Coverage

Mitchell’s NJPW WTL x BOSJ Results & Report! (12/12/21)

World Tag League, Round 11!

Published

3 years ago

December 12, 2021

Steven Mitchell

Five teams, two spots, what’re the odds of making the finals?

World Tag League is almost over, and the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions are still alive! Will Dangerous Tekkers be fighting for the trophies?

NOTE: NJPW no longer wants to feed AXS TV now that it is with Anthem and Impact Wrestling. But never fear, I will cover NJPW in the spirit of AXS in providing the most important matches of the show.

OFFICIAL RESULTS

World Tag League 2021: TAKA Michinoku & Minoru Suzuki VS Satoshi Kojima & Hiroyoshi Tenzan; TenCozy wins.
World Tag League 2021: Tiger Mask & Yuji Nagata VS Tomoaki Honma & Togi Makabe; Honma & Makabe win.
World Tag League 2021: Toru Yano & Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Chase Owens & Bad Luck Fale; Yano & Tanahashi win.
World Tag League 2021: The Guerrillas of Destiny VS The United Empire; The Guerrillas of Destiny win.
World Tag League 2021: SANADA & Tetsuya Naito VS Yujiro Takahashi & EVIL w/ Dick Togo; Yujiro & Evil win.
World Tag League 2021: Hirooki Goto & YOSHI-HASHI VS Dangerous Tekkers; Goto & Hashi win.

PLAY BY PLAY

Here are the current World Tag League Standings!

Dangerous Tekkers: 8-2, 16 points
SANADA & Tetsuya Naito: 8-2, 16 points
Hirooki Goto & YOSHI-HASHI: 8-2, 16 points
The United Empire: 7-3, 14 points
EVIL & Yujiro Takahashi: 7-3, 14 points
Chase Owens & Bad Luck Fale: 6-4, 12 points [ELIMINATED]
Guerrillas of Destiny: 6-4, 12 points [ELIMINATED]
Toru Yano & Hiroshi Tanahashi: 6-4, 12 points [ELIMINATED]
Satoshi Kojima & Hiroyoshi Tenzan: 2-8, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
Yuji Nagata & Tiger Mask: 1-9, 2 points [ELIMINATED]
Tomoaki Honma & Togi Makabe: 1-9, 2 points [ELIMINATED]
Minoru Suzuki & TAKA Michinoku: 0-10, 0 points [ELIMINATED]

World Tag League 2021: TAKA Michinoku & Minoru Suzuki VS Satoshi Kojima & Hiroyoshi Tenzan!

They’ve been winless this whole time, but surely the Blue Playmaker & Meanest Man in the World can get just one win! Will TenCozy just pile on and make Suzuki-Gun the only 0-11 team?

Suzuki-Gun attacks during TenCozy’s introductions! Taka is after Kojima while Suzuki himself is after Tenzan! Taka bumps Kojima off buckles and stomps him but Tenzan headbutts Suzuki out of the ring! The bell rings to get this on record, Tenzan helps Kojima against Taka. TenCozy stomp and kick Taka, then double whip to run him over with double shoulders. Kojima scoops and SLAMS, TenCozy coordinates, ELBOW HEADBUTT DROP COMBO! Taka scrambles to a corner, Kojima stomps and CHOPS him. Kojima CHOPS, then fires off the MACHINE GUN CHOPS! Kojima whips Taka corner to corner, runs in to forearm smash, then shoves him down.

But Suzuki attacks Kojima, then catches him for a HANGING ARMBAR! Taka kicks Tenzan down and goes after him on the outside! Suzuki lets Kojima go at 4, then drags him out to whip him into railing! Suzuki chokes Kojima with camera cables! A ring count starts, Suzuki lets off of Kojima at 7 of 20 to ROCK him with an elbow. Suzuki puts Kojima in at 13, Taka stands on Kojima’s neck. The ref counts, Taka lets off, but Suzuki gets Kojima’s leg for a HANGING HEEL HOOK! Tenzan protests and the ref is busy with him, Taka adds on an armbar to Kojima! The ref sees this, counts, Suzuki-Gun lets Kojima go.

Taka drags Kojima up, knees low, chokes him in the corner, but lets off as the ref counts. Tag to Suzuki, he chokes Kojima! Suzuki CHOPS, then slaps Kojima around. Kojima hits back with body shots and forearms! Suzuki forearms, Kojima forearms back and fans rally up. Suzuki DECKS Kojima! Suzuki stands on Kojima’s face, then drags him up. Fans rally up and Kojima throws body shots. Suzuki forearms, Kojima CHOPS, Suzuki CHOPS. Kojima gets the edge with forearms, but he spins into a knee! Suzuki runs, into a kick and COZY CUTTER! Hot tag to Tenzan! Tenzan rallies on Suzuki, DECKS Taka, then fires up as he fires off Mongolian Chops on Suzuki!

Tenzan stomps away in a corner, then CHOPS! Tenzan whips corner to corner, clotheslines then TENZAN BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Tenzan kicks Suzuki, headbutts him, then reels him in. Suzuki fights the clinch, runs in at the corner and BOOTS Tenzan! Suzuki then snapmares, runs and PENALTY KICKS! Cover, TWO! Suzuki has Tenzan’s arm, and wrenches it to a FUJIWARA! Tenzan endures, fans rally up, and Tenzan crawls forward. Suzuki pulls back on the arm but Tenzan gets a ropebreak with a leg! The ref counts, Suzuki smirks as he lets off at 4. Suzuki stomps Tenzan while taunting him. Suzuki slaps Tenzan around but Tenzan gets up to throw a forearm!

Suzuki forearms back, so Tenzan forearms again. They go back and forth, fans rally up, and Tenzan eggs Suzuki on. Suzuki grins and ROCKS Tenzan with a forearm! Tenzan shakes it off and Mongolian HEADBUTTS! Tenzan runs, into a boot! Suzuki runs, into MOUNTAIN BOMB! Fans rally up, Tenzan tags in Kojima, and Kojima brawls with Suzuki! They pinball Suzuki between Mongolian Chops and forearms! Kojima Mongolian Chops, Suzuki fires up! But then Tenzan Mongolian Chops Suzuki down! Tenzan whips Suzuki, Suzuki fights the TenCozy cutter with a facelock! Taka jumps in to kick Kojima to a corner, and Suzuki throws Tenzan out.

