMS Ricochet into the apron, POSTS him, but Ospreay PENALTY KICKS Cage! The fans fire up as Ospreay goes up, but Kyle UPPERCUTS him! The fans boo as Kyle goes up, CLUBS away on Ospreay, and Ospreay falls to the floor. But now Hobbs is up! Kyle says wait! Then he fires hands! Hobbs just CHOPS Kyle! Hobbs climbs up to get Kyle, but Archer CLUBS Hobbs! Archer drags Hobbs down, throws hands, then puts Hobbs in between steps and post! Hobbs fights back, but Cage sends Ospreay into the steps!
The fans boo as Hobbs’ leg is crushed between steps and post! Archer puts Ricochet in the ring while a medic checks Hobbs. Archer brings Ricochet up but Ricochet slips free to fire off fast strikes! Hobbs is being helped to the back and Ospreay is concerned that this is now 4v3. Ricochet still fires strikes on Archer, but Archer grabs Ricochet by the neck! CHOKE- NO, Ricochet RANAS Archer first! Archer tumbles, stands up, and Ricochet springboards, but Archer CLOBBERS Him out of the sky! Archer BLASTS Davis, then catches Ospreay out of the air! Archer TOSSES Ospreay away and fans boo. But Ricochet springboards back in!
Archer catches Ricochet, and he CHOKE SLAMS Ricochet out onto Ospreay and Davis! The fans boo as the Don Callis Family is in control, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Cage & Kyle flex to soak up the heat, then Archer goes out after Ospreay and the rest. Konosuke fetches Ricochet into the ring, waistlocks, and then brings him away from the corner. Archer beats up on Ospreay while Konosuke fires knees into Ricochet. Ricochet tumbles to ropes but Konosuke is on him. Davis fires hands on Archer, then sends him into railing! Davis fires more hands, but Konosuke CHOKES Ricochet at the ropes! The ref counts, Konosuke steps off and tags Kyle. Kyle stays between Ricochet and his corner. Kyle taunts Ricochet, stomps him around, then whips him to ropes. Kyle ELBOWS Ricochet down, then stalks him to a corner.
Kyle stomps away on Ricochet while Archer intimidates commentary. Kyle shouts at the camera while the ref counts, and Kyle steps off of Ricochet’s neck. Kyle bumps Ricochet off buckles, tags Cage, and Cage stands Ricochet up. Cage CHOPS Ricochet, then whips him to ropes for an ELBOW! Cage flexes while he taunts Ospreay & Davis. Cage drags Ricochet up but Ricochet RAMS him! And RAMS him! And fires forearms! Cage ROCKS Ricochet, then runs, but into a tiger wall kick and ENZIGIRI! Konosuke tags in and storms after Ricochet. Konosuke stomps Ricochet, then rains down fists! The ref reprimands while Dynamite returns to single picture.
Konosuke argues with the ref while Ospreay rallies the fans. Konosuke stays between Ricochet and his team, but Ricochet SLAPS Konosuke! Konosuke ROCKS Ricochet for it! Ricochet fires forearms and an UPPERCUT! Konosuke keeps Ricochet from his corner, reels Ricochet in, but Ricochet victory rolls! TWO, and Ricochet ducks a chop to handspring BACK ELBOW! The fans fire up while both men are down! Ricochet and Konosuke crawl, hot tags to Kyle and Ospreay! The fans fire up as these two fire fists and forearms! Kyle kicks and whips but Ospreay ducks ‘n’ dodges to CLOBBER Kyle!
Ospreay whips, Kyle reverses, Ospreay handsprings to NEURALIZER KICK! Kyle staggers, Konosuke tags back in! Ospreay dodges Konosuke to BLAST Cage & Archer! Ospreay fires fists on Konosuke, but Konosuke CLAWS Ospreay’s face! Konosuke runs, but Davis intercepts with a fireman’s carry! AUSSIE DENTAL PLAN! Or maybe in this case, just a United Empire Dental Plan! But in any case, Davis scoops Konosuke, for the LAWN DART CUTTER! Cover, TWO!! Konosuke survives but the fans fire up. Ospreay & Davis bring Konosuke up, double pump handle, but the #MurderMachines make the save!
Archer puts Davis in a corner, Cage ducks Ospreay’s haymaker to waistlock. Archer runs up, BOOT GERMAN SUPLEX COMBO! Davis fires hands on Archer but Cage waistlocks, ripcords, and ROCKS Davis! Then fireman’s carry into the ASSISTED NECKBREAKER! The fans boo but the Murder Machines DOUBLE RIPCORD Ospreay up for Konosuke’s BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay survives and shocks everyone! Archer argues with the ref but the count was fair. Konosuke tags Kyle while fans rally up behind Ospreay. Kyle smirks as he stalks Ospreay. Kyle BOOTS Ricochet off the apron for good measure!
Kyle tells Ospreay that this is how he wants it, right? All about Ospreay! Kyle stomps away on Ospreay in the corner, then digs his boots in! The ref counts but wait! Here comes Hobbs! Hobbs hobbles but Kyle hurries to send Ospreay to the Callis corner. Tag to Konosuke and then Kyle slides out. Kyle runs up on Hobbs, but Hobbs CLOBBERS him! The fans fire up as Hobbs makes his way to the corner. Ospreay fights free of the corner but Konosuke holds him back! Ospreay fires forearms, reaches out, repeat! The fans rally as hard as they can, but Konosuke reels Ospreay in! Konosuke hits a back suplex, but Ospreay lands out!
Ospreay dodges Konosuke, hot tag to Hobbs! The Powerhouse powers up to rally on Konosuke! The fans fire up as Hobbs TOSSES Kyle, but the Murder Machines attack! They reel Hobbs in, but Hobbs fights the double suplex! The fans fire up but the Murder Machines double whip. Hobbs DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up as Hobbs has targets in all corners! SPLASH for Konosuke! SPLASH for Cage! SPLASH for Kyle! SPLASH for Archer! The fans are thunderous and Hobbs brings the straps down. Archer kicks low, then runs, but Hobbs dodges, to SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up again, and Hobbs tags Davis!
Davis runs up to BOOT Konosuke, BOOT him again, but Konosuke just fires up! Ospreay CANNONBALLS onto Kyle while Konosuke fires hands! Konosuke spins, but Davis DECKS him! Davis roars, stands Konosuke up, but Konosuke backdrops back! POWER- NO, Davis stops the knee to ENZIGIRI! Davis gut wrenches Konosuke, for a PILEDRIVER!! Cover, KYLE BREAKS IT! The fans boo but now Aussie Open is face to face! Kyle pie faces Davis, talks trash, but Davis glares at him. Kyle SLAPS Davis, so Davis TACKLES Kyle! Davis throws hands, Kyle gets up, and Davis runs up! Kyle dodges and Konosuke DECKS Davis!
Ricochet springboards, FLYING LARIAT on Konosuke! But Cage POP-UP POWERBOMBS Ricochet! Hobbs SPINEBUSTERS Cage! Archer CHOKE SLAMS Hobbs! Ospreay hits the PIP PIP CHEERIO FOREARM on Archer! Ospreay dares Kyle to man up and fight him! Kyle snarls, gets in, and they fire forearms again! Kyle swings, Ospreay catches him, but Kyle breaks the full nelson with an elbow! Ospreay HOOK KICKS Kyle! Ospreay runs, Kyle dodges, but then Ospreay slips through the lariat! Kyle slips through the bomb, hoists Ospreay up, but Ospreay slips free! Kyle ducks the hook kick to SUPERKICK! Kyle runs, into the SPANISH FLY!!
The fans are thunderous as Ospreay takes aim from a corner! Kyle rises, so does Davis, and Ospreay runs up, Kyle uses Davis as a shield from the HIDDEN BLADE!! Ospreay freaks out, Kyle SUPERKICKS Ospreay out of the ring! Then Kyle DIVES onto Ospreay! Konosuke brings down his kneepad, aims at Davis, POWER DRIVE KNEE!!! Cover, Don Callis Family wins!!
Winners: The Don Callis Family, by pinfall
The Alpha stands tall over Davis as friendly fire takes out Ospreay’s team. But what happens when things divide into 1v1 matches? Will Konosuke still be International Champion after he and Ricochet go #OuttaThisWorld? Will Kyle prove that he IS The Protostar after tearing down Will Ospreay?
Jon Moxley & The Death Riders speak.
“Despite recent discoveries that Orange Cassidy is a snake, coldblooded, uncaring, unmoving, a serpent lurking in the darkest corners of the battlefield, my objective remains the same, my job on Saturday night remains the same. You may be this borderline sociopath, you may be a great guy just like everybody thinks. I don’t care if you’re a great guy. I don’t care what kind of person you are. When the bell rings on Saturday night, and the AEW World Championship hangs in the balance, you are a threat to my people. And I will destroy you.
“There’s so much more going on behind Orange Cassidy’s eyes than any of us could’ve imagined. You may make it to Full Gear with your mind in tact, but your body… For that matter, Darby Allin’s body… Still up for grabs.” Claudio jumps in, speaking in German about what he’ll do to Darby. Then in English, he says, “Tonight, I’m gonna end you.” Moxley pats Claudio on the shoulder. Will The Maniac’s top henchmen do his dirty work for him when they dismantle Cassidy & Darby? Or will it just be fuel on the fire for Freshly Squeezed & The Relentless One? Speaking of…
Darby Allin speaks.
“Claudio, I’m gonna keep this really short. Let’s not forget you’re the one who put the chair around Bryan’s neck and pulled the trigger on his career. Every single one of you Death Riders will have your day. And Claudio, today’s your day.” Will Moxley’s men be dealt with in brutal fashion before he suffers the same?
The Hurt Syndicate arrive.
Renee Paquette waits in the parking lot as an SUV pulls up, and she welcomes Montel Vontavious Porter, Shelton Benjamin & Bobby Lashley to the show. She heard MVP has a surprise in store, what’s he got planned? MVP says yes, there is a special treat for the AEW audience, and that is this announcement: The All Mighty Bobby Lashley will be in action here tonight on Dynamite in Reading, Pennsylvania, prior to his PPV debut on Saturday! Renee asks if MVP is at all concerned to put Lashley in a match- OH NO, Swerve attacks!! Swerve knocks Lashley over, then laughs as he gets away!
Shelton helps Lashley up but that ambush might’ve been with Swerve’s own silver chain. Will Lashley elect not to compete tonight after all? Or is he about to make an example out of whatever poor soul is put in front of him?
Adam Cole is here!
Reading fires up as the Panama City Playboy makes his way to the ring. They join in with the “BOOM!” and “ADAM COLE, BAYBAY!” Cole grabs a mic to ask, “Who’s ready for Storytime with Adam Cole, Baybay?” Reading sure is ready! Cole wishes so so badly that he could get his hands on MJF this Saturday, but he’s not. MJF did everything in his power to make sure he and Cole didn’t fight on Saturday, and he succeeded. But do you know who else succeeded last week? Roderick Strong did! The fans cheer as Cole says he and Roddy have the exact same goal: Give MJF the ass whooping of a lifetime! And that is exactly what happens at Full Gear!
The fans cheer, and wait, Kyle O’Reilly makes his way out here. The longtime friend of Cole & Roddy makes his way out here, and already has a mic. Kyle isn’t sure if Cole remembers, but 14 years ago, right here in Reading, PA, Cole and Kyle had their second match ever against each other. They’ve come a long way. Being associated with Cole has given Kyle some incredible highs, and some serious lows. And through those lows, Kyle knows Cole better than anyone. Which makes Kyle the only one willing to tell Cole the truth. The truth is, this crusade against MJF has got to end before someone gets hurt.
