Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW Wrestle Grand Slam MetLife Report! (9/4/21)
Who strikes out in the MetLife Dome?
Day one of the double header weekend is here!
NJPW enters the MetLife Dome, ready to swing for the fences! Will Kazuchika Okada hit a homer off Jeff Cobb? Or will the Rainmaker strike out instead?
NOTE:Â NJPW no longer wants to feed AXS TV now that it is with Anthem and Impact Wrestling. But never fear, I will cover NJPW in the spirit of AXS in providing the most important matches of the show.
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Tiger Mask & Robbie Eagles VS Hiromu Takahashi & Bushi; Tiger Mask & Eagles win.
- YOH VS SHO; SHO wins.
- KOPW 2021 I Quit Match: Chase Owens VS Toru Yano; Yano wins and becomes the new provisional Mr. KOPW 2021.
- Kazuchika Okada VS Jeff Cobb; Cobb wins.
- IWGP US Heavyweight Championship: Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Kota Ibushi; Tanahashi wins and retains the title.
MY REPORT
Tiger Mask & Robbie Eagles VS Hiromu Takahashi & Bushi!
The IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship will be on the line tomorrow for Night Two, but for Night One, the Sniper of the Sky and the Ticking Timebomb have their tag partners backing them up! Will the champion strike out his challenger and get great momentum? Or will Hiromu-chan get on base even before their title bout?
The teams sort out and Hiromu gets a good look at the title belt before he and Eagles start. They go right at each other, dodging and blocking strikes. Hiromu shoves, rushes in, but Eagles catches him to a waistlock. Hiromu gets free, kicks and whips but Eagles reverses to go up and around! Eagles tries the arm-drag but Hiromu blocks to bring Eagles up, kick low and whips him to a corner. Hiromu runs in to clothesline, snapmare and basement dropkick but Eagles dodges! Eagles mule kicks but Hiromu dodges that, and fans cheer as the two stand off. Hiromu and Eagles go forehead to forehead, give each other sarcastic shoulder pats, then mockingly compliment each other.
Hiromu backs off to his corner so Eagles heads for his. Bushi tags in, and Hiromu attacks Eagles from behind! Hiromu stomps Eagles, Bushi knocks Tiger Mask off the apron, then LIJ mugs Eagles. LIJ double whips Eagles corner to corner, Bushi runs in but Eagles dodges to huricanrana Hiromu! Bushi kicks Eagles and runs but into a wheel kick! Eagles kips up, tags Tiger Mask, and Tiger Mask goes up top to CROSSBODY Hiromu! Tiger Mask rolls off, dropkicks Hiromu out, then regroups with Eagles. They double whip Bushi to yank him down, and then KICK away from both sides! DOUBLE KICK SANDWICH! Then BASEMENT DROPKICK SANDWICH!
Tiger Mask stomps Bushi, brings him up and whips him to ropes. Tilt-o-whirl BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Tiger keeps cool as he stomps Bushi more. Tiger Mask runs but into a kick! Hiromu returns to dropkick Tiger Mask’s legs out and Bushi adds a basement dropkick! Hiromu DECKS Eagles and goes out after him while Bushi and Tiger Mask are still down. Hiromu whips Eagles hard into railing and then taunts him. Bushi uses his T-shirt to choke Tiger Mask! The ref counts, Bushi only lets go with one hand but the ref counts more. Bushi lets go completely and then stomps Tiger Mask. Hiromu snatches away Eagles’ headband to wear it himself!
Hiromu tags in and stomps a mudhole into Tiger Mask! Bushi adds his boot, the ref counts, but only Bushi lets off. The ref tells Hiromu to stop, and Hiromu does, to drag Tiger Mask around by his leg. Hiromu drops elbow after elbow on the leg then puts on a toehold! Tiger Mask endures, fans rally up, but Hiromu drops more elbows. Tag to Bushi, and LIJ splits the wishbone on Tiger Mask! Hiromu takes his time exiting while Bushi bumps Tiger Mask off buckles. Bushi CHOPS then isolates the leg in the ropes. The ref reprimands but Bushi dropkicks the leg anyway. Cover, TWO! Fans cheer but Bushi stomps Tiger Mask down.
Bushi digs his heel into the knee but Tiger Mask grabs at Bushi’s mask. Bushi stomps Tiger Mask down and tags Hiromu. Hiromu mockingly says, “C’mon, Robbie!” as he stomps Tiger Mask. Tiger Mask gets up to CHOP and CHOP Hiromu. Hiromu CHOPS back then whips Tiger Mask to a corner. Corner clothesline, snapmare and running basement dropkick! Hiromu taunts Eagles more, and even steals the Ron Miller Special! Eagles gets mad but Bushi intercepts! Bushi kicks Eagles down and goes out after him but Tiger Mask crawls for the ropes! Fans rally, Tiger Mask reaches out, and he gets the ROPEBREAK! Hiromu takes his time letting off the hold as the ref counts.
Hiromu still taunts Eagles while bringing Tiger Mask up. Hiromu CLUBS, then fireman’s carries, but Tiger Mask slips down! Hiromu ducks the roundhouse and grabs Tiger Mask’s arms, only for Tiger Mask to somersault kick him away! Tiger Mask then mule kicks and ROUNDHOUSES Hiromu down! Fans rally up as Tiger Mask crawls, hot tag to Eagles! Bushi gets in and regroups with Hiromu, but Eagles springboards to double missile dropkick them down! Eagles fires up and he fires off KICK after KICK on Hiromu! Eagles runs and RUNNING KICKS Hiromu down! Hiromu ends up in a corner, Eagles gets the fans rallying as he runs corner to corner to DOUBLE KNEE!
Eagles rolls back but runs into a BOOT! Eagles sweeps Hiromu’s legs with the Tiger Feint! Then runs in to METEORA! Cover, TWO! Eagles keeps his cool as he goes up the corner. Fans fire up as aims at Hiromu, 450 but he has to roll through! Bushi returns, waistlocks Eagles, but Hiromu is slow to getting up. Hiromu runs in but Eagles sends him into Bushi! LIJ is down, Eagles runs in from the corner for a SLIDING LARIAT BASEMENT DROPKICK COMBO! Cover, TWO! Eagles drags Hiromu by a leg, stomps away on that leg, then steps through. Hiromu kicks away at Eagles and Eagles falls! Hiromu grins as he gets back up and fans rally.
Eagles mule kicks, but no standing Sliced Bread! Fireman’s carry but Eagles slips off. Eagles ducks the forearm and elbow but Hiromu still ROCKS Eagles with another forearm! Eagles kicks out Hiromu’s leg, runs the ropes but runs into a POP-UP SIT-OUT BOMB! Hiromu can’t hold the cover and both men are down on the mat! Fans fire up as the two crawl, hot tag to Bushi, and he dropkicks Tiger Mask down! Bushi bumps Eagles off buckles, whips corner to corner but Eagles reverses. Bushi slips out to swing kick Eagles away! Missile dropkick! Bushirooni! Eagles flounders, Bushi brings him up and catches his punch to a spin and DDT! Cover, TWO!
Fans rally up more as Bushi drags Eagles up. Bushi knees low, whips but Eagles reverses. Bushi ducks and DIVES out onto Tiger! Hiromu jumps in and brawls with Eagles, forearm for forearm over and over and over! Fans are fired up as Hiromu gets the edge, but Eagles ducks the superkick! Hiromu ducks the roundhouse but not the low enziguri! Bushi runs in but Eagles denies him the Code Breaker! Bushi turns the Turbo Backpack into a backslide but Eagles rolls through! Eagles ducks Bushi’s enziguri and blocks the mule kick with a RON MILLER SPEACIL! Bushi endures but Hiromu clobbers Eagles! Tiger Mask gets in to throw Hiromu out! Tiger Mask builds speed to DIVE onto Hiromu!
Tiger Mask shouts to Robbie to finish this, Eagles springboards to missile dropkick Bushi’s leg out! TURBO BACKPACK to the RON MILLER SPECIAL!! Bushi taps, Eagles & Tiger Mask win!
Winners: Tiger Mask & Robbie Eagles, by submission
The Sniper of the Sky shoots down the Death Mask and Hiromu is frustrated. Eagles taunts him with the title, but will Hiromu have the last laugh by taking it back?
YOH VS SHO!
The unthinkable has happened: Roppongi 3K has fallen apart! High Voltage shocked the world by turning on Direct Drive, but will Sho pay for betraying his longtime friend?
With his new, deranged attitude comes a new video package, cover of his theme song, and darker style of ring gear for Sho! Yoh doesn’t even care about entrance or bell, he goes right at Sho! They brawl, the bell rings to put this on the record, and the brawling just keeps going! Yoh gets the edge, Sho hits back and ROCKS Yoh! Yoh hits back, hits more, but Sho claws at Yoh’s face! The ref reprimands and counts, Sho stops and headlocks Yoh. Yoh powers out, ducks and dodges, drop toeholds Sho and basement dropkicks him! Yoh rains down furious forearms, not even taking his jacket off! Yoh stops just a moment before he brings Sho up to DECK him! And again!
Sho staggers, Yoh ROCKS him with a forearm against the ropes, then ROCKS him with a EuroUpper! Sho still has a deranged smirk but Yoh wrenches and whips. Sho slides out, Yoh pursues and they run around the ring! Sho attacks a Young Lion and sends him into Yoh! Both Yoh and Young Lion go tumbling, then Sho stomps and kicks Yoh around. Sho brings Yoh up to whip him hard into railing! Sho asks those around if Yoh is serious with all this, and then Sho tears Yoh’s jacket off him. Sho brings Yoh back up, and whips him hard into more railing! Yoh goes writhing and floundering while Sho “apologizes” to the ref. Sho refreshes the count, then whips Yoh into even more railing!
Sho pulls off the tape on a corner crossbar while Yoh flounders. The ref reprimands but there’s nothing the ref can do about it. Sho drags Yoh up and over to that corner, laces his arm through the corner and bends the forearm against the crossbar! The ref reprimands and tells Sho to stop but Sho is too busy talking trash to Yoh! The ref pulls at Sho but Sho shrugs him off to pull Yoh’s arm even harder! The ref counts and Sho stops, and then “apologizes” again. Sho gets Yoh up, to wrap the arm around railing! And then kicks away at the railing to jam the arm! The ref reprimands and a ring count starts, but Sho uses every count as the timing for his kick to the railing!
Sho stops at 14 of 20, goes back to the ring, and Yoh is down as we pass 15! Yoh gets up at 18 and springs into the ring! Sho makes him pay for that by bringing him back out and whipping him even harder into railing! Sho leaves Yoh behind and “apologizes” again, “promising” to leave it at this. The ring count starts again and Yoh is still down at 10 of 20. Sho paces, Yoh rises at 15 of 20, and gets in again at 18! Fans cheer Yoh’s heart but Sho smirks as he gives toying kicks at him. Sho wants Yoh to get up and get mad but Yoh just eggs Sho on. Fans rally as Yoh stands and hits Sho back! Sho eggs Yoh on now and the forearms keep flying! Until Sho rakes Yoh’s face!
The ref reprimands and counts so Sho stops to then whip Yoh to ropes for a kitchen sink knee! Sho checks his jaw, then drags Yoh up by his hair. Sho KICKS Yoh in the back and Yoh writhes around. Sho sits him up again and KICKS him again! Yoh writhes more, and Sho “apologizes” to the ref. Cover, TWO! Sho mockingly shows surprise but then smirks as Yoh goes to ropes. Sho clamps onto Yoh’s arm, wrenches and digs an elbow into the shoulder. Sho wrenches again, shifts to a cording hold and thrashes the shoulder around. Fans rally but Sho uses the double arm wrench to trap Yoh so he can jab into the ribs! Sho then throws Yoh down and soaks in the moment as he paces.
Sho drags Yoh back up, bumps him off buckles and stomps a mudhole into him. The ref counts, Sho stops to then dig both boots in! Sho talks trash again, the ref again has to pull Sho away, and Sho again “apologizes.” Yoh still looks up at Sho defiantly so Sho digs his boot in again. The ref counts, Sho stops this time to let the ref check Yoh. Yoh refuses to stop so Sho stands on his throat again. The ref counts, Sho stops again and then dares Yoh to get up. Fans rally for Yoh as he stands but Sho gives him more toying kicks. Yoh grabs Sho’s foot, throws it down and throws more forearms! Sho rakes the eyes again! The ref again reprimands, Sho whips but Yoh reverses to dropkick him down!
Fans fire up while the former RPG3K is on the mat! Sho goes to a corner, Yoh goes to the other. Sho runs corner to corner but Yoh meets him! Yoh rallies with big forearms and then whips again. Sho reverses again but Yoh hits FLYING FOREARMS! Yoh kips up and fans fire up behind him! Yoh waits for Sho to go to a corner, then he runs in corner to corner, for a LEAPING back elbow! Yoh snapmares and stomps Sho around! And kicks him to the ropes! And at the ropes! Yoh gets Sho to the apron then drags him up by his hair. Fans rally but Sho wrenches the arm to HOTSHOT it! Then Sho drags Yoh back out, to whip! But Yoh reverses! Sho stops himself but Yoh SHOTGUNS Sho into railing!
Fans cheer as Yoh gets back to the ring. Sho staggers up and around, You builds speed and FLIES out onto Sho! They crash into railing and both men are down! The ref goes out to check both men but they’re okay to continue. Fans rally up as the ref starts a new ring count. Both men slowly sit up as we reach 10 of 20. Yoh is on his feet first at 13, and he drags Sho up at 15 to put him in the ring. Fans cheer and Yoh gets Sho up to suplex, FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO! Sho survives but Yoh keeps his cool. Yoh stands Sho up to ROCK him with a forearm, then ROCKS him again. Yoh RAMS his shoulder into Sho, hoists him up top, then climbs up to join him.
Yoh CLUBS Sho a few times, Sho fights back with body shots and CLUBS Yoh in return. Yoh hops down and Sho adjusts, but Yoh ROCKS Sho again! Yoh climbs up, Sho slips under to bring Yoh out! Yoh tries to rana counter but Sho blocks that! Sho powers Yoh back up for a POWER BREAKER! Both men are down and fans fire up again! Sho grits his teeth and gets up to his feet. He reels Yoh into a waistlock for a GERMAN SUPLEX! And then another GERMAN SUPLEX! Yoh grabs ropes to hold off the third, the ref calls for the ropebreak but Sho pulls Yoh’s hair! Sho KICKS Yoh in the ribs, but Yoh blocks the roundhouse for a DRAGON SCREW! And a nasty one!
