Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW Wrestle Grand Slam MetLife Report! (9/5/21)
Will The Dragon slay the EVIL?
Will Darkness Fall and give the King of Darkness his throne?
The Summer Struggle is finally over, but now we’re in the final innings! Will Shingo Takagi still reign atop NJPW? Or will EVIL strike him out?
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
- Kazuchika Okada & Tomohiro Ishii VS Jeff Cobb & Great-O-Khan; Cobb & Khan win.
- IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: El Phantasmo & Taiji Ishimori VS El Desperado & Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Desperado & Kanemaru win and become the new IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions.
- IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships Triple Threat Tag: The Dangerous Tekkers VS Hirooki Goto & YOSHI-HASHI VS Tetsuya Naito & SANADA; Dangerous Tekkers win and retain the titles.
- IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: Robbie Eagles VS Hiromu Takahashi; Eagles wins and retains the title.
- IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Shingo Takagi VS EVIL w/ Dick Togo; Takagi wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
Kazuchika Okada & Tomohiro Ishii VS Jeff Cobb & Great-O-Khan!
The Rainmaker finally fell to the Hawaiian Hulk, but that was just the first trilogy! Will the Stone Pitbull help Okada get back up and turn things around? Or will the United Empire win as a united duo against Chaos?
Cobb is of course very smug while the teams sort out. Okada dares him to step up, but The Dominator starts instead. In that case, Ishii starts for Chaos, and fans rally with the bell! Khan and Ishii circle, feel out the grapple, and tie up shoulder to shoulder. Khan shoots in but Ishii blocks, only to be put against the ropes. The ref calls for the break, Khan lets off with a pat on the shoulder and a smack to the head. Ishii storms after Khan but Khan kicks low then MONGOLIAN- No, Ishii dodges the chops and blocks the iron claw! Ishii wrenches, Khan rolls, drop toeholds and has a leglock! Ishii stays up with his hands to get Khan in a leglock of his own!
Khan rolls, Ishii holds on, but Khan kicks his way free. Fans cheer that technical exchange as the two reset. They tie up collar ‘n’ elbow, Ishii powers Khan to the Chaos corner, and Okada tags in. Okada runs and DECKS Cobb while Ishii fires off on Khan! Chaos brings this outside, Okada whips Cobb hard into railing! Fans cheer while Ishii does the same to Khan, and then Okada whips again. Cobb reverses to OVERHEAD Belly2Belly Suplex Okada down! Fans fire up as Cobb hobbles over and stomps Okada. Khan deals with Ishii on his head, and the United Empire regroups as fans rally up for Okada. Cobb stands Okada up to RAM him into the apron!
Cobb puts Okada in the ring for Khan and Khan uses a knee to cover. TWO, but Khan keeps cool. Okada sits up but Khan is right on him. Okada throws forearm after forearm but Khan knees low! MONGOLIAN CHOP! And another! Okada falls, Khan takes aim, Mongolian THRUST! Cover, TWO! Okada stays in this but Khan is just softening him up. Tag to Cobb, the United Empire mugs Okada with a headbutt to the ribs! Cobb CLUBS Okada but Okada just gets mad. Okada throws a forearm, Cobb eggs him on. Okada keeps throwing forearms, Cobb keeps egging Okada on, then Cobb headbutts Okada again! Okada goes to a corner, Cobb gets him up to whip and scoop!
Okada slips out of the Tour to get the arm! Cobb resists the Money Clip, Ishii sees Khan running around the way and gets him first! Cobb RAMS Okada into a corner and is free of the armlock. Cobb runs in but Okada pops him up! Alabama lift to the REVERSE NECKBREAKER! Fans fire up as both men are down in the ring, then rally up as Okada rises. Okada tags in Ishii, he runs and RAMS shoulders Cobb! Cobb rams back, they go again, then Ishii whips Cobb to a corner. Ishii runs in to clothesline, but Khan CLUBS Ishii from behind! Ishii whips Khan into Cobb! Ishii runs in, Khan gets away so only Cobb takes the clothesline! Khan runs the ropes but Ishii CLOBBERS him!
Cobb whips Ishii to the corner, but Ishii rebounds off buckles to run Cobb over! Fans fire up as Ishii growls and watches Cobb. Cobb stands, Ishii brings him around and suplexes, but Cobb is too big for that! Cobb tries to suplex Ishii but he fights that, too. Ishii and Cobb fight over suplex control, but Cobb wrenches to clinch. Ishii fights out of the belly2belly but then catches Cobb’s clothesline to spin him around! Ishii manages a suplex! Fans fire up as Cobb stands right back up! Ishii dodges the superkick but runs into an OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! But then Ishii stands right back up! Ishii dodges the superkick again to ROCK Cobb with a forearm! Ishii runs but into a dropkick!
Fans fire up while both men are down. Cobb crawls for the Empire corner and tags in Khan! Khan stomps around and drags Ishii up. Khan whips Ishii to a corner and then clotheslines him in the back! Khan hoists Ishii up top backwards, and MONGOLIAN CHOPS Ishii into the Tree of Woe! Okada protests as Khan digs his boots into Ishii’s chin, but then Khan runs corner to corner from the three point stance for a SLIDING BOOT! Fans cheer that athleticism and Khan lets the ref figure out the Tree of Woe. Ishii is freed but Khan is right on him with a cover. TWO, but Khan simply drags Ishii up to gut wrench dead lift! GUT WRENCH SUPLEX! Cover, TWO!
Khan DECKS Okada just because, then Cobb gets in. The United Empire drags Ishii up, double whip him to a corner, then Khan whips Cobb in for a LEAPING- Ishii dodges so Cobb hits buckles! Ishii runs at Khan, Okada runs in at Cobb, simultaneous corner clothesline and back elbow from Chaos! Okada kicks Cobb but Cobb wrenches to avoid the DDT! Okada throws forearms on Cobb but Cobb ROCKS Okada with one! Cobb runs, but into Okada’s FLAPJACK! Khan runs in, but is sent into Ishii’s forearm! Okada boots Khan into Ishii’s BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Ishii keeps cool as he drags Khan up by his ponytail and Okada goes after Cobb on the outside.
Khan forearms Ishii back, then forearms again. Ishii hits back, they brawl while Cobb RAMS Okada into railing. The brawling speeds up and the fans rally with every hit! Ishii gets the edge, and he ROCKS Khan into a corner. Ishii whips, Khan reverses and Cobb returns! Ishii hits buckles then Cobb hits the back elbow! Khan runs in to clothesline, then he brings Ishii around, SUPERKICK BOOT SANDWICH! Cobb reels Ishii in to suplex, Khan adds a BOOT to the SLAM! Cover, Okada breaks it! Cobb CLUBS Okada, Okada ROCKS Cobb back! Okada CLUBS Cobb, Khan CLUBS Okada. Khan whips Okada, Okada reverses but Cobb catches Okada out of the air during his dropkick!
Okada fights free of Cobb’s grip but then Khan CLUBS Okada on the back. Khan runs, but into a proper Okada dropkick! Fans fire up but Cobb fires off forearms and CHOPS on Okada! Cobb runs, but into a dropkick from Okada! Okada and Ishii fire up with the fans, and Okada clears Cobb out while Ishii aims at Khan. Ishii runs but Khan blocks lariat to the STANDING CROSSFACE! And then the IRON CLAW! Khan lifts Ishii but he slips out of the Eliminator to reel Khan in. Khan suplexes first but Ishii fights that off and wrenches an arm! Ishii blocks Khan’s boot but Khan ROCKS Ishii with a forearm! Ishii HEADBUTTS to intercept the Mongolian Chop!
Khan roars and BOOTS Ishii after all! Ishii roars and swings, but into a SLEEPER IRON CLAW! ELIMINATOR!! Khan covers, Cobb keeps Okada out, The United Empire wins!!
Winners: The United Empire, by pinfall
The Dominator takes down the Stone Pitbull while Cobb keeps the Rainmaker from being a difference maker! Is the United Empire going to rise as Chaos falls?
