Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW Road to Tokyo Dome Results & Report! (12/24/21)
What a gift from NJPW!
It’s a holly jolly Road to Tokyo Dome!
NJPW gives us a Christmas Eve present on the road to WrestleKingdom 16! And Toru Yano is holding an End of the Year Party Match for his KOPW trophy!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Triple Threat: Tiger Mask VS Ryusuke Taguchi VS El Phantasmo; ELP wins.
- Six Man Tag: Third Gen VS The United Empire; The United Empire wins.
- Six Man Tag: Hiroshi Tanahashi & Great Bash Heels VS KENTA, Chase Owens & Bad Luck Fale; Kenta, Chase & Fale win.
- KOPW 2021 End of Year Party Rules: Toru Yano VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Yano wins and is Mr. KOPW 2021.
- 8 Man Tag: Chaos VS House of Torture; Chaos wins.
- Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Suzuki-Gun; Suzuki-Gun wins.
- Shingo Takagi & BUSHI VS Kazuchika Okada & Robbie Eagles; Okada & Eagles win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Triple Threat: Tiger Mask VS Ryusuke Taguchi VS El Phantasmo!
The IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships are a big target on the backs of Tiger & Eagles! One half of each team is facing off in a title match sampler, will the living legend make it through both the Funky Weapon and Headbanga?
As they make their entrance, the Cutest Tag Team offers a Christmas present, but to who? ELP keeps saying this person and that person isn’t worthy. Not even Milano Collection AT deserves it? But then they get in the ring, and maybe a Young Lion? Or a ring staff member? No, not them, either. ELP puts the box down and asks one to come into the ring to receive the gift. But then he puts it down to STOMP it! And PUNT it out of the ring! Will he be a Grinch for Taguchi and Tiger?
The bell rings and fans rally up as the three circle. ELP rushes Taguchi but Taguchi throws him out! Tiger kicks away on Taguchi, CLUBS him, then headlocks. Taguchi powers out, Tiger runs him over, and things speed up. Taguchi hurdles and hip attacks Tiger down! ELP returns but he’s thrown right back out! Tiger returns and he sobats Taguchi, then whips him to a corner. Tiger ROUNDHOUSES Taguchi, and fans rally up. Tiger whips Taguchi but Taguchi reverses, only for Tiger to throw Taguchi out. Tiger runs but into ELP’s mule kick! That foot’s definitely loaded! Tiger bails out, fans rally and ELP PLANCHAS but crashes down as Taguchi moves!
Taguchi stomps ELP, and gets the leg, and ELP scrambles! Taguchi lets the foot go, ELP stomps Tiger as he makes his way around the corner. ELP gets in but Taguchi’s there. ELP swears there’s nothing in his boot this time, and he wants a handshake as a Christmas promise. Taguchi doesn’t trust that but ELP even kneels. Taguchi says if it’s for Christmas, then okay. But then ELP stomps Taguchi’s foot! Taguchi clutches his toes while ELP flexes. ELP isolates Taguchi’s leg and STOMPS the foot! Then he gets an arm and rallies the fans up to STOMP the fingers! So much for the Christmas promise!
ELP then gets Taguchi up, knuckle locks and CHOPS, to go up and up and all around, to CLAW Taguchi’s back! ELP drop steps his way out and then CLAWS Tiger! ELP gets in and cartwheels corner to corner, to PURPLE NURPLE!! The ref reprimands and counts, ELP lets go, but then goes back for another PURPLE NURPLE!! The ref counts, ELP stops at 4, and fans rally up for Taguchi. ELP brings Taguchi out to snap suplex, Uno Amigo! And then another, Dos Amigos! ELP wants three but Taguchi blocks! Fans fire up, Taguchi throws body shots, Taguchi gets his Uno Amigo! And then Dos Amigos! And then ELP blocks! ELP turns it into a cradle, TWO and Taguchi has it!
TWO, ELP has it! TWO, Taguchi has it! Rolling Small Package! They go around and around and around and around, and then they break free. They stagger around dizzily, Taguchi enziguris but whiffs! Both men still fall over! Tiger gets in to cover Taguchi, TWO! Tiger covers ELP, TWO! Fans rally up for Tiger now as he throws forearms with ELP. They go back and forth, Taguchi runs in to DOUBLE HIP ATTACK! Fans fire up as Taguchi sits them both up to hit point blank hip attacks back and forth! Taguchi fires up and runs, but both ELP and Tiger fall over and Taguchi just plain misses! Fans rally up while all three men are down!
Tiger and ELP sit up and they brawl again, now with haymakers back and forth! Tiger kicks, ELP forearms, repeat! Taguchi comes back to ENZIGURI ELP! And ENZIGURI Tiger! Fans fire up as Tiger and ELP end up on opposite ends. Taguchi starts up Forever Hips! Then he baseball slides to apron ENZIGURI ELP! Fans fire up as Taguchi aims, and he springboards to MISSILE HIP! Cover, Tiger breaks it! Tiger waistlocks but Taguchi resists the lift. Taguchi breaks free but Tiger tilt-o-whirls to crucifix takedown! Cover, but ELP breaks it! ELP gets Tiger for the straitjacket torture rack, and SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, Taguchi breaks it just in time!
Taguchi CLUBS ELP, bumps him off buckles, and fans fire up! Taguchi hoists ELP up top and ELP lands hard on his groin. Taguchi climbs up, but Tiger yanks him down! Tiger climbs up now to fire off on ELP, and then stands ELP up to double underhook! SUPER BUTTERFLY SUPLEX! Cover, Taguchi breaks it again! Taguchi throws Tiger aside, gets ELP up to chicken wing, DODON’S THRONE! Cover, Tiger breaks it! Tiger throws hands, whips, and tilt-o-whirls Taguchi to a BACKBREAKER! Tiger underhooks, but Taiji Ishimori distracts from the apron! The ref tells him to get down, but the opening allows Taguchi to power through and jackknife bridge!
But then ELP adds on for a stacked cover! ELP WINS!
Winner: El Phantasmo, by pinfall
The Headbanga is the Grinch that stole this win! Taiji gets in to beat up Taguchi, and then beat up Tiger Mask! Taiji sets Taguchi up for ELP, but the ring crew gets in! He takes SUDDEN DEATH! A Young Lion gets in, he takes SUDDEN DEATH! ELP takes aim again, tunes up the band, but ROBBIE EAGLES springboards in! He missile dropkicks ELP down, then gives Taiji a TURBO BACKPACK! Robbie, Tiger and Taguchi work to get ELP’s boot off! ELP kicks them away and Taiji gets ELP out of there! The Cutest Tag Team runs away, the secret of ELP’s boot still a secret! But will Tiger & Eagles expose that secret while holding onto the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag titles?
Six Man Tag: Third Gen VS The United Empire!
Satoshi Kojima, Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Yuji Nagata reunite! After a rough go for all of them in World Tag League, will their Christmas at least be merry? Or will the Dominator, Hawaiian Hulk & Ultimate Weapon conquer TenCozy & Blue Justice for the holidays?
The ref barely finishes his check and the Empire attacks! Aaron Henare goes after Tenzan, Great-O-Khan is after Kojima, and Jeff Cobb goes after Nagata! They throw Third Gen out and the bell gets this on record. Khan Mongolian Chops Kojima and CLUBS him, Cobb rams Nagata into the apron and Henare throws body shots. Henare puts Tenzan in the ring while Cobb digs his knee into Nagata’s chest. Henare drags Tenzan up, bumps him off buckles, and fires off body shots while the ref tries to restore order. Fans rally up for Tenzan and Third Gen as Henare brings Tenzan out for a suplex! Cover, TWO!
Henare brings Tenzan up but Tenzan hits back with forearms! Henare gives those back, they go back and forth, Tenzan Mongolian Chops! And again! Henare hits a heavy body shot! Then a HEEL KICK! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up as Tenzan gets up, but Henare CLUBS and KNEES him! Henare runs, into the WHEEL KICK! Hot tag to Kojima and Khan! Kojima dodges Khan’s boot to fire off forearms to the back! Kojima whips, Khan reverses but Kojima CLOBBERS him! Fans fire up, Khan gets to the corner and Kojima fires off MACHINE GUN CHOPS! Khan calls his team over, but Cobb just gets added to the MACHINE GUN CHOPS!
Kojima tops Cobb off then gives Khan a little more! Fans fire up, Kojima whips corner to corner and forearm smashes! Kojima fires up as he climbs the corner, but Henare throws a body shot! Then Henare throws Kojima! Henare DECKS Nagata, Khan drags Kojima up. Henare runs but Tenzan trips him up! Kojima breaks free to ROCK Khan! Tenzan gets in, TenCozy pinball Khan between Mongolian Chops and forearms! Kojima Mongolian Chops, then DDT’s Khan down! Cover, TWO! Fans fire up as Kojima brings Khan up in the cravat. Khan fights the cutter, shoves Kojima to ropes, and Cobb grabs Kojima’s foot!
Kojima glares at Cobb, but Khan puts Kojima in the IRON SLEEPER! Kojima starts to fade, Khan folds Kojima up for a cocky throne cover. TWO, Khan runs and BOOTS Kojima to a corner! Tag to Cobb, Cobb runs in to dropkick! Cobb is copying Tetsuya Naito’s COMBINACION CABRON! Then GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Fans fire up and Cobb slaps Kojima around. Cobb wants to mock Kojima’s armband move but he has no armband to take off. Cobb still runs, but Kojima clubs Cobb’s clothesline away! Then Kojima kicks and hits a COZY CUTTER! Both men are down and fans fire up! Kojima crawls over, hot tag to Nagata!
Nagata KICKS Cobb in the chest over and over! Cobb ends up in a corner, Nagata whips him corner to corner. Nagata runs in to BOOT Cobb, but Henare stops Nagata from hitting the exploder! Henare scoops Nagata but Nagata slips free to give Henare the EXPLODER! But he turns around into Cobb’s SUPERKICK! Cobb runs in but misses in the corner, Nagata SHINING WIZARDS! Feed to TENCOZY CUTTER! NAGATA LOCK II!! TenCozy keeps the rest of the Empire away with an Anaconda Vice to Henare and Kawatagoroshi for Khan! The Empire endures all these submissions, Cobb fights around, and gets a ROPEBREAK with a foot!
Third Gen lets the Empire go and fans rally up. Nagata whips Cobb corner to corner, then sends Teznan in for a clothesline! Then Kojima hits a back elbow! They feed Cobb to Nagata’s BOOT! BRAINBUSTER! Cover, Khan breaks it! Kojima CLUBS Khan, but Khan fights the waistlock. Drop sayanagi for Kojima! Headbutt for Khan! SAMOAN DROP for Tenzan! Nagata ROCKS Henare, whips him to Cobb for an ATHLETIC PLEX! Fans fire up again and Khan drags Nagata up. He whips Nagata to a corner, then runs in to clothesline! Henare runs in to SHINING WIZARD! feed to the BOOT ROUNDHOUSE combo! Then they get Nagata up for Cobb, TOUR OF THE ISLANDS!! Cover, The Empire wins!
Winners: The United Empire, by pinfall
Cobb mocks Naito’s posing as he, Henare and Khan stand tall. Khan also calls out Sanada, as they’re having a 1v1 match at WrestleKingdom 16, Night Two! With Will Ospreay on his way back, is it only a matter of time before the United Empire rules over all NJPW?
Six Man Tag: Hiroshi Tanahashi & Great Bash Heels VS KENTA, Chase Owens & Bad Luck Fale!
The Ace teams with Tomoaki Honma & Togi Makabe ahead of taking on Fang Revived in a No Disqualification match for the IWGP US Championship! Will Everyone’s Kokeshi & Rampaging King Kong help the Once in a Century Talent get ready? Or will the Crown Jewel & Rogue General help Kenta make them Go To Sleep?
Tanahashi takes off the jacket to show off the muscles, and fans cheer, but Bullet Club attacks! Kenta of course goes after The Ace while Chase is after Honma and Fale is after Makabe. The bell rings to get this on record as Bullet Club mugs Tanahashi. Chase and Fale keep Tanahashi up so Kenta can kick him down. Fans rally for Tanahashi as Kenta stomps him around. Kenta drags Tanahashi up but Tanahashi fires forearms! Kenta gives them back, they go faster and faster and fans fire up! They go shot for shot, Tanahashi gets the edge and fires off a strike fest! Kenta kicks but Tanahashi blocks it, CLUBS the leg, then runs. Kenta uses the ref as a shield!
Tanahashi carefully moves the ref aside, but Kenta BOOTS and sobats Tanahashi! Tanahashi blocks the next kick to DRAGON SCREW the leg! Fans rally up as both men are down! Hot tags to Chase and Makabe! Makabe rallies on Bullet Club, and runs at Chase in the corner to clothesline! Makabe climbs up to rain down fists! Fale stops Makabe at 8 but Makabe hits him back. Makabe whips, Fale reverses, Makabe bounces off buckles and Fale runs him over! Chase BOOTS Honma down, Fale goes out after Honma, and Chase rains down fists on Makabe! The ref reprimands the closed fists, so Chase CHOKES Makabe! The ref reprimands again and Chase lets off.
Fans rally up but Chase bumps Makabe off buckles. Chase climbs up and rains down fists on Makabe! Chase gets to ten, then tags Fale in. They mug Makabe with heavy body shots, but fans still rally for Makabe. Makabe eggs Fale on so Fale throws more body shots, and even forearms. Makabe doesn’t back down so Fale throws shots in the corner! Tag to Chase, he cravats to neck wrench Makabe, and then snapmare. Chase JAMS a knee into the back, and then pulls on the arms for a motorcycle stretch. Fans rally up, Makabe fights to his feet, and he turns things around on Chase, only for Chase to turn it back around. Chase digs his foot into Makabe’s back, then pushes Makabe down.