Yoh rolls through with Sho to get a CALF KILLER! Sho dribbles Yoh’s head off the mat to get free! Sho staggers up and still smirks as he looms over Yoh. Sho stands Yoh up, wrenches and hits an ELBOW BREAKER! Then he wrenches again for another ELBOW BREAKER! And a third ELBOW BREAKER! Fans rally for Yoh but Sho PENALTY KICKS the arm! Sho runs but into a JUMP KNEE! Yoh runs but into a JUMP KNEE! Sho wrenches, Yoh full nelsons but Sho breaks free, only to swing into another full nelson! Sho breaks that but Yoh makes it a straitjacket GERMAN! But Sho staggers up and rebounds to LARIAT! Both men are down and fans fire up again!
Sho drags Yoh up to his feet, runs ropes and LARIATS Yoh down again! But he isn’t done, he aims his bow at Yoh. Sho drags Yoh up, reels him in and hooks up the arms. SHOCK- Yoh flips through to trip Sho to the CALF KILLER!! Sho grabs at Yoh’s hair and face again! The ref actually has to club Sho’s arm to make him stop! And Yoh CRANKS back on the CALF KILLER!! Sho shouts and flails and reaches for ropes! Sho crawls, Yoh elbows him over and over in the side, then rolls him away! STARGAZER CALF KILLER!! Sho freaks out in the modified deathlock but he gets the ROPEBREAK! Yoh lets go and the fans fire up more!
Yoh grits his teeth and glares at Sho as he stands. Yoh reels Sho into a full nelson, but Sho RAMS Yoh into a corner! So Yoh dropkicks Sho’s legs out! SNAP DRAGONÂ into the corner!! Yoh isn’t showing his traitorous former friend any mercy! Underhooks, but Sho holds off Direct Drive! Sho reels Yoh in, wraps him up in the arms, but Yoh back drops out of the piledriver! Both men are down and fans are thunderous! Sho drags himself around, as does Yoh, and the two spot each other. They approach and Yoh throws a forearm! Sho responds with a forearm, but Yoh gives another! Sho hits back, Yoh catches his breath and hits Sho again. The two slowly stand as the forearms keep flying!
Sho ROCKS Yoh, Yoh ROCKS Sho, and they start speeding up! Sho laughs as Yoh wobbles, and Sho fires off boxing elbows! Sho doesn’t stop until Yoh is down on the mat, and then he just adds stomps! Sho stops so he can stand Yoh back up, but Yoh fires boxing elbows in return! Yoh keeps going until Sho is down on the mat, and fans cheer Yoh’s fighting spirit! Yoh stands Sho up, but Sho hits back with more boxing elbows! Sho stands Yoh up tall to LARIAT! But Yoh stays up with a defiant glare. Sho LARIATS again but again Yoh stays up! Sho LARIATS a third time and Yoh falls over. But Sho still isn’t done, he runs into YOH’S LARIAT!! Fans are thunderous as Yoh powers up!
Yoh stands Sho up, SNAP DRAGON!! Bridging cover, TWO!! Sho escapes but Yoh has more to give! Yoh stands Sho up again, reels him in and underhooks the arms. But Sho shoves Yoh into the ref, then does it again! The ref is down, Sho SPEARS Yoh down! But with no ref to count, Sho can’t finish this! Except Sho doesn’t want to finish this as a match! Sho gets a chair from under the ring and brings it into the ring. Yoh flounders to the ropes and drags himself up as Sho takes aim. Yoh dodges the chairshot to SUPERKICK Sho down! Yoh glares at Sho, kicks him from the chair, and then picks up the chair for himself. Yoh smacks the chair off the mat and Sho wants mercy?!
Yoh holds the chair up but he can’t bring himself to use it. So he SUPERKICKS Sho again! Yoh gets Sho up, underhooks the arms, DIRECT- NO! Sho blocks the lift and LOW BLOW UPPERCUTS!! Sho gets the chair again, smirks as he aims at Yoh, for a HEAD SHOT!!! Sho tells the ref to get up already, and then Sho covers. But Sho lets off at TWO?!? Sho is a sadist as he reels Yoh into HELL’S GATE!!! Yoh can’t get free, he’s passing out! Sho wins!!
Winner: SHO, by referee stoppage
But Sho doesn’t let go until HE is satisfied with it! Sho kicks Young Lions out so they can’t help Yoh, either! The ref checks on Yoh but Yoh is out cold! Sho snatches away the ice packs so he can use them, and then he stands on Yoh’s downed body. Is this darker voltage going to be what powers Sho to the top as a solo player? Sho even gets the mic to speak! “Yoh-san… It’s just like I said. I TOLD YOU, YOU NEED TO QUIT!!” Sho kicks Yoh out of the ring literally, but has this loss ended Yoh’s NJPW wrestling career?
Wait a minute, what is Bullet Club doing walking out here? Specifically, it’s Evil, Dick Togo and Yujiro Takahashi! They, the “House of Torture,” are applauding Sho’s actions, and even give him a HOT T-shirt! Sho accepts it gladly, and is leaving Chaos for Bullet Club! Fans do cheer this, and Sho has his first Low Sweet! Will High Voltage make the Bullet Club shocking once again?
KOPW 2021 I Quit Match: Chase Owens VS Toru Yano!
The Crown Jewel doesn’t want to just beat the Clown Prince of Chaos, he wants to hurt him! Is there no way Yano can turn the tables and trick Chase when the only way to win is to bring out those two dreaded words?
Wait! That shock yellow hair! Yano is bringing up his past of brutality in order to fight on the same level as Chase! How will Chase fair now that he’s against the Most Violent Player in the Game? Especially seeing #GreatBashHeel just brought handcuffs to the fight! The introductions are made but Yano doesn’t even wait for Chase to get in the ring! Yano rushes out after Chase and they brawl in the entry aisle! The ring announcer does his best to finish introductions and the bell rings to get this on record just as Yano DECKS Chase! Yano walks back towards the ring but Chase already brings out his first trick: a Ziploc bag of powder!
Yano returns for Chase but gets ZIPLOC POWDER to the face! Chase stomps Yano down and chokes Yano on the ground! Then he stomps Yano more, drags him up by the hair and RAMS Yano into the railing’s gateway! Then Chase headlock punches Yano down and chokes him more! The ref checks on Yano but Yano doesn’t quit so easily. Chase taunts Yano and puts him in the ring. Chase kicks Yano while daring him to fight back. Chase stands Yano up but Yano rakes the eyes! Yano headlocks, Chase powers out but Yano runs him over! Only for Chase to trip Yano and choke him more! Chase lets off only to drag Yano up and throw him out of the ring.
Chase goes out after Yano, stomps him down again, then stands on his neck at the railing! Chase keeps egging Yano on as he drags Yano up. Chase whips but Yano reverses and Chase hits railing! Yano goes under the ring to bring out a trash can, its lid, various cookie pans, other kinds of trash can lids and and even a traffic sign! Yano brings the trash can over to SMACK Chase in the head with it! Yano kicks the other things around so he can put a second trash can into the ring. Yano puts just a few things into the ring before bringing the cookie pan around the way with him. Fans cheer on GBH Yano as he chases Chase down and SMACKS him on the back! And then SMACKS him in the head!
Now Yano dares Chase to do something, but Chase refuses to quit. Yano prepares his signature red chair and puts Chase into the ring. Yano has the mic and shouts, “OI, you! You say quit? You say quit?!” Chase shouts, “NO!” so Yano lets him go. Yano grabs the second trash can, puts it around Chase, and then asks one more time, “YOU SAY QUIT?!” Chase shouts “NO!” and it echoes inside the can. Yano makes sure Chase still has the mic if he changes his mind, as he BATTERS the trash can with his umbrella! Yano keeps asking if Chase quits and Chase keeps shouting no. The ref wants to check on Chase but Yano has him back off so he can SMACK the can again!
Yano paces while Chase writhes inside the trash can. Yano wedges his red chair into a corner as Chase craws out of the trash. Yano stomps Chase before he can get away, and then pulls Chase’s hair so he can pull Chase into the ropes! Chase refuses to quit, shouting “NEVER!” Yano keeps on Chase until Chase pushes the ref away, then drags Chase up by his hair. Yano whips Chase into the red chair! Fans cheer for Yano’s creative brutality as he now sets up the trash can for something more. Yano gets Chase up, Chase throws body shots and turns things around, to snap suplex Yano onto the trash can! Yano’s creativity comes back to haunt him as Chase gets up and grabs the lid!
Chase SMACKS Yano with the trash can lid, then tosses it aside. Chase moves the wrecked trash can out of the way as he drags Yano to the apron. Chase SLAMS Yano’s leg into the apron edge! Yano resists as Chase drags him more but Chase still gets him for a DRAPING FIGURE FOUR, with the post included! Yano refuses to quit so Chase lets go, to then SMACK the legs with the busted trash can! Yano flops out of the ring while Chase gathers up the random trash can lids and serving trays. Yano stands up, and Chase uses the metal circles like cymbals to BASH Yano’s head! Yano falls over, ears ringing, but Chase himself catches his breath and plans his next move.
Chase has a strap! He’s bringing this back to their Texas Strap Match! Chase hooks up Yano’s hand and then stomps him before he then straps up Yano’s other hand! Yano is the only one strapped up as Chase drags him to his feet. Yano uses the strap to string Yano up in the corner! Yano is vulnerable as Chase gets kendo sticks! Chase SMACKS Yano right in the ribs! Chase wants Yano to quit but Yano refuses! Chase digs the kendo stick into Yano’s face as he shouts at Yano, “Say ‘I Quit!'” Chase SMACKS Yano again and again but Yano refuses to quit! Fans rally behind Yano as Chase goes looking under the ring again.
Chase brings out a ladder! Chase sets it aside a moment so he can bring out another! Chase puts the second ladder in the ring, and he lets Yano free of the strap. He puts Yano in the ring, sets the ladder up but Yano CLUBS Chase on the back! The ladder falls over, Chase staggers away but Yano brings the ladder up. Chase CLUBS Yano now! Chase runs, but Yano pops him up to atomic drop with the ladder! The metal ladder leg hurts a bit more than a knee, and Yano brings Chase around to throw him out. Yano tosses the ladder out of the ring, kicks the cookie trays out, then goes out after Chase. Chase turns around into Yano’s body shots. Yano whips but Chase reverses, Yano hits railing!
Chase goes back to his first ladder, and he undoes the safeties on it! Chase makes a ladder bridge between ring and railing, then goes under it to get Yano. Chase has a kendo stick and he SMACKS Yano again! Then he drags Yano up and brings him around towards the ladder. Chase bounces Yano right off the ladder’s side! Chase puts Yano in the ring, drags him to the apron, and aims for the bridge! Yano resists, fans rally up, and Yano fires off forearms! Chase flops through the ropes and into the ring but Yano pursues. Yano stomps Chase, kicks more things aside, then drags Chase up to put him through ropes. Yano pulls Chase against the ropes with a sleeper!
The ref goes to the outside and asks Chase, but Chase says “NO!” despite the fingers in his face. Yano lets go in frustration, talks trash, then runs, into a drop toehold! Yano ends up on ropes, Chase runs in and JEWEL TRIGGERS him in the back! Yano sputters to a corner, Chase runs in to KNEE him down again! Chase drags Yano up, reels him in and tucks him in, but Yano resists the piledriver! Chase CLUBS away on Yano’s back, tries again, but Yano backs up to back drop Chase to the apron! Chase holds on but Yano rakes his eyes and HOTSHOTS him! Chase staggers, Yano gets the other ladder! Yano BATTERING RAMS Chase down, and Chase falls through the ladder bridge!
Fans are thunderous as Chase is dazed and down in the wreckage. Yano goes out to bring out TABLES! Yano sets two tables up, side-by-side near the ring. Chase flounders up and fans rally as Yano returns to fetch him. But Chase JAMS and SMACKS Yano with the cookie sheet! Chase puts Yano on the tables Yano set up, throws down fists, then hobbles away to climb up the corner! Yano climbs up after Chase! Yano throws hands, goes for a superplex, but Chase holds on for dear life! Fans rally harder as Chase throws hands and even headbutts Yano back! Both men flop down from apron to floor but stagger about. Yano storms after Chase but Chase mule kicks him down!
Chase drags Yano back up, and grabs the cuffs Yano himself brought! Chase already cuffs the railing, but Yano attacks Chase! Yano scoops and SLAMS Chase on the ground, then checks the cuffs Chase was setting up. Yano turns around into a LOW BLOW! Chase shoves Yano down and rips up the floor mats! But he sees there’s a second layer and gets pissed. Chase keeps tearing up ring mats all the same, then drags Yano back up. Chase reels Yano in but Yano resists the piledriver to back drop Chase onto the single-layer mats! That’s still a rough landing because those mats are stiff! Yano drags Chase over to the cuffs! Yano tries but Chase scrambles away before he’s caught!
Chase wants a timeout? There’s no timeouts in wrestling, Chase! Yano drags Chase up, reels him in but Chase kicks and whips. Yano reverses and atomic drops, but Chase punches before the impact! JEWEL TRIGGER! Chase wrenches and hammerlocks to the HEIST LARIAT!! Both men are down but this still won’t end unless someone verbally quits! Fans rally up as Chase kicks Yano to the apron. The tables come back into play as Yano slumps onto them. Chase hurries to the apron, stands on the table and drags Yano up. Chase reels Yano in, tucks the arms, PACKAGE PILEDRIVER!! The tables don’t break but maybe Yano just did!
Chase also flops down off the tables while the ref checks Yano. Yano can’t quit if he can’t talk, but fans rally up as Yano stays in this match. Chase is furious and he drags Yano up. Chase wants the ref to ask anyway, but Yano just moans and groans. Is Yano not okay after all? Chase drags Yano up and over to where the cuffs are on the railing! Chase locks Yano up! Yano can’t get away from the railing as Chase wants the ref to ask again. The ref asks Yano if he quits, but Yano still can’t quite focus enough to form words. Chase goes back for his strap and brings it back around. Chase SLAPS down a Young Lion just for being in his way!
