Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW G1 Climax 31 Results & Report! (10/4/21)
Round 5, B Block!
NJPW’s grueling tournament hits the halfway point!
NJPW faction members clash against each other again! Will Bullet Club still (not) be fine after Evil takes on the Good Bad Guy?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Chase Owens; Chase wins.
- EVIL w/ Dick Togo VS Tama Tonga w/ Jado; Evil wins.
- Taichi w/ Miho Abe VS Jeff Cobb; Cobb wins.
- Hirooki Goto VS YOSHI-HASHI; Goto wins.
- Kazuchika Okada VS SANADA; Okada wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Here are the current B Block standings!
Kazuchika Okada: 4-0, 8 points
Jeff Cobb: 4-0, 8 points
Hiroshi Tanahashi: 3-1, 6 points
EVIL: 3-1, 6 points
SANADA: 2-2, 4 points
Taichi: 2-2, 4 points
YOSHI-HASHI: 1-3, 2 points
Tama Tonga: 1-3, 2 points
Hirooki Goto: 0-4, 0 points
Chase Owens: 0-4, 0 points
Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Chase Owens!
The Ace is riding high after another win, but he can’t take it easy just yet! Will the Crown Jewel cash in and earn himself a shot at the IWGP United States Championship?
As always, Tanahashi shows off the muscles and the fans cheer. The bell rings and fans rally for “Let’s Go, Ace! Let’s Go, Ace!” as he and Chase circle. They feel things out, Chase showing he wants leg. But then Chase backs off and the two tie up collar ‘n’ elbow. Chase wrenches to a wristlock, Tanahashi fights and slips through to wrench Chase back. Tanahashi gets around, trips Chase and floats to a headlock. Chase fights up, pulls hair and powers up, but Tanahashi holds tight! Fans cheer as Tanahashi keeps on the grind. Chase fights up, pries at the hold, but Tanahashi hits a takeover. Tanahashi shrugs off the headscissors attempt but Chase makes it a cover, ONE!
Chase fights up and powers out to a facelock but Tanahashi wrenches through. Tanahashi wrenches again but Chase rolls and kips up to break free and dropkicks Tanahashi down! Fans rally and Chase takes a second to reset. Tanahashi gets up, the two circle and tie up, but Chase kicks low. Chase headlocks to punch Tanahashi, then bumps him off buckles. Chase stomps, whips corner to corner, then runs in but Tanahashi elbows. Tanahashi goes up to CROSSBODY! Fans cheer as Tanahashi air guitars! Tanahashi runs at Chase but Chase elbows then CROSSBODIES in return! Chase even air guitars, too! Oh, he has to tune it first. Then he rocks out!
Tanahashi kicks Chase low for that one. Tanahashi then runs but Chase dropkicks the legs out! Fans rally up and Chase gets a leg. Chase stomps it, drives knees into it, then yanks it! Chase then drops a knee on the knee and fans rally, “Let’s Go, Ace!” Chase puts the leg in a toehold, brings down Tanahashi’s kneepad and digs his knuckles and elbow into the joint! The fans still rally, Chase twists the leg and jams elbows into the knee. Chase lets off to then drag Tanahashi to ropes. He puts the leg on the rope to drop down with straddle attacks! Chase ties up the legs but they’re in the ropes so the ref counts. Chase lets off, fans rally back up, and Tanahashi clutches his knee.
Chase stands Tanahashi up but Tanahashi throws forearms. Chase kicks the bad leg but Tanahashi hits back with fast hands! Tanahashi kicks Chase to a corner, whips corner to corner but Chase reverses, only for Tanahashi to come back with FLYING FOREARMS! Fans fire up with Tanahashi as he throws more forearms on Chase. Tanahashi scoops and SLAMS Chase into the drop zone, then goes up the corner. Second rope SUNSET SENTON! Cover, TWO! Fans still rally as Tanahashi runs, but Chase drops to deny the Slingblade. A very Jay White move. Tanahashi storms in but into a small package! TWO, and Chase gets to a corner.
Tanahashi runs in, Chase dodges then ROCKS him with a forearm! Chase reels Tanahashi in for a LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Fans fire up again as Chase fireman’s carries Tanahashi. Tanahashi fights free and blocks the knee! Chase throws forearms, frees his leg and hammerlocks, but no lariat! Tanahashi runs, but into a hammerlock! JEWEL HEIST! Cover, TWO! Chase aims with both finger guns and brings Tanahashi up. Chase tucks Tanahashi in, but Tanahashi fights the package driver! Tanahashi back drops Chase to the apron but Chase boots back in. Tanahashi blocks for a DRAPING DRAGON SCREW!
Fans fire up with Tanahashi and he runs to hit the SLINGBLADE! Cover, TWO! But Tanahashi goes right up the corner! Chase stands, HIGH FLY ATTACK! Tanahashi fires up and goes back up top! HIGH FLY FLOW onto knees! Chase saves himself but they’re both down as fans fire up. Chase gets up in a corner, Tanahashi runs in but only gets buckles! Schoolboy and high stack, but Chase uses ropes! The ref doesn’t it! TWO!! Tanahashi escapes but Chase sobats him low! Chase suplexes but Tanahashi fights it! TWIST- NO! Chase slips through, hooks Tanahashi’s arms, BACKSLIDE! TWO!! Tanahashi narrowly escapes, but he blocks the knee!
But Chase ducks the Shotei! Chase fires off fast hands, JEWEL TRIG- SHOTEI!! Tanahashi rocks Chase first then fires up! Tanahashi runs, into a JEWEL TRIGGER! Both men are down but fans fire back up! Tanahashi is on the ropes, JEWEL TRIGGER! Chase hurries to get Tanahashi tucked in, PACKAGE DRIVER!! Cover, CHASE WINS?!?
Winner: Chase Owens, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Tanahashi earns 0)
This is perhaps the biggest win in the Crown Jewel’s career, and he’s not very humble about it! He kicks the Young Lions away from Tanahashi just so he can stand over him a moment longer. Chase trumps The Ace, will the NWA Texas Heavyweight Champion look to add the IWGP US Heavyweight Championship to his collection?
EVIL w/ Dick Togo VS Tama Tonga w/ Jado!
It’s Bullet Club VS Bullet Club again! The House of Torture’s Tokyo Pimp lost to the Silverback, will the Good Bad Guy keep the Guerrillas of Destiny strong? Or will Darkness Fall as the King of Darkness stands tall?
As always, a Too Sweet is offered, but can it be trusted coming from Evil? Jado sure wants Dick to be cool. They all Low Sweet, and for now, Bullet Club is fine. The bell rings and Tama already takes off the vest to get serious. Fans rally as Tama and Evil circle. Evil offers a handshake now? Tama takes it, but Evil reels him in! Tama escapes the STO and tells the SOB off, but Evil apologizes. They circle again and Tama is wary of this second handshake offer. Fans clap and Tama reaches out, but then he ducks a sucker punch! Tama fires hands, Evil rakes eyes! Evil whips, Tama reverses and hurdles, hurdles and HAKU STYLE CHOPS! Tama is all fired up as Evil bails out.
But wait! Dick is up to his tricks and he’s untying the red corner’s buckle pad! Tama sees that and shouts at him and Dick runs away. Evil rushes in but Tama’s ready with haymakers. Tama whips Evil to a corner, then runs in to back elbow! Fans fire up as Tama throws more back elbows, then whips Evil corner to corner. Fans rally up with Tama and he runs in, but Evil removes the buckle pad! Tama hits bare steel face first! Tama clutches his mouth and nose but Evil just shrugs. Evil drags Tama up, throws him out of the ring, then argues with the ref. But Jado keeps Dick away from Tama! Fans cheer and the Master Heater coaches Tama up.
The ref sees this and Dick plays innocent. Tama gets up and gets in the ring, but Evil’s right on him with more raking of the eyes! Evil then hooks Tama up in the cobra twist! Tama endures, but Evil and Dick form the chain! Jado hurries over to rush Dick off, but then the ref wants Jado to stand down. Evil lets Tama go, Jado coaches Tama and fans rally up. Evil stands Tama up but Tama throws body shots and uppercuts! Tama runs but into a shoulder tackle! Evil drags Tama around, stands him up and whips him into a neutral corner for a clothesline, then FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Evil argues the count but the ref says it was fair.
Tama writhes, fans still rally, but Evil kicks Tama around. Evil taunts Tama as Tama gets up the ropes but Tama throws body shots! Evil claws Tama’s face again! The ref counts, Evil stops at 4, then wrenches Tama and whips him corner to corner. Tama stops from hitting the bare buckles! Evil runs in but Tama dodges and Evil runs into steel! Tama gets Evil with a NECKBREAKER! Fans rally again, Tama crawls to the corner and stands up. Tama hobbles over to Evil, drags him up and throws body shots. Tama throws forearms and uppercuts, then whips. Evil reverses, Tama dodges to dropkick! And again! And again! Fans fire up with Tama as Evil is down!
Tama drags Evil back up, whips him into bare buckles, then fires up with the fans to run in and SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Fans rally and Tama drags Evil up in a dragon sleeper. But Evil claws Tama’s face again! Tama lets Evil go, Evil blocks his kick to give it to the ref and mule kick Tama down! Fans rally again as Tama writhes and Evil catches his breath. Evil hobbles over, has the legs and steps through, but Tama THROAT STABS Evil! Another shoutout to his father, Haku! Tama drives Evil down to the mat! Tama lets Evil go, gets the legs and steps through, to steal the SHARPSHOOTER! Fans rally and Evil endures as Tama sits deep on the hold!
Evil pushes up but Tama pulls back on the legs! Evil crawls and manages the ropebreak. Tama lets go, drags Evil to a drop zone and climbs. But Evil grabs at the ref! Tama hops down to stomp Evil around, then drags him up to CLUB him on the back. Tama fireman’s carries but Evil slips out. Tama elbows him away, runs, but Evil uses the ref as a shield! Tama moves the ref aside but Evil kicks low! Evil suplexes Tama and uses the ref for MAGIC KILLER! All three are down and fans rally up! Evil and the ref sit up, Evil covers, TWO! Tama survives and Evil is furious! Evil gets the legs to put Tama in the SHARPSHOOTER! But Tama gets the ropebreak quick!
The ref counts, Evil lets go at 4 and is frustrated. Fans rally up but Evil drags Tama up. Tama blocks the fireman’s carry, CLUBS away on Evil’s back, but Evil fireman’s carries! Tama fights off to facelock but Evil wrenches out to reel Tama in! EVERYTHING- NO! Tama slips out to TONGAN TWIST! Cover, TWO! Fans fire up again and Tama watches Evil rise. GUN- NO! Evil shoves Tama at the ref but Tama stops himself. Tama also stops the low blow! Fireman’s carry and ROLLING DEATH VALLEY! Fans fire up and Tama hurries up top! DIVING BODY PRESS!! Cover, TWO!! Evil survives the huge splash but fans are thunderous as Tama pounds the mat.
But the lights go out?! Where is Dick!? Did he do this!? But when the lights come up, Dick is choking Tama! And the ref is down! But Jado SMACKS Dick with the kendo stick! Tama hits Dick with the THROAT STAB! But Evil LOW BLOWS Tama!! EVERYTHING IS EVIL!! But the ref is still out! Evil drags him over, covers Tama, and the ref counts! Evil wins!!
Winner: Evil, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Tama earns 0)
The King of Darkness wins, but who was it that turned out the lights in the arena? Oh, but of course! The newest member of the House of Torture and Bullet Club, SHO! High Voltage helped short out the Good Bad Guy’s chances, is Bullet Club anything but fine?
Taichi w/ Miho Abe VS Jeff Cobb!
The Holy Emperor fell off fast, but his rage is only boiling up stronger! Will he find a way to rise back up? Or will he be conquered by the United Empire’s juggernaut?