Tag to Fale, Chase mocks Honma, and Fale throws body shots on Makabe. Fale CLUBS away on Makabe in a corner! Fale whips Makabe corner to corner, runs in, but Makabe dodges! But Kenta gets in to DECK Tanahashi before the tag! Kenta whips Tanahashi into railing while Makabe tags in Honma! Makabe rallies on Bullet Club, but he can’t knock Fale down! Honma fires up and runs, but Chase kicks him from behind! Fale and Chase mug Honma, then they double whip. Honma holds ropes, BOOTS Chase, and kicks Fale low! Chase runs back in, but into the COMPLETE SHOT DDT COMBO! Honma fires up, runs and KOKESHI for Fale! KOKESHI for Chase!
Fans fire up as Honma drags Fale up. Honma tries to suplex but Fale’s too big! Kenta gets in and CLUBS Honma, but then Tanahashi gets in to SHOTEI Kenta down! Tanahashi stomps Kenta out of the ring and they brawl outside. GBH get Fale up to DOUBLE SUPLEX! Fans are fired up as Honma covers, TWO! Honma hurries up top but Chase anchors his foot! Honma fights Chase off, but Fale choke grips Honma! Fale drags Honma down from the top, but Honma breaks free to throw forearms and haymakers! Honma fires up, but turns into the SHI TRIGGER! Fale gets Honma with the GRENADE! Cover, Bullet Club wins!
Winners: Kenta, Chase Owens & Bad Luck Fale, by pinfall
Kenta keeps going after Tanahashi and Makabe on the outside, the win isn’t good enough for him! Kenta gets a chair from under the ring to SMACK Tanahashi with it! Kenta drags Tanahashi up and puts him in the ring. Chase stomps Tanahashi, Kenta brings out a kendo stick! But Tanahashi fights free! Tanahashi has the stick! And he swings, only for Kenta to bail out! Fans rally, “Let’s Go, Ace!” The No Disqualification match is coming, but is Kenta underestimating how extreme Tanahashi can get?
KOPW 2021 End of Year Party Rules: Toru Yano VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru!
This is the LAST KOPW match of 2021! The Producer could be a back-to-back KOPW Champion, if he can outdrink the Heel Master! That’s right, every two minutes, each man must take a shot! It’s first fall to a finish, or the first to fall over drunk! Who parties hard this holiday season and goes home with the trophy?
The introductions are made, the trophy is presented, and we see who can hold their liquor and hold their own!
Fans rally up as Yano and Kanemaru circle. But then Kanemaru bails out? He doesn’t seem in the mood for Yano’s antics. Fans rally up harder and Kanemaru gets back on the apron. Kanemaru gets his whiskey and fans cheer. The fans did vote that the drinks tonight would be whiskey over Yano’s sake, after all. But we see the clock and we’re under a minute before it’s time to drink. Yano goes outside to delay now, and now Kanemaru dares Yano to get back in. They argue, but no body makes a move. The countdown signals itself, time to drink! Kanemaru and Yano go to the tables at ringside, and they get the mic so we can hear them each opening the bottles.
Yano and Kanemaru each pour themselves a shot, fans rally as they say, “CHEERS!” Also there’s the standing count. Both men drink up and get up before 8 of 20 to get back in the ring. Obviously this first shot wasn’t going to take them out, so we continue! Fans fire up as the two argue again. Yano wants Milano Collection AT’s thoughts, and Kanemaru also argues with him. Yano uses that distraction to roll Kanemaru up! TWO, and Yano apologizes! Kanemaru rushes in, Yano dodges to get the arms! Kanemaru reverses that to backslide Yano, TWO! Kanemaru kicks Yano low, but Yano grabs Kanemaru’s hair and throws him down! Roll up, TWO!
Kanemaru gets to the corner, Yano runs in but Kanemaru dodges to roll Yano up, TWO! Fans fire up as both men catch their breath. We’re back under a minute, and it seems like both men are starting to feel that whiskey hitting. Kanemaru stomps Yano, then he whips Yano to ropes. Yano holds ropes, but Kanemaru BOOTS him down! Yano bails out, staggers around, but Kanemaru pursues. Kanemaru pulls Yano’s hair and whips him into railing! Kanemaru pulls Yano’s hair more to shake him around! The countdown begins, and it’s time for another shot! Fans rally as both men make their way over to the tables.
Kanemaru and Yano argue even as they sit down and pour themselves another drink. “CHEERS!” The ring count starts, they get the drinks down, and Yano is already in the ring to untie the buckle pad! Kanemaru gets in, Yano dodges and throws him the pad! The ref takes the pad from Kanemaru, and Yano SLAPS Kanemaru on the back of the head! Yano shakes Kanemaru around! The fans rally up and Yano throws Kanemaru away! Kanemaru dry heaves and sputters in the corner! Yano drags Kanemaru up, whips him corner to corner, but Kanemaru reverses! Yano hits the bare buckles! Kanemaru shakes Yano around now! Up, down, back, forth! Now Yano dry heaves! Cover, TWO!
Fans rally as Yano and Kanemaru slowly stand. Kanemaru whips, Yano reverses and redirects, but then Kanemaru reverses! Yano reverses, Kanemaru reverses, they keep going around and around! And around, and around! They’re slowing down but they’re still going around! Both men fall over dizzy! The countdown is back! #WhiskeyTime! Both men drag themselves out of the ring as fans rally up. They somehow make it to the tables and sit down for round three. They pour their drinks, and Kanemaru gets it down right away! “CHEERS!” Yano struggles to even sit up, and the ring count is 7 of 20! Yano takes his time, but Kanemaru is stopping him!? If he doesn’t drink, does he lose?!
The count is 15 of 20, Kanemaru leaves Yano behind! Yano drinks and hurries! Yano gets in at 19!! He’s safe! Kanemaru is furious but Yano goes back out. Kanemaru goes out the other side, and they argue again. The ring count starts again, Kanemaru gets on the apron at 5, and in at 7. Yano argues with Kanemaru again, even as the count reaches 15 of 20 again. Yano walks around the ring, but he gets in at 19 again! Kanemaru stomps Yano over and over, then whips him to ropes. Yano reverses but Kanemaru dropkicks the leg out! Kanemaru gets Yano for a ROLLING CRADLE! Around and around and around, and around and around, and then the cover! TWO!!
Both men stagger and fall over dizzy! And the countdown is back! Fans rally up and it’s #WhiskeyTime again! Yano and Kanemaru roll out of the ring, but Yano’s dry heaving again. Kanemaru and Yano take a moment to steady themselves before sitting down for round four! Kanemaru is ballsy, filling his shot glass to the brim! Meanwhile, Yano’s doesn’t even look half full! Fans rally, so Yano matches Kanemaru with a full glass! “CHEERS!” The count starts, Kanemaru downs it! We’re at 10 of 20 already as Yano works up the courage. Yano gets it down, but then Kanemaru sends a Young Lion into Yano’s path! Down goes Yano! We’re at 18 of 20, Yano is in at 19.9!!
Kanemaru gets right on Yano for a cover, TWO! Another cover, TWO! Deep leg hook, TWO!! Fans fire up but Kanemaru gets his personal bottle of whiskey, and takes a BIG swig! He pushes the ref aside, but Yano blocks Kanemaru from spitting the whiskey in his face! Yano turns Kanemaru towards the ref, LOW BLOW and Kanemaru spits the whiskey all in the ref’s face!! Yano then gets the bottle, and makes Kanemaru drink even more! Yano drags Kanemaru up, pops him up, POWERBOMB! Cover, Yano wins!
Winner: Toru Yano, by pinfall (Undisputed Mr. KOPW 2021)
The Producer is victorious! But Yano has a special box that he brings to the ring. Yano unveils a bottle of his own whiskey and says, “CHEERS!” Yano drinks to his win as the repeat Mr. KOPW! Can anyone stop Yano from a historic threepeat in 2022?
8 Man Tag: Chaos VS House of Torture!
Yoh joins Hirooki Goto, YOSHI-HASHI and the returning Tomohiro Ishii in hopes of getting revenge on Evil, Sho, Yujiro Takahashi & Dick Togo! Will this help Goto-Hashi-Ishii get back to the NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championships? Or will Darkness Fall on Christmas Eve?
Introductions don’t even finish before House of Torture attacks! Sho of course goes after Yoh while Yujiro hits Hashi, and Evil throws Ishii out while Dick stomps Goto. Things spill out of the ring, the bell rings to get this on record, and Evil rakes Ishii’s eyes before whipping him into railing! Yujiro has Hashi against the railing as he rakes Hashi’s eyes, Evil keeps after Ishii. Sho brings Yoh up to put him in the ring, the Murder Machine officially starts against Direct Drive. Sho stomps Yoh to a corner, stomps him in the corner, then digs his boots in. The ref reprimands and counts, Sho lets off at 4. Fans rally up, even as Sho stands on Yoh’s head. Yoh fights up but Sho rakes his eyes!
The ref reprimands again, Sho stops at 4, then whips. Yoh reverses, runs in, but misses in the corner, and Sho rakes his eyes again! Sho runs, Yoh dodges, and Yoh hits FLYING FOREARMS! Tag to Hashi, Yoh and Goto BLAST the House of Torture while Hashi stomps Sho. They whip Sho to a corner, Goto clotheslines, Hashi CHOPS, and Yoh back elbows! Feed to Goto’s kick, and Goto hooks Sho up. Hashi runs, BLOCKBUSTER LEG SWEEP! Fans fire up for the #GotoHunt, and Sho scrambles to a corner. Hashi follows him as he scurries around the ring, and then stomps him at the ropes. Ishii gets a shot in, Hashi stands on Sho’s head, and Sho grabs the ropes!
The ref counts, Hashi lets off at 4. Hashi drags Sho up, but Sho wrenches a hand and bends the fingers! Sho whips Hashi to the corner, and surprise! The buckle pad is gone! Hashi hits bare buckles as the Bullet Club special comes into play! House of Torture hits the Chaos corner, and Evil uses a chair on Ishii! Evil chokes Ishii with the chair while Sho and Dick dig their boots into Hashi at the ropes. The ref counts, Dick lets off but Sho keeps going. The ref counts more, Sho stops at 4. Evil’s still choking Ishii with the chair! Evil stops that to rake Hashi’s eyes while the ref is busy with Sho. Sho tags Dick, Dick drags Hashi up and CLUBS him to the corner.
Dick throws hands, he brings Hashi around and snapmares, and then fist drops! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up, Evil tags in and he taunts Yoh. The ref stops Yoh, but he misses Evil using the House of Torture shirt to choke Hashi! Evil then covers, TWO! Evil argues the count but the ref say sit was fair. Tag to Yujiro, Yujiro stomps and snapmares Hashi to then drop a leg, drop an elbow, and drop a headbutt! Cover, but Yoh gets in and Yujiro backs off. Sho gets in to kick Yoh back out, and Yujiro drags Hashi away. Hashi throws body shots and forearms, but Yujiro knees low. Yujiro puts Hashi on the ropes to BOOT him down! Yujiro brings Hashi around to fisherman, but Hashi fights the suplex!
Hashi suplexes, but Yujiro BITES the hand! Yujiro ROCKS Hashi with a forearm but Hashi fires off a strike fest! Hashi blocks Yujiro’s boot, but Yujiro ROCKS him again! Yujiro reels Hashi in but Hashi suplexes Yujiro high and hard! Fans rally up, both men crawl, hot tag to Evil and House of Torture trips up Chaos! Evil brings Hashi up but Hashi spin back kicks! Hot tag to Ishii! The Stone Pitbull runs but Dick trips him up! Evil knocks Ishii to the corner, he and Dick double whip Ishii to the corner. Dick runs in to clothesline, but Ishii avoids Evil and Evil ends up hitting Dick! Ishii runs back in, Evil dodges and Dick takes another clothesline!
Ishii runs after Evil but Evil gets him in a waistlock. Sho runs in but Ishii boots him away! Ishii standing switches and shoves Evil into Sho! Ishii swings but Evil waistlocks again. Evil shoves Ishii at the ropes but Ishii DECKS Yujiro off the apron! Ishii dodges Evil again to run and run Evil over! Fans fire up as Ishii stalks Evil to a corner. Ishii stands Evil up to CHOP and forearm on repeat! Evil sits down and Ishii rains down forearms! The ref has to back Ishii off, and Evil bails out. Evil eggs Ishii on but Goto gets Evil back in the ring! Ishii and Yoh double whip to uppercut, forearm and Yoh runs, but Sho trips him up! Ishii rushes over but Evil waistlocks.
Ishii breaks free but runs into Dick’s kick! Evil trips Ishii for the SCORPION DEATHLOCK! Yujiro intercepts Goto while Ishii endures. Ishii crawls, reaches out, but Sho holds the rope back! Ishii still gets the ROPEBREAK! Evil holds until 4, then tags in Dick. Fans rally up as Evil and Dick stomp Ishii. Dick slaps Ishii around but Ishii sits up. Dick stomps him down, drags him up, slaps him around more, then whips. Dick catches Ishii for a sleeper hold, but Ishii back suplexes out of it! Fans fire up while both men are down! Ishii crawls over, hot tag to Goto! Yujiro runs in but Goto runs him over! Goto DECKS Sho, then runs in to MURAMASA Dick! And BULLDOG! Cover, TWO!
Fans rally up as GOto stands Dick up and fireman’s carries. Dick slips free, pokes eyes and headlock punches Goto down! Evil and Sho knock Ishii and Yoh down, then they put Goto in a corner. They double whip corner to corner, Dick runs in to back elbow! Sho clotheslines, Yujiro BOOTS, and Evil clotheslines! Then FISHERMAN BUSTER! Dick covers, TWO! Evil distracts the ref while Dick gets Goto with the SPOILER CHOKER! Fans rally, and Goto fights free! Goto DECKS Dick, but Evil knees Goto and rakes the eyes! Evil runs, Hashi LARIATS him down! Yujiro BOOTS Hashi! Yujiro goes after Ishii but Ishii blocks the boot to turn him around and GERMAN SUPLEX!