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: El Phantasmo & Taiji Ishimori VS El Desperado & Yoshinobu Kanemaru!
Bullet Club’s Cutest Tag Team (their name for themselves, at least) aren’t happy they lost the Super Junior Tag League, but they’ll gladly take down Suzuki-Gun’s duo on the big stage! Will the Headbanger, the Bone Soldier Reborn, and whatever is or isn’t in ELP’s boot, stop the Rogue Luchador and Heel Master from getting these titles again?
The introductions are made, the titles are raised, and after Bullet Club puts away all their cool entrance gear away, we see if the 2021 SJTL winners can become champions!
Suzuki-Gun doesn’t wait for Bullet Club to Low Sweet and sort out, they attack right away! ELP & Taiji hit back and the bell rings as the four brawl! Bullet Club gets the edge, ELP DECKS Kanemaru while Taiji throws Desperado out. ELP CHOPS Kanemaru, throws him out now, and Taiji sets Suzuki-Gun up. ELP climbs as fans fire up, then walks the tightrope, but doesn’t moonsault! ELP thinks he’s being so clever, but Suzuki-Gun mugs Taiji! Kanemaru gets in and sneaks up behind ELP to kick him low! Kanemaru CLUBS and whips ELP, ELP goes up and over and baits Kanemaru in to springboard crossbody! Cover, TWO! ELP rolls and LIONSAULTS! Cover, TWO!
Fans cheer but ELP gets annoyed as he drags Kanemaru up. Half straitjacket and torture rack, but Kanemaru lands on his feet out of the toss! Kanemaru rakes ELP’s eyes and has him in a corner. Kanemaru whips ELP corner to corner, runs in but into a back elbow. ELP runs but into Kanemaru’s low dropkick! ELP manages to handstand out of his leg getting hit! But then he has to stand on his feet again and his knee bothers him. Kanemaru runs to dropkick the leg out again, and this time ELP falls on his face! Desperado DECKS Taiji on the outside, Kanemaru gets ELP’s bad leg and SMASHES it into the mat. Tag to Desperado, he stomps the bad leg, but ELP CHOPS back!
Desperado digs his boot into ELP’s leg even harder now! Kanemaru returns to add on and the ref counts. Suzuki-Gun lets off, and ELP clutches both leg and face. Desperado drops a knee into ELP’s leg, then ties up the legs in a BUTTERFLY STRETCH! ELP tries to grab at Desperado’s mask but Desperado knuckle locks the hand and adds to the pressure of the leglock! ELP flails and reaches and gets the ropebreak! The ref wants Desperado to undo the hold and he lets off on the pressure, but ELP CHOPS him again! But then Desperado just adds pressure again! ELP grabs the ropes and the ref calls for the break again! Desperado lets the hold go to “oops!” and drop a knee on the leg.
Tag to Kanemaru, he kicks Taiji off the corner before ELP can tag out. Kanemaru then stomps the bad leg, drags ELP away to the far side, and puts the leg on the rope. Desperado holds it in place for Kanemaru to DROP down on it! ELP hobbles up but Kanemaru kicks him down at the corner. Kanemaru whips ELP hard into the Suzuki-Gun corner, then Desperado drags him down. Kanemaru argues with the ref so that Desperado can SLAM ELP’s leg into the post! ELP flops out, Desperado kicks him around, and ELP goes into the ring. Kanemaru gets ELP for a HALF BOSTON CRAB! ELP endures, reaches out and gets another ropebreak! Kanemaru lets go at the count of 4!
Desperado tags in, Kanemaru stomps ELP more, and Desperado adds on. The ref reprimands but Suzuki-Gun splits the wishbone! Cover, ROPEBREAK! ELP saves himself again but Desperado keeps on him. Desperado goes to suplex but ELP RAMS him into the Bullet Club corner! Taiji is back and he tags in as ELP RAMS his shoulder into Desperado more! Bullet Club mugs Desperado in the corner, and ELP adds on more forearms. Taiji brings Desperado up and whips him to ropes, but Desperado reverses, only for Taiji to arm-drag and arm WRINGER! Taiji elbows Kanemaru down then goes back to Desperado to stomp him.
Fans rally as Taiji hammerlocks Desperado’s bad arm and brings him up. Taiji RAMS Desperado into buckles, shoulder first! Taiji drags Desperado back up, ELP tags in, and ELP climbs up as Taiji holds onto Desperado. Fans fire up and ELP plays it up with a drum roll, before the jump and CLAW! Taiji keeps Kanemaru down while ELP JAMS his elbow into Desperado’s face. ELP brings Desperado up, tags Taiji back in, and yes, Taiji climbs up top. Taiji plays it up before he leaps to CLAW Desperado! ELP has Desperado on the ropes as he CLAWS Desperado in the chest now! The ref reprimands but Taiji brings Desperado around to put in a Tree of Woe.
Taiji knows down Kanemaru again before he runs corner to corner to SLIDING BOOT! Desperado is stuck in the Tree, ELP tags in and Bullet Club goes to the opposite corner. Taiji runs in again for another SLIDING BOOT! ELP fires up, he and Taiji take aim, and they both run corner to corner, to jump up and dig their boots into Desperado’s groin! The ref reprimands but Kanemaru makes the save! Only to get mugged, and for ELP to CLAW his back! Bullet Club hoists Kanemaru up for a DOUBLE Tree of Woe! And a DOUBLE standing on the groins! The ref reprimands but fans cheer the creativity. ELP drags Kanemaru out of the Tree to throw him out of the ring.
Tag to Taiji and Bullet Club gets Desperado up. Desperado fights back but still gets mugged. Bullet Club double whips, but Desperado holds ropes. Taiji runs in, is put on the apron, and then Desperado sends ELP into Taiji! Taiji falls, ELP staggers, Desperado gives ELP a SPINEBUSTER! Fans fire up while both men are down, and Kanemaru calls to Desperado from the corner! Desperado gets up, but Taiji denies the tag by tripping Kanemaru up! ELP drags Desperado away to the Bullet Club corner and Taiji tags in. ELP slowly CLAWS Desperado’s back, and Taiji lines up his shot. Taiji runs in, blocks Desperado’s boots and puts him in the ropes!
Taiji runs side to side, SLIDING GERMAN! Cover, TWO! Taiji drags Desperado up and around to hammerlock and then elbow away on the shoulder! Taiji stands Desperado up, gets Desperado up for a SHOULDER BREAKER, then covers! TWO, and Desperado survives, but is still writhing and shouting. Taiji gets Desperado up but Desperado blocks the gut wrench. Taiji CLUBS away on Desperado, whips him to ropes, but Desperado reverses. Taiji handsprings, Desperado catches him but Taiji fights free. Desperado reels Taiji back in for a BIG back suplex! Both men are down again and Kanemaru is back on the corner! Desperado rolls and tags Kanemaru in!
Kanemaru DECKS ELP, drags Taiji up to whip, but Taiji reverses and ELP gets a cheap shot in! The Bullet Club double whips Kanemaru to a corner but Kanemaru BOOTS Taiji and dodges ELP! Kanemaru CLAWS ELP and throws him out! Kanemaru whips Taiji to the corner, Taiji Tiger Feints, goes in and out and around to shoulder Kanemaru! Taiji springboards, Kanemaru gets under to mule kick, then Kanemaru runs. Kanemaru ducks, dodges and tilt-o-whirls for a DDT! Both men are down but fans fire back up. Kanemaru crawls to a cover, TWO! Taiji is still in this but Kanemaru drags him up to reel him in.
Kanemaru scoops, gets the dragon sleeper, but Taiji spins around! Kanemaru blocks the suplex to try his own, but now we have a battle for suplex control. Taiji throws body shots, Kanemaru still blocks, but Taiji gut wrenches instead! CIPHER- NO! Kanemaru sits on Utaki to make it a cover, TWO!! Taiji narrowly escapes and Kanemaru argues the count but the ref says it was fair. Kanemaru runs at Taiji in the corner, but into a boot! He tries again but Taiji ax kicks him now! Kanemaru tries a third time but he runs into a BUCKLE SHOT! ELP calls to Taiji, Taiji rolls that way and tags ELP in!
