Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW G1 Climax 31 Results & Report! (10/12/21)
Round 7, B Block!

Does someone’s luck run out? Does another’s change for the better?
Kazuchika Okada and Jeff Cobb are both 6-0 and going for lucky number 7! Will one, both or neither keep going strong in the G1 Climax?
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
- Taichi w/ Miho Abe VS Tama Tonga w/ Jado; Tama wins.
- YOSHI-HASHI VS SANADA; Sanada wins.
- Kazuchika Okada VS Chase Owens; Okada wins.
- Hirooki Goto VS EVIL w/ Dick Togo; Evil wins.
- Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Jeff Cobb; Cobb wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Here are the NEW B Block standings!
Kazuchika Okada: 6-0, 12 points
Jeff Cobb: 6-0, 12 points
EVIL: 5-1, 10 points
Hiroshi Tanahashi: 3-3, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
SANADA: 2-4, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
Taichi: 2-4, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
Hirooki Goto: 2-4, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
YOSHI-HASHI: 2-4, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
Chase Owens: 1-5, 2 points [ELIMINATED]
Tama Tonga: 1-5, 2 points [ELIMINATED]
Taichi w/ Miho Abe VS Tama Tonga w/ Jado!
As you can see, the Holy Emperor and the Good Bad Guy are out of the running. However, the Guerrillas of Destiny are surely hungry to get the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships back. Will Tama get a win over Taichi to get back in the tag title hunt?
Miho helps Taichi with his jacket and fanny pack given the taped ribs. Taichi taunts Tama with the title but Tama shrugs off the trash talk. The ref does his check but Tama attacks! Tama kicks and fires off forearms, the bell rings to get this on record and Tama fires off elbows in the corner. The ref reprimands, Tama lets off but comes back with haymakers and uppercuts. Tama drags Taichi up to whip but Taichi reverses to CHOKE Tama in the corner! The ref counts, Taichi lets off but then he chokes Tama to the mat! The ref reprimands again, counts, and Taichi lets off. Jado coaches Tama up but Taichi stomps him down.
Taichi kicks Tama out of the ring, then chokes him around the way! Taichi whips Tama into railing and fans cheer. Taichi gathers up camera cables and uses those to choke Tama now! The ref reprimands, counts, Taichi lets go quickly. Taichi brings Tama back around into the ring, then clamps on a choke from behind. The ref sees this and reprimands, and Taichi lets off again. Tama throws body shots in return, but Taichi chokes him again! The ref counts, Taichi lets off to whip, but Tama reverses to hurdle, hurdle and HAKU CHOP! Tama takes off the vest as fans cheer and he stomps Taichi in the bad ribs. Tama drags him into a CAMEL CLUTCH!
Taichi endures, but he gets the ropebreak. Tama holds on until the ref counts 4, then kicks him out of the ring. Tama goes out to RAM Taichi into the apron! And then into railing! Taichi clutches his ribs as Tama paces. Tama goes back into the ring to leave Taichi at the ring count’s mercy. Miho checks on Taichi as the count climbs, and it is 10 of 20 before Taichi sits up. Taichi drags himself up at 15 and in at 16. Fans cheer but Tama stomps a mudhole into Taichi at the corner. Tama lets off as the ref reprimands and he stalks Taichi. Taichi kicks back but Tama drops elbow after elbow then a LEAPING elbow drop to the ribs! Cover, TWO!
Tama sits Taichi up, CLUBS him with crossface forearms then wraps on a body scissors! Tama adds a chinlock but Taichi still endures. Taichi moves around, Tama wraps the chinlock on tighter, and fans rally up. Taichi fights to sit up, he elbows but Tama hold onto a crossface of sorts. Taichi elbows again and is free! But Tama CLUBS and whips him, only for Taichi to reverse, wrench and DANGEROUS HOOK KICK! Both men are down and the fans rally up. Tama goes to a corner, Taichi runs in to corner clothesline! Taichi then snapmares and KICKS Tama in the back! Tama writhes and Taichi paces. Taichi then comes back to KICK Tama in the chest!
Jado coaches Tama to hang in there and Tama sits back up. Taichi KICKS him in the chest again but Tama shakes his head and eggs Taichi on. Fans fire up as Taichi KICKS and KICKS and KICKS! Tama stands up and is all fired up! He blocks a kick, CLUBS the leg then dropkicks Taichi to a corner! Tama runs in corner to corner but Taichi dodges the splash to GAMANGIRI! Tama is down, Taichi encourages the fans and they rally up. OFF COME THE PANTS! Taichi wants Tama to sit up, but Tama ducks the buzzsaw to punch the ribs! Tama boots the Ax Bomber away but Taichi boots Tama back! Taichi runs but Tama ducks the clothesline to get the TONGAN TWIST!
Fans fire up as Tama goes to the corner! Tama climbs, SUPREME FLOW FLOPS as Taichi moves! Fans rally up as both men are down! Taichi drags himself up with the ropes and he stands Tama up to KICK the leg, then BUZZSAW him down! Fans fire up with Taichi and he wants Tama to stand. Tama flounders, Taichi stands him up and runs, AX BOMBER! Tama drops to his knees but Taichi runs again, AX BOMBER! Tama goes down, but he gets right back up! JUMPING HIGH KICK! Tama is down and fans fire up! Taichi goes to the corner, powers up and takes aim, and Tama slowly rises. TENSHO- NO! Tama dodges, body shots and forearms! Taichi comes back, but into a clinch!
Tama wants a bearhug but Taichi fights so Tama KNEES, CLUBS and fireman’s carries! Taichi fights free and comes back to waistlock. The ribs stop the saido, Tama GAMANGIRIS to a GUN- NO!? Taichi drags Tama up, DANGEROUS SAIDO!! Taichi crawls to a cover, TWO!! Tama survives and fans are fired up! Taichi roars and drags Tama back up. Taichi Alabama lifts, but Tama headbutts while upside down! Underhooks but Taichi holds that off to back drop free! Alabama lift and BLACK- NO! Tama slips out to fireman’s carry, ROLLING DEATH VALLEY! Tama hurries up top, SUPREME FLOW!! Cover, TWO?!? Taichi survives and fans are fired up again!
Tama slithers as fans rally up, and Tama pounds the mat. He may not be a Viper but he could be hearing voices. Taichi writhes, Tama wants him to stand! GUN STUN!!! Cover, Tama wins!!
Winner: Tama Tonga, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Taichi earns 0)
Now that was Too Sweet! Tama gets a win over the Dangerous Tekker, will he and brother Loa be primed for a tag title shot?
YOSHI-HASHI VS SANADA!
Much like Taichi and Tama, the Headhunter and the Cold Skull aren’t in the running for the finals this year. But Hashi is still a NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Champion. Will Sanada earn Los Ingobernables de Japon a shot at those titles? Or will there be no Skull End in Hashi’s future?
The bell rings and the fans rally up, “SA-NA-DA!” “YO-SHI-HASH!” as the two stare down. They slowly circle, tie up, and Hashi gets around to a waistlock. Sanada switches, Hashi wrenches out to a wristlock but Sanada reverses that onto Hashi. Hashi rolls, trips Sanada and drops an elbow on the knee. Sanada tries to fight back with a forearm, Hashi traps the leg, but Sanada wrangles him with his free leg. Sanada wants the arm but Hashi clasps hands. Hashi pushes to a cover, Sanada keeps his shoulders up, and Hashi gets free. The fans cheer the exchange as the two reset. Hashi and Sanada feel out a knuckle lock but Hashi kicks low to get a headlock.
Hashi grinds the hold, Sanada fights up to throw body shots. Sanada powers out, Hashi runs him over with a shoulder, and fans cheer as Hashi speeds things up. Sanada drops, hurdles, runs and turns Hashi’s arm-drag into his own! Sanada then dropkicks and fans cheer as Hashi goes to a corner. Sanada goes corner to corner, Hashi puts him on the apron but Sanada forearms back. Hashi runs back to slide and trip Sanada up! Hashi then brings Sanada around the elbow on the back. Hashi whips Sanada, Sanada reverses but Hashi stops from running into railing. Hashi elbows Sanada away, then baits him in to drop toehold Sanada into railing!
The ref checks on Sanada but he’s somehow okay. Hashi drags Sanada up as the ring count climbs. Sanada’s dead weight so Hashi lets him be and goes into the ring. The count is already past 10, and reaching 15 as fans rally up. Sanada stands up and slides in at 19! Fans cheer as the match continues, and Hashi stomps Sanada down. Hashi drags Sanada up to snapmare and clamps on a chinlock. Sanada endures the knee in his back, Hashi grinds the hold but Sanada reaches out. Hashi pulls back harder, Sanada scoots forward with his foot, then gets the ropebreak! Fans cheer and Hashi lets go cleanly to bring Sanada back up.
Sanada throws forearms but Hashi gives them back. Fans rally up as they pick up speed, then Hashi CHOPS Sanada! Hashi hangs Sanada out to dry on the top rope, runs and dropkicks him down! Cover, TWO! Hashi drags Sanada up and whips him to a corner, runs in, and CHOPS again! Hashi brings Sanada around to suplex, HEAD- NO, Sanada fights out of the neckbreaker, but Hashi kicks low. Hashi whips, Sanada dropkicks Hashi’s leg out, and fans cheer as both men are down. Fans rally up, and Sanada kips up! Sanada rallies on Hashi with forearms and arm-drags, then a BIG atomic drop! Hashi staggers into a trip, and Sanada ties him up in Paradise!
Fans cheer and Sanada encourages them to get louder. The fans get louder, Sanada is satisfied with the volume, and he dropkicks Hashi out of Paradise! Cover, TWO! Sanada brings Hashi up but Hashi fights the fireman’s carry. Sanada kicks low, whips Hashi to a corner then RANAS him on the rebound! Fans fire up as Hashi bails out. Sanada takes aim and PLANCHA, but Hashi dodges! Hashi comes back with a PLANCHA of his own! Direct hit and down goes Sanada! Hashi stands back up, drags Sanada up and puts him in the ring. Fans cheer as Hashi goes up top and hits a FLYING BLOCKBUSTER! Cover, TWO!
Hashi keeps his cool and drags Sanada up. Hashi reels Sanada in, lifts but Sanada fights the bomb. Sanada fireman’s carries but Hashi fights free. Sanada elbows Hashi away, runs, but Hashi goes the other way to LARIAT Sanada down! Hashi gets Sanada up and hits a RUNNING POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO! Sanada survives and fans fire up but Hashi vows to end this. Hashi drags Sanada up and reels him back in. Hashi fisherman’s but Sanada fights the lift. Sanada puts Hashi on ropes for the MAGIC SCREW! Both men are down and fans fire back up! Hashi and Sanada slowly stir as the fans rally up, and Hashi rolls to the far side.
Sanada grits his teeth as he gets up in the corner. He runs corner to corner but Hashi dodges! Sanada tumbles up and out then springboard missile dropkicks back in! Sanada fireman’s carries but Hashi fights, so Sanada throws him into the dragon sleeper! Hashi drops to arm-drag free, but Sanada comes back to headlock! Hashi turns that into a full nelson! Half nelson, pump handle, but Sanada fights and rolls free to fireman’s carry again! TKO! Cover, TWO! Sanada goes up top to ROUNDING BODY PRESS onto knees! Hashi saves himself at the last second and Sanada writhes and rolls away. Fans rally up as Hashi climbs now, for the SWANTON onto knees! Sanada returns the favor!
