Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW Wrestle Grand Slam MetLife Report! (9/4/21)
Who strikes out in the MetLife Dome?
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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: 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 DRAGON 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 I 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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IF YA SMELLALALALALALA~…!
As Cody Rhodes teams with Damian Priest & Braun Strowman against Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline, FINALLY, The Rock has come back to SmackDown!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso; Jimmy wins.
- The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & LA Knight; Miz & Melo win.
- Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae w/ Nia Jax; Tiff wins.
- Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez; No Contest.
- WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly; Pretty Deadly wins, by disqualification, and DIY retain the titles.
- Six Man Tag: Cody Rhodes, Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga; changed to…
- Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga; Priest & Braun win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes talks with Nick Aldis backstage.
They shake hands, but the SmackDown General Manager tells the WWE Champion there’s been a change: Cody’s out of the Six Man Tag match. What? Why would Aldis do that? It is out of Aldis’s hands. Wait, Solo Sikoa shows up to do what he did, but they can’t do the Six Man Tag that they advertised? How is this out of Aldis’s hands? Who do they need to talk to so they can do the match? Aldis says there’s no one either of them can call, if you smell what’s cooking. This is coming from The Final Boss, and The Final Boss wants to see Cody in the ring tonight. What business could The Great One have with The American Nightmare?
Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso!
The Scottish Terminator rubbed it in Big Jim’s face that only one of them is going to Elimination Chamber in Toronto, which Big Jim was able to brush off. But McIntyre harping on how only one Uso is going to WrestleMania was a step too far. These two look to have it out, but is Jimmy just playing into McIntyre’s hands? Or will McIntyre get embarrassed by “the other Uso” this close to that big time match?
Speaking of, Jimmy has a message for Drew as he heads to gorilla. “Everybody know you’re going to Elimination Chamber, right? But Big Jimmy got a question for the Big Easy: Will Drew go onto the Elimination Chamber and win that? Will Drew go onto WrestleMania and win that? Ey, Drew, I think we got an answer for you, Uce. The answer is…” “NO YEET!” Jimmy makes his entrance, the bell rings, and the fans rally behind Jimmy. Jimmy and Drew jaw, and then Drew raises his hands, to say UP YOURS! But Jimmy ROCKS and CHOPS away! Drew puts Jimmy in a corner, Jimmy dodges to CHOP!
Jimmy climbs and he rains down fists! The fans count, Drew dumps Jimmy tot eh apron at 5, but Jimmy GAMANGIRIS! Jimmy goes up, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Jimmy hurries to CHOP, then he whips. Drew reverses to send Jimmy to the corner. Jimmy BOOTS back, goes up, and leaps, but into a clinch! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders to a corner, Drew runs up to SPLASH and OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders again, the ref has Drew hold on, and Jimmy bails out. Drew storms out to get Jimmy and he whips Jimmy HARD into barrier! The fans boo but Drew looms over Jimmy.
The ring count starts, Drew mockingly calls him “Jey,” then puts Jimmy in the ring. Drew says NO MANIA for Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, ROCKS him, then runs up, only for Jimmy to put him on the apron! Drew blocks a superkick, but not the DRAGON WHIP! Drew drops, Jimmy DIVES! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! Jimmy grins, goes back to the apron, and then aims. But Drew stops the Penalty Kick to THROW Jimmy down! Drew then has Jimmy in the Reverse Alabama Lift! REVERSE ALABAMA SLAM onto the steel steps! Drew stands on the desk to say “NO YEET!” while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Drew revels in the heat from New Orleans, then he leaves Jimmy behind. The ref checks Jimmy, he’s able to continue, so a ring count starts. Drew paces while Jimmy stirs. Jimmy drags himself up using the desk, then lunges in at 9! Drew is annoyed but he rains down fists! Drew stomps Jimmy, then eggs him on. Jimmy rises as the fans rally, but Drew is right on him in the corner. Drew winds up, but Jimmy counter punches! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! And whips, only for Drew to reverses. Jimmy goes up, but Drew KICKS him out of the air! Drew then hauls Jimmy up, snap suplex! Cover, TWO!
Drew says okay, Big Jim. He clamps onto Jimmy with a top wristlock and grinds the arm. Jimmy fights up, fireman’s carries, but Drew elbows free. Drew bumps Jimmy off buckles, then hauls him up to the top rope! Drew CLUBS Jimmy on the back, climbs up, then CLUBS Jimmy more. Jimmy fires elbows and Drew drops back. But Drew runs up to CLUB Jimmy again! SmackDown returns to single picture as Drew CLUBS away on Jimmy again! Jimmy keeps taunting “Jey,” then drags him up. Jimmy fights the back suplex! The fans rally, Jimmy fires hands and a HEADBUTT! Jimmy SMACKS Drew off the post!
Jimmy rises to USO IN THE WIND! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! A standing count starts while both men stir on the mat. They both stand at 5, and Drew swings! Jimmy counter punches, then fires more shots! Mule kick, UPPERCUT, but then Jimmy dodges Drew! SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Drew is tougher than that, but Jimmy hurries to a corner. Jimmy aims as Drew goes to the other corner, “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs, but Drew FLYING HEADBUTTS! The Glasgow Kiss stuns Jimmy, and Drew hits a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Jimmy shows his own toughness, and the fans rally behind him.
Drew paces, then he stalks Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, reels him in, but Jimmy fights the underhooks! Jimmy wrenches, UPPERCUTS, but Drew ROCKS Jimmy back! Jimmy UPPERCUTS, Drew HAYMAKERS! Drew whips, Jimmy reverses and Drew ends up on the apron! Drew ROCKS Jimmy first, then climbs the corner! FLYING- SUPERKICK! Jimmy runs to SPEAR! Cover, TWO!! Drew survives, Jimmy’s spear doesn’t hit quite like The Tribal Chief’s. Jimmy goes to the corner, climbs up, and the fans rally up. USO- NO, Jimmy rolls through as Drew moves! Drew dodges a lariat to NECKBREAKER!
Both men are down, the fans rally, and Drew kips up! Drew scowls as he aims at Jimmy. “THREE! TWO! ONE!” CLAY- SUPERKICK!! Jimmy hits first! GLASGOW KISS returns! Drew reels Jimmy in, “This is your WrestleMania! This is as close as you get!” Drew shouts Jimmy is nothing, then ROCKS him with forearm after forearm! GLASGOW KISS! Another Reverse Alabama, but Jimmy victory rolls it! JIMMY WINS!!!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Drew is furious, but his own ego caught him there! But then Drew CLOBBERS Jimmy! The fans boo Drew being a sore loser, but he puts Jimmy back in the ring! Drew rains down fists, then he DRIBBLES Jimmy off the mat! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Drew says that was Jimmy’s Mania Moment! Drew will win the Chamber, he will go to Mania, and he will win there! Jimmy means NOTHING to Drew! Drew puts Jimmy up against the post, then takes aim! The fans boo, but refs and producers rush out here! They swarm Drew to keep him from going after Jimmy again. Drew says fine, fine, then takes his leave.
Producers help Jimmy to his feet, but then Drew BLASTS through the refs! CLAYMORE for Jimmy!! The Scottish Terminator hits his target, then laughs as he actually leaves. Will McIntyre make this his Road to WrestleMania?
A car pulls into the parking lot.
And out steps Solo Sikoa. Solo heads inside, and he finds Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga waiting. Solo tells them that last week with Tama, that was an accident. Jacob says yeah, it’s all good, Uce. But keep it 100: If it wasn’t an accident, Solo wouldn’t be standing here right now. Well, good! Glad to see we’re all on the same page. Solo says he will be in the corner during the match for Jacob & Tama. Uh, no, Solo, no disrespect, but Jacob & Tama have been running things on SmackDown these past couple weeks. So tonight, it’s Jacob & Solo running the play? Yadada mean? Yeah, of course. And that right there, Jacob, is exactly why Solo loves him.