ELP hobbles to Kanemaru, whips him to a corner, then sends Taiji in for DOUBLE KNEES! Taiji climbs up, ELP gives him a boost with the Electric Chair, for the TOSS CODE BREAKER! Taiji holds Kanemaru in place as ELP climbs up, ELP SUPER BACK SENTONS Kanemaru down! Cover, TWO!! Kanemaru survives and Bullet Club grows frustrated but the fans fire back up. ELP reels Kanemaru in, hooks up the arms, but Kanemaru back drops free! Taiji goes after Desperado as ELP sunset flips! Kanemaru rolls through and gets the legs for a FIGURE FOUR! Desperado RAMS Taiji into railing while ELP endures the leglock! Kanemaru even adds an ankle lock to it!
ELP reaches for ropes, Kanemaru flails to add leverage, and then he goes after the boot itself! Kanemaru wants to expose the secret just like anyone else! ELP gets the ropebreak but Kanemaru takes his time letting off on the hold. Tag to Desperado, they drag ELP up and Kanemaru gives him a SHINBREAKER! Desperado adds a CHOP BLOCK! Cover, TWO!! But Desperado puts the leg in a STRETCH MUFFLER! Taiji runs in, gets caught by Kanemaru, CAMEL CLUTCH! Dual submissions are torturing the Bullet Club! ELP gets around to get the ROPEBREAK! Taiji is let free but Desperado adds more damage to the leg. Desperado stands ELP up but ELP fights off the combo move!
ELP switches with Desperado and shoves him at Kanemaru! Then ELP rolls Desperado up, with tights! TWO, and ELP hurries to fire forearms! Desperado hits back, they brawl now with forearms back and forth and the fans rally up. Desperado kicks the leg, throws more forearms but ELP stomps Desperado’s foot! Is the boot weighted after all?! ELP boots Mono Loco too to then mule kick! ELP hooks up the arms to steal PINCHE LOCO!! Cover, TWO!! Fans cheer but Taiji shoves Kanemaru into railing! Bullet Club regroups and drags Desperado back up. Taiji gut wrenches for CIPHER UTAKI! ELP is up top, THUNDER KISS 86!! Cover, Kanemaru BOOTS ELP down!
Kanemaru CLUBS Taiji, stomps ELP, repeat! Taiji BOOTS Kanemaru in return! Taiji takes aim as Kanemaru bails out, TRIANGLE MOONSAULT! Taiji tells ELP to finish this and ELP aims from the corner! ELP undoes the laces on his shoe? ELP wants to use the totally weighted shoe but his leg is bothering him too much, so he takes a swing! Taiji distracts the ref but Desperado dodges the shoe shot! MONO LOCO!! Down goes ELP, and Desperado picks up the shoe! Taiji shoves the ref into Desperado! They’re working to cover up the secret! Taiji grabs the shoe, but Desperado hasn’t let it go! Fans rally up as they have a tug-o-war over ELP’s shoe!
Kanemaru runs in and has his whiskey bottle! Low kick and BOTTLE SHOT! Desperado has ELP’s shoe and puts it on like a glove! ELP WEIGHTED BOOT MONO LOCO!!! ELP is down again, but that might’ve been double-edged for Desperado’s fist! Kanemaru stays fired up and gets the ref up. Desperado reels ELP in, hooks up the arms, PINCHE LOCO!! Cover a la the Deadman, SUZUKI-GUN WINS!!
Winners: El Desperado & Yoshinobu Kanemaru, by pinfall (NEW IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions)
What a powerful victory in the MetLife Dome! Desperado still clutches his fingers, just what IS in ELP’s boot? But at least they have the gold! Will this newest reign be worth all the pain?
IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships Triple Threat Tag: The Dangerous Tekkers VS Hirooki Goto & YOSHI-HASHI VS Tetsuya Naito & SANADA!
NJPW is putting Strong Style convention aside a moment to see which duo is truly the best! The odds are not in favor of Taichi & Zack Sabre Jr., but can they still overcome them to keep Chaos and Los Ingobernables de Japon without these belts? Or is two teams one too many even for them to #JustTapOut?
Three sets of introductions are made, the Tekkers show off their merchandise and the tag titles are raised. Taichi and Sanada already have a quick showdown of dancing pecs as the teams sort out. In this kind of Triple Threat, only two teams are active at a time, so the challengers are already arguing about who starts against the champions. Fans rally up as things get tense, and of course the Tekkers welcome the challengers to start with each other. Goto-Hashi gets pissed and they literally kick LIJ out! Then they go after the Tekkers to show they’re getting the first turn! The bell rings and now we start this three way dance!
Hashi throws hands on ZSJ while Goto puts Taichi in a corner. ZSJ hits back with EuroUppers while Goto whips Taichi corner to corner. Goto runs in but Taichi dodges. ZSJ runs in but Goto dodges. Hashi runs in but ZSJ dodges! Goto dodges Taichi, ZSJ dodges Hashi, and back again! The teams stand off, and then LIJ returns to attack them all! Sanada and Naito throw out Goto and Hashi and then Sanada eggs ZSJ on. ZSJ runs in but Sanada dumps him out, then LIJ goes after Taichi. They double whip Taichi to ropes, then double HIP TOSS! Then camel clutch and basement dropkick! ZSJ returns, he gets a drop toehold to basement dropkick!
Goto-Hashi return and Goto throws Naito out while Hashi is after Sanada! Goto-Hashi whip Sanada to ropes, double shoulder him down, then coordinate for the hip toss senton! Naito returns but he gets hit first. Goto-Hashi drum away on Naito’s back! Sanada rushes in but he gets drumming, too! Fans fire up with Goto-Hashi but Taichi runs in. Goto kicks and whips him to a corner but ZSJ returns! Taichi dodges and ZSJ uppercuts Goto while Taichi BOOTS Hashi! ZSJ sets up both Goto-Hashi for Taichi’s DOUBLE AX BOMBER! Fans fire up as Tekkers regroup and Taichi stays the legal man. Taichi drags Goto up and snapmares him to KICK him in the back!
Goto seethes, but Taichi CHOKES him! The ref sees that and counts. Taichi lets off and argues that’s not a choke. THIS is a choke! The ref counts again, Taichi stops again and then TWO HAND CHOKES! The ref counts, Taichi lets off and Taichi gets in the ref’s face. Taichi goes back to Goto and kicks him around. Taichi smirks as he toys with Goto, and Naito calls to Goto to tag him. Goto CHOPS away on Taichi, but Taichi choke grips! Goto choke grips back, they’re both choking each other! Hashi jumps in and he helps Goto choke Taichi! The ref reprimands them all, so Naito joins in! THREE people are choking Taichi! Sanada hops in, finds a spot, and is now the FOURTH!
The ref reprimands all of them for all this chocking, but ZSJ runs in! Taichi is tossed aside and ZSJ gets mugged by all the challengers! They get ZSJ down and stomp away on him! ZSJ bails out, and so that leaves Goto-Hashi and LIJ staring down. LIJ offers the fist bump, and fans cheer as Chaos considers it. Nope! Goto-Hashi just attack and throw LIJ out again! Goto goes back to Taichi and drags him up from the ropes. Goto CLUBS Taichi to the Chaos corner, digs his boots in, then lets off as the ref counts. Goto stomps Taichi more, drags him back up and bumps him off buckles to then stomp and club him from behind! The ref counts and Goto lets off to tag Hashi.
Hashi stomps Taichi now, drags him back up and CLUBS him on the back. Fans rally as Hashi hangs Taichi out to dry. Goto keeps Taichi stuck on the top rope as Hashi runs, and Hashi dropkicks Taichi down! Cover, TWO! Hashi drags Taichi back up, snapmares him down and clamps on a chinlock. Taichi endures the knee in his back and the stretch in his neck. Sanada goes after Hashi and throws him to the LIJ corner so Naito can tag in! Naito stalks Taichi to ropes and keeps him from ZSJ. Naito whips Taichi to ropes and elbows him down, then runs to basement dropkick! Naito grabs at Taichi but Taichi kicks from below! Naito drops an elbow and then clamps on a headlock!