Fans rally again, “SA-NA-DA!” “YO-SHI-HASH!” while both men are down. Sanada rises, throws a forearm, but Hashi forearms back. Sanada throws another forearm, Hashi gives it back. They stand, the forearms keep going, and fans rally up as they build up speed again! Sanada wobbles, Hashi ROCKS him then CHOPS him! Fans rally up again as Hashi waits on Sanada. Sanada stands to fire off forearms, ROLLING ELBOW, then tilt-o-whirl into the dragon sleeper! But Hashi fights to fisherman but Sanada fights out of that with a knee! Sanada leans on ropes, Hashi catches his breath and fans rally back up. Sanada runs but into a DRAGON SUPLEX!
But he’s right back up! Sanada runs but into a SUPERKICK! Hashi hurries to get Sanada up and run, BASEMENT METEORA! Fans fire up with Hashi as he drags Sanada up to the fisherman. KUMAGOROSHI! Cover, TWO!! Sanada survives but fans fire up again! Hashi wraps on a sleeper and leans on the hold. Sanada endures, claws at the hold but Hashi shifts to the full nelson, the half, but Sanada pops out of Karma to O’Conner Roll and sit-down! TWO!! Sanada fireman’s carries, Hashi slips out, Karma CRADLE! TWO!! Sanada and Hashi scramble to their feet, Hashi LARIATS Sanada down! Hashi sits Sanada up in the sleeper, shifts to the pump handle, KA-
NO! Dragon Sleeper! Inverted suplex, DRAPING TKO!! Top rope, ROUNDING BODY PRESS to Hashi’s back! But Sanada isn’t done there, he drags Hashi into the SKULL END!! Hashi endures, fans are thunderous, and Sanada bridges back as far as he can! HASHI TAPS, SANADA WINS!
Winner: Sanada, by submission (gains 2 points; Hashi earns 0)
The Cold Skull gets a hot win by switching up the pattern! Will Sanada be able to throw his opponents for a loop as the G1 enters the homestretch?
Kazuchika Okada VS Chase Owens!
The Rainmaker is going for lucky number 7, but the Crown Jewel could get another shocking upset! Will it be another hot hand for Okada? Or will he bust running into the Texas Heavyweight Champion?
The bell rings and fans rally up, “O-KA-DA! O-KA-DA!” as he and Chase circle. They feel out the grapple, back away, then approach to tie up collar ‘n’ elbow. Okada puts Chase against the ropes, lets off and fakes the chop, to then pat Chase on the shoulder. Fans cheer as Chase rushes in but Okada kicks low. Okada headlocks, Chase powers out but Okada runs him over. Things speed up, Okada fakes out Chase’s dropkick to run him over again. Okada drags Chase up, throws a short elbow, then comes back to CLUB Chase on the back. Chase goes to the corner, Okada brings him out and turns him for a NECKBREAKER! Cover, ONE, but Okada keeps Chase down with a chinlock.
Chase fights up, throws body shots, but Okada CLUBS him down. Okada brings Chase up to scoop and SLAM him, then he goes to the apron for a slingshot senton onto knees! Chase gets the better of Okada here, and fans rally up as Okada writhes. Chase stomps Okada, gets the legs to stomp him in the gut, then again. Chase digs his heel in, lets off, then jams knees into Okada’s back. Chase shoves Okada to ropes to then stand on his back! Chase salutes then steps off to bring Okada back up. Chase ROCKS Okada in the back with a forearm, then shoves him for another forearm! Chase whips Okada hard into a corner, and Okada falls to the mat.
Fans rally up again, “O-KA-DA! O-KA-DA!” but Chase drags Okada up. Okada throws body shots, forearms, and whips Chase, only for Chase to reverse into a cravat knee smash! Chase then hits a mule kick and NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Another try, TWO! Another, with both legs, TWO! The deep hook didn’t defeat the Rainmaker but Chase keeps his cool. Fans rally up, Chase sits Okada up to clamp on a shoulder claw! Okada endures as Chase digs deeper! Okada fights up, Chase CLUBS him down. Chase kicks Okada around and taunts him, then slaps him. Okada gets up, Chase throws a forearm but Okada eggs him on. Chase throws more forearms, Okada fires back!
Chase kicks the leg! Okada hobbles and Chase whips, but Okada ducks and dodges to CLOBBER Chase with an elbow! Fans fire up as both men are down again. Chase sits up but Okada stands as fans rally. Okada throws forearm after forearm, then whips Chase corner to corner. Okada runs in to back elbow! And then kick to DDT! Cover, TWO! Okada paces, brings Chase back up but Chase throat chops! Chase throws Okada out of the ring, builds speed but Okada dodges the dropkick to kick and DDT Chase to the floor! Fans fire up again as both men are down on the outside. The ref checks, both men are okay to continue, and a ring count starts.
Okada slowly sits up as the count reaches 10 of 20. Okada stands, brings Chase up and puts him in at 13. Fans cheer as this continues in the ring. Okada wrenches and puts on the MONEY CLIP! Chase RAMS Okada into a corner and is free, but Okada comes back, into a BACKBREAKER! Fans rally back up as Okada writhes. Chase hobbles around, runs corner to corner and forearms Okada, to then reel him in for a LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Chase drags Okada up, fireman’s carries, but Okada fights free. Chase elbows him back, runs, but into a FLAPJACK! Both men are down again and fans rally back up.
Okada sits up first but Chase follows. Okada is in the red corner, Chase runs in but Okada pops him up to the top rope. Chase boots back, Okada comes back but Chase puts him up top, GAMANGIRI! Chase cravats for a SUPER SNAPMARE SLAM! Cover, TWO! Okada survives and fans fire up again while Chase grows frustrated. Chase drags Okada up, wrenches an arm but Okada ROCKS him with forearms. Chase ROCKS Okada back, runs at the ropes but is put on the apron. Chase boots back, slingshots and SPEARS Okada down! Fans fire up as Chase drags Okada up. Chase whips Okada to a corner, runs in but is popped up to an Alabama! REVERSE NECKBREAKER!
Fans rally up as both men are down again. Okada drags Chase up, Chase swings but Okada catches the arm! MONEY CLIP! Chase throws haymakers with his free arm and is free! Chase whips, Okada reverses and dropkicks Chase down! Okada hurries to get the arm, MONEY CLIP! Chase is already red as Okada leans on the hold. Fans rally up, Chase fights, and gets the ROPEBREAK! Okada lets go and fans keep rallying. Okada and Chase slowly rise, Okada scoops and SLAMS Chase, then heads for the corner. Okada climbs, MACHO ELBOW DROP! And of course, Rainmaker Pose! Okada drags Chase up, wristlocks but Chase elbows back.
Okada ROCKS Chase with a forearm to the back! Okada goes to a corner, runs corner to corner but Chase dodges! Chase rolls Okada and has his feet on the ropes! The ref doesn’t see it, TWO!! Okada protests but Chase runs in, Okada dodges the knee. Okada runs, Chase resets to SHI TRIGGER!! Okada flounders against ropes, Chase runs again, but Okada dodges to SNAP GERMAN! Okada keeps the waistlock on to ripcord, but Chase dodges! And fakes out the dropkick to SHINING WIZARD! Chase drags Okada up, reels him in, but Okada back drops free! Chase fires off fast hands, but Okada ducks to backslide! Chase rolls through, BOOTS, but Okada just glares.
Chase boots again, Okada fires up, but into a SHI TRIGGER!! Chase roars, fans fire up and Chase underhooks the arms, but no Package Driver! Chase CLUBS away on Okada, tries again, but Okada flips through to the MONEY CLIP! Chase arm-drags free, but runs into a scoop! TOMBSTONE!! Both men are down but fans are thunderous! Okada gets up, drags Chase up and ripcords, but Chase ducks to backslide! Okada rolls through, Chase reels him in and tucks the arms, but Okada fights free again! Chase sunsets, Okada sits on it but Chase finishes the flip, TWO!! Okada narrowly escapes, spins Chase, but Chase BOOTS and hammerlocks! JEWEL-
No! Okada denies the heist to BACK2BACKBREAKER! And then MONEY CLIP!! Chase is caught again but he’s fighting as fans rally! Chase reaches, Okada drags him away to a MONEY CLIP CAMEL CLUTCH! Chase taps, Okada wins!!
Winner: Kazuchika Okada, by submission (gains 2 points; Chase earns 0)
And fortune still smiles upon the Rainmaker! Okada gives a Low Sweet to Chase, perhaps as a sign of respect. But will Okada be feeling too sweet all the way to the top of G1 finals?
Hirooki Goto VS EVIL w/ Dick Togo!
The Fierce Warrior may not be able to take the block, but he could spoil things for the King of Darkness! Will Goto make sure at least one name doesn’t make the cut? Or will he be the newest to learn Everything is Evil?
The jackets are put aside and Evil Low Sweets with Dick. The bell rings and Evil talks trash to Goto as the fans rally up. Goto just kicks and fires off CHOPS! Evil kicks and runs, but Goto ducks to run and run Evil over! Evil bails out but Goto tells him to get back in the ring. Dick distracts but Goto still sees the sneak attack coming! Goto kicks and fires forearms, but Evil rakes eyes! The ref reprimands, Evil tells him to shut up, but Goto turns things around to fire forearms! Goto whips corner to corner, takes a moment to check his vision, then runs corner to corner. But Evil dodges while taking the buckle pad! Goto runs into bare buckles while the ref reprimands Evil.
Evil tosses the buckle pad aside, drags Goto up and throws him out. Goto ends up by railing and we can see where this is going! Evil RAMS Goto into the timekeeper’s area! Down goes Abe-san, along with the bell and NEVER Openweight Six Man belt! Fans rally but Evil uses a chair to choke Goto! Evil lets off before the ref sees, then Too Sweets Dick before he gets in the ring. Evil gets impatient for the ring count but then he shouldn’t have knocked the timekeeper over! The ref keeps count all on his own and it climbs up to 10 of 20 before Goto gets up. Goto stands at 12, Abe-san joins the counting at 14, and Goto gets in at 16.
Evil grabs a leg and stomps away on it! He then turns Goto over for a HALF CRAB! Goto endures, drags himself around but Evil blocks him from the ropes! Goto powers through and still gets the ropebreak! Evil sits deeper but lets off as the ref counts to 4. Evil paces and fans rally for Goto, but Evil kicks him around and CLUBS him. Evil then scoops, SLAMS and covers, TWO! Another, TWO! Another, TWO!! Evil gets frustrated but the fans cheer as Goto stays in this. Evil gives toying kicks and talks trash, then stands on Goto’s head. Fans rally, Evil brings Goto up and Goto fires off hands! Evil kicks low, then boots, but Goto deflects to DISCUS LARIAT!
Both men are down and rolling towards corners as fans rally up. Goto runs in at Evil, MURAMASA! And BULLDOG! Cover, TWO! Goto drags Evil up, Evil kicks low and runs but Goto follows to LARIAT! Goto gets Evil up, fireman’s carries, but Evil bails out. Evil takes a moment to catch his breath and go around the way, then he dares Goto to come get him. Goto slides out but Evil slides in. Goto gets to the apron, Evil runs in but Goto ROCKS him with a forearm. Evil grabs at the ref and Dick grabs at Goto! Goto kicks Dick away but Evil BLASTS Goto off the apron! Goto hits railing and the timekeeper’s area again! Abe-san suffers again!