Taichi takes off the elaborate robe and shows off his dancing pecs. Cobb is not impressed because he can do it, too! The bell rings and fans rally up already, “TA-I-CHI!” “JEFF COBBU!” They circle, slowly approach and tie up. Cobb puts Taichi on ropes but lets off cleanly. Fans cheer and Taichi fixes his hair before he circles with Cobb again. They tie up, again Cobb puts Taichi on the ropes, but again Cobb lets off cleanly. Taichi applauds the sportsmanship, as do the fans, and fans continue to rally. Taichi wipes his hands off on the corner buckle before he and Cobb tie up a third time. This time Taichi tries to power Cobb back but Cobb shoves him away! Cobb shakes his head as Taichi sits up.
Taichi and Cobb reset and approach. Taichi kicks away on Cobb’s leg! Cobb hobbles and bails out but Taichi pursues. Taichi kicks the bad leg again, then whips Cobb into railing! Taichi gets the coil of camera cable and chokes Cobb with all of it! The ref counts, Taichi lets go and Cobb sputters as he’s free. Taichi again wipes his hands, kicks Taichi low and puts him in the ring. It seems Cobb’s hair is still very wet so Taichi keeps having to dry his hands. Taichi then CHOKES Cobb into the corner! He lets off as the ref counts, and he kicks the bad leg. Cobb hobbles more but Taichi kicks him again. Taichi starts toying with Cobb but Cobb CHOPS!
Taichi eggs Cobb on so Cobb throws a forearm. Taichi talks trash, Cobb forearms again but Taichi kicks! Cobb blocks, shoves Taichi to a corner, but misses to get buckles! But he blocks the gamangiri to pick Taichi up and FALL AWAY SLAM him across the ring! Fans cheer the strength, but Cobb then adds on stomps. Cobb hauls Taichi up, and CHOKES him in return! The ref counts, Cobb lets off and backs away. Cobb comes back to stand Taichi up and CLUB him on the back! And CLUB him again! Cobb pushes Taichi and stands on his back to use him as a surfboard! Cobb hops off, drags Taichi back up and snapmares him towards the ropes.
Cobb stands on Taichi and has Taichi’s mic! Cobb sings but we all know that mic’s never actually on. The ref reprimands and counts, Cobb hops off and tosses the mic away. Taichi sputters to a corner and kicks from below but Cobb eggs him on. Taichi kicks again but Cobb clotheslines him down! Cobb then drags Taichi up and RAMS him into a corner! And then corner to corner! And then back the other way! Fans fire up as Cobb grits his teeth and seethes. Cobb hauls Taichi up for CHOP LARIAT! And another CHOP LARIAT! Taichi falls over and fans fire up. Cobb pushes Taichi to the cover, ONE!! Taichi seethes but Cobb taunts him, “You got fire?”
Taichi grabs Cobb by the ear, kicks low, but Cobb headbutts him back! Cobb takes a sumo stance and then POUNCES Taichi to the apron! Miho checks on Taichi as Cobb roars. Cobb drags Taichi up, whips him to ropes, but Taichi reverse to wrench and DANGEROUS HOOK KICK! Both men are down and fans rally up! Cobb crawls to a corner in a daze while Taichi slowly sits up. Taichi runs into the corner to clothesline, then snapmare and KICK Cobb in the back! Taichi sits Cobb up for Kowata Kicks, then dodges Cobb’s clothesline to get the SEI- No, wait, Cobb fireman’s carries out of the stretch plum! Taichi slips off, dodges in the corner and GAMANGIRIS Cobb down!
Fans rally up as Cobb sits up in a daze. Taichi grits his teeth, gets up, and OFF COME THE PANTS! Taichi buzzsaws but Cobb ducks to kick, uppercut and dropkick! Fans fire up as Cobb covers, TWO! Taichi crawls for ropes but Cobb waistlocks and dead lifts! But Taichi blocks the suplex to break free and PELE! Fans rally up again as both men stir. Taichi stands up, Cobb sits up, Taichi KICKS Cobb in the chest! And again! And again! Cobb fires up, gets to his feet and dares Taichi to kick him again. Taichi KICKS the bad leg! Then BUZZSAWS! Fans fire up as Taichi stands Cobb back up and runs, but Cobb LARIATS Taichi first!
Cobb hurries to get Taichi up, reel him in, ATHLETIC PLEX! Cover, TWO! GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Fans are thunderous but Cobb is frustrated. Cobb says it’s time, and he drags Taichi back up. Cobb whips, scoops and TOUR- NO! Taichi slips out, dodges and DANGE- NO, his back gives up! Cobb clinches, reels Taichi in and CLUBS him hard on the back! Scoop and Taichi CHOKES Cobb! The ref reprimands but Cobb breaks free, only for Taichi to ROUNDHOUSE! And DANGEROUS SAIDO!! Taichi hurries to get the cover, TWO!! Cobb survives and fans are thunderous again! Miho coaches Taichi up and he roars as he gets to his feet.
Taichi aims from the corner as he powers up. TENSHO- NO! Cobb blocks, spins and SUPERKICKS Taichi! But Taichi comes back to AX BOMBER! But Cobb stays up, until Taichi GAMANGIRIS! Taichi body scissors for the TAICHI STYLE GEDO CLUTCH! TWO!! Fans are thunderous again and Taichi reels Cobb in. Taichi can’t Alabama lift with a bad back, but he sobats! Cobb CHOPS, Taichi boots but Cobb blocks to DECK Taichi with that haymaker! Cobb roars, drags Taichi up and whips him to ropes, AX BOMBER?!? Taichi vows to finish this! Taichi stands Cobb up, Alabama lifts, but Cobb fights free! Cob lifts, Taichi slips free to BOOT and GAMAN-
NO! Cobb ducks it to DEAD LIFT GERMAN! Taichi staggers about, into TOUR OF THE ISLANDS!! Cover, Cobb wins!!
Winner: Jeff Cobb, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Taichi earns 0)
The Hulk smashes the Holy Emperor and is undefeated in B Block! Will he continue until he’s at the very top of the G1?
Hirooki Goto VS YOSHI-HASHI!
The Fierce Warrior and the Head Hunter may be NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Champions together, but they have to face each other in the fifth. Who will #GetBackUp after Chaos faces Chaos?
The bell rings and Hashi fires off on Goto! Goto hits back and they’re brawling already! Hashi gets the edge, whips but Goto reverses. Hashi ducks and dodges to run Goto over! Fans rally already for “YO-SHI-HASH!” as he stomps Goto. Hashi bumps Goto off buckles, fires off more forearms, but Goto turns it around to give all those back! Hashi turns it back, fires off even more forearms, but Goto again returns the favor! Hashi gets another turn of forearms, but Goto SLAPS! Hashi SLAPS back and sits Goto down! Hashi paces as he catches his breath, then stands Goto up to CHOP him! And CHOPS again! Hashi digs his boot in but Red Shoes counts. Hashi lets off at 4 to stand Goto up.
Hsahi forearms, whips corner to corner, but Goto comes back to run Hashi over! Fans rally and Hashi bails out. Goto pursues, CLUBS Hashi on the bakc, but Hashi throws body shots. Hashi whips, Goto reverses and sends Hashi into railing. Goto runs in but Hashi dodges, and Goto runs into railing! Hashi POSTS Goto, then brings Goto up as the ring count begins. Hashi whips Goto back into railing! The count is 10 of 20 as Hashi hits a NECKBREAKER to the floor! Hashi gets in the ring at 16 of 20. Goto gets to his feet and in at 19! Hashi keeps cool as he drags Goto up. Hashi CLUBS Goto on the back, then cravats for a neck wrench.
Hashi snapmares then digs his knee into Goto’s back. Goto endures and the fans rally up. Goto kicks around and gets the ropebreak! Hashi lets off, fans rally up again, and Hashi drags Goto up. Goto CHOPS and CHOPS, runs but Hashi dodges to come back with the BLOCKBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Another try, TWO! Hashi keeps cool as fans continue to rally up. Hashi drags Goto up, brings him over to ropes and hangs him out to dry. Hashi runs and dropkicks Goto down! Cover, TWO! Hashi brings Goto back up, but Goto CHOPS again! Hashi eggs him on so Goto CHOPS and CHOPS, but Hashi ROCKS Goto with a forearm!
Hashi runs, but Goto follows. Hashi ducks to CHOP! Hashi boots but Goto deflects that to DISCUS! Both men are down but fans fire up. Hashi gets to a corner, Goto runs in and clotheslines! Hashi slips out of the bulldog to headlock! But Goto counters with a BIG back suplex! Hashi crawls to a corner and Goto runs in again, MURAMASA! Then the BULLDOG! Cover, TWO! Goto drags Hashi up, fireman’s carries, but Hashi fights free of that to waistlock. Goto elbows free, but Hashi spinning back kicks him down! Fans continue to rally as both men are down again. Hashi gets up and runs, but Goto swats the lariat! Hashi spins back to CHOP!
Hashi and Goto run to DOUBLE LARIAT! Both men stagger but they DOUBLE LARIAT again! Hashi stays on his feet but Goto drops to a knee! Hashi runs but Goto catches him and spins him, clinch and Belly2Belly! Cover, TWO! Goto gets Hashi up in the fireman’s carry, USHIGOROSHI! Goto roars and fans fire up. Goto gets Hashi to his feet, dragon sleepers, but Hashi fights through. Goto settles for the facelock and URA GTR! Cover, TWO! Fans rally harder and Goto stands Hashi back up. Dragon sleeper, but Hashi powers through to suplex to the SHOUTEN KAI! Hashi uses one of Goto’s moves! Fans fire up again as both men are down!
Hashi and Goto slowly stir and fans rally even harder. Hashi crawls over to Goto and throws a forearm. Goto slowly sits up and throws the forearm back! Hashi gives another forearm, but Goto growls and forearms again. They both growl and throw forearms back and forth, and even as they slowly stand up. Hashi throws a forearm, Goto gives it back, repeat! Hashi staggers, Goto eggs him on, and Hashi gives another forearm back! They pick up speed and the fans rally with them! Hashi CHOPS, then throws more forearms and another CHOP! Goto snarls and he fires off forearm after forearm! But Hashi fires off boxing palm strikes! Goto wobbles but he ROCKS Hashi in return!
Hashi falls to a knee and Goto fires up, to KICK! Hashi blocks to HEADBUTT! Both men fall over and fans are fired up again! Hashi crawls around, gets up and runs, to METEORA! Cover, TWO! Hashi stands Goto back up, fisherman and suplex but Goto knees free. Goto swings, but into the DRAGON SUPLEX! But Goto is right back up, only for Hashi to SUPERKICK! Hashi reels Goto in, KUMAGOROSHI! Cover, TWO!! Hashi won’t let up, he wraps on a SLEEPER! Goto endures, fights up, but Hashi shifts to nelson and pump handle. Goto fights Karma to roll and wrench, but Hashi CHOPS him! Hashi wrenches but Goto HEADBUTTS!
Fans are thunderous as both men are down again. Goto crawls to ropes and drags himself up. Goto watches Hashi slowly rise and he powers up… BUZZSAW, but Hashi blocks! Hashi CLUBS the leg, runs in, but into a fireman’s carry! G T W!! Cover, TWO!! Fans are thunderous as Goto drags Hashi back up in the dragon sleeper. But Hsahi spins through again! Goto suplexes to SHOUTEN KAI! Goto is fired up, he gets Hashi back up, dragon sleeper and G T R!! Cover, Goto wins!!
Winner: Hirooki Goto, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Hashi earns 0)
The Fierce Warrior is finally on the board! But he also brings Hashi down so that both men are 1-4. Is Goto’s win a little too late with only four rounds left? Or is there still time for a NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Champion to #TurnItAllAround?
Kazuchika Okada VS SANADA!
The Rainmaker and Cold Skull have faced off EIGHT times so far in their careers. The previous time was for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, which Okada won. And the time before that, they faced each other in the 29th G1 Climax, which Okada won. Can Sanada finally turn his fortunes around with a big win here? Or is Okada going to keep the rain coming in this red hot autumn?
Fans already clap “O-KA-DA!” “SA-NA-DA!” as the jackets are put aside. The bell rings and fans rally up more as the two circle. They approach and feel things out. It has been awhile since these two rivals met 1v1, but they still remember those matches well. Fans rally more as the two reset and try again. They tie up, are in a deadlock, but Okada gets around to a waistlock. Sanada switches but Okada drops to switch back. Sanada pries the hold apart to get an armlock, then wrenches to a wristlock. Okada rolls, wrenches back and has the wristlock now, but Sanada powers through to a waistlock. Okada drop toeholds then ties up the legs for a figure four knot.