Taichi pulls Naito’s hair but the ref reprimands. Taichi tries digging at Naito’s eyes so Naito digs at Taichi’s nose! The ref reprimands, Naito shifts to get the Pluma Blanca! Taichi endures the leg hook full nelson and fans rally up. Taichi moves around, Naito sees Goto coming but can’t let go before Goto stomps him down! Goto stomps Taichi, too, then bails out. Naito keeps Taichi from Goto and then tags in Sanada. LIJ mugs Taichi while staring Goto-Hashi down. Sanada brings Taichi up, blocks a kick and trips Taichi to put him in the Paradise Lock! Fans fire up and Sanada encourages them to get louder. ZSJ is helpless as Sanada dropkicks Taichi out of Paradise! Cover, TWO!
Fans fire up as Sanada brings Taichi up again. Sanada facelocks but Taichi powers him to a corner! It’s the Chaos corner and Goto tags in! Goto fires off on Taichi and Sanada with stomps! Goto brings Taichi around, snapmares and digs his knee in with the chinlock. Taichi grabs at Goto’s hair now, the ref reprimands, so Taichi throws hands from below. Goto jams his elbow into Taichi’s forehead, then goes to DECK ZSJ! Taichi gets up and throws Goto down by his hair! Taichi looks for ZSJ but he isn’t in the corner anymore! Naito offers a tag but Taichi refuses, and Goto BOOTS Naito down anyway! Goto brings Taichi around and whips him into a corner. MURAMASA!
Taichi staggers, Goto whips again but Taichi reverses to HOOK KICK! Both men are down and fans fire up as ZSJ is back on the corner! Taichi heads over, hot tag to ZSJ! ZSJ goes after Goto with EuroUppers! ZSJ runs, Goto follows but ZSJ spins him to snapmare and NECK TWIST! Hashi gets in, ZSJ blocks the chop to hammerlock and ARM TWIST! ZSJ runs at LIJ’s corner but they drop down to avoid the boot. ZSJ goes after Goto and boots, but Goto blocks it! Goto spins ZSJ, waistlocks but ZSJ switches. Goto switches back, ZSJ victory rolls to trip him up to the EURO CLUTCH! Cover, Naito and Sanada break it!
Naito stomps Goto, Sanada stomps ZSJ and fans fire up. LIJ whips ZSJ corner to corner, ZSJ stops himself, and then dodges Sanada to sweep the legs on Naito for a NECK TWIST! Sanada runs in, ZSJ spins him around and WRINGS out the arm! ZSJ runs and EuroUppers Goto! Goto roars, deflects ZSJ’s boot and DISCUS LARIATS! Everyone is down and fans fire up again! ZSJ crawls away while Goto catches his breath. Goto runs in to MURA- NO! ZSJ blocks the wheel kick to an STF! Taichi plays defense, he gets Hashi for SEITEIJYUJIRYOU! Tekkers have dual submissions on Goto-Hashi and fans are thunderous!
ZSJ steps through with a leg to have a Fujiwara and headscissor combo! Naito gets in to stomp away on ZSJ! Sanada joins in, then LIJ CLUBS Taichi down! Taichi chokes Sanada, ZSJ headbutts Naito low! LIJ is thrown back out and the Tekkers focus on Goto. ZSJ EuroUppers Goto for Taichi to BUZZSAW! Taichi wants more, so OFF COME THE PANTS! ZSJ gets Goto up as Taichi powers up, but Hashi runs in to clothesline Taichi down! Goto slips out of the suplex and waistlocks but ZSJ resists the lift! ZSJ elbows at Goto but Goto holds on tight! Goto powers up to SLAM ZSJ down! Goto gets ZSJ back up, Hashi joins in, FIERCE HEADHUNTER!! Cover, TWO!!
ZSJ survives the blockbuster leg sweep combo, but Goto drags ZSJ up but ZSJ kicks Hashi away to deny the next combo move! ZSJ RAMS Goto into a corner, but Naito tags in! Naito throws hands on Goto then Naito throws Goto out. Naito whips ZSJ corner to corner to rocket kick and leg sweep, COMBINACION CABRON! Fans fire up as Naito hammerlocks and hooks ZSJ. ZSJ resists, switches, but Naito arm-drags him away! Naito still ends up in a corner and ZSJ runs in. Naito dodges, Sanada returns and back elbows! Feed to more elbows then a dropkick! Atomic drop to back suplex! Jackknife cover, Goto breaks it in time!
Sanada throws Goto out, Naito gets ZSJ up and puts him on the top rope. Naito climbs up the corner to SUPER STEINER! Fans fire up and Naito aims from the corner. ZSJ slowly flounders up, Naito runs in, but Taichi BOOTS him first! Hashi runs in to tackle Taichi! Hashi drags Naito but Sanada dropkicks Hashi down! Goto LARIATS Sanada! Taichi AX BOMBERS Goto! Naito spins Taichi around for a NECKBREAKER! ZSJ CLOBBERS Naito with a EuroUpper! Fans fire up again as all six men are down! Hashi, Goto and Sanada flop to the outside, but Hashi gets back on the apron. Hashi sneaks over to the Chaos corner while Naito returns to the LIJ corner.
Naito stands, Hashi tags in off ZSJ! Hashi runs and CHOPS Naito! Then whips to CHOP and mule kick, into a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Naito survives but Hashi keeps his cool. Hashi drags Naito up, reels him in, and gets Naito up for- A RANA! Naito counters the bomb but Hashi comes back with a spin back kick! Hashi reels Naito back in, for a RUNNING POWERBOMB!! Goto DECKS Sanada, but the Tekkers attack Goto! They double whip but he DOUBLE LARIATS them down! Fans are fired up again as Goto-Hashi sets Naito up, but Naito kicks free! Goto suplexes, Naito slips out, but Hashi SUPERKICKS! They get Naito up, G Y W!! Cover, ZSJ breaks it in time!!
Goto stomps ZSJ, puts him in a corner and then whips him corner to corner. Goto runs in, ZSJ dodges to EuroUpper Hashi! Goto comes back to DECK ZSJ! Taichi runs in, Goto fireman’s carries for USHIGOROSHI! ZSJ PENALTY KICKS Goto down, but Hashi SUPERKICKS ZSJ! Again, everyone is down and the fans are thunderous! Sanada reaches out for Naito and Naito crawls that way, tag to Cold Skull! He O’Conner Rolls and sits deep on it! TWO, Hashi runs into a back elbow! Sanada Quebrada but Hashi gets under, only for Sanada to RANA! Hashi bails out, Sanada takes aim, PLANCHA! Direct hit and fans fire up behind Sanada!
Sanada drags Hashi up and puts him in the ring. Sanada drags Hashi up, fireman’s carries, but Hashi fights free. Hashi waistlocks, Sanada throws elbows and then rams him into a corner. Sanada whips corner to corner but Hashi reverses. Sanada goes up, out and springboards in, but Hashi gets under and Goto gets Sanada for a fireman’s carry! SUPERKICK to USHIGOROSHI! Goto DECKS Taichi, he shouts to Hashi to finish this as he PLANCHAS out to hit both Tekkers! Hashi wants Sanada to stand and Sanada rises. Hashi runs but into a boot! Hashi still CHOPS, then SUPERKICKS! BASEMENT METEORA! Cover, TWO!!
Fans stay fired up as Hashi gets Sanada up for a full nelson, then spin. Sanada slips out of the slam to dragon sleeper! Hashi arm-drags free, and LARIATS Sanada down! Cover, TWO! Hashi fires up and stands Sanada back up, half nelson and spin but again Sanada counters. Shove to Naito’s ENZIGURI, then Sanada fireman’s carries for a TKO!! Cover, Goto breaks it! Goto fires off on Sanada, Naito kicks him and throws him out! Fans rally as Naito and Sanada regroup. LIJ drags Hashi up, but they have to watch for the Tekkers and Goto. Naito lets Sanada go solo as Sanada hits a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Hashi survives but Sanada keeps cool.