Dick drags Goto up to DECK him while Evil still distracts the ref! Dick then puts Goto in for Evil to cover, TWO! Evil grows annoyed but fans rally up again. Evil drags Goto up, Goto blocks the fireman’s carry! Evil knees low, whips Goto into the bare buckles, then runs, but into a fireman’s carry! USHIGOROSHI! Both men are down and fans fire up again! Evil goes to a neutral corner, drags himself up the ropes, but Goto runs in! Evil BOOTS him, Goto comes back but into more BOOTS! Evil runs at Goto, DOUBLE LARIATS collide, but Goto stays up! Goto grits his teeth, drags Evil up and slaps him around. Goto fires up but Evil blocks the kick to rake the eyes!
Evil throws Goto’s foot at the ref so hard, the ref falls down! Not Evil’s usual tactic, but that’s because he wants Dick to get in! MAGIC KILLER!! Evil shouts the ref as he covers, the ref counts, TWO!! Goto survives and Evil is beside himself! Evil drags Goto up, fireman’s carries, DARKNESS FALLS!! Cover, TWO!! Goto survives again and fans fire up! Goto and Evil stir as the fans rally, but Evil stands first. Evil slashes his throat, drags Goto up, spins Goto around, but Goto throws elbows to fight the STO! Evil still tries but Goto gets free and pulls hair. Evil breaks free but Goto ducks his elbow to ROCK Evil with a right! Facelock, URA GTR! Goto keeps moving, and LARIATS Evil down! Cover, TWO!!
Fans fire up again as both men are down. Goto grits his teeth and fires himself up as he stands. Goto drags Evil up, dragon sleepers, but Evil slips out to shove him at the ref! But Goto blocks the low blow to fire off forearms! Evil drops to his knees, Goto drags him back up, but Evil reels him in! Goto slips out to sweep the leg! Goto figure fours the legs for the GOTO SHIKI CRADLE! But Dick is distracting the ref!! Goto would’ve won twice over! He lets off to tell Dick to leave, as does the ref. But then Evil runs in! Goto gets the ref out of the way, Evil clotheslines Dick in the corner! Goto runs in to clothesline sandwich them both!
Fans fire up with Goto and he drags Evil back up into the dragon sleeper. But Evil rakes eyes again! The ref reprimands, Evil drags Goto back up and whips him, only for Goto to reverse! Evil hits buckles, Goto fireman’s carries, G T W!! Cover, TWO?!! Evil survives but Goto still has more to give! Goto fires up and takes aim, BUZZSAW! Then the dragon sleeper, for G T- No, Evil grabs the ref! Goto shoves them away, Evil uses the ref as a shield, and Dick uses the SPOILER CHOKER!! Goto is fading out, Dick leaves him on the mat! Evil finally lets the ref go and drags Goto up, EVERYTHING IS EVIL!! Cover, Evil wins!!
Winner: EVIL, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Goto earns 0)
Talk about spoiling things! The King of Darkness keeps winning thanks to his court jester, and he is still alive in the block! Is there still an outside chance Darkness Falls on the G1 Climax finals?
Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Jeff Cobb!
The Ace is on the outside looking in, but that doesn’t mean he can’t turn the tides! Will he put the United Empire’s Hulk on a last minute detour? Or will he be crushed as Cobb climbs up the G1?
Tanahashi takes off the jacket and shows off the muscles, which the fans do like. Fans rally up already, “Let’s Go, Ace! Let’s Go, Ace!” at the bell. Tanahashi and Cobb circle, feel out the grapple slowly, then tie up with knuckle locks. Just one of Cobb’s is stronger than both of Tanahashi’s, and Tanahashi gets away to reset. They tie up again, collar ‘n’ elbow, but are in a deadlock. Cobb pushes Tanahashi back to ropes, Tanahashi turns things around, and Tanahashi lets off, only for Cobb to shove him down. Tanahashi gets up and protests, but then shrugs it off as he and Cobb circle again. They tie up, Tanahashi headlocks but Cobb powers up.
Tanahashi thrashes the hold, Cobb tries to power out but Tanahashi holds tight! Cobb fights and powers up again to power out. Tanahsahi slides out to avoid any kind of shoulder tackle and fans cheer his savvy. Tanahashi wants Cobb to chase him but Cobb tells Tanahashi to get back in. They continue to dare each other, Tanahashi gets the fans rallying again. Cobb goes out, Tanahashi gets back in and Cobb gets frustrated. Cobb gets in, Tanahashi runs but into a scoop! Tanahashi slips out, full nelsons, but Cobb breaks it with pure power! Tanahashi powers up to put it back on but Cobb powers up to break it again! Cobb grins but Tanahashi powers up even more, so Cobb elbows him away.
Cobb runs in at the corner but gets an elbow. Tanahashi goes up but Cobb drags him down with a waistlock. Tanahashi elbows free but runs into a DROPKICK from Cobb! Fans cheer the agility of the big bad Cobb, and he stomps Tanahashi down. Cobb JAMS his knee into Tanahashi’s back, then throws an uppercut. One finger cover, ONE! Tanahashi doesn’t appreciate Cobb’s cockiness, but Cobb wraps him up in a rear bearhug. Tanahashi endures the squeeze, Cobb pushes him into the corner, then throws body shots. Cobb RAMS his shoulder in, and again, then brings Tanahashi around to scoop and cradle for a BACKBREAKER! Cobb uses Tanahashi as his guitar!
Cobb shoves Tanahashi into the corner again, then CHOP LARIATS! Fans rally up, “Let’s Go, Ace!” but Cobb CHOP LARIATS again! And again! Cobb lets off and Tanahashi drops to a knee. Cobb mocks those clapping for Tanahashi as he scoops and carries Tanahashi around. Cobb KNEES Tanahashi in the side, then again, before tossing him down. Cover, TWO! GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Fans cheer but Cobb is annoyed with Tanahashi’s resilience. Fans rally up and Cobb toys with The Ace. Cobb stands on Tanahashi’s hand, then lets off. Tanahashi slowly stands, throws body shots, but Cobb just laughs those off.
Cobb messes Tanahashi’s hair up but Tanahashi throws harder body shots! Tanahashi fires up but Cobb RAMS him into the corner! Then goes corner to corner to RAM him! Then back the other way! Then a fourth time! Cobb lets Tanahashi fall while fans cheer his strength. Cobb steps on Tanahashi as he heads to the corner and climbs up. Cobb mocks Tanahashi’s posing, SUNSET SENTON FLOPS! Cobb completed the rotation but Tanahashi avoids the impact! Fans fire up as Tanahashi stands and fires fast hands on Cobb. Tanahashi whips, Cobb reverses but Tanahashi comes back with FLYING FOREARMS! Tanahashi fires up more as he puts Cobb in the drop zone.
Tanahashi stomps Cobb, goes up the corner, and shows him how it’s done! SUNSET SENTON! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up for Tanahashi as he waits on Cobb. Cobb slowly rises, Tanahashi runs, and he dropkicks the legs out! Then he gets a leg for the DRAGON SCREW! Tanahashi ties up the legs for the TEXAS CLOVER HOLD! But Cobb’s so big, it’s hard to turn him over! Tanahashi powers up and gets the turn! Cobb endures, powers up, but Tanahashi sits deep! Cobb powers up again and gets the ropebreak! Tanahashi lets go quickly and stalks Cobb as fans rally. Tanahashi stomps the legs, even as Cobb holds ropes. Red Shoes has Tanahashi let off and Cobb goes to the apron.
Tanahashi runs back over but Cobb ROCKS him first! And headbutts! Cobb bumps Tanahashi off buckles, then climbs up the corner. Cobb wants to bring Tanahashi up but Tanahashi fights the superplex to the outside! He gets Cobb’s leg through the ropes, DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! Cobb flops down to the floor as fans fire back up! Fans rally, Tanahashi climbs up top and watches Cobb down below. HIGH FLY ATTACK! Direct hit and down goes Cobb! Red Shoes checks on both men but they’re somehow okay to continue. Fans rally harder than ever, “Let’s Go, Ace! Let’s Go, Ace!” Red Shoes starts a ring count as both men stir.
Tanahashi stands at 8 of 20, gets in the ring at 10, but Cobb is still down at 13! Cobb rises at 14, flounders at 16, then hobbles up and in at 18! Fans cheer as this continues, and Tanahashi fires up as he runs. SLING- NO! Cobb gets around to a waistlock but Tanahashi elbows free. Tanahashi runs into a LARIAT from Cobb! Fans rally again while both men are down. Tanahashi crawls to a corner and drags himself up the ropes. Cobb runs in but misses the back elbow! Tanahashi runs in but Cobb catches his crossbody! Cobb pops Tanahashi up to a suplex, but Tanahashi fights free to TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Tanahashi fires up and runs, SLINGBLADE! Cover, TWO!
Tanahashi drags Cobb to a drop zone and goes up the corner. Fans fire up as Tanahashi aims, HIGH FLY FLOW onto knees!! Cobb saves himself and Tanahashi writhes and rolls away! Fans are thunderous as the two slowly stir. Tanahashi fires himself up, he and Cobb glare at each other. Cobb springs up to his one good leg and dares Tanahashi to bring the fight! Cobb throws a forearm, Tanahashi gives it back. Cobb forearms again, Tanahashi gives it back again. Fans rally as the two pick up speed and keep going. Cobb ROCKS Tanahashi, keeps throwing forearms, but then he loads up, only for Tanahashi to SHOTEI! But Cobb fires up, only to turn around into another SHOTEI!
Tanahashi runs, SLING- NO! Cobb swings Tanahashi, ATHLETIC- NO! Tanahashi makes it a SLINGBLADE!! Cover, TWO!! Fans are thunderous again and Tanahashi goes right back to a corner! Tanahashi climbs, aims, HIGH FLY ATTACK is caught!! Cobb pops Tanahashi around to a fireman’s carry, for an F5 THOUSAND!! Both men are down again and fans rallying as Cobb crawls to a cover. TWO!! Tanahashi barely gets out of that one and Cobb is beside himself. Fans rally, “LET’S GO, ACE!” as hard as they can. Cobb tells Tanahashi to just give up but Tanahashi says he won’t! Cobb whips Tanahashi to ropes, scoops, but Tanahashi makes it a cradle, TWO!!!
Cobb and Tanahashi stagger up, Tanahashi blocks the superkick to SHOTEI! But Cobb GERMAN SUPLEXES outta nowhere! Cobb whips and scoops, TOUR OF THE ISLAND!!! Cover, Cobb wins!!
Winner: Jeff Cobb, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Tanahashi earns 0)
The Once in a Century Talent falls again! He was already out of the running, but is he just going to owe yet another IWGP US Championship match in the aftermath? As for Cobb, he gets the mic to speak.
“Tanahashi, Tanahashi.” He applauds, showing his respect. “Are you guys sad that I beat the Ace?” Tanahashi is amazing! But two more wins for Cobb and the United Empire! Jeff Cobb is senshou youshou! That is to say, he will be THE champion in NJPW! But will Cobb’s confidence and dominance be tested in these last two rounds?