Solo says he’ll be back, he has to talk with Nick Aldis. Solo heads out, but will he really just step right back into place from before he lost the ula fala?
Carmelo Hayes is backstage.
R-Truth calls out to Melo, and says for the first time ever, Truth VS Melo! What’s Truth talking about? Duh, they have a match. No, Truth, Melo knows. But they had a match last week. Truth says he has never met Melo in his life, but they have a tag match tonight. What? No, they don’t. Who even made this match? Him. Truth, they are not going through this H1M who’s on first thing again. Melo is H1M. No, him made the match. The Miz!? Miz says he’s H1M. So now there’s two of you? No no no! Melo is H1M, this is The Miz! Yeah, #MeloDon’tMiz! NO! That’s not a thing! Tonight, they are. Who’s Truth’s partner?
Truth says he’s got a guy. A Louisiana legend! In fact, he just got here, so Truth’s gotta go. Laters. Miz says he has been workshopping this, and the fans love it. Think about it: Melo Don’t Miz! Melo Don’t Miz! And we are…! Melo shakes his head. Truth steps in and says Miz just wants Melo to say, “Awesome.” Miz offers a fist bump, Melo says no. Will Melo wish he had missed tonight’s show? Or will Miz actually help H1M get another win?
Zelina Vega speaks.
“My whole life, people have taken one look at me, and they try to define me. My size has never stopped me before. It never stopped me from becoming tag team champion. Or my personal favorite, the history-making first-time-ever Queen of the Ring. That’s me. Make no mistake about it, I’ve never had it easy. I had to scratch and claw to get anything around here. But this is a fresh start. Because I have something to prove. And my dreams are a lot bigger than your measuring stick. It ain’t over until Zelina Vega says it’s over.”
The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & ???
Miz makes his entrance but Melo kinda steps all over it. So he already missed his cue… But who did Truth find to team with him in the Big Easy? We’ll see, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Truth makes his entrance. “What’s up?” Well, more like who is his partner? He’ll tell us! His tag team partner is a local legend, born and bred right here in New Orleans! Ladies and gentlemen, welcome Louisiana Knight! Wait, he means L A Knight! Yes, Louisiana abbreviated is LA, but that’s not… Oh, Truth… Truth gives Knight a Po’ Boy and some Mardi Gras beads, so Knight embraces it. The teams sort out, and Truth calls out him! Does he mean Miz or Melo? Well, Melo says he is H1M, so that’s who starts. The fans cheer on Knight while Truth and Melo tie up. Melo KNEES low, whips, but Truth reverses.
Melo springboards, FADEAWAY JUMPER! Melo makes his free throw, but Truth drop toeholds! Truth headlocks, Melo powers up and out but Truth whips! Melo turns hip toss into lateral press, TWO! Truth has a ghost pin, TWO! Melo trips to cover, ONE! Truth trips to cover, ONE! Melo runs up, Truth does the splits, and then hits a BIG hip toss! The fans fire up, Truth counts, Melo gets up at TWO, but Truth was just goofing. The ref explains to Truth that he is the ref, not Truth! Melo is annoyed, he runs up on Truth, but Truth wrenches him around! Melo pulls hair but Knight tags in. The fans fire up as Knight fires hands!
Knight ROCKS Melo, whips Melo, but Melo reverses! SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Knight drags Melo up to tag Truth back in, and Truth ROCKS Melo! Melo staggers, but he refuses to tag! Truth arm-drags Melo, then grinds the arm. Melo insists he’s got this, then arm-drags free. Truth staggers up, he and Melo bump heads! Truth staggers around more, and he tags Miz?! Truth forgot The Awesome Truth isn’t a thing anymore! Again! Melo BLASTS Truth off the apron, the fans boo, but Miz tags himself in! Melo is annoyed, but Miz goes to fetch Truth while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again, and Melo has Truth. Truth ROCKS Melo, but Melo holds onto the wristlock! Truth reaches for Knight, Knight reaches for Truth, but Melo holds on. Truth takes a swing, but into an O’Conner Roll! TWO and Melo BLASTS Knight! Truth rolls Melo up, TWO! Melo kicks low, calls his shot, but Truth suplexes for a STUNNER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Truth and Melo crawl, hot tags to Miz and Knight! The fans fire up as Knight rallies on Miz! “YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips, Miz reverses, but Knight lEAPING LARIATS! Knight TOSSES Melo in for good measure!
Knight stomps a mudhole into Melo, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” LARIAT for Miz! KNEE for Melo! Knight scoops and POWERSLAMS Miz! Knight keeps running, JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Knight stays on Miz as he brings Miz up. Knight ROCKS Miz, then ROCKS him again! Knight whips, Miz grabs the ropes. Miz KICKS, then takes a swing, but into a back suplex! Miz lands out, tag to Melo! Miz ELBOWS Knight, but Knight scoops! Miz tilt-o-whirls through, Melo SUPERKICKS Knight down! cover, TWO! Knight stays in this but Melo says he’s got this! Melo waits on Knight, then leaps, but NO 48!
Knight kicks low, but NO B F T! Tag to Truth! Knight ELBOWS Melo, Truth runs in! CENA SHOULDER TACKLES! Then the SPIN OUT BOMB! Truth says it’s time! “YOU CANT SEE ME~!” truth runs for the FIVE KNCUKLE SHUFFLE! Truth then fireman’s carries, but Melo slips free! Melo shoves, Truth dodges, and Truth hits the LIE DETECTOR! Truth then gets Melo in the S T R-TRUTH! But Miz CLOBBERS Truth! Knight ROCKS Miz, then LARIATS him up and out! Knight then goes out to THROW Miz into barriers! The fans fire up again, but NAKAMURA ATTACKS KNIGHT!
The fans boo, but the sinister samurai then POSTS Knight!! Nakamura slithers away while Melo keeps the ref’s attention! Truth sees Knight is down, Melo runs up, but Truth dodges! Miz tags in, full nelson, and a FIRST 48 FINALE COMBO?!? Cover, Miz & Melo win!!
Winners: The Miz & Carmelo Hayes, by pinfall
Well, what do you know? Nakamura aside, Miz and Melo made it work! Okay, they’re both trying to hog the spotlight, but is there a future for Melo Don’t Miz? Will Knight only have more of a reason to take that title off Nakamura now?
Charlotte Flair speaks.
“The GOAT… doesn’t have to call themselves The GOAT. Now, I have crafted a legacy that no one, I mean no one, can touch. And I’m back.” The Women’s Royal Rumble Winner chose Tiffany Stratton, but will The Queen take back her throne? Or will WWE always be on #TiffyTime? Speaking of…
Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae!
The WWE Women’s Champion may have gotten past Nia Jax, but now she knows Charlotte Flair is waiting for her at WrestleMania, and is going to be teaming with Trish Stratus in Toronto! Will she be in Tiffy Top Shape for that Tiffy Trishy dream match? Or will the Poison Pixie be quite the problem all on her own?
Before the match, Tiff grabs a mic while the fans cheer. Tiffy says, “I know, I know. You know it, you know it, and you know it. Ever since I won this title, everybody’s just been so obsessed with me. And last week, I had Nia Jax beat, until Candice LeRae decided to interfere and help her little meal ticket. And at Elimination Chamber, Trish Stratus and I make sure the Unstoppable Force comes to a definitive end!” The fans cheer that, but Tiff says enough about them. Let’s talk Charlotte Flair. The fans boo that name, but Tiff says Charlotte took her sweet old time, grabbed a chair, grabbed a mic, and she looked down on Tiff.