ZSJ returns and he attacks Naito! EuroUppers in the corner but Naito fights back! Naito throws ZSJ out, Sanada ROCKS Taichi! Naito rushes over but Taichi catches him! ZSJ runs in but Naito gets around to reel him in. Naito kicks Taichi as he hits a TORNADO DDT on ZSJ! ZSJ bails out but Sanada goes for Hashi. Sanada spins Hashi to the dragon sleeper! Fans are thunderous as Hashi counters to an inside cradle! TWO and Sanada O’Conner Rolls, to the dragon sleeper! Hashi drops to victory roll! TWO!!! Sanada gets up and runs, into a scoop! But he slips right out, to get the dragon sleeper! SKULL END!!
Hashi is caught in the body scissors, Naito makes sure Goto and the Tekkers are still down and fans are thunderous again! Hashi pops free of the sleeper but Sanada keeps the scissors! Sanada gets the sleeper again with the other arm, and drops back for SKULL END!! Hashi endures, refuses to give up, and fans are rallying up hard as ever! Sanada pulls back, Hashi is fading! The ref checks on Hashi, but he gets a second wind! Sanada keeps Hashi trapped, and Hashi is fading again! Hashi’s turning purple, so Sanada lets him go to go to the corner! But Taichi tags in before the ROUNDING BODY PRESS!!! ZSJ drags Sanada into a sleeper, feed to Taichi’s CHOKE-
No! Sanada holds off the slam! So Taichi has ZSJ help, and they CHOKE BACK SUPLEX SLAM!! Goto HEADBUTTS Taichi and DECKS ZSJ! But Taichi hits the three point stance, RUNNING FOREARM SMASH! But Naito runs in, Corriendo- ZSJ stops Destino for Taichi, and then drags Naito down into a grounded cobra twist cradle, to the JIM BREAKS SPECIAL! Taichi SUPERKICKS Hashi down!! Taichi fires up, drags Hashi to his feet, Alabama lift for BLACK MEPHISTO!! Cover, Tekkers win!!
Winners: The Dangerous Tekkers, by pinfall (still IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions)
Not even two teams at once could stop the Sliest Wrestler and the Submission Master! Naito is pissed and he stomps Hashi, only for Goto to CLUB him down. The Tekkers laugh at these literal lowers and celebrate their triumph. Will there be no stopping the Tekkers now that they’ve hit this one out of the park?
The G1 Climax 31 blocks are announced!
For A Block: Kota Ibushi; Tetsuya Naito; Shingo Takagi; ZSJ; Toru Yano; Tomohiro Ishii; Yujiro Takahashi; Kenta; Tanga Loa; and Great-O-Khan!
For B Block: Sanada; Taichi; Yoshi-Hashi; Hirooki Goto; Jeff Cobb; EVIL; Tama Tonga; Chase Owens; Kazuchika Okada; and Hiroshi Tanahashi!
The Autumn is about to heat up again as the yearly tradition returns once more! Plus, JAMProject is providing this year’s tournament theme song, “Max the Max!” It will definitely be showtime, but who will burn the brightest and reach the goal?
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: Robbie Eagles VS Hiromu Takahashi!
The Sniper of the Skies shocked many when he dethroned El Desperado to have this belt for his own. But now, the Ticking Timebomb is back and he’s ready to have some fun again! Will Eagles be able to fly away with this title? Or will Hiromu-chan be the one shooting Eagles down instead?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, the shootout for the gold begins!
Eagles rushes Hiromu and BOOTS! Hiromu CHOPS and Eagles CHOPS back! They CHOP and CHOP and CHOP then get forehead to forehead. Hiromu shoves Eagles then headlocks him. Eagles powers out, Hiromu runs him over but things speed up. Hiromu runs Eagles over again, eggs him on, but Eagles trips Hiromu to get the headlock. Hiromu powers out, dodges Eagles then runs him over! Things keep moving and Eagles hurdles while Hiromu leaps. Hiromu blocks a kick, flips Eagles and sweeps the legs. Hiromu covers, ONE! Eagles sweeps the legs and covers, ONE! Eagles handsprings up and fans cheer.
Eagles and Hiromu stand off as fans rally up. Hiromu and Eagles slowly circle, then go forehead to forehead again. Hiromu shoves Eagles and eggs him on again. Eagles swings but Hiromu dodges to CHOP him off his feet! Hiromu whips but Eagles blocks by holding ropes. Hiromu CHOPS Eagles again, whips him after all, but Eagles goes up and around and arm-drags! Eagles keeps moving, ducks and dodges to RANA Hiromu down! Eagles eggs Hiromu on now but Hiromu dodges the wheel kick. Hiromu and Eagles duck and dodge strikes, Eagles blocks a clothesline to then block a kick, but Hiromu denies the backpack to a backslide.
Eagles rolls through but Hiromu reels him in for a suplex. Eagles fights that and waistlocks but Hiromu switches. Eagles counters that with a Shiranui! Hiromu spins through that to dragon sleeper but Eagles snapmares the inverted suplex away. Eagles runs in at Hiromu in the corner but Hiromu puts him outside. Eagles ROCKS Hiromu, springboards but Hiromu ducks under. Hiromu scoops Eagles to a fireman’s carry but Eagles slips off to victory roll! Hiromu kicks him away but Eagles rebounds, only for Hiromu to duck the Penalty Kick! Eagles keeps going, anticipates Hiromu’s drop down and drops a knee on the bad leg!
Eagles basement dropkicks Hiromu out of the ring then takes aim. Eagles builds speed to DIVE! The tope sends both men into the railing! Hiromu gets stuck in a gap while Eagles crawls away. Eagles has Saitama fire up as he goes back for Hiromu. Eagles drags Hiromu back up, CHOPS him, then refreshes the ring count so he can CHOP Hiromu again. Hiromu goes around the way, Eagles pursues, but Hiromu CHOPS back! And CHOPS again! Eagles kicks low, KICKS Hiromu against railing, then CHOPS him off his feet! Eagles puts Hiromu in the ring and fans cheer his sportsmanship. Eagles stomps Hiromu around and focuses on the bad leg.
Hiromu clutches his leg but Eagles CLUBS him on the back. Cover, ONE, but Eagles tries again. ONE, and Eagles is annoyed. Eagles locks up Hiromu’s legs and encourages the fans to get louder. The fans do get louder as Eagles deathlock STOMPS the legs! Hiromu clutches his knee again and Eagles covers, TWO! Hiromu CHOPS from below and that annoys Eagles even more. Eagles eggs Hiromu on and Hiromu CHOPS again! Eagles KICKS the bad leg but Hiromu CHOPS back! Eagles KICKS, Hiromu CHOPS, repeat! Hiromu fires up but Eagles switch-kicks his leg! Eagles runs, Hiromu dodges and returns to RANA! Fans fire up as both men are down again!
Hiromu gets his bad leg moving while Eagles slowly sits up. Fans rally, Hiromu grins as he rises. Eagles kicks the bad leg, brings Hiromu around and whips but Hiromu reverses to corner clothesline! Snapmare and basement dropkick! Eagles bails out of the ring but Hiromu aims from the apron. Hiromu leaps for the FLYING SHOTGUN DROPKICK! Eagles hits railing and tumbles through the gateway! Fans rally up as Hiromu hobbles over. Hiromu fetches Eagles into the ring and then hurries to suplex for a FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO! Hiromu focuses on getting his leg moving rather than his frustrations, and he hobbles back to Eagles.
Hiromu stands Eagles up, fireman’s carries but Eagles slips out to shove him towards a corner. Eagles DOUBLE KNEES, then rolls back to run in. Hiromu dodges and knees hit buckles! But Eagles blocks the superkick to turn Hiromu around! Hiromu shoves out of the Turbo Backpack and Eagles ends up in a corner. Eagles comes back but into a SHOTGUN DROPKICK! Hiromu goes to the far corner, Eagles runs in but into an OVERHEAD suplex into the buckles! Fans are fired up again as both men are down. Hiromu and Eagles stir, Hiromu gets his bad leg moving again and slowly sits up. Eagles follows but Hiromu brings him up first.
