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
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This is gonna be Outta This World!
Ricochet is still aiming for the AEW International Championship, but he has to stay sharp. Will Dante Martin’s high flying skill be just the thing for the King of Flight?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Hikaru Shida VS Leila Grey; Shida wins.
- Mark Briscoe VS Ariya Daivari w/ Mark Sterling; Briscoe wins.
- Rocky Romero VS Komander w/ Alex Abrahantes; Komander wins.
- Rush & The Beast Mortos w/ Dralistico VS Alec Price & Richard Holliday; Rush & Mortos win.
- Ricochet VS Dante Martin; Ricochet wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Hikaru Shida VS Leila Grey!
The Shining Samurai continues her comeback, looking to carve a path back to a championship. But the Top Flight Attendant only just called out the ROH Women’s World Champion, Athena, last night on ROH TV. Will Leila be flying high towards her Proving Grounds match with The Fallen Goddess? Or will Shida use Leila as just another tune-up?
The bell rings, the two circle, and the fans rally up. The two tie up, Leila wrenches and wristlocks to YANK the arm. Leila keeps on the wristlock but Shida handsprings and wrenches back. Shida hammerlocks, headlocks, but Leila fires body shots. Leila powers up and out, but Shida runs Leila over! The fans fire up, and things keep moving. Shida rolls over Leila’s dropdown, then bypasses Leila. Leila stops the hip toss to fire body shots and knees! Leila goes to run but Shida reels her in. Shida lifts with the waistlock, and she swings Leila around, before the SLAM! The fans fire up with Shida and she goes outside.
Shida brings Leila to the apron, CLUBS her, then lines up a shot. Shida runs in to KNEE LIFT! The fans fire up again and Shida hurries back in. Shida brings Leila up, fireman’s carries, but Leila flails with forearms and elbows. Leila sunset flips, TWO! Leila ROCKS Shida, UPPERCUTS, then kicks low. Leila KICKS high, then kicks a leg out, to run and SHOTGUN! Shida tumbles, Leila covers, TWO! Shida stays in this but Leila stays on her. Leila bumps Shida off buckles, then she runs Shida side to side to bump off more buckles. Leila CHOPS and the fans “WOO~!” Leila smiles and puts some stank on the CHOP!
Leila swings but Shida dodges the third chop, to ROCK Leila! Shida whips, Leila reverses, and Leila SHINING WIZARDS in the corner! Then BULLDOG! Cover, TWO! Shida is tougher than that but Leila stalks her. The fans rally up, Leila brings Shida around, and Leila fires a forearm! Shida fires one in return! Leila fires again, but Shida ROCKS Leila! Leila ROCKS Shida! The fans rally up and Shida feeds off the energy. Shida fires forearm after forearm, but Leila takes a swing! Shida dodges, wrenches, and short arm LARIATS! The fans fire up and Shida is after Leila in a corner. Shida climbs up, and she rains down fists!
The fans fire up and count all the way to TEN! Shida roars then kicks Leila away. Shida MISSILE DROPKICKS! Down goes Leila! Shida hurries to cover, TWO! Leila stays in this but Shida takes aim. KATA- NO, Leila deflects! Roll up, TWO!! Shida is up, blocks a boot, and swings, but into a full nelson! Shida wrenches out, BOOTS Leila’s lariat, then QUESTION MARK KICKS! Shida suplexes for the FALCON ARROW! Cover, Shida wins!
Winner: Hikaru Shida, by pinfall
Leila kicks at 3.1, that’s too little too late! Will Leila at least last ten minutes against Athena next week? Will Shida be the one poised for a title shot after Full Gear?
Backstage interview with Harley Cameron.
Renee Paquette is with the crazy Aussie, who keeps pawing at her, and brings up the match Harley’s made for Collision with Mina Shirakawa. Harley asks Renee, does she know what Mina has that Harley doesn’t? No, what is it? NOTHING!! Mina is beautiful, charismatic, and talented. But can she do THIS?! Harley brings out a guitar and starts to play! Harley was a musician, y’know. Oh, wait, there’s a string missing. Never mind, she’s professional! Harley starts adlibbing a Blues-esque song. There once was a little girl. And by “little,” Harley doesn’t mean young child, she means just small in stature.
Anyway, and a five, six, seven, eight! Renee stops Harley there, there’s no time. What?! No! FEEL THE WRATH OF HARLEY CAM- The cameras cut away back to ringside, but will Harley show Mina and the world everything she’s capable of tomorrow night on Collision?
Mark Briscoe VS Ariya Daivari w/ Mark Sterling!
While Chris Jericho keeps disrespecting the legacy of Jay Briscoe, it will be Tomohiro Ishii that handles him. Tonight, the Sussex County Chicken is to focus on himself and the Premier Athletes’ son of privilege. “Smart” Mark takes over introductions by saying Ariya Daivari is about to wrestle “literally the dumbest person in AEW.” Mark is so stupid, really. So please, show the world that Bridgeport is smarter than a Briscoe by reading what is right on the Premier Athletes’ brand new merch shirt: Athletes Rule. Daivari says when he says “Athletes,” the fans should say, “Rule!” and NOTHING ELSE! Got it!?
Okay, hands in. Ohhh… “ATHLETES!” “SUCK!!” Briscoe laughs because the only dumb Mark here is Mark Sterling. But will Briscoe prove that what matters in the ring is street smarts? Or can Daivari prove that Premier Athletes don’t suck?
The bell rings and Briscoe circles with Daivari. They tie up as fans rally, and Briscoe pushes Daivari back. Daivari turns things around to put Briscoe in a corner, and lets off as the ref counts. Daivari shouts, “ATHLETES!” but fans again shout “SUCK!!” Briscoe SHOVES Daivari down and the fans fire up. Briscoe and Daivari circle, tie up, and Briscoe headlocks. Daivari powers up and out, but Briscoe runs him over! The fans fire up and things keep moving. Daivari drops down, Briscoe slides under, and then Briscoe REDNECK KUNG-FU UPPERCUTS! And ROLLING ELBOWS! The fans fire up more while sterling protests.
Briscoe whips Daivari, then UPPERCUTS again! The fans fire up as Daivari goes to a corner. Briscoe storms up to bring Daivari around, for a suplex high and hard! Cover, TWO! Daivari is tougher than that so Briscoe shrugs it off. Briscoe fires hands, Daivari staggers around, but Briscoe CHOPS him in a corner! Briscoe then REDNECK CRANE KICKS! The fans fire up and Briscoe brings Daivari up, but Daivari JAWBREAKERS back! Daivari TOSSES Briscoe out, but the ref has Sterling stay back. Daivari goes out to get Briscoe, but Briscoe sends Daivari into railing! The fans fire up while Daivari writhes, and Briscoe stands him up.
Briscoe CHOPS Daivari, high-fives fans, then CHOPS Daivari again. Briscoe then brings Daivari around to SMACK off a chair! The fans fire up as Briscoe makes Daivari take a seat. Briscoe refreshes the count, then runs up to BOOT Daivari down! The fans fire up more, and Briscoe UPPERCUTS Daivari again. Daivari goes to more railing but Briscoe CHOPS him down again. Briscoe tosses a chair into the ring, HEADBUTTS Daivari, then slides into the ring. Briscoe sets up the chair and the fans fire up! Sterling panics as Briscoe builds speed, so Sterling snatches the chair away! The fans boo but Briscoe goes out after Sterling!
Sterling defends his innocence but Daivari CLUBS Briscoe! And hits a NECKBREAKER on the floor! “ATHLETES!” “SUCK!!” Well, clearly Sterling doesn’t learn, but Daivari is control as Rampage goes picture in picture.
Daivari drags Briscoe up and into the ring, then grabs the legs, so he can stomp Briscoe’s gut! Briscoe sputters his way to a corner but Daivari digs his boots in! The ref counts, Sterling cheers, but Daivari lets off. Daivari argues with the ref, so Sterling CHOKES Briscoe! The fans boo but Sterling gets away with it. Daivari whips Briscoe hard into a corner! Briscoe sits down, and Daivari stomps him some more! Daivari snapmares Briscoe, KNEES him in the back, then clamps on a neck wrench. The ref reprimands the fishhook in there, but Daivari shifts to a chinlock. Daivari grinds Briscoe down, but Briscoe endures.