Chase returns to Yano, and makes Yano wake up by splashing water in his face! Chase again tells the ref to ask Yano, but Yano says no. Chase takes the mic and tells Yano that this is his subconscious talking to him. Chase wants Yano to admit “Owens-san is much stronger than Yano! Just give up! Say it! Give up!” Yano shouts no, so Chase LASHES him with the strap! “Give up, Yano. Please! My body doesn’t want anymore~!” Yano says no again, so Chase LASHES him again! Chase shouts, “SAY ‘I QUIT!'” Yano still shouts now so Chase LASHES him again and again and again and again! Chase is furious but Yano is not breaking! Chase again shouts, “SAY ‘I QUIT!'” but Yano still says NO!
Fans cheer Yano’s unbreakable spirit, and Yano is working on undoing his wrist tape. Because that is where the HANDCUFF KEY is! He frees himself while Chase is busy with gathering more weapons! Great Bash Heel is still the greatest trickster in NJPW! But Chase has a baseball bat! Chase storms over and wants Yano to say he quits! Yano shouts now, and LOW BLOWS Chase before he can swing that slugger! Yano gets the cuffs again, and now he cuffs Chase’s hands together! Yano puts Chase in the ring, and brings the cuff keys and the strap. Yano tells Chase to give up and he can get the keys. Chase doesn’t so the keys are tossed far away!
Yano stomps Chase, then gathers up the strap to LASH Chase! And again! And again! “SAY YOU QUIT!” Chase says “NEVER!” so Yano LASHES him again and again! Chase is defiant so Yano LASHES him again and again! Then he CHOKES Chase with the strap! Chase is turning purple but Yano lets go! Because Yano also knows, if Chase passes out, he can’t say he quits. Chase gasps for air while Yano goes out to fetch another table from under the ring! Yano brings the table into the ring, sets it up, but Chase refuses to quit. Chase shouts, “Hey, Yano! Screw you!” Yano LASHES Chase, then hauls him up to POWERBOMB him through the table!!
Chase sputters as he tries to sit up. Yano gets more cuffs and links them to the top rope. Yano cuffs Chase’s cuffs with that cuff, so now Chase is anchored to the ropes. And Yano gets scissors?! Chase freaks out as Yano steps closer with the scissors. Yano wants Chase to give up, or he starts cutting Chase’s hair! Chase SPITS in Yano’s face! That was a mistake! Yano wants to dig the scissors into Chase’s FACE now!! CHASE SHOUTS “I QUIT!!” Yano wins!!
Winner: Toru Yano (NEW Provisional Mr. KOPW 2021)
But uh, Yano isn’t letting Chase free. Yano takes the scissors and the KOPW trophy with him, letting Chase wallow in his defeat. Will Yano keep going as the Great Bash Heel to ensure he stays Mr. KOPW 2021? As for Chase, Yano made sure to drop the keys, and someone hurries to get those to Chase. Chase is freed, but it is little consolation after all Yano did to him. Will the Crown Jewel think twice before getting on Yano’s bad side?
NJPW announces Wrestle Kingdom 16!
It won’t just be January 4th, 2022. It won’t just be that day and January 5th, 2022. It will also be on January 8th, 2022! The Tokyo Dome AND Yokohama Arena will be a part of WK16 in the new year! That is how NJPW will kick off their 50th Anniversary year!!
Kazuchika Okada VS Jeff Cobb w/ Great-O-Khan!
The Rainmaker keeps winning against the Hawaiian Hulk, but Cobb hasn’t given up yet! Will the third time be the charm? Or will it be three strikes, Cobb’s out, at the ol’ ball game?
The bell rings and Cobb rushes Okada! Okada dodges, kicks Cobb and fires off forearms and elbows before turning him for a NECKBREAKER! Fans cheer Okada taking the lead early as he CLUBS Cobb on the back. Cobb gets up, Okada snapmares and runs but into Cobb’s shoulder tackle! Cobb storms after Okada but Okada bails out. Red Shoes wants Okada back in the ring but he takes a moment to catch his breath. Fans rally for “O-KA-DA!” as he paces around the way. Great-O-Khan is there to make sure he doesn’t go too far, so Okada goes to the apron. Cobb steps closer but Okada backs off again.
Okada eggs Cobb on but Khan tells Cobb to stay back. Cobb falls for Okada’s taunts and rushes out but Okada slides back in to then dare Cobb to get back in. Cobb says Okada should get back outside, but Okada shakes his head no and eggs Cobb on again. Again, Cobb falls for it, sliding into the ring while Okada slides back out. Okada is having fun toying with Cobb while Khan is annoyed on Cobb’s behalf. Okada still eggs Cobb on, and again Cobb falls for it. But this time, Okada stays out so he can kick and club Cobb down! Cobb ROCKS Okada right back! Okada staggers and bumps into Khan, who grins at Okada. Cobb runs in but Okada sends him into Khan!
Okada kicks Cobb, wrenches his arm and whips him into railing! Cobb staggers and Okada CLUBS him on the back. Okada kicks Cobb low again, RAMS him into railing, then stands on Cobb’s back! Okada surfs using Cobb as the board! Fans cheer and Okada stomps Cobb. The ring count climbs and Okada takes his time bringing Cobb up at 10 of 20. Okada puts Cobb in the ring, Cobb throws body shots and forearms in return. Okada ROCKS Cobb, whips him corner to corner but Cobb reverses and reels Okada into an OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! Cobb grins as he’s finally gotten Okada down, and he stomps away on Okada’s back!
Cobb drags Okada up, RAMS him into a corner, then runs him corner to corner to RAM him into more buckles! And then back the other way! And then again! Cobb lets Okada fall over while fans cheer that feat of strength. Cover, TWO! Cobb is annoyed but he drags Okada back up. Okada throws body shots and forearms but Cobb knees low. Cobb runs but Okada prepares to flapjack, so Cobb CLUBS him! Cobb runs, into a FLAPJACK! Okada gets Cobb after all, but both men are down on the mat. Fans rally up as Cobb sputters and sits up. Okada kips up!? And he throws forearm after forearm! Okada whips, Cobb reverses but Okada ducks and dodges to elbow Cobb down!
Okada shouts out to the MetLife Dome and fans fire up! Okada whips Cobb to a corner, runs in corner to corner, and back elbows, into a waistlock! Cobb pops Okada around for a BLUE THUNDER BOMB! Okada flops out of the ring, Cobb goes out after him, and Cobb brings Okada up to CHOP him! Okada staggers away but Cobb follows. Cobb snapmares Okada, kicks him down then DOUBLE STOMPS him! Now Cobb surfs using Okada! Khan applauds and Cobb stomps Okada more. Cobb goes to the ring as the ring count starts again. Khan fans Cobb off with the United Empire towel, and the ring count passes 10. Cobb goes back out to get Okada into the ring so this can continue.
Okada staggers up and he fires forearms on Cobb! But Cobb CHOPS Okada off his feet! Cobb paces around, gives toying kicks to Okada, but fans still rally “O-KA-DA!” Cobb whips Okada to a corner hard and Okada bounces off the buckles! Okada writhes, Cobb high stack covers, TWO! Another try, TWO!! Okada still has power enough to escape the pin but Cobb looms over him. Cobb stands on Okada’s head, stomps him down, then stomps him in the chest. Cobb steps on Okada, sits him up and JAMS his knee into Okada’s back before hitting a hard EuroUpper to the spine! Cover, TWO! Okada sits up but Cobb wraps on a rear bearhug!
Okada endures the squeeze, even as Cobb leans his full body weight into him. Fans rally up, Okada fights to his feet and CLUBS Okada, only for Cobb to lift and TOSS Okada to a corner! Okada bounces off buckles and falls in a heap, and Cobb talks trash on the Rainmaker. Cobb stands Okada up, gives him a toying jab, then dares Okada to do something. Okada throws a forearm but Cobb eggs him on. Okada throws more forearms but Cobb still doesn’t feel them! Cobb HEADBUTTS Okada off his feet! Cobb stands Okada up but Okada gets a leg to spin Cobb and BOOT him! Okada wants to Alabama Lift but Cobb CLUBS him, then ROCKS him!
Okada ends up in a corner, Cobb runs in but Okada pops him up! Alabama to the REVERSE NECKBREAKER! Fans fire up while both men are down again! Cobb and Okada stir as the rally builds back up. Okada sits up and stalks behind Cobb. Cobb stands, Okada whips but Cobb reverses, only for Okada to elbow him down again! Okada kicks Cobb and hits a DDT! Cobb staggers back up into another kick and another DDT! Okada watches Cobb at the ropes, dodges his clothesline, kick and DDT again! Cover, TWO! MONEY CLIP!! Cobb flails and reaches and gets the ropebreak! Okada lets go fast and fans cheer again.
Cobb gasps and crawls away but fans rally for Okada again. Okada storms over, Cobb kicks low and then climbs up. Okada dropkicks Cobb down! Cobb tumbles to the floor and fans fire up again! Fans build to another rally as Cobb stands up on the outside. Okada goes out after him, throws more forearms, then RAMS him into railing. Khan protests, Okada tells him to shut up, and then Okada whips Cobb into more railing. Okada runs in to BOOT Cobb over the railing! Fans cheer and Okada gets them to rally up again. Okada gets space, runs back over and LEAPS, into Cobb’s arms! Cobb pops Okada up for a suplex to the floor! Those green floor mats don’t look as thick, either!
Khan checks on Cobb, Red Shoes checks on Okada. Both are still okay so Khan fans off Cobb again. Cobb stirs as the ring count starts but he has to drag himself back to the railing. Khan coaches Cobb but he can’t help him get up and over. Cobb flops back towards ringside as we reach 10 of 20. Cobb gets in at 12, but now it’s on Okada. Okada gets up at 15 and hurries over the railing at 16! Okada flounders up and stumbles at 18, to get in at 19! But Cobb is right on him, OKLAHOMA STAMPEDE! Cover, TWO! GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Okada still survives but Cobb is too tired to be upset. Fans rally up again as Cobb and Khan agree, time for a tour!
Cobb hobbles back to Okada, drags him up, but Okada throws a forearm! And another! Cobb wobbles as Okada hits him again, but Cobb CLUBS Okada on the back in return! Cobb whips Okada to ropes, Okada holds those ropes, so Cobb rushes in! Okada dumps Cobb out, then PLANCHAS, into Cobb’s arms! Pop-up but Okada slips out of the suplex to DDT Cobb to the floor! Both men are down again as fans rally and the ring count begins. Okada and Cobb stir, the count reaches 10 of 20, but Okada gets to his feet. Okada hobbles over, gets Cobb up and in at 14, then hurries to a top rope. Okada aims, leaps, and missile dropkicks Cobb down!
Fans fire up though Okada clutches his back. Okada fires himself up and stands Cobb back up. Okada goes to gut wrench but Cobb gut wrenches first! Okada slips out and dropkicks Cobb in the back! Okada whips, dropkicks Cobb down, and then calls for it! Okada stands Cobb up, gut wrenches, TOMBSTONE! Okada wraps on a MONEY CLIP! Cobb endures, fights up to his feet, and reaches out. Okada arm-drags Cobb away and wraps on the MONEY CLIP again! Cobb endures the hold and reaches out for ropes. Fans rally, as does Khan, but Okada cranks the hold harder! Cobb still reaches with a foot and gets the ROPEBREAK! Okada lets Cobb go and both men are exhausted.
Fans rally, Okada gets up and looms over Cobb. Okada eggs Cobb on so Cobb throws body shots. The shots don’t hurt, so Cobb tries a forearm. That doesn’t do anything, but Cobb blocks Okada’s boot! Cobb reels Okada in but Okada fights out of the T-Bone! Okada goes to run but Cobb reels him in to ROCK him with a forearm to the back! Cobb gut wrenches for a normal PILEDRIVER!! Both men are down after that devastating move, but Khan still fans and coaches Cobb. Cobb growls and crawls over to Okada. Cobb stands Okada up but Okada throws a forearm. Cobb forearms back, Okada hits him again. Both men keep throwing forearms but look to be running close to empty.
Okada keeps throwing forearms so Cobb keeps going, and they start getting some power behind those arms again! Fans fire up as Cobb ROCKS Okada and he falls to his knees! Okada gets mad and eggs Cobb on. Cobb slaps Okada around so Okada throws more forearms! The forearms fly back and forth again and again, Okada starts to wobble! Cobb loads up and ROCKS Okada with a big forearm! Okada is in a corner, Cobb LEAPING BACK ELBOWS! Cobb then gets Okada by the legs and YANKS him up into the ATHLETIC PLEX! Cobb still has a reserve tank, it seems! Cobb whips but Okada SHOTGUN DROPKICKS first! No tour just yet!
Cobb rushes into Okada’s EuroUpper, but then he ducks the discus to SUPERKICK! Cobb wristlocks but Okada elbows free before any ripcord can happen. Okada CLUBS away on Cobb for even thinking he can steal his signature! Red Shoes tells Okada to stop, Okada shoves him aside and runs, into a dropkick from Cobb! Cobb gets Okada up, gut wrench to a TOMBSTONE!! Cobb parodies the Rainmaker pose! Cobb gets Okada up, wristlock and ripcord to the TOUR OF THE- NO! Okada slips out to DISCUS! Cobb stays up and roars, but into a backslide! Cobb rolls through so Okada reels him in, LARIAT! Fans fire up as Okada still has the wrist!
Okada drags Cobb up and reels him in, only for Cobb to dodge! Cobb comes back into an Okada dropkick! Okada drags Cobb back up, gut wrenches him somehow, and hits a SPINNING TOMBSTONE! Okada roars and gets Cobb up again. Okada wristlocks and ripcords, but Cobb scoops Okada! But Okada slips through to gut wrench again! They end up in a corner and Cobb uses that to get up top! Okada throws hands from below, ROCKS Cobb with a forearm, and climbs up as fans rally. Okada gets Cobb for a cravat, then drags him up and over into position?! Cobb fights free and SUPERKICKS Okada from the apron! Cobb then positions things as he climbs up top.
Cobb stands on the very top rope and brings Okada up. Okada fights back with body shots so Cobb steps down to the middle rope. Okada fires off more shots until Cobb is off the ropes completely. Okada shouts at Cobb but Cobb HEADBUTTS from below! Cobb climbs up, scoops Okada for a SUPER TOUR OF THE ISLANDS??! Cobb isn’t done there, either! He reels Okada in for another TOUR OF THE ISLANDS!! Cover, Cobb wins!!
Winner: Jeff Cobb, by pinfall
He was down in the pitch count, but Jeff Cobb hits a HUGE home run off the third try! Khan celebrates on behalf of Cobb, will this usher in new life to the United Empire?