This obsession, Cole needs to wash his hands of it. His ankle has already been reconstructed, what’s next? Cole has friends willing to take a bullet for him, Kyle included, but Cole has got to stop having his friends fight his battles. Roddy barely makes it out alive last week, and now he wants to fight MJF! He wants to END MJF, all because of Cole. Kyle just doesn’t have a good feeling about any of this. Cole asks Kyle what he’s trying to say here. Kyle doesn’t think Roddy can handle MJF? Kyle asks Cole if he really thinks MJF isn’t already three steps ahead. MJF hasn’t been here for weeks but he’s pulling all the strings.
Cole should know that dealing with MJF is like playing with fire, and Kyle doesn’t wanna see his friends get burned. Cole needs to realize why so many of his friends are willing to go to war for him, and it’s because he is a great leader, an elite pro-wrestler, and a great friend, who doesn’t wanna see his friends get hurt. At least, so Kyle thinks. But Cole has to face facts: MJF is more of an evil bastard than Cole will ever be, and that is a good thing. Kyle drops his mic and walks away. Cole drops his mic, and has a lot to think about. Does Kyle have a point? Can Cole just let Roddy handle MJF and then move on?
Orange Cassidy speaks.
“A little later tonight, I’m gonna make an example out of you, Wheeler Yuta. And I’m gonna show everybody exactly what I’m gonna do this Saturday to you, Jon Moxley. And that’s walk down to that ring and beat you, alone.” But The Conglomeration steps in. Mark Briscoe has Rocky Romero & Tomohiro Ishii with him as he asks Cassidy, “What sense does that make, man?” Moxley said himself, there’s five Death Riders, one Cassidy. Conglomeration has his back, they are here for him. Cassidy says no, no one else needs to get hurt. Get hurt? What’s Cassidy talking about? The Conglomeration are ready to scrap!
PLEASE!! Cassidy is asking them… They don’t have to believe him or even understand him. But just promises him they’ll stay back here. If Cassidy insists, then so be it. Cassidy says there you have it, Jon. Five of you, one of him. Do what you’re gonna do. Because at Full Gear, Moxley’s gonna need all the help he can get. Cassidy is himself wanting the best for his friends, but will that work out for the betterment of AEW? Or is he just playing into Moxley’s hands?
Kris Statlander VS Hikaru Shida!
The #BornAgainKristen bodied the bullies that are Mercedes Mone & Kamille the last time she saw them, but she still needs to tune up for Full Gear. However, taking on the THREE-TIME AEW Women’s World Champion might be more than just a workout. Win, lose or draw, will the Shining Samurai get Kris ready for The CEO?
The bell rings, Kris and Shida shake hands and the fans applaud. The two circle, tie up, and Kris wrenches to a wristlock. Shida handsprings and wrenches back, then hammerlocks. Kris reaches back, hits a headlock takeover, but Shida headscissors. Kris kips free and the fans cheer while the two reset. Shida and Kris circle again while the fans fire up. The two tie up, Shida wrenches and hammerlocks, then CLUBS Kris on the back. Shida CLUBS Kris again, then waistlocks. Kris fights the lift with elbows, then switches. Kris SLAMS Shida, then flips her over. Shida kips up to arm-drag Kris! Kris ends up in a corner, and Shida runs up to KNEE her!
Shida climbs up and the fans cheer as she rains down fists! But Kris stops Shida at 5 and carries her out of the corner! Shida slips free, Kris blocks a lariat to SWEEP the leg! STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Shida is tough and she goes to ropes, but Kris whips her to a corner. Kris runs up but into a RANA! Kris cartwheels through! Then she CLOBBERS Shida! The fans fire up while Kris flexes. Kris drags Shida into a motorcycle stretch but Shida endures. The fans rally up and Shida fights to her feet. Shida arm-drags Kris down, and wraps her in a straitjacket stretch! Kris fights up with a bridge, but Shida hops on!
The fans rally while Kris RAMS Shida into a corner! Shida holds onto the straitjacket and pulls! The ref counts, Shida lets go at 4, and then MISSILE DROPKICKS! Kris tumbles and the fans duel as Shida fires up! Shida goes outside, drags Kris to the apron, and CLUBS her! Shida runs to KNEE LIFT! Kris flops to the floor and fans cheer while Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Shida brings Kris up again, and whips her into railing hard! Kris writhes, Shida drags her up, and then Shida whips Kris into more railing! Kris writhes again and Shida refreshes the ring count. Shida sits Kris in a corner to rain down fists! The fans fire up but the ref reprimands, so Shida stops. Shida brings Kris around, pushes her into the ring, and then stalks her. Shida stomps Kris around, brings her up, and snap suplexes! Kris writhes but Shida brings her up again. Shida then snap suplexes Kris into a corner! Shida drags Kris to a cover, TWO! Kris stays in this but Shida stays on her with a chinlock stretch!
Kris endures being bent back, and she reaches out with her free arm. Shida pulls back more but Kris rises up! Shida is again a backpack, but then she slips down. Kris fires body shots, slips around and lifts for a BIG back suplex! Kris huffs ‘n’ puffs as she rises up, but then Shida dodges the sliding forearm! Ghost pin! TWO, and Kris has a cradle! TWO! Shida ROCKS Kris, but Kris PELES! Shida staggers, but she comes back to ENZIGIRI! Both women are down and the fans fire up! The ref checks both women and they’re okay to continue, so a standing count begins. Shida and Kris stir at about 4 of 10, then rise up at 6.
Kris grabs Shida, but Shida fires a forearm! Dynamite returns to single picture as the shots go back and forth. Shida fires a flurry, then whips Kris to ropes. Kris ducks ‘n’ dodges, then dodges a knee! SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up with Kris as she whips Shida to a corner. Kris runs up to UPPERCUT, then she goes side to side for a KNEE LIFT! Shida ends up in ropes but Kris reels her in. Fisherman BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Shida survives and the fans fire up again! Kris hoists Shida up, gut wrenches, but Shida slips free! DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Shida eggs Kris on, then dodges her to fire forearms! Kris just shakes her head!
Shida fires more shots, but Kris fireman’s carries! But Shida slips free, straitjacket roll-up! TWO!! KNEE STRIKE! And then short arm LARIAT! Shida takes aim, but she starts to doubt the Katana! Shida runs up but Kris dodges the boot to then scoop and INVERTED SLAM! Then Kris aims, DISCUS- NO, Shida backslides her! TWO!! Shida reels Kris in, suplexes, FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO?!? Kris survives and Shida is shocked! Shida brings Kris up but Kris fires body shots and forearms! Shida ROCKS Kris, but Kris wrenches to kick! Kris runs, but into the JUMP KNEE! Shida hurries to suplex, but Kris turns it around!
Shida slips out of Kris’ suplex to slip around, GERMAN SUPLEX! Shida roars, aims, KATA- NO, Kris gut wrenches! Tuck and STATURDAY NIGHT FEVER!! Cover, Kris wins!!
Winner: Kris Statlander, by pinfall
Shida gave Kris a powerful match, but clearly Shida has to iron out her own crisis of confidence. Kris still shows Shida respect by helping her up. But wait, here comes Mercedes Mone & Kamille! The fans boo The CEO & Brickhouse but Mone has a mic. “Readiiiiing~! Say hello to your C E O!” The fans boo instead. Mone asks Kamille if she wants to hear a fun fact about Pennsylvania. The 76ers have had yet another terrible season! Embarrassing~! But shoutouts to Mone’s Celtics for another incredible victory. The fans boo Boston but Mone says another person with an incredible win was Kris Statlander. Mone is rarely impressed by her competition.
Does anyone else want to hear another fun fact? “NO!!” Well, Mone has held the TBS Championship longer than Kris! So at Full Gear, Mone will NOT lose, because she is The CEO, the greatest TBS Champion of all time! And she will NEVER lose this title! Fans tell The CEO to STFU, but Mone tells Kamille go get the job done! She is so pissed off! GO! NOW! Kamille walks up the steps past Mone, but with only one good arm! Mone says hurry up, but Kamille looks at both Shida and Kris. Kamille takes as swing, but Kris blocks to ROCK her! Shida QUESTION MARK KICKS Kamille! Then Kris & Shida TOSS The Brickhouse!
Shida goes out after Kamille, but then Mone goes after Kris! Mone goes for the backstabber, but Kris holds onto ropes! Mone is almost stuck up there, but Kris pops her around! STATURDAY NIGHT FEVER!! The fans fire up as Kris stands tall over The CEO! Will Kris once again become the Face of TBS? Or will Mone find a way to win even without her insurance policy?
The Hurt Syndicate has a cameraman with them.
MVP says hold on, he and Shelton have found Swerve. They go after the man in the big fur jacket, but that’s not Swerve! Swerve gave his jacket to the guy, but MVP & Shelton still beat this guy up for helping Swerve. MVP says they’ll find Swerve later, Lashley has his match up next. And it’ll be a 2-on-1 Handicap?! The All Mighty really IS mad, what poor duo is about to be destroyed?
AEW hears from Jay White and Hangman Adam Page.
“Hangman. You and I are on that same path to that same destination, trying to grasp at that same prize. 2024 still has some time left for The Switchblade to share the spotlight with Hangman once more!” But the Blackhat Cowboy asks White if he knows “Who the hell I am?! I am the Hangman! I am THE man! They named this whole godforsaken PPV after ME!” White says when he makes Hangman TAP, it will be a public declaration! But Hangman says White can’t make him tap, even if his life depended on it! These two vicious gunslingers will write one more chapter in their storied rivalry, but who comes out riding off into the sunset?
2v1 Handicap: Bobby Lashley w/ The Hurt Syndicate VS Joe Keys & Cheeseburger!
The All Mighty thought he’d have an easy night getting in a little warm-up, but The Realest quickly reminded him why he’s the most dangerous man in AEW! Lashley’s now doubling down to make a point, will there be nothing left of Keys & Cheese after tonight?
The bell rings and while the fans rally for Cheeseburger, he and Keys each argue the other should start. Lashley runs up and TOSSES Burger across the ring! Keys runs away, Lashley runs to RAM into Burger! Lashley brings Burger up, Keys runs in, but Lashley catches him for a COMPLETE SHOT DDT COMBO! Lashley drags Keys up and TOSSES him out! Lashley then turns to look at Burger in the corner. The fans rally for Burger, but Lashley CLOBBERS him! The fans boo but MVP & Shelton high-five Lashley. Lashley drags Burger up to gut wrench, Canadian Rack, and DOMINATOR! Keys runs in to break the cover!
The fans cheer Keys as he fires hands, but Lashley just gets angrier! Keys short arm LARIATS, but Lashley stays up! Keys runs, into a MILE HIGH SPINEBUSTER! Lashley storms around, then aims at Keys. Keys staggers into the SPEAR! Lashley isn’t done there, and he clamps on the HURT LOCK! Keys can’t open that lock, he is OUT! Lashley wins!
Winner: Bobby Lashley, by submission
MVP & Shelton join Lashley in the ring to celebrate, but then “Whose House?” “SWERVE’S HOUSE!” The fans fire up, and here comes Prince Nana with a chair! Nana eggs the Hurt Syndicate on so Shelton storms out after Nana. MVP watches the rest of ringside for Swerve, but Swerve slides out from under the ring! The fans fire up as Swerve slips in to CHAIN PUNCH Lashley!! MVP gets on the apron but Swerve DECKS MVP with a chain punch! And then Shelton eats a chain punch! The fans are thunderous as Swerve aims, and hits a HOUSE CALL on Lashley! Swerve hurries to the top rope, and he gives Lashley a KILL STOMP!!
The fans are thunderous as Swerve stands over Lashley! MVP & Shelton get up and get in, but Swerve escapes, chain draped on his neck! Will AEW then, now and forever be whose house? “SWERVE’S HOUSE!”
Backstage interview with Mariah May & Mina Shirakawa.