Dick kicks Ishii and whips him into bare buckles! Goto waistlocks Dick, Dick standing switches and Sho runs in, but Goto gets clear and Sho clotheslines Dick! Yoh dropkicks Sho out! Fans fire up as Yoh PLANCHAS down on Sho! Goto gets Dick into dragon sleeper but Dick fights around. Goto suplexes, Dick slips free, but Hashi SUPERKICKS him down! Goto fireman’s carries Dick, SUPERKICK to Ushigoroshi dragon sleeper! Goto-Hashi get Dick up, SHOTO!! Cover, Chaos wins!!
Winners: Yoh, Hirooki Goto, Yoshi-Hashi & Tomohiro Ishii, by pinfall
Yoh still goes after Sho on the outside, and Ishii battles Evil chair to chair! Evil loses his chair, but then LOW BLOWS Ishii! The brawling continues all around ringside as Yujiro RAMS Hashi into railing, and Sho does the same to Goto! Evil puts Ishii back in the ring, drags him up, and gives him EVERYTHING IS EVIL! But then Yoh runs Evil off, only for Sho to run in !Yoh avoids the wrench shot to JUMP KNEE! Sho avoids Direct Drive to run away!
Things are far from over between Chaos and the House of Torture, though! On WrestleKingdom 16, Night One, Yoh and Sho look to settle their RPG3K fallout, and Evil challenges Ishii for THE NEVER Openweight Championship! And then on Night Two, the House of Torture will defend their NEVER Openweight Six Man titles against Goto-Hashi-Ishii! Will The King of Darkness become the King of NEVER? Or will Chaos make sure that NEVER happens?
Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Suzuki-Gun!
Hiromu Takahashi is ready to take on El Desperado for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship at WrestleKingdom 16, while Sanada & Tetsuya Naito look to be a speedbump in the road for the Dangerous Tekkers. Will LIJ make sure the Rogue Luchador, Taichi & Zack Sabre Jr. are stumbling into the New Year? Or will momentum be on the side of the champions?
The teams sort out, Sanada and Taichi have a quick dancing pec showdown, but it’s the Ticking Timebomb that starts against Desperado. Fans rally up for this WrestleKingdom preview, and the two rush each other at the bell! They ram shoulders, then fire off forearms back and forth! Fans rally as they keep going, fast and furious! Hiromu then changes things up to CHOPS, and Desperado CHOPS in reply! They go back and forth with CHOP after CHOP, already turning red in the chest! They shift from overhand to back hand CHOPS, but neither is backing down! Hiromu then SLAPS Desperado, so Desperado SLAPS back! Now it’s a SLAP fight!
Desperado ROCKS Hiromu with more of a palm strike then slap! Hiromu wobbles, Desperado reels him in, but Hiromu fights the back suplex to run. Desperado elbows him at the ropes, but then Hiromu returns the favor! Hiromu runs but Desperado sees through the feint to whip Hiromu and elbow him again. Then Desperado feints to elbow again! Hiromu still whips Desperado to a corner to clothesline! Hiromu runs but Desperado follows to clothesline him in the other corner! Desperado then runs corner to corner, but Hiromu follows to clothesline! Hiromu snapmares Desperaod, runs but Desperado avoids the basement dropkick!
Desperado dodges, spins Hiromu around and ROCKS him with an elbow! Hiromu wobbles, but he mule kicks and front kicks! Fireman’s carry, but Desperado slips off. Hiromu elbows Desperado then runs corner to corner to SHOTGUN dropkick Desperado into the corner! Naito DECKS Taichi, Sanada DECKS ZSJ! Hiromu fires up and the fans are with him as he drags Desperado back up. Hiromu suplexes but Desperado fights free and gets around to back suplex! Hiromu roars as he rises up, but Desperado runs, into a SUPERKICK! Hiromu runs, but into a SPINEBUSTER! Both men are down and fans fire up!
Desperado and Hiromu stir, crawl for their corners, ZSJ tags in and he drags Hiromu away from LIJ! ZSJ snapmares to NECK TWIST, then he DECKS Sanada! Taichi trips Naito off the apron to whip him into railing! ZSJ chokes Sanada with camera cable! Taichi RAMS Naito into more railing! ZSJ lets Sanada go and the ref reprimands the Tekkers. ZSJ gets back in as fans rally up, and ZSJ cravats Hiromu for a neck wrench. Hiromu endures, ZSJ snapmares him into double leg hook chicken wings! And then a dragon sleeper! Hiromu endures and kicks around, and he gets the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, ZSJ lets go to then tag in Taichi.
Taichi stomps Hiromu and taunts him as he does. Fans rally for Hiromu but Taichi puts him in a cobra twist! Hiromu endures as Taichi pushes his head and neck down. Taichi even adds a leg, but Hiromu endures so Taichi lets go. Cover, but it’s a choke! The ref reprimands, Taichi stops so he choke-covers again! The ref still reprimands, so Taichi CHOKES with both hands! The ref counts, Taichi stops at 4. Hiromu sputters, Taichi brings him up, Hiromu CHOPS back! Taichi CHOKES Hiromu to the ocrner for it! Tag to Desperado, and Suzuki-Gun dig their boots into Hiromu. The ref reprimands, they all let off, and Desperaod drags Hiromu back up.
Hiromu CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS but Desperado just CHOPS Hiromu down! Desperado CHOPS Hiromu in the corner, whips him corner to corner then runs in, into a BOOT! Hiromu runs but the rana is blocked! Hiromu fights the bomb but Desperado knees back. Desperado runs, into a POP-UP POWERBOMB! Both men are down and fans fire up again! Desperado and Hiromu crawl, hot tags to Naito and Taichi! Naito drops, arm-drags and kicks low, then DECKS ZSJ before he RANAS Taichi! Fans rally as Naito runs in to JUMP KICK, swing in, and then he taunts Taichi before COMBINACION CABRON! Naito mocks Taichi’s sumo before he has a cocky cover, ONE!
Naito drags Taichi up, reels him in and turns him, but Taichi breaks free to CHOKE Naito! The ref reprimands, Taichi whips Naito into the DANGEROUS HOOK KICK! Fans rally up, Taichi run sin at Naito to clothesline in the corner! Taichi then reels Naito in, but no saido as Naito fights free. Naito hits an atomic drop, then he hammerlocks and full nelsons. No Gloria as Taichi fights free, but then Naito clinches! Taichi blocks with a sumo grip on the waistband! Taichi THROWS Naito off! Fans fire up but Naito elbows and ENZIGURIS back! Taichi AX BOMBERS on the rebound! Fans are fired up as both men are down!
Naito and Taichi crawl, hot tags to Sanada and ZSJ! ZSJ and Sanada go around and around but neither can catch the other in a cobra twist. Sanada throws ZSJ out, then PLANCHAS, but ZSJ gets clear! COBRA TWIST! Sanada endures, ZSJ puts him back in the ring. ZSJ gets around to full nelson then snapmare, but Sanada handsprings through. ZSJ headlocks, Sanada powers out but ZSJ catches him to the COBRA TWIST! Fans fire up, Sanada endures, and Sanada powers out to hip toss! Sanada gets the legs then the arms, but ZSJ keeps resisting Paradise. Sanada keeps trying, but ZSJ reels him in for the sunset flip! TWO, and Sanada sits on the cover, ONE!
ZSJ has it, ONE, Sanada has it, ONE! ZSJ has it again, ONE, and Sanada keeps ZSJ down, but it’s a double fall! ONE as they both raise their right hands! Double fall, ONE as they raise their left hands! Another double fall, TWO as they both raise the same side! TWO as they raise the other side! Another double cover, TWO as they both get both shoulders up!! Fans fire up as the two reset and stand off. ZSJ offers a handshake, but then he uppercuts Sanada as he goes for it! ZSJ runs but Sanada dropkicks the legs out! Sanada drags ZSJ, steps through, but ZSJ drags Sanada down to a EURO CLUTCH! Cover, TWO! DRAGON SLEEPER!
But ZSJ rolls through, only for Sanada to roll through! ZSJ blocks the bridge, rolls Sanada with body scissors, but Sanada blocks ZSJ’s bridge! Sanada catches the arms to double chicken wing! But ZSJ rolls through that to get the EURO CLUTCH! Suzuki-Gun wins!!
Winners: El Desperado & The Dangerous Tekkers, by pinfall
Once again, the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions get the better of LIJ! Will this help the Holy Emperor & Submission Master against the World Tag League winners, Goto & Hashi? And what of the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship showdown of Desperado and Hiromu? They had a draw in this year’s Best of the Super Juniors, will we see the Ticking Timebomb or Rogue Luchador reign supreme?
Shingo Takagi & BUSHI VS Kazuchika Okada & Robbie Eagles!
Alright, we did just see this at the WTL x BOSJ finals event over a week ago. And along the way on the Road to Tokyo Dome. But this is the last time around before the holidays! Will the Dragon & Black Mask or the Rainmaker & Sniper of the Skies have a Merry Christmas this year?
The teams sort out, and Takagi and Okada start to give us a WrestleKingdom preview! Fans are fired up already as they rally, “TA-KA-GI!” “O-KA-DA!” The two circle, feel out the grapple, then tie up. Takagi waistlocks, but Okada wrenches an arm to a wristlock then hammerlock. Takagi headlocks free, grinds Okada down, but Okada pries out of that to have a headlock of his own. Okada grinds Takagi, Takagi fights up and pries free to a hammerlock then headlock takeover. Okada headscissors, Takagi kips free, and fans cheer the exchange. Fans rally up again as the two circle. Okada stays back but ends up cornered. Takagi backs off, but Okada runs in to tie up!
Okada puts Takagi on the ropes, Red Shoes calls for the ropebreak, and Okada lets off, to fake the chop and pat Takagi on the shoulder. But Takagi actually CHOPS! Okada throws a forearm, Takagi gives it back and the fans rally as they go back and forth. Okada changes to EuroUpper, then he runs, only for Takagi to run him over! Takagi knocks Eagles off the apron and he wraps a chinlock onto Okada. Okada moves and gets the ropebreak, Takagi lets off quickly. Takagi drags Okada up, wrenches his arm, then tags in Bushi. Bushi hops up to drop ax handles on Okada’s arm! Bushi has Red Shoes watch Eagles, so that he can choke Okada with his shirt!
Eagles protests and Red Shoes sees, and so he counts. Bushi lets off to then stomp Okada down. Fans rally, Bushi snapmares Okada and digs in his knee in the chinlock. Bushi also smothers Okada by holding his nose closed! Red Shoes reprimands, Bushi lets off, and then Bushi stomps Okada down. Tag to Takagi, Bushi bumps Okada off buckles. Takagi bumps Okada off more buckles, then he taunts Okada. Okada dares Takagi to hit him but Takagi just pie faces him. Okada throws forearms but Takagi eggs him on with a chest bump. Okada throws another forearm, and Takagi DECKS him! Fans cheer as Takagi brings Okada back up.
Takagi suplexes high and hard, floats to the cover, TWO! Fans rally up, “O-KA-GI!” “TA-KA-DA!” Okada blocks the back suplex, clubs away on Takagi, but Takagi CLUBS him on the back. Takagi runs, into a FLAPJACK! Fans fire up while both men are down. Hot tag to Eagles! Eagles kicks and whips but Takagi reverses, only for Eagles to RANA! And WHEEL KCIK! Eagles kips up, fans fire up, and Eagles KICKS and KICKS. Takagi blocks a kick to CLUB the leg, but Eagles dropkicks the legs out, to then LEG LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Fans rally as Eagles goes to the corner and goes up top. 450 but Eagles bails out as Takagi dodges. Takagi runs in but into a BOOT!
Eagles runs, but Takagi pops Eagles up for a fireman’s carry to GUTBUSTER and DDT! Fans rally, hot tag to Bushi! Bushi aims from a corner now, and missile dropkicks Eagles away! BUSHIROONI! Bushi runs to back elbow, then he brings Eagles out to spin around and DDT! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up, Bushi gets Eagles for a fisherman, but no screw as Eagles spins through! Schoolboy with bridge, TWO! Bushi kicks but Eagles blocks, only for Bushi to fight off the Turbo Backpack! Bushi backslides but Eagles rolls off and sobats low! Eagles cravats, Bushi fights out of the Shiranui, then elbows Eagles away to reel him in.
Eagles trips Bushi, goes for the figure four but Bushi makes it a cradle! TWO!! ROUNDHOUSE, SUPERKICK but no Pele! Bushi gets around to kick, Eagles ducks the enziguri but not the HEEL KICK! But Eagles PELES! Both men are down and fans fire up! Eagles and Bushi crawl, hot tags to Okada and Takagi! Okada BOOTS, Takagi swings but Okada dodges to BOOT again! Okada fires off forearms, whips corner to corner but Takagi reveres. Okada boots but Takagi blocks to LARIAT! Takagi reels Okada in for a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up again, Takagi drags Okada up to Gory Especial! But Okada blocks with all his might!
Okada gets around, wrenches the arm, and has the MONEY CLIP! But Takagi stays standing and arm-drags free! Takagi runs into the corner, but Okada pops him up to the Alabama! REVERSE NECKBREAKER! Eagles DECKS Bushi! Okada gets Takagi’s arm again, MONEY CLIP! Fans rally as Takagi endures, and he throws haymakers on Okada. Okada cranks on the arm, Takagi crawls forward but Okada drags him away! Takagi keeps trying, and he gets the ROPEBREAK! Okada lets Takagi free and fans rally up as they both go outside. Okada stalks Takagi, kicks low, and hits a DDT! Fans rally back up while Okada rests against the railing.
Okada stands, drags Takagi up and into the ring. Okada climbs up the corner but Bushi goes after him! Eagles goes after Bushi and whips him, but Bushi reverses to send Eagles into railing! Takagi hits Okada up top, then climbs up after him. Okada and Takagi brawl, but Takagi fires up! Takagi hits the SUPERPLEX! Cover, TWO!! Okada survives but Takagi fires up with “OI! OI! OI!” Fans clap along, Takagi sits Okada up and runs, but Okada ducks the sliding lariat! Okada runs but into the ELBOW! JAB! But he blocks the Yukon lariat, only to get a DISCUS PUMPING! Fans fire up with Takagi as he drags Okada back up.