Sanada endures as Okada pulls on the legs. Okada floats to a headlock and grinds, but Sanada fights up to pry free. Okada holds Sanada off as long as he can but Sanada leans on the wristlock. Okada slips around to get the headlock and takeover, but Sanada headscissors. Okada kips free and fans cheer the stand off. Sanada and Okada back off as fans continue to rally, and the two circle again. They feel things out to a knuckle lock but Okada rolls to wrench and wrangle Sanada to the mat. Sanada gets up, Okada still has wrist control and changes it up but Sanada gets to ropes to avoid the double wristlock. Okada lets off slowly but cleanly, and pats Sanada on the chest.
Okada shows chop but he fakes Sanada out to pat him on the shoulders. But Sanada rushes in, only for Okada to kick low and put on a headlock. Sanada powers out but Okada runs him over with a shoulder. Things keep moving, Okada sees the drop down to drop an elbow! Okada clubs Sanada to a corner, whips him corner to corner but Sanada goes up and over. Sanada then ducks and dodges to arm-drag and dropkick Okada down! Fans cheer, rally up again, and Okada goes to a corner. Sanada runs in corner to corner but blocks the boot. Okada breaks free then blocks Sanada’s boot to try again. Sanada blocks, trips Okada, and ties him up, only for Okada to boot him away.
Sanada runs in but Okada boots him away. Okada runs but into a RANA! Sanada rolls back to get the legs, and he puts Okada in Paradise! Fans applaud and Sanada encourages them to get louder. Fans do get louder and Sanada is satisfied, so he dropkicks Okada out of Paradise! Cover, TWO! Sanada keeps his cool, sits Okada up and clamps on a chinlock. Sanada also digs his knee in but Okada endures. Fans rally and Okada reaches out to get a ropebreak with his foot. Sanada lets go, brings Okada up and CLUBS him on the back. Sanada CLUBS Okada again, then snap suplexes! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up and Sanada stands Okada up again.
Sanada knees low, whips and elbows Okada down to STANDING MOONSAULT! But he flops as Okada moves! Okada stands Sanada up but Sanada knees low. Sanada whips, Okada ducks and dodges and ELBOWS Sanada down! Fans continue to rally, Okada drags Sanada up and whips him corner to corner. Okada hits a back elbow, then kicks Sanada into the DDT! Cover, TWO! Okada keeps cool while fans fire back up. Okada drags Sanada up, gut wrench but Sanada blocks. They fight for control, Okada gets Sanada off his feet but Sanada kicks to resist. So Okada kicks low and turns Sanada for a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!
Okada sits Sanada up and puts him in a straitjacket stretch! Fans rally and Sanada kicks forward, but Okada pulls back harder on the hold! Sanada still reaches out and now he gets a ropebreak with a foot! Okada lets go quickly and keeps his cool as fans rally up again. Okada stands Sanada up to snapmare at the ropes, then runs to basement dropkick! Sanada rolls out to the floor, Okada takes his time catching his breath while the ring count climbs. The count is 8 of 20 before Sanada stands, and he gets in at 12. Okada brings Sanada up to CLUB him, then he kicks him. Okada throws a forearm, then slaps Sanada around. Fans rally as Sanada then CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS!
Okada knees low, scoops and SLAMS Sanada, but he misses the back senton as Sanada moves! Sanada hurries to get Okada up but Okada knees low and whips, only for Sanada to dropkick Okada’s legs out! Fans fire up and Sanada kips up! Sanada rallies with elbows and arm-drags, then a BACKBREAKER! Okada bails out and Sanada hurries to PLANCHA! Direct hit and fans fire up again. Sanada encourages them to get louder and they do, so he’s satisfied. Sanada goes back to Okada and he drags Okada up and into the ring. Cover, TWO! Fans continue to rally, “SA-NA-DA!” “O-KA-DA!” as Sanada brings Okada up.
Okada blocks the fireman’s carry and CLUBS him on the back. But Sanada dropkicks Okada’s leg out! Okada goes to a corner, Sanada runs in but is put on the top rope! Okada dropkicks Sanada down to the floor! A ring count begins again but Okada goes out to fetch Sanada. Okada kicks low then hits a DDT! Red Shoes goes out to check on Sanada and Okada goes into the ring. Sanada is okay to continue so the count starts again. The count reaches 10 of 20, then climbs to 15 before Sanada gets up! Fans rally hard as ever, Sanada springs up at 17 and in at 18! Okada drags Sanada up, wrenches and has the MONEY CLIP! Sanada endures, powers Okada to a corner, and is free!
Sanada runs back in but Okada dodges. Okada comes back but into an elbow! Sanada Quebrada but Okada gets under! Sanada falls over, clutching his knee! Did it jam in the landing? Fans rally and Okada heads over. Okada shows no mercy as he SMASHES that knee into the mat! Sanada writhes and flounders but Okada gets the leg again to SMASH it back into the mat! Okada then brings Sanada up to his feet but Sanada swings on him! Okada dodges that, gets the arm and puts on the MONEY CLIP! Sanada endures, reaches, but Okada arm-drags him away from ropes to have MONEY CLIP on the mat! Fans rally hard as ever as Sanada endures again!
Okada leans on the hold, squeezes tight, and Sanada is turning red! Sanada refuses to quit, but he’s fading! Red Shoes check son Sanada, but Sanada gets a second wind to get the ropebreak! Okada lets go and fans continue to rally. Okada drags Sanada back up to scoop and SLAM him. Per the standard formula, Okada goes to a corner, climbs up top, MACHO ELBOW! Rainmaker Pose! Okada drags Sanada up, wristlocks and ripcords but Sanada dodges to dragon sleeper! Okada snapmares free but runs into a fireman’s carry! TKO! Cover, TWO! Sanada gets his bad leg moving again and says he’ll end it now.
Sanada dragon sleepers Okada for a SKULL SWING! Then SKULL END! Okada endures as Sanada has the body scissors in! Fans rally, Sanada pulls back as hard as he can, and now Okada is turning red! Red Shoes checks, Okada is almost out, but Sanada lets him go to go up top! ROUNDING BODY PRESS, but he has to roll through as Okada moves! The bad leg bothers Sanada again! Fans rally even harder as Okada staggers up. Sanada tilt-o-whirls to the SKULL END!! A shoutout to Naito, perhaps? Okada endures, flails, but he’s caught in the body scissors again! Okada pops his head out but Sanada holds him down with his legs! Sanada drags Okada back into the SKULL END!
Fans are thunderous as Okada endures again. Okada kicks around, gets free of the scissors, but Sanada still has the dragon sleeper! SKULL END, the THIRD! Okada flails, but he’s not quitting! Okada reaches out desperately, his foot gets the ROPEBREAK! Fans are thunderous again as Sanada lets Okada go. Sanada hasn’t lost hope yet, he revels in the fans getting louder and louder! Sanada vows to end this, and he gets Okada up to suplex, MAGIC- NO! Okada slips out, switches and spins, into a ROLLING SOBAT! Sanada runs but Okada dropkicks him down! Fans fire up as Okada gets Sanada back up, ripcord- FLAPJACK TKO!!
Sanada hurries up top, ROUNDING BODY PRESS! But the bad knee hurts from the landing! Sanada crawls to the cover, TWO!! Fans are thunderous again as Okada survives by mere milliseconds! Sanada grits his teeth, gets his bad legs moving again, and he hobbles to get Okada back up. Dragon sleeper, but Okada clubs back from below. Sanada holds on but Okada back drops! Sanada sunset flips but Okada sits on it, TWO!! Sanada fireman’s carries, dragon sleeper, but Okada turns that into a gut wrench and JUMPING TOMBSTONE!! Both men are down again and fans are electric! Red Shoes checks and Okada slowly sits up. Sanada slowly starts to sit up, and Okada heads his way.
Okada and Sanada meet forehead to forehead on the mat. Okada throws a forearm, Sanada gives it back. Okada roars and stands right up, and he throws another forearm. Sanada throws one back, Okada gives another. Sanada forearms, Okada forearms, back and forth and the fans rally up with them. Okada gets the edge as he ROCKS Sanada, but Sanada comes back with a EuroUpper! Okada SHOTGUNS, but Sanada is right back up! Forearm, ROLLING- Okada GERMAN SUPLEXES! And Ripcords, but Sanada ducks to O’Conner SIT-DOWN! TWO!!! Okada narrowly escapes the British Slide! Okada scoops, Sanada fights the tombstone to get a dragon sleeper!!
SKULL END, but Okada rolls through! RAIN- NO! SLICED- NO, no bread! Ripcord, but Sanada ducks and fakes out the dropkick! Sanada wants Okada to stand as the fans are electric! CORRIENDOR- TOMBSTONE!! Ripcord and RAINMAKER!!! Okada hurries to cover, Okada wins!!
Winner: Kazuchika Okada, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Sanada earns 0)
It was truly fast and furious to finish this one, but once again, it is the Rainmaker who stands tall! Okada shows his rival respect with a thumbs up, and Sanada gives the thumbs up back. Sanada falls to 2-3, but does he still stand an outside chance of making it?
As for Okada, he gets the mic to close. “KORAKUEN~! Thank you for your passionate support today.” Okada knows that per NJPW guidelines, the fans can’t yell out loud and all, so the excitement today might’ve made some slip up there. Sorry about that. But now, Okada is 5 for 5, and from this point out, entries will be mathematically eliminated. But 5 wins is still not enough to win the G1. Five isn’t enough to say Okada is the top wrestler in NJPW again.
Okada also knows that Japan has a new Prime Minister, a new leader. “In much the same way, NJPW needs a new leader at the head of the pack. But in the ring, there are no elections. Whoever is the strongest gets to lead.” Okada believes that by winning more and more, he will become that leader. The Rainmaker is the only man for that job! Fans clap “O-KA-DA!” in their support. Okada says NJPW will be leaving Tokyo for a bit, but promises the G1 will continue to bring the heat this autumn! “Don’t let your guard down! Keep watching closely! Thank you for today! And I’ll keep making it rain this G1 Climax!” Will Okada become the true alpha of the B Block and all of NJPW? Or is he just one match away from a major detour?
Here are the NEW B Block standings!
Kazuchika Okada: 5-0, 10 points
Jeff Cobb: 5-0, 10 points
EVIL: 4-1, 8 points
Hiroshi Tanahashi: 3-2, 6 points
SANADA: 2-3, 4 points
Taichi: 2-3, 4 points
Hirooki Goto: 1-4, 2 points
Chase Owens: 1-4, 2 points
YOSHI-HASHI: 1-4, 2 points
Tama Tonga: 1-4, 2 points
My Thoughts:
Another great G1, and with another shocker to open the night. Just as Yujiro Takahashi beating Kota Ibushi to open the entire G1 was a shocker over in A Block, Chase Owens getting the win off Hiroshi Tanahashi here was pretty big. It keeps Tanahashi just outside the top of the block, and adds to who Tanahashi could have a title match with after this point. Evil again continues to disrespect his Bullet Club teammates, which furthers the hopes of a Bullet Club Civil War. Cobb VS Taichi was a great match, and Taichi came very close but Cobb winning makes a lot of sense. Cobb’s still undefeated, I bet his first loss is to Okada in a great rematch of their own.
Goto VS Hashi was very good, and it continues to be surprising how Hashi is looking so strong. But Goto winning here was a good move, he was going to be dead last and Goto isn’t that bad. I believe he faces Chase and Hashi faces Tama Tonga, that’s going to break up the 1-4 party pretty quickly. Okada VS Sanada was awesome stuff, though I’m not sure how it measures up to previous showdowns between them. Definitely a great ending, and it should’ve been pretty clear Okada was winning here. He makes a good point, 5-0 still isn’t enough yet, a lot could change. However, I don’t see Okada losing more than once. Even after he and Cobb face off, those two could still be neck and neck, where it all comes down to who won between them.
My Score: 9.2/10
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IF YA SMELLALALALALALA~…!