IWGP US Heavyweight Championship: Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Kota Ibushi!
The Maniac, Jon Moxley, lost this belt to the Murderhawk Monster, Lance Archer, who then lost to the Resurgence of The Ace! But speaking of a resurgence, the Golden Star is finally back in the ring! Will this championship battle of the Golden Aces be much friendly than the matches that’ve led us here?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and Ibushi is already emotional as we all see if he can finally surpass his greatest role model!
Fans are fired up already and Tanahashi himself applauds Ibushi’s return to the ring. They circle, feel things out, and Ibushi shoots in! Tanahashi avoids the leg pick and the two still circle. Ibushi and Tanahashi both try to get arm control, Tanahashi gets a facelock but Ibushi powers him to ropes. Red Shoes calls for the ropebreak and Tanahashi lets go. Ibushi takes a moment and lets off cleanly. Fans cheer as the two reset and circle again. They tie up, Tanahashi headlocks, Ibushi powers up but Tanahashi holds on tight as Ibushi tries to power out. Ibushi tries again, but Tanahashi still holds on tight to the headlock.
Ibushi stands, Tanahashi hits a headlock takeover, but Ibushi headscissors. Tanahashi tries to kip free but now Ibushi is the one holding on tight! Ibushi adds a little pressure but Tanahashi keeps fighting the hold. Ibushi still keeps him down but Tanahashi moves around. Tanahashi works to headstand, he pops free, and he goes right after the headlock again! Only for Ibushi to headscissor again! Ibushi pushes up for even more pressure but Tanahashi endures. Tanahashi bridges back to turn things around, but Ibushi just lets him flip over. Tanahashi still tries to turn things back around onto Ibushi and manages to get a leg lock.
Tanahashi floats to a headlock but Ibushi slips out to get a headlock of his own. Tanahashi fights up, Ibushi grinds the headlock and hits a takeover but now Tanahashi headscissors! But Ibushi kips right out and fans cheer, though Tanahashi is a bit frustrated with himself. Ibushi stays loose as Tanahashi cools off and refocuses. Tanahashi and Ibushi circle again, tie up, and Tanahashi wrenches to a wristlock. Ibushi spins, flips, and arm-drags Tanahashi down to an armlock! Ibushi shifts to a grounded cording hold but Tanahashi endures. Tanahashi moves around, Ibushi shifts to dig a knee into the shoulder and pull on the forearm.
Tanahashi gets a ropebreak and Ibushi lets off. But then Ibushi stomps Tanahashi’s arm! Ibushi CLUBS Tanahashi, bumps him off buckles and whips him corner to corner. Tanahashi reverses, runs in but Ibushi goes up and over! Ibushi turns around into a dropkick to his legs! Tanahashi catches his breath and fans rally up, “LET’S GO, ACE!” Tanahashi gets Ibushi’s leg, stomps it then drops an elbow! Tanahashi has a toehold but Ibushi endures. Ibushi fights back with a chinlock but Tanahashi cranks the leg to fight that off. Ibushi keeps trying so Tanahashi stomps the leg more. Tanahashi drops another elbow, then quickly ties up the legs in a Butterfly Stretch!
Ibushi endures the modified deathlock and CHOPS Tanahashi! Tanahashi adds pressure so Ibushi CHOPS and CHOPS again! Tanahashi adds as much pressure as he can to the knees but Ibushi drags himself backwards! Ibushi gets the ropebreak with both hands! Tanahashi lets the legs go free and looms over Ibushi. Tanahashi stomps the bad leg while fans rally up. Ibushi crawls, Tanahashi stands him up but Ibushi fires off forearms! Tanahashi checks his nose then kicks out the leg! Tanahashi dares Ibushi to bring it so Ibushi stands to fire off forearms! Tanahashi hits back with a strike fest! Tanahashi shouts for Ibushi to get up again so Ibushi fires up and stands again!
Fans cheer this fighting spirit as Ibushi kicks. Tanahashi blocks it, CLUBS the leg, then runs the ropes, but into Ibushi’s dropkick! Ibushi clutches his leg, Tanahashi checks his face, and the fans rally up again. Ibushi fires off a strike fest of his own! Then he whips Tanahashi, only for Tanahashi to reverse! Ibushi hits a FLYING KICK! And STANDING MOONSAULT! Tanahashi writhes away from Ibushi so Ibushi rallies the fans up. Ibushi stalks up behind Tanahashi, waistlocks, but Tanahashi elbows free. Tanahashi runs but into a SNAP RANA! Tanahashi flounders out of the ring while fans are thunderous!
Ibushi fires himself up, sees Tanahashi on the outside, and runs to a corner for the GOLDEN TRIANGLE!! Direct hit and fans are electric! Ibushi points to Shingo Takagi on commentary. The Dragon and the Golden Star still need to have their fight, maybe Ibushi wants to go into that title match already a champion! Ibushi gets Tanahashi up and into the ring at 7 of 20, then takes his time getting to the apron. Ibushi dares Tanahashi to stand now, and the Ace rises. Ibushi springboards in for the missile dropkick! Tanahashi staggers around, but he fights off the Half ‘n’ Half! Tanahashi elbows free of the waistlock, blocks the roundhouse, and DRAGON SCREWS the leg!
Fans maintain that electric level as Tanahashi looms over Ibushi. Tanahashi gets the leg, but Ibushi BOOTS free with the other! Ibushi kips up, dodges, but Tanahsih dodges! DOUBLE FOREARMS fly again and again! Both men roar and they keep throwing equal forearms! Again and again and again and again, no guard and no slowing down! Ibushi gets the edge, but Tanahashi just comes back with more! Again and again and again they hit each other at the same time! Tanahashi wobbles and Ibushi fires off more elbows! Ibushi shows respect by showing no mercy and giving Tanahashi forearms to the back of his head again and again!
Red Shoes wants to check on Tanahashi but this could be Kowai Ibushi now! Ibushi lets off just to get the wrists! KAMI- NO! Tanahashi reels Ibushi in for TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT!! Tanahashi fires up as fans return to that high level of excitement. Tanahashi runs to SLINGBLADE Ibushi down! But Ibushi rises?! SHOTEI from Tanahashi and Ibushi staggers! Tanahashi whips, Ibushi reverses but Tanahashi SLING- NO, Ibushi slips out, both men steady themselves and roar at each other! This is truly a battle of lions! Tanahashi gives Ibushi a point blank SLINGBLADE! Ibushi is in a drop zone, Tanahashi goes up. HIGH FLY FLOW onto knees! And Ibushi has the wrists!!
Ibushi stands, sits Tanahashi up, KAMI-GOYEEEEE!! But he can’t make the cover from being as exhausted as Tanahashi! Fans are electric again as Red Shoes checks on both men. Both men are somehow okay to continue and Ibushi crawls to ropes. Tanahashi stirs but doesn’t move from the spot. Ibushi aims from a corner as Tanahashi tries to sit up. Ibushi calls upon the other god of NJPW, “YAO~!” BOMAYE!!! But Ibushi won’t let it end with just Shinsuke Nakamura’s move! He sits Tanahashi up again but Tanahashi resists the pull in his wrists! Tanahashi stands now, so Ibushi V-TRIGGERS! KENNYYY~!
Ibushi sits Tanahashi up again, but Tanahashi crosses the arms! Ibushi can’t hit through that so he has to power the arms apart. Tanahashi powers up to cross the arms again, and fans are volcanic as Tanahashi hits a SLINGBLADE!! Cover, ONE?!?! Ibushi shocks himself, but Tanahashi reels him in for a full nelson! DRAGON SUPLEX!! Bridging cover, TWO!! Ibushi survives and fans cheer but Tanahashi roars again! Tanahashi goes up top, takes aim, HIGH FLY FLOW ATTACK! Direct hit but Tanahashi wants it again! HIGH FLY FLOW!!! Cover, Tanahashi wins!!
Winner: Hiroshi Tanahashi, by pinfall (still IWGP US Heavyweight Champion)
The Ace’s pride is alive and well! He is still only NJPW’s 10th US Champion, after having reasserted his strength and skill once again! But he also still shows his love and respect for Ibushi as he checks on him. Ibushi is himself emotional, perhaps simply grateful and happy he could still have such a powerful match on his return. Will the Golden Star still find his way to shine in 2021?
As for Tanahashi, he raises the US title high overhead in victory. Ibushi bows deeply to show his respect and admiration for the man he still has so much to learn from. Tanahashi thanks Ibushi for that, and Young Lions help Ibushi to the back. Tanahashi gets the mic to say, “Everyone, I’ll say what everyone else can’t. Ibushi! Welcome back.” Fans cheer that sentiment as Tanahashi tells Ibushi that Ibushi’s dreams still have a long way to go. But so long as everything is right in body, heart and mind, Tanahashi’s ready for Ibushi’s challenge again! Ibushi himself manages to say, “One more time! Absolutely! Thank you!” Fans cheer as Tanahashi gets an Ibushi clap going.
Tanahashi then says, “Osu! Let’s bring out the fire and say out loud that we’re back! NJPW has returned to the MetLife Dome! 11 years ago, I wasn’t in the main event so… Now that IÂ am the main eventer, and the winner, that makes me pretty damn awesome!” Tanahashi then thinks that even the storm outside is applauding him. He knows this was night one, night two is tomorrow, so he thanks all the fans for being here despite the weather to support and show their love for NJPW. He wants them to keep coming back to NJPW events, so he will keep fighting for all of us. Again, he thanks the fans for their support, and hopes to see them again tomorrow!
But as fans cheer, and he steps to the ropes, Tanahashi decides to give us his classic encore! Saitama and the MetLife Dome get to have a live air guitar performance! Tanahashi rocks out then falls back in both joy and exhaustion. But the cheering for another encore gets him to get back up, so he gives them more! And he “smashes” the guitar and kicks the “pieces” out! But that isn’t the end as the fans keep clapping for an encore! Tanahashi asks for an air guitar from the crowd and a fan tosses him one! Tanahashi thanks them and plays this new guitar! Now maybe Tanahashi is out of energy? Tanahashi gives the guitar back and fans cheer.
Tanahashi picks up the US title again and the mic to say, “Everyone, really, thank you so very much!” Tanahashi catches his breath and says that little by little, step by step, even just a half or a quarter step, he knows we’re all heading to a better, brighter tomorrow together. And in that new day, we’ll all have fun together! “I LOVE YOU~!” The pyro goes off and even surprises Tanahashi! Will the powers of love and joy keep all of us rocking into the future with NJPW?
My Thoughts:
What an awesome first night for Wrestle Grand Slam MetLife! Yes, I did skip the Stardom showcase dark match, but I only had so much time today and even then I’m up a bit late putting the final touches on this here. Andrew Balaz always has us covered for full event coverage with NJPW, though, so never fear. As for the main show of this, it was a way stronger card from top to bottom than expected. The tag match was pretty good, with Hiromu looking strong but of course Bushi taking the loss on his behalf. Eagles VS Hiromu tomorrow is going to be a great one that really could go either way.
Yoh VS Sho was done exactly how a tag team break up match should go, even though I was a touch surprised Sho won. But at the same time, the story has been Sho is the one more committed to fight sports, so he wins to be the stronger RPG3K member at this point. As for him joining Bullet Club through Evil’s sub-faction, that was a very natural move. The way Sho was dressed, his new hair color, and his overall behavior was like he was Evil’s younger brother. And it worked as a great way to introduce this concept of “The House of Torture,” the apparent name for Evil’s splinter cell within Bullet Club. I am still hoping for the day we get Team Evil VS Team Switchblade in the next best Bullet Club Civil War to the one we never got, The Elite VS The Firing Squad.
I did not expect a KOPW match to get so violent and so serious. Yano doing the throwback was a great move, but they really should’ve made sure Chase remembered the phrasing. Him saying the words “I Quit,” even if he didn’t mean it for himself, could’ve easily lost that match for him. But this wasn’t comedy Yano so he wasn’t going to win by a technicality like that. Now, Yano wanting to gouge Chase’s eyes out was one hell of a way to do it. I kinda do hope GBH Yano sticks around for a few more months to keep his character fresh for a time. Okada VS Cobb was a great match, too, and it makes a lot of sense for Cobb to finally win here since he was already 0-2. He and Okada could make this a best of five series or more, and I don’t think anyone would complain.
Then the US Championship match, that was great from top to bottom, especially on it being Ibushi’s big comeback. There was already instant story with these two given their tag partnership, as well as Ibushi being quoted many times as saying Hiroshi Tanahashi, as well as Shinsuke Nakamura, was one of the “wrestling gods” he was chasing and trying to surpass. Ibushi can’t have killer matches with Nakamura given Nakamura is in WWE, but he can definitely go the distance with Tanahashi again and again, and again no one would complain.
Ibushi can still go from this US title loss to his promised match with Shingo Takagi at some point, mostly because I don’t see even Ibushi being given yet another G1 Climax win. Someone else needs to win that tournament right now, so let that person face the winner of Takagi VS Ibushi. I say that mostly because I don’t see Takagi losing to Evil in their long awaited match during night two. As for Tanahashi himself, he is still a great in-ring talent and a great person to carry one of the many banners of NJPW. If things ever reach that brighter, better future he speaks of, I very much look forward to Tanahashi making trips over to NJPW Strong, or even NJPW partners like AEW for some great US title matches.
My Score: 9.1/10
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Can the Last Real Champion handle The Truth?
While the King & Queen of the Ring tournaments reach their semifinals, John Cena has his first match on SmackDown in years, against Ron Killings!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Queen of the Ring Semifinals: Asuka VS Alexa Bliss; Asuka wins and advances to Night of Champions.
- Aleister Black VS Kit Wilson; No Contest.
- King of the Ring Semifinals: Randy Orton VS Sami Zayn; Orton wins and advances to Night of Champions.
- Charlotte Flair VS Chelsea Green w/ The Secret Her-vice; Charlotte wins.
- Bronson Reed w/ Paul Heyman & Bron Breakker VS LA Knight; Knight wins, by disqualification.
- John Cena VS Ron Killings; Killings wins, by disqualification.
PLAY BY PLAY
LA Knight is here!