Renee is now with the AEW Women’s World Champion and her best friend, the Rev-Pro Undisputed British Women’s Champion. They are planning their Championship Champagne Celebration for Full Gear, BUT Friday Night Rampage will feature the two of them teaming up for the first time in just over a year. Mariah says no champion deserves a celebration more than her. Her rise to the top was meteoric, and her reign will be historic. She takes ish and makes it shine, any time and any show, against anyone. In Mariah’s division, you hold this title, or you die.
Mina says yes, Mariah has been working so hard. She came back to tell her she is so very proud. And Mina will give Mariah a celebration she’ll never forget! Mariah says the “H Cup Angel” (Mina) and the “Woman from Hell” (Mariah herself) are going to make Rampage into Glampage. Everyone wants Mina, but Mina wants Mariah. And then… They’ll dance! These two shimmy and shake their way out, will they finally be toasting their victories at Full Gear?
Darby Allin VS Claudio Castagnoli w/ The Death Riders!
The Relentless One told The Swiss Superman that revenge was coming, and here is Darby’s chance! Will Darby avenge Bryan Danielson? Or will he just be the next to fall?
The bell rings and Darby stares Claudio down. Darby takes some deep breaths then circles with Claudio. Darby slips around to waistlock but Claudio flings him off, only for Darby to roll to his feet. They circle again, and the fans rally behind Darby. Darby and Claudio feel things out, tie up, and Darby headlocks. Claudio lifts Darby but Darby thrashes the hold. Claudio throws Darby off, runs up, but Darby uses that to get around and springboard arm-drag! The fans fire up while Claudio bails out, and Darby taunts Claudio with some drop steps. Claudio snarls, but then Darby fakes him out with a slingshot!
Claudio is annoyed and takes a swing but Darby slingshots up and over! Darby taunts Claudio again while the fans rally up. Claudio cools off before he storms up the steel steps. Claudio pops Darby up but Darby keeps from hitting buckles! Darby ELBOWS Claudio away, goes up, then leaps, but Claudio catches him! Claudio SLAMS Darby down, flips him back to his feet, but Darby slips around to waistlock. O’Conner Roll, TWO! Darby springboards to SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Claudio bails out but the fans fire up. Darby goes up a corner, and he SUPER COFFIN SPLASHES into a waistlock! Claudio swings and THROWS Darby away!
Darby staggers to his feet but Claudio runs up, to POUNCE Darby into railing! Darby writhes against the railing, but Claudio runs up to UPPERCUT Darby up and over! Fans freak out as Darby hits the floor! Claudio leaves Darby behind while the ring count climbs, but Darby drags himself up at 7. Claudio goes back out after Darby to suplex! Claudio holds Darby up while he marches up the steps! The fans fire up for this feat of strength and balance, and then Claudio TOSSES Darby back into the ring! Darby writhes again while Claudio steps back in. Claudio stalks Darby, talks some trash, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Claudio looms over Darby, then deadlift gut wrenches for a GUTBUSTER! And then another GUTBUSTER! And then another GUTBUSTER! Darby writhes while Claudio stands over him again. Claudio watches Darby crawl towards a corner and stalks him. Claudio drags Darby up, brings him around, and ROCKS Darby with a forearm! Darby pushes Claudio, then CHOPS! Claudio DECKS Darby! Darby tumbles out of the ring! The ref wants Claudio to stay back while Darby drags himself up. Darby is back in before the count starts, but then Claudio DOUBLE STOMPS him! Claudio kicks Darby around, then clamps on with a neck wrench!
Darby endures, fights up, but Claudio powers him down. Darby BITES Claudio’s hand! The ref reprimands but Darby fires off forearms on Claudio. Claudio HIP TOSSES Darby up and out of the ring! Darby hits the floor and flounders around while the ref reprimands Claudio. Claudio again waits on Darby, and then he DOUBLE STOMPS Darby the moment he’s in! The ref counts as Claudio stands on Darby at the ropes. Claudio steps off at 4, brings him around, and clamps on an armlock and chinbar. Darby endures, fights around, and manages to fireman’s carry Claudio! But Claudio rains down elbows! HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL even!
Claudio clamps on with a double wristlock and he grinds Darby down. Darby still endures and the fans rally up again. Darby fights around and Dynamite returns to single picture. Darby fires body shots but Claudio knees low! Claudio then HIP TOSSES Darby into a corner! Darby tumbles out of the ring but Claudio pursues! Claudio SWINGS Darby into railing! Then Claudio fireman’s carries, to TOSS Darby back in the ring! Claudio storms in while Darby flounders away. Darby flops back out of the ring but Claudio pursues him again. Darby trips Claudio up and traps him in the apron skirt! Darby then fires forearms, and BITES Claudio’s ear!
The fans fire up but Claudio shoves Darby away. Darby slides into the ring then DIVES onto Claudio! And then runs to DIVE again! Down goes Claudio and the fans fire up! Darby crawls over to bring Claudio up and into the ring. The fans fire up as Darby climbs up a corner, though slowly given all the damage to his back. That lets Claudio trip Darby up! Darby is stuck up top, and Claudio climbs up after him. Claudio gut wrenches for a SUPER GUT WRENCH PLEX!! Cover, TWO!! Darby survives and Claudio can’t believe it! The fans fire up but Claudio calls for the swing! Claudio grabs the legs, but Darby twists to a victory roll! TWO!!
Claudio escapes and runs up, but Darby ducks ‘n’ dodges, roll and- WHOA, Claudio has to fight to stay up, and then he deadlifts Darby! Darby pops through to CODE RED!! Cover, TWO!! Claudio survives and the fans fire up again! “This is Awesome!” as Darby and Claudio crawl for ropes. Claudio runs up to UPPERCUT! And UPPERCUT again and again and again! The ref backs Claudio off, but then Claudio fires off body shots! Darby flops over but Claudio has the legs. Claudio FLIPS Darby up and over the ropes, but Darby lands on the apron! Claudio BOOTS Darby down! The ref wants Claudio to hold on but Claudio goes out after Darby.
Claudio drags Darby by his legs, then SWINGS him around! Into steel steps!! The fans lose their minds, the ref reprimands Claudio, but Claudio doesn’t care. The fans tell Claudio he is sick, but Claudio TOSSES Darby over the announce desk!! Schiavone, Excalibur & Matt Menard narrowly avoid becoming collateral damage! But Claudio clears the desk and brings Darby up. Claudio puts Darby on the desk, then stands over him. The ref reprimands but Claudio just ignores him. Claudio drags Darby up, and gorilla presses him! SUPER DUPER TOSS onto the timekeeper’s table!! The fans lose their minds as Darby is down but that table’s somehow still standing!
The ref checks on Darby but Claudio storms right over! The ref tells Claudio to stop so they go to the ring. Claudio lets the ring count start, and yet Darby somehow stirs at 4 of 10! The fans rally as hard as they can and Darby crawls his way over! Darby is still far away at 7! But then he powers up and LEAPS in at 9!! But Claudio LARIATS Darby inside-out!! Cover, Claudio wins!
Winner: Claudio Castagnoli, by pinfall
Darby truly is relentless, with durability like no other, but it just wasn’t enough against the strength and brutality of Claudio! Will no one stop The Death Riders from running roughshod over AEW?
Backstage interview with Private Party.
Renee is with Marq Quen & Isiah Kassidy and brings up that at Full Gear, the AEW World Tag Team Championships are on the line in a Fatal 4 Way. Private Party takes on The Acclaimed, The Outrunners and The Kings of the Black Throne. In such a match, the champs do NOT have to be pinned or submitted to lose their titles, so what is their strategy? Brother Zay says they obviously can’t tell her that, the other teams are watching. But it seems like the odds are against them. Fortunately, the odds have been against them their whole lives, their whole careers, just like against The Young Bucks.
But look what happened: Private Party defied the odds, beat The Bucks, and are your AEW World Tag Team Champions. That is the same thing that happens on Saturday. They leave Newark, New Jersey still your tag team champions. Because there ain’t no party like a Private Party, that’s a flex. Oh, speaking of! It’s AJ & Big Justice! They’re fired up to be here, but Justice wants to know what that face Zay made was last week. Oh, right, this one, with the chin scratching. And AJ says they’ve got a BIG announcement coming up after this! Maybe some double chunk chocolate cookies? BOOM!!
A green Porsche Taycan pulls up to the middle of nowhere.
And out steps MJF. The Wolf of Wrestling tells the hobo to “go get it” as he throws spare change off to the side like birdseed. MVP then sits back and tells Roderick Strong, “You’ve been through so much. The kid who grew up trailer park trash with two abusive alcoholic parents. For crying out loud! Your own mother shot your father right in front of you. That’s traumatizing. And as you know, Roddy, trauma is the result of an overwhelming sense of danger, powerlessness and fear. However, healing is a result of feeling safe, empowered and supported. That’s why you’d do anything for Cole. He makes you feel all those positive things that you lacked.
“It’s why I was no different than you. It’s why I trusted him. Unfortunately, the difference between you and I: Cole for me was a mirage of what I wanted him to be. A fraud, a liar. And whilst Cole is a fraud, I do actually believe deep down, in his narcissistic, sociopathic, frail, feeble frame, is a man who cares about Roderick Strong. This is precisely why upon further contemplation, I am happy you won, Roddy. Because I want Adam Cole to watch a person he cares about suffer! And because of your White trash upbringing, you aren’t intelligent enough to realize that you don’t have a prayer. And I’m sending you back to where you belong. To your grimy little trailer park.
“And after the match, you’ll be in so much physical anguish, you’ll wish your mother hadn’t shot your father, but instead shot you.” As if this scumbag couldn’t stoop any lower, he brings up Roddy’s past to hurt him. But will Roddy make sure MJF’s future is the one full of pain and suffering?
Backstage interview with AJ & Big Justice.
Renee is with the Costco Tiktok sensations and says that in the Full Gear Zero Hour, we will see #BigBoomAJ take on QT Marshall in a match 20 YEARS in the making. AJ says it may have been 20 years in the making for QT, this all started for AJ when QT threw the double chunk chocolate cookies down! Renee says AJ has not been in the ring in those 20 years, is he concerned about how his body will hold up? AJ isn’t worried about that, because he just has one strategy, and that’s the strategy they use each and every day. That strategy is to bring the BOOM~! But hey, there’s another special announcement.
Because when AJ rings QT’s bell, and he Power-Booms QT right in the middle of that ring, there is only one guy they want ringing the bell: Big Justice’s best friend, THE RIZZLER! Time to bring the BOOM~! Will QT be sleeping on the mat for The Rizzler? Will he be skibidi? Fanum Tax? Why are those even words?
Tony Schiavone is on stage.
And he welcomes out The Undisputed Kingdom! The fans cheer as Roderick Strong makes his way out, accompanied by Matt Taven & Mike Bennett. Schiavone brings up Roddy VS MJF at Full Gear, and we just heard all that disgusting stuff MJF had to say. Roddy’s response is that to be honest, he has not slept a wink since last week. IT is finally happening! Roddy feels like a kid on Christmas morning. He finally gets his hands on “MAAAAAX~!” The fans echo that, and Roddy says if MJF was here tonight, and not hiding out there, Roddy would ask him: Is Roddy supposed to be ashamed of his childhood?
Is Roddy supposed to be ashamed of his parents? You don’t think Roddy’s heard that stuff before? His whole LIFE, that is what people brought up! His mom’s an addict, his dad’s an addict, mom shot dad. Good job, Max, you made Roddy feel like he was in elementary school again. And people may look at Roddy’s past and feel sorry for him, but Roddy asks us not to. Because looking at MJF, Roddy feels sorry for him. Understand this, Max. With Roddy’s life, he learned that to get the most out of life, you have to earn it. If you wanna break the cycle, you have to earn it. And that is what Roddy’s done ever since he was a kid!