Taka whips Kojima corner to corner and clotheslines, then Suzuki BOOTS! Suzuki ROCKS Kojima, runs, SUPERKICK BOOT COMBO! Cover, TWO! Suzuki drags Kojima up, tags in Taka and Taka fires off. Taka scoops but Kojima fights free to COZY CUTTER! Fans fire up as the armband comes off! Kojima runs, but Suzuki catches Kojima in a sleeper! Kojima fights free, Taka boots the lariat and catches the arm for a takedown! La Magistrol! TWO! Taka hurries and SHINING WIZARDS Kojima down! Cover, TWO! Taka gets Kojima up, MICHINOKU DRIVER! Cover, Tenzan breaks it! Suzuki drags Tenzan out, Taka gets Kojima back up.

Kojima breaks free to forearm, Taka CALF KICKS! Backslide! TWO!! Kojima escapes and shocks Taka! Taka runs, into a COZY LARIAT! Cover, TenCozy wins!

Winners: Satoshi Kojima & Hiroyoshi Tenzan, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Suzuki-Gun earns 0)

No way! Suzuki & Taka lose even in the last round! Suzuki takes it out on the Young Lion helping Taka out! But will Suzuki have to consider whether or not Taka’s return to action is working out? As for TenCozy, is there hope for the 30 year veterans yet?

World Tag League 2021: The Guerrillas of Destiny VS The United Empire!

Tama Tonga & Tanga Loa are out of the running, but they can still be spoilers! Will they drag the Dominator & Ultimate Weapon down into elimination? Or will Great-O-Khan & Aaron Henare still have a chance at the finals?

The Empire kicks at GoD as they just try to get in the ring. Loa grabs the ring steps and tosses them into the ring! The ref gets everyone to calm down, Jado talks strategy, and Tama takes off his vest already. GoD rush the ring and the brawl is on! The ref rings the bell to get this on the record as the Empire takes over. The Empire whip and BOOT GoD down! Khan brings Loa up, Henare stands Tama up, but Loa and Tama fire off body shots and forearms! GoD double whip but the Empire reverses, only to get run over! GoD rallies with big forearms, then dropkicks! Fans fire up with Tama while Khan bails out and is frustrated.

Fans rally up, Khan throws a fit, but then he dares the Guerrillas to come out after him and Henare. GoD decides to take Khan up on that and the slide out, only for the Empire to slide in. GoD slide back in but the Empire stomps and CLUBS them down! Henare throws Tama out and Khan throws Loa. The Empire whip the Guerrillas into railing! Khan brings Loa up and bumps him off the apron to then put him in the ring. Khan sits Loa up for the IRON CLAW SLEEPER! Henare gets in to throw body shots! Khan Mongolian Chops Loa down, then Henare BUZZSAWS, and Khan knee drops! Fans rally up but Khan covers, TWO!

Khan drags Loa up in a facelock and brings him over. Tag to Henare, the Empire mugs Loa and CLUBS him down. Henare stomps Loa, throws body shots, but Loa eggs him on! Henare kicks, KICKS, and KICKS! Loa stays up so Henare DECKS Tama! Henare PENALTY KICKS Loa down, covers, TWO! Fans rally for Loa but Henare facelocks and brings him around. Tag to Khan, he Mongolian Chops Loa’s back! Khan bumps Loa off buckles, then hops up to sit on Loa’s head! Henare even pulls Loa into the buckle while Khan moves around. Khan hops down, taunts Tama, then kicks at Loa. Fans rally up, Khan ROCKS Loa with a forearm. And again! Loa growls but Khan hits him again.

Khan kicks low, runs but into a kick and uppercut! Hot tag to Tama! Tama fires up and he fires off haymakers! Tama DECKS Khan, arm-drags Henare and arm-drags him around! Henare kicks low, whips Tama but Tama reverses to hurdle, hurdle and SNUKA CHOP! Fans fire up and Tama runs corner to corner to STINGER SPLASH Khan! Fans fire up and Tama encourages it to get louder. Fans get louder, Tama runs in again, another STINGER SPLASH! Tama calls for one more and the fans rally hard as ever. Tama runs in, third STINGER SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Khan survives and Tama is disappointed in the count. Tama drags Khan up to CLUB him then throw haymakers.

Tama throws body shots, whips Khan to ropes, but Khan reverses. Tama blocks the boot, Khan gets around, Tama switches. Khan resists the lift, stomps a foot, uppercuts and drop sayanagis! Khan crawls over, hot tag to Henare! Tama is in a corner, Henare storms over. Henare throws big forearms and body shots on repeat! The ref counts as Henare stomps Tama, but Henare lets off. Henare runs in to clothesline! Fireman’s carry, SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Khan gets in, he drags Tama up into the IRON CLAW SLEEPER! Henare fires off body shots, then Khan Mongolian Chops! Henare aims, but Tama ducks and Henare’s kick hits Khan!

Tama double dropkicks the Empire down! Fans fire up, Tama crawls over, hot tag to Loa! Loa runs at Henare and hits a 619! Then a slingshot senton! Cover, TWO! Loa aims from a corner and runs in to clothesline Henare! Loa whips Henare back in, clotheslines again, then hits a T-BONE SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Loa growls, but he tells Henare it’s over now! Loa drags Henare up as fans rally, but Henare fires a forearm! Loa forearms back! Loa eggs Henare on, Henare forearms. Loa forearms, Henare fires off several! Loa kicks, knees and ENZIGURIS! Loa drags Henare back up to scoop, but Henare slips out! Khan HELL STABS! Khan drags Loa up to Mongolian Chop!

Khan has Loa in the corner and he Mongolian Chops more! Khan whips Loa corner to corner and runs in to clothesline! Henare SHINING WIZARDS! ROUNDHOUSE BOOT COMBO! Cover, TWO! Fans fire up and Khan roars as he drags Loa back up. HITSUJIGOROSHI! Henare gets the heel hooks, FUBUKI! Loa endures the double submission, so the Empire gives him MARINE! Cover, Tama breaks it in time! Khan CLUBS Tama, Tama throws body shots. Tama fights the Empire off with forearms and elbows, but Henare hits a body shot! IRON CLAW! HEEL KICK! The Empire kicks Tama out and focuses on Loa again.