Charlotte chose Tiff as her WrestleMania opponent. In that moment, Tiff’s dream came true! And as she lied down there and looked up at Charlotte, she realized the rumors are true: No one loves to kick a girl when she’s down quite like Charlotte Flair. So at WrestleMania, Tiff isn’t coming for Charlotte’s legacy; that’s all Charlotte’s. Tiff is coming for the spot Charlotte desires the most: The number one spot as the top girl in the WWE! But here comes Nia & Candice to interrupt. Nia has a mic to tell Tiffy, “I Have to say, this is really cute. Like, it’s really cute that you actually think you were gonna beat me last week.”
Doesn’t Candice think that is cute? Candice says yes, it is so~ cute. And Tiff wouldn’t even be standing there if not for little Trish Stratus~. Exactly! And it’s even cuter that Tiff is out here talking about Charlotte when she wont’ even see WrestleMania! Because after Nia & Candide destroy Tiff at Elimination Chamber, Nia is coming back for her WWE Women’s Championship. Nia & Candice step up to the ring, and Nia says Tiff won’t even see the Grandest Stage of Them All. Tiff tells Nia to just give it up. This title isn’t even hers anymore. And once Tiff beats Candice tonight, Nia won’t have anyone to do her dirty work anymore!
Candice tells Tiffy that while they’re meant have a match right now, she and Nia are feeling impatient. Nia says they should just get rid of Tiff right now! But the ref steps in and says not gonna happen! Tiff VS Candice will, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Candice has Tiffy down with an armlock. Tiff fights up as the fans rally, but Candice wrenches to wristlock. Tiff spins through, goes to ropes, then up the corner to flip and arm-drag! The fans fire up as Tiff rallies on Candice! DROPKICK, and Tiff snarls! Tiff goes to the corner, and Charlotte makes her entrance? The Queen chooses to be fashionably late all so everyone looks at her, including Tiffy. Tiffy handsprings, but Candice dodges! Candice runs up to UPPERCUT, then she snapmares and NECK SNAPPERS! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Candice clamps onto Tiffy with a top wristlock.
The fans “WOO~” as Charlotte now chooses to join commentary. Tiff fights up, has the ROPEBREAK, but Candice CLUBS away on her! Candice backs off, runs up, but Tiff drop toeholds her to ropes! Tiff runs, HIP ATTACKS, and Candice flops back! Cover, TWO! Tiff stays on Candice with a whip, but Candice reverses. Candice CLOBBERS Tiff, covers, TWO! Charlotte corrects Tiffy’s words earlier: Charlotte isn’t the “top girl,” she is THE woman in WWE. Candice HIP DROPS Tiff but the fans rally up. Candice scuffs Tiff, then grinds an arm to drop a knee on the elbow! And another knee drop! Tiff endures and the fans rally up.
Candice keeps on that arm, thrashes it around, but Tiff fights up. Tiff fires body shots, then shoves Candice to Alabama Lift her! Candice sunset flips, Tiff rolls through, TIFFY STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Tiff is frustrated and Candice bails out. Tiff goes to the apron, goes up the corner, and ARIHARA MOONSAULTS! Direct hit on Candice and Nia, and Tiff almost stuck the landing! The fans fire up with Tiff and she goes into the ring. Tiff points to the WrestleMania sign, and then at Charlotte, but SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Tiff waits on Candice, Candice slides in, and Tiff stomps her down! Candice bails out, Nia is there to coach her, but Tiff lets the ring count start. Candice gets on the apron, Tiff kicks her, but Candice RAMS Tiff! Candice CLUBS Tiff, has her in the ropes, and hits a NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT! Candice climbs, aims, and leaps to MISSILE DROPKICK Tiff down! Cover, TWO! Candice is frustrated but this is why Tiff’s a champ. The fans rally, but Candice stomps Tiff! Candice scowls at the fans, stalks Tiff, then brings her up. Tiff fires body shots, then she rolls Candice up! TWO, and Candice CLOBBERS Tiff! Cover, TWO, into a ghost pin! TWO!
Candice escapes to hit a CODE BREAKER! Both women are down, but Candice scowls again as she crawls over to Tiff. Candice rains down fists, Nia tells fans to shut up, and Candice steps on Tiff’s face. Candice huffs ‘n’ puffs, pushes Tiff around, then scuffs her. Tiff rolls Candice up again, TWO! Candice DECKS Tiff! Cover, TWO! Charlotte is stoic on commentary as Candice drags Tiff up and puts her in a corner. Candice fires hands, then backs off. Candice runs up to ROCK Tiff again! Candice then runs, but Tiff dodges! SmackDown returns to single picture, and Tiff rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT! The fans fire up, Tiff handsprings, BACK ELBOW!
Tiff then reels Candice in for a SKY HIGH! High stack, TWO! The fans rally for Tiff, Nia coaches Candice, but Charlotte still seems nonplussed. Tiff and Candice rise, and Candice runs up. Candice puts Tiff on the apron, but Tiff ROCKS her! Tiff bumps Candice off buckles, then goes up, but Candice ROCKS her back! Candice climbs up, and she fires hands on Tiff! Tiff fights the suplex! Tiff DECKS Candice, then adjusts position, to SANTON- FLOP! Candice ghost pins, TWO!! Tiff escapes, but Candice hits the step-up SENTON! And then a LIONSAUL FLOP! Tiff hurries to fireman’s carry, ROLLING SENTON! And then PRETTIEST MOON- NO, Nia drags Candice out of the ring!
The fans boo, Nia tells them to shut up, but Tiff is on the apron! Nia swings, Tiff cartwheels over, and then she DROPKICKS Nia! Tiff Alabama Lifts Candice, to ALABAMA SLAM her into barriers! Tiff stares down Charlotte, tells her just wait for Mania, then she puts Candice in the ring. Tiff goes to the corner, PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, Tiff wins!
Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall
Charlotte gives moderate applause, but Nia CLOBBERS Tiff from behind! The fans boo, but Nia just drags Tiff to a corner. Nia goes up, but wait! Trish is here!! The fans fire up for the legend as she rushes into the ring! Trish avoids a haymaker to CHICK KICK! Then THESZ PRESS for Candice! And then a SPINEBUSTER! Trish helps Tiff to her feet, but Nia grabs them both! Trish fires fast hands on Nia! Candice CHOP BLOCKS Trish! Tiff is still dazed, Nia HEADBUTTS her back down! Nia & Candice mug Trish, and then Nia HEADBUTTS Trish! Trish & Tiff are side by side, and Nia drags them into the drop zone! A-NIA-LATOR!!
The fans boo but there’s nothing can be done! Nia grins as she helps Candice away, will these two trash Trish & Tiff in Toronto? Charlotte steps into the ring, stands over Tiff, and points to the WrestleMania sign. Will The Irresistible Force & Poison Pixie unwittingly do the dirty work of The Queen of Flair?
Cody talks with Damian Priest backstage.
Priest asks why Cody’s boy, The Rock, is here tonight. Cody says given the time of year, his guess is as good as anyone’s. But tonight will surely be eventful. Cody congratulates Priest on entering the Elimination Chamber. Priest says what’s wild is, last year, they both walked out as champions. What sucks is that this year, only one of them can. Now, Priest is man enough and he respects Cody to say that after Chamber, he’s coming for that title. Cody says he wouldn’t have it any other way. Cody heads out, but what business does The Rock have tonight?