Here are the current B Block standings!
Kazuchika Okada: 7-0, 14 points
Jeff Cobb: 7-0, 14 points
EVIL: 6-1, 12 points
Hiroshi Tanahashi: 3-4, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
SANADA: 3-4, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
Hirooki Goto: 2-5, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
YOSHI-HASHI: 2-5, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
Tama Tonga: 2-5, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
Taichi: 2-5, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
Chase Owens: 1-6, 2 points [ELIMINATED]
My Thoughts:
Another great round for the G1, but full disclosure, I really did consider skipping the first two G1 matches since they wouldn’t affect the top of the block. But Taichi VS Tama was still really good and could lead to Dangerous Tekkers VS Guerrillas of Destiny one more time for the IWGP Heavyweight Tag titles. And Hashi VS Sanada was also very good, and it was great to see Sanada change things up. I hope Sanada finally gets something going for himself, he was running real hot just a couple years ago but things seemed to change, even without factoring in COVID and 2020.
But of course, the latter three matches were great stuff. Chase looks strong even in losing to Okada, who of course continues on undefeated. Evil also stays in the running with his 6-1 record, he could definitely try to spoil things for Cobb next round. But after Cobb got that great win in a great match with Tanahashi, it’s as I said before and I’ll say it again: Okada VS Cobb, both undefeated going into the ninth and final round, that is the big money main event NJPW is sitting on. The winner of that should go in as the undefeated 9-0 B Block winner, and maybe even THE G1 winner just on that. Given that, I feel like Okada finds a way to win to really beef up how the G1 feels.
My Score: 9.1/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
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Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

Quien es el mejor del mundo? Who is the best in the world?
WWE and AAA are now united, and to celebrate, they put together on an incredible card for Worlds Collide 2025 in Los Angeles, California!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Six Man Tag: Dragon Lee, Cruz Del Toro & Lince Dorado VS Aerostar, Octagon Jr. & Mr. Iguana; win.
- Six Man Tag: Legado Del Fantasma VS Pagano, Psycho Clown & El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr; win(s).
- Stephanie Vaquer & Lola Vice VS Dalys & Chik Tormenta; win.
- NXT North American Championship Fatal 4 Way: Ethan Page VS Je’Von Evans VS Rey Fenix VS Laredo Kid; wins and
- AAA Mega Championship: El Hijo del Vikingo VS Chad Gable; wins and
PLAY BY PLAY
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

SmackDown is going big in Bakersfield!
John Cena, Logan Paul, Cody Rhodes, Jey Uso, and ALL TWELVE Money in the Bank contenders, all here on the same night! Is SmackDown about to blow the roof off this place?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- JC Mateo w/ Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu VS Jimmy Uso; Jimmy wins.
- Bakersfield Brawl: Zelina Vega VS Piper Niven w/ The Green Administration; Zelina wins.
- LA Knight VS Aleister Black; Knight wins, by disqualification.
- Six Woman Tag: Rhea Ripley, Alexa Bliss & Stephanie Vaquer VS Naomi, Roxanne Perez & Giulia; Rhea, Alexa & Vaquer win.
- Andrade & PENTA VS The Creed Brothers w/ Chad Gable; Andrade & Penta win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Seth Rollins heads to the ring!
The Visionary is just one of the six men in this year’s Money in the Bank Ladder match, and he of course has Paul Heyman, Bron Breakker & “Big” Bronson Reed with him. The fans sing along, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” and Rollins revels in it as he stands in the ring in his all indigo suit with gold necklace. The fans also bark for Bron, and others get an “O T C!” chant and a “C M PUNK!” chant going. Rollins is handed the mic by The Wise Man to say, “Bakersfield… I am a Visionary. I am a Revolutionary. I am… SETH! FREAKIN’! ROLLINS!” The fans do cheer, and Rollins vows that tomorrow night, HE TAKES EVERYTHING!
Rollins points to the briefcases up above and the fans are torn. Rollins says when he wins the MITB contract, he will have ABSOLUTE POWER, and he will have TOTAL CONTROL over this entire industry! Rollins paces while the fans chant for “O T C! O T C!” Rollins says yeah, no, he can’t hear you. That guy is off on the Island of Irrelevancy where Rollins put him after WrestleMania! But that total control Rollins will have doesn’t just mean Raw. It will include SmackDown, as well! So they are here to deliver a message! Anyone who stands in their way will suffer the same fate as anyone who has already stood in their way.
“Sami Zayn stood in our way. He’s in the dirt. CM Punk stood in our way. POOF! Gone! Roman Reigns stood in our way, and he is Missing In Action. Roman Reigns is not coming to save you. Roman Reigns doesn’t care about you! Roman Reigns has never cared about you! But y’know who has?! You know who has?! SETH FREAKIN’ ROLLINS!” The fans are again torn, but Rollins says he will drag all of you, kicking and screaming if he has to, into the future because that is what Rollins does. Not just for himself, not just for his group, but for the entire industry! And there is NOBODY who can stop him!
Wait! Here comes Solo Sikoa and his “family.” The fans actually cheer as Solo, JC Mateo & Jacob Fatu head to the ring. Rollins and his faction stand their ground as Solo grabs a mic and leads the way for his rogues into the ring. The fans cheer on “FATU! FATU!” and Solo says, “You said that, uh, if anybody gets in your way, that you’re gonna lay ’em out?” Rollins says, “That’s right.” And that there is nobody here to stop him? That’s also right. Well, uh, Solo’s team is standing here right now. Oh, is that so? Solo says by the looks of it, Rollins has his own little “Bloodline” going on. Which one is Bron supposed to be? The Right Hand Man, Jey Uso? “YEET!”
Then does that make Bronson the “Honorary Uce?” After everything they’ve been through… Bronson was on Solo’s side for WarGames! And now, he no calls, then shows up and teams up with this guy? But Rollins even has The Wise Man. Speaking of, long time no see, Heyman. Rollins tells Solo to choose his next words very carefully. Solo laughs that off, and says let’s cut to the chase. All we know is, tomorrow night, Solo climbs the ladder, grabs the contract, and then all that power and control Rollins talked about will all be Solo’s. Rollins laughs that off and says he sees. This is Solo’s turf, he is pushing back.
Is Solo threatened because Bron Breakker is the future of this industry and Solo is not? Is he threatened that Bronson Reed could squash Solo like a bug at the snap of Rollins’ fingers? Well, Solo should be worried. But he should really be worried about the fact that Solo’s own family would rather stab him in the back than have his back. Rollins looks at The Samoan Werewolf, and says, “What’s up, Jacob? You look like you wanna say something. C’mon, take the mic from Solo. You gonna let Solo talk for you?” Solo tells Rollins to shut up. Rollins says Fatu is the werewolf, but there could be a new nickname for him, like “Solo’s B*tch.”
The fans fire up and Rollins says hey, in all seriousness, it took a lot of guts for Solo to come out here and talk to him. Solo is threatened by Rollins, while Rollins is threatened by one Fatu in here, and it ain’t Solo. Rollins smiles, the fans cheer Fatu on, but Solo takes off his jacket. Rollins takes off his jacket, but Bron steps up. So Fatu steps up! The sunglasses come off, but Rollins has Bron stand down. Rollins has his faction leave first, but will all these heavy hitters throw down soon enough?
Wait! Jimmy Uso CLOBBERS JC Mateo into Fatu! #BigJim snuck in from the crowd side! Solo bails but JC takes the SUPERKICK! The fans fire up and Rollins chuckles. Solo has Fatu calm down, Jimmy is the issue, not JC! Will JC take Jimmy on a Tour of the Islands? Or will that be a #NoYeet?
JC Mateo w/ Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu VS Jimmy Uso!
SmackDown returns and this match is underway as JC TOSSES Jimmy to a corner! JC mocks the No Yeet before he runs in, but Jimmy dodges! Jimmy UPPERCUTS, CHOPS, and CHOPS again! Jimmy climbs up, the fans fire up, and Jimmy rains down fists! The fans count along, but JC stops Jimmy at 7! JC DUMPS Jimmy to the apron, but Jimmy RAMS and GAMANGIRIS JC! Jimmy goes up, up, and CROSSBODIES! Cover, ONE!! JC is tougher than that but Jimmy clamps on with a chinlock. JC endures, fights up, and the fans rally. JC slips around, shoves Jimmy, and clinches for an EXPLODER!
The fans rally while both Jimmy and JC catch their breath. JC stands on Jimmy’s hand, then drags him up with a fishhook! JC makes Jimmy look at Solo, Solo says it is not too late. Jimmy can just come back home, unless he wants to get his ass kicked. Jimmy refuses, so JC hits a BIG back suplex! Solo eggs Jimmy on, JC stomps Jimmy, then JC clamps on a chinlock. The fans rally up and Jimmy fights to his feet. Jimmy fires body shots, JC shoves him away, and then JC ELBOWS Jimmy down! JC stalks Jimmy, CHOPS him against the ropes, then CHOPS him again! JC whips, Jimmy grabs ropes, and then Jimmy dodges to TOSS JC!
JC gets up but Jimmy UPPERCUTS him down! The fans fire up, Jimmy builds speed, and Jimmy DIVES! Direct hit into JC and the fans fire up again! Jimmy hurries to get JC up and into the ring. Solo asks Jimmy what’s going on here. They can still be family! Jimmy GAMANGIRIS JC instead! Jimmy goes up but Solo barks at him. The ref reprimands Solo, but JC DROPKICKS Jimmy to the floor! Solo says this is what he’s trying to tell Jimmy, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Jimmy sputters, the ring count climbs, but JC rolls out to fetch Jimmy. JC THROWS Jimmy into barriers! Solo talks trash, JC drags Jimmy up and SMACKS him off the apron. JC pushes Jimmy into the ring, stomps him around, then talks trash on the fans cheering Jimmy on. JC puts Jimmy on the ropes to CHOKE him! Fatu frowns, Solo talks trash, and JC stomps Jimmy again. JC HEADBUTTS Jimmy in the corner, then gets space. JC runs and HIP ATTACKS! Jimmy sputters and flops over, Solo tells him that this can stop, but Jimmy refuses to give up. JC clamps on a chinlock and grinds Jimmy down!
Jimmy endures, fights up, but JC wrangles him back down! JC grinds Jimmy down more, but Jimmy still endures. Jimmy fights up, only for JC to squeeze tighter. Solo talks trash the whole time as Jimmy endures, and SmackDown returns to single picture. The fans rally harder and harder as Jimmy stands! Jimmy JAWBREAKERS free! But JC ELBOWS, JABS, and YUKON LARIATS! Then GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT! Jimmy sputters and scrambles away, but JC smirks as he stalks Jimmy to the ropes. JC CHOKES Jimmy, lets off as the ref counts, and Solo asks again. Jimmy says no, so Solo says Jimmy isn’t done, so JC needs to kick his ass more.