Henare fireman’s carries, Khan runs, but Loa slips out to shove Henare into Khan! SPEAR for Henare! Khan gets around, and reels Loa back into HITSUJIGOROSHI! Then IRON CLAW, but Tama GUN STUNS Khan down! And GUN- NO! Henare powers out to SCREW HIGH KICK! Henare powers up, but Tama slips off the torture rack! Tama and Loa coordinate, TONGAN TWIST! Fans fire up and Jado calls for it! The Guerrillas get Henare up, MAGIC KILLER!! Cover, GoD wins!!

Winners: The Guerrillas of Destiny, by pinfall (gains 2 points; The United Empire earn 0)

The Empire has fallen! Khan & Henare are out of the running! Will GoD use this momentum to be ready for a title comeback on the other side of World Tag League?

World Tag League 2021: SANADA & Tetsuya Naito VS Yujiro Takahashi & EVIL w/ Dick Togo!

There’s so much more to this than just World Tag League. Los Ingobernables de Japon can kill two birds with one stone, will they keep the House of Torture out while securing themselves a spot in the finals? Or will Darkness Fall on Cold Skull & The Uncontrollable Charisma?

LIJ takes time with their entrance gear but the House of Torture Low Sweets while they wait. Evil patiently waits and fans rally up while LIJ fist bumps. Sanada starts against Evil in a battle of former tag partners. They stare down, but then Evil tags out to Yujiro. Yujiro calls Naito out so Sanada tags Naito in. Naito and Yujiro circle, they tie up, and Naito pushes Yujiro to ropes. The ref counts, Yujiro turns it around, but Yujiro lets off with hard pats on the shoulder. But then Evil grabs Naito’s hair! Yujiro runs in, Naito boots him away! Naito elbows Evil down, kicks and whips Yujiro, but Yujiro reveres. Naito ducks and dodges but Evil trips him up! Yujiro runs but Sanada trips him up!

Evil hypocritically protests but Sanada DECKS him! Evil hits railing and causes Abe-san’s desk to tip! Abe-san himself stays up but the translator falls over! LIJ goes after Yujiro, double whip and double back elbow to split the wishbone and double basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! Fans rally while Naito clamps on a chinlock. Naito digs his knee into Yujiro, pulls him back, but Yujiro crawls forward. Naito changes his grip but Yujiro has the ropebreak! The ref counts, Naito lets off like he didn’t know. Naito wrenches Yujiro’s arm, tags Sanada, and Sanada CLUBS the arm. Sanada wrenches Yujiro to whip him to the corner.

Sanada runs in to back elbow, then he suplexes, only for Yujiro to BITE Sanada’s hand! The ref counts, Yujiro whips Sanada to the corner, and surprise! Blue buckle pad comes off! Sanada hits bare buckles as the Bullet Club special comes into play. Naito gets in, but Yujiro kicks him and whips him into the bare buckles! Naito writhes while Evil has Sanada on the outside. Evil RAMS Sanada into the railing and completely tips the timekeeper’s table over! Yujiro throws Naito out of the ring, rakes his eyes, then POSTS him! Evil uses Abe-san’s mic to choke Sanada and talk trash so everyone can hear! The ref reprimands, counts, and Evil lets off at 4.

Fans rally up while the House of Torture goes back to the ring. Sanada gets up and on the apron but Yujiro is after him with a fish hook! The ref reprimands, Yujiro drags Sanadain to cover. TWO and fans rally up. Yujiro drags Sanada up to snapmare and throw haymakers. The ref reprimands the closed fists so Yujiro basement BOOTS! Cover, TWO! Yujiro tags in Evil, fans rally up as Evil drags Sanada up and throws him out. Evil distracts the ref so Dick can DECK Sanada! Dick drags Sanada up to put him in the ring. Evil covers, TWO! Another try, TWO! Another try, TWO! Evil is frustrated but not even the deep hook finished it.

Tag to Yujiro, Yujiro drags Sanada up to whip him at the corner! Sanada hits bare buckles again and falls to the mat. Yujiro drags Sanada up, Sanada fires forearms back! Yujiro knees low, and again, and again. Yujiro whips, Sanada reverses to fireman’s carry! Yujiro BITES Sanada’s hand! The ref reprimands, Yujiro fisherman’s but Sanada BITES Yujiro’s hand! Yujiro doesn’t like the payback so he BITES Sanada’s hand again! They’re both biting, the ref reprimands so they both stop. Sanada runs in to dropkick Yujiro’s leg out! Fans fire up and Sanada crawls over, hot tag to Naito! Naito DECKS Evil, and blocks Yujiro’s kick to fire off kicks and forearms.

Naito whips to back elbow and basement dropkick! Naito DECKS Dick, too, then RANAS Yujiro! Yujiro flounders to a corner, fans fire up and Naito runs corner to corner. JUMP KICK, leg sweep and COMBINACION CABRON! Naito poses and fans fire up again. Fans rally for “L I J!” “NA-I-TO!” and Naito hoists Yujiro up top. Naito climbs, throws forearms, Yujiro hits back but Naito fires off more forearms. Naito gets all the way up but Yujiro slips out! Naito fights and Yujiro give sup on the bomb. Naito runs in, full nelsons, but Yujiro breaks out to full nelson back. Naito arm-drags free, kicks but Yujiro blocks to throw him down! Basement boot!

Yujiro drags Naito up, brings him around, has him against ropes, and he BOOTS Naito down! Yujiro reels Naito in but Naito fights off the slam! Naito throws back elbow after back elbow but Yujiro ducks to INCOLLE SLAM! Both men are down and fans rally up. Yujiro crawls, hot tag to Evil! Evil drags Naito up, whips him to the corner, and Naito hits bare buckles! Fans rally for Naito but Evil drags him up again. Evil whips Naito back in but Naito reverses, only for Evil to reverse again! Naito hits bare buckles again, and Evil runs, into Naito’s SHOTGUN BOOT! Both men are down and fans fire up again. Naito crawls over, hot tag to Sanada!