Fans rally up and Briscoe fights to his feet. Rampage returns to single picture as Briscoe fires body shots! Briscoe fires forearms but Daivari knees low! Daivari CLAWS Briscoe’s face, puts him in a corner, then hoists him up top. The fans rally for “DEM BOYS! DEM BOYS!” but Daivari CHOPS Briscoe. Daivari climbs up, brings Briscoe up, but Briscoe fires body shots! Briscoe DECKS Daivari, the fans fire up, but Sterling springs into action! The ref reprimands, Sterling argues with him, and Daivari runs up! Briscoe leaps over Daivari, but Daivari dodges the boot! SLEEPER! The fans boo but Briscoe RAMS Daivari into a corner!
Daivari holds on but Briscoe RAMS him in again and again! Briscoe is finally free, but Daivari then hammerlocks! LION’S LARIAT! And then a wrench, spin, LION’S DDT! Cover, TWO!! Briscoe survives Daivari’s double down and the fans fire up! Daivari throws hands but Briscoe feeds off it! The fans fire up as Briscoe mans up! Daivari headlocks, Briscoe powers out, but Daivari RAMS Briscoe! Briscoe roars! Daivari runs and RAMS Briscoe again! And again! Then Daivari fires hands! But Briscoe blocks to ROCK Daivari! And ROCK him again! And again! REDNECK PALM STRIKES! Briscoe puts Daivari in a corner!
Briscoe rains down fists and the fans count to TEN! Briscoe hops down, the fans fire up, and Briscoe CLOBBERS Daivari! And CLOBBERS him again! Briscoe whips, Daivari reverses, but Briscoe FLYING FOREARMS! The fans fire up with Briscoe and he runs at the corner. LARIAT, and then FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Daivari survives but Briscoe calls his shot! Briscoe drags Daivari up, reels him in, but Daivari fights the underhooks! Daivari wrenches, dodges a lariat, and SUPERKICKS! Briscoe wobbles, but he eggs Daivari on! Daivari runs up, into a ROLLING DEATH VALLEY! Daivari is down and Briscoe climbs up!
Sterling distracts Briscoe, and Daivari has time to hit the ropes! That trips Briscoe up! Briscoe tumbles to the m at, and Daivari hauls Briscoe up. Wait, Daivari underhooks the arms?! That’s blasphemy! But Briscoe powers up and out with a backdrop! And now Briscoe brings Daivari in, only for Sterling to get on the apron! The ref reprimands, Briscoe warns Sterling, but it’s ROCKY ROMERO that YANKS Sterling down! Daivari whips Briscoe, Briscoe reverses to TOSS Daivari! Rocky gets Briscoe the chair! Briscoe sets it up, and he takes FLIGHT! Down goes Daivari & Sterling! Briscoe puts Daivari in, climbs up, FROGGY-BOW!! Cover, Briscoe wins!
Winner: Mark Briscoe, by pinfall
The Conglomeration comes through for each other again, and that helps Briscoe win! But Azucar has his own match tonight, will he be feeling even sweeter after taking on Komander?
BREAKING NEWS for Dynamite!
With the confrontations we’ve seen from them all, we see Will Ospreay join forces with Will Hobbs, Mark Davis & Ricochet against Konosuke Takeshita, Kyle Fletcher, Brian Cage & Lance Archer! It’s the full Don Callis Family against the Aerial Assassin, the Powerhouse, Dunkzilla and The One & Only in an All Star 8 Man Tag! Which side will have all the momentum going into Full Gear?
Rocky Romero VS Komander w/ Alex Abrahantes!
Rampage returns and the bell rings. The fans rally as Azucar and Commander of the Skies circle, but Montel Vontavious Porter is watching backstage…? Who business could MVP and The Hurt Syndicate have here? Rocky and Komander tie up, Komander wrenches and wristlocks. Rocky rolls then DROPKICKS! Rocky gives some Latino Heat, then waits on Komander. The two reset, circle, and tie up again. Rocky waistlocks, SLAMS, then flips Komander, maybe a little too much. Rocky flips Komander over again but Komander kips up to arm-drag! Komander gives some Latino Heat of his own, and Rocky can’t help but smile.
The fans rally as Komander and Rocky feel things out. They knuckle lock, go shoulder to shoulder, and the fans cheer the Test of Strength. Rocky powers Komander back, then MONKEY FLIPS! Rocky rolls back but Komander blocks the mount to then go up and MONKEY FLIP back! It’s a double cover, TWO as both men bridge! The fans cheer this exchange, and the two roll to their feet. Komander kicks one knuckle lock apart to then go up and ARABIAN PRESS ARM-DRAG! Rocky is back up fast, and he hurdles, drops under, then hurdles again. Komander leaps over, keeps moving, and he springboards to FLYING ARM-DRAG!
The fans fire up while Rocky bails out. Komander builds speed to DIVE! Down goes Rocky and the fans fire up again! Komander feeds off the energy to put Rocky in the ring. Komander goes up a corner, takes aim, but Rocky moves. Komander rolls through, comes back, and dodges to then handspring and- FACEBUSTER from Rocky! Cover, TWO! Rocky stays on Komander with a scoop and BACKBREAKER! Komander writhes, Rocky covers, TWO! Rocky drags Komander up again, whips him to a corner, and Komander hits buckles hard! Rocky snap suplexes Komander, drops a knee on him, then paces.
The fans rally but Rocky drops another knee. Rocky has Komander on the ropes literally, then brings him up to RAM him into a corner. Rocky reels Komander in, hoists Komander up top, and Rocky climbs up. Rocky ROCKS Komander and Komander wobbles! The two brawl, and Rocky ROCKS Komander again! SUPERPLEX! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Rocky crawls after Komander while Rampage goes picture in picture.
Rocky manages the cover, TWO! Rocky grits his teeth, growing frustrated, but he stalks Komander to more ropes. Rocky drags Komander up, CHOPS him, then stalks him to a corner. Komander kicks back but Rocky CHOPS Komander again. Komander flounders along ropes, but Rocky has him again. Komander turns things around to CHOP back! The fans and Abrahantes fires up as Komander fires off CHOPS and KICKS! The ref counts, Komander lets off, but Rocky sucker punches him! Rocky has Komander in the corner now, hoists him up again, but then traps him on the top rope by lacing the legs!
Komander flails while Rocky gets space. Rocky runs up to TOP SHELF KNEE! Komander falls in a heap, but Rocky wants us to watch. Sliding pose! Rocky goes back for Komander but Komander kicks at him. Rocky brings Komander up to CLUB him down. Rocky then stalks Komander, CLUBS him again, and stalks him to ropes. Rocky brings Komander into a waistlock, but shoves him to ropes to ROCK him in the back! Komander drops to his knees, but Rocky stands him up. Rocky shoves and ROCKS Komander again! Cover, TWO! Komander stays tough but Rampage goes to break.
Rampage returns and the fans fire up for Komander as he goes up, up, salutes, and ARIHARA MOONSAULTS Rocky down! The fans fire up and MVP is impressed. Komander puts Rocky in, the fans rally behind “KO-MAN-DER!” But Rocky intercepts the flight for a fireman’s carry! Komander slips free, suplexes, but Rocky slips free. Rocky shoves but Komander DROPKICKS! The fans fire up and Komander runs corner to corner to go up and up, MOONSAULT, into BOOTS! Komander staggers, into SLICED BREAD! Cover, TWO! Rocky is frustrated but he hurries to bring Komander back up. Rocky whips, but Komander tiger feints and rolls!
Komander goes up and has Rocky with a dragon sleeper! Inverted suplex, for a POWERSLAM into the corner!! The fans fire up as Komander sets Rocky in the drop zone. Komander climbs, tightrope walks, CIELITO LINDO!! Cover, Komander wins!
Winner: Komander, by pinfall
MVP nods, maybe he saw things not even he expected out of this match. Will Komander prove he’s not just worthy of MVP’s attention but of AEW’s attention? And with it, perhaps a title opportunity?