And now looking at MJF, he’s been spoon-fed everything. And when something doesn’t go his way or something happens and he doesn’t like it, MJF throws a temper tantrum like a baby until that changes. So Roddy wants MJF to do something for him: Look in the mirror and think about all the things that MJF has done to people. The manipulating, the backstabbing, the using. MJF needs to realize, when the bell rings at Full Gear, MJF will pay for all those sins. With every chop, with every punch, with every elbow, with every backbreaker! And when it is all over, Roddy walks to his hotel room for the best night of sleep in his life because he earned it.
Especially because Roddy will know he has broken MJF’s back, and left him humbled! Roddy is all fired up, and the fans are with him! Will MJF finally get what’s coming to him? Or will he give Roddy nightmares for the rest of his life?
AEW shares footage taken from last Saturday night.
First, a recap video of Daniel Garcia thwarting Jack Perry’s attempts to abduct and torture Matthew Menard, as well as the joyride they took in the Scapegoat bus, with Perry as the hood ornament. And now, they have Perry strapped into a chair, the bus headlights as the only source of light. Menard is behind the camera as he asks Perry how he’s feeling. How’d that work out for him, huh? Garcia splashes Perry with water to wake him up, and says “Let’s have a conversation. I’m all ears.” Perry chuckles and says Garcia thinks he’s so much better than him. Look at where they are! Garcia shouts back that he doesn’t wanna be here!
Garcia just wants to wrestle, but AEW is full of savages! Perry tried to take Daddy Magic’s life! And those in power just sit back and watch, pretending that nothing’s going on. So what do they do? Gotta take the power back, right? Perry counters with, “Everybody’s got a code. Everybody cares about right and wrong until it costs them something. Until they have to SACRIFICE!” Garcia gets in Perry’s face, grabs him by the mouth, and says Perry’s always going on about sacrifice but Perry has no idea what Garcia’s had to go through! Perry has NO idea what Garcia’s had to sacrifice to be here!
Garcia knows where Perry wants him to go, but Garcia promises that he’s never gonna go there. Perry smirks, then SPITS in Garcia’s face. Garcia wipes that off his face and says bet. Garcia’s got something for Perry, so just wait right there. Garcia goes to the bus while Perry mockingly asks what he’s gonna do. Menard tells shut up, Jack! Life must be so hard for him! What’s Jack got to be sad about?! Garcia comes back and he has a crowbar! Perry dares him to go ahead. Garcia raises the bar, but he SMASHES up the bus! Garcia throws the crowbar away and Perry laughs. Is that it? Garcia tells Menard they’ll get out of here. What? Where’s Garcia going?
Perry says yeah, walk away. Menard tells Perry that Garcia’s gonna whoop his ass! Just wait! Menard leaves, Perry shouts into the night, but will The Face of TNT soon be the one sacrificed for the greater good?
Renee Paquette presides over the ROH World Championship contract signing.
She welcomes us backstage to the signing for this match, which will happen next week, Dynamite: Thanksgiving Eve, in Chicago. The challenger, Tomohiro Ishii, is on her left, and the champion, Chris Jericho, is on her right. Jericho, as champion, you have the honors to sign first. Jericho smiles and waves as he says, “Hi, guys.” But Renee, you should know better. A champion of Jericho’s caliber does not just sign a contract thrust at his face randomly. He has a whole legal team that needs to approve this contract. Renee says it was sent to said legal team last week. Oh, really? What about today? The now! Jericho lives in the now!
Jericho says he’ll get this checked by his legal eagles one more time. But for now, wait here. Choto matte kudesai. Jericho steps around the corner and then down the hall. He smiles at his own picture on the wall. What a good looking guy. But wait, Ishii has followed Jericho to the hall. Jericho is a bit worried as he keeps moving. Jericho tries to block Ishii’s path but a trash can isn’t enough. Jericho tells staffers that Ishii wants to talk to them. They step in the way but Ishii pushes them aside. Jericho moves faster, pushes more people in the way, but Ishii pushes them aside. Was that RJ City?
Jericho goes up some stairs but Ishii follows. Ishii’s even gaining ground! Jericho goes through a doorway and ends up in the concourse! Fans cheer as Jericho and Ishii keep up their cat ‘n’ mouse game. Jericho decides to go into the stands! Ishii follows, and they head down the bleachers towards ringside! Jericho hurries over railing but so does Ishii. They go into the ring, and now Jericho tells Ishii to stop following him! Jericho wants a mic, a mic is brought, and Jericho says hey, listen, Ishii. Jericho would sign this contract, but he doesn’t have a pen. Ishii has a pen! Oh. Ishii clicks it for Jericho, and pushes it into him.
Jericho takes the pen, looks at the contract again, and still hesitates. Jericho signs his part, and then hands things over to Ishii. But then BRYAN KEITH & BIG BILL ATTACK! It was all a massive set-up! Bad Apple & Redwood beat down Stone Pitbull, and then sit him up! Jericho has the pen ready, but here comes The Conglomeration! Mark Briscoe & Rocky Romero rush in, and Mark TACKLES Jericho! Rocky fires off on Bill while Mark CHOKES Jericho! Keith saves Jericho from Mark but Mark fires hands on Keith! The fans fire up, but then Bill SKYSCRAPER- NO, Mark UPPERCUTS Bill first! Rocky adds on!
The fans fire up as The Conglomeration pinballs Bill, and then Ishii CLOBBERS him! Bill tumbles out, but Rocky DIVES! Bill is sent into railing! Keith stands up, into a kick and underhooks! JAY DRILLER! Jericho stands up, Ishii has him, and hits a BRAINBUSTER!! Conglomeration stands tall over The Learning Tree and his Branches, and now Ishii signs his part! The match is now official, and Ishii is looking to take a bite out of Jericho! Will The Conglomeration have the ROH World Championship to be thankful for this year?
Backstage interview with Jamie Hayter.
Renee is with the former AEW Women’s World Champion and notes that last time, we were going to hear from her, only for her to be interrupted by Julia Hart. What is Hayter’s reaction to that? Well, yeah, she isn’t angry, but she is baffled why Julia chose to interrupt Hayter. They’ve never really spoken or interacted, or even wrestled each other. Hayter is just curious as to why Julia felt it was okay to do that. Granted, Julia can do whatever she wants, Hayter moves to the beat of her own drum just as much as Julia. But… if Julia wants to have a chat-
Uh oh, something is happening to the video! Brody King’s message echoes, “It’s time to come home.” Julia Hart walks through the woods. Brody says The House is her foundation. She has seen her rebirth. Now it is time to rebuild. She has woken up stronger, more determined, and more dangerous than ever. Julia aims her arrow to shoot down a target: her past self. Her obstacles are just bull’s eyes. She is the Princess of the Black Throne, and the Keeper of Secrets. She is Julia Hart, and her heart grows harder. She hits her mark, but will she find Hayter Hits Hard?
Orange Cassidy VS Wheeler Yuta!
Freshly Squeezed has been accused of being coldblooded and uncaring, but he got pretty heated as he told The Conglomeration to keep themselves safe tonight. He goes 1v1 with The Decoder, a young man who was once Cassidy’s student, and who left him behind to join the then Blackpool Combat Club. If anyone is uncaring, it is Yuta with how he would then follow Jon Moxley’s lead in the destruction of Bryan Danielson and Chuck Taylor. Who will be the more ferocious fighter tonight, this close to Full Gear?
The bell rings and Yuta SHOTGUNS Cassidy! Yuta follows Cassidy to a corner to CHOP, then ROCK, then CHOP again! Yuta whips corner to corner but Cassidy goes up and out. Cassidy bumps Yuta off buckles, climbs up top, but has to leap over. Yuta comes back but Cassidy catches him to a backslide! TWO, but Cassidy reels Yuta in for a cradle! TWO! Yuta pulls on an ear! But Cassidy arm-drags and wrangles Yuta into the SEATBELT! TWO!! Yuta escapes and the fans fire up as these two stand off. Yuta huffs ‘n’ puffs, but Cassidy shows he wants a grapple. They feel things out, knuckle lock, but Cassidy blocks a kick!
Cassidy reels Yuta in for a headlock, but Yuta powers up and out. Cassidy ducks ‘n’ rolls, tilt-o-whirls, but Yuta suplexes! Into STUN DOG MILLIONAIRE! Yuta tumbles out and fans fire up! Cassidy builds speed to DIVE! Down goes Yuta and the fans fire up again! Cassidy brings Yuta up, whips, but Yuta reverses to reel Cassidy in! Cassidy fights the suplex, but then Yuta fights a suplex. Yuta suplexes, to RAILING BRAINBUSTER!! Cassidy writhes and fans are stunned! Yuta stomps Cassidy, then leaves him behind for the ring count. Cassidy crawls into the ring, Yuta exposes a crossbar, and then he GRINDS Cassidy’s face into the steel!
The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but Yuta steps off at 4. Cassidy seethes as he rises up, but Yuta has him at the corner. Cassidy kicks Yuta’s legs out and Yuta falls onto a turnbuckle! Yuta falls back, Cassidy climbs, but Yuta grabs Cassidy first! Yuta drags Cassidy down but Cassidy fires hands. Yuta squeezes the facelock tight, then hits an APRON DDT! The fans boo Yuta while Cassidy writhes, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Cassidy clutches his neck while Yuta waits in the ring. A ring count starts and Yuta eggs Cassidy on. Cassidy reaches up as the count reaches 5 of 10, but he doesn’t sit up until 6. Cassidy hobbles up, stumbles and falls, but springs back to life! He slides in at 9! Only for Yuta to be right on him! Yuta reels Cassidy in, but Cassidy turns that into BEACH BREAK! Cover, TWO!! Yuta survives but Cassidy is too sore to be frustrated. They both sit up, and Yuta crawls his way over to a corner. Cassidy rises, checks his neck, then runs up, but into an ELBOW! Yuta goes up, but Cassidy JUMP FOREARMS! Cassidy positions Yuta just right before he climbs the corner.
Yuta resists but Cassidy still brings Yuta up. Yuta continues to fight the suplex, throws body shots, then shoves Cassidy down. Cassidy rolls back to his feet, runs back up the corner, but Yuta again fights the suplex! Cassidy fires hands, but Yuta fires back! They brawl up top, Cassidy HEADBUTTS Yuta! But Yuta HEADBUTTS back! They both wobble, but then Cassidy BITES Yuta! The ref reprimands, but Cassidy CLAWS Yuta’s back! This is very Moxley of him to do! And then Cassidy hits the SUPERPLEX! Both men are down and the ref checks. They’re both okay to continue, so a standing count begins!
Cassidy sits up, spots Yuta, and heads that way. Yuta sits up, they fire forearms as they stand! Dynamite returns to single picture as these shots go back and forth. The fans fire up for Cassidy but boo Yuta as the shots go faster and faster! Yuta BITES Cassidy’s forehead! Yuta spits then runs, but Cassidy dodges! BODY BLOW! SUPERKICK! Yuta sits down, Cassidy runs, PENALTY KICK! Cassidy slashes his throat, hauls Yuta up, BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Yuta survives but Cassidy seethes. Cassidy rains down fists on Yuta! The ref reprimands about closed fists and hair pulling, but Cassidy doesn’t stop until the ref counts 4.
Cassidy stands, and he throws off the elbow pad! Cassidy aims at Yuta, runs up, but Yuta ducks the punch! GERMAN SUPLEX! Yuta runs to CHOP in the corner! And then a wrench and PAIN THRILLER! The fans boo while Yuta seethes and stands over Cassidy. Yuta sits Cassidy up, for HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! But Cassidy blocks one! And bends fingers, to then SNAP them! The fans fire up as Cassidy SNAPS finger after finger! Yuta swings, Cassidy BOOTS him, then serves up SOLE FOOD! Scoop and MICHINOKU DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Cassidy is busting out all his best friends’ best moves, but he hasn’t gotten it done!