As Cody Rhodes teams with Damian Priest & Braun Strowman against Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline, FINALLY, The Rock has come back to SmackDown!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso; Jimmy wins.
- The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & LA Knight; Miz & Melo win.
- Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae w/ Nia Jax; Tiff wins.
- Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez; No Contest.
- WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly; Pretty Deadly wins, by disqualification, and DIY retain the titles.
- Six Man Tag: Cody Rhodes, Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga; changed to…
- Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga; Priest & Braun win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes talks with Nick Aldis backstage.
They shake hands, but the SmackDown General Manager tells the WWE Champion there’s been a change: Cody’s out of the Six Man Tag match. What? Why would Aldis do that? It is out of Aldis’s hands. Wait, Solo Sikoa shows up to do what he did, but they can’t do the Six Man Tag that they advertised? How is this out of Aldis’s hands? Who do they need to talk to so they can do the match? Aldis says there’s no one either of them can call, if you smell what’s cooking. This is coming from The Final Boss, and The Final Boss wants to see Cody in the ring tonight. What business could The Great One have with The American Nightmare?
Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso!
The Scottish Terminator rubbed it in Big Jim’s face that only one of them is going to Elimination Chamber in Toronto, which Big Jim was able to brush off. But McIntyre harping on how only one Uso is going to WrestleMania was a step too far. These two look to have it out, but is Jimmy just playing into McIntyre’s hands? Or will McIntyre get embarrassed by “the other Uso” this close to that big time match?
Speaking of, Jimmy has a message for Drew as he heads to gorilla. “Everybody know you’re going to Elimination Chamber, right? But Big Jimmy got a question for the Big Easy: Will Drew go onto the Elimination Chamber and win that? Will Drew go onto WrestleMania and win that? Ey, Drew, I think we got an answer for you, Uce. The answer is…” “NO YEET!” Jimmy makes his entrance, the bell rings, and the fans rally behind Jimmy. Jimmy and Drew jaw, and then Drew raises his hands, to say UP YOURS! But Jimmy ROCKS and CHOPS away! Drew puts Jimmy in a corner, Jimmy dodges to CHOP!
Jimmy climbs and he rains down fists! The fans count, Drew dumps Jimmy tot eh apron at 5, but Jimmy GAMANGIRIS! Jimmy goes up, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Jimmy hurries to CHOP, then he whips. Drew reverses to send Jimmy to the corner. Jimmy BOOTS back, goes up, and leaps, but into a clinch! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders to a corner, Drew runs up to SPLASH and OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders again, the ref has Drew hold on, and Jimmy bails out. Drew storms out to get Jimmy and he whips Jimmy HARD into barrier! The fans boo but Drew looms over Jimmy.
The ring count starts, Drew mockingly calls him “Jey,” then puts Jimmy in the ring. Drew says NO MANIA for Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, ROCKS him, then runs up, only for Jimmy to put him on the apron! Drew blocks a superkick, but not the DRAGON WHIP! Drew drops, Jimmy DIVES! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! Jimmy grins, goes back to the apron, and then aims. But Drew stops the Penalty Kick to THROW Jimmy down! Drew then has Jimmy in the Reverse Alabama Lift! REVERSE ALABAMA SLAM onto the steel steps! Drew stands on the desk to say “NO YEET!” while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Drew revels in the heat from New Orleans, then he leaves Jimmy behind. The ref checks Jimmy, he’s able to continue, so a ring count starts. Drew paces while Jimmy stirs. Jimmy drags himself up using the desk, then lunges in at 9! Drew is annoyed but he rains down fists! Drew stomps Jimmy, then eggs him on. Jimmy rises as the fans rally, but Drew is right on him in the corner. Drew winds up, but Jimmy counter punches! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! And whips, only for Drew to reverses. Jimmy goes up, but Drew KICKS him out of the air! Drew then hauls Jimmy up, snap suplex! Cover, TWO!
Drew says okay, Big Jim. He clamps onto Jimmy with a top wristlock and grinds the arm. Jimmy fights up, fireman’s carries, but Drew elbows free. Drew bumps Jimmy off buckles, then hauls him up to the top rope! Drew CLUBS Jimmy on the back, climbs up, then CLUBS Jimmy more. Jimmy fires elbows and Drew drops back. But Drew runs up to CLUB Jimmy again! SmackDown returns to single picture as Drew CLUBS away on Jimmy again! Jimmy keeps taunting “Jey,” then drags him up. Jimmy fights the back suplex! The fans rally, Jimmy fires hands and a HEADBUTT! Jimmy SMACKS Drew off the post!
Jimmy rises to USO IN THE WIND! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! A standing count starts while both men stir on the mat. They both stand at 5, and Drew swings! Jimmy counter punches, then fires more shots! Mule kick, UPPERCUT, but then Jimmy dodges Drew! SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Drew is tougher than that, but Jimmy hurries to a corner. Jimmy aims as Drew goes to the other corner, “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs, but Drew FLYING HEADBUTTS! The Glasgow Kiss stuns Jimmy, and Drew hits a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Jimmy shows his own toughness, and the fans rally behind him.
Drew paces, then he stalks Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, reels him in, but Jimmy fights the underhooks! Jimmy wrenches, UPPERCUTS, but Drew ROCKS Jimmy back! Jimmy UPPERCUTS, Drew HAYMAKERS! Drew whips, Jimmy reverses and Drew ends up on the apron! Drew ROCKS Jimmy first, then climbs the corner! FLYING- SUPERKICK! Jimmy runs to SPEAR! Cover, TWO!! Drew survives, Jimmy’s spear doesn’t hit quite like The Tribal Chief’s. Jimmy goes to the corner, climbs up, and the fans rally up. USO- NO, Jimmy rolls through as Drew moves! Drew dodges a lariat to NECKBREAKER!
Both men are down, the fans rally, and Drew kips up! Drew scowls as he aims at Jimmy. “THREE! TWO! ONE!” CLAY- SUPERKICK!! Jimmy hits first! GLASGOW KISS returns! Drew reels Jimmy in, “This is your WrestleMania! This is as close as you get!” Drew shouts Jimmy is nothing, then ROCKS him with forearm after forearm! GLASGOW KISS! Another Reverse Alabama, but Jimmy victory rolls it! JIMMY WINS!!!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Drew is furious, but his own ego caught him there! But then Drew CLOBBERS Jimmy! The fans boo Drew being a sore loser, but he puts Jimmy back in the ring! Drew rains down fists, then he DRIBBLES Jimmy off the mat! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Drew says that was Jimmy’s Mania Moment! Drew will win the Chamber, he will go to Mania, and he will win there! Jimmy means NOTHING to Drew! Drew puts Jimmy up against the post, then takes aim! The fans boo, but refs and producers rush out here! They swarm Drew to keep him from going after Jimmy again. Drew says fine, fine, then takes his leave.
Producers help Jimmy to his feet, but then Drew BLASTS through the refs! CLAYMORE for Jimmy!! The Scottish Terminator hits his target, then laughs as he actually leaves. Will McIntyre make this his Road to WrestleMania?
A car pulls into the parking lot.
And out steps Solo Sikoa. Solo heads inside, and he finds Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga waiting. Solo tells them that last week with Tama, that was an accident. Jacob says yeah, it’s all good, Uce. But keep it 100: If it wasn’t an accident, Solo wouldn’t be standing here right now. Well, good! Glad to see we’re all on the same page. Solo says he will be in the corner during the match for Jacob & Tama. Uh, no, Solo, no disrespect, but Jacob & Tama have been running things on SmackDown these past couple weeks. So tonight, it’s Jacob & Solo running the play? Yadada mean? Yeah, of course. And that right there, Jacob, is exactly why Solo loves him.
Solo says he’ll be back, he has to talk with Nick Aldis. Solo heads out, but will he really just step right back into place from before he lost the ula fala?
Carmelo Hayes is backstage.
R-Truth calls out to Melo, and says for the first time ever, Truth VS Melo! What’s Truth talking about? Duh, they have a match. No, Truth, Melo knows. But they had a match last week. Truth says he has never met Melo in his life, but they have a tag match tonight. What? No, they don’t. Who even made this match? Him. Truth, they are not going through this H1M who’s on first thing again. Melo is H1M. No, him made the match. The Miz!? Miz says he’s H1M. So now there’s two of you? No no no! Melo is H1M, this is The Miz! Yeah, #MeloDon’tMiz! NO! That’s not a thing! Tonight, they are. Who’s Truth’s partner?
Truth says he’s got a guy. A Louisiana legend! In fact, he just got here, so Truth’s gotta go. Laters. Miz says he has been workshopping this, and the fans love it. Think about it: Melo Don’t Miz! Melo Don’t Miz! And we are…! Melo shakes his head. Truth steps in and says Miz just wants Melo to say, “Awesome.” Miz offers a fist bump, Melo says no. Will Melo wish he had missed tonight’s show? Or will Miz actually help H1M get another win?
Zelina Vega speaks.
“My whole life, people have taken one look at me, and they try to define me. My size has never stopped me before. It never stopped me from becoming tag team champion. Or my personal favorite, the history-making first-time-ever Queen of the Ring. That’s me. Make no mistake about it, I’ve never had it easy. I had to scratch and claw to get anything around here. But this is a fresh start. Because I have something to prove. And my dreams are a lot bigger than your measuring stick. It ain’t over until Zelina Vega says it’s over.”
The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & ???
Miz makes his entrance but Melo kinda steps all over it. So he already missed his cue… But who did Truth find to team with him in the Big Easy? We’ll see, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Truth makes his entrance. “What’s up?” Well, more like who is his partner? He’ll tell us! His tag team partner is a local legend, born and bred right here in New Orleans! Ladies and gentlemen, welcome Louisiana Knight! Wait, he means L A Knight! Yes, Louisiana abbreviated is LA, but that’s not… Oh, Truth… Truth gives Knight a Po’ Boy and some Mardi Gras beads, so Knight embraces it. The teams sort out, and Truth calls out him! Does he mean Miz or Melo? Well, Melo says he is H1M, so that’s who starts. The fans cheer on Knight while Truth and Melo tie up. Melo KNEES low, whips, but Truth reverses.
Melo springboards, FADEAWAY JUMPER! Melo makes his free throw, but Truth drop toeholds! Truth headlocks, Melo powers up and out but Truth whips! Melo turns hip toss into lateral press, TWO! Truth has a ghost pin, TWO! Melo trips to cover, ONE! Truth trips to cover, ONE! Melo runs up, Truth does the splits, and then hits a BIG hip toss! The fans fire up, Truth counts, Melo gets up at TWO, but Truth was just goofing. The ref explains to Truth that he is the ref, not Truth! Melo is annoyed, he runs up on Truth, but Truth wrenches him around! Melo pulls hair but Knight tags in. The fans fire up as Knight fires hands!
Knight ROCKS Melo, whips Melo, but Melo reverses! SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Knight drags Melo up to tag Truth back in, and Truth ROCKS Melo! Melo staggers, but he refuses to tag! Truth arm-drags Melo, then grinds the arm. Melo insists he’s got this, then arm-drags free. Truth staggers up, he and Melo bump heads! Truth staggers around more, and he tags Miz?! Truth forgot The Awesome Truth isn’t a thing anymore! Again! Melo BLASTS Truth off the apron, the fans boo, but Miz tags himself in! Melo is annoyed, but Miz goes to fetch Truth while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again, and Melo has Truth. Truth ROCKS Melo, but Melo holds onto the wristlock! Truth reaches for Knight, Knight reaches for Truth, but Melo holds on. Truth takes a swing, but into an O’Conner Roll! TWO and Melo BLASTS Knight! Truth rolls Melo up, TWO! Melo kicks low, calls his shot, but Truth suplexes for a STUNNER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Truth and Melo crawl, hot tags to Miz and Knight! The fans fire up as Knight rallies on Miz! “YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips, Miz reverses, but Knight lEAPING LARIATS! Knight TOSSES Melo in for good measure!