Backstage interview with Anna Jay.
Lexy Nair is with The Queenslayer and notes her AEW Women’s World Championship match set for Collision tomorrow night. It is No Disqualifications, and if Anna wins, she is the NEW champion. But if she loses… Anna will never challenge Mariah May for the title again. Anna says it is worth that risk. It is worth seeing Mariah’s eyes bulging out of her head until she passes out. With no rules, Anna is capable of anything. But in steps Taya Valkyrie, applauding and saying yes, Anna is capable of anything. But so is Mariah. And Mina Shirakawa could be anywhere. Maybe Anna wants some extra insurance? And by the way, The Vendetta does accept cash.
Anna says she can handle her business, so Taya can mind her own. Taya tells Anna okay, okay. But Deonna Purrazzo sends her regards. Stay safe out there. Anna says no, she won’t. Will Anna finally be The Star of the Show when she tears down Mariah? Or will The Virtuosa & La Wera Loca have something to say about that?
Rush & The Beast Mortos w/ Dralistico VS Alex Price & Richard Holliday!
Just 24 hours ahead of their Collision with The Acclaimed, La Faccion Ingobernable’s two bulls are looking to stampede! Will they be more than ready for the Full Gear Contenders Series?
The teams sort out and Mortos starts against Price, and just CLBOBERS him at the bell! Mortos keeps moving, Price drops then jumps, but into a SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up and Mortos SMACKS Price! Mortos whips Price, Price ducks ‘n’ dodges, then goes up and over! Price DROPKICKS, DROPKICKS, and fires up! But then Mortos POP-UP SAMOAN DROPS him! Tag to Rush, and El Toro Blanco looms over Price. Rush stands Price up to CHOP him down! Rush eggs Holliday on, then SPITS at him! The fans boo but Price tags Holliday. Holliday steps to Rush, but Rush shoves him! Holliday UPPERCUTS!
The fans fire up but Rush CHOPS! Rush pie faces Holliday but Holliday fires up! Only for Rush to whip him into a corner and SPLASH! Snapmare and basement DROPKICK! Holliday bails out but Rush pursues. Rush CHOPS, then throws Holliday into railing. Rush dribbles Holliday off the railing, rains down fists, but the ref counts. Rush says leave him alone, but the ref warns him. Rush stops, then he puts Holliday in the ring. Rush snarls and storms back into the ring. Mortos CHOKES Holliday, the ref reprimands, but this lets Dralistico throw Price into steel steps! Rush whips Holliday corner to corner hard!
Rush DECKS Holliday with a forearm, stomps away on him, and goes corner to corner! “If you mess with the bull…!” BULL’S HORNS! Cover, LFI wins!
Winners: Rush & The Beast Mortos, by pinfall
This probably could’ve been over soon, but LFI likes to play with their food. But will they be much more to the point against Max Caster & Anthony Bowens?
Backstage interview with MVP.
Lexy is with Montel Vontavious Porter and brings up how he’s been watching matches here and there. Is he scouting talent? Absolutely! And as he’s been getting the lay of the land here in AEW, MVP sees so many young and gifted athletes with so much untapped potential. Some of them need motivation. Some need perhaps better management. And some just need to be hurt, beaten down again and again, to their knees. Because only when you’ve broken a man down to his knees can you teach him to stand and put him on the path to success. MVP says Swerve Strickland is a perfect example. So much to learn and yet he just won’t listen.
That is arrogance. It is that arrogance that the fans love, but it is also Swerve’s greatest weakness. Swerve thinks that one man can beat three. That is arrogance. Swerve calls himself the most dangerous man in AEW. With Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin around, that is arrogance. And arrogance, like pride, goeth before the fall. So MVP is paying attention to everything. For example, tonight, where MVP will be watching Ricochet in the main event. Oh, and that young luchador, Komander, what an impressive match. MVP likes that. And then tomorrow night on Collision, Shelton will find out exactly what Komander is made of, and what lessons he needs to learn.
The business plan has been set out, but will The Hurt Syndicate find the diamonds in the rough they are looking for? Or is it all fool’s gold compared to what they already have?
BREAKING NEWS for Collision!
On top of Shelton Benjamin VS Komander, and on top of the AEW Women’s World Championship No Disqualification match, Will Hobbs gets back into singles action as he takes on Bulk Bronson! With that All Star 8 Man Tag coming up, will going big be just the thing to power up the Powerhouse? Plus, relive the best of the last two weeks as the special AEW “November to Remember” music video debuts, set to Guns ‘n’ Roses’ hit song, November Rain!
Ricochet VS Dante Martin!
MVP just told the world he is watching this match, but surely so is The Don Callis Family. Will The One & Only show them something #OuttaThisWorld? Or will Angel Dorado remind us why he was the hottest high flyer not too long ago?
The bell rings and the fans rally up. Ricochet and Dante shake hands to show there is respect here. They circle, tie up, and Ricochet headlocks for a takeover. Dante headscissors but Ricochet moves around, rolls Dante, then floats to a headlock. Dante fights back up, but Ricochet wrenches to wristlock. Dante goes for ropes but Ricochet keeps him back. Ricochet continues to keep Dante from the ropes, so Dante just front flips on his own! Dante arm-drags free and the fans fire up! Dante and Ricochet hurry to their feet, but Dante knees low! Dante whips but Ricochet blocks and reels Dante in for a back suplex, only for Dante to land on his feet!
Dante bobs ‘n’ weaves, shoves Ricochet, but Ricochet avoids the dropkick! Jackknife bridge, TWO as Dante bridges up! Dante spins Ricochet, but Ricochet turns that to a backslide! TWO, and Ricochet whips. Dante leaps for a sunset flip! Ricochet stays up, tucks Dante for a sunset flip of his own, TWO! Dante swings, Ricochet dodges and rolls back to RANA, but both men get up! Ricochet DROPKICKS Dante down and the fans fire up! We get a shot of MVP once again liking what he sees. Dante goes to a corner, Ricochet runs up, but Dante slips out! Ricochet hits buckles, then Dante goes up, around, and ROCKS Ricochet!
Dante aims but Ricochet runs up. Dante jumps over as Ricochet slides out, and then Dante ASAI MOONSAULTS! Ricochet avoids it, Dante lands on his feet, and now Ricochet goes up a corner to MOONSAULT! Dante dodges and he JUMP KNEES! Ricochet sputters as he leans against the apron, and Dante slides in. Dante keeps moving, but Ricochet springboards! Dante ducks under, runs at Ricochet, but Ricochet goes up and over! Dante puts Ricochet on the apron but Ricochet ENZIGIRIS! Ricochet springboards again, FLYING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Dante survives and the fans fire up as Rampage goes picture in picture.
Dante rolls to the apron but Ricochet goes right after him. Ricochet kicks Dante to the floor, then hops down to fetch him. Ricochet CHOPS Dante, ROCKS him, and Dante staggers around the way. Ricochet fires up the fans, but Dante DAREDEVIL DROPKICKS Ricochet through the corner! Now it’s Dante firing up the fans as he goes after Ricochet. Dante brings Ricochet around to CHOP against the desk! Dante puts Ricochet in the ring, fires back up, and he hurries in, only for Ricochet to CLOBBER him. Ricochet drops another elbow, and another! Dante flounders but Ricochet drags him up. Ricochet CHOPS Dante to a corner.
Ricochet UPPERCUTS Dante, then whips corner to corner. Dante hits buckles so hard, that he tumbles up and over, then to the floor! Ricochet lets the ring count climb a bit, and Dante stirs at 4 of 10. Dante rises, Ricochet eggs him on a bit, but Dante’s still down at 7 of 10. Dante stands at 8 and rolls in, only for Ricochet to drop knees! Ricochet rains down some fists, but the ref reprimands about closes fists. Ricochet swears he was using palm strikes. Ricochet drags Dante up, snapmares, and KICKS him in the back! Ricochet clamps on with a chinlock, and even traps an arm. Ricochet now shifts into a grounded cobra twist!