Okada fights out of the torture rack but Takagi whips him to ropes. Okada reverses and dropkicks Takagi down! Okada drags Takagi back up, ripcords, but Takagi dodges the lariat! But Takagi runs into Okada’s dropkick! Both men are down and fans are fired up again! Takagi and Okada stir, Takagi tags Bushi in! Bushi stomps Okada, brings him up and throws forearms. Bushi whips corner to corner, runs in but Okada boots. Bushi blocks, puts the leg in the ropes and hits a DRAPING BACKSTABBER! Bushi drags Okada up to FISHERMAN SCREW! Cover, TWO! Fans fire up as Okada survives! Bushi aims from a corner, runs at Okada, but no Code Breaker!
Okada dodges and Eagles missile dropkicks Bushi’s leg out! Eagles DECKS Takagi off the apron then jumps to ax handle Takagi down! Okada wraps on the MONEY CLIP! Bushi endures, fans rally up, Bushi fights up to claw Okada’s face! Eagles is sent into railing, but Okada dropkicks Bushi down! Okada goes to the corner, climbs up top, MACHO ELBOW! Rainmaker Pose! But he has to dodge Takagi! Okada gets Takagi for a ripcord, but Takagi dodges the lariat to waistlock and ripcord back. Okada ducks Pumping Rainmaker, and gets Takagi with a DISCUS LARIAT! Fans fire up as Bushi runs, into a gut wrench and TOMBSTONE!
Okada ripcords to RAINMAKER on Bushi! Eagles keeps Takagi down as Okada high stacks Bushi, Chaos wins!
Winners: Kazuchika Okada & Robbie Eagles, by pinfall
Just like the WTL x BOSJ finale, Okada and Eagles stand tall! The Junior Heavyweights head to the back to give the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion and the G1 Climax Champion the ring. But then, before either Takagi or Okada can get the mic, the lights dim and the titantron has WILL OSPREAY! He has his copy of the IWGP World Heavyweight title with him as he says, “Did you miss me? I’ve missed you. Long time no see. I’m back in Japan! Feeling great, actually. Feeling fantastic.” Ospreay wonders who’ll be feeling good on January 5th. He knows on the 4th, it’s Takagi VS Okada for the “interim” world title. And then they will face the REAL champion on the 5th!
Ospreay has traveled the world while injured, and he faced the world’s finest. “Still unpinned, still unsubmitted, still undefeated!” And this whole time, Ospreay’s been staring at the logo on the belt. Fans around the world just think it’s a cute little lion head, one synonymous with NJPW. But for Ospreay, it is a prophecy! “For 50 years, NJPW has been looking for that lion. And here I am! I am that lion! I have been waiting my whole career to main even at WrestleKingdom and it is finally going to happen!” It doesn’t matter if it’s Takagi or Okada, because Ospreay is finally fulfilling his destiny!
Best of luck to Takagi and Okada, they’re going to need it. Then the world will see there is only ONE IWGP World Heavyweight Champion. “And his name is Will Ospreay.” Ospreay’s message ends and the lights come back up. Takagi is annoyed but Okada gets the mic first. “Takagi, you saw that, right? Ospreay, I heard you faced the best, but there’s no one around better than us.” Takagi gives a thumbs up in agreement. “Everyone’s a nobody compared to us. Takagi, on January 4th, let’s show the world what a battle between the IWGP World Heavyweight and G1 Champions can be.” Fans cheer for that one.
Okada continues to say, “We guarantee a hot fight for you all on January 4th. And on January 5th, I will go on to face Ospreay. Let me say this to you, Takagi. You’ve put in a lot of work over the last year, but you can’t carry NJPW into its 50th Anniversary. A wrestler with one hot year can’t carry NJPW for the next 50 years. Only I can carry NJPW into the next 50 years, into the next 100 years, and beyond!” Takagi gets a bit annoyed again but fans rally. “But now, I’ll let the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, Takagi, talk.” Okada drops the mic and takes his exit so Takagi can close this out.
“Hold on a second. I don’t need the big talk anymore. On January 4th, bring me the serious Okada, the strongest Okada. That’s the guy I wanna crush! And one more thing. Nobody’s making it rain in the Tokyo Dome. Money isn’t falling. Okada’s tears will!” Fans rally behind that one! Takagi continues to say, “That damned Ospreay ruined the atmosphere again. But it’s down to me to end the year. A lot happened this year, in the world and here in NJPW. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for all your support through everything. I’ve gone through a lot myself. I took the title in June, and then caught COVID in August. Then straight back to a title match. And managed to keep this belt for the year.
“One more one more thing. I’m the Tokyo Sports 2021 MVP!” Fans applaud but he asks they be a little louder. They do get louder and he thanks them for that. “Ospreay and Okada both called me interim? That ticks me off. I need to crush them both to prove a point! January 4 may come next year, but it’ll be the culmination of this year for me! No need for fakes, no need for retired belts. Just the best fighting for this belt! On January 4th and 5th, the Rampage Dragon will soar in the Tokyo Dome!” Fans cheer the current IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, but can he survive WrestleKingdom 16’s first two nights to be the UNDENIABLE best wrestler in NJPW?
My Thoughts:
A great event from NJPW on Christmas Eve, especially as a go-home to the big WrestleKingdom events they have planned this time around. That opening Triple Threat was very good, and ELP winning would make me think the cutest Tag Team actually take the loss in the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team title Triple Threat. I feel like the champions will retain, as Rocky Romero has been busy going back and forth between Japan and the USA, so he and Taguchi won’t be able to properly defend the titles. I figured the United Empire would win, I almost skipped that match, but I did like seeing the Empire calling out LIJ throughout.
The next Six Man Tag was also great, as it helped build Tanahashi VS Kenta. Them going No Disqualifications really opens things up, as it’s not really something NJPW does that often, so I bet these guys come up with some really fun stuff. Who wins could go either way, but Kenta’s been the one going between Japan and the USA, maybe he retains so he can keep things going on NJPW Strong, give some guys over there a title shot. And then I just loved the KOPW match. It was great comedy, especially with the countdown having an actual noise. Yano retaining was a bit of a surprise, but him going back to back to set the pace for this trophy is a great nod to Yano’s comedy genius.
The 8 Man Tag was very good, and given all that’s going on for the first two nights of WK16, Chaos winning makes sense. The math means Sho probably wins against Yoh to also avenge his BOSJ loss, and I think House of Torture keeps the NEVER Openweight Six Man titles. Ishii VS Evil could go either way, but many times there have been NEVER Openweight Double Champions, and Evil could be the next one. Goto-Hashi might have a good chance at those IWGP Heavyweight Tag titles after Suzuki-Gun stood tall against LIJ, which was also a great match. Hiromu VS Desperado still feels like it could go either way, but it’d be pretty big if Hiromu won the title right after winning BOSJ.
And then the main event was very good, a step up from the last time I saw this one. Chaos winning hear gives Eagles momentum so he and Tiger can retain their tag titles, but there’s a good chance Takagi defeats Okada on night one. I figured Ospreay was returning for WK16 to then have this “undisputed” IWGP World Heavyweight Champion story, Takagi VS Ospreay could go either way. Either way, WK16 is going to be huge, fitting of NJPW’s 50th year.
My Score: 8.4/10
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Could this be the biggEST and strongEST SmackDown of the year?
SmackDown in Knoxville sees the returns of Bianca Belair, Cody Rhodes and John Cena, along with some final Money in the Bank qualifiers!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier Triple Threat: Jade Cargill VS Naomi VS Nia Jax; Naomi wins and advances to Money in the Bank.
- R-Truth VS JC Mateo w/ Solo Sikoa; Mateo wins.
- Rey Fenix & Je’Von Evans VS Los Garza w/ Santos Escobar; Los Garza win.
- Zelina Vega VS Alba Fyre w/ The Green Administration; Zelina wins.
- Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier Triple Threat: Carmelo Hayes VS Andrade VS Jacob Fatu; Andrade wins and advances to Money in the Bank.
PLAY BY PLAY
Bianca Belair is here!
Knoxville fires up for their strongEST, fastEST, quickEST, toughEST, roughEST, and greatEST hometown hero as she struts out to the ring. Bianca high-fives and hugs fans along the ramp, as well as mom and dad at ringside. Bianca then grabs a mic to say, “Man, it feels good to be in Knoxville!” The fans cheer and chant for “EST! EST!” Bianca says she loves them so much. And she couldn’t come out here without singing Rocky Top! Y’all ready? The fans cheer, and the music plays! Bianca conducts the fans as they sing for the University of Tennessee. In fact, the Lady Vols softball team is playing in the Super Regionals right now!
Bianca smiles and says this city is so special to her. Not just because it is her hometown, but because it is her safe space. She has her love and support from mom ‘n’ dad, and has all the fans who show up and show out for her. With everything Bianca’s been going through, losing at Mania, getting injured, losing tag titles and friends along the way, she just wanted to come back home to her safe space. The fans cheer, and Bianca says she came home to heal. While she’s not 100%, she is doing everything she can to get back to the ring and continue to show us why she is the EST of Tennessee and of WWE! The fans cheer that!
Bianca says with all that said, Knoxville, welcome to Friday Night SmackDown! But wait, she’s interrupted by Naomi! The fans boo but Naomi says, “Oh my gosh~! Finally! B, I am so glad you finally here on SmackDown!” Bianca says now is not the time, Naomi. Naomi asks Bianca to please hear her out. It has been way too long. Not a day has gone by when Naomi doesn’t think about what happened to them. What is there to talk about? What could Naomi say? What could she want from Bianca? The fans chant “YOU SUCK!” at Naomi, and Naomi says she just wants forgiveness. She is begging for it!
Naomi knows things go toff the rails, but she is here because she wants to fix it, she is trying to fix it, but she alone can’t fix it. Months have gone by, and Naomi has tried to communicate, to say the past can be the past and that they can move forward. Bianca has not responded back to Naomi once. Naomi even visited Bianca’s parent’s house! But no one would answer! WHAT?! Mom ‘n’ Dad don’t know about that, but Naomi says no one was home, so she let herself in! Naomi looked through the photo albums, the one right on the front coffee table. And in those photos, Bianca looked so happy. It reminded Naomi of how they were as tag team champions.
Bianca stops Naomi there. Naomi, Bianca will make this perfectly clear. They were best friends, but Naomi betrayed Bianca’s trust. Naomi took their friend, Jade, and threw her onto a car, then lied about it for months! Bianca said she was done with Naomi, she meant that, and if Naomi ever comes near her family again, what Naomi did to Jade will be nothing compared to what Bianca does to Naomi. The fans fire up for that! Naomi gets emotional, but then she gets mad. “Y’know, Bianca, it wouldn’t be good for you and your mama to be in a wheelchair.” The fans boo as Naomi laughs maniacally. Naomi says she’d hate if something happened to Bianca here and now!
Naomi storms up on Bianca, but then JADE makes her way out here! Naomi is even angrier now, but this Storm starts throwing hands! The fans fire up as Jade BOOTS Naomi down! Bianca and Jade look to each other, neither really saying or doing anything. Naomi runs up but Jade TOSSES her out! Jade and Bianca look to each other again, but then here comes NIA! The Irresistible Force won’t be left out of this, especially when this is the Women’s Triple Threat Qualifier for the night! This match now opens the night, who earns SmackDown’s final golden ticket to the Women’s Money in the Bank ladder match?
Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier Triple Threat: Jade Cargill VS Naomi VS Nia Jax!
SmackDown returns, this match is already going, and Naomi POSTS Nia! Naomi stalks Jade, rains down forearms, and the fans boo. Naomi stomps to BITE Jade’s hand! Jade still fights back, so Naomi has the arms to STOMP Jade down! Naomi flexes, the fans boo, and Naomi puts Jade in a corer. Naomi runs to DROPKICK Jade in the corner! Naomi SLAPS Jade, drags her into the drop zone, then goes up, up, and twerks! HIP DROP! Naomi covers, ROPEBREAK! Naomi is annoyed but she sits Jade up to stomp a mudhole in. But Nia runs up! Naomi dodges, the HIP ATTACK hits Jade! Naomi goes to the apron to ROUNDHOUES Nia!
Naomi reels Nia in for a HEATSEEKER! Nia flops to the floor, the fans rally for Jade, but Naomi kicks her around. Naomi goes up the corner, leaps, but Jade catches her! Jade FALL AWAY SLAMS Naomi, then kips up! Knoxville fires up with Jade and she runs up to LARIAT! And ELBOW! And SCRAPBUSTER! Cover, Nia breaks it! The fans boo but Nai huffs ‘n’ puffs and drags Naomi up. Nia whips Naomi, pops her up and HEADBUTTS her down! Then she SAMOAN DROPS Naomi! Nia soaks up heat, then lines the two up. Naomi grabs at Nia’s leg but Nia CLUBS her down! Nia stomps Jade for good measure, then drops a leg, brother!
Nia TOSSES Jade out, then goes up the corner. Nia SUPER LEG DROPS on Naomi!! Cover, TWO!!! Naomi survives and Nia is shocked! The fans rally while Nia stalks Naomi. Naomi clings to ropes as Nia pulls at her arm. Nia CLUBS Naomi, whips her to ropes, then SAMOAN DROP- NO, Naomi makes it a CRUCIFIX DRIVER! Ghost pin, TWO!! Nia survives the sudden turnaround, Naomi sees Jade crawling in, and Naomi goes after her as SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Naomi KICKS Nia while she’s down, then kicks her more. Naomi puts Nia in a corner, CHOKES her on the ropes, then clamps on with a SLEEPER! Nia THROWS Naomi away, then TOSSES her out. Nia soaks up heat, but Jade runs in and rolls Nia up! TWO! Nia stands, and she HEADBUTTS Jade down! Nia looms over Jade, drags her up, but Jade fires forearms! Jade backs Nia down, then runs, and she CLOBBERS Nia outta the ring! Jade fires up and has the fans with her. Jade drags Naomi up from the apron but Naomi fires hands. Nia is back to HIP ATTACK Jade against the POST! Nia soaks up more heat, then taunts Naomi.