Grand Rapids fires up as the Mega Star marches right to the ring. Knight grabs a mic while the fans chant his name, and he says, “LEMME TALK TO YA!” The fans cheer, and Knight says, “Let’s just go ahead and rewind our mind a little bit. We go to back to Money in the Bank, Seth and his boys, they just happen to come down and screw this guy.” The fans boo that. Knight says usually, he lets things slide. But he just figured he couldn’t let it slide, so he made sure to screw on of Rollins’ boys in their title opportunity, King of the Ring. But then they came back, paid it back and screwed Knight outta KOTR, so he had to go and screw the other one over!
And it just has Knight thinking. Fans “YEAH!” and Knight says there is only one way this can go. He has gone back and forth between Raw and SmackDown, where it ends, nobody knows! Except Knight! He knows! He knows where this ends! The fans cheer that! And Knight says it ends with him and Rollins! And what better place than here? And what better time than now! Knight tells Rollins to come on out and talk to him! But “Ladies and gentlemen…” The fans boo as Paul Heyman walks out and gives his introductions. He serves as the Wise Man to Mr. Money in the Bank, Seth FREAKIN’ Rollins!
Heyman says you do not boo that name. And you screwed up your cue, so they’ll do this again. He serves as the Wise Man for Seth Freakin’ Rollins! The fans keep booing, Heyman wants to try again, but Knight says shut up and get to the point! Why is Heyman here?! Heyman walks to the ring and asks permission to step inside. The fans chant “O T C! O T C!” but Knight steps back. Heyman steps into the ring, and he says yes, there has been a lot of bad blood between Knight and Mr. MITB, Seth Freakin’ Rollins. However, Heyman happens to be, with all due respect to everyone here in Grand Rapids, Michigan…
The fans chant “C M PUNK!” at Heyman now and he frowns. Knight says Heyman has a lot of enemies. Heyman says he is the biggest LA Knight fan in all of WWE! Heyman’s been waiting a long time to say this: YEAH! Now, because of that, Seth Freakin’ Rollins (the fans boo again) has allowed Heyman to say to Knight, as a favor to Heyman… It is time for Knight to get the hell outta Grand Rapids, Michigan. Because if he does not, something really bad is going to happen to him before the end of the night. Have a nice evening. Heyman turns to go but the fans cheer Knight on. Knight says he couldn’t help but notice, but did you~ (poking fun at Heyman’s voice cracking) threaten Knight?
Because Knight wants to wrap his head around this. He’s heard Heyman say stuff like this before, because Heyman is a liar, a swindler, a grifter, a scammer and a schemer! Heyman leeches on to any talent that has a bit of hype, sucks ’em dry, then moves on to the next! Rollins just happens to be the latest in this. But where next? Who cares! But the bottom line is, Knight asked for Rollins but he got Heyman. And while he got Heyman, he got a Heyman out here talking all tough. So it has Knight thinking, he has a great idea.
Talking about wise man, wisdom, there was a point in time if Heyman had said something like that, a man like Knight would look at a “thing” like Heyman and punched his wisdom teeth down his throat! Knight won’t do that, yet. But here’s the deal: Heyman’s talking all tough, but if he can’t bring Rollins out here, then the only thing to do out here in Grand Rapids is Knight fighting Heyman here and now! The fans fire up for that! Knight asks if the fans want that, and they cheer! “HUH?” “YEAH!” “HUH?” “YEAH!” “YEAH!!” Knight promises he’ll turn around, take his vest off, and Heyman gets the first shot. He better make it good, or Knight will molly whop his ass right outta Grand Rapids!
The fans fire up as Knight does as promised. He turns around, his vest is off, but Heyman bails? The fans boo as the Wise Man doesn’t play along. Heyman says, “Remember when I told you to get the hell out of Grand Rapids or else something really bad is gonna happen to you before the end of the night? That wasn’t a prediction. That… was a spoiler!” Heyman throws down his mic, and here comes Bronson Reed & Bron Breakker! Rollins’ behemoths head to the ring, but Knight fires off on them first! The fans rally as Knight throws hands and feet, but then Bron TACKLES Knight! Bronson joins in and they mug Knight right out of the ring!
Bronson drags Knight up to TOSS him over barriers! Bron clears the desk, he wants Bronson to put Knight through it! But Knight has a chair! He JAMS Bron, JAMS Bronson, then SMACKS Bron and SMACKS Bronson! Knight gets in the ring, ready to hit whoever gets in! The fans cheer Knight but Heyman has Bron & Bronson stand down. Will Heyman have the henchmen try again before the end of tonight?
SmackDown returns and…
Heyman has Bron & Bronson calm down, they have this under control. It is all in their favor, and it always will be in their favor. That is the whole point behind this. Byron Saxton steps in and wants to talk to them, but Heyman has to hold Bron back like the dog he is! Heyman says no need to bite Byron. Byron apologizes, he has word from SmackDown GM, Nick Aldis, that Bronson Reed VS LA Knight is set for tonight. Heyman says okay, thank you, and goodbye. Byron leaves and Heyman smiles. He told them! Patience is not a virtue, it is strategy. Bronson smiles and nods. Will Auzsilla destroy LA here in Grand Rapids?
Queen of the Ring Semifinals: Asuka VS Alexa Bliss!
Two great returns to action through this tournament, and now they cross paths with each other. The Empress of Tomorrow overcame Ivy Nile, Raquel Rodriguez and Stephanie Vaquer while Lil’ Miss Bliss outsmarted Alba Fyre, Candice LeRae and Charlotte Flair. But whose comeback story overtakes the other’s here just one match away from Night of Champions?
The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Alexa headlocks, but Asuka powers up and out. Alexa RAMS Asuka, Asuka roars, and the fans fire up as Asuka fires hands! Alexa blocks a kick to THROW Asuka down, then basement DROPKICK! The fans cheer as Asuka and Alexa reset. Alexa kicks, Asuka blocks and slips through to waistlock. Alexa elbows free, runs, but Asuka runs past her to then RUN her over! The fans fire up and Asuka runs in again, HIP ATTACK! Alexa falls to the floor and the fans fire up while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Asuka lets Alexa stay down while she soaks up the cheers. The ring count starts, Alexa rises, but Asuka goes out after her. Alexa slips inside and DROPKICKS Asuka’s leg! Asuka falls from the apron but she has to nod respect for that savvy move. Asuka steps back in at 6 of 10, and she resets with Alexa. They circle, feel things out, and tie up. Asuka wrenches and wristlocks, but Alexa rolls and wrenches to hammerlock. Alexa waistlocks, rolls Asuka, TWO! The two stand off again and they both nod respect. They reset, the fans rally up, and the two feel things out. Asuka trips Alexa, clamps on with a headlock, and she grinds Alexa down.
Alexa endures, Asuka turns her over to go after the arm, then she stands on Alexa’s arm. Alexa endures, Asuka shifts arms, but Alexa wrenches out to wrangle Asuka. Alexa shifts to a cording hold, but Asuka fights up and fires body shots. Alexa whips Asuka to a corner, but Asuka elbows her away! And BOOTS! Asuka goes up, leaps, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Alexa stays in this but Asuka stays focused. Asuka drags Alexa around and gives her Kawada Kicks! SmackDown returns to single picture, and Asuka wrenches for a chicken wing! Alexa fights the Asuka Lock and JAWBREAKERS free! Alexa runs up to RUN Asuka over!
The fans rally as Alexa rallies, then hits a BLOCKBUSTER! The fans fire up as Alexa SLAPS, ROCKS, and KNEES Asuka down! Then SOMERSAULT SENTON! Cover, TWO! Asuka stays in this and Alexa grows frustrated. The fans rally while Alexa brings Asuka up. Asuka breaks free to URAKEN, SOBAT, FRONT KICK, and GERMAN SUPLEX! Alexa tumbles away, Asuka runs up, SLIDING KICK! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up as Asuka stands and takes aim. But Alexa ducks the buzzsaw! Cover, TWO! Alexa clinches, TWISTED- NO, Asuka rolls Alexa up! TWO! Alexa sits up, BUZZSAW! Cover, TWO!! Alexa survives but Asuka just fires up!
The fans rally as Asuka goes to the corner. Asuka climbs from the outside, and MISSILE- NO, Alexa dodges this time! Alexa kicks and DDTS! Cover, TWO! Asuka stays in this and the fans fire up! “This is Awesome!” as Alexa drags Asuka into the drop zone. Alexa goes up, up, and the fans fire up! TWISTED- NO, Asuka moves, so Alexa stops. Alexa won’t let Asuka sneak away, but then she gets caught in an ARMBAR!! Alexa flails, rolls, but ends up in an omoplata! RINGS OF SATURN!! Alexa fights around, pops her arm free for a cover, TWO!! Asuka reels Alexa in, NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!!
The fans fire up as Alexa stays in this! Asuka fires up, the fans are with her, and she runs up, only for Alexa to ROCK her with a right! Alexa puts Asuka in the Tree of Woe, and she DROPKICKS Asuka out of it! Alexa climbs back up, and TWISTED BLISSÂ onto knees!! Asuka still counters the moonsault, and hits the EMPRESS IMPACT!! Cover, Asuka wins!
Winner: Asuka, by pinfall (advances to Night of Champions)
The Empress says no one is ready for Asuka, and that has certainly been the case! But on Raw, we find out, will it be Jade Cargill or Roxanne Perez that meets Asuka in Saudi Arabia?
Jade Cargill, Mia Yim & B-Fab watch backstage.
And Fab says damn, Asuka just came back and she’s already making statements. Almost like she never left. Michin says maybe they need to make their own statements. They need to talk to Aldis about the tag titles. Fab agrees. Fab & Mia wish Jade luck before heading out. Byron walks in and asks if he can have a word. Jade says shoot. Byron says Asuka just advanced, but Jade has her match on Monday with Roxanne Perez. How does Jade feel about facing a talented competitor like Roxie? And how does she feel about the possibility of facing Asuka in the finals? Jade says “Rox” has potential. Roxie is quick and scrappy.
But she’s still trying to prove herself. And this isn’t a proving ground, this is a throne room, and Jade was built for royalty. As for Asuka, there’s a storm on the horizon. But news flash, Jade is that storm. This entire tournament wasn’t built for the future, but for a woman who can walk through fire, shatter glass ceilings, and take her crown on the way to the top. This Queen of the Ring, Jade isn’t just walking in to win. She’s here to reign. Will the Prodigy be washed away by the storm this Monday?
Alexa Bliss returns backstage.
And Chelsea Green finds her. Flanked by her Secret Her-vice, The Hot Mess asks, “Hey, little fu-fu, how’s your boo-boo?” Alexa asks back, “How’s yours?” Piper tells Chelsea not to get upset, Alexa is just jealous. Chelsea says this serves Alexa right. Chelsea should be Queen of the Ring, and she’d be building her parliament if not for Alexa! Oh, if she has that big of an issue, then try facing her in the ring. Chelsea says she will! But then Charlotte Flair walks in and says if anyone should’ve still been in this tournament, it’s her. But had Chelsea’s “replacement” tapped out sooner, maybe she would.
So here’s the deal: Charlotte will have a match made and tap Chelsea out instead. N-Not if Chelsea makes it a bank holiday! ROYAL DUTIES! NICHOLAS! Chelsea hurries away with the Secret Her-vice following, and Alexa tells Charlotte that she doesn’t need Charlotte’s help. Oh, that’s cute. Because Charlotte wasn’t helping Alexa. Charlotte leaves now, leaving Alexa to chew on that. Will The Queen chew up the Hot Mess and spit her out now that she has nothing better to do?
Aleister Black VS Kit Wilson!
The Dark Father is also directionless now that he is out of the King of the Ring tournament, but he never lets that bother him. Will he make himself the direction all roads lead when things #FadeToBlack? Or will Kit prove he can be Pretty Deadly all on his own?
Wait, who is attacking Kit? It’s R-TRUTH! But why’s Ron Killings going after Kit?! He POSTS Kit, drags him back out, and puts him in an STF!! The fans fire up and Kit taps, but it won’t matter when this isn’t a match! Killings lets Kit out of the hold and demands a mic. A mic is given, and Killings says, “Get John Cena out here now. I’m driving! On my terms! Cena, get out here!” The fans fire up and then Killings puts Kit back in the STF! Aleister is rather confused, but producers hurry out here to stop Truth. Truth lets Kit go, Jamie Noble asks Truth wait for the main event. Truth seethes, but he accepts the terms.
Killings leaves, walking right past Aleister. Will there be no denying The Truth when he finally gets his hands on the Last Real Champion?
Jamie Noble talks with Truth backstage.
Jamie says Truth has to calm down. Truth says he wants John Cena NOW! He’s driving! Yes, okay, but just wait. Truth promises that when he sees Cena, he is killing him tonight! Aleister steps in and asks Truth why he is getting involved in Aleister’s match. Truth says it wasn’t personal, it had nothing to do with Aleister. These two stare down, and then Damian Priest steps in. The Archer of Infamy has Aleister stand down. Truth is going through a lot, let Priest talk to him. Oh, of course. Aleister says, “Ron.” “Black.” Aleister leaves, Priest tells Truth that there’s no need for any of that. Priest gets Truth is frustrated, but he can’t just go beat up people for no reason.
Priest used to do that, and Truth was the guy there to make him smile. Truth made the world smile! All that anger and negativity, focus that on the match tonight. Focus that on John Cena. Go out there and handle business with Cena, then Priest and Truth can go downtown to celebrate. How’s that sound? Truth says sounds good, DP. They shake hands, and Priest heads out. Truth is still seething, but will he make sure it all explodes on Cena?
Cody Rhodes is here!
Grand Rapids sings along as The American Nightmare makes his way out, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro, he high-fives fans in the front row, then looks closely at the King of the Ring’s crown. Cody goes to the ring and grabs the mic. He hears the fans cheer him on, but then Jey Uso is here! The fans fire up as Main Event Jey makes his way down through the crowd! A young fan joins in bouncing along, but so does all of Grand Rapids! Jey continues down the stands, finds another young fan, and they bounce along again. Jey then reaches ringside, high-fives the front row, and he joins Cody in the ring as we get the next wave of YEET!
Grand Rapids might want to YEET all night, but Jey hugs it out with Cody before he gets his own mic. The music dies down, the fans chant, “One More Time! One More Time!” and Cody says sure, one more is fine. Jey says okay, and yes, the fans get to YEET again! Jey says hey, Cody doesn’t even have to say nothing. They been in the trenches! “YEET!” Still in the trenches! “YEET!” From fighting The Bloodline… “YEET!” To winning tag titles… “YEET!” To finishing their stories at WrestleMania! “YEET!” They’ve both been to the mountaintop. “YEET!” But Cody, on Monday, there is only room for one of them.