Cassidy aims, loads up, and ORANGE- NO, Yuta ducks! Orange fights the suplex, switches to O’Conner Roll! TWO, Yuta dodges Cassidy, scoops him, and CROSS LEG TOMBSTONE!! Cover, TWO?!? Cassidy survives and Yuta is furious! The fans are thunderous, but Yuta rains down HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! Cassidy grits his teeth but he’s almost a ragdoll! Yuta lets off to then hook the arms, CATTLE MUTILATION!! Cassidy endures as Yuta thrashes him around! Cassidy powers up as the fans rally, and he kicks around to the ROPEBREAK!! Yuta holds on, the ref counts, and Yuta finally lets go at 4!
The ref reprimands Yuta, but Yuta pushes past the ref to go outside the ring. Yuta grabs a chair! Yuta storms into the ring while the fans boo, and the ref says don’t do it! Cassidy dodges the chair shot! Victory roll, CASSIDY WINS!!
Winner: Orange Cassidy, by pinfall
Yuta is in disbelief! Cassidy beat him with a technical move! Yuta snarls but the ref keeps him back. Cassidy did what he promised in beating Yuta, but then he stares his former student down. Is Cassidy going to offer a handshake? WAIT, PAC ATTACKS! The Bastard BOOTS Cassidy down so we’ll never know what Cassidy was going to do! The fans boo more but Pac & Yuta stand on Cassidy. The rest of the Death Riders appear, and Marina Shafir has duct tape! The AEW World Trios Champions stomp away on Cassidy, like vultures picking the bones. Moxley steps into the ring while Marina hands the tape over to Pac.
Claudio puts Cassidy’s hands in his pockets, and then Pac tapes them in! Cassidy is physically bound, and Moxley paces around. Cassidy is pushed around by all the Death Riders, then Moxley DECKS him! Claudio hauls Cassidy back up, the Death Riders keep bullying him, and then Moxley SLAPS Cassidy down! But the bullying continues as they stand Cassidy up. Cassidy “kicks” Moxley! Defiant to the end! But Moxley DECKS him again! Moxley paces around more, then stomps Cassidy right on the face! Moxley leads The Death Riders away, and The Conglomeration finally comes out here.
Mark has scissors to cut Cassidy loose, and the fans boo as The Death Riders still retreat. Cassidy tries to stand up, but he has to use ropes to do it. Even so, Cassidy stands on his own two feet. Moxley eggs on the fans while Cassidy puts his sunglasses on. And then hands up, and then into the pockets! Try as they might, The Death Riders could not break the Freshly Squeezed fighting spirit! Will Cassidy finally become AEW World Champion? Or will Moxley find a way to break Cassidy at Full Gear?
My Thoughts:
A great go-home Dynamite here, though it felt like it contracted Go Home Syndrome. A lot of recap and other promos, but good promos all the same. Good follow-up from last week with Hayter and Hart, that will probably really get going after Full Gear. Good promo from Mariah & Mina to hype up their celebration segment for Full Gear, and with Toni Storm’s announcement of her retirement, you can bet Toni is anything but retired! Toni Storm most assuredly will return very soon, maybe even to ruin the celebration and spark another feud. I still want us to get to Mariah VS Mina but maybe Storm moves things back so that Mariah VS Mina happens in 2025.
Good promo from Private Party to also have AJ & Big Justice show up. The promos didn’t really add much to any of the matches, though. I’m very sure AJ does hit the BOOM on QT to win, and then Private Party finds a way to survive the Fatal 4. Great stuff with Perry, Garcia and Menard, that was another very action movie kind of promo, maybe even like that grittier Batman movie. But with Garcia not sinking to the same lows as Perry, that will be why Garcia loses. Honestly, why not just have Perry blatantly get himself disqualified? What great heat for Perry while keeping Garcia strong in not becoming TNT Champion.
Great promos in this MJF story. I appreciate Cole throwing his support behind Roddy was good, as well as Kyle O’Reilly wanting Cole to just leave it at this. MJF of course insults Roddy over his past while also trashing Cole at the same time, but great response from Roddy. Also I’m not a car guy so it took me a little too long to Google out what car MJF was driving. Anyway, given all these promos, I am very confident MJF wins at Full Gear and then Cole still wants after MJF, only for Kyle to have to fight Cole to make him stop. Then we’ll maybe get Cole VS MJF at Worlds End, or even some time in 2025.
Very good stuff with The Hurt Syndicate, even with them getting jumped by Swerve. Poor Cheeseburger, that’s one fan favorite that got fed to Bobby Lashley. But Swerve getting the better of the Hurt Syndicate again and again tonight, all the more reason Lashley wins at Full Gear. Very good promo vignette from White and Hangman to hype up their grudge match, which still feels it could go either way since they’re tied on the year. And Jericho and Ishii had perhaps simultaneously the most clever and most ridiculous contract signing segment ever. And of course Jericho worked out some sort of trap, only for it to go badly for him and his team. But with that, that means Ishii is losing next week, as I figured he would.
Awesome opening match with the 8 Man, and I liked that they had Hobbs do the “fighting through the pain” angle in the match. Also, great bit with Kyle Fletcher sending Davis into harm’s way so that the Callis Family can get the better of Ospreay’s team. I thought the Faces were going to win here, but the math now says Ospreay finds a way to beat Kyle, and maybe Ricochet takes the International Championship from Konosuke Takeshita. The Continental Classic is coming, and they could easily use that round robin to get Konosuke back to a feud with Kazuchika Okada and they battle for the Continental Championship at Worlds End like we should’ve gotten at WrestleDream.
Awesome match from Kris VS Shida, and I appreciate the crisis of confidence for Shida. Kris gets a great win to go into Full Gear, and then Kris and Shida get the better of Mone & Kamille, so all the more reason Mone finds a way to survive. As for Kamille, I feel like she should ditch Mone for being treated like crap by Mone, and maybe we can get a feud of Mone VS Kamille going into 2025. And of course, plenty of promos from Death Riders and “Team AEW” members. Moxley just kinda went on and on about stuff he’s already said in reference to Cassidy, but I did like Claudio going bilingual in talking trash on Darby.
Awesome matches from those stories, of course. Darby really got thrown around but he continues to show that toughness. Claudio getting the win mostly keeps Darby back so that Darby can build towards a world title match at Worlds End. Cassidy VS Yuta was great stuff, too, with great back and forth of Cassidy wanting to end it quick, having to grit it out with Yuta, and then Cassidy still finding a way to end it with a quick pin. And they did a good job muddying the math. Cassidy wins the match, but the Death Riders beat him down, only for Cassidy to literally stand tall at the end of the show. I still don’t see him taking the world title from Moxley, though, with Darby still in the wings, but this could end up Cassidy’s best match yet.
My Score: 8.9/10
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Will this be the mightiest Tag League yet?
It’s time for NJPW World Tag League 2024, and this year already looks mighty good as IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, Zack Sabre Jr, is in the A Block! Will he and Ryohei Oiwa make everyone #JustTapOut?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kickoff – Shoma Kato VS Masatora Yasuda; Kato wins.
- Six Man Tag: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Jado & Katsuya Murashima VS Taiji Ishimori & The Filip Brothers; Taiji & The Filip Brothers win.
- Six Man Tag: Toru Yano, Boltin Oleg & Tiger Mask VS The House of Torture; The House of Torture wins.
- Six Man Tag: Taichi, Douki & Taka Michinoku VS The United Empire; Taichi, Douki & Taka win.
- Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS TMDK; TMDK wins.
- World Tag League 2024 A Block: Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma VS Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman; Cobb & Callum win.
- World Tag League 2024 A Block: Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji VS Alex Zayne & Ryusuke Taguchi; Takagi & Tsuji win.
- World Tag League 2024 A Block: Bishamon VS KENTA & Chase Owens; Bishamon wins.
- World Tag League 2024 A Block: Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa VS Gabe Kidd & SANADA; ZSJ & Oiwa win.
PLAY BY PLAY
World Tag League 2024 A Block: Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma VS Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman!
The Roughneck is bringing Everyone’s Kokeshi along for the ride, but this league might already be too much to handle. Can Honma help Shota bring about his Paradigm Shift? Or will they just get conquered by the United Empire?
The teams sort out and Shota starts against The Imperial Unit. The bell rings and Shota runs up to RAM Cobb! And RAM! And RAM! Cobb stays up so Shota kicks low. Shota runs to RAM Cobb, but Cobb rebounds to CLOBBER Shota! The fans cheer while Cobb stalks Shota. Cobb brings Shota up to whip him to a corner. Shota comes back to RAM Cobb! Cobb stays up, so Shota clinches! Cobb fights free with elbows, but Shota dodges a lariat to RAM Cobb! Cobb falls over! The fans fire up with Shota, and he brings Cobb up again. Callum runs in so Shota shoves Cobb aside to catch Callum. Shota shoves Callum at Honma for a shoulder tackle!
The fans fire up as Shota keeps moving and he SOMERSAULT SENTONS Callum! Shota then sets up so he and Honma can tabletop Cobb! Cobb sits up into Shota’s SHOTGUN! The fans fire up and Shota tags Honma. The fans rally behind Honma as he CLUBS Cobb. Honma reels Cobb in, but Cobb suplexes first! Cobb SLAMS Honma down, then calls for Callum. Callum rises but Cobb says hold on. The “Cobby Cat” mocks Honma by bopping himself on the head. Cobb then runs to FALLING KOKESHIÂ FLOP! Honma winds up and runs, but Callum is in the way! Cobb runs up, Honma dodges the lariat but Callum tags in.
Cobb dodges Honma, then shoves him at Callum. They pinball Honma around, and Callum BOOTS Honma while Cobb BLASTS Shota! Then Callum & Cobb coordinate to HIGH LOW with a shoulder tackle and leg sweep! The fans cheer and Cobb says You Can’t See Him! Callum stomps Honma, then KICKS him in the back. Honma gets mad but Callum scuffs him again and again. Honma rises, CHOPS, and CHOPS again! Callum CHOPS and pretends that hurt his hand. Callum CLUBS Honma down but the fans rally up. Honma rises to CHOP! And CHOP! And CHOP! Callum kicks low, reels him in, but Honma fights the suplex!
Honma catches Callum’s lariat to spin and DDT! The fans fire up while both men are down! Callum and Honma crawl, but Honma hot tags Shota! Shota rallies on Callum with big elbows! Shota whips, Callum reverses, but SHota ducks ‘n’ dodges to CLOBBER Callum! Cobb runs up, but Shota arm-drags him, then dropkicks the legs out! Cobb bails, Shota fires up, and the fans rally again. Shota whips Callum corner to corner, runs up on him, and UPPERCUTS! Shota reels Callum in for a FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect but Shota doesn’t let that slow him down!
Shota waits on Callum, then runs, but Callum avoids Ignition to hook Shota! Shota fights the backslide so Callum whips him to a corner. Callum runs up but Shota dodges! Shota runs up but Callum goes up and over! Callum keeps moving, but Shota ROCKS him, UPPERCUTS him, and runs! Callum follows to ROCK Shota at the ropes! Callum runs, but then stops to fake out Shota’s dropkick! Shota sits up, but he ducks the Penalty Kick! Shota rolls Callum but Callum rolls through. Shota ROCKS Callum, then spins, but Callum dodges the rolling elbow! DREAMCAST KICK! Shota drops to his knees and the fans fire up!
Callum and Shota crawl, hot tag to Cobb! Cobb runs up to waistlock Shota for a deadlift! Shota fights with elbows, goes to run, but Cobb reels him in for a forearm to the back! Cobb runs, but Shota DROPKICKS him! The fans fire up again and Shota heads for his corner. Hot tag to Honma! The fans rally as Honma CHOPS Cobb, and CHOPS, and CHOPS! Honma puts Cobb in a corner, whips him corner to corner, then runs up. Honma ELBOWS Cobb and hits a BULLDOG! The fans fire up as Honma shows Cobb how it’s done! FALLING KOKESHI- NO! Now Honma FLOPS as Cobb moves! Callum runs up to SHOTGUN Shota off the apron!