JC puts Jimmy in a corner, UPPERCUTS, and then brings him around to whip corner to corner. Jimmy goes up, over, and then SAMOAN DROPS! The fans fire up as Solo is upset and confused as to how Jimmy has more to give. The fans rally again, and both men stand. Jimmy counter punches! Then HEADBUTTS! Then mule kicks, pops ‘n’ locks and UPPERCUTS! Jimmy dodges a lariat, fireman’s carries again, but JC slips free! JC JABS while Jimmy kicks low! Jimmy rebounds, JC blocks the kick and spins him, but Jimmy DRAGON WHIPS! JC staggers to a corner and Jimmy CHOPS! Jimmy whips corner to corner, JC reverses, but Jimmy ELBOWS JC1
Jimmy goes up, up, and USO IN THE WIND! Cover, TWO!! JC stays in this and Jimmy is stunned! The fans rally more as Jimmy and JC go to corners. Jimmy says, “UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs in, but JC catches him to a waistlock! Jimmy fires elbows, whips, but JC reverses and reels Jimmy in, ATHLETIC PLEX! Cover, TWO! Jimmy survives and Solo says it’s alright. JC whips Jimmy to the corner, runs in, but Jimmy BOOTS JC! And then SUPERKICKS! And then SUPERKICKS again! JC still comes back, but Jimmy dodges to SPEAR! The fans fire up as Jimmy hurries up a corner! Solo distracts from the apron! The fans boo, and now Fatu is up!
Jimmy hops down before Jacob can do anything. They glare at each other, but Jimmy dodges JC! JC CLOBBERS Fatu! Roll-up, JIMMY WINS!!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
#BigJim uses the numbers game against Solo’s side, and now he’s got a win over a former Olympian and multi-time champion from NJPW! JC blames Fatu for this, Fatu doesn’t wanna hear it, and Solo does his best to smooth things over. But will Solo’s team lose all control before he ever becomes a champion?
Zelina Vega crosses paths with Giulia.
The Women’s United States Champion tells the Beautiful Madness that she made her intentions very clear last week. Now allow Zelina to make her intentions very clear: Zelina has worked her ass off to have the title. If Giulia wants her shot, then pry it from her lifeless body. Zelina is not giving this up for anything. Giulia says no, she likes Zelina. Zelina has confidence. Yes, well… La Muneca heads out to handle business with the Green Administration. Will Zelina survive now that Chelsea has gotten rid of the rules? Or will Piper Niven help Madam President Green make SmackDown a hot mess again?
Jacob Fatu returns backstage.
He is in no mood, but Damian Priest walks over anyway. The Archer of Infamy says it’s tough working with family. What Fatu is going through, he’s been there, and he doesn’t envy it. But regardless of the situation, man to man, face to face, Priest wants Fatu to know that at some point, Priest is coming for the US Championship. Fatu says Priest can line it up. Because if Priest doesn’t handle business with Fatu, he’s send to the back of the line with it. YADADA mean? Fatu heads out, when and where will these monstrous men battle it out?
Bakersfield Brawl: Zelina Vega VS Piper Niven w/ The Green Administration!
SmackDown returns as the WWE Women’s US Champion makes her entrance. The bell rings and the fans rally up. The two tie up, Piper SHOVES Zelina down, and then grins as she flexes. Zelina brushes that off, resets with Piper, and they tie up again. Piper SHOVES Zelina away and Zelina goes to the outside. Piper salutes but Zelina brings something out from under the ring! Piper storms her way over, and SMACK! Kendo stick! Zelina uses Chelsea’s tricks against her, SMACK and SMACK for Piper! Piper grabs the stick to HEADBUTT Zelina! Piper snarls and storms up to bring Zelina around. Piper scoops, but Zelina slips free!
Zelina has the stick again! SMACK! Zelina then adds a CODE BREAKER! Cover, TWO! Piper is tougher than that but she bails out of the ring. The fans rally for Zelina and call for tables. Chelsea says no they don’t! Zelina WRECKS Piper with a dropkick, then DOUBLE STOMPS her down! Zelina hurries to go up the steps, then she FLYING- NO! Piper stops the rana to swing Zelina up and around. ELECTRIC CHAIR SLAM on the apron! Zelina sputters, Piper goes up the ramp, and then Piper runs downhill! SPLASH against the LED! The Green Administration is standing tall while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and both women are down. Chelsea shouts for Piper to get up so Piper rises. Piper goes to a corner, and she brings a chain over! The fans rally but Piper uses the chain to CHOKE- NO, Zelina blocks the chain, but Piper makes it a GAG! Piper still chokes Zelina, brings her to a corner, and BOOTS her into the buckles! Zelina is in a daze, and Piper teases fans by taking off her suit jacket. Piper throws the jacket aside, grabs a chair, and she sits it up at center. Piper drags Zelina up and over, coops her, and salutes for the FULL METAL- DDT COUNTER!! Zelina turns things around, hurries to cover, but Piper flops right out of the ring!
Chelsea stresses out but Zelina now goes to the apron. Then she climbs up the corner, and she ARIHARA MOONSAULTS! Down goes The Green Administration! Zelina hurries back up, but Piper SLAPS her first! Piper has Zelina stuck up top and climbs up to get her. The fans rally, Piper brings Zelina to the top rope, but Zelina fires body shots! Zelina HEADBUTTS again and again, then SMACKS Piper off buckles! Zelina climbs up, and she hops on for the SUPER CODE RED!!! Cover, ALBA BREAKS IT! Then Chelsea drags Zelina out! There’s nothing to stop them from mugging Zelina! The fans boo but this is why Chelsea had this match made to start with!
Piper shouts to Alba, “GET THE TABLES!” Alba fetches exactly that and the fans fire up! The table is put in the ring, Piper scoops Zelina, PIPER DRIVER on the floor! Zelina sputters but The Green Administration isn’t done with her! The table is set up near a corner, Piper pushes Zelina in, and Chelsea says the people get what they want! Piper puts Zelina on the table, waves goodbye, then goes up the corner. But wait! GIULIA is here?! She DOUBLE LARIATS Alba & Chelsea! And Zelina gets under Piper! Piper holds on, but Giulia uses a kendo stick to SMACK Piper’s hands! Piper loses her grip, Zelina POWERBOMBS Piper down through the table!! Cover, ZELINA WINS!!
Winner: Zelina Vega, by pinfall
Giulia grins as she helps Zelina survive. But was this less about helping Zelina so much as helping herself? YEP! She HEADBUTTS Zelina and reels her in! NORTHERN LIGHTS BOMB!! Giulia is no fool, it is easier to beat a champion who is all alone than one with minions hanging around. Will Giulia soon take all the gold for herself once she becomes Miss Money in the Bank?
Jey Uso and Cody Rhodes meet backstage.
The American Nightmare asks how Main Event Jey is doing. A bit banged up from Monday but he’ll be fine. How about Cody? He looks good. And then Jimmy joins in. They shake hands and Jimmy asks if Jey is okay. Jey says of course! What does everyone keep asking? Jimmy says he has a match tomorrow and a big title match on Monday! They just want to make sure The YEET Man is ready to YEET. Jey says yeah, that’s what champs do. But the only thing they need to worry about tonight is what John Cena & Logan Paul are gonna say. After that, they handle tomorrow. YEET? YEET! Jey heads out, but will he and Cody handle business? Or will they get handled instead?
Aleister Black speaks.
“No. I can’t let it go. Initially, I had convinced myself that someone of your standing, someone that’s so loved by the WWE Universe, using the Black Mass was almost respectful. And in a weird way I almost respect it, but the longer I think about it, the more I think that you stole something from me. And that does not sit well with me. It’s funny what the human mind can do. But now, I wanna take away all this security that you had in that match. No Shinsuke Nakamura, no relaxed rules. Just you, and me. And all the shadows that are there. And I will drag you into the light, and see what’s left of you.
“But if you beat me, LA Knight, I will look you in the eyes, I will shake your hand, and I will accept defeat.” The Dark Father wants the Mega Star to earn his respect, can he do it?
LA Knight VS Aleister Black!
SmackDown returns as Knight makes his entrance, and he grabs a mic. “LEMME TALK TO YA! It’s that time of the year again. Yeah.” “YEAH!” “It’s MITB season!” “YEAH!” “And I think about it, and you do a little bit o’ math here, yeah.” “YEAH!” “This is my third year in a row being in MITB.” “YEAH!” “What’s that, sir? You said third time’s the charm?” “YEAH!” “Whatcha think, third time’s the charm?” “YEAH!” Knight ain’t satisfied with that. He looks at five guys running out here, like Penta. We like Penta, right? He’ll do everything under the sun to try and reach up and grab that case. “YEAH!”
There’s Andrade. They like him a bit, right? Another guy who’s gonna do every possible thing he can to get up there. Well, everyone’s gonna do everything they can, but those guys take it to another level. But those guys, we respect them a little bit, but then we get to the “Goons.” Then we get to… El Grande Americano Chad Gable. The fans are torn and Knight asks him which is it? Do we like him or not? The fans are still conflicted, but Knight says dummy number two is Solo Sikoa. Everyone hates him! Knight feels the same! And Solo, they’ve done this a million times, and Knight can drop him on his head one more time to climb up the ladder and take the briefcase.
But then there’s dummy number three. Knight thinks about a men he hasn’t really had interactions with, a man who has gotten crewed up and that is Seth Rollins. The fans are torn again, but Knight says Rollins has been here, done that, had the case and cashed in. He wants to #BurnItDown! But Rollins has to understand that there is nothing hotter than a night in LA with LA Knight, YEAH! And what that means Rollins won’t be burning anything done, ROLLINS gets burned down by this man, YEAH! Before that, we have tonight, Aleister Black. Aleister had a shot, and Knight understands. This is a big deal! MITB is a big deal!
MITB can make or break careers, so Knight gets why Aleister’s feelings got hurt when Knight “stole” the win. But it was a Triple Threat, Knight had to do what he had to do and got the job done. If that hurt Aleister’s feeling, sorry. But now he’s set himself up to get those feelings hurt one more time, YEAH! And you know that coming into California, Bakersfield, Aleister will be home on Saturday watching whose game this is, with everybody saying L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!! But then Aleister makes his entrance. Will the Mega Star still shine? Or is he about to #FadeToBlack? We find out, after the break.
SmackDown returns and the bell rings. The two circle, the fans rally, and the two tie up. Knight headlocks, Aleister powers up and out, then Aleister drops down and hurdles over. Knight stops and waistlocks, Aleister switches, and they go to ropes. Knight bucks the O’Conner, but runs up into a victory roll! TWO, the two stand, and Knight avoids a boot to flip and sunset! TWO, and Knight blocks a shot, only for Aleister to stop the BFT! Knight comes back, but narrowly avoids the Black Mass! The fans cheer the standoff as the two reset. The two circle again, tie up, and they go around. They end up on the ropes, in a corner, then the ropes again.
The fans cheer as they go around and around and make a full lap! And then they keep going! They finally stay in a corner, the ref counts, and Knight slowly lets off. Aleister shoves, Knight shoves, and Aleister hits a headlock takeover. Aleister grinds Knight down but Knight fights up. The fans rally, Knight stands up and fires body shots. Knight powers up and out, then he CLOBBERS Aleister! The fans rally, Knight stomps Aleister, and then stalks him. Knight brings Aleister up, snap suplexes, then covers, ONE!! Aleister is tougher than that but the fans rally. Knight brings Aleister up, bumps him off buckles, and RAMS into Aleister!