Braun Strowman steps in, and he tells Priest that congrats on winning, and good luck in the Chamber. But let’s be honest, Braun had Jacob dead to rights last week. If not for Solo Sikoa, things would look a lot different next week. Priest chuckles and says take it easy, he’s sounding like Drew with the excuses. But it is what it is, Priest just beat Braun to the punch. But that was last week. Tonight, Solo and Jacob, two of the baddest men in the business. Priest & Braun handling business? Oh, they’re handling business. The only business Braun cares about is getting his hands on those two. Priest says Braun definitely will.
Braun heads out, will the Monster of All Monsters and the Archer of Infamy make sure Solo & Jacob #GetTheseHands? Or will the rogues run roughshod all over SmackDown once again?
Backstage interview with Naomi & Bianca Belair.
Byron Saxton is with the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions and brings up last week’s SmackDown, the security footage led us to believe Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez were the ones behind Jade Cargill’s attack. Now, hold on, Saxton. They don’t think, Naomi knows they were. Fair enough. But this Monday, they can get their revenge when they defend the tag titles against Liv & Raquel. How ready are they for this match? Bianca says so ready! They have been waiting for months for an update. Jade has been recovering, she hasn’t been able to call or text, so the GlowEST took matters into their own hands to get revenge.
Bianca & Naomi will handle Liv & Raquel, then move on to Elimination Chamber, where one of them is gonna win to face Rhea at WrestleMania. Not only will you #FeelTheGlowEST on Monday, but Liv feels it tonight! #Let’sGLOW! The champs head out, but will they clear their Road to WrestleMania of any other distractions?
Alexa Bliss speaks.
“When I was away, there was a lot of… change that happened in me. But when I look around, I see this place is still the same. The names and faces may be different, but the desperation and insecurity remains the same. You’ll see Toronto when I turn the Elimination Chamber into something of a playground of my own. I know the Chamber. I love the Chamber. I’ve won the Chamber. And for the other five women, it’s gonna be a Hell like they’ve never experienced before. Need I remind you, this is my division, and I am in charge.” Bliss smiles and says, “See you soon.” The film comes off the reel, but will things get twisted in Toronto?
Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez!
The Big Easy is all about having fun, and they’re fired up for Naomi’s entrance. But wait! Liv & Raquel don’t wait, they attack Bianca & Naomi while the lights are still down! They mug Naomi, but Bianca drags Liv out of the ring! Then Bianca storms in to fire off on Raquel! The fans fire up, but Liv returns to CHOP BLOCK Bianca! Raquel hauls Bianca up for a TEJANA BOMB!! Naomi runs up, fires more hands, but Liv brings Naomi around. Naomi fires hands on her, but Raquel throws her down! Liv runs up, OBLIVION!
Liv & Raquel stand tall, the refs rush out here, but clearly the singles match isn’t happening. Will we be getting something even meaner and nastier between these four on Monday?
The Rock arrives!
His truck pulls into the parking lot, but we’ll see him in the ring, after the break!
SmackDown returns and…
Aldis is chewing out Liv & Raquel for the attack. He doesn’t know what they get away with on Raw, but they can’t pull that crap here. Now get the hell out of his building. Liv & Raquel just laugh that off, but then Chelsea Green & Piper Niven walk in. Chelsea says have no fear, Chelsea & Piper are here to sub in for Bianca and Naomi at Elimination Chamber. Aldis sighs, and says they’re not missing the Chamber. What? But Chelsea had an outfit picked out! This is a travesty to not have the greatest Canadian export since maple syrup on a Canadian PLE! Does he know who she is? The first-ever, longest reigning, tallest, shortest, prettiest, richest, tannest, sparkliest, oldest, youngest Women’s US Champion! Piper asks what this is aboot, eh?
Aldis says this is them testing his patience. They need to pack their gear and whatever else they want, because they’ll be in action next week on SmackDown in Toronto. And oh, it’ll be a good one. Wait, they need more details! At least an e-calendar notification? Aldis is leaving Chelsea in the dark on what’s coming, will she absolutely hate it?
The Rock heads to the ring!
Wait, what is this New Orleans related remix? The Final Boss steps out on stage, he shows those goosebumps, then continues down the ramp, shaking hands with fans. The Rock hits his signature pose on the corner, but then takes the long way around to pick up a fan’s phone for them before going back into the ring. The fans all cheer for “ROCKY! ROCKY!” and he grabs himself a mic. He waits as the fans continue to chant his name, and then he says, “Ahh, you feel it, don’t you? You feel it. The Rock has got chills up and down his body because you know, on a Friday night, for the Final Boss to get inside his bird and fly all the way here, you know that I’m dropping some ish on you tonight!”
The fans fire up and The Rock smiles. Rock says, “Let’s get this show on the road.” The fans anticipate what’s coming but he says hold on, he’ll do it. “FINALLY! The Rock has come back…” “TO NEW ORLEANS~!” Rock smiles, and he adds, FINALLY, WrestleMania is coming back to New Orleans!! The fans are thunderous to hear that! WrestleMania 30, WrestleMania 34, and now WrestleMania 42!? Yes, next year, 2026, LIVE from the Superdome! One of the greatest cities on Earth in New Orleans, Louisiana! The pyro goes off to commemorate the occasion, and the logo is already on the tron! Rock smiles at that, then he smiles at the WrestleMania 41 Vegas logo.
The fans are losing their minds, as we now know April 11th and 12th, 2026, the Big Easy has the Grandest Stage of Them All. Rock says you damn right holy ish! Oh when the saints go marching in…! Oh how I’d love… Wait, no, this ain’t singalong with The Final Boss! Sit there, shut up, and let The Final Boss sing the song! The fans are torn, but Rock says he sings! Oh how I’d love, to be in that number~! Oh when the saints go marching in~! Okay, that’s good enough. You got him, that was a great duet. The Rock is singing with the largest collection of STD’d trailer trash he has ever seen! The fans can’t believe Rock would do that to them!
Rock says now, dropping this news wasn’t the only gift he was going to drop on us. The Final Boss came here to call somebody out. The Rock will call out a man who he respects, who he admires, and who we all admire. That man is our WWE Champion, the one and only, Cody Rhodes. The fans cheer as The American Nightmare makes his entrance! They sing along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” and we get Cody’s pyro before he goes to the ring. Cody gets his second “WHOA~ OH~!” and round of pyro, then he steps inside to join The Rock. The fans cheer Cody on, so he holds up the title and the fans cheer even more.
Cody grabs a mic, but Rock says, “That feels good, doesn’t it? I mean, that’s gotta feel amazing, right? They love you, man.” Cody tells NOLA, “I love you, too.” Rock says this is crazy. Pretty much no one knows this, but since after WrestleMania last year, they’ve actually become good friends. No, it’s true, they have. Last time they were together was the Raw Netflix debut. Rock gave Cody his flowers, told Cody he has carried the company like the incredible champion that he is, so thank you, Cody. Rock meant it, and that night, they went to the back, drank tequila for two hours and had a great ol’ time.
They chopped it up, had a blast, but Rock wants to call Cody out here for something important. Here’s the thing… The fans get a bit rowdy as they wait, and Rock says Cody is a great champion. A great WWE Champion. Cody knows that. Again, they’ve become good friends, so over the months, they’ve texted. Even their moms became good friends! Look! Mama Johnson & Mama Rhodes together after WrestleMania 40! It is a pleasure becoming Cody’s friend. But Rock wanted this face to face to tell him a few things. One: Cody has been a great champion, but he needs to understand. Yes, The Rock, The Final Boss, is on the Board of TKO. And TKO owns WWE.
The Rock is the Director of the Board of TKO. Don’t boo that! The Rock’s good friend, Ari Emanuel, who owns everything Endeavor, The Rock joked with Ari, “Can you believe that you own The WWE?” Ari says he doesn’t own the WWE, The Rock does. Rock said no, no, he doesn’t know if he owns the WWE. But The Rock knows he is the most powerful… Cody, you are a great champion. But Rock wants Cody to be something more. Rock wants Cody to be something more than just our champion. Rock wants Cody to be his champion. The fans don’t like where that’s going.