Dante endures, even as Ricochet throws punches into the ribs. Dante fights, rises up, and fires body shots! Ricochet CHOPS in return! Ricochet then scoops and SLAMS Dante, and Rampage returns to single picture as he climbs a corner. The fans fire up as Ricochet reaches the top, but Dante stands! Ricochet jumps over Dante, but Dante BOOTS him! Dante fires a flurry of forearms but Ricochet shoves him back. Ricochet runs up, Dante again slips to the outside, and Dante ROCKS Ricochet again. Dante springboards up and around for a CARTWHEEL CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO!! Ricochet survives, he runs at Dante, but Dante goes up and over!
Ricochet tumbles out as Dante then builds speed, and Dante DIVES! Direct hit at the ramp but Dante hurries to put Ricochet in. Springboard and MAMBA SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Ricochet survives and the fans rally up again. Dante waits on Ricochet to rise up, then he half nelsons. Lift and- NO, Ricochet slips free to dragon sleeper! VERTI- NO, Dante slips free! Ricochet arm-drags Dante away, then catches him, Wrench and NORTHERN LIGHTS! Roll through, deadlift, BRAINBUSTER! Ricochet roars while fans are torn, RUNNING SHOOTING STAR! Cover, TWO!! Dante survives and Ricochet is surprised!
MVP is himself a bit frustrated, but Ricochet fireman’s carries. Dante fires elbows, slips free, and goes to run, but Ricochet SUPERKICKS! Ricochet runs up, into an ELBOW! Dante uses the same up and over, only to get caught! BLUE THUNDER BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Dante survives and Ricochet snarls. The fans fire up and Ricochet brings Dante up. Ricochet has the dragon sleeper, but Dante fires knees! Dante drops, victory rolls, TWO!! Ricochet catches Dante for a deadlift SAIDO!! The fans fire up as Ricochet takes aim! BANG and SPIRIT GUN!! Cover, Ricochet wins!
Winner: Ricochet, by pinfall
MVP nods, very impressed by The One & Only Ricochet. Ricochet’s arsenal certainly continues to grow, but he still shows respect to Dante. Will this momentum help Ricochet’s team take down The Don Callis Family this Wednesday Night Dynamite?
My Thoughts:
A very good Rampage, even with it being a five match night. Granted, it was clear Shida was going to win her match and LFI were going to win theirs. Well, so was Briscoe, but it was good stuff with Daivari getting a good showing and Rocky cancelling out Sterling so Briscoe would win. Great match from Rocky and Komander, too, and great win for Komander. Though, as MVP plugged in his promo, Komander is certainly losing to Shelton Benjamin, but I do appreciate the idea that anyone just floating around in the midcard could end up Hurt Syndicate material.
Ricochet VS Dante was a great main event, Ricochet of course won, but between being on Team Ospreay for Dynamite and Hurt Syndicate not leaving him alone, there are all kinds of possibilities for Ricochet. And great promos to hype up the two women’s matches we’re getting on Collision. That’s right, we’re getting two women’s matches! Harley continues to be hilarious, and I like this gag that she never has enough time to get her full madness out. Very good promo from Anna with Taya making a surprise appearance. Given Mariah is more than likely to win tomorrow night, Anna needs something outside of titles so I suppose a feud with The Vendetta could be something. Maybe it’s also a way to bring Tay Conti/Tay Melo back into story since it’d be a tag team feud?
My Score: 8.7/10
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Title matches are brewing in Milwaukee!
SmackDown puts up double the gold as Nia Jax defends her WWE Women’s Championship and the Motor City Machine Guns defend their WWE Tag Team Championships! Who will hold the gold in The Good Land?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- WWE Women’s United States Championship Tournament Triple Threat: Bayley VS Candice LeRae VS B-Fab; Bayley wins and advances to the next round.
- WWE United States Championship Open Challenge: LA Knight VS Humberto Carillo w/ Legado Del Fantasma; Knight wins and retains the title.
- WWE Tag Team Championships: The Motor City Machine Guns VS The Street Profits; Profits win by disqualification, MCMG retain the titles.
- WWE Women’s Championship: Nia Jax VS Naomi; Nia wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes is here!
Milwaukee, Wisconsin fires up for The American Nightmare, and of course they sing his song! “WHOA~ OH~!” and the pyro, then Cody continues to the ring. He isn’t in a suit, but you can tell the Undisputed WWE Champion is all business tonight given what Kevin Owens has been up to lately. The fans fire up more as Cody grabs the mic. Cody tells Kevin Owens, “You have crossed quite the line. I know you are back there. Would you please come out here right now?” The fans fire up again while Cody watches the stage. No response, so Cody tells Kevin to get out here, RIGHT NOW! Instead of Kevin, we get Nick Aldis.
Aldis knows Cody is angry, because so is Aldis and so are the fans. Randy Orton, one of the greatest ever, is laid up with severe cervical trauma after coming back from having his back fused together! Aldis understands this is a very different situation. Kevin used a piledriver, a move banned in the WWE for a reason. We don’t want this generation ending up in wheelchairs in 20 years. No one knows better than Aldis how long it takes to get to the WWE. And yeah, they do whatever it takes to make the paydays and win the titles, but they do NOT cross that line. Kevin did cross that line, that’s all there is to it.
So the fact is, until they can figure this out, Aldis cannot have Kevin here. The fans boo and Cody sighs. Aldis is making a martyr of Kevin Owens. This is what Kevin wants! This isn’t exactly a man who drives a Lamborghini, the message of fines will not hit like Aldis thinks. Let Cody handle this. Kevin is self-righteous, indignant and an ass- Aldis wants Cody to stop before he says something he’ll great. The fans say it for Cody. Aldis says this isn’t about money. This is about the roster knowing that Aldis knows, if you give someone an inch, they’ll take a mile. And the next thing we know, the inmates are running the asylum.
Bottomline: Kevin cannot be here until they resolve the issue internally. The fans boo again and Cody repeats, “Internally…” Cody wants Aldis to be real with him for a moment. Cody knows in Aldis’ position, he has to be objective and dispassionate, but Cody knows what is under that suit. Aldis is a former wrestler, still a wrestler in his heart, and a good man. So put yourself in Cody’s shoes here: Imagine you were in that ambulance, calling Orton’s wife and family, saying, “I don’t know if his neck is broken.” And when they ask, “Why?” the only answer is that, as Kevin is telling everyone, “It’s because of me.”
WrestleMania 40 is the highlight of Cody’s life. A moment in that ring, he was on Orton’s shoulders. Then when Orton set him down, he looked Cody in the eyes and said, “Hey, Code Man, I’m proud of you.” The fans cheer that. And as much as Cody loathes that nickname, it is still a moment he will treasure forever because that is what Orton means to Cody. But now Orton is on the shelf again, time taken away, time he might not even have, and all because of Cody!? If Cody cannot handle his business in a WWE ring, what’s he to do? Buy a ticket to a show? Go to Kevin’s house? Knock on Kevin’s door and beat his ass in his front yard?! Is that what he’s supposed to do!?
Cody knows that that is not what Aldis wants from the WWE Champion. That is not how Aldis wants Cody representing the brand. But this ball is in Aldis’ court, and Cody won’t be waiting very long. Cody drops the mic and heads out, what will it take for him and The Prizefighter to settle this?
Jimmy Uso is on the phone.
Sporting the new OG Bloodline shirt, Jimmy tells Roman Reigns that he’s got this, Uce. Jimmy ends the call, and he meets up with Jey & Sami, also wearing the OG Bloodline shirt. Jimmy explains that Roman’s on his way and wants them all to meet in the same room together to go over their WarGames game plan. Okay, but they still need their fifth man, bruh. Sami says hold on. He has one more person to ask, and it’s worth a shot. He’ll catch the Usos later. Jimmy doubts Sami again, but will the Honorary Uce come through?
WWE Women’s United States Championship Tournament Triple Threat: Bayley VS Candice LeRae VS B-Fab!
It was big news last week when Nick Aldis announced the WWE Women’s Division was getting a brand-new belt, and now we begin the journey to crowning the first-ever WWE Women’s United States Champion! Will the Role Model lead the way to making history again? Will the Poison Pixie look to have more than just the Women’s Speed Championship? Or will B-Fab be fab when she beats two top stars in one go?