Knight stomps a mudhole into Melo, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” LARIAT for Miz! KNEE for Melo! Knight scoops and POWERSLAMS Miz! Knight keeps running, JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Knight stays on Miz as he brings Miz up. Knight ROCKS Miz, then ROCKS him again! Knight whips, Miz grabs the ropes. Miz KICKS, then takes a swing, but into a back suplex! Miz lands out, tag to Melo! Miz ELBOWS Knight, but Knight scoops! Miz tilt-o-whirls through, Melo SUPERKICKS Knight down! cover, TWO! Knight stays in this but Melo says he’s got this! Melo waits on Knight, then leaps, but NO 48!
Knight kicks low, but NO B F T! Tag to Truth! Knight ELBOWS Melo, Truth runs in! CENA SHOULDER TACKLES! Then the SPIN OUT BOMB! Truth says it’s time! “YOU CANT SEE ME~!” truth runs for the FIVE KNCUKLE SHUFFLE! Truth then fireman’s carries, but Melo slips free! Melo shoves, Truth dodges, and Truth hits the LIE DETECTOR! Truth then gets Melo in the S T R-TRUTH! But Miz CLOBBERS Truth! Knight ROCKS Miz, then LARIATS him up and out! Knight then goes out to THROW Miz into barriers! The fans fire up again, but NAKAMURA ATTACKS KNIGHT!
The fans boo, but the sinister samurai then POSTS Knight!! Nakamura slithers away while Melo keeps the ref’s attention! Truth sees Knight is down, Melo runs up, but Truth dodges! Miz tags in, full nelson, and a FIRST 48 FINALE COMBO?!? Cover, Miz & Melo win!!
Winners: The Miz & Carmelo Hayes, by pinfall
Well, what do you know? Nakamura aside, Miz and Melo made it work! Okay, they’re both trying to hog the spotlight, but is there a future for Melo Don’t Miz? Will Knight only have more of a reason to take that title off Nakamura now?
Charlotte Flair speaks.
“The GOAT… doesn’t have to call themselves The GOAT. Now, I have crafted a legacy that no one, I mean no one, can touch. And I’m back.” The Women’s Royal Rumble Winner chose Tiffany Stratton, but will The Queen take back her throne? Or will WWE always be on #TiffyTime? Speaking of…
Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae!
The WWE Women’s Champion may have gotten past Nia Jax, but now she knows Charlotte Flair is waiting for her at WrestleMania, and is going to be teaming with Trish Stratus in Toronto! Will she be in Tiffy Top Shape for that Tiffy Trishy dream match? Or will the Poison Pixie be quite the problem all on her own?
Before the match, Tiff grabs a mic while the fans cheer. Tiffy says, “I know, I know. You know it, you know it, and you know it. Ever since I won this title, everybody’s just been so obsessed with me. And last week, I had Nia Jax beat, until Candice LeRae decided to interfere and help her little meal ticket. And at Elimination Chamber, Trish Stratus and I make sure the Unstoppable Force comes to a definitive end!” The fans cheer that, but Tiff says enough about them. Let’s talk Charlotte Flair. The fans boo that name, but Tiff says Charlotte took her sweet old time, grabbed a chair, grabbed a mic, and she looked down on Tiff.
Charlotte chose Tiff as her WrestleMania opponent. In that moment, Tiff’s dream came true! And as she lied down there and looked up at Charlotte, she realized the rumors are true: No one loves to kick a girl when she’s down quite like Charlotte Flair. So at WrestleMania, Tiff isn’t coming for Charlotte’s legacy; that’s all Charlotte’s. Tiff is coming for the spot Charlotte desires the most: The number one spot as the top girl in the WWE! But here comes Nia & Candice to interrupt. Nia has a mic to tell Tiffy, “I Have to say, this is really cute. Like, it’s really cute that you actually think you were gonna beat me last week.”
Doesn’t Candice think that is cute? Candice says yes, it is so~ cute. And Tiff wouldn’t even be standing there if not for little Trish Stratus~. Exactly! And it’s even cuter that Tiff is out here talking about Charlotte when she wont’ even see WrestleMania! Because after Nia & Candide destroy Tiff at Elimination Chamber, Nia is coming back for her WWE Women’s Championship. Nia & Candice step up to the ring, and Nia says Tiff won’t even see the Grandest Stage of Them All. Tiff tells Nia to just give it up. This title isn’t even hers anymore. And once Tiff beats Candice tonight, Nia won’t have anyone to do her dirty work anymore!
Candice tells Tiffy that while they’re meant have a match right now, she and Nia are feeling impatient. Nia says they should just get rid of Tiff right now! But the ref steps in and says not gonna happen! Tiff VS Candice will, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Candice has Tiffy down with an armlock. Tiff fights up as the fans rally, but Candice wrenches to wristlock. Tiff spins through, goes to ropes, then up the corner to flip and arm-drag! The fans fire up as Tiff rallies on Candice! DROPKICK, and Tiff snarls! Tiff goes to the corner, and Charlotte makes her entrance? The Queen chooses to be fashionably late all so everyone looks at her, including Tiffy. Tiffy handsprings, but Candice dodges! Candice runs up to UPPERCUT, then she snapmares and NECK SNAPPERS! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Candice clamps onto Tiffy with a top wristlock.
The fans “WOO~” as Charlotte now chooses to join commentary. Tiff fights up, has the ROPEBREAK, but Candice CLUBS away on her! Candice backs off, runs up, but Tiff drop toeholds her to ropes! Tiff runs, HIP ATTACKS, and Candice flops back! Cover, TWO! Tiff stays on Candice with a whip, but Candice reverses. Candice CLOBBERS Tiff, covers, TWO! Charlotte corrects Tiffy’s words earlier: Charlotte isn’t the “top girl,” she is THE woman in WWE. Candice HIP DROPS Tiff but the fans rally up. Candice scuffs Tiff, then grinds an arm to drop a knee on the elbow! And another knee drop! Tiff endures and the fans rally up.
Candice keeps on that arm, thrashes it around, but Tiff fights up. Tiff fires body shots, then shoves Candice to Alabama Lift her! Candice sunset flips, Tiff rolls through, TIFFY STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Tiff is frustrated and Candice bails out. Tiff goes to the apron, goes up the corner, and ARIHARA MOONSAULTS! Direct hit on Candice and Nia, and Tiff almost stuck the landing! The fans fire up with Tiff and she goes into the ring. Tiff points to the WrestleMania sign, and then at Charlotte, but SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Tiff waits on Candice, Candice slides in, and Tiff stomps her down! Candice bails out, Nia is there to coach her, but Tiff lets the ring count start. Candice gets on the apron, Tiff kicks her, but Candice RAMS Tiff! Candice CLUBS Tiff, has her in the ropes, and hits a NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT! Candice climbs, aims, and leaps to MISSILE DROPKICK Tiff down! Cover, TWO! Candice is frustrated but this is why Tiff’s a champ. The fans rally, but Candice stomps Tiff! Candice scowls at the fans, stalks Tiff, then brings her up. Tiff fires body shots, then she rolls Candice up! TWO, and Candice CLOBBERS Tiff! Cover, TWO, into a ghost pin! TWO!
Candice escapes to hit a CODE BREAKER! Both women are down, but Candice scowls again as she crawls over to Tiff. Candice rains down fists, Nia tells fans to shut up, and Candice steps on Tiff’s face. Candice huffs ‘n’ puffs, pushes Tiff around, then scuffs her. Tiff rolls Candice up again, TWO! Candice DECKS Tiff! Cover, TWO! Charlotte is stoic on commentary as Candice drags Tiff up and puts her in a corner. Candice fires hands, then backs off. Candice runs up to ROCK Tiff again! Candice then runs, but Tiff dodges! SmackDown returns to single picture, and Tiff rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT! The fans fire up, Tiff handsprings, BACK ELBOW!
Tiff then reels Candice in for a SKY HIGH! High stack, TWO! The fans rally for Tiff, Nia coaches Candice, but Charlotte still seems nonplussed. Tiff and Candice rise, and Candice runs up. Candice puts Tiff on the apron, but Tiff ROCKS her! Tiff bumps Candice off buckles, then goes up, but Candice ROCKS her back! Candice climbs up, and she fires hands on Tiff! Tiff fights the suplex! Tiff DECKS Candice, then adjusts position, to SANTON- FLOP! Candice ghost pins, TWO!! Tiff escapes, but Candice hits the step-up SENTON! And then a LIONSAUL FLOP! Tiff hurries to fireman’s carry, ROLLING SENTON! And then PRETTIEST MOON- NO, Nia drags Candice out of the ring!
The fans boo, Nia tells them to shut up, but Tiff is on the apron! Nia swings, Tiff cartwheels over, and then she DROPKICKS Nia! Tiff Alabama Lifts Candice, to ALABAMA SLAM her into barriers! Tiff stares down Charlotte, tells her just wait for Mania, then she puts Candice in the ring. Tiff goes to the corner, PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, Tiff wins!
Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall
Charlotte gives moderate applause, but Nia CLOBBERS Tiff from behind! The fans boo, but Nia just drags Tiff to a corner. Nia goes up, but wait! Trish is here!! The fans fire up for the legend as she rushes into the ring! Trish avoids a haymaker to CHICK KICK! Then THESZ PRESS for Candice! And then a SPINEBUSTER! Trish helps Tiff to her feet, but Nia grabs them both! Trish fires fast hands on Nia! Candice CHOP BLOCKS Trish! Tiff is still dazed, Nia HEADBUTTS her back down! Nia & Candice mug Trish, and then Nia HEADBUTTS Trish! Trish & Tiff are side by side, and Nia drags them into the drop zone! A-NIA-LATOR!!
The fans boo but there’s nothing can be done! Nia grins as she helps Candice away, will these two trash Trish & Tiff in Toronto? Charlotte steps into the ring, stands over Tiff, and points to the WrestleMania sign. Will The Irresistible Force & Poison Pixie unwittingly do the dirty work of The Queen of Flair?
Cody talks with Damian Priest backstage.
Priest asks why Cody’s boy, The Rock, is here tonight. Cody says given the time of year, his guess is as good as anyone’s. But tonight will surely be eventful. Cody congratulates Priest on entering the Elimination Chamber. Priest says what’s wild is, last year, they both walked out as champions. What sucks is that this year, only one of them can. Now, Priest is man enough and he respects Cody to say that after Chamber, he’s coming for that title. Cody says he wouldn’t have it any other way. Cody heads out, but what business does The Rock have tonight?
Braun Strowman steps in, and he tells Priest that congrats on winning, and good luck in the Chamber. But let’s be honest, Braun had Jacob dead to rights last week. If not for Solo Sikoa, things would look a lot different next week. Priest chuckles and says take it easy, he’s sounding like Drew with the excuses. But it is what it is, Priest just beat Braun to the punch. But that was last week. Tonight, Solo and Jacob, two of the baddest men in the business. Priest & Braun handling business? Oh, they’re handling business. The only business Braun cares about is getting his hands on those two. Priest says Braun definitely will.
Braun heads out, will the Monster of All Monsters and the Archer of Infamy make sure Solo & Jacob #GetTheseHands? Or will the rogues run roughshod all over SmackDown once again?
Backstage interview with Naomi & Bianca Belair.
Byron Saxton is with the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions and brings up last week’s SmackDown, the security footage led us to believe Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez were the ones behind Jade Cargill’s attack. Now, hold on, Saxton. They don’t think, Naomi knows they were. Fair enough. But this Monday, they can get their revenge when they defend the tag titles against Liv & Raquel. How ready are they for this match? Bianca says so ready! They have been waiting for months for an update. Jade has been recovering, she hasn’t been able to call or text, so the GlowEST took matters into their own hands to get revenge.
Bianca & Naomi will handle Liv & Raquel, then move on to Elimination Chamber, where one of them is gonna win to face Rhea at WrestleMania. Not only will you #FeelTheGlowEST on Monday, but Liv feels it tonight! #Let’sGLOW! The champs head out, but will they clear their Road to WrestleMania of any other distractions?
Alexa Bliss speaks.
“When I was away, there was a lot of… change that happened in me. But when I look around, I see this place is still the same. The names and faces may be different, but the desperation and insecurity remains the same. You’ll see Toronto when I turn the Elimination Chamber into something of a playground of my own. I know the Chamber. I love the Chamber. I’ve won the Chamber. And for the other five women, it’s gonna be a Hell like they’ve never experienced before. Need I remind you, this is my division, and I am in charge.” Bliss smiles and says, “See you soon.” The film comes off the reel, but will things get twisted in Toronto?
Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez!
The Big Easy is all about having fun, and they’re fired up for Naomi’s entrance. But wait! Liv & Raquel don’t wait, they attack Bianca & Naomi while the lights are still down! They mug Naomi, but Bianca drags Liv out of the ring! Then Bianca storms in to fire off on Raquel! The fans fire up, but Liv returns to CHOP BLOCK Bianca! Raquel hauls Bianca up for a TEJANA BOMB!! Naomi runs up, fires more hands, but Liv brings Naomi around. Naomi fires hands on her, but Raquel throws her down! Liv runs up, OBLIVION!
Liv & Raquel stand tall, the refs rush out here, but clearly the singles match isn’t happening. Will we be getting something even meaner and nastier between these four on Monday?
The Rock arrives!
His truck pulls into the parking lot, but we’ll see him in the ring, after the break!
SmackDown returns and…
Aldis is chewing out Liv & Raquel for the attack. He doesn’t know what they get away with on Raw, but they can’t pull that crap here. Now get the hell out of his building. Liv & Raquel just laugh that off, but then Chelsea Green & Piper Niven walk in. Chelsea says have no fear, Chelsea & Piper are here to sub in for Bianca and Naomi at Elimination Chamber. Aldis sighs, and says they’re not missing the Chamber. What? But Chelsea had an outfit picked out! This is a travesty to not have the greatest Canadian export since maple syrup on a Canadian PLE! Does he know who she is? The first-ever, longest reigning, tallest, shortest, prettiest, richest, tannest, sparkliest, oldest, youngest Women’s US Champion! Piper asks what this is aboot, eh?
Aldis says this is them testing his patience. They need to pack their gear and whatever else they want, because they’ll be in action next week on SmackDown in Toronto. And oh, it’ll be a good one. Wait, they need more details! At least an e-calendar notification? Aldis is leaving Chelsea in the dark on what’s coming, will she absolutely hate it?
The Rock heads to the ring!
Wait, what is this New Orleans related remix? The Final Boss steps out on stage, he shows those goosebumps, then continues down the ramp, shaking hands with fans. The Rock hits his signature pose on the corner, but then takes the long way around to pick up a fan’s phone for them before going back into the ring. The fans all cheer for “ROCKY! ROCKY!” and he grabs himself a mic. He waits as the fans continue to chant his name, and then he says, “Ahh, you feel it, don’t you? You feel it. The Rock has got chills up and down his body because you know, on a Friday night, for the Final Boss to get inside his bird and fly all the way here, you know that I’m dropping some ish on you tonight!”
The fans fire up and The Rock smiles. Rock says, “Let’s get this show on the road.” The fans anticipate what’s coming but he says hold on, he’ll do it. “FINALLY! The Rock has come back…” “TO NEW ORLEANS~!” Rock smiles, and he adds, FINALLY, WrestleMania is coming back to New Orleans!! The fans are thunderous to hear that! WrestleMania 30, WrestleMania 34, and now WrestleMania 42!? Yes, next year, 2026, LIVE from the Superdome! One of the greatest cities on Earth in New Orleans, Louisiana! The pyro goes off to commemorate the occasion, and the logo is already on the tron! Rock smiles at that, then he smiles at the WrestleMania 41 Vegas logo.
The fans are losing their minds, as we now know April 11th and 12th, 2026, the Big Easy has the Grandest Stage of Them All. Rock says you damn right holy ish! Oh when the saints go marching in…! Oh how I’d love… Wait, no, this ain’t singalong with The Final Boss! Sit there, shut up, and let The Final Boss sing the song! The fans are torn, but Rock says he sings! Oh how I’d love, to be in that number~! Oh when the saints go marching in~! Okay, that’s good enough. You got him, that was a great duet. The Rock is singing with the largest collection of STD’d trailer trash he has ever seen! The fans can’t believe Rock would do that to them!
Rock says now, dropping this news wasn’t the only gift he was going to drop on us. The Final Boss came here to call somebody out. The Rock will call out a man who he respects, who he admires, and who we all admire. That man is our WWE Champion, the one and only, Cody Rhodes. The fans cheer as The American Nightmare makes his entrance! They sing along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” and we get Cody’s pyro before he goes to the ring. Cody gets his second “WHOA~ OH~!” and round of pyro, then he steps inside to join The Rock. The fans cheer Cody on, so he holds up the title and the fans cheer even more.
Cody grabs a mic, but Rock says, “That feels good, doesn’t it? I mean, that’s gotta feel amazing, right? They love you, man.” Cody tells NOLA, “I love you, too.” Rock says this is crazy. Pretty much no one knows this, but since after WrestleMania last year, they’ve actually become good friends. No, it’s true, they have. Last time they were together was the Raw Netflix debut. Rock gave Cody his flowers, told Cody he has carried the company like the incredible champion that he is, so thank you, Cody. Rock meant it, and that night, they went to the back, drank tequila for two hours and had a great ol’ time.
They chopped it up, had a blast, but Rock wants to call Cody out here for something important. Here’s the thing… The fans get a bit rowdy as they wait, and Rock says Cody is a great champion. A great WWE Champion. Cody knows that. Again, they’ve become good friends, so over the months, they’ve texted. Even their moms became good friends! Look! Mama Johnson & Mama Rhodes together after WrestleMania 40! It is a pleasure becoming Cody’s friend. But Rock wanted this face to face to tell him a few things. One: Cody has been a great champion, but he needs to understand. Yes, The Rock, The Final Boss, is on the Board of TKO. And TKO owns WWE.
The Rock is the Director of the Board of TKO. Don’t boo that! The Rock’s good friend, Ari Emanuel, who owns everything Endeavor, The Rock joked with Ari, “Can you believe that you own The WWE?” Ari says he doesn’t own the WWE, The Rock does. Rock said no, no, he doesn’t know if he owns the WWE. But The Rock knows he is the most powerful… Cody, you are a great champion. But Rock wants Cody to be something more. Rock wants Cody to be something more than just our champion. Rock wants Cody to be his champion. The fans don’t like where that’s going.
Cody says he did not expect them to become friends, nor their moms to become friends, nor the tequila. Cody didn’t have that on his bingo card. But becoming The Rock’s champion? The Rock of all people should know, Cody is the people’s champion. The fans cheer Cody more, and Rock says yes! Cody is their champion! Of course! The Rock is also The People’s Champion, he loves that about Cody. This is their universe, they were both born into this business. But Rock means something even bigger than just this. Rock knows Cody’s goal is to bring as much joy and happiness to everyone around the world, as many as possible.
The fans cheer, and Rock says that’s Cody. Cody is that guy, and everyone knows it. Cody is on social media, Instagram, millions of followers. Millions, and millions! The Rock has half a BILLION. That’s not a flex. But The Rock is the most followed American man in the world, that’s what he wants for Cody. Rock wants Cody to be even higher. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, he will open doors to possibilities Cody never even imagined. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, every dream he has ever had can come true. Every dream of Brandi’s, of their daughter’s. Think about how Rock brought them to the premiere of Moana 2, in Hawaii.
Thank you, by the way, for making that cross a BILLION dollars, fans, Rock loves you. Rock has met the Rhodes family, they’re amazing. But imagine it: Cody’s daughter’s children, their dreams, long after Rock and Cody are gone, all those dreams can come true. Rock just needs Cody to be his champion. The fans say don’t do it! Rock tells Cody to just think about it, though. Rock is a very lucky man, he has it all. Cody also has it all. They’re very fortunate. They’re Mama’s Boys, they’re Girl Dads, they’re lucky men. Fans say don’t do it, Rock tells them to shut up or he’ll slap the syphilis off their face! Rock is trying to have a moment here, shut your mouths!
The one thing that Rock has never had, that he wants more than anything, is a brother. And that is what Cody can be. Last year, WrestleMania, Rock’s goal was to face his cousin, Roman Reigns, for the title. Cody knows, the fans know. Rock talked with his friend, HHH. He talked with Nick Khan, who is his friend. They are also Cody’s friends. Rock knew it wasn’t in the plans, but they talked about moving Cody aside to make what was best for business: Rock VS Roman, WrestleMania 40! What’d Cody do? Cody pitched a b*tch fit! Cody told The Rock he ain’t doing it, and he stood up to The Rock. And y’know what else? Cody SLAPPED Rock!
No one does that and gets away with it. But that is why Cody is special. That is why Cody should be Rock’s Champion. And that is why Rock will take Cody from where he is to a level so far above. Rock will make sure every dream, every desire, for generations to come, it all comes true. Rock’s dad, Cody’s dad, Soul Man & American Dream, they are looking down right now. They were friends, Cody and Rock are friends, Cody should be Rock’s Champion. He doesn’t need to answer Rock tonight. He can think about it, talk with his wife and daughter, as will The Rock. Then Cody can think about it. Meet Rock in Toronto on March 1st to give him the answer.
Fans still say don’t do it, but Rock says it is okay. Before he leaves, this has been an amazing night, this is a hot crowd, thank you all very much. But before he leaves, Rock wants us to know this: The one thing Rock wants more than anything in this world… is that. Wait, the title? Cody’s title? The fans’ title? This is all this is about? No no no no! Brother… Rock doesn’t want the title. He wants Cody’s soul. The fans duel, “NO! NO! NO!” “SELL YOUR SOUL!” Rock pats Cody on the cheek and says see you in Toronto. The Rock leaves, giving Cody a lot to think about. Rock does give one last glance back at Cody, then smirks.
What will The American Nightmare choose: His integrity? Or his aspirations?
WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly!
Did Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano got these titles thanks to Kit Wilson & Elton Prince? #YESBOY! Did they survive a couple title defenses thanks to Kit & Elton? #YESBOY! But when Pretty Deadly needed DIY, was DIY there for them? #NOBOY! So now, Kit & Elton are looking to give Ciampa & Gargano their comeuppance! Will we finally get another #SidePlateCheck? Or will Ciampa & Gargano remember for themselves, that if you wanna be champions, you gotta do it yourself?
But as DIY make their entrance, they have mics, and Johnny Wrestling tells NOLA, “Give it up one time for your TWO-TIME WWE Tag Team Champions…! The BTTITW (Best Tag Team In The World), D I Y~!” The fans boo instead. Ciampa says there is no denying that tonight has been electrifying. Gargano says this is a hot crowd. But please, if we could be somber for a second. Guys, this is serious. Two weeks ago, Pretty Deadly embarrassed DIY, and now reluctantly, DIY will return that favor by crushing their hopes and dreams of ever becoming WWE Tag Team Champions. So please, let us all rise to our feet… Yes, you in the LSU jersey, stand up.
Ciampa thanks Wade Barrett, and asks for everyone to remove their hands and bow their heads for a moment of silence for Pretty Deadly, beginning… now. The fans boo instead! And then Pretty Deadly make their entrance! The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really needed who in this broken relationship!
But then DIY jumps Pretty Deadly! The ref reprimands, DIY whip but Pretty Deadly reverses! DOUBLE DORPKICKS! Then DOUBLE LARIATS send DIY up and out! The disco ball hasn’t even stopped spinning! The fans cheer while DIY throw a fit! They regroup, cool down, and go back to the ring. Gargano distracts Elton, Ciampa CLOBBERS him, and the bell rings. But Elton fires hands on Ciampa! Elton whips, Ciampa reverses and he pulls hair! The ref reprimands, Ciampa throws Elton to the apron and KNEES him down! Tag to Gargano and he aims, SUPERKICK! Elton goes down in a heap, DIY cheers themselves on, and SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns, Gargano tags in, and DIY hits the BACK SUPLEX BOMBO COMBO! Cover, TWO! Elton stays in this but Gargano tags Ciampa back in. Gargano sends Ciampa in, but Elton ELBOWS him away! Gargano runs in, but Elton puts him on the apron! Gargano goes after Kit, but Kit blocks the kick! Kit BOOTS Gargano down, but then Ciampa BOOTS Kit! Elton dodges Ciampa to come back, DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! Elton and Ciampa are down, sputtering and writhing, and the fans rally up. Elton crawls, Kit rises, hot tags to Kit and Gargano! Kit rallies on DIY with big forearms! Kit whips, Gargano reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS!
Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa in a corner, then LARIATS! Kit runs to LARIAT Gargano! Kit pushes Gargano down, kicks him and hits a TWIST- NO, Gargano slips through to ROCK Kit! Kit yoyos, DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up, Kit tags Elton! They get Gargano up, but Gargano BOOTS Elton! Gargano ELBOWS Kit away, then runs up on Elton! Elton dodges, then gives Kit the boost, DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Gargano survives but Ciampa is in! Elton fireman’s carries Ciampa, but Ciampa slips free! Ciampa whips, Elton reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa! Elton shows off his strength with the GOTCH LIFT PLEX!
Tag to Kit, but IN COME THE PROFITS! Ford SHOVES Kit down, Dawkins mugs him!!
Winners: Pretty Deadly, by disqualification; DIY retain the titles
Not again! Just like they did Motor City Machine Guns, The Profits make sure no one else takes these titles off DIY! URENAGE from Ford to Elton! Dawkins keeps hammering away on Kit, and then Ford POSTS Elton! Dawkins fireman’s carries Kit, to POST him, too! Looking like the All Mighty with that one! Gargano fires forearms in return, but ends up int he POUNCE GERMAN SUPLEX! Then Ciampa runs up into a FLAPJACK! Ford goes up top, then flies in FROM THE HEAVENS!! Direct hit on Ciampa! But wait! MCMG rushes out here, wanting their payback! The Profits brawl with MCMG, but Ford TOSSES Shelley to the apron!
Ford runs up, Shelley goes to kick, but Ford blocks it! Ford LARIATS Shelley down, Dawkins hits Sabin with THE BIG ENDING! The fans are torn as Dawkins whips Sabin, Profits get him for the REVELATION!! And if there’s been any revelation, it is that Ford & Dawkins don’t just want the smoke, they want to burn down the tag division to get it! Will nothing stop them once they’re back in action?
Kevin Owens speaks.
“You got what you wanted, huh? You got your match. You couldn’t, uh… You couldn’t just take the punishment that you deserved, that I’d already given you, and let it go. No, you… You wanted me and you to go again. You wanted to fight me, you want to hurt me, you want to end my career, which would hurt my family, by the way. Which is truly despicable. But what about your family, Sami? Huh? Have you thought of them? What about your family, huh?” Kevin reveals he is right outside the Zayn home! Kevin peers inside to watch Sami, his wife, and his son!
Kevin asks Sami via the video if Sami knows what he’s about to put them through, when they have to watch Kevin end Sami’s career. And what happens then, eh? When Sami can’t provide for them, and everything they have, like this nice house, the shelter, the security, the peace they have, when it’s all gone? And why? What for? Because Sami’s too proud? Because Sami’s selfish? Sami IS selfish. Because Sami is making Kevin do this to Sami’s family. Kevin will never forgive Sami for that. He’ll see Sami in Toronto. “But remember… You asked for this. It’s all your fault.” As if Kevin’s delusions aren’t already grand, will he continue to blame everyone else but himself?
Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga!
Elimination Chamber is on the horizon, and the Road to WrestleMania makes for strange bedfellows. Priest, Braun and Jacob were fighting each other just last week, but Solo’s return really threw things for a loop. Can Priest & Braun give Solo and the Samoan Werewolf their punishment? Or will everything (not) be fine in Solo’s Bloodline?
SmackDown returns as #OneBigSOB makes his entrance. As Solo, Jacob & Tama head to gorilla, we hear from Solo. “Tonight, we handle business. And it starts with Braun Strowman & Damian-” Jacob interrupts with, “Man, c’mon, DP! C’mon, Braun! I thought we did this! So tonight, we about to even up the score. If you ain’t know, I’m all gas, no brakes with it! See, since we touched the scene, we been dropping bodies like bread crumbs! Yadada mean!? FA-TUUU~! Hit my music!” The rogues enter to Jacob’s theme, is this alone proof he’s the new alpha? Or will the match be the last nail in that coffin?
The teams sort out, but Jacob stares down both Priest and Braun. NOLA seems to acknowledge Jacob, but Solo convinces him to stand down. Solo starts against Priest, the bell rings, and the two tie up. They go around, Priest powers Solo back, but Solo powers Priest back. They break, stare down, and Solo talks some trash. Solo shoves Priest, Priest shoves back. They circle again, tie up, and Priest puts Solo in a corner. The ref counts, Priest lets off at 4, but Solo stomps Priest’s foot! Solo throws hands, then a HEADBUTT! Priest staggers, but then he ROCKS Solo! And ROCKS him! And HEADBUTTS! That was a mistake!
Solo shakes his head to HEADBUTT Priest! Priest goes to a corner, Solo throws haymakers and body shots on repeat! The ref counts, Solo lets off and says see? Solo and Jacob as one! But Priest THROWS Solo to the corner to fire off haymakers of his own! Priest ROCKS Solo, the fans fire up, and Priest whips., Solo reverses to UPPERCUT! Solo talks smack but Priest ROCKS him again! Tag to Braun and the fans fire up! Braun stares Jacob down, tells him to shove it, then runs up to SPLASH Solo! Braun stares Jacob down again, goes back for Solo, and hits another LARIAT! Braun scoops, Solo slips free, but Braun runs up!
Solo ELBOWS Braun away, tags to Jacob, and Jacob runs in, but Braun dodges! Braun CROSSBODIES! Jacob is right up, but Braun BOOTS him right back down! Solo runs in but Braun TOSSES him! Priest hurries after Solo, Braun CLOBBERS Jacob! LEAPING LARIAT for Solo! Braun then gets on the track, STROWMAN EXPRESS SMACKS a chair out of Tama’s hand! The Good Bad Guy thought he was being sneaky! But then Jacob CROSSBODIES Braun into the timekeeper’s aera! The fans go wild as Jacob rises up, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Jacob hauls Braun up, drags him around the way, HEADBUTTS him, then brings him over to SMACK off the desk! Braun staggers, but he ROCKS Jacob in return! And THROWS Jacob into steel steps! Braun drags Jacob up, puts him in the ring, but Jacob SUPERKICKS Braun! Braun falls into the corner, Jacob HIP ATTACKS! Jacob’s all geeked up, then he tags in Solo. Solo soaks up some heat while Jacob HIP ATTACKS Braun again! Solo puts Braun on ropes to CHOKE him! The ref counts, Solo stops at 4, but Jacob gets a HEADBUTT in! Braun flounders, Solo taunts him and eggs him on, but Braun CHOPS him!
Solo HEADBUTTS Braun right down! Solo rains down fists, then lets off so he can put Braun on the ropes. Solo CHOKES Braun again, stops as the ref counts 4, and Jacob gets another cheap shot in! Solo tags Jacob in, then he HEADBUTTS Braun again and again! Jacob runs to BODY CHECK Braun! Jacob fires up, Braun flounders to ropes, but Jacob rains down fists! Tag to Solo, he soaks up heat from NOLA, then he stomps away on Braun! The ref counts, Solo lets off, then he keeps Braun from Priest by anchoring a leg. Tag to Jacob and Jacob climbs up, FROG SPLASH! Jacob roars while Braun writhes!
Jacob looms over Braun but he glares at Priest. Priest gets heated, but Jacob fires hands on Braun as SmackDown returns to single picture. Braun stands, but Jacob HEADBUTTS him again! Jacob runs for another BODY CHECK! And then a SENTON! Cover, TWO! Braun stays in this and he goes to a corner. Jacob snarls, tags Solo in, and the fans boo. Solo runs corner to corner to HIP ATTACK Braun! Solo grins as he copies Jacob’s geeking out. Tag back to Jacob and fans cheer! Jacob aims, runs, and HIP ATTACKS! Jacob keeps going, but Braun BOOTS from below!! The fans fire up while both men stagger to their feet.
Braun SPINEBUSTERS Jacob! Both monsters are down, the fans rally up, and they crawl, hot tags to Solo and Priest! Priest fires hands on Solo, then whips. Solo reverses but Priest SHOUDLER TACKLES Solo! Priest runs to BACK ELBOW! Jacob is back, but Priest dodges to WHEEL KICK! Priest then waits on Solo, but Solo catches Priest! Priest elbows free, but Solo SUPERKICKS! But Priest JUMPING ROUNDHOUSES! Solo comes back, Priest ROCKS him first! Solo swings, but into the FLATLINER! Cover, TWO! Solo survives but Priest puts him in a corner. Priest whips corner to corner, then runs, only for Solo to put him on th eapron!
Solo takes as swing, Priest dodges and ROUNDHOUSES! Priest then knuckle locks with Solo, goes up top, and he tightrope walks for some OLD SCHOOL! The fans fire up and Priest powers up the arm! Priest runs, but Solo ducks the Comebacker! Priest fights the fireman’s carry to BELL CLAP, ROUNDHOUSE, and then he reels Solo in! But Tama is on the apron! Priest DECKS Tama, but Jacob HOTSHOTS Priest! Solo hits the URENAGE! Cover, TWO!! Priest survives and Solo is stunned! Solo snarls, looks to his taped-up thumb, then he drags Priest up. The fans boo but Solo taunts the fans now. SAMOAN- NO! Priest grabs Solo!
But Jacob runs in! Priest ROCKS Jacob, ELBOWS Solo, then he dodges, so Jacob’s SUPERKICK hits Solo! An accident just like last week’s shot to Tama, but Jacob doesn’t seem as upset by it. Priest TOSSES Jacob, then CLOBBERS Solo! STROWMAN EXPRESS CLOBBERS Jacob & Tama!! Priest brings down the straps, the fans are thunderous, and Priest grabs Solo by the neck! SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Cover, Priest & Braun win!
Winners: Damian Priest & Braun Strowman, by pinfall
Just as Solo thought it’d be like before, he and Jacob were not on the same page! Priest is rolling towards Elimination Chamber, will this be just what he needs to go back to WrestleMania?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown here, but with some interesting moves after the sudden change in plans with The Rock showing up. Naomi and Bianca had a good promo to hype up what was meant to be a full match of Naomi VS Liv, but word had already come out before the show that things were being cut for time. But at the very least, they did the right thing of making it a brawl that adds heat to the tag title match on Monday. Also, hilarious how Chelsea & Piper thought the beatdown on Bianca & Naomi was so bad that they would need to be pulled from the Chamber. I also can’t wait to see what happens on Toronto SmackDown.
As for The Rock, I do appreciate he used his authority to kayfabe change more things, all so he could have his promo with Cody. I also appreciate Rock blending his different roles and even different sides, both Heel and Face, to A) bring the news of WM42 being in NOLA, and B) recreate the Corporate Champion/People’s Champion story from the Attitude Era. That was some wild stuff he was saying to Cody. I’m sure quite a few people will try and talk with Cody next week in the go-home. Heels will say do it because they’d love to have what Rock can give, Faces will say not because Cody’s better than that. But naturally, Cody is not going to become The Rock’s Champion, causing Rock to turn on him and really up things going into WrestleMania 41 and perhaps even beyond.
Good stuff in the Elimination Chamber related stories. Jimmy VS McIntyre was great stuff to open, and how fitting that McIntyre loses to Jimmy after talking all that trash about Jimmy and Jey being the same. Jey got McIntyre with something quick, Jimmy got McIntyre with something quick, McIntyre’s ego is obviously his weakness. And at the same time, McIntyre of course destroys Jimmy after because that’s his other personality trait. Priest had good promos with Cody and Braun, and we got great stuff from Solo’s Bloodline. Naturally, we got a miscommunication spot to help finish, we’re really close to Solo VS Jacob, I can feel it. Priest & Braun get the win, mostly because Priest isn’t winning in the Chamber when you’ve got Punk and Cena in there.