Hiromu fireman’s carries, Eagles fights and gets free. Eagles ducks forearms and elbows but Hiromu ROCKS Eagles with his fifth! Hiromu whips, Eagles reverses but Hiromu holds ropes to BOOT back! Eagles Tiger Feints the legs! Springboard and missile dropkick to the legs! Eagles gets the legs, rolls Hiromu around and gets the RON MILLER SPECIAL!! Hiromu endures and fans fire up as Eagles pulls on the legs! Hiromu drags himself over, reaches out, but Eagles adds more pressure to the leglock! Hiromu refuses to quit and he gets the ropebreak! Eagles holds on until Red Shoes counts, and Eagles hurries to get Hiromu up! STANDING SLICED BREAD! Cover, TWO!
Eagles keeps focus as fans fire up. Eagles fires himself up and rolls Hiromu to the backpack. Hiromu fights free, GERMAN SUPLEX! Eagles lands on his feet to ROUNDHOUSE, SUPERKICK and PELE! Hiromu staggers from the kick combo, and Eagles reels him in for a CORNER- NO! No more slices of bread! Hiromu fireman’s carries to the CORNER DEATH VALLEY! Both men are down again after that impact and fans fire up again! Hiromu slowly drags himself away, still clutching his knee. Hiromu forces himself to stand while Eagles finally sits up. Eagles is in a daze and stays in the corner but Hiromu brings him up. Fireman’s carry for a TOSS HOTSHOT!
Hiromu runs and SUNSET POWERBOMBS Eagles to the floor!! Red Shoes goes out to check both men but they’re somehow both okay to continue. Fans rally up and a ring count begins. The count reaches 10 of 20 before Hiromu stands, and he gets in at 13. The count passes 15 as Eagles slowly rises, and he’s in at 19! Hiromu runs in to SHOTGUN DROPKICK again! And GERMAN SUPLEX! Eagles roars to his feet, but Hiromu LARIATS him down! DEEP stack cover, TWO!! Eagles survives and so far, so does his reign! Fans rally as Hiromu rises again. Hiromu drags Eagles up, fireman’s carries again, spins but Eagles sunsets! TWO and Hiromu SUPERKICKS!
Eagles roars but Hiromu dodges him to SUPERKICK again! Hiromu roars, drags Eagles up and suplexes for VICTORY ROYALE! Cover, TWO! Eagles still stays in this but Hiromu just shakes his head. Hiromu stands, hobbles over to Eagles and fans are thunderous again. Hiromu dragon sleepers but Eagles victory rolls! TWO, Eagles schoolboys with a bridge! TWO and Hiromu scoops for a dragon sleeper, to inverted suplex! Eagles slips out, Hiromu gets him for a regular suplex, but Eagles fights back with knee after knee! Hiromu turns things to a fireman’s carry, spins, TIMEBOMB!! Cover, TWO!?!? Eagles survives again and shocks Hiromu!
Hiromu fires up once more and he gets Eagles back up. Hiromu runs to LARIAT Eagles down! But he’s not done there! Hiromu gets his bad leg moving again as he dragon sleepers. Eagles again fights the inverted suplex but Hiromu just hits a DEEP reverse DDT! Hiromu reaches his boiling point and he gets Eagles up in the inverted suplex! TIMEBOMB MK- NO! Eagles flails and they end up in the corner. Eagles gets to the top rope but Hiromu CHOPS him! Hiromu catches his breath and gets his leg moving again while fans rally up. Hiromu climbs to join Eagles now, stands on the very top rope, and flips, only for Eagles to block the wheelbarrow!
Eagles CLUBS away on Hiromu, leaps over and rolls but has to take a moment. Hiromu adjusts in that time and he BOOTS Eagles away! Eagles tries again, another BOOT! Eagles PELES and then SHOTGUN DROPKICKS Hiromu’s bad leg! Red Shoes checks on Hiromu but Hiromu won’t let this stop him. Eagles climbs up and brings Hiromu into position, SUPER TURBO BACKPACK!!! Cover, TWO!?!? Hiromu survives and fans are thunderous again! Eagles watches Hiromu flounder as he aims from a corner. Eagles runs in, BASEMENT SUPERKICK! Eagles hurries to a corner but Hiromu hurries after him! Hiromu anchors Eagles’ leg to prevent him from climbing!
Eagles pulls Hiromu up by his hair and quickly apologizes before he SUPERKICKS him again! Eagles goes up, 450 SPLASH to the legs! Then the RON MILLER SPECIAL!!! Hiromu flails, claws, reaches out for ropes but Eagles does his best to anchor Hiromu! Hiromu still makes his way forward but Eagles drags him back! Hiromu reaches out to Red Shoes just to keep himself from giving up! Eagles adds as much pressure as he can to the hold but Hiromu keeps fighting! Hiromu claws his way forward again, but Eagles lets off so he can kick and club away on the bad leg! Eagles even drops a knee on the knee! And then the RON MILLER SPECIAL returns!!!
Hiromu endures all over again as fans reach electric levels! Eagles pushes up to add as much pressure as he can, and Hiromu curses as he taps out!! Eagles wins!!!
Winner: Robbie Eagles, by submission (still IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion)
The champion no longer feels like an underdog! Dome to dome, Eagles has defeated two of the best in the Junior Heavyweight Division today! Is there no one in NJPW who can doubt the Sniper of the Skies now?
Wait, Desperado makes his way back out to the ring? Even with that bad hand, the newly crowned tag champion clearly wants to talk singles title. “How’re you feeling, amigo? Congratulations.” Now, surely some stupid people are wondering what the hell Desperado’s doing out here since he already lost to Eagles once. He admits that he lost to the same submission hold, but after the G1 got announced, Junior Heavyweights will be taking a bit of a backseat for a bit. But he won’t let Eagles forget him. This isn’t “out of sight, out of mind.” Desperado says in English, “I want a rematch. But I hate just a rematch.”
Now this is just Desperado’s idea but… If Eagles accepts, then Desperado’s IWGP Junior Tag title-which he struggles to take off his neck with the bad hand-will also be on the line. Whoa~! Eagles just needs to have a partner, and Eagles says he does in Tiger Mask. Fans cheer that and Eagles is given the mic. “Listen, Desperado. I said after our match, any time you could’ve asked for a rematch.” Instead, Desperado waits until Eagles is beaten, broken and very tired. But fair enough, he did do something like that to Desperado. Though, if Desperado’s willing to give Eagles a shot at the tag titles, then challenge accepted!
“But I’m gonna tell you what I told Hiromu, and what you learned last time.” In Japanese, Eagles tells Desperado that he is the one who will come out the winner! The IWGP Junior Heavyweight belts are going to be on the line in the background of the G1, but when and where will these showdowns go down?
IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Shingo Takagi VS EVIL w/ House of Torture!
FINALLY! This has been brewing since Wrestle Grand Slam Tokyo, and now after the Summer Struggle, the Dragon and the King of Darkness will have it out in another dome. Will Takagi demolish this “House of Torture” before it builds up too big? Or will Evil reign at the very top once again?
Speaking of that HOT garbage, Yujiro Takahashi and the newly recruited Sho are with Dick Togo and the King of Darkness as they go to the ring. Takagi makes his entrance but is not intimidated by Evil’s pawns. Red Shoes surprisingly allows all three of Evil’s cronies to stay, and the Bullet Club boys Low Sweet. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who gets the walk-off here in MetLife!
Fans rally up as Takagi and Evil stare down. Takagi and Evil approach but then Evil bails out to slow things down. Evil tells Takagi to stay back while he talks things out with his boys. Sho gives some quick tips, Evil slides back in, and then Sho gets a chair! It’s the same chair he broke on Yoh, as you can see in the loose seat that just falls out of it. Takagi steps to Sho and he steps away, but Evil gets Takagi in a headlock! Takagi powers up and pries the hold but Evil holds on tighter. Takagi wrenches out, headlocks back, and fans rally up. Evil pulls hair, powers out but Takagi rams shoulders! Evil rebounds and he runs Takagi over!