SmackDown returns as Candice makes her entrance, joining Bayley in the ring, leaving B-Fab for last. The bell rings and the three watch each other. They approach, and Candice dropkicks Bayley’s legs out! Candice HAMMERS Bayley, B-Fab goes after Candice, but Candice SLAPS B-Fab! B-Fab DECKS Candice! And LARIATS! And then she scoops Candice, holds her up with one arm, and the fans fire up for the SLAM! B-Fab runs to SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! B-Fab rains down fists on Candice, the fans rally, but Candice kicks free. Candice then RAMS B-Fab, CLUBS her, and stomps her.
Candice drags B-Fab up, reels her in, but B-Fab wrenches out to HOOK KICK! Bayley is up, she RAMS into B-Fab, but B-Fab blocks the buckle bump. B-Fab mule kicks Candice, lines up a shot, and DOUBLE LARIATS Bayley and Candice! The fans fire up while B-Fab brushes herself off, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
B-Fab waits and sees Candice get up. B-Fab fires off on Candice, puts her in a corner and stomps away. B-Fab then digs her boot in, then lets off to snapmare. B-Fab pushes Candice to a cover, TWO! Candice stays in this but B-Fab stays on her. But then Candice CLAWS B-Fab’s face! Candice ELBOWS Bayley off the apron, covers B-Fab, TWO! Candice rains down fists on B-Fab, then soaks up the heat. Candice bumps B-Fab off buckles, snapmares her, then NECK SNAPPER! Jackknife bridge, but Bayley breaks it! Candice bails out but Bayley pursues. Bayley drags Candice up on the apron and HOTSHOTS her in the ropes!
Candice falls to the floor, but Bayley goes after her. Bayley rains down fists over her own, and fires up as she stands by the belt. Bayley storms up on Candice, puts her in the ring, then pushes her to a cover. TWO, but Bayley runs to basement UPPERCUT! And then ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Bayley is a bit annoyed, but she stalks Candice to ropes. Candice drop toeholds Bayley onto ropes! Bayley sputters, Candice runs and DROPKICKS Bayley in the back! Cover, TWO! Bayley toughs it out and bails out of the ring. Candice runs to WRECK Bayley with a dropkick! B-Fab is there to YANK Candice down!
B-Fab puts Bayley in, runs up to RAM her in the corner, then backs up to LEG LARIAT! B-Fab whips Bayley side to side, runs up, but into a FLAPJACK HOTSHOT! Bayley drags B-Fab up, puts her on ropes now, and gives her another HOTSHOT! SmackDown returns to single picture as Bayley snapmares B-Fab, goes up a corner, and MACHO ELBOWS to the back! Cover, Candice breaks it! The fans fire up while all three women are down! Bayley and Candice rise first, and Candice CLUBS Bayley! Bayley hits B-Fab, B-Fab hits Candice, Candice hits Bayley! The shots go around in a circle, but then Bayley and B-Fab mug Candice!
Candice shoves them both away, all three run up, TRIPLE LARIATS! Or is it more like, double double? The fans fire up all the same as all three women stir. The three rise, and Candice hits a STEP-UP SENTON CODE BREAKER COMBO!! Cover on Bayley, TWO! Cover on B-Fab, TWO! Candice is frustrated but she hurries to a corner. Candice climbs up, but B-Fab is right after her! They brawl, and Candice SHOVES B-Fab to the mat! Bayley goes up to ROCK Candice now! Bayley climbs, CLUBS away on Candice, then brings her to the very top! The fans fire up as B-Fab adds on! TOWER OF DOOM! CROSSBODY from Candice! B-Fab breaks the cover!!
The fans fire up again but Candice HAMMERS away on B-Fab! Candice runs, leaps, but B-Fab catches her! SWINGING FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Candice survives and B-Fab is frustrated. Bayley has B-Fab but B-Fab kicks her low! B-Fab turns Bayley, TWISTING FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! B-Fab is beside herself, but she hurries to straitjacket. Bayley fights free, clinches, BAYLEY2BELLY!! Candice TOSSES Bayley and goes for B-Fab, but B-Fab cradle counters! TWO!! Candice scrambles to BOOT B-Fab down! Candice lines B-Fab up for the LIONSAULT FLOP as B-Fab moves! And then Bayley POSTS Candice!
But B-Fab hits the CROSSOVER! And the BOOKEND!! Cover, Candice drags B-Fab up! B-Fab TOSSES Candice, BOOTS her, and goes back for Bayley. B-Fab resets with a wrench, but Bayley ducks the hook kick to high stack! BAYLEY WINS!!
Winner: Bayley, by pinfall (advances to the next round)
B-Fab can’t believe it, but Bayley is all fired up! The first-ever WWE Women’s Grand Slam Champion could soon become the first-ever FIVE-STAR Champion! But that means making it through a semifinal round, will Bayley make it to Saturday Night’s Main Event?
The Women’s US Championship Tournament Bracket is revealed!
We just saw Bayley win her Triple Threat, and she waits the winner of Bianca Belair VS Chelsea Green VS Blair Davenport! Then we see Jade Cargill VS Mia Yim VS Piper Niven, and Naomi VS Tiffany Stratton VS Elektra Lopez round out the field. Will Naomi be shining with gold for the holidays? Or will Nia Jax make sure to A-Nia-Late Naomi once and for all?
Sami Zayn is talking with LA Knight.
The Honorary Uce seems to think the Men’s United States Champion might want to help, but it looks like that’s the opposite of what he wants. The Mega Star is heading to the ring, to hold an OPEN CHALLENGE! Who will answer the call of LA Knight? We’ll find out, after the break.
The Street Profits regroup with B-Fab.
Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins tell her it’s alright that she didn’t win tonight. She’ll get it next time. Speaking of next, The Profits are going for the tag titles, they’ll get this done. B-Fab wishes them luck as they head out, but Chelsea Green & Piper Niven walk in. They mockingly saw, “Aww…” Did “B-Flop” really think she was going to win the tournament? So cute. But don’t be sad, Fab, it was a good shot. Not everyone is championship material. But Chelsea & Piper are. So when one of them becomes the inaugural Women’s US Champion, they’ll let B-Fab hold the title. How about that? Just kidding.
Okay, “Trash Can Chelsea,” you both are right about one thing. Only one of them can be the champion. So what happens should they meet in the finals? Well, while you’re worried about B-Fab, they should be more worried about something else. They don’t know what she means but in walks Mia Yim! And Michin has a kendo stick! She doesn’t need a match to fight, so is there a problem here? No, Michin, except you. Mia steps, Chelsea flinches. Chelsea says she and Piper are gonna go strategize. They leave, and Mia tells B-Fab hey, you win some, you lose some. B-Fab’s got people watching her back, but will Michin make sure “Lil’ Miss P” can’t watch Chelsea’s?
LA Knight heads to the ring.
All this gold on the line tonight, clearly that has the Mega Star’s juices flowing! The fans cheer him on as he grabs a mic to say, “LEMME TALK TO YA!” Knight has been around the world and ay-yai-yai, everyone’s looking for this title! Knight has come and gone, still your United States Champion! “YEAH!” And apparently, that caught some eyes. Sami Zayn wants Knight to join the Bloodline Civil War? Let’s be honest, that ain’t Knight’s fight. He doesn’t need that, he doesn’t want that. As far as he’s concerned, if the whole Bloodline destroyed each other, he’d be just fine with it, YEAH!
Knight has his own investment, and that is the US Championship. But this isn’t the Logan Paul Show, we aren’t just defending this title two times a year no more. “YEAH!” The fans boo and Knight says that’s more than fine. But while Knight’s here with this title, he will be the man. Here’s what we do: The LA Knight US Championship Open Challenge, YEAH! And wait, here comes Santos Escobar! Knight is annoyed but the Emperor of Lucha is accompanied by Legado Del Fantasma. And the entire LDF steps into the ring, keeping Knight guessing on who’s really accepting the challenge.