Very good stuff with Tiffy Time, from the promos leading into the match to Charlotte being ringside just to watch. Nia & Candice of course get the better of Tiff & Trish, because Tiff & Trish are definitely winning the tag match in Toronto. Charlotte just seems to enjoy trolling Tiff with her presence, so Charlotte probably shows up in Toronto to then confront Tiff after the match. I expect the seven weeks after Elimination Chamber to really heat up, as will Charlotte’s involvement, where she’ll get more active verbally and physically. Also, hell, Rock should go full Corporation and have Charlotte be his Corporate Women’s Champion because of how established she is.
Hilarious stuff from Truth tonight, as always. Truth and Melo having their “who’s on first” again was good stuff, and of course Miz gets in on this story, too. Truth & Knight VS “Melo Don’t Miz” was really fun, but yeah, should’ve figured Nakamura would get involved, too. Melo & Miz making it work could also be really fun, and while Knight VS Nakamura is a rehash, I really hope they find a way to up things. It feels like we’re getting the same with the tag titles as Profits “ruined” that great tag match from DIY and Pretty Deadly, then brawled with MCMG to still come out on top. Last year had a ladder tag title match, so why not do one for these titles this year?
Speaking of escalating, Kevin filming a promo outside Sami’s house was some really well done stuff, as expected of someone as good as Kevin and in such a story as him and Sami. Their match should main event, it needs time to breathe, as it could be just as, if not more violent, than the Chamber matches. What a powerful closing moment we could have if it’s a bloody Kevin and Sami, and one of them is standing over the other, triumphant yet mournful because it was their best friend in the world that they just brutalized.
My Score: 8.9/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
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THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
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Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Coverage
Andrew’s TNA LIVE! iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 2.20.2025
So the first live episode got fairly positive praise from everyone; will this continue the trend?
Filming at Full Sail seems to have set the stage nicely this week! Going into a Live episode we got Moose and The Hardy Boyz on NXT, as well as Jordynne Grace’s involvement with Steph and Giulia giving a little shine to TNA happenings since she’s newly WWE.
This episode should be interesting, we finally see Lei Ying Lee (fka Xia Li) back in action, Rascalz take on Tyson and Tyriek, Tessa should be seeing some action as well…so generally interesting happenings for the second Live iMPACT! of 2025. Let’s see how this one goes down!
No matter where @ManceWarner and @stephdelander go, @TheSamiCallihan WILL FIND THEM!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/mXz9U7m9PL
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Ratings:
- Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin: Rascalz win via Meteora/Swanton Combo – ***
- Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary: Lei wins via Thunderstruck – **
- NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC: Dango wins via The System help – ** 3/4
- Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore: Masha wins via Requiem – N/A
- Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons: Elijah wins via Tombstone Piledriver – *** 1/4
Results:
Oh yeah, and another Hendry concert is…cut off by a commercial, LOLTNA. First Hendry is cut off by AXSTV’s new Anime Hour bumper, and now Primo and Epico are showing up in TNA. I definitely didn’t have this on my BINGO card. The crowd starts chanting “Where’s Carlito”, which they do acknowledge and play off of well. Oh they’re using their shoot names of Orlando and Eddie now…but before they attack the lights go out and we get another guitar strum! ELIAH/ELIAS/EZEKIEL/EBENERZER/EMERY/EL VAGABUNDO – shows up to back up Hendry. Okay I can apologize away the redundant concert since it played into an Elijah debut. The crowd is immediately popping and chanting “This is Awesome” 10 minutes into the show.
Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin
Treehouse bros take it to the bigger men quickly, a few fast dives, a little MCMG style tandem strikes, Tyson fires and tries to take them out but they Low Bridge him. Tyriek comes in and they try similar things but Tyriek manhandles them both and throws them out of the ring, Trey is the first one back up and Tyriek and Tyson take his damn head off with his Corkscrew Running Euro Upper. Trey finally manages to flip out of the manhandle, tags in Wentz and Wentz goes for the hot and spicy cleaning house spot. Corner to Corner Knee Lifts for both big men, a Rolling Snapmare, into a Superkick for Tyson and Standing Shoot Star on Tyriek but only for two because Wes feints like he’s going to interfere.
Tyson and Tyriek pull off a tandem Assisted Backdrop Driver, but Wentz breaks it up, Tyson gets knocked out, Wentz hits the Tornillo, Wes tries to interfere again after Trey gets perched on the corner buckle but Ace runs around and trips Wes at the last second causing him to faceplant on the apron, Trey hits the Meteora, Wentz hits a Swanton from the other side of the ring and Trey gets the pinfall victory.
It was fast paced, all gas no brakes, but it didn’t overstay its welcome, so it was pretty fun all things considered.
After the match Wes grabs a mic, complains a little but challenges them to a 6 man match as Sacrifice. So we’re THAT’S where we’re getting the expected 3v3.
Fir$t Cla$$ comes out with an entourage of hot chicks and probably influencers or something. The “First Class Penthouse” , Gabby AF, Mafiosa Valentina, and Carolina are apparently known in their own way. Gabby I know was the awful one who did something for Impact a last year and sucked, but she’s part of the Busted Open Network I believe so that’s why she’s around. Two of them look like Noelle Foley and Frank the Clown…oh they actually are. Look at that. I do love KC Navarro as the Hype Man, they have this whole set up of AJ being mad that they haven’t gotten more Tag Title shots, so TNA placated him with his own Piper’s Pit and he’s *pregnant pause* totally happy with that. He says he loved Piper and hated Hogan before it was cool.
This is actually quality content and AJ is cutting a nice promo in this segment. They introduce their first guest, the greatest performer in TNA history, many whole say he’s Phenomenal with a whole lot of style….it’s A-J-Francis.
.@AJFrancis410 is GOING OFF!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/kGehtp9iTE
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary
Things were slow until Rosemary took her into a corner quickly, hit the Upside Down, and we get a lot of Lei trying to avoid Rosemary’s offense. Rosemary goes for a Spear in the corner and Lei forward rolls, starts connecting with a bunch of right hands, backs Rosemary into the corner, goes for 10 Count Punches, pulls her out, Airplane Spin TKO for only a two count. Rosemary tries As Above So Below, Lei shrugs it off, Rosemary tries to go after Lei anyway and eats Thunderstruck! Lei Ying Lee wins!
After the match Rosemary catches Lei on the ramp and hits the Green mist in the eyes. Match was far too short and so many of Lei’s set up moves look better than her finish. We’ve seen Kofi Kingston do it for years so it’s not bad, just the current Knockouts Division are awful and don’t take the move well.
Eric Young and the jabronis come out, EY cuts a very basic power crazed psycho kind of promo, gets the “What” chants from the crowds. EY is trying to recruit Maclin even though Maclin made his line in the sand last week. EY tries to spin it as maybe he took out Josh FOR Maclin instead of in spite of his trust. This really doesn’t seem interesting at all, but that’s probably because I hate the two Jabronis EY is with.
NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC
I really don’t have any interest in Slater. He’s got no personality beyond “flippy guy with a British accent”.
Dango immediately powders, grabs a chair and goes to swing on him but misses. So Leon is making JDC look dumb by dodging the post chop, using the chair to shield himself from a punch by JDC, and then clapping Dango’s fingers between the chair. So typical System match, look inept for the first few minutes, then take advantage of something to take over. Oh look, Leon takes too long setting up the table, Dango gets in a few pot shots, tries to whip him into the table but Leon leaps over it, and then leaps back over to clobber Dango. Dango is still trying to recover so Leon hits his over the corner post con hilo, and the crowd appreciates it but I’m not interested. Leon panders to the crowd after the big spot and then eats an X-Plex into the chair from Dango.
JDC throws Leon back in, goes for a pinfall that’s only a two and we cut to a commercial. Coming out of the commercial JDC is in control with a Kendo Stick until he isn’t, Leon counters and takes the keno stick, brutalizes Dango a few times then comes off the ropes with the kendo shot for 2. Leon goes for another table, and again, at least the crowd is receptive to this match. Leon sets it up, looks for something off the apron but Dango stops him first until he eats a dropkick to fall onto the table, Leon hits the Swanton 450 through the table on the outside. Does it look cool? Sure. Do I care about dumbass moves? Nope.
Oh thankfully the rest of The System comes out to stop the pinfall, Shield Bomb Leon through the first table, and roll him back in for Dango to win.
The Hardy Boyz come out to try and make the save, but the numbers are against them, so Oba Femi’s music hits! Oba cleans house but doesn’t get his hands on Moose, so they’re at least building the eventual clash between Moose and Oba.
The crowd starts a “Tessa, we comin for you” chant before she even starts talking. Tessa is actually playing off the crowd well, Santino’s music hits and Tessa thinks he’ll help her out with the crowd and Santino calls bullshit basically. Santino says if Tessa doesn’t wrestle next week, she’s fired and Masha’s music hits. Masha decides to step in for Tessa’s enhancement talent match.
Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore
Jobber tries to attack Masha early but Masha stops her, rocks her and Requiem ends the match.
Masha stares down Tessa, and then Cora Jade attacks from behind and hits Jaded.
Ryan Nemeth comes out to his Abyss music remix. What will Mokuba say today? “MYYYY BIIIGG BBRROOOOTTHHHEEEEER” he repeats at least 4 times and it’s hilariously cringe. He announces that Nic will return at Sacrifice, he literally just came out to give a PSA.
Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons
Hendry starts with Eddie, after a brief tie up it seems like Hendry reads the room and points at Elijah and the crowd wants him in. So Joe tags in Elijah, a little back and forth, Shoulder Tackle from Elijah, Rope Walk with Elijah lays out Eddie and a tag to Joe allows for a quick tandem knockdown, but Eddie powders as the Walking and Talking Duo hold the ring going into the final commercial break.
We come back and Hendry is bouncing Orlando off the ropes as he return a strike, but Orlando is obviously losing, eats a Euro Upper, and then gets walked around in the Stalling Suplex for posterity. Eddie tries a sneak attack but gets caught and Sack of Shit, into Kip Up, turn and then Orlando with the ambush! A few quick short cuts and an Irish Whip/Dropkick combo gives the Colons a near fall. Hendry does get locomotion variation cradles, but eats a Dropkick to stop the attempt at momentum. Orlando stays on Joe, but Joe finally starts to fire up as the crowd starts to get behind him. Euro Uppers make some space, but a Snapmare says no.
Eddie gets tagged in and a quick Leg Sweep into a Front Chancery keeps Eddie in control. As Joe tries to get back up, Eddie turns it into a Guillotine, but finally the Suplex counter connects for Hendry! Simultaneous tags! Elijah bulls over Orlando, catches a Leap Frogging Orlando with the Manhattan Drop as Orlando retreats to a corner, Stinger Splash into Spinebuster for two. Elijah tries to keep up the attacks but Orlando finds a few ways to make space, launches himself from the middle rope and eats the Jumping Knee! Eddie breaks up the pinfall, Hendry takes Eddie out and Elijah hits the Tombstone Piledriver for the win!
Overall Score: 6/10
Well there were more live hiccups than the first episode, and this felt both more epic and less epic at the same time. Elijah and the Colons debuting was a nice way to kick things off, Oba Femi showing up for the save was fantastic. There were a few decent matches, but also a lot of really short and rushed matches. Tessa played off the crowd well, but Masha really is useless on the mic. Lei Ying Lee needs to framed stronger, her matches have done nothing to show off her ability. It just proves that the Knockouts don’t know how to sell a kick to the head because they all take it in the shoulder and fall in corny ways.
Viva La Sam could be something fun if the next 3 weeks are just hand cam footage of him being like “I’m Sami Callihan and I’m gonna kick Mance Warner’s ass”, Elegance Clique getting the rematch with a stipulation is nice to see and while I like Fir$t Cla$$, that segment went a little long for a cornball swerve payoff. It’s one thing to placate the Influencer squad especially when we’ve seen Logan Paul and Ishowspeed do so well in WWE…but these are like Z Tier Influencers that no one cares about. These kind of dorks stream on Kick because they aren’t relevant enough for Twitch, not because they chose Kick over it.
So yeah, the low lights were pretty low, and the highs were a little fleeting, but at least they were pretty fun. Not a bad show, just clunky with noticeable issues and Masha shouldn’t be allowed to speak English anymore. She’s such a charisma vacuum when she’s not rambling in Russian.
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
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