Naomi stands on the apron, argues with Nia, but they apparently agree to mug Jade for both their benefit. They put Jade in the corner, Naomi digs her boot in, and then Nia sends Naomi in for a SPALSH! Nia adds a SPLASH of her own! Naomi snapmares Jade, runs, and SLIDING LARIATS! Jade sputters and Nia taunts her. Nia and Naomi soak up the heat together, but Jade fights back! Nia HEADBUTTS Jade down! Nia drags Jade up, and Naomi KICKS Jade low! They soak up more heat, talk trash on Jade, and SmackDown returns to single picture. Nia scoops and SIDEWALK SLAMS! Naomi runs to SPLIT LEG DROP! Cover, but Nia drags Naomi away!
Nia and Naomi argue again, and then Naomi rolls Nia up! ONE, and Nia grabs Naomi to shove her to a corner! Nia SPLASHES, then pushes Naomi down. Nia runs to SENTON! Nia grins while Naomi sputters and the fans rally up. Jade rises to fire forearms on Nia! Then she ELBOWS Naomi in a corner! She ELBOWS Nia, but then Nia follows Jade! Jade dodges so Nia SPLASHES Naomi! Jade then SUPERKICKS! Nia wobbles, Jade SUPERKICKS again! And SPINEBUSTERS! But Naomi METEORAS! Cover, TWO! Jade survives and the fans rally up. Naomi goes up, SPLIT- LEG MOONSAULT on Nia! But Jade has Naomi in the chicken wings!
Jade brings Naomi around, JADED!! Cover, Nia CLOBBERS them both! The fans rally while all three women are down! Nia climbs a corner, Jade is after her with forearms! Naomi joins in, drags Jade back, but now they trade shots! Nia DOUBLE CROSSBODIES! Cover on Jade, TWO! Cover on Naomi, TWO! Nia grows frustrated but the fans rally up again. Nia drag Naomi up, fireman’s carries, and she climbs the corner! The fans already anticipate what’s coming, SUPER SAMOAN DROP!! Cover, JADE FROG SPLASHES IN!! Cover, TWO!!! The fans fire up while all three women are down again! “This is Awesome!”
Jade rises, she clamps onto Nia, but Nia HEADBUTTs her! And HEADBUTTS Naomi! Jade BOOTS Nia down! Cover, TWO! Jade runs up on Naomi but Naomi BOOTS her! Naoim goes up top but Jade is right on her! They fight for control, but then Nia joins in! TOWER OF DOOM!! Nia double stacks her opponents, for a A-NIA-LATOR!! Naomi avoids it, Jade takes it all! Naomi ghost pins Nia, AND WINS!!
Winner: Naomi, by pinfall (advances to Money in the Bank)
Nia did a lot of the damage, but it is Naomi who wins out! Will everyone in the Women’s MITB Ladder Match now have to #ProceedWithCaution?
Solo Sikoa’s crew arrives.
Solo says they will win Money in the Bank together! Jacob Fatu, Solo Sikoa, whichever one wins MITB wins it fof the family! But then they hear R-Truth talking to… Lil’ Jimmy? Solo says Truth’s childhood hero beats him, and now he’s talking to ghosts. Truth taps Solo on the shoulder and asks if there’s something Solo wants to say. Solo says Truth is crazy touching him. JC Mateo steps up but Solo has him stand down. Truth says he wants to be honest. He’s never seen JC a day before in his life. Is this Solo’s son? He’s husky! Truth asks if he can teach Solo’s husky son a lesson in the ring. Solo says that sounds good to him.
Truth says he’ll go talk to Nick Aldis. “Boy, y’all big boneded!” Truth heads off, and Solo says don’t worry, they’ll take care of him. Let’s have fun. Fatu says keep it 100. They can have their fun, he’s got his own business to take care of. Yadada mean? The Imperial Unit against Truth, Samoan Werewolf in a qualifier, will everything go the family’s way?
Chelsea Green confronts Nick Aldis.
The Hot Mess hides behind a cardboard cutout of herself as she tells the SmackDown General Manager, “What happened on Saturday night was a deliberate-” Piper Niven has to direct Chelsea to point at Aldis, and Aldis says he can’t quite understand her from behind the cardboard mask. Piper holds the mask between Chelsea and camera, though we do get a glimpse of her fancy headgear. Chelsea repeats herself, but Aldis says she needs to be looking at him when they talk. Chelsea hides her face in shame, but she says it is still a deliberate hitjob put on by vicious Zelina Vega! Even her Secret Her-vice could not stop it!
Chelsea demands that Zelina be suspended, stripped of her title, and that Chelsea be reinstated as the champion! Chelsea, no need to be so ugly about this. Gasp! Aldis says what he means is, no suspensions, and we can talk a rematch down the road once Chelsea is medically cleared. Then he is doing nothing for what Zelina did to Chelsea?! Alba says if he won’t, then they will! Yeah, Zelina VS Alba! Tonight! Alba is a bit surprised, but Aldis says, “Chelsea knows best. Alba VS Zelina, I actually like the sound of that. I will make that official right now, if you do one thing for me. Please leave me alone.”
The Green Administration hurries away, but will Alba make sure Chelsea brand justice is served? Or will La Muneca just keep racking up the wins?
Backstage interview with Tiffany Stratton.
Byron Saxton is with the WWE Women’s Champion, and says that MITB is around the corner. Tiff successfully cashed in her own contract to become champion, but how is she handling the pressure of knowing the same thing could happen to her? Tiff says she can’t wait to see who wins MITB. Then she can handle the pressure by being prepared. Having this title makes her the top threat to the division, but let’s be fair. She’s always been the girl everyone has been obsessed with. So whoever wins, targeting her will be a big mistake. But then in steps Naomi.
Naomi says if Tiff thought Nia was a problem, then she ain’t seen nothing yet. Naomi vows to win MITB and cash in for Tiff’s title, wherever and whenever she wants. And in case Lil’ Miss Tiffy forgot, when Naomi was fighting for a championship, Tiff stayed in Naomi’s way. Wanna know what happens when people play with Naomi? Just ask Jade. Naomi heads out, and Alexa Bliss steps in. Alexa says she wouldn’t be so worried about Naomi. Be worried about Alexa. Alexa heads out now, Tiff clutches to the title a little bit tighter, who will be trying to run the clock out on Tiffy Time?
R-Truth VS JC Mateo w/ Solo Sikoa!
To Solo’s point, #RonCena could not make John Cena see the light at Saturday Night’s Main Event, and Truth might be relapsing if he’s talking to Lil’ Jimmy again. But will Truth relapse so far that we get the R-Truth that was once United States Champion? Or will a Tour of the Islands send Truth off the deep end?
SmackDown returns and JC makes his entrance, Solo backing him up. The bell rings and Truth runs up, only for JC to RAM him into a corner! JC RAMS Truth again and again, then lets off. JC whips corner to corner hard and Truth falls in a heap! JC whips corner to corner again just as hard, and Truth falls in a heap again. Solo talks trash but the fans rally behind Truth. JC runs up but Truth dodges! Truth SHOULDER TACKLES! JC stays up, so Truth runs and SHOULDER TACKLES! “What’s Up?” Truth runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, and SHOULDER TACKLES! Then he hits the SPIN OUT- CROSSBODY! JC then gets up to GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT!
JC smirks as he looms over Truth, and Solo says to finish this off now. JC runs to SENTON but Truth moves! Truth calls for it! “YOU CAN’T SEE ME!” FIVE KNUCKLE SHUFFLE! Truth fireman’s carries JC, but JC is too much! Truth falls over again! Solo laughs, JC whips, TOUR OF THE ISLANDS!! Cover, JC wins!
Winner: JC Mateo, by pinfall
Truth tried to be like John Cena of old, but it just wasn’t meant to be. JC beats up on Truth more, then stands him up for Solo! But here comes BIG Jim! Jimmy has a chair, he runs JC off, but Solo stands his ground. Solo says his brother wouldn’t hit him with that chair, would he? Jimmy steps to Solo so Solo steps out, but that lets JC CLOBBER Jimmy! But then Solo has JC stand down! They’re family! Solo and JC leave, leaving Jimmy wondering what this is about. Will Jimmy make it clear to Solo that Jimmy’s not the one who has to come to his senses?
The Street Profits are here!
The WWE Tag Team Champions walk through the smoke to be on stage and the fans cheer. Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford hold up the titles, walk to the ring, then step inside. The fans cheer as they hold up the belts again, then the Profits grab the mics. Ford says, “Knoxville, Tennessee, oh I love everything about you, and what I have, too. But lemme rap to y’all real fast. This tag team division that we’re a part of, the greatest tag team division on any brand, any promotion… It’s on fire right now.” Dawkins says, “Talk to ’em.” Ford says, “But just like how the gorilla fears us, make no mistake about it, let’s not forget who’s leading the charge right now: The Street Profits.”
The fans cheer, and Dawkins says hey, they got all the teams coming at ’em! DIY, Motor City Machine Guns, Fraxiom, and now… The Wyatts?! The fans cheer that, and Ford says that’s sick. But what big bro is saying, it don’t matter who it is, the Profits will defend against anybody. Well hold on, here comes Fraxiom! Nathan Frazer & Axiom go to the ring to stand with the Profits, and they have mics. Frazer says alright, since the Profits are talking about defending the titles, well, Frazer & Axiom didn’t exactly get a fair shake. Ford says, “Fraxiom, is it?” He congratulates them for being on a roll, but up until the Wyatt Sick6 got in the Profits’ business…
Yeah, the Profits had them beat. Wow, oh, okay. Sure, maybe… But maybe not. Thanks to the Wyatts, we’ll never know. And now that those shenanigans are behind us, it is fair to say that Fraxiom and the Profits need to run it back! The fans like the sound of that! But wait, here come the Machine Guns! Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin have mics, and Shelley says okay, hold on, sorry to interrupt. Fraxiom’s entire basis for a rematch is that the Profits never beat them. Well, last time Shelley checked, the Profits never beat MCMG! So if they’re handing out title matches, MCMG will take one. But naturally, here comes DIY!
Tommaso Ciampa, Johnny Gargano, and Candice LeRae have their own mics, and the Poison Pixie says no no no no. She is pretty sure “you losers” have had a million chances, and “the nerds” just got here. Whoa, hold on? Just got here? Sounds like Candice just got back, so she should do us a favor and shut up. Gargano says you shut up, idiot! The reason DIY brought in Gargano’s beautiful wife is to even the odds against all of what this is! Everyone can see there is a conspiracy in the tag team division to hold down the BTTITW! And now with the Wyatts showing up- Ciampa has Gargano ixnay on the amily-fay.
Do not talk about you know who, scratch that, let’s get to business. All these teams have all KILLED the tag division that DIY built! Matter of fact, let us hold a moment of silence for the death of the SmackDown Tag Division. Everyone, stand up, bow your heads, and give a moment of silence… now. OH NO! The lights go out! All the teams panic, because when the lights turn on, UNCLE HOWDY is on the corner! Howdy laughs, because the rest of the Wyatts flank the ring! Erick Rowan drags MCMG out to DOUBLE LARIAT! Dexter Lumis is up top to CANNONBALL onto the Profits and Gargano! Joe Gacy is in, and he handsprings to bring Fraxiom to the UPSIDE-DOWN!!
Lumis then runs, POWERBOMB SENTON COMBO on Axiom! Ciampa freaks out, turns around, and Nikki Cross is there! CROSSBODY onto Candice! The fans fire up, and Howdy has Frazer for SISTER ABIGAIL! “We’re here!!” It is just as the Profits said, and now it is clear. Will some killer combination of the Wyatts go right after the gold?
Rey Fenix & Je’Von Evans VS Los Garza w/ Santos Escobar!
Worlds Collide is just over a week away, and all four of these men will be involved. The Immortal Firebird and the Young OG are going after the NXT North American Championship in a Fatal 4 Way while Legado Del Fantasma will be taking on AAA’s Pagano, Psycho Clown y El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr. Who will be heading for Los Angeles with all the momentum behind them?
Speaking of that North American Championship, the champion is here! Ethan Page joins commentary and says what a year for him, to be honest. Wade says that title has never looked better than on Ethan’s shoulder. Fenix makes his entrance now, followed by Je’Von’s. The teams sort out and Fenix starts against Angel. Angel and Fenix circle, the fans rally up, and the two tie up. Angel fires a forearm, Fenix fires back, repeat! Fenix gets the edge but Angel shoves then drops down. Fenix cartwheels over the dropdown, then comes back, ducks ‘n’ dodges, and RANAS! Angel tumbles, the fans fire up, and Fenix somersaults, but into a fireman’s carry!
Fenix slips free, ripcords to ROUNDHOUSE, but Angel HEADBUTTS! Both men stagger back, tags to Berto and Je’Von! Je’Von dodges and springboards to BOUNCY~ roll-up! TWO, and Berto mule kicks! Berto CLUBS Je’Von, whips, but Je’Von reverses and slips around. Berto bucks the O’Conner, springboards and CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Berto drags Je’Von up, but Je’Von kicks! Berto blocks, but the ENZIGIRI hits! Je’Von runs up, and BOUNCY~ RANAS! The fans fire up and Je’Von DROPKICKS! Berto bails out, Angel runs in, but Je’Von goes Matrix to dodge! Je’Von kips up, and STUNNERS! Angel flops back and the fans fire up!
Los Garza regroups, Je’Von tags Fenix, and they build speed, but have to dodge Angel first. Fenix SOBATS, Je’Von KICKS, and both men ENZIGIRI! Berto is up top, he leaps, but into DOUBLE SUPERKICKS! Cover, TWO! Fenix runs to basement CALF KICK! Cover, TWO! Berto stays in this for Los Garza while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Fenix drags Berto up to RAM him into the corner. Tag to Je’Von and they mug Berto. Berto fires hands back on Je’Von, but Je’Von headlocks. Berto powers up and out and Angel tags in. Berto drop toeholds Je’Von into Angel’s KNEE at the ropes! Angel TEARS OFF HIS PANTS! Angel drapes those over Je’Von before he KICKS Je’Von in the side! Angel stalks Je’Von to the corner, tags Berto, and they shove Je’Von for a double hip toss, TU LO SABE! Then DOUBLE SUPERKICK! Berto covers, TWO! Berto argues the count but the ref defends it. Berto shoves Je’Von to ELBOW him down! Berto then DUMPS Je’Von down to be under the ropes.