The ref counts as Knight RAMS Aleister again and again. Knight whips corner to corner, Aleister KICKS him in return! Aleister waistlocks, Knight elbows free, kicks, but Aleister denies the DDET! Knight UP KICKS, but then Aleister ROUND KICKS! Aleister runs, but into a LARIAT! Cover, TWO! The fans rally while both men catch their breath. Knight storms up on Aleister, drags him up, but Aleister JAWBREAKERS! Knight scoops, Aleister lands out, they throw hands, and Aleister shoves Knight to a corner. Knight kicks but Aleister blocks to JUMP KNEE! Cover, TWO! Knight stays in this but he might be seeing stars.
Aleister stalks Knight, brings him around, and KICKS him against ropes! Knight goes to a corner, Aleister BOOTS him, and Aleister fires forearms. Aleister brings Knight in for a snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Knight stays in this but Aleister stays on him. Knight fires hands, Aleister fires a strike fest! LEG SWEEP! Aleister runs to SLIDING KNEE! Aleister handsprings, goes up, but Knight LRAIATS Aleister and himself up and out! The fans fire up while both men are down, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and Aleister FLYING SUNSET FLIPS, but Knight rolls through! Aleister avoids the boot, kips up and BOOTS back! Then QUEBRADA! Cover, TWO! Knight stays in this and Aleister is stunned! Aleister waits on Knight while the fans declare, “This is Awesome!” Aleister aims, Knght ducks the Black Mass, but Aleister denies the BFT! Knight dodges Aleister to hit the JUMPING NECKBREAKER! POP-UP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up and Knight climbs, then spells it out! “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!!” BOX JUMP ELBOW DROP, but Knight blocks the boot! Knight rolls Aleister to his feet, spins him around, and tortuer racks!
The fans fire up for Knights’ BURNING- NO, Aleister lands out! Knight narrowly deflects the boot to roll Aleister up! TWO, and both men hurry to their feet! Knight shoves, Aleister fires a haymaker, Knight fires back, and they go back and forth with fists! Aleister BOOTS Knight’s lariat, fires more strikes, but Knight shoves him away again. The BOOT hits on the return, then Aleister goes up again! But Knight turns it into a torture rack! BURNING HAMMER!! But Aleister flops out of the ring! The fans fire up, but wait! SETH ROLLINS CURB STOMPS KNIGHT!!
Winner: LA Knight, by disqualification
The Visionary must’ve heard Knight mention him, and so “dummy number three” just gave Knight his first interaction! The fans chant for Punk, but Aleister steps in Rollins’ way instead! The fans fire up for that stare down, but then here comes Bron Breakker!! SPEAR on Aleister!! Rollins TOSSES Aleister out, and then a SENTON from Bronson Reed onto Knight! The fans boo but Bron builds up speed to SPEAR Knight!! Rollins tells Knight this is what he was talking about! You stand in Rollins’ way, you don’t stay standing! Will Rollins bring his behemoths with him to absolutely bulldoze the ladder match?
Nick Aldis & Adam Pearce speak.
The SmackDown General Manager says, “In the WWE, things tend to move fast. This week, we’re climbing the ladder at Money in the Bank, and next week, we’re kicking off the King and Queen of the Ring Tournaments.” The Raw General Manager says, “This year, it’s bigger than ever. The tournament begins with four Fatal 4 Way matches in the men’s and women’s divisions, and the winners advance.” Aldis says from there, it is a co-branded single elimination tournament with the semifinals and finals. Those finals take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for Night of Champions. And the stakes could not be higher!
The King and Queen of the Rings get title matches on their respective brands for the biggest show of the summer, SummerSlam! Aldis & Pearce wish everyone luck, and may the best man and woman win. With so many spots open, who gets in, and who makes it to the Night of Champions?
Backstage interview with Jade Cargill.
Byron Saxton is with The Storm, and knows that while she would’ve loved to been in MITB, how good does it feel to know she is in the Queen of Ring? Jade says it feels great. She understands she won’t have the chance to climb the ladder and grab the briefcase, but she’ll keep climbing the ranks. She is The Storm, she is in that tournament, and when the dust settles, she will be Queen of the Ring. Then at SummerSlam, she won’t ask for a belt, she’ll take it. On a different note, we saw Bianca Belair refuse to forgive Naomi, but where do things stand between Biansa and Jade? Well, Charlotte Flair walks in and tells Jade as a reminder: Salt and sugar look the same.
That is to say, choose your friends wisely, or don’t have any at all. And as for QOTR, Jade will need a prayer to win. There is only ONE Queen in the WWE. But then Tiffany Stratton walks by and tells them both good luck with that. The WWE Women’s Champion heads to gorilla, what will she have to say the night before a new Miss MITB is crowned?
Legado Del Fantasma meets.
Santos Escobar is in a good mood, but Berto asks him why he brought them here. Santos says, “Family.” After the meeting they had, they agreed they were going to compete at Worlds Collide. And now, Santos has a plan. It is very simple: Worlds Collide, they will prove once and for all, they will establish, before their people, before their country, and before the world, just who owns lucha libre. Want a scoop? It’s Legado taking on Psycho Clown, Pagano and “the one who will always live in the shadow of his father,” El Hijo del Dr. Wagner Jr, aka Dr. Wagner the Third. They will remove the heart and soul of AAA!
So pay close attention to Santos, because he knows they have the tools to win. That is how it is. They will establish themselves as the ones who own lucha libre. And it only takes two words: Legado y Familia! But will Santos, Angel y Berto truly make themselves the three kings of lucha libre? Or will they be the ones to fall when Worlds Collide?
Backstage interview with American Made.
Byron is now with the Creed Brothers & Chad Gable, and Byron says it is a big day tomorrow for Chad as he challenges El Hijo Del Vikingo for THE AAA Mega Championship. How confident is he going into that match? Oh, confidence is high. He is a bit disappointed he didn’t qualify for MITB, but the WWE found a “suitable replacement” for him in the greatest luchador of all time, El Grande Americano! As for Gable, he will put himself in the history books when he beats Vikingo and win the most prestigious title in all of lucha libre! But then in walks Andrade. El Idolo says in Espanol that Gable wants to beat Vikingo. Gable says, “Si.”
Andrade points out something about Vikingo and Gable keeps saying, “Si,” but Andrade asks, “Si to what?” But then in steps Penta! Penta and Andrade both talk in Espanol that Gable is crazy. Gable says enough! It’s not funny to use Espanol on him! And it won’t be funny when El Grande Americano puts them both through ladders tomorrow! The Creeds agree, but then Aldis steps in. Aldis has everyone stand down. There’s enough going on tonight, so settle this in the ring, tonight. Andrade y Penta are up for that. Will the luchadores put Julius & Brutus in their place? Or will the SmackDown before MITB be American Made?
Tiffany Stratton heads to the ring.
The fans cheer as the WWE Women’s Champion struts out here, then grabs a mic before stepping in the ring. The fans cheer more, Tiff soaks it up, and she says, “Let’s call it for what it is, shall we? Last year, I didn’t just become the youngest Miss MITB. I became the It Girl of WWE, which is why I can see it now. Every single lady in that match is gonna try and pull a Tiffy and pull someone off a ladder, and then reach for the stars. I mean, we can all agree that every single lady in that match is championship material, right?” The fans do cheer that. Tiff says it doesn’t matter, because whoever wins MITB, their world will revolve around Tiff.
“So, ladies, you can win the match, you can trend for one night, but I fear no one can outdo the doer. Because, Bakersfield, what time is it?” “TIFFY TIME!” But then RHEA RIPLEY makes her way out here and the fans fire up for Mami! Rhea joins Tiff in the ring, grabs herself a mic, and the fans cheer on “MAMI! MAMI!” Rhea smiles and says, “Y’know, Tiffy, I’ve never actually been a part of the MITB ladder match before, because the fact is, I never had to.” The fans cheer that. Rhea says she doesn’t know what it feels like to win the contract like Tiff does, but Rhea knows what it feels like to be a champion. And Rhea misses that feeling.
But wait! Here comes La Primera, Stephanie Vaquer! The fans fire up as another of the Miss MITB contenders makes her entrance, followed by Alexa Bliss! And with that signals tonight’s Six Woman Tag! Will the dark, twisted, brutal trio of Vaquer, Bliss & Ripley stand tall just 24 hours before they make the climb? Or will Naomi, Roxie & Giulia make them #ProceedWithCaution?
Six Woman Tag: Rhea Ripley, Alexa Bliss & Stephanie Vaquer VS Naomi, Roxanne Perez & Giulia!
SmackDown returns and Naomi makes her entrance, followed by Roxie’s entrance, then Giulia’s. The teams sort out and Vaquer starts against Giulia. The fans fire up for this NXT rivalry revisited. They feel things out, knuckle lock, and Vaquer stands on Giulia’s hand to then turn her around. Giulia endures the standing motorcycle stretch, then turns it around so she can KNEE Giulia low. Giulia swings, Vaquer ducks and whips, then blows past to slip around and arm-drag! Giulia is up, Vaquer wheelbarrows and sunsets, but Giulia rebounds off ropes to sunset back! ONE, Vaquer has it! ONE and Giulia has it back! They go back and forth, then break!
Vaquer slips around, drags Giulia down, turns her over, JAPANESE LEG ROLL CLUTCH! ONE, and Giulia runs up, but into a SOBAT! Vaquer snapmares Giulia, then smiles. The fans fire up as Vaquer wraps on the headscissors, but Giulia pops out the back! Giulia ties up the legs, pulls on the arms, ANGELITO STOMP! Cover, TWO! Giulia tags Naomi and she SLIDING LARIATS! Naomi says she’s gonna do it now, and she wraps Vaquer up in headscissors! The fans are torn but Vaquer turns it around to push back for a cover, TWO! Vaquer goes up and over, and now she has the headscissors! But then Roxie & Giulia run in!
Alexa & Rhea intercept, STO for Roxie and an atomic FACEBUSTER for Giulia! The fans fire up as Alexa has Roxie at the ropes and Rhea rear mounts Giulia! Vaquer turns Naomi over, and together, “AH! AH! AH! AH! AH! AH! AH! AH! AH! AH!” Vaquer gives Naomi DEVIL’S KISSES, Alexa’s SKATEBOARD STOMPS Roxie, and Rhea just ground ‘n’ pounds Giulia! The fans cheer as Vaquer, Rhea & Alexa stand tall while the others regroup. Vaquer chases after Naomi, puts her in the ring, but then Naomi YANKS her into ropes! The fans boo but Naomi bumps Vaquer off buckles. Naomi stomps a mudhole in but the ref counts.
Naomi steps off, but this lets Roxie & Giulia CHOKE Vaquer! The fans boo, Naomi storms over and tags in Roxie. They mug Vaquer, then Roxie digs her boots in. The ref counts, Roxie steps off and DOUBLE STOMPS! Roxie shoves Vaquer to a cover, TWO! Roxie whips Vaquer to the corner, UPPERCUTS, then tags Giulia. They mug Vaquer, then Giulia snap suplexes! Cover, TWO! Tag back to Naomi and she keeps Vaquer from her corner. The fans chant, “We Want Mami!” but Naomi CLUBS and KNEES Vaquer down! Naomi swings on Rhea, misses, then goes back to Vaquer. Naomi back suplexes, Vaquer lands out! Hot tag to Alexa!