Escobar grabs a mic now and he tells Knight, “Lemme tell you something. Why can’t you say something cool? Something interesting? Something that has a ring to it? Shut up, Milwaukeeans! Milwaukeeans? Really? It sounds like you’re from a different planet!” The fans boo more but Escobar says what’s cool is “ES-CO-BAR! SI!” Knight chuckles at the parody, but Escobar says Knight must be disgusted of hearing himself speak. Maybe the Milwaukeeans aren’t, but Escobar sure is, so Escobar is going to shut Knight up. Elektra Lopez has the unique opportunity to become the first-ever Women’s United States Champion.
So Escobar is thinking on top of that, why not bring THE US Championship back home to Legado? Knight stops Escobar there. Knight appreciates the ambition, he hears everything Escobar is saying, but he feels “this goof,” Humberto, staring a hole into him. Humberto is looking at Knight like Knight’s covered in barbecue sauce, maybe Berto’s just hungry. But see, Knight and Escobar, been there, done that, Knight won. But Berto can have an opportunity of a lifetime. See, just a few nights ago, right here in this building, Giannis scored 59 points! The fans cheer that. Escobar says that was all luck.
Knight says he might not hit 59, but he’ll get three the hard way as Berto gets dropped on his head! Berto can get beat like his “daddy” here. But the only one who can call Knight “Daddy” is Mamacita Elektra! YEAH! The fans fire up for that. So while Elektra’s calling Knight “Daddy” and Berto is screaming “Uncle,” everyone will be saying, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!!” Escobar is furious, but he lets Berto CLOBBER Knight! The fans boo and the ref rushes in, but the match is made, for after the break.
WWE United States Championship Open Challenge: LA Knight VS Humberto Carillo w/ Legado Del Fantasma!
SmackDown returns and Knight fires CHOP after CHOP on Berto! Berto ducks one to ROCK Knight! Berto whips Knight to a corner, runs in, but Knight puts Berto on the apron. Berto ROCKS Knight right back! Berto goes up top, but Knight jumps up right after him! Berto SHOVES Knight back down! Berto MISSILE DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Knight stays in this but Berto rains down fists! Berto soaks up the heat from Milwaukee, then he clamps onto Knight with a seated cobra twist. Knight endures, the fans rally, and Knight fights up. Knight fires body shots, but Berto UPPERCUGTS! Berto whips, Knight reverses, but Berto holds ropes.
Knight runs up, blocks a boot, and he LARIATS Berto and himself out of the ring! The fans fire up and Knight has Legado back off. Knight SMACKS Berto off the desk again and again! The fans fire up for the dribbling, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight stops to then SMACK Berto one more time! Knight puts Berto in the ring, kicks and DDTS! Cover, TWO!! Knight stays calm as he brings Berto back up. Knight whips, Berto slips free of the scoop to O’Conner Roll! TWO, but Berto springboards, BASEMENT GAMANGIRI! Cover, TWO!! Knight survives, Legado grows frustrated, but Berto hurries to put Knight in a drop zone.
Berto climbs the corner, MOONSUALT into a BOOT! Angel freaks out while Knight scoops Berto, POWERSLAM! ELBOW FLOP as Berto moves! Berto DROPKICKS Knight in a corner! Berto hurries to put Knight up top, and he CHOPS! Berto climbs, brings Knight up, but Knight fires body shots! Knight HEADBUTTS Berto down, adjusts position, and the fans fire up for the “L! A! KNIGHT!” MACHO ELBOW! The fans fire up as Knight spins Berto for the B F T!! Cover, Knight wins!
Winner: LA Knight, by pinfall (still WWE United States Champion)
Knight tells Escobar that’s what he gets, and he blows a kiss to Lopez because that’s what she likes! Legado goes into retreat, but someone new appears! SHINSUKE NAKAMURA?! He ELBOWS Knight down, then hits a KINSHASA!! The fans boo but Nakamura is like a specter in the night! The King of Strong Style is now a sinister samurai, will this ronin slay the Mega Star to again be champion?
The Usos talk backstage.
Jey says they’re in trouble, Uce. Still no fifth man in the WarGames, they gotta tighten up! Jimmy asks why Jey’s after him now. Jimmy is the one who said earlier that- Sami walks in. Sami shakes his head and says it isn’t looking good. Jimmy knew that. Well, where is Roman? They gonna talk or what? Yeah, Roman said to meet him in this room. Then let’s go talk to him. Jey opens the door, the three walk in, and The OG Bloodline meet. Will they have a plan for how to find a fifth? Will they also have a plan for how to overcome Solo Sikoa’s fearsome faction?
SmackDown returns and…
Wait, Roman isn’t in here? He said he was gonna be here. Sami says it’s not looking good. Oh, now Roman walks in. Roman takes a seat in the big armchair, and Sami asks who’s gonna tell him. Okay, no one? Sami will just say it: They tried Raw, they tried SmackDown, they got nothing. There is no one The Bloodline hasn’t dropped, no one who wants to work with them. So sorry, there’s no fifth man. Jey tells Roman… He has to make “the call.” But then Solo Sikoa and his Bloodline are headed to the ring! The “Undisputed Tribal Chief” leads Jacob Fatu, Tama Tonga & Tonga Loa to the ring, and the OGs are seeing this on their TV.
Roman gets up and he leads the way out of this room, ready to confront Solo’s side. Solo goes to the ring, he raises the one to the sky, joined by his rogues, and the fans all boo. Solo then grabs a mic, and while fans boo, he tells Milwaukee, “ACKNOWLEDGE ME.” The fans boo harder but wait! Here comes the OG Bloodline! The fans fire up for OTC as he leads the way for Jimmy, Jey & Sami. They get the pyro while they stare down Solo, Jacob, Tama & Loa. The fans fire up as the OGs head down to the ring! The line in the sand is drawn, and then the hands start flying! The fans fire up more as Roman has Solo, Usos have Guerrillas and Sami has Jacob!
The OG Bloodline turns the tides on Solo’s side! Jey FLIES to wipe out Tama, Loa and Jimmy! Jacob DECKS Sami, CLOBBERS Roman, and the fans boo. Jaco then hurries outside to SUPERKICK Jey! And SUPERKICK Jimmy! The Samoan Werewolf roars, and Solo grabs Sami! Solo wants to make Sami pay for swerving him twice! SAMOAN- SPEAR from Roman to Solo!! The fans are thunderous as Roman and Sami nod. Then Sami builds speed to FLY onto Tama & Loa! But that leaves Roman and Jacob! The fans are electric as these two stare down. They circle, the fans cheer on “O T C! O T C!” BUT BRONSON REED ATTACKS?!
The fans boo as now The Colossal Aussie gets involved!? Werewolf and Auszilla stare down, but then Bronson SPLASHES Roman in a corner! And Jacob adds a HIP ATTACK!! The fans boo but somehow, someway, Solo got a BIG ally in this fight! But now Sami & The Usos are back! Tama & Loa join in, it’s another brawl, but Jaco b SPLASHES Jimmy in a corner! Tama CLUBS Sami, Bronson gives Jey a DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Then Sami is fed to a LARIAT from Bronson! The fans boo but Jacob gives Sami the BEST MOONSAULT EVER! And Bronson is up top to TSUNAMI Jimmy!! The fans boo but now they want Roman!
Loa CLUBS Roman, and then whips, but Roman reveres! Loa is sent into POST! Roman brings Loa up to TOSS him over barriers, only for Tama to CLOBBER Roman! Tama puts Roman in the ring, but Roman SUPERMAN PUNCHES Tama! Roman avoids Bronson, SUPERMAN PUNCH for Jacob! SUPERMAN PUNCH for Bronson! But SAMOAN SPIKE for Roman!! Solo stands over Roman, and he tells Jacob to finish this! Jacob puts Roman in the drop zone, BEST MOONSAULT EVER! Bronson wants his turn! Bronson puts Roman back in the drop zone, goes up top, TSUNAMI!! The fans boo and producers shout for them to stop!
The OG Bloodline is down and out as Bronson stands over the former Undisputed Champion. Jacob adorns Solo with the ula fala, and Solo says this is what happens when you mess with the REAL Bloodline! Solo has two Guerrillas, a Werewolf and now a kaiju, is there nothing to stop his Bloodline from dominating the WWE?
Kevin Owens speaks.