The fans are intrigued, and Cody nods. Jey says there’s only one that can go. Cody VS Jey, Jey VS Cody, and Jey knows Cody will bring it. Jey has to get his, Uce. He has to, just like Cody has to get his. But that said, Uce, it ain’t personal. This all business. But that all said, too, Uce, on Monday, after they go to war, please believe that it will be four letters, one word, uh uh… YEET! Cody smiles and the fans cheer. They shake hands again, and wait! Here comes Sami Zayn! The fans cheer as the Great Liberator makes his way to the ring. Sami grabs a mic to say, “This is nice, isn’t it? I get to share the ring with two great friends.”
The fans applaud, and Sami says he is in the ring with two of the very best that this business has to offer! The fans cheer that, too! Sami says he’d be lying if he denied there was a part of him that sees the three of them in this ring, and notices how only one of them has never been world champion. Jey, Sami wants him to know, man to man, this year, Sami missed Mania. Sami had no reason to be in Las Vegas, but he got his ass on a plane to Vegas for one reason: To congratulate Jey the moment he won the World Heavyweight Championship! Sami loves Jey, and he is proud of him. And Cody, for years, everyone watched as Cody finished his story.
And when Cody did, he did the unthinkable and pinned Roman Reigns in the middle of this ring, Sami was the first one out here to congratulate Cody. Sami is so proud that Cody finished his story. So he hopes both men understand that now, it is time for Sami to finish HIS story! The fans cheer, but then here comes Randy Orton! The Viper looks at the crown, then goes to the ring. The fans sing along with Voices and Orton grabs himself a mic. “So Cody, same deal as last week but I’m gonna say it again. There is no line I will not cross, even if it means going through you, so that I can get to John Cena at SummerSlam, beat him, and get my FIFTEENTH world championship!”
The fans cheer, and Orton tells Jey, “Man, I respect the… Hell outta you, dude. Our families go way, way, way back. Nothing but love, dude. But if you’re standing across the ring from me at SummerSlam, it’s not gonna be four letters, one word. It’s gonna be three letters, one move.” The fans say it, “R K O!” And Orton says he not only speaks for himself but for everyone here in this arena when he says, and from the bottom of his heart, one day and one day soon, Sami Zayn will be world champion. But not at SummerSlam. Because tonight, Sami is on the receiving end of the three most dangerous letters in sports entertainment: R K O.
Orton drops the mic, and it is time to put those words into action. Will it be the Legend Killer or the Underdog from the Underground that heads for Saudi Arabia?
King of the Ring Semifinals: Randy Orton VS Sami Zayn!
SmackDown returns, the bell rings, and these two circle. They tie up, Sami wrenches, ELBOW BREAKERS, then wristlocks. Orton endures, fights up, and the fans duel. Orton wrenches Sami in return to then headlock. Sami endures, powers up to wrench again, and he grinds the arm. Sami wrenches and CHOPS, and Orton goes to the corner. Sami CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! The fans “WOO~” but the ref counts. Orton pushes past Sami, bails out of the ring, and he is pretty red already. Sami builds speed but he fakes Orton out with the Arabian Press! The fans fire up and Orton has to admit that was good.
Orton goes up the steps and steps back into the ring. The fans rally, Orton and Sami tie up, and Orton puts Sami in the corner. Orton lets off slowly, but he pokes Sami in the eyes! The fans boo but Orton UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! But Sami pokes Orton in the eyes! The ref caught that one and reprimands Sami. Sami TOSSES Orton out, goes to the apron, but Orton YANKS Sami down! Sami hits off the apron, and Orton reels him in, DESK BACK SUPLEX! Sami writhes and Orton rolls into the ring, just to refresh the count. Fans want that “One More Time!” and Orton agrees! DESK BACK SUPLEXÂ again!
Sami writhes more and whatever monitor wasn’t busted, they’re busted now! Orton leaves Sami behind for a moment while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Orton goes out to fetch Sami, but Sami fights off a third back suplex! Orton kicks low, brings Sami over, but Sami blocks the smack off the steel steps! Orton sputters, Sami stalks him, and Sami decides to give him some payback! But Orton ROCKS Sami first! Orton SMACKS Sami off the desk, puts him in the ring, and covers, TWO! Sami stays in this but Orton looms over him. Sami rises, Orton puts him in a corner, and Orton fires body shots. Orton climbs up and rains down fists! Orton gets to eight before Sami fires back! Sami has Orton in another corner, climbs up, and Sami rains down a fast TEN!
Sami huffs ‘n’ puffs and CHOPS! Orton is stinging but Sami CHOPS him again! Sami wrenches, ELBOW BREAKERS, and whips! Orton reverses, Sami hits buckles hard, and Sami falls in a heap. Orton dusts himself off and looms over Sami again. Orton stomps Sami’s hand! Sami writhes and clutches his finger. Orton stomps Sami’s foot, ten the other foot! And then the other hand! Sami sits up, SmackDown returns to single picture, and Orton CLUBS away on Sami’s chest! Orton DECKS Sami, the fans cheer, and Orton brings Sami up. Orton whips, Sami goes up and over, and Sami LARIATS Orton down! The fans fire up again as Sami rises!
Sami goes to the corner, Orton runs up, but Sami ELBOWS him! Sami goes up, AX HANDLES, and the fans fire up more! Orton takes a swing, but Sami slips around! Orton fights the Blue Thunder, then LARIATS! And LARIATS! Orton dodges Sami to SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up while Sami goes to the apron. Orton drags Sami in through the ropes, and DRAPING DDTS! The fans fire up as Orton hears those voices! Orton watches Sami rise, but then Sami bails out! The fans are torn but Sami is smart to avoid what was coming. Orton goes out to fetch Sami, SMACKS him off the desk, and then back suplexes, only for Sami to lands out!
Sami CLUBS Orton, and hits a DESK BACK SUPLEX on Orton! Sami puts Orton in the ring, goes to a corner, and the fans fire up as Orton rises. Orton runs in, Sami dodges, and Orton POSTS himself! Sami runs corner to corner, HELLUVA- SNAP POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Sami survives and Orton seethes. “This is Awesome!” as Sami goes back to a corner. Orton runs back in and he LARIATS! Orton runs but Sami follows! But Orton dodges the Helluva Kick! Sami gets stuck on the to rope, frees himself, and hobbles into an RK- NO! BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Orton survives and the fans fire up again!
“This is Awesome!” as Sami drags Orton to the drop zone. Sami goes up the corner, Orton stands and he gets under the leap! R K- NO, Sami SLAMS Orton down! And then HELLUVA- RKO!!! Orton crawls to the cover, Orton wins!!
Winner: Randy Orton, by pinfall (advances to Night of Champions)
Sami fought his heart out, but the Viper still strikes! Orton is going back to back in KOTR finals, but will he win the crown this time?
Nia Jax is here!
Grand Rapids boos as The Irresistible Force goes to the ring. She grabs the mic dot say, “You know what’s crazy? Tiffany Stratton approached me to be under my wing, because she knew exactly what I could do for her. And look, she’s thriving! And what kind of thanks did I get for it? She betrayed me. She has MY title!” But wait, here comes Tiffy! Grand Rapids cheers as the WWE Women’s Champion has the mic to tell Nia, “You’re like that toxic ex I just can’t get away from. News flash: get over it! You make excuse after excuse, but when are you just gonna admit that maybe I’m just better than you?”
The fans cheer and Tiff heads to the ring. Nia says yeah, okay, if Tiff is so much better, then give Nia a rematch without kicking a chair into her face. Tiff says if Nia’s so desperate for a match, it is her lucky day! She made it official for next week: Tiff VS Nia! And Tiff will have more fun adding more scars to that “five head” of Nia’s. Because it won’t just be a regular match. It will be Last Woman Standing! Nia takes a swing but Tiff dodge! Tiff fires off, kicks low, and runs up, but into a POP-UP HEADBUTT! And then Nia drops a leg, brother! Nia holds up the belt and soaks up the heat. Nia thinks about leaving, but decides to add on! ANOTHER leg drop, brother!
The fans boo but Nia says that’s not enough! Nia tells Wade & Joe that she’s taking the title! But wait! NAOMI is here, with a ref! Is she doing it!? Is she doing it?! But Nia YANKS Naomi out! Naomi tells her back off! Nia doesn’t, Naomi shoves her, but Nia still grabs at her! Tiff DROPKICKS Naomi onto Nia! Tiff avoids a cash-in because Nia was in the way, but is she setting herself up for failure with that extreme title match?
Charlotte Flair VS Chelsea Green w/ The Secret Her-vice!
The Queen was denied her crown, but she’s not even angry at Alexa Bliss, the one who took that opportunity from her. She instead looks to humble the Hot Mess that claims she would be queen if her demands were met. Who vents their frustrations and comes away with the win?
SmackDown returns and Charlotte makes her entrance. The bell rings and the fans actually cheer on Chelsea. Alba distracts Charlotte and Chelsea sucker punches her! The ref reprimands but Chelsea SMACKS Charlotte off the mat again and again! Chelsea salutes, but Charlotte CHOPS! Chelsea KNEES low, whips, but Charlotte goes up and out at the corner. Charlotte BOOTS Chelsea away, avoids Alba and KICKS her! Chelsea runs up, Charlotte RAMS her, and then Charlotte climbs up. CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Chelsea scrambles away and Charlotte runs up, but into an ELBOW! Charlotte GAMANGIRIS!
Charlotte snapmares, Chelsea distracts the ref, and Alba grabs Charlotte by the hair! Alba HOTSHOTS Charlotte and Chelsea hits a BACKSTABBER! Cover, TWO! Chelsea is furious but Charlotte stays in this, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Chelsea hops onto Charlotte for a SLEEPER! The fans rally, but Charlotte hits a BACKPACK SENTON! Charlotte is free, Chelsea runs back up, but Charlotte gives her a BACKBREAKER and BUCKLE SHOT! Chelsea falls back, Charlotte huffs ‘n’ puffs and runs up to fire hands! The fans fire up as Charlotte CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Charlotte CHOPS again, then clinches for an EXPLODER! And a kip up! The fans fire up and Charlotte salutes to poke fun at Chelsea. Charlotte runs, dodges, and handsprings to LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Chelsea survives but Charlotte stays on her by going for a leg.
Alba gets on the apron, so Charlotte BOOTS her down! The fans cheer, but Charlotte turns around into a ROUGH RYDER! Cover, TWO!! Charlotte survives and Chelsea is furious! Chelsea takes off her face protector and drags Charlotte up. Chelsea has the arms, turns Charlotte, but Charlotte shoves her away! Charlotte dodges and SPEARS! Cover, TWO!! Chelsea survives but Charlotte has the leg! FIGURE- CRADLE!! TWO!! Charlotte has the leg again, FIGURE FOUR! And the bridge for the FIGURE EIGHT!! Chelsea TAPS, Charlotte wins!
Winner: Charlotte Flair, by submission
But then Piper Niven SENTONS onto Charlotte!! Alba storms in, she and Piper mug Charlotte, but here comes Alexa! She RAMS into Piper, she ROCKS Alba, then she catches Chelsea! Charlotte LARIATS Alba out while Alexa hits a TWISTED SISTER ABIGAIL! And then Charlotte BOOTS Piper down! Charlotte and Alexa look at each other, and despite what either one thinks, maybe they both need the other after all. Alexa offers the handshake, but Charlotte walks right past Alexa. Alexa lets that slide, but will Charlotte come around soon enough?
Solo Sikoa talks with JC Mateo.
Why is JC taping up? Uh, duh, he’ll take out Jacob. No, Solo is going out there alone to talk with Jacob. Solo was the only one that Jacob would listen to. Jacob needs Solo. Solo will smooth things over. JC accepts that, but Solo does say that JC should stay ready. Solo is covering his bases, but will he need the Imperial Unit to put down the Samoan Werewolf? Or will it all be alright between them all?
Solo Sikoa heads to the ring.
SmackDown returns as the former Tribal Chief makes his way out, and Grand Rapids boos. Solo grabs the mic, takes a moment, and says, “Alright, Jacob. I’m out here in the middle of the ring, all alone, with open arms, willing to talk to you face to face. I feel terrible about what happened. So if you’re back there, come on out so we can clear the air.” Jacob Fatu makes his entrance and Grand Rapids cheers! Fatu holds up the United States Championship before he steps into the ring, and he has a mic of his own. The fans cheer on “FATU! FATU!” and Solo says he didn’t come out here to fight him, okay? He’s not here for that.
Solo wants to make it clear to Fatu that he loves him, always has loved him, no matter what. One thing Solo learned from being Tribal Chief is how to love family and how to take care of them. That’s all he’s trying to do. Families fight all the time. They fight, they argue, they forgive, and then they move forward. So they should move forward together, Jacob. Move forward as one. The fans boo that, but Solo says nobody saw the potential in Jacob except Solo. Nobody wanted Jacob here in the WWE, except Solo. That is why Solo brought Fatu here and gave him the chance to change his life and put food on his family’s table.
And why did Solo do that? Because Solo loves Jacob. He does. And to be honest, Solo doesn’t have anybody else. Fatu isn’t sure about that, but Solo says all he has is Fatu. And he’s all Solo needs. So come back to the family, and even if Jacob doesn’t say those four words, Solo will. Solo will say it for him, to him, loud enough so everybody can hear it! Solo tells Jacob, “I love you, Jacob.” The fans boo, they don’t trust this. Fatu paces as he thinks on that. “So you love me, huh?” Solo nods yes. So this is what it comes down to, huh? Solo loves Fatu? The way Fatu sees things, Solo has been using Fatu! Solo has been using Fatu to gain power, to fight his battles, and to stay Tribal Chief.
Hell, Solo brought Fatu in so Fatu could bring Solo fame! Solo brought Fatu in because he thought Fatu would bring him gold! Is that all this is about? Fame? Gold? Power? SOLO, LOOK AT HIM! Solo looks up from the floor while the fans cheer Fatu on. Fatu tells Solo that ever since he won the US Championship, Solo is the one that’s been acting different. And maybe Fatu isn’t the problem. Fatu just figured it out! The problem… is this. The problem is the US Championship. Fatu sets it down between him and Solo, and he says if this is what he thinks it is, then just fight him for it! Fight Fatu for the title! The fans fire up for that!