Sanada rallies on Evil with forearms and arm-drags, then a BACKBREAKER! Evil bails out, Sanada PLANCHAS! Fans fire up and Sanada encourages them to get louder! Sanada drags Evil back up, puts him in the ring, and then aims from the apron. Dick grabs at Sanada but Sanada kicks him away. But Evil KICKS the ropes to jam Sanada! Yujiro gets in, House of Torture double whip. Yujiro BOOTS Sanada and Evil clotheslines! FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Evil is furious, Naito drags Yujiro out to whip him into railing! Fans rally up for “SA-NA-DA!” and Evil drags Sanada up. Evil fireman’s carries but Sanada fights free and shoves Evil into Natio’s atomic drop!

Dropkick and ENZIGURI, to a fireman’s carry and TKO! Cover, Yujiro breaks it! Naito throws Yujiro out! Sanada drags Evil up to a dragon sleeper, but Evil grabs at the ref! They end up on ropes, Dick has the SPOILER CHOKER! Sanada fights it off! Evil runs in but is sent into Dick! Sanada gets Evil for the dragon sleeper, but Yujiro runs in! Sanada shoves Evil into Yujiro, Naito gets in, LIJ gets House of Torture for stereo dragon sleepers! Naito hits a BACKBREAKER, then PLUMA BLANCA! Sanada drops back, SKULL END!! The House of Torture endures stereo submissions! Evil is fading! Sanada lets him go to go to the corner! ROUNDING BODY PRESS onto knees!!

Dick drags Naito out to whip him into railing! Fans rally up as both Evil and Sanada crawl to opposite corners. Sanada runs in, but Evil boots him! Sanada tries again, Evil boots him again. Sanada tires a third time, but he stops from hitting buckles. The ref is used as a shield, then Evil rakes Snada’s eyes! But Sanada gets around to O’Conner Bridge! Dick stops the ref from seeing! Yujiro hits Sanada with the pimp cane! And a CANE SHOT for Naito! Evil gets up, he drags Sanada up, EVERYTHING IS EVIL!! Cover, House of Torture wins!!

Winners: Yujiro Takahashi & Evil, by pinfall (gain 2 points; LIJ earns 0)

LIJ’s revenge has been thwarted! And worst yet, they got cheated out of the World Tag League finals! Will Darkness Fall on all of the Heavyweight Tag Division?!

World Tag League 2021: Hirooki Goto & YOSHI-HASHI VS Dangerous Tekkers!

The Fierce Warrior & Head Hunter couldn’t dethrone the Holy Emperor & Submission Master during the summer, but they could #TurnItAllAround in the winter! Will Chaos claim a spot in the finals? Or will Taichi & Zack Sabre Jr. make them #JustTapOut?

Taichi shows off the dancing pecs and fans cheer. Hashi has some moves in his pecs, so it isn’t that big a deal to him. The teams sort out, Hashi starts against Taichi. The fans rally with the bell, Taichi and Hashi stare down. Hashi and Taichi circle now, then tie up. Hashi powers Taichi back to ropes but Taichi doesn’t really try. Hashi lets off as Red Shoes calls the ropebreak, and Taichi applauds along with the fans. Taichi and Hashi tie up again, and again Taichi lets Hashi power him to ropes. Red Shoes again counts the ropebreak, Hashi fakes a chop, but he lets off. Taichi again applauds with the fans. Taichi and Hashi reset, tie up, but Hashi kicks low!

Hashi headlocks, grinds the hold, but Taichi pulls hair. Hashi grinds the headlock more, Taichi pulls hair again, and then Taichi powers out. They ram shoulders, neither falls, and Taichi dares Hashi to go again. Hashi runs, they ram shoulders again, but neither falls. Hashi dares Taichi to go now. Taichi just kicks low, then he runs, but Hashi runs him over! Fans fire up with Hashi but Taichi chokes Hashi from behind! Tag to ZSJ, ZSJ cravats Hashi for a neck wrench. Hashi breaks free but ZSJ avoids the back hand to EuroUpper! And EuroUpper! And EuroUpper again! Goto tags in as ZSJ whips Hashi, and Hashi reverses. Goto’s a little late but Hashi runs ZSJ over.

Goto-Hashi coordinate and hip toss senton onto ZSJ! Taichi gets in but he gets hammered down! Goto gets ZSJ up to whip and arm-drag, then KICK in the back! Hashi SUPERKICKS, then ZSJ gets hammered down! Fans fire up but Taichi attacks! Taichi CLUBS Goto down, hooks Hashi’s arms, and ZSJ DRAGON SCREWS Hashi’s leg! Then they get Goto, DRAGON SCREW to his leg, and then another DRAGON SCREW, and then they DRAGON SCREW the other leg! Goto falls out of the ring, Hashi clutches his leg but Taichi kicks him out. Fans rally up as the Tekkers go out after Goto-Hashi. ZSJ has a standing toehold on Goto while Taichi whips Hashi into railing!

ZSJ stands on Goto, Taichi has Hashi’s legs, and a ring count starts. Taichi stands on Hashi’s leg against the railing, then ZSJ KNEE JAMMERS Goto! The ring count is 13 of 20 as Goto hobbles! Goto flounders around at 15, then 17! Goto gets in at 19!! ZSJ gets Goto’s leg and wraps it around ropes! Taichi grabs the other leg to pull it! Red Shoes reprimands, the Tekkers let Goto go, ZSJ anchors Goto and Taichi tags in. Taichi stomps Goto, drags Goto around by the leg, then has a standing toehold. Taichi stomps the other leg, then stomps it again. Taichi brings Goto around for a CALF KILLER! And deep! Goto endures, rolls, they end up in the ropes and Red Shoes calls for the ropebreak.

Taichi lets off, he kicks Goto around, then he drags Goto up. Taichi has the leg, tags ZSJ in, and ZSJ KICKS the bad leg! Goto falls and clutches his knee but ZSJ taunts him while kicking him. ZSJ drags Goto around for a toehold and ANKLE LOCK! ZSJ ties up the legs into a deathlock, for a BOW ‘N’ ARROW! Goto endures, ZSJ lets him down for a MUTA LOCK! ZSJ shifts his grip, it’s almost an STF! Taichi kicks Goto’s face a bit, but Red Shoes calls the ropebreak. ZSJ stands up to TWIST the legs before letting off. Taichi tags in, he stomps Goto, then he taunts Hashi. Taichi stomps Goto’s legs more, then kicks Goto around. Goto snarls but Taichi stands on the bad leg.