“I showed up to the arena in Milwaukee earlier, and I was turned away. I was told that I’m not welcomed and that I had to leave. Because of what I did to Randy Orton last week. But what I did to Randy Orton last week was, I did my job. All I did was do what they asked me to do, because Randy showed up, called me out to the ring, and then I showed up. And now I’m in trouble because I put Randy Orton on the shelf? That is absolute nonsense. It’s not fair. But guess what the best part is? Just now, a few minutes ago, I got a call from Nick Aldis asking me to be at SmackDown in Salt Lake City next Friday.
“Why? Because the little golden boy, Cody Rhodes, wants me there! OH MY GOD, Cody wants me there!? I have to be there, right?! Can’t disappoint Cody Rhodes! Well you know what, Cody? I shouldn’t show up. But I will. I’ll be there. Not for you. Not for Nick Aldis. Not even for the WWE, because they hardly deserve me at this point. I’m gonna show up next week for myself. Because I happen to love Utah. The mountains, the fresh air, all that stuff. It’s good for me. But everyone needs to remember one thing. When I show up next Friday, I’m just doing what you all want me to do. I’m just doing my job.”
WWE Tag Team Championships: The Motor City Machine Guns VS The Street Profits!
Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin are truly one of the most decorated tag teams in wrestling, but they’re going up against the WWE Triple Crown that holds it down. Will Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins prove this is their comeback season? Or will the Profits go belly up against the Guns?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who’s really the best!
The teams sort out, Sabin and Ford start, and the two circle. The fans rally as the two tie up, and Ford puts Sabin in a corner. Ford lets off, but then stomps Sabin and CLUBS him down. Ford whips Sabin, but Sabin sunset flips! Ford sits on the cover, TWO as Sabin finishes the sunset. TWO, and Sabin blocks a kick. Sabin flips Ford, Ford lands on his feet, and the fans fire up for the standoff. Sabin offers a handshake, but Ford smirks. Ford runs up, but Sabin arm-drags! And arm-drags again! Sabin has the armlock, brings Ford up, tag to Shelley. The MCMG double whip, atomic drop, dropkick to the legs! DREAM SEQUENCE!
The fans fire up while Shelley covers, TWO! Ford toughs it out but Shelley covers again. TWO, and a third cover, TWO! Shelley wrenches Ford’s arm, but Ford pushes free. Ford then blows past Shelley to LARIAT on return! The fans fire up while Shelley bails out. Tag to Dawkins, and he runs in from the outside! Dawkins POUNCES Shelley over the desk! The Profits are up and ready to be champs again, but SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Shelley fights out of the Profits’ corner. But Dawkins catches Shelley to RAM him into the corner! Dawkins then runs up, but Shelley dodges! Dawkins hits buckles, Ford tags in, and Ford anchors Shelley’s leg! Shelley BOOTS Ford away, hot tag to Sabin! Sabin dodges Ford, DROPKCIKS Dawkins, then BOOTS Ford. Sabin goes up to FLYING RANA! Ford tumbles, Sabin WRECKS Dawkins with another dropkick, but Ford runs up! Sabin TOSSES Ford out next to Dawkins! Sabin takes aim while fans are torn, and Sabin slingshots. The Profits move, so Shelley FLYING KNEES Dawkins! Sabin CANNONBALLS Ford!
The fans fire up with MCMG as Sabin goes back to the ring. Ford is in a corner, Sabin runs up to ELBOW! Tag to Shelley and Sabin feeds Ford to the clinch. Sabin climbs, MISSILE DROPKICK FLATLINER COMBO! Cover, TWO! Ford survives but Shelley drags him back up. Shelley wrenches an arm, for an ELBOW BREAKER! Tag to Sabin, MCMG mugs Ford, and Sabin fireman’s carries. Ford fights free, tags Dawkins, and then runs up to BLAST Shelley! Sabin ROCKS Dawkins, ROCKS Ford, but Dawkins POUNCES Sabin into the GERMAN SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Dawkins says keep going, and he tags Ford in!
Ford climbs, Dawkins lifts Sabin, but CIAMPA SHOVES FORD!!!
Winners: The Street Profits, by disqualification (MCMG retain the titles)
Ciampa attacks Dawkins, then POSTS him! The fans boo as the Sicilian Psycho ruins this match! Ciampa stomps away on Ford, then rains down fists! Shelley pulls Ciampa back but Gargano is here now! Gargano wants everyone to stop, and he wants Ciampa to calm down. Ciampa says okay, sorry. But then he SHOVES Gargano?! Ciampa says he’s doing this for DIY! Ciampa storms off saying they talked about the titles! Ciampa wants the titles, DIY should have the titles, but they don’t have the titles! Gargano hurries after Ciampa while MCMG apologize to the Profits. Dawkins DECKS Shelley! The fans boo but it seems The Profits are as frustrated as Ciampa.
MCMG regroups, unsure what to make of any of this. But it’s not like they aren’t familiar with having targets on their back in the form of gold. Will they just have to be quicker on the draw next time?
Bayley finds Naomi backstage.
The Role Model says, “There’s my main event! The living legend!” Bayley is so excited to watch Naomi win the title. Naomi thanks Bayley for that, and congratulates Bayley on her own win in the Women’s US Championship Tournament. Bayley thanks Naomi, and they could be a couple champions! But before getting too carried away, Bayley brings up watching Monday Night Raw, and Bayley wants Naomi to watch out for Iyo Sky. We know we can’t trust her. We know the past beef- Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill walk in. And Bianca says, “Trust? Well, well, well…” But no, The EST won’t get into the beef she and Bayley have because it’s not about them.
Bianca says this is about their girl, Naomi, and her title match tonight. And Jade says they got this. If anyone wants to try Naomi, she knows Jade & Bianca have her back. They’ll snatch and drag! Bayley says okay, she’ll catch Naomi later. Bianca, Jade and Naomi power up as the Big 3, but can’t there be room for more?
WWE Women’s Championship: Nia Jax VS Naomi!
This moment has been building for a month, though not without some footnotes and disclaimers. But a win is a win, and the Queen of the Ring owes Naomi this title match. Will the Irresistible Force be able to A-Nia-Late another contender? Or will she and the WWE Universe all #FeelTheGlow?
SmackDown returns and Nia makes her entrance. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who sits upon the throne!
The bell rings and Nia runs right up! Naomi DROPKICKS Nia, kips up, then fires off hands! The fans rally but Nia RAMS Naomi right to a corner! Nia RAMS into Naomi again and again, then lets off to bring Naomi out. Nia SWINGS Naomi with a facelock, then TOSSES her away! The fans boo but Nia runs up to SPLASH in a corner! Naomi flounders but Nia soaks up heat. Nia runs, but Naomi avoids the elbow drop! Naomi hurries to ghost pin, ONE! Nia sits up, into a BUZZSAW! Naomi runs to SPLIT LEG DROP! Cover, TWO! Nia is tougher than that, but Bianca & Jade are cheering Naomi on from backstage.
Tiffany Stratton is watching, too, as Nia whips and ROCKS Naomi! Nia whips Naomi out of the ring, then soaks up more heat. The ref starts the ring count, and Naomi climbs up. Naomi RAMS into Nia, slingshots up and over to sunset flip, ONE!! Nia LARIATS Naomi right down! Cover, TWO! Nia is annoyed and tells the ref to shut up already. Nia clamps on a chinlock and grinds Naomi down. Naomi endures and the fans rally up. Naomi fights to her feet, Nia whips, but Naomi slides under the lariat! Naomi mule kicks, front KICKS, then runs, but into an ELBOW! Nia snarls, and she storms up on Naomi to dribble her off the mat!