Evil gives toying kicks to Takagi but fans rally up. Takagi gets up, Evil CHOPS him, then CHOPS again! Takagi eggs Evil on and Evil CHOPS again. Takagi goes to chop but Evil pokes him in the eye! Evil runs and rams Takagi, Takagi DOUBLE CHOPS back! Takagi shows off the dancing pecs and fans fire up. Takagi gets Evil up, whips and KNEES him against ropes, then runs to run Evil over with a shoulder! Takagi flexes, brings Evil back up, then reels him in for a snap suplex! Evil writhes, Takagi covers, TWO! Evil bails out, Takagi pursues, and Takagi throws hands on Evil! Evil shouts in pain, Takagi whips him into railings, then watches Evil fall over.
Takagi dares Sho to do something, then he gets fans to rally up. Takagi makes sure Abe-san is okay, then he gets Evil up. Takagi bumps Evil off the apron, then says he’ll do one more. He stands Evil up again to indeed bump him off the apron again. Fans cheer and Takagi brings Evil around to fireman’s carry. But Dick makes the save while Sho and Yujiro distract the ref! Takagi chases Dick around the way, into the ring, and Evil runs in! Takagi sees that coming and blocks the clothesline to ROCK Evil! Takagi runs but Sho trips him up! Sho whips Takagi into railing! Yujiro finally leaves Red Shoes alone while Takagi crawls.
Evil goes out to fetch Takagi, and oh no! He RAMS Takagi into Abe-san!! Red Shoes reprimands, but Abe kept the world title safe! Takagi thanks Abe for his sacrifice, and then drags himself up to his feet. Takagi snarls at Evil and gets in the ring, only for Evil to knock him back out! Takagi keeps himself from running into the timekeeper’s area, but then Evil goes out and RAMS him back into it! Abe again keeps the belt safe but how much can Abe take? Evil laughs and he fetches his favorite chairs from under the ring. Evil goes back to Takagi, brings him around the way and throws some knees. Evil puts one chair around Takagi’s head then has the other, CHAIRSHOT HOME RUN!
Evil smirks and goes back into the ring while Red Shoes checks on Takagi. Takagi says he’s okay to continue so the fans rally up. Evil paces and pretends this cheering is for him while his boys watch Takagi. Red Shoes returns to the ring to start a ring count. Takagi drags himself up, grabs at the chairs Evil used, but they’re falling apart as they are. Takagi throws them under the ring and gets in after Evil. Evil kicks and whips Takagi to the bare corner! The Bullet Club just love exposing the blue corner, no matter what match it is. Evil gets Takagi up but Takagi throws forearms back! Takagi fights through the pain but Evil knees low and throws him out.
Evil distracts Red Shoes and the HOT boys torture Takagi! They throw Takagi in, Evil covers, but Red Shoes knows the shenanigans were being had so he refuses to count! Fans cheer Red Shoes asserting his authority, so Evil puts Takagi in a cobra twist! Dick reaches out and that starts the chain! Takagi endures, Red Shoes realizes something is up, but Dick lets go. Evil keeps on the hold, HOT claims innocence, but then they form a chain of Evil to Dick to Sho to Yujiro to the railing! Red Shoes sees that and kicks Dick’s hand! Evil also gets hit from that and he lets Takagi go! Red Shoes put HOT on notice as Evil gets Takagi up. FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Cover, TWO!
Evil grows annoyed but the fans cheer and Red Shoes stands his ground. Evil kicks Takagi to a corner, taunts him, then slaps him around. Evil wrenches an arm, whips but Takagi blocks by holding ropes! Evil tries again but Takagi still holds ropes. Evil CHOPS, whips but Takagi reverses. Evil stops from hitting the bare buckles, Takagi runs in, and Evil sends him into the buckles! Takagi staggers and Evil runs, into the ELBOW! JAB! YUKON feint and DDT! Fans fire up as both men are down! Takagi gets the fans to rally up again as he rises in a corner. Evil slowly rises, Takagi runs in and rallies with big shoulders! Scoop SLAM and a BACK SENTON! Cover, TWO!
Takagi fires up and fans rally behind him again. Takagi drags Evil up but Dick gets on the apron. Red Shoes tells him to hop down but Evil’s gotten away to ropes. Takagi CHOPS Evil, whips him to ropes but Evil holds ropes to bail out. Takagi is annoyed but he goes out after Evil and clamps right onto him. But now the HOT boys just attack right in front of Red Shoes! Red Shoes reprimands Sho and Yujiro but Dick barges in to whip. Takagi reverses and sends Dick into railing! Takagi then fireman’s carries and SNAKE EYES Evil off the apron! Fans fire up as Takagi tells Abe to move aside! Abe does, taking the belt with him, and Takagi TOSSES Evil into the timekeeper’s area!
Takagi drags Evil up and smacks him off the timekeeper’s table! Takagi makes sure Evil takes a seat, then makes sure Dick is right next to him. Takagi bounces both their heads off the table then climbs up over them to go back to ringside. Sho and Yujiro attack again! They mug Takagi but he RAMS them into Evil and Dick!! Karma from all those times Evil’s done that to Abe! Fans rally up and Red Shoes finally EJECTS the House of Torture! The Young Lions usher out Sho and Yujiro, and even Dick now that he’s back up! They protest but Red Shoes says he’ll disqualify this if he has to! House of Torture leaves and now things are truly 1v1 between Takagi and Evil!
Takagi fetches Evil while Abe gets a new timekeeper’s area. Takagi knees Evil low, brings him around the way and into the ring. Fans cheer as this match continues properly! Takagi gets fans rallying up again and he stomps Evil around. Takagi stands Evil up, Evil swings on Takagi but into backslide hooks! Evil fights the Gory Especial and tries to back Takagi into the bare corner! Takagi blocks that, elbows Evil away, but Evil kicks and whips. Takagi reverses, Evil breaks free but Takagi CLUBS Evil’s clothesline away! Takagi gets the Gory Especial now, for NOSHIGAMI! Fans fire up while Takagi catches his breath. Takagi then reels Evil into a WHEELBARROW GERMAN!
Takagi grits his teeth as fans rally back up. Takagi sits Evil up, runs and SLIDING LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Takagi gets the “OI! OI! OI!” claps going and powers up. Takagi drags Evil up, pump handles but Evil throws elbows. Takagi knees low, runs, but Evil shoves Red Shoes in the way! Takagi stops, but Evil kicks low! Evil suplexes Takagi up and puts him on Red Shoes’ shoulder! MAGIC KILLER! Everyone is down, Red Shoes included, but fans rally back up. Takagi goes to a corner, Evil slowly rises, and Red Shoes also slowly stands. Evil runs in to clothesline Takagi! Evil hoists Takagi up to the top rope, climbs up to join him, and SUPERPLEXES!
Both men are down again and writhing from that landing as fans fire up! Evil gets the legs, steps through, SHARPSHOOTER! Takagi endures as Evil sits deep! Fans rally as Takagi refuses to quit! Takagi powers up and manages to get the ropebreak! Red Shoes calls for the break, but Evil holds on until the count of 4 for maximum damage. Evil sits in a corner and watches Takagi writhe while fans still rally. Evil drags Takagi up, fireman’s carries, and DARKNESS FALLS! Cover, TWO!! Takagi survives and Evil is beside himself! Evil argues with Red Shoes but Red Shoes says that was a fair count.
Evil stands up, slashes the throat and says he’ll finish this! Spin and EVER- NO! Takagi fights the STO to fireman’s carry, but Evil slips out to shove! Takagi stops himself from hitting those bare buckles, he runs at Evil but Evil still wants his STO! Takagi fights that again so Evil shoves him into the buckles! But Takagi comes right back to LARIAT!! Fans are thunderous as both men are down this time! Takagi catches his breath, crawls over to Evil and stands him back up. Dick sneaks back to ringside and Evil rakes Takagi’s eyes! Red Shoes reprimands, Evil lets off and he stands on Takagi’s head as he talks trash.