And Solo, Fatu will only warn you one time: If you ever think about coming this way, you know what Fatu is about! You know what’s poppin’ with Fatu, blood! And you know Jacob Fatu is all gas, no brakes with it! YADADADA- SOLO TAKES A SWING! Fatu blocks the spike and he HEADBUTTS! JC Mateo rushes out here! Fatu HEADBUTTS him, too! But Solo CHOP BLOCKS the legs! The fans boo but JC & Solo mug Fatu! But then here comes JIMMY USO! The fans fire up as #BigJim slides in, dodges Solo, and SUPERKICKS JC! And then he SUPERKICKS Solo! But JC LARIATS Jimmy down! JC HAMMERS Jimmy and Solo has him put Jimmy in the corner.
The fans boo but Solo tells Jimmy that he should’ve chosen Solo’s side, not Jacob’s! But speaking of, Fatu is up! The fans fire up as Fatu BODY CHECKS JC! Then he SUPERKICKS Solo! Solo is in a corner, Fatu fires off on him, HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT! SUPERKICK for JC! HIP ATTACK for Solo! The fans are fired up for the Samoan Werewolf, and he locks eyes with Jimmy. Jimmy came to Fatu’s rescue, Fatu just saved him, so Fatu goes up, up, only for Solo to bail out! No Best Moonsaults here in Grand Rapids, but will Fatu cut Solo down soon enough?
Bronson Reed w/ Paul Heyman & Bron Breakker VS LA Knight!
The Wise Man warned, or rather threatened, the Mega Star that he should just cut and run, but that’s not how he does things. Knight is ready to fight, but will he survive a battle with Auszilla? Or is a Tsunami about wipe out LA?
Wait, Knight doesn’t enter from the stage! He enters from the crowd! And he POSTS Bron! The fans fire up as Knight evens things out! He TOSSES Bronson out, throws his vest at him, and Bronson snarls. Bronson has Bron stand down, and says, “Tonight, I kill him.” Bronson steps into the ring, the bell sounds, and Knight fires off! The fans fire up as Knight fires hands, but Bronson puts him in the corner. Knight ELBOWS back, Knight fires more hands, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips but Bronson blocks! Bronson whips Knight to a corner, runs up, but Knight dodges! Bronson POSTS himself, and Knight stomps a mudhole in!
The fans rally, the ref counts, and Knight goes corner to corner, but into a fireman’s carry! Knight slips down to sunset flip, but Bronson stays up! Bronson jumps but Knight avoids the hip drop! Then Knight basement BOOTS! The fans fire up and Knight storms up on Bronson. Bronson TOSSES Knight to the apron, but Knight slingshots back in! Bronson catches Knight to a fireman’s carry! Knight flails free and he RAMS Bronson into a corner! But Bronson holds ropes to deny the Jump Neckbreaker! Bronson runs but Knight avoids the senton! The fans fire up as Knight goes up, up, and FLYING BULLDOGS! That’s a Steiner move!
The fans fire up and spell it out, “L! A! KNIGHT!” but Bronson bails out! Knight runs to WRECK Bronson with a dropkick! Knight goes back up, springboards, CROSSBODY to the ramp! The fans fire up with Knight and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Bronson has Knight up top. The fans rally as Knight fights back with body shots! Knight ROCKS Bronson, ROCKS him again, and ROCKS him again! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Bronson finally falls and Knight adjusts position. “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” BOX JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Bronson survives and Knight is rather stunned while Heyman is relieved. Knight aims, kicks, but Bronson denies the BFT! HEADBUTT, then a fireman’s carry! DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO! Knight survives the “Jagged Edge” DVD but Bronson brings him right up. Bronson reels Knight in and says thumbs down.
Bronson lifts Knight up, but Knight flips the bomb into a DDT! The fans fire up but Bron barks at the apron! Knight DECKS the dog, tells Heyman to get the same, but Bronson runs up! Knight DUMPS Bronson out, builds speed, but BRON SPEARS!!
Winner: LA Knight, by disqualification
The fans boo but Bron handed Knight the win with that one. Bronson stands Knight up so Bron can build speed and SUPER SPEAR!! Grand Rapids is torn but plenty of fans bark. And now Bronson goes up!? TSUNAMI!! Bronson goes up again, the refs hurry out here, but TSUNAMI AGAIN!! The fans want another, so Bron scares the refs off to let Bronson go back up! THIRD TSUNAMI!!! Have Rollins’ rooks just broken Knight into pieces? Is this a message to everyone that no one can stop the vision?
Jacob Fatu speaks.
“Yeah, c’mon on widdit! I just spoke to the man, and you know the man makes everything possible here on SmackDown! So next week, next week on Saturday, me ‘n’ you, Solo! Night of Champions, mano a mano, I’m about to dog walk yo’ ass for the US Championship! Solo, you better get in where you fit in. Cuz if you don’t, then baby, it’s ’bout to be all gas, no breaks with it. Yadadadada mean?” The Samoan Werewolf will get to sink his teeth into Solo, but will he stay golden through it all?
John Cena VS Ron Killings!
The Undisputed WWE Champion was the exact opposite of grateful for R-Truth saving him from Randy Orton at Backlash, and he doubled down when Ron tried to show him the truth at Saturday Night’s Main Event. So, if Cena doesn’t want the Truth, he’ll get someone who knows about ruthless aggression! Will Ron Killings bring an early end to the retirement tour? Or will Cena continue to ruin wrestling for everyone else?
SmackDown returns as Cena makes his entrance. The fans sing “JOHN CENA SUCKS~!” despite him wearing the Detroit Pistons colors. Cena makes Mark Nash give the “proper” introduction: “He is the Greatest of All Time, the Never Seen Seventeen, gracing Grand Rapids with his presence one final time… He is the Last Real Champion, JOHN CENA~!” The fans boo, the bell rings, and Truth stares at Cena while Cena smirks hearing the “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” Truth TACKLES Cena! He fires off hands but Cena bails out! So Truth goes out to DECK Cena! “What’s up!?” “WHAT’S UP!” Truth has Cena at the desk and SMACKS him off it!
Truth ROCKS Cena again, and shakes his hand out from hitting so hard. Truth SMACKS Cena off the apron, storms in after him, and whips him to a corner. Cena hits buckles hard and falls to the mat! The fans continue to duel while Truth keeps his eyes on Cena. Truth storms up on Cena while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Truth stands Cena up, whips corner to corner again, and Cena hits buckles hard! Cena sputters, Truth looms over him, and Truth ROCKS Cena! Cena ROCKS Truth! They go back and forth with haymakers, and then Truth dodges to SHOULDER TACKLE! Truth still uses Cena’s own moves against him, and that includes the SPIN-OUT BOMB! Truth raises his hand and Grand Rapids joins in! “You Can’t See Me!” But then Cena bails out so Truth can’t hit him! Truth is annoyed, the fans give thumbs down, but here comes Truth. Cena ELBOWS him down! Cena drags Truth up, POSTS him, and he brings Truth back into the ring.
Cena HEADBUTTS Truth, CHOKES him on the ropes, but stops as the ref counts. Cena stomps away on Truth, then runs to KICK Truth in the back! Cena talks trash, then he runs to SHOULDER TACKLE! Cena takes his time, knowing it is what the fans want. Truth rises up, Cena runs to SHOULDER TACKLE again! Cena watches Truth rise again, gets around him, SPIN-OUT BOMB! And Cena raises his hand, reveling in the cheers and jeers. “You Can’t See Me!” SmackDown returns to single picture for the FIVE KNUCKLE SHUFFLE! Then Cena fireman’s carries, but Truth slips free! THESZ PRESS! And fast hands!
The fans fire up and Truth has Cena in a corner. Truth runs to STINGER SPLASH! Truth hitting all sorts of other iconic moves! Cena tumbles out and grabs the belt! Cena doesn’t care about this match anymore, he doesn’t need to take this! Truth says hold up! Truth runs Cena down and fires hands on the ramp! The fans fire up but Cena CLOBBERS Truth with the belt!!
Winner: Ron Killings, by disqualification
Cena wants to get another shot, but wait! PUNK IS HERE! Cena runs away into the ring, and he catches Punk as Punk slides in! The fans boo Cena but he huffs ‘n’ puffs. Cena drags Punk up, but Punk fires hands in return! Punk DECKS Cena, grabs the belt, and he holds it up! The fans cheer, and Punk aims, but Cena LOW BLOWS! Cena has a sinister smile as he grabs the belt. BELT SHOT for Punk!! The fans boo even more, but Cena decides to up the ante! Cena brings out a table! The fans cheer, everyone loves tables! Cena puts the table in the ring, then watches Punk sputter around. Cena sets the table up while the fans rally behind Punk.
Punk stands but Cena has the belt again! BELT SHOT!! Cena drags Punk up, fireman’s carries, ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENTÂ through the table!! Cena made Punk snap into a Slim Jim, and then he grabs a mic. Cena laughs at Punk, and then sits up on the corner. “Punk… As you lay there in your most uncomfortable…” Cena pretends the mic cut out, taps it, and then says, “Somebody’s afraid of what I’m gonna say.” Cena grins and the fans boo as Cena flips the iconic “Pipebomb” moment on it’s head. “As you lay there in your most uncomfortable, I hope you can listen. I hope you can digest.
“Because before I leave here in six months with that WWE Championship, I gotta get a whole lotta stuff off my chest. First thing’s first, I don’t hate you. I don’t even dislike you. I like you. I like you more than anyone you ever shared a locker room with, that’s for sure. I hate this idea of you. This idea that you’re the Best int he World. You’re not. I’M the Greatest of All Time.” Grand Rapids is a bit torn on that statement, but Cena says Punk is better than Cena at one thing: You’re the best BS artist in the world. Oh no, kiddos~! John Cena just dropped a curse word! That means the show is off the rails! Hey, Stu, shoot this. Hi~! “I’m breaking the forth wall! HAHA!”
Cena then says the truth is, Punk… Cena is jealous of you. Cena is jealous that Punk has conned the fans into believing the myth that Punk is the Best in the World. Oh how they chant for Punk! Which they literally do right now. Hell, the fans even sing for Punk now. But they don’t believe a damn word you say. Because Punk changes his values as much as Cena changes his shirts! Punk is just a loud mouthed opportunist who steps on the necks of those who actually work hard if it gets him ahead. Oh, hey, look, another cameraman! “Hi, Claudio Castagnoli! Hey, Nic Nemeth! Hey, Matt Cardona! How’re you guys doing?”
The fans can’t believe Cena is going this far but Cena is loving it! “He’s heating up! He’s on fire! And there’s nobody back there that’s gonna cut my mic to save your ass, cuz I’m your only friend! Remember who gave you the stage for your pipebomb, pal! And what’ve you done with it since then, huh? You just regurgitated the same five microphone moves of doom. You’re promo potato salad, pal. Hey, you’re no longer the Voice of the Voiceless, you’re a friggin’ millionaire despite yourself. You’re not a punk, you’re a capitalist! And you’re not against TKO, dude, you are Mr. TKO. Cuz they knocked your balls technically off your body.
“Your tweets are strong, but your actions are weak. And in Saudi Arabia, you’re gonna face some loud, loud music when I finally prove to the world that each and every day, day in, day out, no days off for 25 YEARS, I have been the Greatest of All Time!” The fans cheer that a bit more now, to Cena’s surprise. “See, they know. And they know that you were the Best in the World… for seven minutes, 14 years ago. And if after Night of Champions, you’re still delusional enough to believe that you’re the Best in the World, well… I guess it’s a small world after all. You’re welcome, Grand Rapids.” The fans cheer, and Cena lets the world hear it.
Cena tells Punk to bring his A Game to Night of Champions. If Grand Rapids is any indication, the mood is starting to change. Refs finally appear to check on Punk, Cena says no, that’s fine. Punk needs to rest up for his big title match. Get a good shot of this: Best in the World VS Greatest of All Time, for THE most coveted prize in sports entertainment, THE WWE Undisputed Championship! And Cena knows the fans will sing and chant, but he also knows even the idiots are smart enough to see the truth: The Champ is Here. And USA Network, keep the extra two and half minutes. He doesn’t need a bomb to blow the “mother fudging” building.
Oh, and thanks, Punk, for letting Cena rip off your best promo just to make you look even more foolish. Cena finally drops the mic and he raises the belt up again. If the proverbial tables have turned this drastically, is there no saving WWE from losing its north star championship?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown with an awesome ending. All those years ago, when CM Punk dropped THE OG “Pipebomb” promo, no one could’ve ever in a million years guessed that here tonight, we would’ve gotten the John Cena remix. Not only was that promo of the year, but Cena blew up go-home math. I can’t see Cena losing the title to Punk now. He can lose the match since Cena loves getting disqualified, and there’s the possibility of Rollins trying a cash-in, but Cena is leaving Saudi Arabia as champion to then go to SummerSlam. It also works because Cody Rhodes still feels like the favorite for King of the Ring.
A lot of that has to do with how Sami lost to Orton tonight. Great promo from the four semifinalists, especially since it was Jey, Sami and Orton kinda keeping Cody from talking since there isn’t more Cody needs to say. Win or lose, no explanations needed at this point. Sami VS Orton was an awesome match, but I could just feel an RKO countering the Helluva Kick as the way to go and that’s what they did. Now, as awesome as it would be for Jey to beat Cody, and then for Jey to beat Orton to go for the World Heavyweight Championship again, there are a lot of moving parts right now that it would just be the easiest for Cody to win the crown and have his rematch with Cena.
And while talking the WHC, Gunther VS Goldberg IS confirmed for the title, but has also been confirmed as Goldberg’s last match. This is a huge indicator that despite Rollins teasing a cash-in on the Undisputed title, he will likely be thwarted and then falls back to the title he feels is rightfully his. That is to say, Rollins cashes in on the winner of Gunther VS Goldberg, which I half expected even before all this talk of Goldberg’s last match. Rollins can take this title from Gunther and Goldberg, and then we can throw Jey and even LA Knight into the mix as things are getting heated between Knight and the henchmen.
Great promo from Knight with Heyman, great match with Knight VS Bronson, and a really powerful beating Knight takes from Bron & Bronson. If nothing else, Knight costs Rollins his cash-in. Truth going after Kit Wilson was an interesting move. Also a shame Elton Prince is hurt, Pretty Deadly gets going and then something happens to slow them down. But Kit was going to lose to Aleister so this really messes Aleister up more than anything. Priest keeping the peace between Aleister and Truth was good stuff. Priest and Truth being allies on SmackDown can be some real fun stuff, and I feel like they’re already set up for a feud with Aleister.