Tag to Angel and Berto sits Je’Von up on the apron. Angel runs to KNEE Je’Von down! Santos joins in with Los Garza as they soak up the heat, and Angel drags Je’Von back in. Angel stands Je’Von up, hoists him to the top rope, then climbs up behind him. Angel CLUBS away on Je’Von, mocks the clapping, and he THROWS Je’Von down. Angel KICKS Je’Von in the arm and Je’Von clutches his hand. Angel drags Je’Von to the ropes, CHOKES him, and the ref reprimands. The ref counts, Angel steps off at 4, and Berto BOOTS Je’Von down. ANgel clamps onto Je’Von with an armlock and chinbar but Je’Von reaches for Fenix.
Angel keeps hold of Je’Von but Je’Von fires hands! SmackDown returns to single picture as Je’Von dodges the lariat, leaps, but Angel catches him! Angel puts Je’Von in a corner and through ropes. Angel pulls an arm and leg against the ropes, but stops as the ref counts. Angel runs to KNEE Je’Von in the ribs! Je’Von slumps to the apron, and Angel sucker punches Fenix! Angel goes back for Je’Von but Je’Von fires body shots! Angel blocks a kick, slips around and Gory Especials! Angel walks over, tags Berto, and Berto slingshots, GARZA ESPECIAL! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up for Je’Von but Berto clamps onto him with a chinlock.
Je’Von endures, even as Berto traps an arm. Je’Von fights up, pries the hold open, and he arm-drags Berto! Je’Von leaps but Berto grabs a leg! Ethan laughs from commentary, but Je’Von kicks free to SUPERKICK! Both men are down, Je’Von and Berto crawl, hot tags to Angel and Fenix! The fans fire up as Fenix rallies on Angel with forearms! Fenix then dodges a shot to springboard and FLYING ARM-DRAG, to a DOUBLE STOMP! Fenix fires off KICKS on Berto, then fires up with Knoxville! Fenix uses Berto to jump up and RANA Angel! Fenix then goes corner to corner to JUMP SOBAT! Fenix fires hands, shoves Angel aside, then goes up.
Fenix springboards to QUEBRADA! Cover, Berto breaks it! Berto whips Fenix, Fenix goes Spider-Man, and Je’Von tags in! Fenix says HASTA LA VISTA, BABY! Angel is up, he pops Fenix up to KICK him! But Je’Von springboards to FLYING LARIAT! The fans fire up, Berto springboards to FLYING CHUCK! All four men are down and the fans fire up again! “This is Awesome!” as Angel and Je’Von crawl. Angel CHOPS Je’Von, Je’Von CHOPS back, and the fans “WOO~!” Angel CHOPS again, so Je’Von CHOPS again! Angel fires a forearm, Je’Von fires back, and they go around with forearm after forearm! The fans fire up, Angel CHOPS, a
nd Je’Von SUPER PUNCHES!
Je’Von runs, BOUNCY- NO, Angel makes it a SIT OUT POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Ethan is surprised and the fans rally up. Angel hoists Je’Von up top, tags Berto in, and they hoist Je’Von up even higher! But Fenix SHORYUKENS Angel down! Je’Von fires hands on Berto and SHOVES him down! Fenix climbs up to join Je’Von now, and ADIOS AMIGO DOUBLE STOMPS for Angel! Je’Von adjusts, to SUPER DUPER SWANTON onto Los Garza! Ethan says don’t get closer, keep this in the ring! He taunts both his challengers, Fenix and Je’Von stand down to put Los Garza in the ring. The fans rally up, but then Ethan CLOBBERS Fenix & Je’Von!
Ethan TOSSES Fenix over the desk! But Je’Von SUPERKICKS Ethan down! The fans fire up, Je’Von hurries in, and he dodges Angel! But Berto rolls Je’Von up, TWO!! Je’Von dodges Berto, rebound and RED DOT!! Berto is down, Angel gets up, but Je’Von DECKS him! Je’Von goes up, up, but Santos distracts the ref! Ethan SHOVES Je’Von down! The fans boo but Berto tags Angel! Los Garza hoists Je’Von up for M T Y!! Cover, Los Garza win!
Winners: Los Garza, by pinfall
All Ego grins as he screws over two of his three challengers, and now Legado is rolling towards Worlds Collide. But will these rudos get everything they deserve in LA?
The Wyatts speak.
“We won’t stop. Not until we get what’s owed.” A simple yet ominous threat, are the tag titles only the beginning?
Zelina Vega VS Alba Fyre w/ The Green Administration!
La Muneca held onto the WWE Women’s US Championship by smacking The Hot Mess in the face with a foot, and obviously Chelsea is not happy with it. But will Alba get payback on behalf of her fearless leader? Or will things only get uglier for the Green Regime?
The bell rings and Piper distracts Zelina so Alba can CLOBBER her! Alba fires off hands, then bumps Zelina off buckles. Alba bumps Zelina off more buckles, then more buckles! And then the fourth corner! Chelsea says Zelina should’ve never messed with her! Alba fireman’s carries but Zelina fights free. Zelina KICKS Alba, KICKS again, then KICKS, but Alba CLUBS Zelina. Alba whips, scoops, and- NO, Zelina swings through to RANA! Cover, ONE! Zelina headlocks but Alba fights up and lifts Zelina. Zelina holds on but Alba powers up and out to RUN Zelina over! The fans boo but Chelsea cheers as Alba stalks Zelina.
Alba ROCKS Zelina, whips her to ropes, but Zelina wheelbarrows and arm-drags! Zelina then runs up on Alba in the corner and rains down fists! Alba shoves Zelina away at three, but Zelina comes right back to rain down more shots! Alba stops Zelina at four now, but Zelina wants another go! Alba stops Zelina at four again, and RAMS her into the corner! The fans boo but Alba grins. Zelina BOOTS Alba, goes up, and FLYING RANAS! Alba tumbles out, Piper helps her up, and Zelina goes to the apron. Alba trips Zelina up, spins and ROCKS Zelina, then gets her up. Gory Especial, but Zelina flips through to arm-drag Alba onto ropes!
The fans fire up as Zelina dials up, but Chelsea is on the apron! The ref argues with Chelsea while Zelina redials, but Piper trips her up! The fans boo but Alba SUPERKICKS Zelina! Alba salutes to Chelsea, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Alba stands on Zelina’s hair while pulling Zelina’s arms! The ref reprimands, Alba steps off, and she drags Zelina up to suplex for the GOURD BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Zelina stays in this and Chelsea argues with the ref. The ref says the count is fair, so Alba clamps onto Zelina with a COBRA CLUTCH! Zelina endures, the fans rally, and Zelina fights up. Zelina fires body shots, Alba ripcords and wrenches to SUPERKICK! Zelina rebounds to SHINING WIZARD! Both women fall and the fans fire up! Piper coaches Zelina, the fans rally up, and both women rise up. Alba is on Zelina and brings her to a corner, but Zelina buckle bumps Alba first!
The fans rally as Alba stalks Zelina, but Zelina bumps her off buckles again! Alba tries again, but Zelina ELBOWS Alba away. Then BOOTS her away! Zelina fires forearms on Alba, backs her down, then whips. Alba reverses but Zelina dodges to LARIAT! The fans fire up as Zelina LARIATS again! Zelina blocks a kick, ELBOWS Alba, but Alba blocks the saido. But Zelina keeps Alba from running, SNAP SAIDO! The fans rally for Zelina as she runs corner to corner, METEORA! Zelina pushes Alba out and goes up top! The fans cheer for some Latina Heat, and METEORA! Cover, TWO! Alba survives and Chelsea is relieved.
Zelina grows frustrated, but she goes back for Alba. Zelina reels Alba in, suplexes, but Alba blocks! Alba knees low, suplexes, but Zelina hits STUN DOG MILLIONAIRE! Alba is down, Zelina goes up, MOONSAULT FLOPS! Alba goes up now, and she SWANTON BOMBS! Cover, TWO!?! Zelina survives and shocks Alba! Chelsea is upset again but Alba hurries to bring Zelina up. Alba KICKS Zelina out, and now Chelsea takes off her face mask?! She tells Piper to stand Zelina up! Piper does as told, and Chelsea takes a swing, but Zelina ducks! The face mask SMACKS Piper!! Chelsea is shocked, then furious, and then she chases after Zelina!
Zelina slips into the ring, Chelsea gets on the apron, but Zelina sends Alba at her! They almost collide, and then Zelina rolls Alba up! Zelina hops on, CODE RED!! Cover, Zelina wins!!
Winner: Zelina Vega, by pinfall
Chelsea tried so hard to screw Zelina over that she just screwed up her own team! Zelina survives again, will no one take down the Vega Administration?
The Miz pep talks Carmelo Hayes.
Melo looks good, and he just has to follow the plan. If Melo follows that plan, with no mistakes, they will win. Melo says he knows what he’s doing. Miz asks if he really does. Because Miz has taken Black Mass after Black Mass, sacrificing himself for Melo. Does Melo understand? Miz gave up this chance at MITB for Melo! Miz has already done it twice! If Melo wins this match tonight, Miz will guide Melo to make sure “we are Mr. MITB.” Wait, we? Miz says, “Who do you think got you in this position?” Melo says Melo did. Melo appreciates everything Miz has done for him, from sacrificing to taking hits for him, and helping him win the Andre the Giant Battle Royal.
But nobody told Miz to do that. Melo will run the play exactly as Miz designed it, but what brought Melo to the dance is Melo’s talent. Melo goes out there and does it better than anybody else. Melo puts up 40 points on a bad day, because he is H1M. And Miz just needs to let Melo be H1M. They good? Miz nods, and Melo says okay, let’s do the thing. They are Melo Don’t Miz and they are Awes-H1M. Miz still nods, but he doesn’t seem genuinely happy. Will Miz let Melo be Melo? Even if that means letting H1M fail?
Giulia speaks.
“Throughout my entire career, even back when I started in Japan, I had one goal… It’s not to be ‘the best.’ Everyone says that. It’s hollow and empty. My goal is to be indisputable. You can love me or hate me, admiration or disgust, it means nothing. But I’m impossible to deny. My opponent doesn’t matter, because I only view them as an opportunity to build my legacy. Evidence you cannot refute. SmackDown, you will see. I will hit harder, move faster, think sharper, and conquer everything, just like I’ve always done. The question isn’t, ‘Who’s going to let me?” It’s, ‘Who’s going to stop me?'” She adds in Japanese, “If you can stop it, stop it.”
Will SmackDown and all of the WWE soon succumb to The Beautiful Madness?
Zelina returns backstage.
She refreshes for a second, but Giulia is there! And Giulia says she sees Zelina, but she also sees that title more. Zelina scoffs and leaves. Could Giulia be aiming for everything once she becomes Ms. Money in the Bank?
Damian Priest is here!
Knoxville cheers as The Archer of Infamy heads to the ring, victorious from Saturday Night’s Main Event and that brutal Steel Cage match. Priest grabs a mic to tell Tennessee, “Ever since I beat Drew on Saturday, it’s like I’m breathing in fresh air. Y’know, there was a time when I lived on the street, if we were beefing with another street, that war could go for years. But in WWE, you have a beef with somebody, you have a match and it’s over. But with Drew and I, we went well over a year, and that’s not normal. But we took that beef into a cage. Now, I can feel it, you can se it on my face, we went to war.
“At the end of this war, at Saturday Night’s Main Event, I gave him a Con-Chair-To, I walked out the door, and I put his ass in the past.” The fans cheer that. Priest says now he knows Drew is somewhere recovering from his scrambled brains, but he knows Drew is watching, so this is for Drew. “I still can’t stand yo ass. But the Drew McIntyre that stepped in that cage wasn’t the guy that hides behind his phone on social media. That was the old Drew, the warrior, and I appreciate that.” The fans applaud, and Priest says he won’t ask what is next for himself, he’ll just tell us all. And it is the same thing he wanted when he came to SmackDown: Championships!
The fans cheer, and Priest says this war with Drew cost him an opportunity at being in MITB. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have his eyes on a certain champion. Somebody who he has unfinished business with, and a champion he considers the most badass. The fans know that means Fatu, and he knows they know! Priest calls out Jacob Fatu! Priest respects Fatu. Priest knows where Fatu came from, what Fatu had to live through, how it feels to stand in this ring as a champion. Real talk, Priest is proud of Fatu, he congratulates Fatu, that’s real. But what Priest doesn’t respect is the crew that follows him around.
Wait, check that. What Priest doesn’t respect is the crew Fatu follows around. Priest knows at some point, they will get in this ring, handle business, but that’s for them. As for Fatu’s so-called family, if they wanna get involved, they can catch a fresh one, too. Priest won’t make it just a nickname or moniker, he wants this to be fact! Priest is and forever will be EL CAMPEON! The fans cheer that! But will the Archer soon take aim at the Samoan Werewolf? Well, speaking of, Fatu makes his way out here for tonight’s other Triple Threat Qualifier! Fatu nods to Priest, but if Fatu wins his way into the ladder match, will this showdown have to wait a little longer?
Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier Triple Threat: Carmelo Hayes VS Andrade VS Jacob Fatu!
SmackDown returns and El Idolo makes his entrance, followed by H1M. The bell rings and Miz distracts Fatu and Melo attacks! Fatu ELBOWS Melo away, Andrade is on Melo with forearms, and then Fatu adds a LARIAT! Fatu looms mover Melo but then turns to stare down Andrade. The fans rally as these two step up. Andrade fires forearms but Fatu SHOVES him to a corner. Fatu runs up, Andrade dodges then whips. Fatu reverses, Andrade goes up and out to then ROCK Fatu! Andrade goes up, up, and CROSSBODIES! Cover, ONE! Melo CLUBS Andrade, TOSSES him out, and then CLUBS away on Fatu!