The fans fire up for Alexa as she rallies on Naomi, BLASTS Giulia & Roxie, then CLOBBERS Naomi! BASEMENT DDT! Alexa drags Naomi up, but Naomi headlocks. Alexa slips out so the corner bulldog just sends Naomi into buckles! Alexa storms up, Naomi ELBOWS her away, tag to Roxie! Alexa DECKS Roxie, SLAMS Naomi, then Alexa runs to basement DROPKICK! The fans fire up and Alexa goes out to the apron, CANNONBALL onto Giulia & Naomi! But Roxie RAMS Alexa into the steel steps! Roxie says that is why SHE is the Prodigy! The fans boo, but SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Roxie drags Alexa up and into the ring, then storms up on her. Roxie SMACKS Alexa off the mat, then taunts Rhea by holding out Alexa’s hand. Roxie wrenches Alexa to RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Cover, TWO! Roxie is annoyed but she keeps Alexa down. Roxie drags Alexa over, tags Giulia, and they mug Alexa with a CHOP! Giulia drags Alexa around, bumps her off buckles, then whips corner to corner. Alexa hobbles, Giulia runs up and SHOTGUNS her down! Cover, TWO! Giulia goes up the corner, aims, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Giulia tags Naomi and she runs to METEORA! Cover, TWO! Alexa stays in this but Naomi stays on Alexa with a facelock.
Alexa fights back with body shots, but Naomi suplexes. Alexa fights that to a cradle, TWO! Naomi PENALTY KICKS Alexa down! Naomi soaks up the heat, stalks Alexa to the ropes, then CHOKES her! The ref counts, Giulia adds on, but they both stop at 4. Naomi puts Alexa in the corner, fires body shots, then tags Roxie. The mugging continues as they stomp a mudhole into Alexa! The ref reprimands and counts, the stomping stops, and Roxie brings Alexa up. Snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Roxie drags Alexa away from her corner, tags Naomi, and SmackDown returns to single picture. Naomi bumps Alexa off buckles, then stomps and KICKS her!
Naomi digs her boot in, the ref counts, but Naomi steps off at 4. The fans rally, “We Want Mami!” but Naomi runs up. Alexa drop toeholds Naomi into buckles! Alexa crawls, but Naomi hurries to ROUNDHOUSE Vaquer! Naomi picks Alexa up, but Alexa fights and DDTS! The fans fire up while both women are down! Hot tags to Roxie and Rhea! The fans are thunderous as Rhea rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT! Giulia runs up, Rhea dodges to BOOT! Roxie runs up, but Rhea scoops her! FALL AWAY SLAM! Roxie tumbles away, Rhea DROPKICKS Naomi off the apron for good measure! Rhea then drags Roxie up but Roxie JAWBREAKERS!
Roxie runs, tilt-o-whirls, and RUSSIAN- NO, Rhea blocks that, and grins as she ripcords and HOOK KICKS! Then a gut wrench for the Canadian Rack! RAZOR’S EDGE!! Roxie flounders, Rhea basement DROPKICKS! Cover, Naomi breaks it! Vaquer DROPKICKS Naomi! Giulia KNEES Vaquer! Alexa clinches Giulia, TWISTED SISTER ABIGAIL! Roxie ENZIGIRIS Alexa! Rhea HEADBUTTS Roxie! Rhea pump handles, RIP- DDT from Roxie!! All six women are down and the fans fire up! “This is Awesome!” as Rhea and Roxie stir while their teams regroup. Roxie reaches out to Naomi, but then Naomi leaves her hanging!
The fans boo but Naomi knows MITB is what matters, and that is every woman for herself. Giulia has also disappeared, so Roxie is all alone! Alexa ROCKS Roxie with a right! Vaquer wrenches Roxie for SOLE FOOD! Rhea pump handles for the RIPTIDE!! Cover, Rhea’s team wins!
Winners: Rhea Ripley, Alexa Bliss & Stephanie Vaquer, by pinfall
The spookier team sticks together, and now they’re all rolling into MITB with momentum! But will it be one of these three that takes the briefcase home? Or did Naomi make the smart play?
Solo talks with JC Mateo backstage.
Solo is confident that he’ll win MITB, so long as he has JC and Fatu. JC asks if Solo really trusts Fatu after tonight. Solo says yeah, it’s okay! So long as Fatu follows Solo’s lead, it will all be okay. But will Fatu really follow Solo? Solo tells JC, “My man, you worry too much.” Solo brought Fatu in, Fatu loves Solo, and the thing about Fatu is… He’s not all that smart, y’know? All that man does is think about himself. He is all gas, no brains. Solo laughs at his own joke, and says they just gotta handle business. They leave, but Fatu was around the corner! The Samoan Werewolf heard all of that. Is Solo the one with no brains? Will he also be the one with no contract?
The Wyatt Sick6 speak.
Bo Dallas’ video interrupts Sign of the Night time so he can say, “Grief is not linear. It is not healed by time. It is a festering wound that is continually being ripped open by an echo of a presence that is no more. You don’t forget. You can only accept that which cannot be changed.” The video fuses images of Bo and Bray, and Bo says that he has watched the SmackDown Tag Division. “The loyalty. The trust. The brotherhood. But is that bond unbreakable? From our loss, we have become a family. A ship unshaken by the storm. And yet again, they wanted to forget about us. Like we were never even here. Ignoring the sacrifices.
“Dying to the flesh to become one, we return. Not for nostalgia. Not for closure. But to rip open the wound of apathy and take what we are owed. Your brotherhood will be tested. The time for repentance has passed. Accept your condemnation. We will not be forgotten.”
The SmackDown Tag Division finishes watching this.
And from DIY to MCMG to Fraxiom to the Street Profits, and even GM Aldis, everyone is worried. Gargano says that’s not good. Ciampa says as “the two guys who built this division,” which makes everyone groan, Ciampa says there is no reason for DIY to take the fall! So come clean! Who provoked the Wyatts? Gargano immediately accuses Angelo Dawkins! Montez Ford says hey, look, they’re obviously all afraid. Fraxiom, you’re not fine! Motor City, bring the guns! And DIY, you can’t do this yourselves! But let’s forget about the tag titles for just one second. They have a bigger problem on their hands and that is Wyatt Sick6.
Dawkins says they didn’t get where they are by being scared. If the Wyatts want the smoke, they can get it. Unless y’all forgot that the Profits are the real Bogeymen around here. Ooga booga! The Profits head out, Frazer says there’s no forgetting about the tag titles. But admittedly, the Wyatts do mean business. But they cost Fraxiom, so if Frazer sees Uncle Howdy…! Axiom has Frazer calm down. But yes, Frazer is right. Fraxiom is undefeated, so they will teach the Wyatts what’s what! DIY loves that idea! Go get ’em! MCMG says of course DIY second someone else handling this. MCMG says DIY will get what’s coming to them.
But for now, MCMG will put that on the backburner to get after the Wyatts. Let’s not forget who the veterans are around here, and that’s MCMG. They set the standard, so they’ll bring the fight to the Wyatts. Gargano says another brilliant idea! DIY says they can do that. Aldis, make it so those three teams fight the Wyatts. Aldis says yes, thank you for the input. DIY heads out, and Aldis certainly has a mess to sort out. Who will survive the Wyatts coming for it all? And will the tag titles go along with that?
Andrade & PENTA VS The Creed Brothers w/ Chad Gable!
El Idolo and the Man with No Fear know that whether or not El Grande Americano is really Chad Gable under that mask, Chad Gable definitely doesn’t stand a chance against El Hijo Del Vikingo. But can Andrade y Penta build momentum going into the ladder match together? Or will Julius & Brutus do Chad’s- Er, El Grande’s dirty work for him?
SmackDown returns as Andrade makes his entrance. Then American Made makes their entrance, and the fans chant “You Suck! You Suck!” Andrade y Penta DOUBLE FLY out onto the Creeds! The fans fire up, Andrade fires off on Brutus with forearms while Penta POSTS Julius! Penta THROWS Julius into barriers, Andrade puts Brutus in the ring, and the fans cheer for “Cero Miedo!” Penta revels in that, and Andrade starts against Brutus. The bell rings, Brutus runs up, and Andrade drop toeholds Brutus into buckles! Juius rushes in but Andrade dodges to CLOBBER him with forearms! Andrade kips up, the fans fire up, and Andrade rallies them with “SI! SI! SI!”
Andrade CHOPS Brutus, then runs at Julius, CIEN KNEES! Then CIEN KNEES for Brutus! The fans join in for a “CERO! MIEDO!” Andrade tags Penta, he runs up to headstand and DROPKICK on Julius! Then a headstand and DROPKICK for Brutus! Penta swaggers, but Julius waistlocks! Penta fires off hands, then a CHOP! And another CHOP! And another CHOP! Penta CLUBS Julius, Brutus CLUBS Penta! Brutus snarls, ROCKS Penta, then he tags Julius. The Creeds drag Penta up, but Penta CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS again! Penta CHOPS away on Brutus, then has him on the ropes for a CHOP!
The ref reprimands, Penta whips, but Brutus reverses. Penta KICKS Brutus, then he catches Julius as he runs in! Penta waistlocks Julius and tags Andrade, Andrade GAMANGIRIS! Julius falls, Andrade climbs, but Brutus rushes up! Andrade ROCKS Brutus, Brutus drops down, but he’s a step for Julius to FLYING KNEE! Andrade flops on the top rope, and Julius GUT WRENCH PLEXES him away! The straps come down, the fans boo, but Julius clinches for an OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Julius kips up, tags Brutus, and Brutus STANDING MOONSAULTS! Cover, ONE, but Gable is still pleased as SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Brutus stalks Andrade to the apron, drags him up and bends him against the ropes! The ref counts, Brutus lets go at 4, and Andrade flops over. Brutus stomps Andrade, digs his boot into Andrade’s neck, then steps off at 4. Tag to Julius and he drags Andrade around. The Creeds KNEE Andrade back and forth, then Julius sucker punches Penta! The ref reprimands but Julius goes back to Andrade. Andrade JAWBREAKERS free! Andrade CHOPS, CHOPS and CHOPS! Julius trips Andrade onto the ropes! Julius CHOKES Andrade, steps off at 4, then paces around. Julius drags Andrade up to RAM him into the corner!
Tag to Brutus and he runs up to BRUTUS BALL in the corner! Snapmare and a tag to Julius for the SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Julius drags Andrade into a chinlock, tags Brutus, and the Creeds mug Andrade. Brutus drags Andrade up to ROCK him with a forearm! And another! And then Brutus TACKLES Andrade so he can SMASH! Brutus stalks Andrade to a corner, eggs him on, and then drags him away from the corner to HAMMER him down! Brutus soaks up the heat, then eggs Andrade on. Andrade sits up, and Brutus clamps on a chinlock. Brutus grinds Andrade back down, thrashes him around, but Andrade fights up.
Brutus smothers Andrade as SmackDown returns to single picture. Andrade fights up again as the fans rally, but Brutus back suplexes, only for Andrade to CROSSBODY! Both men are down, Julius tags in and jumps on a leg! Andrade ENZIGIRIS free! Hot tag to Penta! Penta goes up and CROSSBODIES Julius! Penta keeps moving, ducks ‘n’ dodges then RANAS! Julius tumbles around, Penta KICKS him in the leg! Penta whips, Julius reverses, but Penta goes up and over to BACKSTABBER! Cover, Brutus breaks it! Brutus whips, Penta reverses and out goes Brutus! SUPERKICK for Julius! The fans fire up, but Gable drags Julius to safety!