Cody says he did not expect them to become friends, nor their moms to become friends, nor the tequila. Cody didn’t have that on his bingo card. But becoming The Rock’s champion? The Rock of all people should know, Cody is the people’s champion. The fans cheer Cody more, and Rock says yes! Cody is their champion! Of course! The Rock is also The People’s Champion, he loves that about Cody. This is their universe, they were both born into this business. But Rock means something even bigger than just this. Rock knows Cody’s goal is to bring as much joy and happiness to everyone around the world, as many as possible.
The fans cheer, and Rock says that’s Cody. Cody is that guy, and everyone knows it. Cody is on social media, Instagram, millions of followers. Millions, and millions! The Rock has half a BILLION. That’s not a flex. But The Rock is the most followed American man in the world, that’s what he wants for Cody. Rock wants Cody to be even higher. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, he will open doors to possibilities Cody never even imagined. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, every dream he has ever had can come true. Every dream of Brandi’s, of their daughter’s. Think about how Rock brought them to the premiere of Moana 2, in Hawaii.
Thank you, by the way, for making that cross a BILLION dollars, fans, Rock loves you. Rock has met the Rhodes family, they’re amazing. But imagine it: Cody’s daughter’s children, their dreams, long after Rock and Cody are gone, all those dreams can come true. Rock just needs Cody to be his champion. The fans say don’t do it! Rock tells Cody to just think about it, though. Rock is a very lucky man, he has it all. Cody also has it all. They’re very fortunate. They’re Mama’s Boys, they’re Girl Dads, they’re lucky men. Fans say don’t do it, Rock tells them to shut up or he’ll slap the syphilis off their face! Rock is trying to have a moment here, shut your mouths!
The one thing that Rock has never had, that he wants more than anything, is a brother. And that is what Cody can be. Last year, WrestleMania, Rock’s goal was to face his cousin, Roman Reigns, for the title. Cody knows, the fans know. Rock talked with his friend, HHH. He talked with Nick Khan, who is his friend. They are also Cody’s friends. Rock knew it wasn’t in the plans, but they talked about moving Cody aside to make what was best for business: Rock VS Roman, WrestleMania 40! What’d Cody do? Cody pitched a b*tch fit! Cody told The Rock he ain’t doing it, and he stood up to The Rock. And y’know what else? Cody SLAPPED Rock!
No one does that and gets away with it. But that is why Cody is special. That is why Cody should be Rock’s Champion. And that is why Rock will take Cody from where he is to a level so far above. Rock will make sure every dream, every desire, for generations to come, it all comes true. Rock’s dad, Cody’s dad, Soul Man & American Dream, they are looking down right now. They were friends, Cody and Rock are friends, Cody should be Rock’s Champion. He doesn’t need to answer Rock tonight. He can think about it, talk with his wife and daughter, as will The Rock. Then Cody can think about it. Meet Rock in Toronto on March 1st to give him the answer.
Fans still say don’t do it, but Rock says it is okay. Before he leaves, this has been an amazing night, this is a hot crowd, thank you all very much. But before he leaves, Rock wants us to know this: The one thing Rock wants more than anything in this world… is that. Wait, the title? Cody’s title? The fans’ title? This is all this is about? No no no no! Brother… Rock doesn’t want the title. He wants Cody’s soul. The fans duel, “NO! NO! NO!” “SELL YOUR SOUL!” Rock pats Cody on the cheek and says see you in Toronto. The Rock leaves, giving Cody a lot to think about. Rock does give one last glance back at Cody, then smirks.
What will The American Nightmare choose: His integrity? Or his aspirations?
WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly!
Did Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano got these titles thanks to Kit Wilson & Elton Prince? #YESBOY! Did they survive a couple title defenses thanks to Kit & Elton? #YESBOY! But when Pretty Deadly needed DIY, was DIY there for them? #NOBOY! So now, Kit & Elton are looking to give Ciampa & Gargano their comeuppance! Will we finally get another #SidePlateCheck? Or will Ciampa & Gargano remember for themselves, that if you wanna be champions, you gotta do it yourself?
But as DIY make their entrance, they have mics, and Johnny Wrestling tells NOLA, “Give it up one time for your TWO-TIME WWE Tag Team Champions…! The BTTITW (Best Tag Team In The World), D I Y~!” The fans boo instead. Ciampa says there is no denying that tonight has been electrifying. Gargano says this is a hot crowd. But please, if we could be somber for a second. Guys, this is serious. Two weeks ago, Pretty Deadly embarrassed DIY, and now reluctantly, DIY will return that favor by crushing their hopes and dreams of ever becoming WWE Tag Team Champions. So please, let us all rise to our feet… Yes, you in the LSU jersey, stand up.
Ciampa thanks Wade Barrett, and asks for everyone to remove their hands and bow their heads for a moment of silence for Pretty Deadly, beginning… now. The fans boo instead! And then Pretty Deadly make their entrance! The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really needed who in this broken relationship!
But then DIY jumps Pretty Deadly! The ref reprimands, DIY whip but Pretty Deadly reverses! DOUBLE DORPKICKS! Then DOUBLE LARIATS send DIY up and out! The disco ball hasn’t even stopped spinning! The fans cheer while DIY throw a fit! They regroup, cool down, and go back to the ring. Gargano distracts Elton, Ciampa CLOBBERS him, and the bell rings. But Elton fires hands on Ciampa! Elton whips, Ciampa reverses and he pulls hair! The ref reprimands, Ciampa throws Elton to the apron and KNEES him down! Tag to Gargano and he aims, SUPERKICK! Elton goes down in a heap, DIY cheers themselves on, and SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns, Gargano tags in, and DIY hits the BACK SUPLEX BOMBO COMBO! Cover, TWO! Elton stays in this but Gargano tags Ciampa back in. Gargano sends Ciampa in, but Elton ELBOWS him away! Gargano runs in, but Elton puts him on the apron! Gargano goes after Kit, but Kit blocks the kick! Kit BOOTS Gargano down, but then Ciampa BOOTS Kit! Elton dodges Ciampa to come back, DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! Elton and Ciampa are down, sputtering and writhing, and the fans rally up. Elton crawls, Kit rises, hot tags to Kit and Gargano! Kit rallies on DIY with big forearms! Kit whips, Gargano reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS!
Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa in a corner, then LARIATS! Kit runs to LARIAT Gargano! Kit pushes Gargano down, kicks him and hits a TWIST- NO, Gargano slips through to ROCK Kit! Kit yoyos, DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up, Kit tags Elton! They get Gargano up, but Gargano BOOTS Elton! Gargano ELBOWS Kit away, then runs up on Elton! Elton dodges, then gives Kit the boost, DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Gargano survives but Ciampa is in! Elton fireman’s carries Ciampa, but Ciampa slips free! Ciampa whips, Elton reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa! Elton shows off his strength with the GOTCH LIFT PLEX!
Tag to Kit, but IN COME THE PROFITS! Ford SHOVES Kit down, Dawkins mugs him!!
Winners: Pretty Deadly, by disqualification; DIY retain the titles
Not again! Just like they did Motor City Machine Guns, The Profits make sure no one else takes these titles off DIY! URENAGE from Ford to Elton! Dawkins keeps hammering away on Kit, and then Ford POSTS Elton! Dawkins fireman’s carries Kit, to POST him, too! Looking like the All Mighty with that one! Gargano fires forearms in return, but ends up int he POUNCE GERMAN SUPLEX! Then Ciampa runs up into a FLAPJACK! Ford goes up top, then flies in FROM THE HEAVENS!! Direct hit on Ciampa! But wait! MCMG rushes out here, wanting their payback! The Profits brawl with MCMG, but Ford TOSSES Shelley to the apron!