Miz says that’s the way! Melo HAMMERS and CHOPS, then whips, but Fatu blocks! Fatu whips Melo, Melo springboards, but into an UPPERCUT! The fans fire up and Fatu sees Melo go outside. Fatu builds speed, but Miz trips him up! The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but Fatu drags Miz into the ring! Melo goes to roll Fatu up but Fatu stays up! Fatu YANKS Melo up, scoops, but Melo slips free! Melo SUPERKICKS and Miz DUMPS Fatu out! The fans boo but Melo builds speed, only for Andrade to LARIAT! The fans cheer, and now Miz sees he is in trouble. Fatu snarls, but Andrade DIVES, into a HAYMAKER!
Fatu then SUPERKICKS Miz! Fatu THROWS Miz into barriers! The fans fire up and Fatu grins. Fatu runs in, HIP ATTACK against the barriers! The Samoan Werewolf has dominated three men at once and the fans fire up while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Miz sputters and Fatu leaves him behind to go around the way. Melo is there to kick Fatu, RAM Fatu, but Fatu blocks another whip! Fatu ROCKS Melo and Melo staggers away. Fatu stalks Melo, Melo checks on Miz, but Fatu ROCKS Melo! Andrade goes after Fatu now, but Fatu THROWS Andrade into barriers! The fans cheer as Fatu lets Andrade go to the ring. Fatu brings Melo up, SMACKS him off the desk, then pushes him down. Fatu clears the desk off, but Melo CLUBS Fatu against the desk! Melo storms into the ring, brings Andrade up, but Andrade RAMS Melo into the corner! Andrade RAMS Melo, CHOPS Melo, then stalks Melo.
Andrade whips Melo, Melo reverses and Andrade hits buckles hard! Melo CHOPS Andrade down! Melo brings Andrade up, soaks up some heat, then makes it Latino Heat. But Andrade blocks the suplex to suplex Melo! Andrade hangs Melo out to dry, and Melo flops to the apron. Fatu is back but Andrade fires forearms first! Andrade whips, Fatu reverses, and Fatu BODY CHECKS Andrade! Fatu geeks out and the fans are with him while he stalks Andrade. Fatu drags Andrade up to HEADBUTT him into the corner. Fatu shoves Melo off the apron, then he HEADBUTTS Andrade again. Andrade sputters but Fatu is all fired up.
Fatu CHOPS Andrade, UPPERCUTS, and HEADBUTTS him again! Andrade CHOPS in return! SmackDown returns to single picture and Andrade CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! Fatu UPPERCUTS and Andrade falls back! Melo stomps Andrade in the corner, then tells Fatu to come on in. Fatu runs up, but Andrade gets away! Hip attack hits buckles! Melo ENZIGIRIS Fatu, Andrade runs to dodge Melo and FLYING FOREARM! The fans fire up as Andrade kips up! Andrade has targets in the corners, and he rallies the fans with “SI! SI! SI!” CIEN KNEES for Fatu! CIEN- NO, Melo tilt-o-whirls and LA MYSTICA! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally, Melo runs to stomp away on Fatu, then he brings Andrade up. Fatu stands to CLOBBER Melo! Andrade SUPERKICKS Fatu! The fans rally, Melo brings Andrade up and springboards, but Andrade stops him at the ropes! SECOND ROPE SPANISH FLY! But Fatu SENTONS Andrade! The fans fire up as Fatu SENTONS Melo! Fatu drags Melo to a drop zone, then goes to the corner! The fans rally for Fatu as he goes up, up, but Andrade YANKS him down! Andrade goes up top, MOONSAULT DOUBLE!! Cover, Melo breaks it! The fans rally while all three are down! “This is Awesome!” as the three stir.
Melo brings Fatu and Andrade around, and he fires forearms on each of them. Andrade fires back on Melo, then Fatu UPPERCUTS! Andrade ROCKS Fatu, but Fatu UPPERCUTS Andrade! The fans rally as the three rise, and Melo springboards! DOUBLE FADE AWAY DDT!! Cover on Andrade, Fatu breaks it! Melo and Fatu stare down, and they run up! Melo dodges to hit the FIRST 48! Andrade adds a POISON-RANA! Melo slips around Andrade to KNEE and suplex, CUTTER! Cover, TWO!! Andrade survives and Melo grows frustrated. The fans rally for Fatu while Melo shakes his hands out. Andrade is on the apron but Melo rises.
Melo brings Andrade up but Andrade trips Melo! They go out to brawl, and Melo SUPERKICKS Andrade down! But Fatu SUPERKICKS Melo! The fans fire up for Fatu as he lines up a shot. Fatu gets the fans even more fired up, then he geeks out! Fatu runs in the full length, but Andrade & Melo move! HIP ATTACK through barriers!! The fans go nuts as Fatu crashes into the timekeeper’s area! Fatu sputters as SmackDown goes back to picture in picture.
Fatu stirs while Andrade and Melo go to the ring. They roll in, Melo grabs at Andrade and vice-versa. Melo fires a forearm, then goes back outside. Andrade goes to the opposite end while Melo looks under the ring. Melo makes Knoxville happy by bringing out a table! But then Melo makes them mad by dropping it! Melo goes after Andrade but Andrade ROCKS him first! Andrade brings out a chair! Andrade aims, but Melo dropkicks the legs out! Andrade crawls, Melo shakes his head, and he grabs the chair now. Melo aims, but Andrade kicks Melo low! Andrade and Melo go into the ring, and Andrade puts Melo in a drop zone.
Andrade goes up the corner, but Melo trips him up! Andrade is stuck up top and Melo hits the SLINGSHOT PLEX! Melo flexes, then decides to step through on the legs! Andrade cradles that, TWO! Melo and Andrade stand, DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Both men fall and the fans look for Fatu. SmackDown returns to single picture as the fans rally, Melo and Andrade sit up, and Melo CHOPS! Andrade ROCKS Melo, then rolls away. Melo hurries to clamp onto Andrade with a facelock, but Andrade RAMS him into a corner! Andrade puts Melo up top but Melo fires forearms. Andrade drops back, Melo aims, but Andrade GAMANGIRIS!
The fans still want tables but Andrade climbs up to get Melo. They’re on the very top, but Fatu is back! Fatu makes the SUPER SPANISH FLY part ROCKER LAUNCHER!! The fans are thunderous as Fatu goes up now! SWANTON BOMB onto Melo! Cover, Andrade breaks it!! The fans rally up again and still want tables. Fatu runs at Andrade to SPLASH! Then Fatu runs at Melo, but Melo BOOTS him! Melo runs up, but into a pop-up! Melo fights the Samoan Drop, and Andrade adds the SHADOW ELBOW! But Melo makes it a ghost pin! Andrade adds a stack, TWO!!! Fatu survives the double cover, but here come Solo & JC!
The fans boo as Solo is here to coach Fatu up. Melo and Andrade trade forearms, then Melo dodges to springboard, FLYING LARIAT! Cover, Fatu breaks it! Fatu snarls, drags Melo up, and he HEADBUTTS Melo! Fatu finally notices Solo & JC, but Fatu puts Melo up top. Fatu CHOPS Melo, then he fireman’s carries Andrade. Fatu adds Melo to this, but Melo slips free. SAMOAN DROP for Andrade, and then Fatu goes to the corner. Solo says Fatu’s got this now! BEST MOONSAULT EVER FLOPS and Melo hits NOTHING BUT NET!! Cover, ANDRADE BREAKS IT! Andrade underhooks Melo, THE MESS- NO, Melo RANAS through! Cover, TWO!!
Andrade has a cover, TWO! Melo has a cover, TWO! Andrade has it, TWO! Both men stand, SHADOW ELBOW! FIRST 48!! SHADOW ELBOW AGAIN!! All three men are down and the fans are thunderous! Fatu crawls, Melo rolls to a corner, and Andrade stirs. Fatu rises, he brings Andrade up, IMPALER DDT! Then Fatu has Melo to RAM him into a corner. Fatu runs and HIP ATTACKS Melo! Andrade is up, Fatu hits him with another IMPALER DDT! Fatu puts Andrade in the drop zone, and he hits the BEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Solo says yeah, do that again! The fans boo but Fatu glares at Solo. JC says do what Solo is saying, Fatu!
But wait! Jimmy YANKS JC down, and SUPERKICKS him! The fans fire up, and then Melo RAMS Fatu into Solo! Then FIRST 48! But Andrade rolls Melo into THE MESSAGE!! Cover, ANDRADE WINS!!
Winner: Andrade, by pinfall (advances to Money in the Bank)
Solo just screwed things up for Fatu! Solo does his best to keep the peace between Fatu and JC, but the point is: Andrade is headed to Los Angeles! Will he make this El Idolo in the Bank?
Backstage interview with LA Knight.
Byron Saxton segues from congratulating Andrade for qualifying to welcoming in someone who already has qualified, but The Mega Star says, “My gawd. What is it with punching tickets around here? Everybody talks about punching tickets. WWE Instagram, punched tickets. Commentary, punched tickets. You’re talking about punched tickets. I guess I punched my ticket to MITB, it’s only eight days away. A few other guys who punched tickets, who are they? You got Andrade, you got Penta, you got what’s his name, Seth Rollins. You got Solo Sikoa! They’re all in it! They all punched their tickets!
“And everybody’s gonna be climbing that ladder, trying to get up, put everything on the line that they can. Now, if this was a one-on-one match, I’d go ahead and call my shot, and I’d say I’m gonna run up there, grab the case, and cash it in. But you gotta understand, this is my third year in a row, so I understand what this is. You can call me the vet in this match. Some people say maybe that Seth is the vet in this, but they would be wrong. For three years in a row now, you’re talking about the most robust and the most recent experience, YEAH. And what that means is now it’s anybody’s game. Anybody can come out with it, and I understand that.
“But with or without the case, what you need to understand is that the WWE title, the world title, they’re all in my future. With the way I’ve been running, at this point, they should be in my past, maybe even my present. Why don’tcha go ahead and punch that ticket? While we’re talking about-” Knight stops himself when he spots someone walking in. It’s Aleister Black! And Aleister says that win was supposed to be his. But he tells Knight, “You’re welcome, though.” The Dark Father lets the Mega Star shine, if only for now. Will LA win big in LA when we finally reach MITB?
Fatu and Solo regroup backstage.
Solo wants Fatu to listen. He was just trying to help. Fatu tells Solo to listen. For the last time, Fatu does not need his help! Fatu storms off, JC steps in, but Solo has nothing else to say. Is the Samoan Werewolf going to break away from this dysfunctional “family?”
Cody Rhodes is here!
Knoxville fires up and sings along, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro, high-fives fans along the ramp and the front row, and even signs autographs. Cody goes to the ring, grabs a mic, and he hears the fans chant his name. Cody fires the fans up more, then hears them sing, “Cody! Cody Rhooodes~! Cody! Cody Rhooodes~!” Cody says, “So, Knoxville! Whaddya wanna talk about?” The fans cheer, and Cody says, “I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out that we could talk about the record crowd here this evening!” The fans cheer that, too! Cody says he loves them, too, thank you very much.
Cody says they could also talk about WrestleMania 41. The fans boo, but Cody says after WrestleMania 41, he went home, he drowned his sorrows, might’ve touched the “Tennessee Cough Syrup” a little bit, and he had a moment of doubt. He reached out to a friend. A friend who helps him prepare to wonderful audiences like this one here, or speaking to everyone at home. Cody asked him, “Was I a good champion?” The fans cheer for that, but Cody says the friend told him wasn’t quite as simple as yes or no.
The friend told him, “With everything that you faced here in the ring in front of all the fans, and with everything that you faced behind the scenes, being pulled in different directions, the waters that you had to navigate that no champion has ever had to navigate, yes, I feel that you were a good champion.” Cody says he felt good hearing that, it turned into a hopeful moment, the silver lining on a dark cloud. Cody looked back on his whole year. He thought about AJ Styles faking retirement to get the drop on him. Cody thought about his friend, Kevin Owens, sucker punching him against his bus while Cody’s family slept inside.
Cody thought about his boss, Triple H, who pushed Cody to the limit, and sees something in Cody that Cody doesn’t even see in himself. Cody even thought about The Final Boss, how he asked Cody for his soul, and the entire world wondering what that meant. As preposterous as that sounded, The Rock was 100% serious. No matter how many times Cody said no, the offer still stands. And Cody also thought about John Cena. The fans initially boo, but the “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” starts up. Cody takes a moment, and then he says, “I thought about John Cena doing exactly what he said he was going to do. He forced me to make a choice, and I hesitated.
“I don’t know if John Cena is going to ‘ruin’ professional wrestling. But if he does, then I’m partially to blame. Now, I know, I’d love to say this to John Cena’s face. Not sure if he’s going to come out here right now, but if you are listening, if you are listening, Champ, I need you to know that I will never hesitate with you again!” The fans cheer that, and Cody says no matter how much Cena will tout the amount of days he has left, how much Cena will talk about what remains before he absconds with the WWE Championship and leaves all of us forever, that is NOT Cena’s expiration date! That is on the other side of Cody’s corneas, and it will burn Cena’s ass up!
The fans fire up for that, and Cody calms it down. Cody apologizes for that. This is his first night back on SmackDown, he is getting worked up. He thought so much about what he could do, what he could do for the fans. Hell, how about a surprise? The fans already “YEET! YEET! YEET!” so Cody says they’re hungry for it. Let’s yeet. Well, hold on, that’d be a very big surprise. That’d be the biggest surprise. That’d be Cody’s partner riding into battle for MITB, and hell YES he is here! Ladies and gentlemen, give it up for the World Heavyweight Champion, MAIN EVENT JEY USO! The fans go wild as Jey makes his way in from the pavilion!