The fans boo and the ref reprimands about hair pulling. Nia taunts Naomi while she stalks Naomi to ropes. Nia CHOKES and thrashes Naomi on the ropes! The ref counts, the fans boo, but Nia stops to soak up more heat. Nia shoves Naomi, pops her up, and HEADBUTTS her down! The fans boo more but Nia just revels in it. But Naomi is right up to put Nia through ropes! Naomi KCIKS Nia, then hits the HEATSEEKER! Nia flounders out of the ring, but Naomi DIVES! Nia hits barriers, but Naomi fires off more hands! The fans fire up with Naomi while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Naomi catches her breath, then pushes Nia into the ring. Naomi steps in but Nia is right on her! Nia throws Naomi down, then drags her back up. Naomi JAWBREAKERS back! And then she kicks off the ropes to STUNNER! Nia flops back and goes to a corner. Naomi runs in to DROPKICK! Naomi drags Nia to a cover, TWO! Naomi stays calm and stays on Nia. Naomi tries to suplex but Nia’s too big and strong! Nia suplexes Naomi in return! Cover, TWO! Nia calms herself, then drags Naomi into a COBRA CLUTCH! Naomi endures while Nia leans on her. Nia thrashes Naomi around, steps over, and stretches Naomi back!
Naomi endures, fights around, and fights up, only for Nia to TOSS her away! Nia soaks up more heat, then drags Naomi back up. SmackDownr eturns to single picture as Nia whips and CLOBBERS Naomi! Cover, TWO! That pin was a bit lax but Nia still argues with the ref. Nia talks trash on Naomi, pushes her around, then runs to FALLING HEADBUTT! Nia then clamps onto a leg for a HALF CRAB! Nia sits deep on the hold but the fans still rally behind Naomi. Naomi endures, turns over, and she kicks Nia away! Nina runs back up, reels Nia in, and Canadian Rack, but Naomi makes it a SUNSET BOMB! Cover, TWO!!
Nia escapes, hurries back up, but Naomi BOOTS her! Naomi goes up, Nia blocks a kikc, but not the rebound ENZIGIRI! Naomi then leaps, CROSSBODY! Naomi bounces off the cover, but she gets moving! Naomi dodges to springboard, FLYING CHUCK! The fans fire up with Naomi, and she runs to slingshot- NO, Nia shoves her away! But Naomi comes back with the REARVIEW! Cover, TWO!! Nia survives but Milwaukee rallies behind Naomi. Naomi brings Nia up but Nia RAMS her into a corner! Nia gets space, but Naomi runs up! But into a POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! The ref almost gets taken out as collateral!
The fans boo but Nia eyes the corner. Nia puts Naomi in the drop zone, then goes up the corner! But Naomi hurries to SHOVE Nia over! Nia tumbles to apron then floor! Naomi hurries up the corner, and she SUPER CROSSBODIES! Down goes Nia and “This is Awesome!” Wait, Raquel Rodriguez & Liv Morgan are beating up on Bianca & Jade! The fans boo as Judgment Day has wiped out the StrongEST Duo! The ref is checking Naomi and Nia, and both are okay to continue. Naomi drags Nia up and into the ring, but here comes Tiffany! The ref is busy with Nia as Tiff sucker punches Naomi! LEG DROP by Nia!!
Nia drags Naomi to the drop zone and Tiff cheers her on. Nia goes up, but Naomi rises! ENZIGIRI!! Nia wobbles, Tiff worries, but Naomi climbs up! Only for Nia to scoop! SUPER POWER- ARM-DRAG?!?! Cover, TWO!!! Naomi can’t believe how close she was, and neither can Milwaukee! Tiff calls to the ref, but Naomi runs her off! And then BAYLEY shows up! Bayley ROCKS Tiff, then THROWS her into barriers! Naomi dodges Nia, rolls her up, TWO!! Nia is up, Naomi POSTS her! Naomi has Nia down, then she goes up! SPLIT-LEG MOONSAULT!!! Cover, TWO?!?! Nia survives and Bayley is just as stunned!
Naomi grows frustrated, unsure what she has to do. Naomi just goes back up and the fans cheer her on. But then Candice POSTS Bayley! Naomi is distracted, Nia gets her for a SUPER SAMOAN DROP!! And then, A-NIA-LATOR!! Cover, Nia wins!!
Winner: Nia Jax, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s Champion)
It took a lot of factors in this one, but again, a win is a win! But then Candice and Tiff are adding on with stomps to Naomi! They stand tall with their Queen of the Ring, will nothing stop this twisted trio from running SmackDown?
The OG Bloodline regroups.
Roman Reigns sits in his armchair, but he also looks at his phone. Jey said to make “the call.” But to who? Roman says, “Call… The Wiseman.” Roman is ready to talk to Paul Heyman again! But then the phone responds, “The number you have reached is not in service.” What?! Heyman changed his number? Is the OG Bloodline truly without hope?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown, really jampacked with action that also moved stories along. There was still promo stuff, of course, such as Cody Rhodes arguing with Nick Aldis to get at Kevin Owens. You’ve got to appreciate Cody bringing up all the same wrestler tropes Randy Orton and Triple H had in their feuds. And good response from Kevin in his car, and their confrontation next Friday could definitely become a brawl that then sets up Cody VS Kevin Part 2, some kind of No Disqualification match at Survivor Series. They can even make it a wild opener to get the energy going for the night.
Great stuff with the Men’s United States Championship, with Knight putting Legado Del Fantasma in their place both physically and verbally. Berto got a good showing but of course Knight won. Nakamura making his return here was great stuff, and this new, darker persona for him is already working just on looks. Now, it’d be a shame if Nakamura were to lose here, but the custom strap on Knight’s title only just happened so I can’t be sure of Nakamura’s chances. Maybe Nakamura and Knight have a back and forth of matches before Knight drops the belt at like Saturday Night’s Main Event.
Speaking of which, that’s a great place for this Women’s US Championship story to culminate. Great Triple Threat match with B-Fab looking good even in the loss. B-Fab also had a good promo with Chelsea, Piper and Michin to hype up the rest of the opening round. All Triple Threats makes it so we could get some “unlikely” winners, like Piper helping Chelsea win over only for Piper to not make it out of her own. At the same time, it’d be a shame for Blair Davenport to return and not get anything. But there are a lot of great combinations possible through this tournament, can’t wait to see who wins it all.
And we got great integration of all the women’s division stories as we head for Survivor Series. Liv & Raquel attacking Bianca & Jade, Tiff & Candice screwing Naomi over while beating up Bayley, we have our Women’s WarGames all set right there, just as I knew since Monday. Bayley distrusting Iyo but Bianca distrusting Bayley, it’ll be pretty clear the Heel team wins, especially given what we’ll get in the Men’s WarGames. But first, great stuff in the tag title match and story as Ciampa “ruins” it all and even gets mad at Gargano. Profits are also going Heel in their own way as they don’t care for any of the other teams.
To keep things fresh while using the same contenders, I feel like Profits, DIY and MCMG need to have something more like an Elimination Triple Threat. There was already the ladder match with Tama & Loa, so they can’t just do that again so soon. Given of how popular and how talented all these teams are, maybe they can even come up with something new just for this, to really make it feel special. At the same time, it feels like DIY is about to fall apart with Ciampa going Heel and not happy with Gargano not going Heel with him here. Then Gargano and Ciampa can feud as they both build up to be singles title contenders.
And of course, great stuff with The Bloodline story. LA Knight was definitely gonna say NAH NAH to joining The Bloodline story, Sami talking to him seemed more like an excuse to give us the US Championship segment. At the start of the night, it seemed like Roman was still stuck in his ways, sitting in the big chair without really caring what the others were doing. Great brawl with Solo’s Bloodline, some real wild stuff, and with Seth Rollins being asked on Raw, Bronson Reed joining this story on Solo’s side oddly makes sense. For one, it’ll get Rollins to join in on OG Bloodline’s side so he can get at Bronson, which will probably be discussed on Raw.
Secondly, Bronson Reed is Samoan Australian, and all Solo needs to have someone on the team is that they’re mean and Polynesian. As if Jacob Fatu wasn’t dangerous, Bronson really brought the chaos and the destruction to the OG Bloodline, so that really puts the pressure on the OG Bloodline. And then what a great double tease: they give us Roman calling Heyman, which got the crowd fired up, only to have the automated message and number not in service that brought us all down. Roman certainly sold his defeated look, but Heyman’s return will be an awesome moment. Especially if Heyman’s the one who brings someone to the team that can tip the scales back in the OG Bloodline’s favor.
My Score: 8.9/10
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