Ford runs up, Shelley goes to kick, but Ford blocks it! Ford LARIATS Shelley down, Dawkins hits Sabin with THE BIG ENDING! The fans are torn as Dawkins whips Sabin, Profits get him for the REVELATION!! And if there’s been any revelation, it is that Ford & Dawkins don’t just want the smoke, they want to burn down the tag division to get it! Will nothing stop them once they’re back in action?
Kevin Owens speaks.
“You got what you wanted, huh? You got your match. You couldn’t, uh… You couldn’t just take the punishment that you deserved, that I’d already given you, and let it go. No, you… You wanted me and you to go again. You wanted to fight me, you want to hurt me, you want to end my career, which would hurt my family, by the way. Which is truly despicable. But what about your family, Sami? Huh? Have you thought of them? What about your family, huh?” Kevin reveals he is right outside the Zayn home! Kevin peers inside to watch Sami, his wife, and his son!
Kevin asks Sami via the video if Sami knows what he’s about to put them through, when they have to watch Kevin end Sami’s career. And what happens then, eh? When Sami can’t provide for them, and everything they have, like this nice house, the shelter, the security, the peace they have, when it’s all gone? And why? What for? Because Sami’s too proud? Because Sami’s selfish? Sami IS selfish. Because Sami is making Kevin do this to Sami’s family. Kevin will never forgive Sami for that. He’ll see Sami in Toronto. “But remember… You asked for this. It’s all your fault.” As if Kevin’s delusions aren’t already grand, will he continue to blame everyone else but himself?
Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga!
Elimination Chamber is on the horizon, and the Road to WrestleMania makes for strange bedfellows. Priest, Braun and Jacob were fighting each other just last week, but Solo’s return really threw things for a loop. Can Priest & Braun give Solo and the Samoan Werewolf their punishment? Or will everything (not) be fine in Solo’s Bloodline?
SmackDown returns as #OneBigSOB makes his entrance. As Solo, Jacob & Tama head to gorilla, we hear from Solo. “Tonight, we handle business. And it starts with Braun Strowman & Damian-” Jacob interrupts with, “Man, c’mon, DP! C’mon, Braun! I thought we did this! So tonight, we about to even up the score. If you ain’t know, I’m all gas, no brakes with it! See, since we touched the scene, we been dropping bodies like bread crumbs! Yadada mean!? FA-TUUU~! Hit my music!” The rogues enter to Jacob’s theme, is this alone proof he’s the new alpha? Or will the match be the last nail in that coffin?
The teams sort out, but Jacob stares down both Priest and Braun. NOLA seems to acknowledge Jacob, but Solo convinces him to stand down. Solo starts against Priest, the bell rings, and the two tie up. They go around, Priest powers Solo back, but Solo powers Priest back. They break, stare down, and Solo talks some trash. Solo shoves Priest, Priest shoves back. They circle again, tie up, and Priest puts Solo in a corner. The ref counts, Priest lets off at 4, but Solo stomps Priest’s foot! Solo throws hands, then a HEADBUTT! Priest staggers, but then he ROCKS Solo! And ROCKS him! And HEADBUTTS! That was a mistake!
Solo shakes his head to HEADBUTT Priest! Priest goes to a corner, Solo throws haymakers and body shots on repeat! The ref counts, Solo lets off and says see? Solo and Jacob as one! But Priest THROWS Solo to the corner to fire off haymakers of his own! Priest ROCKS Solo, the fans fire up, and Priest whips., Solo reverses to UPPERCUT! Solo talks smack but Priest ROCKS him again! Tag to Braun and the fans fire up! Braun stares Jacob down, tells him to shove it, then runs up to SPLASH Solo! Braun stares Jacob down again, goes back for Solo, and hits another LARIAT! Braun scoops, Solo slips free, but Braun runs up!
Solo ELBOWS Braun away, tags to Jacob, and Jacob runs in, but Braun dodges! Braun CROSSBODIES! Jacob is right up, but Braun BOOTS him right back down! Solo runs in but Braun TOSSES him! Priest hurries after Solo, Braun CLOBBERS Jacob! LEAPING LARIAT for Solo! Braun then gets on the track, STROWMAN EXPRESS SMACKS a chair out of Tama’s hand! The Good Bad Guy thought he was being sneaky! But then Jacob CROSSBODIES Braun into the timekeeper’s aera! The fans go wild as Jacob rises up, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Jacob hauls Braun up, drags him around the way, HEADBUTTS him, then brings him over to SMACK off the desk! Braun staggers, but he ROCKS Jacob in return! And THROWS Jacob into steel steps! Braun drags Jacob up, puts him in the ring, but Jacob SUPERKICKS Braun! Braun falls into the corner, Jacob HIP ATTACKS! Jacob’s all geeked up, then he tags in Solo. Solo soaks up some heat while Jacob HIP ATTACKS Braun again! Solo puts Braun on ropes to CHOKE him! The ref counts, Solo stops at 4, but Jacob gets a HEADBUTT in! Braun flounders, Solo taunts him and eggs him on, but Braun CHOPS him!
Solo HEADBUTTS Braun right down! Solo rains down fists, then lets off so he can put Braun on the ropes. Solo CHOKES Braun again, stops as the ref counts 4, and Jacob gets another cheap shot in! Solo tags Jacob in, then he HEADBUTTS Braun again and again! Jacob runs to BODY CHECK Braun! Jacob fires up, Braun flounders to ropes, but Jacob rains down fists! Tag to Solo, he soaks up heat from NOLA, then he stomps away on Braun! The ref counts, Solo lets off, then he keeps Braun from Priest by anchoring a leg. Tag to Jacob and Jacob climbs up, FROG SPLASH! Jacob roars while Braun writhes!
Jacob looms over Braun but he glares at Priest. Priest gets heated, but Jacob fires hands on Braun as SmackDown returns to single picture. Braun stands, but Jacob HEADBUTTS him again! Jacob runs for another BODY CHECK! And then a SENTON! Cover, TWO! Braun stays in this and he goes to a corner. Jacob snarls, tags Solo in, and the fans boo. Solo runs corner to corner to HIP ATTACK Braun! Solo grins as he copies Jacob’s geeking out. Tag back to Jacob and fans cheer! Jacob aims, runs, and HIP ATTACKS! Jacob keeps going, but Braun BOOTS from below!! The fans fire up while both men stagger to their feet.
Braun SPINEBUSTERS Jacob! Both monsters are down, the fans rally up, and they crawl, hot tags to Solo and Priest! Priest fires hands on Solo, then whips. Solo reverses but Priest SHOUDLER TACKLES Solo! Priest runs to BACK ELBOW! Jacob is back, but Priest dodges to WHEEL KICK! Priest then waits on Solo, but Solo catches Priest! Priest elbows free, but Solo SUPERKICKS! But Priest JUMPING ROUNDHOUSES! Solo comes back, Priest ROCKS him first! Solo swings, but into the FLATLINER! Cover, TWO! Solo survives but Priest puts him in a corner. Priest whips corner to corner, then runs, only for Solo to put him on th eapron!