Taichi slaps Goto around, stomps the leg, but Goto gets up to CHOP and CHOP. Taichi kicks the bad leg, runs but Goto blocks the boot! Goto reels back but Taichi choke grip! Goto breaks free to DISCUS LARIAT! Both men are down and fans fire up! Goto crawls, hot tag to Hashi! Hashi throws fast hands and a CHOP! ZSJ gets in but Hashi CHOPS him down! Hashi runs in at the corner to CHOP Taichi, then whips to CHOP him again! Mule kick and NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up as Hashi drags Taichi up. Hashi suplexes but Taichi fights it to wrench. Hashi ROCKS Taichi with a forearm, whips, but Taichi reverses to wrench and DANGEROUS HOOK KICK!

Both men are down, fans rally up, and Taichi sits up first. Taichi drags Hashi up to throw Kowata Kicks! Taichi drags Hashi back up, snapmares and KICKS him in the back! Taichi then drags Hashi back up and wants the stretch plum, but Hashi resists! Hashi wrenches out and has a STANDING BUTTERFLY LOCK! Taichi endures, fights free and Alabama lifts! Hashi fights off that to SPINNING MULE KICK! Taichi comes back but into a SUPERKICK! Fans fire up and Hashi drags Taichi up. Hashi fisherman’s but Taichi fights free. ZSJ gets in to BOOT, EuroUpper, but Hashi CHOPS him back down! Hashi runs in but Taichi dodges to GAMANGIRI!

Goto gets in, DOUBLE LARIATS collide, but Goto comes back to LARIAT Taichi down! ZSJ dropkicks Goto’s leg, then grabs at it, but Goto breaks free! ZSJ headlocks but Goto counters with a back suplex! Fans fire up as all four men are down! ZSJ bails out, Goto exits out the other side. Hashi and Taichi slowly rise, and Taichi BOOTS! Hashi forearms, Taichi rebounds to BOOT! Hashi throws another forearm, Taichi KICKS a leg. Hashi forearms, Taichi KICKS, repeat, and fans rally up as they pick up speed. Taichi fires off KICK after KICK, then eggs Hashi on. Hashi fires forearm after forearm shot, and Taichi wobbles. Hashi CHOPS, Taichi KICKS!

Hashi swings, into a boot, but he CHOPS again, only for Taichi to PELE! Both men are down again and fans fire back up! Taichi fires himself up and OFF COME THE PANTS! Taichi aims, but Hashi blocks the buzzsaw to full nelson! Taichi breaks free, Hashi waistlocks but Taichi fights the lift and PELES again! Taichi powers up, runs, but Hashi LARIATS first! Both men are down again and fans rally back up. Hashi and Taichi stir, crawl for their corners, and Hashi hot tags Goto! Goto hobbles but fires up and runs in to MURAMASA Taichi! Goto gets back up, to BULLDOG! Cover, TWO! Goto drags Taichi up, but Taichi fights the fireman’s carry.

Taichi CLUBS and kicks Goto, then runs but Goto follows. Taichi ducks, Goto tries to follow but the bad leg gives up! Taichi smirks while fans rally up. Goto flounders around, trying to stand. Taichi taunts him, brings him up but Goto HEADBUTTS! Taichi KICKS the bad leg out! Taichi tags in ZSJ, ZSJ DOUBLE STOMPS the bad leg! ZSJ has the leg, turns Goto over, hooks up the legs, and STOMPS the legs! ZSJ drags Goto up to get the leg again, but Goto fights the shin breaker off. ZSJ body scissors to a takedown, HEEL HOOK! ZSJ traps the other leg, too, but Hashi stomps ZSJ! Taichi kicks Hashi and throws him out, to then whip him into railing.

ZSJ stomps Goto’s legs, kicks Goto down, then stomps away on the legs! ZSJ eggs Goto on and gives him kick after kick. Fans rally up, ZSJ kicks Goto more, and KICKS him in the chest. Goto blocks to CLUB the leg! ZSJ swings but into URA G T R! Both men are down and fans rally up. Taichi gets in, he stomps Goto. Hashi gets in to kick Taichi! Hashi whips Taichi to a corner, runs in and clotheslines! Hashi wants Goto to get up, and he feeds Taichi to Goto’s knee! Goto hooks Taichi up, Hashi runs, RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP BLOCKBUSTER! Fans fire up as Goto-Hashi has ZSJ now. Goto fireman’s carries but ZSJ slips off, only to run into Hashi’s SUPERKICK!

Goto manages the fireman’s carry, SUPERKICK to USHIGOROSHI! But Goto’s leg is hurting! Hashi wants Goto to help him finish this off, and Goto gets ZSJ back up. Dragon sleeper and leg lift, but Taichi KICKS Goto’s leg! ZSJ gets Goto with a HEEL HOOK KNEEBAR!! Taichi has Hashi in SEITEIJYUJIRYOU!! Goto endures while fans rally up! Goto grabs at Red Shoes, but ZSJ shifts the grip on the heel! Goto endures, reaches out, drags himself over, but ZSJ makes it part Figure Four! Goto powers up to get the ROPEBREAK! ZSJ lets go of Goto, Taichi lets go of Hashi. Fans rally up as Taichi drags Goto up. DRAGON SCREW to Goto’s leg! And again!! BUZZSAW! ZSJ jackknifes, TWO!?!?

Taichi drags Goto up to Alabama lift! Hashi DECKS ZSJ, mule kicks Taichi, then DECKS ZSJ again! Taichi gets around, Hashi slips out of Dangerous Saido, but Taichi choke grips! CHOKE SLAM BACK SUPLEX! Hashi flops out of the ring, the Tekkers go back to Goto. ZSJ gets Goto up but Goto resists the scoop! Goto CLUBS free, ROCKS Taichi then catches ZSJ, only for Taichi to sobat! EuroUpper, ROUNDHOUSE! Taichi reels Goto in, LAST RIDE! PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO!?!? Goto escapes the deep hook and the fans are thunderous! Taichi fires up, ZSJ gets Goto up, Taichi aims from the corner. But Hashi anchors Taichi’s foot!