The fans fire up as Cobb RAMS Honma into the corner! Callum runs up to forearm SMASH! Callum drops down and Cobb LEAPS over to ELBOW Honma! Callum comes back and Cobb pops him up to the apron! ENZIGIRI, then fireman’s carry! Callum climbs, DOUBLE STOMP ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT! PENALTY KICK and GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT! Cover, Shota breaks it! The fans fire up and Shota TOSSES Callum! Cobb kicks Shota, whips, but Shota reverses to TORNADO DDT! Shota shouts to Honma and the fans fire up again. Honma rises and he storms up on Cobb. Honma & Shota double whip corner to corner!
Honma runs up to LARIAT! Honma feeds Cobb to Shota’s UPPERCUT! Honma LARIATS, Shota clinches, EXPLODER!! The fans cheer and Honma runs, SLIDING KOKESHI! Shota keeps moving, IGNITION! Honma covers, Callum breaks it! Shota stomps Callum out of the ring and leaves the rest to Honma. Honma drags Cobb up, but Cobb fights the suplex! Cobb ROCKS Honma, whips him, but Honma grabs ropes! Honma BOOTS Cobb, and Shota joins in! DOUBLE RUNNING KOKESHI! And then they DOUBLE FALLING KOKESHI! Cover, TWO!! Cobb survives but Shota goes after Callum! CANNONBALL to the floor!
The fans fire up again as Honma climbs! FLYING- NO, Cobb catches Honma! SPINEBUSTER, and FALLING HAMMER! Cover, TWO!! Honma survives and the fans fire up again! But then Cobb reels Honma in, for a TOUR OF THE ISLAND!! Cover, United Empire wins!
Winners: Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Shota & Honma earn 0)
A powerful showing from “The Kokeshi Brothers,” but they could not bring down Callum & Cobb. With the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships already on Great-O-Khan & Henare, will The United Empire completely dominate the NJPW Heavyweight Tag Division?
World Tag League 2024 A Block: Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji VS Alex Zayne & ???
Los Ingobernables de Japon’s heavy formation is in this block, ready to rampage like twin dragons. If only The Sauce could’ve brought his own monster back. Who will be the substitute for Lance Archer? And can he help heat things up?
Zayne makes his entrance before anyone else, and asks to speak on the mic. A mic is given, and Zayne says, “Kon’nichiwa.” The fans applaud, and Zayne explains that when he was contacted this year for WTL, he was also informed that Lance Archer could not make it. Zayne knew he had to do one thing: find the most “delicious” tag partner he could find. And that man is… RYUSUKE TAGUCHI!? The fans can’t believe the Funky Weapon is joining Zayne in this tournament! And he wears a green version of Zayne’s gear! Are things about to get really spicy now?
The teams sort out, and Takagi is in disbelief. LIJ fist bumps and the fans applaud. Taguchi and Zayne bow, “Itadakimasu,” and Zayne starts against Yota. They circle, tie up, and Yota powers Zayne back. But Zayne powers Yota back! Yota powers up to power Zayne onto the ropes, but Zayne turns things around. The ref counts, Zayne lets off slowly with a pat on the shoulders, but Yota plays with Zayne’s hair. Zayne smirks and Yota grins as the two reset. They circle, tie up, and are in a deadlock. Yota headlocks, but Zayne powers up and out. Yota RAMS Zayne but neither man falls. Fans cheer as Yota grins and Zayne plays with his own hair.
Things speed up suddenly, and Zayne sidesteps. Yota bucks the O’Conner Roll, then gets around Zayne. Zayne ELBOWS Yota away to a corner. Zayne runs up to BACK ELBOW and go to the apron in one go! Then he slingshots to RANA! Yota has a rough tumble, but he stands back up. Zayne runs up again, dodges the lariat and waistlocks, only to bring Yota back and run. Yota sidesteps Zayne then drops down, only for Zayne to IMPLODER KNEE DROP! The fans fire up but Zayne keeps moving, STANDING MARIPOSA! The fans cheer more while Zayne grins at Takagi. Zayne brings Yota up, tags Taguchi, and they double whip.
“Funky Sauce” misdirects Yota to hit a BULLDOG then basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer and Taguchi stomps Yota. Taguchi brings Yota up, kicks low, then whips. Yota reverses but Taguchi RANAS! A little slippery, but then Zayne BLASTS Takagi off the apron! Funky Sauce takes aim, Taguchi PLANCHASÂ but flops as Yota moves! Zayne is on the apron but Takagi YANKS Zayne down! The fans rally but Takagi hauls Zayne up to whip him into railing! Yota drags Taguchi up and puts him in the ring. Takagi gets the fans fired up, then he stands Taguchi up. LIJ double whip Taguchi to then DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE!
The fans cheer and then Takagi SENTONS! Yota SPLASHES down! Cover, TWO! Taguchi stays in this but Yota tags Takagi. The fans rally and duel while Takagi stands Taguchi up. Takagi bumps Taguchi off buckles, RAMS into him again and again, then digs his shoulder in. The ref counts, Takagi steps back, and he snapmares Taguchi down. Tag to Yota and Yota drags Taguchi up. Yota snapmares Taguchi to ROCK him in the back! Taguchi falls back, Yota tags Takagi, and LIJ drags Taguchi up. They DOUBLE ATOMIC DROP! Taguchi hobbles in pain, falls to his knees, and Takagi BLASTS Zayne off the apron!
Takagi gets annoyed with this Funky Sauce, but Taguchi fires off CHOPS! Taguchi runs, but Takagi easily dodges the hip attack! Takagi then suplexes Taguchi high and hard! Cover, TWO! Taguchi survives and the fans fire up. Takagi hears the fans dueling as he stomps Taguchi. Takagi KNEES Taguchi against the ropes again and again, then whips, for another KNEE! Takagi runs, but into a SOMERSAULT HIP ATTACK! The fans fire up while both men are down! Taguchi and Takagi crawl, hot tag to Zayne! Zayne jumps in and DECKS Takagi, then he BLASTS Yota! Zayne swats a lariat to fire elbow after ELBOW!
Takagi blocks the superkick to CLUB the leg! Yota joins in, LIJ whips Zayne, but Zayne KICKS Takagi, mule kicks Yota, and runs, DOUBLE SOMERSAULT KICKS! The fans fire up and Zayne runs at Takagi. Takagi ELBOWS Zayne, BOOTS him, then goes up. Zayne returns to JUMPING STEINERS! The fans fire up while Zayne covers, TWO! Takagi stays in this but Zayne brings him right up. Zayne goes to scoop but Takagi fights it! Zayne CHOPS, scoops, and BAJA- NO, Takagi slips free! SLIDING- NO, Zayne dodges! Zayne mule kicks, runs, but into the ELBOW! JAB! YUKONÂ feint and DDT! Both men are down again and the fans fire back up!
Takagi pounds the mat, the fans rally behind him, and he crawls, hot tag to Yota! Yota fires up and the fans are with him. Yota brings Zayne around to whip, but Zayne stops himself. Zayne dodges Yota, Yota dodges Zayne, and both men kick low! Yota comes back to BOOT! The fans cheer and Yota brings Zayne up again. Yota fireman’s carries but Zayne fights free. Yota ROCKS Zayne first! Yota tries another fireman’s carry but Zayne sunset flips it! TWO, and both men stand! Zayne rolls Yota, BASEMENT ENZIGIRI! Zayne hurries to hot tag Taguchi! Taguchi HIP ATTACKS in a corner! Taguchi goes corner to corner, for another HIP ATTACK!
Taguchi keeps moving, but Yota runs up! Taguchi dropkicks Yota’s legs out! The fans fire up and Taguchi keeps going! Another dropkick to legs, then a LEG SWEEP! Taguchi rolls Yota into the OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Zayne BOOTS Takagi off the apron! Yota scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Taguchi lets go but he brings Yota back up. Taguchi traps Yota and Zayne runs in to ELBOW! Zayne then sets up and Taguchi runs, SHOTGUN IN MOTION! Taguchi then brings Yota out to GOURD BUSTER! The fans fire up as Zayne climbs! But Yota KICKS Taguchi away, then GAMANGIRIS Zayne off the corner!
Taguchi kicks Yota, runs, but into a scoop and BACKBREAKER! Takagi slides in, and he finds the camera, “TOKI GA KITA!” The fans fire up as the time has come, and they join in on a chant of “OI! OI! OI!” LIJ whips Taguchi to a corner, then Yota runs in to ELBOW! Takagi whips Yota back in to SPLASH! Takagi adds a LARIAT, then feeds Taguchi to a BOOT! BLINDSIDE LARIAT! SUPERKICK! Taguchi is down, Yota covers, TWO! Taguchi stays in this and the fans fire up. Takagi stands Taguchi up and throws him to Yota for a POWERBOMB! Cover, Zayne breaks it! Takagi drags Zayne up, LIJ mugs him, but he fights back with CHOPS!
The fans fire up but Yota spins Zayne around to facelock, and Takagi wheelbarrows. Yota helps Takagi swing Taguchi down, then up for a BOOSTED WHEELBARROW GERMAN!! The fans fire up and Takagi leaves it to Yota. Yota takes aim and the fans rally. Taguchi rises, Yota runs in, GENE- LEG DROP!? And then La Magistrol! TWO!! Yota escapes in time, but Taguchi spins him to a backslide! TWO!! Yota escapes again! But Taguchi ENZIGIRIS! Taguchi fires up and the fans are with him! But Takagi LARIATS! GENE TRIGGER! PUMPING BOMBER!! And now Yota loads up, for the GENE BLASTER!! Cover, LIJ wins!
Winners: Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Zayne & Taguchi earn 0)
The Funky Sauce was hot, but they’re the ones that got burned! Will they be able to spice things up in the second round? Will Takagi & Tsuji keep the tag league tranquilo?
World Tag League 2024 A Block: Bishamon VS KENTA & Chase Owens!
Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi once again clash with The Fang & The Jewel, both sides hungry for gold. Will it be Lights Out in the opening round? Or will someone just #Go2Sleep?
The teams sort out but then Bullet Club just attacks! Chase is after Goto and Kenta is after Hashi, and they put each man in corners. The bell rings to get this on record as Kenta TOSSES Hashi. Chase CHOKES Goto in the corner, then stands on him! The ref reprimands and Chase lets off to bring Goto up. Chase ROCKS Goto, whips him, and Kenta POSTS Hashi! Chase hits a big hip toss then covers, TWO! The fans rally up while Chase stomps Goto’s leg. Chase scrapes his sole off Goto’s face, and Kenta whips Hashi again. Hashi reverses and Kenta hits railing in front of English commentary! Chase ROCKS Goto, CHOPS him, then whips.
Goto grabs ropes to stop, then he BOOTS Chase! Hashi returns and Bishamon DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! Then ZENMAI! Kenta returns but Bishamon kicks him first. “Se no!” Bishamon BEATS Kenta like a drum! The fans cheer and Bishamon flexes. Goto then goes back to Chase to stomp and CLUB him down. Goto kicks Chase, Chase shoves Goto and ROCKS him with a forearm! Goto knees Chase low, runs, but Chase TOSSES Goto out! Goto hurries back up, he counter punches Chase, and then counter punches Kenta! Chase slips out to YANK Goto down and THROW him into railing! Kenta intercepts Hashi with a kick!
Kenta whips Hashi away into railing while Chase sends Goto into other railing! The ref reprimands but Chase brings Goto through the gate. Chase has fans move out of the way, but then brings Goto back to ringside. Chase grins as he trolls the fans and pushes Goto into the ring. Kenta CLUBS away on Hashi before leaving him behind. Chase pulls on Goto’s arms then TWEAKS Goto’s neck! Not a twist, but equally painful. Chase tags Kenta while the fans rally for “GO-TO-O! GO-TO-O!” Kenta pushes Goto into the corner, Goto hits Chase, but Kenta RAMS Goto! The ref reprimands and counts as Kenta RAMS Goto more!