Solo takes as swing, Priest dodges and ROUNDHOUSES! Priest then knuckle locks with Solo, goes up top, and he tightrope walks for some OLD SCHOOL! The fans fire up and Priest powers up the arm! Priest runs, but Solo ducks the Comebacker! Priest fights the fireman’s carry to BELL CLAP, ROUNDHOUSE, and then he reels Solo in! But Tama is on the apron! Priest DECKS Tama, but Jacob HOTSHOTS Priest! Solo hits the URENAGE! Cover, TWO!! Priest survives and Solo is stunned! Solo snarls, looks to his taped-up thumb, then he drags Priest up. The fans boo but Solo taunts the fans now. SAMOAN- NO! Priest grabs Solo!
But Jacob runs in! Priest ROCKS Jacob, ELBOWS Solo, then he dodges, so Jacob’s SUPERKICK hits Solo! An accident just like last week’s shot to Tama, but Jacob doesn’t seem as upset by it. Priest TOSSES Jacob, then CLOBBERS Solo! STROWMAN EXPRESS CLOBBERS Jacob & Tama!! Priest brings down the straps, the fans are thunderous, and Priest grabs Solo by the neck! SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Cover, Priest & Braun win!
Winners: Damian Priest & Braun Strowman, by pinfall
Just as Solo thought it’d be like before, he and Jacob were not on the same page! Priest is rolling towards Elimination Chamber, will this be just what he needs to go back to WrestleMania?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown here, but with some interesting moves after the sudden change in plans with The Rock showing up. Naomi and Bianca had a good promo to hype up what was meant to be a full match of Naomi VS Liv, but word had already come out before the show that things were being cut for time. But at the very least, they did the right thing of making it a brawl that adds heat to the tag title match on Monday. Also, hilarious how Chelsea & Piper thought the beatdown on Bianca & Naomi was so bad that they would need to be pulled from the Chamber. I also can’t wait to see what happens on Toronto SmackDown.
As for The Rock, I do appreciate he used his authority to kayfabe change more things, all so he could have his promo with Cody. I also appreciate Rock blending his different roles and even different sides, both Heel and Face, to A) bring the news of WM42 being in NOLA, and B) recreate the Corporate Champion/People’s Champion story from the Attitude Era. That was some wild stuff he was saying to Cody. I’m sure quite a few people will try and talk with Cody next week in the go-home. Heels will say do it because they’d love to have what Rock can give, Faces will say not because Cody’s better than that. But naturally, Cody is not going to become The Rock’s Champion, causing Rock to turn on him and really up things going into WrestleMania 41 and perhaps even beyond.
Good stuff in the Elimination Chamber related stories. Jimmy VS McIntyre was great stuff to open, and how fitting that McIntyre loses to Jimmy after talking all that trash about Jimmy and Jey being the same. Jey got McIntyre with something quick, Jimmy got McIntyre with something quick, McIntyre’s ego is obviously his weakness. And at the same time, McIntyre of course destroys Jimmy after because that’s his other personality trait. Priest had good promos with Cody and Braun, and we got great stuff from Solo’s Bloodline. Naturally, we got a miscommunication spot to help finish, we’re really close to Solo VS Jacob, I can feel it. Priest & Braun get the win, mostly because Priest isn’t winning in the Chamber when you’ve got Punk and Cena in there.
Very good stuff with Tiffy Time, from the promos leading into the match to Charlotte being ringside just to watch. Nia & Candice of course get the better of Tiff & Trish, because Tiff & Trish are definitely winning the tag match in Toronto. Charlotte just seems to enjoy trolling Tiff with her presence, so Charlotte probably shows up in Toronto to then confront Tiff after the match. I expect the seven weeks after Elimination Chamber to really heat up, as will Charlotte’s involvement, where she’ll get more active verbally and physically. Also, hell, Rock should go full Corporation and have Charlotte be his Corporate Women’s Champion because of how established she is.
Hilarious stuff from Truth tonight, as always. Truth and Melo having their “who’s on first” again was good stuff, and of course Miz gets in on this story, too. Truth & Knight VS “Melo Don’t Miz” was really fun, but yeah, should’ve figured Nakamura would get involved, too. Melo & Miz making it work could also be really fun, and while Knight VS Nakamura is a rehash, I really hope they find a way to up things. It feels like we’re getting the same with the tag titles as Profits “ruined” that great tag match from DIY and Pretty Deadly, then brawled with MCMG to still come out on top. Last year had a ladder tag title match, so why not do one for these titles this year?
Speaking of escalating, Kevin filming a promo outside Sami’s house was some really well done stuff, as expected of someone as good as Kevin and in such a story as him and Sami. Their match should main event, it needs time to breathe, as it could be just as, if not more violent, than the Chamber matches. What a powerful closing moment we could have if it’s a bloody Kevin and Sami, and one of them is standing over the other, triumphant yet mournful because it was their best friend in the world that they just brutalized.
My Score: 8.9/10
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA LIVE! iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 2.20.2025
So the first live episode got fairly positive praise from everyone; will this continue the trend?
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Filming at Full Sail seems to have set the stage nicely this week! Going into a Live episode we got Moose and The Hardy Boyz on NXT, as well as Jordynne Grace’s involvement with Steph and Giulia giving a little shine to TNA happenings since she’s newly WWE.
This episode should be interesting, we finally see Lei Ying Lee (fka Xia Li) back in action, Rascalz take on Tyson and Tyriek, Tessa should be seeing some action as well…so generally interesting happenings for the second Live iMPACT! of 2025. Let’s see how this one goes down!
No matter where @ManceWarner and @stephdelander go, @TheSamiCallihan WILL FIND THEM!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/mXz9U7m9PL
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Ratings:
- Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin: Rascalz win via Meteora/Swanton Combo – ***
- Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary: Lei wins via Thunderstruck – **
- NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC: Dango wins via The System help – ** 3/4
- Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore: Masha wins via Requiem – N/A
- Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons: Elijah wins via Tombstone Piledriver – *** 1/4
Results:
Oh yeah, and another Hendry concert is…cut off by a commercial, LOLTNA. First Hendry is cut off by AXSTV’s new Anime Hour bumper, and now Primo and Epico are showing up in TNA. I definitely didn’t have this on my BINGO card. The crowd starts chanting “Where’s Carlito”, which they do acknowledge and play off of well. Oh they’re using their shoot names of Orlando and Eddie now…but before they attack the lights go out and we get another guitar strum! ELIAH/ELIAS/EZEKIEL/EBENERZER/EMERY/EL VAGABUNDO – shows up to back up Hendry. Okay I can apologize away the redundant concert since it played into an Elijah debut. The crowd is immediately popping and chanting “This is Awesome” 10 minutes into the show.
Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin
Treehouse bros take it to the bigger men quickly, a few fast dives, a little MCMG style tandem strikes, Tyson fires and tries to take them out but they Low Bridge him. Tyriek comes in and they try similar things but Tyriek manhandles them both and throws them out of the ring, Trey is the first one back up and Tyriek and Tyson take his damn head off with his Corkscrew Running Euro Upper. Trey finally manages to flip out of the manhandle, tags in Wentz and Wentz goes for the hot and spicy cleaning house spot. Corner to Corner Knee Lifts for both big men, a Rolling Snapmare, into a Superkick for Tyson and Standing Shoot Star on Tyriek but only for two because Wes feints like he’s going to interfere.
Tyson and Tyriek pull off a tandem Assisted Backdrop Driver, but Wentz breaks it up, Tyson gets knocked out, Wentz hits the Tornillo, Wes tries to interfere again after Trey gets perched on the corner buckle but Ace runs around and trips Wes at the last second causing him to faceplant on the apron, Trey hits the Meteora, Wentz hits a Swanton from the other side of the ring and Trey gets the pinfall victory.
It was fast paced, all gas no brakes, but it didn’t overstay its welcome, so it was pretty fun all things considered.
After the match Wes grabs a mic, complains a little but challenges them to a 6 man match as Sacrifice. So we’re THAT’S where we’re getting the expected 3v3.