Andrade protests but the ref keeps Andrade back. Penta storms upon Gable, but Gable grabs at the mask! The fans boo, but EL HIJO DE VIKINGO jumps the railing! Vikingo YANKS Gable down and throws hands! The fans fire up, but Gable knees Vikingo low! Gable whips, Vikingo reverses and he TOSSES Gable over barriers! Vikingo pursues, they brawl more, but Julius rolls Penta up! TWO, and Penta SUPERKICKS! Brutus is in, Andrade SHADOW ELBOWS him! Penta goes up, the ref is busy with Brutus, so Andrade SHADOW ELBOWS Julius! Penta adds a FLYING DESTROYER!! Cover, Penta y Andrade win!
Winners: Andrade & Penta, by pinfall
El Idolo and Penta celebrate together, but wait! Here comes Seth Rollins! He attacked LA Knight just for being in MITB, now he looks to do the same to these two. Penta & Andrade don’t back down, even as Bron & Bronson flank the ring. The fans boo this 3v2 scenario, but the fight is on! Rollins & Bron mug Andrade while Bronson CLOBBERS Penta! The fans chant for Punk, but Rollins sets Andrade up for Bron’s SPEAR!! Bronson scoops Penta to SLAM him, then SENTON him! CURB STOMP for Andrade!! CURB STOMP for Penta!! The fans boo as Rollins has his behemoths drag Penta to a drop zone!
Rollins TOSSES Andrade, Bronson goes up, TSUNAMI!! The producers and refs can’t get in the ring with Bron barking at them, and whatever fines Rollins faces don’t matter with how close he is to having all the power in WWE! Can no one stop the Visionary from taking over the future of the industry?
SmackDown returns and…
Rollins’ crew is still in the ring. Heyman now has the mic to say, “Yea, though we walk through the sold-out hellhole of Bakers b*tches, we fear not the future! Because ladies and gentlemen, like it or not, we ARE the future!” The fans boo but Heyman says he doesn’t understand why they would! Seth Rollins told you even before WrestleMania what this industry was becoming. He told you all what would happen at Mania, and it happened! Rollins told you all they would get Roman Reigns out of the way, and they did! Rollins told you all they would put CM Punk out of Heyman’s misery, and they did!
Don’t they get that whatever Rollins tells them becomes true? Don’t they understand that Rollins is the vanguard of the future of this industry? That this group is the vanguard of the destiny of the WWE!? The fans still boo, and Heyman says they can sit there and boo all they want. “Tomorrow night, Seth Freakin’ Rollins becomes, once again, Mr. Money in the Bank!” The fans boo even more, but Heyman says then, once Rollins does that, at his leisure, at his discretion, when he damn well feels like it, it will be who, what, where, and when! We all know the why! The why is to solidify the POWER that comes with the title!
“And Seth Freakin’ Rollins will then propel this entire industry into a future that is a vision all of his own!” As for Heyman, the greatest honor of his professional and personal life is when he gets to stand here, in this ring, and says, “Ladies and gentlemen, the REIGNING! DEFENDING! UNDI-” Wait! Cody Rhodes makes his way out here! The fans fire up and sing along with the American Nightmare’s song, and he still gets the “WHOA~ OH~!” and pyro. Cody high-fives fans as he goes down the ramp and to the ring. Rollins has Bron & Bronson calm down, even as Cody steps inside. Cody looks at the four, then stares Rollins down.
But now we’re joined by Jey Uso! The fans fire up as Jey makes his way out from the concourse and down through the stands! Jey even gets a little girl to join in on the YEET! Rollins has his faction follow him away again, letting Cody and the World Heavyweight Champion have the ring. Cody & Jey will have one last face-to-face with John Cena & Logan Paul, but can they keep it civil? Or will it pop off 24 hours before MITB? We find out, after the break.
SmackDown returns once more…
Cody & Jey revel in the cheers, and Cody has the mic to say, “So, Bakersfield… Whaddya wanna talk about? Talk about MITB?” “YEET!” “Talk about the Intuit Dome?” “YEET!” “Talk about Main Event Jey Uso!” “YEET!” “Talk about our opponents, John Cena…” The fans boo that name. “And his tag team partner, Logan Paul…!” The fans definitely boo that name. Cody says okay, well, what’d they say last week? Cena was rather aggressive, saying Cody tries too hard. The fans already duel, “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” Cody says Cena called Cody desperate, which was bold coming from Cena. Cena danced his way onto a livestream all, “How do you do, fellow kids?”
We saw Cena kick some man in a nuts, then begging for forgiveness online. Seeing Cena in the ring with Logan in 2025, that was like if Michael PS Hayes was in the ring with the Hardy Boys. Let’s talk about desperate! Desperate is WrestleMania 41, throwing away 20 YEARS of good will so that he could have a record-setting title reign. Tomorrow isn’t about the World Heavyweight Championship, it isn’t about the Undisputed WWE Championship, it is a showdown. What would Jey call that? Jey calls that a YEET DOWN! One time for the one time: Four letters, one word! UH UH, YEET!! But wait! Here comes John Cena!
The fans erupt with “JOHN CENA SUCKS~! JOHN CENA SUCKS~!” as Cena makes his entrance in his Lakers inspired merch for Los Angeles. Cena steps into the ring, has them cut his music, and he looks at the crowd as they duel, “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” Cena of course makes the announcer give him the proper introduction: The Greatest of All Time, the Never-Seen Seventeen, gracing Bakersfield with his presence one last time, he is the Last Real Champion, JOOOOOHN~! CENAAA~! And then LOGAN PAUL slides in! ONE LUCKY PUNCH on Jey!! Then he tries it on Cody, but Cody grabs him for a dragon sleeper!
But Cena BELT SHOTS Cody before he can hit Cross Rhodes! The fans boo but Cena drags Jey up for an ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT!! Cena lets Logan get Cody with the PAULVERIZER! Cena then sets Cody up in the drop zone for Logan as he climbs. Logan hits the FIVE STAR FROG SPLASH! Cena now sets Jey up and Logan goes back up, FIVE STAR FROG SPLASH!! The fans boo as Cena kicks Cody & Jey out of the ring, and then gets himself a mic. Logan picks up the World Heavyweight Championship while Cena says, “Take a good look. NO ONE is coming to save you. I’ve been telling you this for a half of a year! YOUR DREAM of what the WWE is… will be RUINED!
“THIS is your future! I take this home! He takes that to the top!” They raise their belts up, and Cena says he is the Last Real Champion while Logan is the Moment Maker, the One of One, the Inevitable Future Face of the WWE! “Bakersfield, humble yourselves for the humblest! The future World Heavyweight Champion, Logan Paul!” The fans boo as they both hold up the belts again, then set them down. The fans chant “Logan Sucks! Logan Sucks!” Cena and Logan go outside to grab Cody and Jey and put them back in the ring! ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT for Cody! Logan lines up a shot, ONE LUCKY PUNCH for Jey!!
The fans boo, chant “We Want Truth!” but Cena says, “You Can’t Handle the Truth!!” Cena says if you want their truth, their truth is right here, staring them in the face! And there is not a damn thing the fans or anyone that fights for the fans can do about it! “You hypocrites chant for Truth. You are all pathetic LIARS!” The fans still chant “We Want Truth!” but Cena says, “This is why you’re losers. Take a good look, because it’s my last time here in Bakersfield. And remember these words: Winners write the history books! Ladies and gentlemen, your future champion, and the Last Real Champion!”
The two raise the belts up again as the fans boo, but is this really going to be the future of the WWE? Or can someone, anyone, stop it all from happening?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown as the go-home to both MITB and Worlds Collide. Though, the most Legado could do for their Six Man Tag was have a promo that didn’t really add much, and Santos kinda repeated himself a bit. There’s also the Six Man Tag of Aerostar, Octagon Jr. & Mr. Iguana VS Dragon Lee, Cruz Del Toro and apparently now Lince Dorado to sub in for Joaquin Wilde. One Six Man Tag surely goes to WWE and the other to AAA, I’m just not sure which one. We did get a bit more Gable VS Vikingo with Vikingo help Penta & Andrade in the main event, but I don’t know how that math works. As wild as it would be, I really don’t think Gable should win the AAA Mega Champion.
Especially if El Grande Americano has the potential to win MITB. While we all know Gable and Grande are one in the same, Grande didn’t show up tonight, so he was safe from the go-home math that happened tonight. Seth Rollins and his faction of course ran roughshod over SmackDown tonight, but I liked the opening promo of Rollins’ faction being confronted by Solo’s. Great bit bringing Jimmy Uso out, but it’s kinda funny Fatu and JC each fell for the “He bumped into me!” misunderstanding. Great win for Jimmy from this, and Solo’s promo later definitely puts the final nail in the coffin for him, Fatu is going to screw Solo over at MITB.
Aleister and LA Knight each had good promos before their match, which was a little rough in the middle but still really good. Rollins of course ruins that match to weaken Knight, but what a great stare down of Aleister and Rollins. As it stands, that won’t be a feud, unless the WWE Draft still happens and moves Aleister (and Zelina) over to Raw. And back to that main event match, of course Rollins and his crew blew that great match up, too. All this math is adding up to Rollins losing, because chances are, CM Punk does show up to screw him over. And so, if it isn’t Grande, I feel like Knight benefits from that since he was the first to take a stomp from Rollins.
Great stuff in the Women’s MITB build, with Tiffany’s promo calling out all six contenders cuing up the six contenders making their entrances for the Six Woman Tag. Awesome match, and great win for the Faces with Naomi (and Giulia more quietly) leaving Roxie alone. Good promo from Zelina with Giulia, and great Bakersfield Brawl. I like that Giulia suckered Zelina in with the assist, because it really is as I said: Better to challenge a champion with no obvious allies than the one with sidekicks. Plus, Chelsea Green can finally move up to the top title with someone else challenging Zelina for the Women’s US Championship. Chelsea and Tiffany interacting while Tiff worries about Miss MITB will be some really fun stuff.
Giulia going right for Zelina takes her out of the running, the Faces did that tonight with their win, and even without the math, Naomi is perhaps the perfect choice for Miss MITB. She has her beef with Tiffany, but also with Jade and Bianca, meaning one or both won’t let Naomi get a clean cash-in. Good promo from Jade and Charlotte to help add to the hype of the King & Queen of the Ring news. Four Fatal 4 Ways makes things happen much faster, but it adds up to the same: eight people from each brand fighting to be in the semifinals and so on, can’t wait to see who else gets in.
Great promo from Bo Dallas, and great response from the teams of SmackDown. DIY play the perfect Heels in this letting the Faces handle the spooky, scary tweeners the Wyatts are, and we will definitely get great stuff out of the different tag matches. And of course, great final faceoff from Cody, Jey, Cena & Logan. In fact, it was very clever for Cena to take all that attention so Logan could get the drop on Jey & Cody. Cena had a very good promo, and he very cleverly touched upon the #WeWantTruth campaign with it. But this obviously has to mean Cena & Logan lose, helping set up Cena VS Cody the rematch for SummerSlam, even with the big Atlanta weekend coming up.
My Score: 8.9/10
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