The fans sing along with Day One Ish and bounce for that YEET! Jey makes his way down through the crowd to ringside, one verse at a time, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Jey joins Cody in the ring now, mic in hand. Cody and Jey hear the fans want an encore, so we get even more YEET! But then John Cena makes his entrance to ruin the fun! The fans sing “JOHN CENA SUUUCKS~!” even though he wears that University of Tennessee orange and white. Cena goes to the ring, towel draped over his head, then grabs a mic before he joins Cody and Jey in the ring. Cena hears the fans boo, and he says, “I’m upset, too. If it isn’t professional wrestling’s biggest wannabes!” Cena tells Cody he is nothing more than a Cena Wannabe, and that Jey is nothing more than a Cena Wannabe.
The fans boo but Cena says they both wanna be Cena so bad, it makes him sick! Cody wants Cena’s fame, Jey wants Cena’s money, but they will get neither because Cody is too desperate and Jey is too lazy! There is only ONE other human being in the WWE who embodies hustle, loyalty and respect, and he’s got the fortune, fame and followers to back that up! Surprise, losers! Cena’s partner is here, too! The fans boo already, because “EY YO~!” Logan Paul IS here! The Maverick swaggers his way out, and Cena gives him a proper introduction. “Oh, you mad? You’re mad because Logan Paul does WWE better than any professional wrestler?”
Cena says Logan doesn’t need to pay his dues, because he is paying Jey’s mortgage! Everybody in this building did NOT come to see Jey! They came to see John Cena and Logan Paul! Logan asks, “What the hell you crying about, Knoxville? Look! I could walk on water, and y’all would still find a way to tell me it’s because I can’t swim! John Cena speaks the language of Logan Paul, and that is the truth! The truth! It is right in front of you! You deny it all you want, but look around, you stupid, stupid, simple Tennessee people! This is a moment in history! All of you get to witness the moment that John Cena stood side-by-side in the ring with Logan Paul.
“And look, all of you will live long, pathetic, miserable lives. But at least you will get to say that you saw that.” The fans tell Logan to STFU, and Cena tells Logan to ignore it. Logan says yeah, yeah, they’re so ungrateful. They don’t know what’s good for them. There is one problem, though. This does seem too perfect. The problem is… Logan should be standing next to THE WWE Champion as THE World Heavyweight Champion! Logan should’ve been the one to leave Saturday Night’s Main Event with that title around his waist. But look at him, Jey. Jey got lucky. Jey got lucky! He knows it, Logan knows, it, the fans know it, CODY knows it!
Jey needed Cody to save him! When Cody interfered with the match cuz these two cheaters can’t do a single thing in this business without it being handed to them! “These two nepo babies were born on third, thinking they hit a triple.” Logan points to himself and says, “Self-made man!” He points to Cena and says, “Self-made man!” Five years ago, nobody every would’ve believed Logan Paul would be a WWE superstar. And they certainly never ever would’ve believed that he’d be teaming with the Greatest Of All Time! But look at Logan now. He’s not just a superstar, he is THE superstar! His time is now! Cena told us that his time is almost up!
Cena is the Last Real Champion, Logan is the inevitable face of the WWE! So Jey, Cody, at MITB, if you want some, come get some. Jey tells Logan they don’t gotta wait! They can handle this right now! UH UH, YEET!! The mics drop, Cena and Logan talk this out, and Logan wants to throw hands while Cena wants to leave. Cody asks what they’re arguing about. They gonna go to the back so Logan can polish Cena’s Peacemaker? Now it’s a fight! The fans fire up as the hands are flying! Logan TOSSES Jey, Cena picks Cody up! Cody slips free, Jey is back to SUPERKICK! Cody hits the DISASTER KICK! Cena bails out, Jey PLANCHAS out onto him!
Logan goes to the apron, slingshot and- NO, Cody dodges the “Snapshot” Lariat and Jey SUPERKICKS Logan! Then Jey sets Logan up for the CODE D!! The fans fire up as Cody picks up the WWE Championship! Will Cody and Jey make it through Logan and Cena to then clear a path for the American Nightmare’s redemption? Or will Cena & Logan ruin wrestling together?
My Thoughts:
A very good SmackDown, but maybe with some wheel-spinning. As fun as Chelsea Green continues to be, can’t we move on from her and Zelina? Or are we about to do that with tonight’s win over Alba and then Giulia confronting her? Ironically, that seems to give away Giulia isn’t winning MITB. Giulia had a good promo video right before but they undercut it by giving us that confrontation. That said, Giulia deserves to be all the champions, but I suppose starting with the Women’s US Championship would be a good route. Very good promo from Bianca and Naomi to not just have Bianca’s homecoming, but to keep the feud between them alive.
The Women’s Triple Threat had a slow start but it turned out to be a very good match. Great win for Naomi, and good promo from her, Tiffany and Alexa to tease potential MITB winners. Great stuff in the tag match to build Worlds Collide just a touch. We only got one moment of Berto being passive aggressive towards Santos, and then Ethan Page screwing the Faces over, but that was still enough for the North American Championship. Of course, it depends on how many fans watch not just Raw and SmackDown but also NXT so that the fans already understand the story. But as someone who does, I do appreciate they’re bringing NXT story onto SmackDown.
Good promo from Priest to give some shoot respect to Drew and Fatu, but Priest wanting after the US title kinda gave away what was happening with the Men’s Triple Threat. It was a great Triple Threat, but of course Solo & JC cost Fatu. That team is just one moment away from breaking up, and it might be at MITB when Solo just expects Fatu to help him win the briefcase and Fatu refuses. And Fatu VS Priest will still be awesome whenever it happens. Good promo from Knight, and a good bit from Aleister with him, which I suppose means that’s the next feud for them. Was kinda hoping for Aleister VS Nakamura but that really depends if Nakamura is sticking with WWE or going home to Japan via Pro-Wrestling NOAH as rumored.
R-Truth relapsing to talking to Lil’ Jimmy is certainly a choice. I kinda wish he’d keep up the “Ron Cena” stuff, or they’d let Jeff Cobb do his own John Cena bit from NJPW, but I guess some things in WWE still won’t change. And closing with a big promo segment was also certainly a choice. Cody still did a good job, and nice surprise to have Jey show up. Not sure they needed to take a commercial break for Jey’s entrance, especially when they were obviously going to let Jey do his YEET encore. And Cena really must be brainwashed to put Logan over as if Logan’s on par with peak Cena. But naturally a brawl happened and the Faces stood tall.
Don’t count this as go-home math yet, they could easily revisit this on Raw and even next week on SmackDown. Even then, I still feel like Jey and Cody should win at MITB to properly set up Cody VS Cena 2 at SummerSlam. Raw on June 9th is still the move for the World Heavyweight Championship, but there’s also Saturday Night’s Main Event in July, who knows if Jey makes it to SummerSlam as champion.
My Score: 8.7/10
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 5.29.25
Stuff happens, maybe it doesn’t, Dreamer and Delirious can’t book.
Well Trick Willie is the new TNA champ and this is the first iMPACT since his win…so let’s just hear him talk about it.
"TNA turned into TRICK-NA. Lets talk about it"@_trickwilliams #WWENXT
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/GrBQpdX5g5 pic.twitter.com/StU4pmi3oy
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) May 30, 2025
Ratings:
- The Rascalz vs Fir$t Cla$$ vs Laredo vs The System: Rascalz win via Meteora – ***
- Raj Singh vs Mustafa Ali: Ali wins via…No Shit – Squash Garbage
- ASH by Elegance vs Lei Ying Lee: Lei wins via Spinning TKO – ** 3/4
- Mance Warner w/SDL vs Jobber: Mance wins via Hit the Pay Winda – Squash
- Santino Marella & Arianna Grace vs Robert Stone & Victoria Crawford w/Tessa: Team Robbie wins via shenanigans – **
- International Championship: Steve Maclin (c) vs Matt Cardona: Maclin retains via KIA – ***
Results:
The Rascalz vs Fir$t Cla$$ vs Laredo vs The System
Octagon got jumped by The System earlier so Laredo is fighting alone. Another backstage jumping is getting a little dumb.
Laredo and Trey start. Typical Indie start with Simultaneous awful Dropkick spot and bad counters, AJ blind tag runs the smaller guys over, tags out to KC and the Rascalz instantly get the moment. KC is rocked, tags in Laredo and Laredo takes out the System before Lish gets on the apron and grabs Laredo. The referee kicks out Lish and Rehwoldt on commentary points out it’s a No DQ match so that’s dumb.
KC gets tossed at AJ, he catches him, Rascalz Dive and do their taunt as we go to commercial. We come back, Tennessee Whiskey into a KC tag in for the near fall on Laredo. Corner combo, Snapmare into Flip Forward Neck Breaker, KC is on a roll. AJ tags Laredo and starts talking crap to KC, they swerve and go Finger Poke of Doom, but it’s not a legal pin. Suddenly tornado attacks, System and Rascalz go for broke, AJ hits the Senton to break the eventual pin, Laredo counters AJ’s Chokeslam attempt. Trey clears out The System, Wentz sends himself and KC over and out, Laredo with a Corkscrew Moonsault, which looked cool but it’s the pile of morons waiting to get hit spot.
AJ hits the Down Payment on Laredo, but Trey blind tagged AJ. Meteora on AJ, Trey pins Laredo and Rascalz win.
Raj Singh vs Mustafa Ali
Raj looks like shit in the gear he came down in…and he wrestles equivalently. I would rather anyone else comeback…give me Anarquia.
Ali murders Raj, Instant Dropkick, Rolling Neckbreaker, Corkscrew Standing Moonsault, it’s not close. Raj tries to counter things but Ali Bellclap, a little Duck the left, connect the right. Raj even does a terrible looking Punch Combo, he’s in bad shape, a bad looking Ushigoroshi, Raj with a sloppy looking something, 450 ends it.
Fire Raj as quickly as you brought him back. You don’t need a comedically pathetic job guy when the roster is like 4 guys getting pushed and everyone else sucks. Stop being stupid. Ali still hates women too.
This Injury Report is the dumbest segment in the history of wrestling. Stop treating fake shit as “serious business”.
ASH by Elegance vs Lei Ying Lee
ASH mocks karate stuff, Lei throws a few Rising Crane kicks as ASH bails and then things slow down a little. But a Pump Kick, Sliding Kick and Low Dropkick cause ASH to cower and claim her tooth broke. It’s a bait to pull Lei into the turnbuckles and them get in a few stomps. Ash keeps Lei in the corner, Suplexes her ankles into the buckles and then Ash throws a few Booty Shots/Hit Attacks then starts a grounded stretch, Lei Headscissors her down, still sells the hips and ankles, but dodges and fires, combination strikes into the 10 Count Down Strikes. T-bone Suplex, into the pinfall, for only two.
Cheapshot into Running Meteora from ASH for two. Ash goes for the Miz Yes Kicks and Lei No Sells and asks for more. Gorgeous Capture Suplex into Thunder Struck and TKO with flair. My baby has a better finish now! Yay!
Mance Warner w/SDL vs Jobber
Hannifan cursing and being pissed at Trick for not even showing but is more entertaining than a squash match. Not that Mance’s offense is bad, but 2 out of 3 job matches is stupid.
.@milanmiracle and @AriannaGraceWWE make history as the first father/daughter tag team in TNA!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/GrBQpdX5g5 pic.twitter.com/3s8OhtYFPv
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) May 30, 2025
Santino Marella & Arianna Grace vs Robert Stone & Victoria Crawford w/Tessa
Marella tries to tie up with Robbie, but he bails and tags out to Victoria so Arianna comes in and aside from Alicia Fox’s silliness, the tie up was decent with Arianna and Victoria. Tessa interferes and the Referee throws her out. Victoria comes back in and aside from a slight miscommunication with how Arianna does her punches, Alicia Fox is making her look…pretty good. Transition moves, okay brawling and Arianna looks amazing in her outfit.
Rob and Santino distract the referee and Victoria hits a Figure Four into her Northern Lights Suplex, only for 2. Arianna finally Back Body Drop to find the tag, Santino and Rob, Santino does his split dodge into the Standing Headbutt, Arianna Cross Body onto Victoria. Rob pulls out the ref, then shoves the ref into Santino, Santino into the steps and Arianna attack but Alicia and Lish, the fix is in, Arianna eats the pin.
International Championship: Steve Maclin (c) vs Matt Cardona
A few quick brawl moves, Shoulder Tackles, Strikes, Back Breakers, Cardona does get dumped out and eats a SCUD. Maclin bounces Cardona’s face off the apron and hits an Elbow off the apron to keep Cardona reeling, but a dodged tackle sends Maclin into the steps. Cardona tries to Piledriver Maclin on the ramp, but Back Drop counter, into commercial.
Formulaic commercial etiquette of Cardona still in control, throws Maclin into the ropes, Diving Shoulder Tackle lays both dudes out and they get up by 8. Fighting Spirit spot, Cardona hits ropes and gets hit by Maclin twice, Thesz Press, Ground and Pound, Back Elbow and Olympic Slam has Maclin rolling. Splash into Lariat for two. Maclin has been all gas no brakes. Cardona tries to take a few shortcuts that turns into a Straight Jacket Takedown. Cardona to the top, Maclin cuts him off, Superplex spot. 1-2-kick out!
Maclin goes topside for a Jar Headbutt, Cardona hits the ropes so Maclin crashes into the corner, 2 Reboots connect, the third gets caught, counter into Busaiku Knee, Jar Headbutt. In and out, Cardona uses the middle rope for the Low Blow, Killswitch from Cardona but Maclin kicks out. Cardona dodges and shoves Maclin towards the ref, he puts the brakes on, Radio Silence! 1-2-Kick out! Maclin catches a top rope move, Power Bomb, Corner Splash, Tree of Woe, Caught in the Crosshairs, KIA and Maclin retains!
Overall Score: 4.5/10
Boring paint by numbers show, no Trick, System has one move, Robert Stone is a scumbag, too long to introduce new girls, lots of throw away segments and Rosemary sets up YET ANOTHER Monster’s Ball match. These aren’t interesting when there’s one every 3 months. So we can have terrible Monster’s Ball matches quarterly, Barbed Wire Massacre and Clockwork Orange House of Fun…BUT NO LOCKDOWN!?
Go home TNA, you’re drunk.
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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!
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