Takagi fights up and snarls but Evil gives toying kicks again. Takagi eggs Evil on, blocks a kick and fires off boxing elbows! Takagi DECKS Evil as he tops it off! Takagi roars and fans fire up with him as he drags Evil up. Fans get louder as Takagi pump handles but Dick makes his presence known! Takagi DECKS Dick, blocks Everything to pump handle, MADE IN JAPAN!! Cover, Dick drags Red Shoes out and throws him down!! Dick gets something and then jumps into the ring! Dick stomps away on Takagi and uses the SPOILER CHOKER! Takagi fights it off as he has before, and then fireman’s carries Dick for a- Wait, Yujiro is back!? PIMP CANE SHOT!!
Yujiro sits Takagi up, PIMP JUICE!! Takagi is down and fans are stunned! But with House of Torture getting Red Shoes up, fans rally back up. Evil crawls over to Takagi and covers, but Red Shoes is reluctant. Red Shoes does count, TWO!! Takagi kicks out so hard, Evil knocks into Red Shoes! Dick gets in to use the SPOILER CHOKER again!! Takagi snarls but he’s caught this time! Takagi is fading, Evil has a chair, but here comes BUSHI! Bushi slides in to dropkick the chair into Evil! Bushi ENZIGURIS Dick, then swings Yujiro into a BACKSTABBER! Bushi makes sure Takagi is okay, but here comes Sho! Sho drags Bushi up into a GERMAN SUPLEX!
Sho grabs the chair Evil brought in and smirks as he goes after Takagi. Sho sits Takagi up, takes aim, HEAD SHOT!! Another seat busted out of the frame! Sho then reels Takagi in, tucks the arms, but here comes Naito and Sanada! Fans cheer as the rest of LIJ is here but Sho gets them with chair jabs to the ribs! Sho runs but into Naito’s kick! Sanada dropkicks the legs out, Naito basement dropkicks Sho out! PLANCHA from Sanada for Sho! Dick grabs the title belt and brings it in! Naito kicks Dick first and kicks him out! Evil LOW BLOWS his former leader down! Naito flops out of the ring but fans rally up behind Takagi as Evil eyes the belt.
Evil picks up the belt, takes aim at Takagi and dares him to get up. Takagi does stand, but he ducks the belt shot and then blocks the second! Fans fire up as the two push each other! Takagi kicks low, thinks about the belt shot, but Evil and Red Shoes both tell him no! Takagi says he’s better than that, and hands the belt to Red Shoes. AND he blocks the low blow! Evil still tries Everything but Takagi shoves him away to ELBOW! JAB! YUKON LARIAT! Fans are electric and Takagi feeds off it! Takagi runs, to PUMPING BOMBER!! But Takagi isn’t done and he roars as he goes back for more! LIJ keeps HOT down, Takagi pump handles and torture racks, LAST OF THE DRAGONS!! Cover, Takagi wins!!
Winner: Shingo Takagi, by pinfall (still IWGP World Heavyweight Championship)
Los Ingobernables de Japon thwarts the underhanded efforts of the one who betrayed them all! Hiromu also makes his way out to the ring now, still battered from his battle with Eagles. HOT gets out of there fast, will they try to get even with LIJ in the future? As for Takagi, he finally gets to celebrate his defense! LIJ joins him in this great moment, the one victory the team can hang their hats on tonight. Takagi gets fans to clap for “L I J! L I J!” as each member takes a corner and Takagi takes the mic.
“This isn’t just about me. This is about the last three weeks. These last three weeks have been tough. So that’s why I, Shingo Takagi, have something very important to say to everyone watching NJPW right now, both here and around the world. I can’t believe I caught COVID…” It has been three weeks since Takagi last wrestled, and he’d be lying if he wasn’t a bit unsure about things. But he had to fight to get rid of all that anxiety, and that is what drove him in this victory here tonight.
Takagi isn’t overlooking the virus in the least. But as pro-wrestlers, getting in the ring is a source of strength for all of them. And as such, Takagi had to show the pride of all of pro-wrestling and represent both this industry and this company with strength. Given the result, Takagi proved that to be true! This was big today. And from one man who made a comeback to another, Takagi formally welcomes Hiromu back to the ring! Hiromu, did you already get banged up again? Hiromu plays it off and Takagi knows Hiromu isn’t taking time off again so soon. LIJ shares a bit of a laugh there, and Takagi says that finally and once again, LIJ is all together again! Fans definitely cheer that.
Takagi encourages the fans to applaud more, and then says that he is far from done as IWGP Heavyweight Champion. There is a lot to do, a lot to be done, and he will keep going for many more miles. He grows a bit hoarse, so he tops it off with, “I have one last thing to say: that’s it.” Mic drop and pyro goes off to celebrate The Dragon staying at the top of NJPW’s mountain! LIJ regroups again for their photo op with the world champion! But with the G1 Climax just a couple weeks away, will the LIJ heavyweights be ready to run the gauntlet and chase The Dragon?
My Thoughts:
A great second day for NJPW’s weekend, and wow, all these matches went the distance. Again, sorry I skipped the Stardom dark match but this show was about 3 and a half hours even without it. The United Empire continues to build momentum, and I am really hoping either Aaron Henare can make a return, or they recruit new members to bolster their numbers again. Will Ospreay’s group is still young and small, but seeing how some sub-factions are starting to form, the United Empire feels like they’re getting lost in the mix. The Junior Tag titles changing hands was quite the surprise, but it was a great match, and of course Despy has a way to double down.
Skipping to the Junior Heavyweight singles title, Eagles defeating Hiromu was itself the status quo change. Eagles is moving up in the ranks and is showing he can be on the same level as the other big names. If they’re going to be doing these title matches at any time, it’ll be in October when the G1 has their final few events. For one, we’ve got good kayfabe reasons as to why Desperado and Eagles both need to heal up, since Desperado had that brilliant weighted boot boxing glove spot. As was pointed out on commentary, they could use the last two days, 10/20 and 10/21, to do these two Junior Heavyweight title matches, the tag titles first then singles title second.
Speaking of the G1, we got a great field here, and great to know Guerrillas of Destiny are on their way back to Japan with this. First-time entries like Chase Owens, Tanga Loa and Great-O-Khan are going to freshen some things up. We’ve seen a lot of times these last few years, guys like Bad Luck Fale being in it to take losses to the bigger names, great to see the torch being passed to the Crown Jewel here. But as I said for Kota Ibushi yesterday, I can’t see him being in his fourth straight finals, let alone winning three years in a row. Ibushi is great, but he technically should just have a match owed to him from Takagi so they can do that on the side as the finals give us a new winner.
The Triple Threat Tag was great just on how chaotic and constant the action was. Speaking of chaos, I figured Chaos’s Goto-Hashi weren’t winning since they and Ishii are still NEVER Openweight Six Man Champions. Therefore, Tekkers were either retaining or LIJ was adding to their collection. I still feel bad for Sanada that he hasn’t gotten much more than tag titles, so perhaps Tekkers retaining here is a sign Sanada can find his way towards gold of his own. Tanahashi being in the G1, I feel that is to set up US Championship stories rather than him getting to the finals, so I wouldn’t mind at least seeing something happen between Cold Skull and Ace in B Block to set up a title match.
And of course, Takagi VS Evil was wild in its own way. While NJPW doesn’t usually do stuff like this, thereby having some leeway, I do find it a bit much that Red Shoes didn’t throw House of Torture out sooner than he did. At the same time, I really appreciate them playing a long game on the many timekeeper table spots with Evil and Abe-san. Takagi gets payback for Abe, LIJ joins in to take the overbooking to its natural peak, and of course Takagi still wins. Takagi’s promo to end was very good, and I expect him to have a strong showing in the G1 for one of the few times where the champion looks poised to take it all and determine his own fate.
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?
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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