Kenta sits Goto down, and digs his boot in! The ref counts, Kenta stops at 4, and he tags Chase back in. They stomp Goto more, then Chase headlocks for a sucker punch! Cover, TWO! Chase drags Goto up and he bumps Goto off Kenta’s boot. Tag to Kenta and Bullet Club double whips. They DOUBLE ELBOW Goto down then Kenta covers, TWO! Kenta covers again, TWO! Kenta argues with the ref but the count was fair. Kenta drops an elbow, drops another elbow, then covers, TWO! Kenta gets mad at Hashi for no reason, but the fans rally up for Goto. Kenta CLUBS Goto, but Goto fires CHOPS in return!
Kenta knees low, whips Goto to a corner, but Goto reverses. Goto runs up but into a BOOT! Kenta runs but Goto follows! Goto avoids Chase’s cheap shot to LARIAT Kenta! The fans fire up while Goto and Kenta are down! Goto crawls, hot tag to Hashi! The fans fire up as Hahsi BLASTS Chase! Kenta kicks Hashi low then whips him to a corner. Kenta runs up but Hashi CHOPS in return! And mule kicks! And turns Kenta for a NECKBREAKER! The fans fire up and Hashi watches Kenta. Hashi waits on Kenta to rise, then runs up to CHOP! Hashi hoists Kenta up to hang him out to dry! The fans fire up as Hashi runs, and he DROPKCISK Kenta down! Cover, TWO!
The fans cheer Hashi on as he brings Kenta up. Hashi reels Kenta in, lifts, but Kenta fights with fists! Kenta slips free of the bomb, then slips around Hashi to spin and- NO, Hashi suplexes first! But Kenta slips free again, and he spins Hashi around, to SPIKE DDT! Hashi is stood up on his head before falling over, and Kenta tags in Chase. Chase brings Hashi up and fireman’s carries. Hashi fights free of that, but Chase slips around to half nelson, lift, and SWINGING FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Hashi survives but Chase says time to end this! Chase takes aim, C- NO, Hashi dodges the trigger! Chase knees low, runs, but Hashi dropkicks the legs!
The fans fire up whiel both men are down! Chase clutches his leg while Hashi crawls. Hot tag to Goto! Goto runs at Chase to LARIAT in the corner! Goto whips corner to corner, runs up again, but Chase BOOTS him! But Goto comes back! Only for Chase to BUCKLE SHOT and STO, then SENTON! Kenta steps in and Bullet Club drags Goto up. But Goto fires forearms and CHOPS! Kenta SOBATS! Chase KICKS! Kenta ROUNDHOUSES! Goto sits up into the “I HATE YOU!” PENALTY KICK! Cover, but Hashi breaks it! Kenta TOSSES Hashi then goes out after him. Chase drags Goto up and reels him in.
Chase tucks the arms but Goto fights the lift! Goto wrenches out but Chase ROCKS him first! Chase runs, Goto follows, but Chase ENZIGIRIS! Goto stays up, but the C-TRIGGER hits! Cover, TWO!! Goto survives but Chase hurries up! C-TRIGGER POINT BLANK!! And then the tuck for the PACKAGE PILE- NO, Hashi hits a BLOCKBUSTER! The fans fire up, Kenta BOOTS Hashi! Goto fireman’s carries Kenta but Kenta slips free! Kenta shoves Goto into Hashi, then waistlocks Goto. Goto fights the lift, and then ducks, HIDDEN GAP SUPERKICK for Kenta! The fans fire up as Bishamon regroups.
Hashi drags Chase up, whips him to Goto, but Chase BOOTS Goto! Chase swings on Hashi but Hashi ducks the lariat. Hashi powers Chase to ropes, Goto BLINDSIDE LARIATS, and then Hashi rolls Chase. Goto drags Chase up, Hashi has the legs! Chase BOOTS Hashi away! Chase then slips around to dragon sleeper, to steal G T- NO, Goto drops down to victory roll! Chase stands up, into a SUPERKICK! Goto drags Chase around while Hashi BLASTS Kenta! Dragon sleeper and SHOTO!! Cover, Bishamon wins!!
Winners: Bishamon, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Kenta & Chase earn 0)
Another classic in this storied rivalry, worthy of the titles themselves! Will this first win be the win that leads the Fierce Warrior & Headhunter back to the titles? Can Kenta & Chase borrow a page from Bishamon and #GetBackUp in the next round?
World Tag League 2024 A Block: Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa VS Gabe Kidd & SANADA!
TMDK has a team in each block, doubling their chances of taking this league. But perhaps burying the lead is the fact that THE IWGP World Heavyweight Champion is joining in the fun! Will The Front Man & The Mullet rock this league right from the start? Or will the Mad Man and the turncoat Cold Skull get this tournament #WarReady?
The teams sort out but Oiwa gets in Gabe’s face. Gabe pushes Oiwa, they start, and they tie up at the bell. The fans rally as Oiwa and Gabe are in a deadlock. They go around at center, then Oiwa digs his heels in to push Gabe back. Gabe turns things around to put Oiwa on ropes, but Red Shoes calls the break. Gable lets off, to then CHOP! Gabe scoops and SLAMS Oiwa, then he goes for legs. Oiwa UPKICKS Gabe, then stands up to scoop and SLAM Gabe! Gabe UPKICKS back, both men get up and go face to face. Then they go forearm for forearm! The fans rally as Oiwa gets the edge, but Gabe CHOPS!
Gabe headlocks. Oiwa powers up and out, and they RAM shoulders! Gabe eggs OIwa on and he runs to RAM Gabe! They both run now, and they RAM shoulders again, and again, and again! Gabe CHOPS then runs, but Oiwa CLOBBERS Gabe! The fans fire up while Gabe bails out. Oiwa eggs Gabe on and Gabe snarls. Gabe shakes the railing in frustration, then he paces around the outside. Gabe cools off, slides in, but then tags Sanada. Sanada steps in slowly, so Oiwa tags in ZSJ. The two rivals circle and the afns rally behind “ZAKKU! ZAKKU!” ZSJ and Sanada feel things out, knuclke lock, and ZSJ rolls to wrench.
Sanada is already frustrated so he kicks ZSJ low! Sanada TOSSES ZSJ out and then Gabe goes after Oiwa! Gabe CHOPS away on Oiwa while Sanada sends ZSJ into railing! And then more railing! Gabe does the same to Oiwa, and Sanada storms up on ZSJ. Sanada CLAWS ZSJ’s back, a definite attitude change showing. Gabe Too Sweets with Taiji Ishimori on commentary while Sanada pushes ZSJ into the ring. Sanada whips ZSJ to a corner, but ZSJ goes up, under, around, and RAMS into Sanada! ZSJ snapmares, Sanada handsprings through, but ZSJ UPPERCUTS him down! Tag to Oiwa and he BLASTS Gabe!
Oiwa goes back to Sanada and stands him up. Oiwa wrenches an arm, YANKS it, then wrenches to YANK it again. Oiwa tags ZSJ and ZSJ brings Sanada around to wrench, step over, and wrangle into a mounted armbar! Sanada endures as ZSJ bends the fingers and isolates the arm, to STOMP it! The fans cheer, ZSJ tags Oiwa, and Oiwa CLUBS Sanada’s arm. Oiwa headlocks for a takeover, then isolates the arm in an short arm scissor! The fans rally while Sanada endures and kicks around. Sanada reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Red Shoes calls it, Oiwa lets Sanada go, but then Oiwa brings Sanada up.
Oiwa whips, Sanada reverses, and Gabe trips Oiwa up! Sanda BLASTS ZSJ while Oiwa drags Oiwa out of the ring! Now things spill out into the crowd! Gabe CHOPS Oiwa, then SMACKS him off empty chairs! Sanada BOWLS ZSJ into chairs! Not quite a strike, so Sanada JAMS ZSJ up with a chair! That picks up the spare, and we can hear Gabe’s CHOPS on Oiwa echo out. Gabe stomps Oiwa while Sanada CHOKES ZSJ with a chair! Red Shoes reprimands the War Dogs, but Gabe POSTS Oiwa! Gabe says War Dogs run this, but Red Shoes starts a ring count. Gabe flexes on Oiwa, then drags him up at 7 of 20.
Gabe puts Oiwa in at 10 and Sanada covers, TWO! Oiwa stays in this and the fans rally behind him. Sanada is annoyed but he brings Oiwa up. Sanada CLUBS Oiwa, then bumps him off Gabe’s boot. Oiwa sputters while Sanada tags Gabe in. Gabe drags Oiwa up, mockingly asks where Zack-senpai went, then he UPPERCUTS Oiwa down. Gabe TOSSES Oiwa out, and he BLASTS ZSJ off the apron! Sanada whips Oiwa into railing! Gabe lifts ZSJ bu tZSJ wrenches free to KIMURA! Gabe powers through, to BITE ZSJ on the forehead! Sanada sends Oiwa into more railing, Gabe sends ZSJ through railing and into chairs!
Sanada BOWLS Oiwa into chairs now, there is the strike! Sanada continues to show his new edge as he JAMS Oiwa up with a chair. Red Shoes reprimands so Sanada brings Oiwa back to ringside. Sanada puts Oiwa in for Gabe and Gabe pushes Oiwa to a cover. Red Shoes says no, all the shenanigans were not right. Gabe gets in Red Shoes’ face about that, but Red Shoes stands his ground. Gabe storms around while the fans rally behind Oiwa. Gabe drags Oiwa up, to CHOP! Oiwa wobbles but he rises up. Oiwa CHOPS, and CHOPS, and fires forearms! Gabe DECKS Oiwa with just one! The fans still rally for Oiwa but Gabe stands on Oiwa’s face!
Gabe soaks up the heat, scuffs Oiwa and stomps him around. Oiwa sits up, Gabe runs, but Oiwa reels him in! Gabe fights the waistlock, runs, but into a SNAP GERMAN! The fans fire up while both men are down! Oiwa and Gabe crawl, hot tags to ZSJ and Sanada! The fans fire up as ZSJ dodges Sanada, full nelsons, then spins him to a headlock. Sanada powers out but ZSJ catches him to a COBRA TWIST! Sanada powers out to HIP TOSS, but ZJS UP KICKS! Sanada avoids the Penalty Kick, blocks the boot, but ZSJ steps through the dragon screw to NECK TWIST! And basment DROPKICK! The fans fire up and we’ve only hit 10 minutes!
ZSJ drags Sanada up, UPPERCUTS him, then UPPERCUTS again! Sanada blocks the next to spin and suplex, but ZSJ says no to the Magic Screw! NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! Sanada escapes but ZSJ stays focused. ZSJ stands Sanada up to scoop, but Sanada slips free. ZSJ fights the waistlock, runs, but into a dropkick to the legs! Sanada then DROPKICKS ZSJ down! Sanada fireman’s carries but ZSJ slips free, to have the IRON OCTOPUS! The fans rally while Sanada endures, and Sanada powers out to have a leg! DROPPING DRAGON SCREW! ZSJ clutches the leg and Sanada takes aim! SHINING-
NO, ZSJ ducks, but Sanada catches him to a backslide! ZSJ rolls through to NECK TWIST! Tag to Oiwa and Oiwa BLASTS Gabe off the apron! Oiwa goes back to Sanada and brings him up. Oiwa whips Sanada to ropes, ELBOWS Him down, then ZSJ PENALTY KICKS Sanada! Oiwa deadlift GUT RWENCH PLEXES! Cover, Gabe breaks it! Gabe CHOPS away on ZSJ and Oiwa, but ZSJ blocks! Oiwa DOUBLE CHOPS! ZSJ UPPERCUTS! ZSJ & Oiwa DOUBLE DROPKICK Gabe down! The fans fire up with Oiwa and he clamps onto Sanada with a SLEEPER! Sanada endures and fights up, but Oiwa thrashes him around!