Goto gets around to roll ZSJ, GOTO NI SHIKI! GOTO-HASHI WINS!!

Winners: Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hsahi, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Dangerous Tekkers earn 0)

ZSJ and Taichi still go after Goto & Hashi, but the match is over! The Tekkers are out of the finals while Chaos leads the block as the only 9-2 team! Red Shoes and the Young Lions restore order, only for Taichi to throw the Young Lions down! And even choke Red Shoes! But despite all their rage, the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions can’t change the results. They’ll just have to wait to see who wins the finals before they can prepare for WrestleKingdom 16!

As for Goto-Hashi, they catch their breath and Goto gets the mic. “Just one more until we win this! Thank you!” Oh, but here come the House of Torture! Evil, Yujiro and even Dick return and things are tense as Goto-Hashi find themselves surrounded. Hashi watches Yujiro while Goto keeps his eyes on Evil and Dick. Evil hops down and so do his cohorts. Evil grabs a Young Lion, though! They’re holding him “hostage,” but then Evil throws the Young Lion down. A warning from the King of Darkness, but will he and Yujiro be able to back it up on Wednesday?

Goto and Hashi continue where they left off, saying, “Our Tag League isn’t done yet. But let me just say this. We will make NJPW tag history! We’re on the way to the final in Ryogoku! SHOTO!” AKA lights out! Will Goto-Hashi be the ones turning out the lights on the House of Torture?

Here are the FINAL World Tag League Standings!

Hirooki Goto & YOSHI-HASHI: 9-2, 18 points [FINALIST]
EVIL & Yujiro Takahashi: 8-3, 16 points [FINALIST]
Dangerous Tekkers: 8-3, 16 points [ELIMINATED]
SANADA & Tetsuya Naito: 8-3, 16 points [ELIMINATED]
Guerrillas of Destiny: 7-4, 14 points [ELIMINATED]
The United Empire: 7-4, 14 points [ELIMINATED]
Toru Yano & Hiroshi Tanahashi: 7-4, 14 points [ELIMINATED]
Chase Owens & Bad Luck Fale: 6-5, 12 points [ELIMINATED]
Satoshi Kojima & Hiroyoshi Tenzan: 3-8, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
Tomoaki Honma & Togi Makabe: 2-9, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
Yuji Nagata & Tiger Mask: 1-10, 2 points [ELIMINATED]
Minoru Suzuki & TAKA Michinoku: 0-11, 0 points [ELIMINATED]

My Thoughts:

A great round for World Tag League, but yes I did skip matches again. Blue Justice VS Great Bash Heels, as well as Joker & Ace VS Bullet Club were matches of eliminated teams, but I did skim them and they were both good stuff. I included Suzuki-Gun’s match, though, because I wanted to really see if they’d make Suzuki & Taka go winless. Of course, it always came down to Taka just not getting it right, so it was never really on Suzuki. Who knows how that continues in story, but maybe they make Taka’s first win since his return into something big. The Guerrillas VS United Empire was a great match, and GoD winning was great for the drama of the other matches.

I didn’t think LIJ would lose here, but it certainly gives more Heel heat to House of Torture with another cheating victory. Goto-Hashi VS Tekkers was an awesome match, especially once Goto was dealing with the bad legs. Given that, Goto & Hashi winning was an awesome outcome, and Goto-Hashi VS House of Torture will be a very good finals match. But this makes for an interesting schedule at WrestleKingdom. I would think Chaos wants those NEVER Openweight Six Man titles back and House of Torture has them. WK16 being multiple nights, maybe night one, we get Chaos VS House of Torture for the trios titles, then night two we get WTL winner VS Tekkers.

And given we’ve seen Goto-Hashi VS Tekkers a lot, I wouldn’t be surprised if House of Torture won WTL, especially through cheating. Whether they win the IWGP Heavyweight Tag titles or not, that’s still up in the air.

My Score: 9/10

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Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (1/17/25)

Will Tiffy Time be cut short?

Published

1 hour ago

January 17, 2025

Steven Mitchell

DING DONG, Hello, Tiffany!

Tiffanny Stratton just won the WWE Women’s Championship but she’s already defending it against Bayley! Will the Role Model be back on top?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Bianca Belair & Naomi VS Nia Jax & Candice LeRae; Bianca & Naomi win.
Jimmy Uso VS Carmelo Hayes; wins.
Motor City Machine Guns VS Los Garza w/ Legado Del Fantasma; win.
Piper Niven w/ Chelsea Green VS B-Fab w/ Mia Yim; wins.
Rey Mysterio VS Kevin Owens; wins.
WWE Women’s Championship: Tiffany Stratton VS Bayley; wins and

PLAY BY PLAY

Rey Mysterio is here!

San Diego fires up for the hometown hero as he makes his entrance! The King of Lucha high-fives fans along the ramp, and hugs his wife and daughter, before stepping in the ring. Rey grabs himself a mic, the fans chant “619! 619!” and he smiles. Rey tells San Diego, “Bien venidos, welcome to Friday Night SmackDown! This is the home of the 6! 1! 9!” The fans cheer, and Rey says no cap, it feels great to be back home in front of his people, his Raza, his city, and his familia. Rey requested to be here tonight because he couldn’t think of a better place to reminisce as he gets ready to do the impossible once again.

Rey officially declares for the 2025 Royal Rumble! The arena is shaking hearing that! Rey wants to look back: 2006, he entered the Rumble at #2, outlasted 28 other superstars, and became the Royal Rumble winner! And it didn’t end there. he went on to main event WrestleMania, and he became the WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION! Now, Rey won’t lie, he will be realistic. The competition is heavy this year: Drew McIntyre, who fans boo. CM Punk, who fans cheer; Seth Rollins, who fans are torn on; Roman Reigns, who fans cheer; John Cena, who fans also cheer. It will be tough, but let’s remember back to when he won.