Fir$t Cla$$ comes out with an entourage of hot chicks and probably influencers or something. The “First Class Penthouse” , Gabby AF, Mafiosa Valentina, and Carolina are apparently known in their own way. Gabby I know was the awful one who did something for Impact a last year and sucked, but she’s part of the Busted Open Network I believe so that’s why she’s around. Two of them look like Noelle Foley and Frank the Clown…oh they actually are. Look at that. I do love KC Navarro as the Hype Man, they have this whole set up of AJ being mad that they haven’t gotten more Tag Title shots, so TNA placated him with his own Piper’s Pit and he’s *pregnant pause* totally happy with that. He says he loved Piper and hated Hogan before it was cool.
This is actually quality content and AJ is cutting a nice promo in this segment. They introduce their first guest, the greatest performer in TNA history, many whole say he’s Phenomenal with a whole lot of style….it’s A-J-Francis.
.@AJFrancis410 is GOING OFF!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/kGehtp9iTE
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary
Things were slow until Rosemary took her into a corner quickly, hit the Upside Down, and we get a lot of Lei trying to avoid Rosemary’s offense. Rosemary goes for a Spear in the corner and Lei forward rolls, starts connecting with a bunch of right hands, backs Rosemary into the corner, goes for 10 Count Punches, pulls her out, Airplane Spin TKO for only a two count. Rosemary tries As Above So Below, Lei shrugs it off, Rosemary tries to go after Lei anyway and eats Thunderstruck! Lei Ying Lee wins!
After the match Rosemary catches Lei on the ramp and hits the Green mist in the eyes. Match was far too short and so many of Lei’s set up moves look better than her finish. We’ve seen Kofi Kingston do it for years so it’s not bad, just the current Knockouts Division are awful and don’t take the move well.
Eric Young and the jabronis come out, EY cuts a very basic power crazed psycho kind of promo, gets the “What” chants from the crowds. EY is trying to recruit Maclin even though Maclin made his line in the sand last week. EY tries to spin it as maybe he took out Josh FOR Maclin instead of in spite of his trust. This really doesn’t seem interesting at all, but that’s probably because I hate the two Jabronis EY is with.
NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC
I really don’t have any interest in Slater. He’s got no personality beyond “flippy guy with a British accent”.
Dango immediately powders, grabs a chair and goes to swing on him but misses. So Leon is making JDC look dumb by dodging the post chop, using the chair to shield himself from a punch by JDC, and then clapping Dango’s fingers between the chair. So typical System match, look inept for the first few minutes, then take advantage of something to take over. Oh look, Leon takes too long setting up the table, Dango gets in a few pot shots, tries to whip him into the table but Leon leaps over it, and then leaps back over to clobber Dango. Dango is still trying to recover so Leon hits his over the corner post con hilo, and the crowd appreciates it but I’m not interested. Leon panders to the crowd after the big spot and then eats an X-Plex into the chair from Dango.
JDC throws Leon back in, goes for a pinfall that’s only a two and we cut to a commercial. Coming out of the commercial JDC is in control with a Kendo Stick until he isn’t, Leon counters and takes the keno stick, brutalizes Dango a few times then comes off the ropes with the kendo shot for 2. Leon goes for another table, and again, at least the crowd is receptive to this match. Leon sets it up, looks for something off the apron but Dango stops him first until he eats a dropkick to fall onto the table, Leon hits the Swanton 450 through the table on the outside. Does it look cool? Sure. Do I care about dumbass moves? Nope.
Oh thankfully the rest of The System comes out to stop the pinfall, Shield Bomb Leon through the first table, and roll him back in for Dango to win.
The Hardy Boyz come out to try and make the save, but the numbers are against them, so Oba Femi’s music hits! Oba cleans house but doesn’t get his hands on Moose, so they’re at least building the eventual clash between Moose and Oba.
The crowd starts a “Tessa, we comin for you” chant before she even starts talking. Tessa is actually playing off the crowd well, Santino’s music hits and Tessa thinks he’ll help her out with the crowd and Santino calls bullshit basically. Santino says if Tessa doesn’t wrestle next week, she’s fired and Masha’s music hits. Masha decides to step in for Tessa’s enhancement talent match.
Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore
Jobber tries to attack Masha early but Masha stops her, rocks her and Requiem ends the match.
Masha stares down Tessa, and then Cora Jade attacks from behind and hits Jaded.
Ryan Nemeth comes out to his Abyss music remix. What will Mokuba say today? “MYYYY BIIIGG BBRROOOOTTHHHEEEEER” he repeats at least 4 times and it’s hilariously cringe. He announces that Nic will return at Sacrifice, he literally just came out to give a PSA.
Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons
Hendry starts with Eddie, after a brief tie up it seems like Hendry reads the room and points at Elijah and the crowd wants him in. So Joe tags in Elijah, a little back and forth, Shoulder Tackle from Elijah, Rope Walk with Elijah lays out Eddie and a tag to Joe allows for a quick tandem knockdown, but Eddie powders as the Walking and Talking Duo hold the ring going into the final commercial break.
We come back and Hendry is bouncing Orlando off the ropes as he return a strike, but Orlando is obviously losing, eats a Euro Upper, and then gets walked around in the Stalling Suplex for posterity. Eddie tries a sneak attack but gets caught and Sack of Shit, into Kip Up, turn and then Orlando with the ambush! A few quick short cuts and an Irish Whip/Dropkick combo gives the Colons a near fall. Hendry does get locomotion variation cradles, but eats a Dropkick to stop the attempt at momentum. Orlando stays on Joe, but Joe finally starts to fire up as the crowd starts to get behind him. Euro Uppers make some space, but a Snapmare says no.
Eddie gets tagged in and a quick Leg Sweep into a Front Chancery keeps Eddie in control. As Joe tries to get back up, Eddie turns it into a Guillotine, but finally the Suplex counter connects for Hendry! Simultaneous tags! Elijah bulls over Orlando, catches a Leap Frogging Orlando with the Manhattan Drop as Orlando retreats to a corner, Stinger Splash into Spinebuster for two. Elijah tries to keep up the attacks but Orlando finds a few ways to make space, launches himself from the middle rope and eats the Jumping Knee! Eddie breaks up the pinfall, Hendry takes Eddie out and Elijah hits the Tombstone Piledriver for the win!
Overall Score: 6/10
Well there were more live hiccups than the first episode, and this felt both more epic and less epic at the same time. Elijah and the Colons debuting was a nice way to kick things off, Oba Femi showing up for the save was fantastic. There were a few decent matches, but also a lot of really short and rushed matches. Tessa played off the crowd well, but Masha really is useless on the mic. Lei Ying Lee needs to framed stronger, her matches have done nothing to show off her ability. It just proves that the Knockouts don’t know how to sell a kick to the head because they all take it in the shoulder and fall in corny ways.
Viva La Sam could be something fun if the next 3 weeks are just hand cam footage of him being like “I’m Sami Callihan and I’m gonna kick Mance Warner’s ass”, Elegance Clique getting the rematch with a stipulation is nice to see and while I like Fir$t Cla$$, that segment went a little long for a cornball swerve payoff. It’s one thing to placate the Influencer squad especially when we’ve seen Logan Paul and Ishowspeed do so well in WWE…but these are like Z Tier Influencers that no one cares about. These kind of dorks stream on Kick because they aren’t relevant enough for Twitch, not because they chose Kick over it.
So yeah, the low lights were pretty low, and the highs were a little fleeting, but at least they were pretty fun. Not a bad show, just clunky with noticeable issues and Masha shouldn’t be allowed to speak English anymore. She’s such a charisma vacuum when she’s not rambling in Russian.
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