Sanada still fights to his feet, slips around the back, and shoves Oiwa to ropes. Gabe trips Oiwa up! Oiwa kicks at Gabe but Sanada kicks ropes to jam Oiwa up! Sanada suplexes Oiwa into the MAGIC SCREW! Both men are down but the fans rally up again. Sanada crawls over, tag to Gabe, and Gabe storms right up on Oiwa. Gabe UPPERCUTS Oiwa right down! Gabe then puts Oiwa in a corner to fire off forearm after forearm! Red Shoes reprimands and counts, but Gabe digs his boots in while talking trash. Gabe shoves Red Shoes aside so he can keep stomping away on Oiwa! The fans rally and Red Shoes backs Gabe off.
Gabe seethes but the fans continue to rally for Oiwa. Oiwa grits his teeth as he sits up, but Gabe ROCKS him with another shot! Oiwa still looks up defiantly at Gabe, so Gabe fires shots! Gabe says Oiwa’s not worthy of being his NJPW Strong Openweight Challenger. Gabe says Oiwa’s just some “weak ass kohai!” Gabe SPITS on Oiwa, but Oiwa gets in Gabe’s face! Gabe fires slapping strikes, blocks a shot, then SLAPS Oiwa again! Oiwa spins to DOUBLE CHOP Gsbe down! Sanada runs up and kicks low! Sanada whips, Oiwa reverses, but Sanada reverses back, RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! ZSJ PENALTY KICKS Sanada!
Gabe runs up, ZSJ BOOTS him first! Gabe runs back in, slips out of the scoop, and he scoops ZSJ for EMERALD FLOWSON!! But Oiwa spins Gabe! Gabe avoids The Grip, runs, but into a LARIAT!! Cover, TWO!! Oiwa is frustrated but the fans rally behind him. Oiwa hauls Gabe up, ANACONDA PLEX!! Cover, TWO!! Gabe survives again but Oiwa roars! Oiwa drags Gabe up, reels him in, but Gabe fights the gut wrench! Gabe CLUBS Oiwa on the back, then he gut wrenches! Oiwa fights back, wrenches out, and he blocks a lariat to spin. Gabe HAYMAKERS, and SAIDOS!! Gabe crawls his way to the cover, TWO!!
The fans are thunderous as Oiwa survives! Gabe snarls and he drags Oiwa up. Gabe says this is the end. But Oiwa fights the suplex! Oiwa suplexes, but Gabe fights it! Oiwa still tries, but Gabe slips out to waistlock. Sanada DROPKCIKS Oiwa, Gabe UPPERCUTS! Gabe & Sanada work together to DOUBLE SUPLEX! Gabe suplexes again, BRAINBUSTER!! Cover, ZSJ BREAKS IT! Sanada TOSSES ZSJ out and tells Gabe to finish this! ZSJ RAMS Sanada, they brawl outside, and Gabe slashes his throat. Gabe drags Oiwa up, reels him in, but Oia slips through the gut wrench to backslide! TWO, and Gabe UPPERCUTS!
Gabe runs, but ZSJ is back! He BOOTS Gabe but Gabe SLAPS ZSJ! ZSJ KICKS the haymaker away to then ROUNDHOUSE Gabe! Sanada’s in to dragon sleeper! ZSJ arm-drags free, but Sanada comes back to SHINING WIZARD! Sanada then drags ZSJ up, but ZSJ scoops first! ZACK DRIVER!! ZSJ and Sanada flop out of the ring, leaving Oiwa and Gabe to rise up. They run at each other, to DOUBLE LARIAT! neither man falls, they DOUBLE LARIAT again! Gabe UPPERCUTS! Oiwa PALM STRIKES! Gabe PALM STRIKES, CHOPS, JABS, rebounds, into a roll-up! Hig stack, TMDK WINS!!
Winners: Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa, by pinfall
Gabe is in shock! He gets right in Red Shoes’ face but Red Shoes says it was a fair count! Gabe then goes after Oiwa to CLOBBER him! The fans boo and Young Lions rush in, but Gabe eggs Oiwa on! So Oiwa obliges and they brawl among the fans! The Young Lions rush in to separate the two, but Gabe gets loose to CLOBBER Oiwa! They scrap, ZSJ joins in, and he pulls the two apart. Gabe kicks a chair in frustration, then goes into retreat. Wait, Oiwa chases Gabe to the ramp and beats him down! Young Lions again scramble in to stop this, but it just heads to the back! Sanada shrugs it off, will the #ColdWarDogs just have to try harder in the next round?
As for the winners, well, they’re no longer ringside so there won’t be any in-ring closing words. Backstage interviews begin, Gabe promises Oiwa will be put in the ground! Will the Mad Man show The Mullet what it takes to be NJPW Strong? As for ZSJ, he gathers himself, and tells NJPW Media that he doesn’t know where The Mullet went. Actually, no, he has an idea: The Mullet must be smashing the s*it outta Gabe. “Roy The Mullet” is the next NJPW Strong Openweight Champion! Oiwa will hit Gabe so hard, his legs will turn into trombones! As for ZSJ, there is something rare happening in this year’s WTL, isn’t it?
Yes, it’s that the IWGP World EFFIN’ Heavyweight Champion is involved, as this should be! The first time the world champion’s been in this tournament in roughly a decade! ZSJ said he was gonna be a different kind of world champion for NJPW, and that he promises to take NJPW back to the top! Now obviously, a conflict of interests, as this tournament is Shane Haste’s & Mikey Nicholls’ to win, but ZSJ won’t give the boys an easy ride. ZSJ is dreaming~ of an all TMDK World Tag League finals! Then who knows, maybe Zack & Roy get the job done.
But ZSJ knows the Tokyo Dome is coming soon. And Shota Umino wants to be ZSJ’s challenger. ZSJ says he will be keeping his eyes wide open for Shota. ZSJ says he’ll have a DOUBLE main event in the Tokyo Dome, it’s in the bag. What about you, Shota? The Front Man heads out, having put the pressure on his challenger, but will all of NJPW soon belong to TMDK?
Here are the A Block standings!
Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa: 1-0, 2 points
Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman: 1-0, 2 points
Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji: 1-0, 2 points
Bishamon: 1-0, 2 points
Gabe Kidd & Sanada: 0-1, 0 points
Kenta & Chase Owens: 0-1, 0 points
Alex Zayne & Ryusuke Taguchi: 0-1, 0 points
Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma: 0-1, 0 points
My Thoughts:
A great start to World Tag League 2024, with just A Block opening things tonight. I will say those tune-up matches were interesting. Even though David Finlay is the Global Champion, it’s Taiji Ishimori that has apparently become Bullet Club’s international ambassador. Taiji brought Robbie X into the group, now he teamed with The Filip Brothers, Tome & Stevie, who knows who else Bone Soldier will recruit. Taiji’s team beating Tanahashi’s team, House of Torture cheating and beating Tanahashi’s friends, this is all putting the pressure on The Ace, meaning The Ace will win out at WrestleKingdom 19.
Shota Umino teaming with Tomoaki Honma, I wonder if this is to hold Shota back somehow. He is apparently still heading for WrestleKingdom and a world title match with ZSJ, so it’s not like Shota needs to win WTL, but I guess NJPW just wants Shota to give the fans a good time alongside a fan favorite like Honma. Also, Callum & Cobb have a fun new shirt for their team-up. I figured Zayne would need to improvise now that #MonsterSauce is no longer happening, and Taguchi was a great surprise choice. But #FunkySauce making its debut against a team as strong as Takagi & Tsuji was a shame because of course LIJ was winning that. Maybe Zayne & Taguchi can pull off a spoiler victory later on, but I don’t see Funky Sauce going that strong.
Bishamon VS Kenta & Chase really was an awesome match, and it is so surprising how Chase has grown in just the past couple years. Great win for Goto & Hashi, though, as they’re clearly the solid utility choices in the tag division. And what an awesome main event, with Sanada bringing out the most Heel stuff he’s done perhaps ever. A bit jarring really, but that’s just kinda old fashioned Heel turns for ya. Great win for TMDK, though, and definitely an unorthodox way of closing by having Oiwa and Gabe brawl all over ringside and into the back.
While ZSJ says it is big for the world champ to be in this tournament, which I do agree with on some level, it also makes some of the A Block action seem secondary. Gabe and Oiwa having their grudge was kinda the main motivator behind this match, and then it’ll be similar when Shota & Honma VS ZSJ & Oiwa happens. There is the added drama of, “What if someone pins ZSJ? Will they get a world title match before WK19?” Maybe Shota solidifies his WK title match by being the one that pins ZSJ in their match, but it all just feels like more flash than substance. No one else is going to pin ZSJ, Oiwa probably takes whatever losses their team will take, so A Block’s story suffers for it.
My Score: 8.9/10
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THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports PodcastÂ
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
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Oblong Ball Foot Show: Who’s Your Fav Ninja Turtle?
Every team has now played more than half of their schedule and Tunney and Balaz got you covered as we...
Hockey Talk- The Hall Finally Calls [111224]
Hockey Talk celebrates Jeremy Roenick finally getting inducted into the Hall of Fame 16 years after his last game and...
Oblong Ball Foot Show: Are The Lions Better Than The Chiefs?
With Rey Cash out on assignment, Andrew and PC take you through Weapon and Dumbass of the week along with...
Hockey Talk- Capital Gains [110524]
Hockey Talk looks at the surprising Washington Capitals and their captain, Alex Ovechkin, as he draws closer to the goal...
The Front and Center Sports Podcast – Last Week Today
The Chairshot presents episode 10 of The Front and Center Sports Podcast, a with an NBA and World Series Preview,...
Bandwagon Nerds #263: Dawn Patrol
BWN continues its coverage of Game 7 featuring the 1987 Stanley Cup Final between the Oilers and Flyers, plus Star...
Bandwagon Nerds #262: Curse of the Great Bambino
BWN begins its coverage of Game 7 featuring the 2003 ALCS clash between the Yankees and Red Sox, plus MCU...
Bandwagon Nerds #261: Flying Figgity
The Bandwagon begins its 6th year by concluding its review of Agatha All Along and mulling over the question of...
Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu Results & Report! (10/31/24)
IT'S TIME!
Hockey Talk- Jet Setters [102924]
Hockey Talk looks at the red-hot start to the season of the Winnipeg Jets and discusses how the defending champion...
Mitchell’s AEW Dynamite Results & Report! (11/20/24)
Dynamite is Freshly Squeezed!
Greg DeMarco Show: Looks That Kill
Patrick O'Dowd went to Arizona and he and Greg had themselves an extended weekend with IZW Looks That Kill!
Mitchell’s NJPW World Tag League Results & Report! (11/19/24)
It's Tag Season again!
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (11/19/24)
There's a lot on the line tonight!
Classic POD is WAR: What Is Thank You Alex Trebek? (111220)
The Chairshot, brings you THE podcast that will absolutely have you questioning everything you thought you knew about professional wrestling,...
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (11/18/24)
It's a BIG night!
#TheOddity 018: That’s Alot Of Chalamets
Join Dave Wortz and PC Tunney for your weekly newsletter on the ridiculous and dumb of actual headlines from around...
Mitchell’s AEW Collision Results & Report! (11/16/24)
Championship or Bust!
Mindless Wrestling Podcast: Posthumously? Really??
Smash or Trash is back this week as the guys are talking beverages! Plus, some thoughts on the Mike Tyson/Jake...
Mitchell’s AEW Rampage Results & Report! (11/15/24)
Ricochet is on a Rampage!