It was 2006, and Rey did it for a friend we all know very well. The fans chant for “EDDIE! EDDIE!” But wait! Kevin Owens makes his way out here! The Prizefighter, still holding onto the winged eagle title belt, showing off his new shirt: The Canadian Dream, Son of a Security System Technician. Kevin has a mic, too, and while fans boo, he tells Rey, “Lemme start off by saying I’m very sorry for coming out here and interrupting you> I mean it, okay? But I had to come out here. Because I heard you just now talking about how you were gonna win the Royal Rumble.

“And Rey, I mean this from the bottom of my heart. It’s never been a secret. There’s a lot of people in this industry that I respect quite a bit, but very few I respect as much as I respect you. In fact, I’ll even go so far as saying there’s nobody in this industry that I respect as much as I respect you.” The fans do cheer that, and Kevin says he has had an incredible career, he’s accomplished things he’s dreamed of since he was a kid. He has main evented WrestleMania with Steve Austin. He won the tag team titles with his then best friend, Sami Zayn. He won countless other tiles, and now he gets to stand here with THIS title!

The fans boo but Kevin says this is the title that as a kid, he saw all his idols win. This is the title he dreamed of winning, and now he stands here as the TRUE, RIGHTFUL WWE Champion! The fans boo again but Kevin says there is one thing left for him to accomplish so that he can truly feel his career is complete. And that is to step into the ring and have a 1v1 match with the legendary Rey Mysterio. The fans like that idea, and Kevin says face to face, man to man, he hopes Rey wins the Rumble! Kevin will root for Rey with everything he has! Rey can and will beat “all those other idiots.”

But just promise Kevin one thing. After Rey wins the Rumble, promise that Kevin is the champion he picks for WrestleMania so that Kevin can have his dream match. Rey takes a moment, and he tells Kevin that we all know Rey loves competition. But… Kevin’s not the champion. The fans cheer that! Rey means that with all due respect, but Cody Rhodes is the champion. But, but, here’s this. If Rey wins the Rumble, and if Kevin wins the title, then yes, Rey will gladly face him for the title. Kevin takes a moment, and repeats, “I’m not the champion? I AM THE CHAMPION! This is my title! I earned it! I deserve it!”

The fans boo but Kevin says Cody has Rey brainwashed, too! Does Rey have bleached blonde hair under that mask? Is it seeping into his brain? Rey wants Kevin to calm down. What’s going on? Drew McIntyre, now Kevin, he’s acting so delusional! It’s reminding him of Dominik. Oh…! Kevin swings on Rey! Rey dodges to fire hands in return! They brawl, Kevin shoves Rey but Rey dropkicks the legs! Kevin is on the ropes, but he bails out before the 619! The fans boo but Kevin is the one offended. Will Kevin be able to let this go so he can focus on Cody?

Bianca Belair meets up with Naomi backstage.

Bianca asks if Naomi finished with Nick Aldis. She did. Any updates? No! No lead on Jade’s attacker. Nothing? Wow. But that’s okay, they’ll keep pushing forward. They will handle Nia & Candice, but Bianca just wants to make sure they’re good after the mishap last week. It wasn’t on Bianca, that was Candice. Naomi knows that. Plus, they have to focus. It may not be Tiffany, but they can at least get some lick back on Candice & Nia. And they still have their gold! Bianca says that’s true. Ready to go? Naomi says maybe Bianca should wrap her up. That way, last week won’t happen again. Bianca agrees, and she hurries to wrap the braid into a bun.

Now they’re good. The StrongEST Glow heads out, will they be able to get past the Irresistible Force & Poison Pixie? Or will they soon be owing some golden tickets to the Queen of the Ring and her new sidekick?

Nick Aldis talks with Rey Mysterio.

After what we saw with Kevin, and since they are in San Diego, we have to have Rey on the card. Rey VS KO happens 1v1! Rey thanks Aldis and promises to handle business. And then Cody Rhodes walks in! The American Nightmare tells Rey he saw what happened while he was going through his physical. Cody says he would’ve been out there to help, but Rey says it’s nota big deal. It is handled, Rey VS Kevin is happening. Cody just needs to heal up. Rey can handle his problems, and will leave something for Cody at the Royal Rumble. Rey fist bumps and heads out. Aldis tells Cody that Rey has a point, Cody needs to be careful.

That said, what’d the doctors have to say? Cody says he has a clean bill of health, fully cleared, and Aldis can read the report himself. Aldis says he trusts Cody, he just doesn’t know if that’s good news. There is a lot of time between now and the Rumble, and even more so to WrestleMania. But with that in mind, Aldis has an addendum to the ladder match. Cody needs to sign it, as does Kevin, because they cannot have what happened at Saturday Night’s Main Event happen ever again. Cody asks if Kevin’s signed it yet. Kevin was Aldis’ next stop. Then Cody will sign it once Kevin has. Cody heads out, will Aldis be able to get what he wants out of this?

Bianca Belair & Naomi VS Nia Jax & Candice LeRae!

SmackDown returns as Bianca & Naomi make their entrances. The teams sort out and Nia steps to Bianca, only to CLOBBER Naomi! Candice joins in to mug Bianca, but the fans boo. The ref reprimands, Candice backs off, and Nia soaks up the heat. Naomi throws Bianca down, talks more trash, then HEADBUTTS Bianca down. Nia drags Bianca up, tags Candice, but Bianca fights back. Nia CLUBS Bianca, Candice wrenches, but Bianca runs Candice over! And runs her over again! Bianca suplexes, holds Candice up, then SLAMS her down! The fans fire up as Bianca kips up, and she runs up to RAM Candice!

Bianca then climbs to rain down fists! The fans count along, Bianca goes all the way to TEN! Nia storms in, but Bianca flips up and over! Nia runs into Candice, then turns around into Bianca’s DROPKICK! Bianca runs up but Candice BOOTS her! Candice goes up, but Bianca ROCKS her! Bianca military presses Candice, and she THRWOS her out onto Nia! Nia & Candice fall, the fans fire up, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Bianca flexes, then waits on Nia & Candice. Bianca’s braid has unrolled so Bianca swings it to rally the fans. Bianca then goes out to fetch Candice, shoves her into the ring, but Nia anchors Bianca’s feet! Candice DROPKICKS Candice down! Cover, TWO! Candice CLUBS away on Bianca, then scuffs her. Candice stalks Bianca to a corner, KNEES her down, then steps on her to DOUBLE STOMP! Tag to Nia, and Nia stalks Bianca. Nia makes Bianca smile with fishhooks, then HIP DROPS her down! Nia swings the braid around to mock Bianca, and even intimidate the ref. Bianca gets her braid free to SMACK away on Nia!