Very good stuff with Fatu, Solo and this US Championship story. Fatu VS Solo was the natural move, and I like that Jimmy Uso ends up an ally for Fatu. The title match is set, I wonder if we get a tag match first. In fact, next week is title night in Riyadh with Tiffany Stratton giving Nia the Last Woman Standing match, and basically setting the stage for Naomi to cash in. She almost did tonight but Nia was again able to stop her, so I would think Naomi waits until the very end of the Last Woman Standing match to take full advantage. Then, if Jade wins Queen of the Ring, we get Jade VS Naomi at SummerSlam.
Good promo from Jade, B-Fab & Michin watching Asuka VS Alexa. Asuka winning made the most sense, Alexa clearly has story with Charlotte and Asuka is just that good. Jade VS Roxie will be a good match but Roxie’s story in Judgment Day might keep her from winning. But then the fallback there is Roxie might actually sub in for the tag titles like I was thinking. Charlotte VS Chelsea was very good, and of course the Secret Her-vice does what they can to help. The beatdown they put on Charlotte and then Alexa making the save, that’s going to be one of those “can they coexist?” tag matches for sure.
Honestly, a little surprised we didn’t get any tag team promos tonight, unless I completely missed something. I believe title night is going to have Profits VS Gacy & Lumis for the tag titles, too, so that’s going to be something wild. And while DIY is scared of the Wyatts, I feel like they’re going to interfere because they don’t want the Wyatts to take the titles. But at the same time, the Wyatts need something substantial this time around, so maybe they win the titles at SummerSlam.
My Score: 9/10
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 6.19.25
Are we going to start trending upwards with Slammiversary to build toward?
Last week’s episode was lacking in ring work but had decent story moments and segments. Starting the build to Slammiversary we can either launch nicely or things can always get worse. Jason Hotch and KC Navarro are the real shining stars of the last few months, so lets hope once they get over this Leon Slater idiot ship, they can push X Division wrestlers with actual talent for pro wrestling and not just flippy charisma vacuums.
Oh and let’s not forget, it is the episode they celebrate the 23rd anniversary of TNA! TWENTY – THREE!! Somewhere PCO hates this.
.@Kelly_WP is back in TNA Wrestling and has a message for TNA Knockouts World Champion @mashaslamovich!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/cF0F1ZKKuL pic.twitter.com/tnm4TIuPUz
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) June 20, 2025
Ratings:
- Sami Callihan vs Eric Young w/Losers: EY wins via Piledriver – ** 3/4
- Lei Ying Lee & Masha Slamovich vs The Elegance Clique w/M & Personal Concierge: Elegantos win via Rarefied Air – ***
- Eddie Edwards & JDC w/Alisha & Brian Myers vs Matt Cardona & Home Town Man: HTM wins via Cradle – *
- Champion’s Challenge: The Rascalz, Joe Hendry, Leon Slater & Elijah vs The Kaiba Boys, Moose, Steve Maclin & Trick Williams: Elijah wins via Highwayman’s Farewell – ***
Results:
Sami Callihan vs Eric Young w/Losers
Sami knocks them all off the apron before the bell rings, he levels the loser children, finds a chair, attacks EY but EY counters and this is the excuse to use weapons since the bell didn’t ring yet. EY tries to break Sami’s hand on the steps with the chair, but Sami moves, throws EY back in the ring, bell rings and EY hits a Belly to Belly suplex for two. They slug it out, Sami goes for Headbutts, then Sami wants to run the ropes but a loser trips him, distracts long enough for EY to knock him out of the ring and loser children swarm as loser children do. EY does the classic, throw back out for losers to attack while EY grabs and distracts the ref. Sami is selling a few lame attacks from the losers like he got shot. It’s an excessive sell, so it’s honestly a dumb transitional moment.
EY levels Sami, Lariat into Scoop Slam, looks for the Macho Elbow but Sami hits the ropes to crotch EY. Sami Superplex time, but EY bites the face to make Sami drop, EY jumps at him but eats a straight right hand. Cactus Driver, but no, EY tries his Piledriver…they both gouge eyes at the same time, Sami catches an EY charge into a Flatliner as they’re both down…for…reasons? The selling in this match seems…poorly timed and kinda stupid. Hard Irish Whip, EY Flair Flips the corner, levels Sami, Macho Elbow for 2.9! EY threatens to hit the ref, but then goes to mad dog commentary. EY then wants to attack fans…he’s more unhinged than World Elite EY. Sami gives him the old Dick Twist into a Stunner but only for two! Losers try to distract, first one gets taken out, second one uses a chair, EY hits the Piledriver on Sami, EY wins.
I feel like this is gonna continue for a few weeks since it wasn’t a clean win.Â
Mustafa Ali’s group comes out, and I refuse to say the name because it’s dumb and they’re already fraying at the seams. Ali wants an apology session, Tasha and Hotch apologize to him but Skyler bites back and refuses, even shoved Ali. So Ali challenges him to a “Call to Arms” match. What in the hell is a Call to Arms match?Â
Lei Ying Lee & Masha Slamovich vs The Elegance Clique w/M & Personal Concierge
ASH does her borderline racist fake karate before Lei stares her down and tags in Heather. Heather avoids Lei, Lei throws a few Tornado Kicks to make a point and Heather tags out. Heather being 4’8″ helps her here. Concierge says “There’s no Karate in wrestling”. ASH, Lei and Masha are in the ring, ASH is trying to decide who she wants to face, but the Concierge google translated it and hands it to ASH, before the face team rocks ASH. Masha lifts up Lei and Lei does the Liu Kang Bicycle Kick, steering more into her Mortal Kombat aesthetic. Senton off the apron from Lei and Masha dives into the pile, the comedy heels are getting leveled. We go to commercial and come back with Lei getting Double Teamed but she spins it into a weird Neckbreaker..but can’t tag out just yet. Lei blocks Heather, Enzuigiri, simultaneous tag, Masha is Yakuza kicks for all and the 2 for 1 Lariat/DDT special. Near fall, but Masha goes for murder, but Heather breaks it, Rocket Launcher/Code Breaker from Elegance but Lei breaks up the pin. ASH tries to intimidate Lei with her fake Karate before throwing her out of the ring. Heather hits Lei with a handful of Glitter and then bounces her face off the post. Masha tries to stop ASH, Kelly’s music distracts Masha, Rarefied Air gives ASH the win.
Santino comes out and GOD DAMMIT no one wants to see Tommy Dreamer fight Mance Warner…that’s a useless thing. Pivot away…no one wants this. Oh no, now we have to listen to Steph talk too. Okay it seems to be a pivot, thankfully. Steph and Mance talk shit, Dreamer says something about Something is gonna happen…and Jake Something comes out. So…I guess we’re gonna build him up for 2 months and then job him out for 6 before he fucks off to his home galaxy or whatever?Â
.@indi_hartwell has a run in with Tessa Blanchard!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/cF0F1ZLikj pic.twitter.com/I6UCCk2fAG
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) June 20, 2025
Really wish Indi just opened with the Billy Butcher classic of, “Oi Cunt!” – but this wasn’t bad.Â
Eddie Edwards & JDC w/Alisha & Brian Myers vs Matt Cardona & Home Town Man
I hate… Cardona so much more now. Heel reasons for Cardona…go away heat for Deaner.
JDC wants the Home Town Man to start…and Deaner does his stupid Flip Flop and Fly, Cardona tags in, JDC is eating some offense, Cardona wants the Reboot, JDC powders, Cardona Dives but then Lish and the general numbers catch up to Cardona. Eddie is legal, and now they isolate Cardona with some decent tandem work and isolation. This turns into kind of a schmoz, lots of silly spots, near falls and then Home Town doofus gets the cradle pinfall on Eddie.
Whenever Deaner is involved I can’t be asked to care. The System beats Cardona and Deaner down, but Eddie did eat a pin. Which is embarrassing not even for work reasons, like it’s just sad.
Champion’s Challenge: The Rascalz, Joe Hendry, Leon Slater & Elijah vs The Kaiba Boys, Moose, Steve Maclin & Trick Williams
Elijah and Nic start things off, slow push off, arm wring, top wristlock, simple chain wrestling start. Nic breaks the chain and hits a Dropkick, Elijah runs the ropes and hits a Diving Lariat and starts the Rope Walk. Nic seems far to awake and alert for that move then, I hate how people pull that off too early. Wentz gets tagged in, Nic tags in Maclin who wasn’t looking for a tag, but him and Wentz have a nice clash, Trey tags in, they try to double him, but they pause and look at each other. Maclin asks for a tag, no one tags him so he Chops Ryan to tag him in and throws him in.
The little nod to Maclin and Rascalz history and the fact the faces realize Maclin isn’t a piece of shit. A little MCMG homage tandem attacks on Ryan, Wentz punctuates with the Handspring Knee Lift, Ryan tags out to Trick. Trick and Wentz go back and forth, Rascalz have Trick eating offense, Moose tries to slow things down, both Trick and Moose powder, Rascalz Double Golden Triangle Moonsaults. Trey gets tripped by Nic, Moose hits Lights Out, but there’s no referee so it’s a little chaotic.
Out of the commercial things are controlled kinda and we see a simultaneous tag to Moose and Leon. Leon comes out hot, level Moose with a Leg Lariat, attacks Nic Nemeth, attacks Ryan, and then Moose hits Leon with the Stun Gun. Moose looks to tag in Maclin but Maclin jumps off the apron. Trick takes the tag, keeps control, Trick forcibly tags in Maclin but Ryan tags himself in and pulls Leon to the Champions’ corner, Nic tags in and isolates Leon, with the Kaibas quick tagging and keeping Leon down.
Moose tags in, tries to Suplex Leon about four times but Leon stops it then counters the Suplex. Moose tries to cut him off, but the Champions distract the ref so the ref can’t see Leon tag out. Nic and Moose doubling up and Leon is the bump guy of this last portion of the match. Big Uranage from Moose…Moose looks for Lights Out but Small Package almost ruined things, Body Scissors Cradle, GAME CHANGER! Moose looks to hit a Jacknife Powerbomb but Leon turns it into a DDT. Maclin and Ryan start fighting, Nic Superkicks Maclin, Hendry and Nic tag in, Hendry is a house of fire. Sack of Shits for everyone! Nic, Ryan, there’s a pause when Hendry is face to face with Trick and Trick gets Uppercuts first then Sack of Shit! Standing Ovation on Nic, but Ryan blocks, Kaibas try a tandem attack but Hendry Lariats them both. Elijah tags in and is the maestro of the crowd and chopping Ryan to some fun. Ryan goes for a Polish Hammer but eats the Knee Lift. Signature spam time…
Ryan tries to use the International title but Maclin grabs the title away from Ryan, clocks Nic, Standing Ovation into the Highwayman’s Farewell. Champions lose!
Overall Score: 4/10
Well this was a rough one boys and girls. Sami and EY was just an overbooked shitshow, Lei Ying Lee is unfortunately in a spot where it’s obvious TNA has no clue how to use her, the Elegantos are the New Beautiful People, and I’m not mad at that. But you need to space out your goofball crap. You can’t have Elegance Clique, Home Town Moron and Santino in 3 consecutive segments. And if anyone goes “it was 3 out of 4” that’s doesn’t lessen my point, the beauty of Pro Wrestling being a variety show is…FOR VARIETY! When the lead match feels stupid because of bad pacing, poor selling and overbooking with two losers, it feels like a useless match with idiots, then comedy, followed by more comedy…you see how that’s literally NOT VARIETY.
Figure it out seriously. This was a disappointing episode. If you’re a casual viewer than it’s just chalk for TNA doing cringe and borderline goof crap since they’ve always steered a little more into the carny than other companies. But this show was…where’s Jisoo and Jenny? I feel like I need that gif:
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Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
 MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)Â
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports PodcastÂ
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
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4 Corners Podcast: The Fabulous Finals
The NBA and Stanely Cup Finals near their respective conclusions. Dave and Pat break down the action and whether anything...
4 Corners Podcast: Serving Up A Classic
Patrick returns as he and Dave discuss the Stanley Cup Finals, the NBA Finals, Coco Gauff's epic triumph, and a...
4 Corners Podcast: The Rematch & The Rebuild
Dave and PC Tunney preview the NBA Finals and Stanley Cup Finals as the NBA and NHL reach the conclusion...
4 Corners Podcast: Blown Off Course
Dave and Tunney break down the Conference Finals in the NHL and NBA, discuss the NFL going to the Olympics,...
4 Corners Podcast: Bettor Late Than Never?
Dave, Patrick, and Tunney break down the NHL and NBA Playoffs and a pretty stunning decision from the MLB Commissioner's...
Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu Results & Report! (6/20/25)
It's Electric!
Bandwagon Nerds #293: Father Figures
The Nerds review the latest trailers for Iron Heart and Superman. A Spaceballs sequel is now official and why are...
Bandwagon Nerds #292: Where’s Michael’s Guitar?
The first ever Movie Year Draft highlight's this week's Episode. Plus, the Trailer Park rolls on, as does the search...
Attitude Of Aggression #310- Unidentified History: The Battle of Los Angeles
Unidentified History returns as Dave recaps his visit to Contact in the Desert and the guys do a deep dive...
Bandwagon Nerds #291: Its Pronounced Tuh-Doom
The Nerds cover all the best trailers from Tudum, discuss DC- Marvel crossovers, and get concerned for the future of...
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (6/20/25)
One step closer to the end!
DWI Podcast #479: Ron The Truth Simmons
Don't drink and drive, drink and podcast! Join AJ, DP and PC weekly for their thoughts on RAW, SmackDown and...
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 6.19.25
Are we going to start trending upwards with Slammiversary to build toward?
Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (6/19/25)
Rumble, Bad Man, Rumble!
Mitchell’s WWE Evolve Results & Report! (6/18/25)
Can the BOAT Evolve?
Mitchell’s AEW Dynamite Results & Report! (6/18/25)
Viva La AEW!
Babyface Heel Podcast: LOL Charlotte Wins… AGAIN!
Even when she's not wrestling, Charlotte Flair keeps winning! Greg and Patrick breakdown her latest winning comments!
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (6/17/25)
Trick'N Ain't Easy
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (6/16/25)
The last spots are on the line!
Mitchell’s NJPW Dominion Results & Report! (6/15/25)
Who leads the revolution?