Bianca LASHES Nia more, backing her down, then she runs. Bianca SHOTGUNS Nia, Nia rebounds, but Bianca avoids the elbow drop! Cover, ONE!! Nia CLOBBERS Bianca at the ropes! Nia argues with the ref, taunts Naomi, then soaks up the heat. Tag to Candice and Candice kicks Bianca around. Candice SMACKS Bianca off the apron, pushes her in, then CLOBBERS her! Cover, TWO! Candice CLOBBERS Bianca again, then digs her knee in for a half Bow ‘n’ Arrow stretch! Bianca endures, fights around, reaches back, and she pulls Candice’s hair! Bianca and Candice fire forearms, but Candice DECKS Bianca! Cover, TWO!

Candice is frustrated but she KNEES Bianca in the side. Candice stomps Bianca more, KNEES her down, then has her on the ropes. The ref counts but Candice bends Bianca back! Candice lets go at 4, SmackDown returns to single picture,. and Candice brings Bianca up. Bianca rolls Candice up, TWO! Candice ENZIGIRIS Bianca down! Candice hurries to a corner and goes up, to then CROSSBODY! But Bianca rolls through! The fans fire up as Bianca lifts, but Candice slips free! Candice pulls the braid! Bianca uses that to reel Candice in for an ELBOW! But Candice grabs the braid to throw Bianca down! Both women are down and the fans fire up!

Bianca and Candice crawl, Candice goes to Bianca! STEP-UP- NO! Bianca avoids the senton! But Nia YANKS Naomi down from the outside! The fans boo but Nia sends Naomi into barriers! Candice stands Bianca up, but Bianca rolls her again! TWO, and Candice SUPERKICKS Bianca down! Candice hurries to the corner, tag to Nia. Nia storms up on Bianca, mockingly reaching out to Naomi, and then CLUBS Bianca! Nia whips, LARIATS, and SAMOAN DROPS! Bianca sputters and goes to the corner, but Nia runs up! Bianca BOOTS Nia first! Bianca ELBOWS Candice, dodges Nia, then RAMS into her! Candice grabs the braid!

Bianca whips Candice into the POST! Bianca climbs, but Nia ROCKS her! Nia climbs up after Bianca, fireman’s carries, but Bianca CLUBS away! Bianca is safe, she shoves Nia away, then CROSSBODIES! Both women are down and the fans fire up! Naomi returns! Bianca crawls, hot tag to Naomi! The fans fire up as Naomi ROUNDHOUSES Nia away, then slingshots for the FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Nia still has a lot left in the tank but Naomi HAMMERS away on her! Nia shoves Naomi away, runs up, but Naomi dodges! Nia POSTS herself, falls back, and Naomi goes up! SPLIT-LEG MOONSAULT! Cover, Candice breaks it!

Naomi ENZIGIRIS Candice for it! Tag to Bianca and the tag champs go after Nia. Nia fights back, SAMOAN DROP for Naomi! The fans boo but Nia looms over Bianca. Nia runs, Candice sneaks a tag, and Bianca dodges! Bianca SPEARS Nia! Bianca runs, handsprings, but Candice DROPKICKS her down! STEP-UP SENTON! Nia rises, she adds a SENTON of her own! Candice covers, TWO!! Bianca survives and the fans fire up! Candice can’t believe it, but San Diego declares, “This is Awesome!” Candice storms around, snarls, then runs up at Bianca. Bianca ALLEY-OOPS her onto buckles! Then SPINEBUSTERS her down!

Bianca runs, handsprings, and MOONSAULTS! But Nia runs up! Bianca dodges, LEG DROP hits Candice!! Nia panics, runs up on Bianca, but Bianca tosses her out! LARIAT and down goes Bianca! Naomi tags for the BUBBA BOMB! Gedo clutch, Naomi & Bianca win!

Winners: Bianca Belair & Naomi, by pinfall

The tag champs find a way to survive, but now they’ll have to meet NXT’s Meta Four on January 28th! NXT goes on the road to Atlanta, Georgia, will Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson be bringing the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships home as souvenirs? Or will they only feel the StrongEST Glow?

Pregame interview with Bayley.

Byron Saxton walked through an empty Pechanga Arena with The Role Model before the show, and noted how last week, Bayley won the Fatal 4 Way #1 Contender’s match. Now, we’re in San Diego, with a sold out crowd as Bayley challenges Tiffany Stratton for the title. What does this match mean to her? Well, sold out here in her home state, that is what dreams are made of. We all dream about being in the main event and fighting for a championship. This is a huge night for her. Thinking on her career, this time last year, she won the 2024 Royal Rumble and earned a guaranteed championship opportunity.

Bayley would challenge former friend, Iyo Sky, someone she respects so much in this business. That felt like the peak of Bayley’s career, where she was going to do something different and change the world. To be honest, she isn’t sure she fulfilled her potential during that reign. Yes, she defended the title, took it all over the world, but she always felt she was just winning by the skin of her teeth. She’s a perfectionist, she loves wrestling so much. And so, that reign was certainly cut short when Tiffany helped Nia take that title from Bayley. Tonight is a big night for her.

Then how does tonight feel different from past opportunities in regaining the title? Well, we’ve seen what Tiffany has done this past year, and she just showed she’s willing to turn on her friends to get to the “Tiffy Top,” as she puts it. Part of Bayley respects her, but the other part wants to beat Tiffy that much more. Tonight, it’s personal. Byron wishes Bayley luck and they shake hands. Will this be a big first defense for Tiffy? Or will it be a big comeback for the former Grand Slam Champion?

Mia Yim talks with B-Fab backstage.

Michin just knows she would’ve had Chelsea Green if not for Piper Niven. They always gotta use numbers! B-Fab knows how they do. That US Championship should’ve been Mia’s! B-Fab tells Mia to keep her head up, because she’ll get another shot to take down sleazy- Piper Niven walks in being all Secret Service. Piper says the room is clear, no threats to the champion. Chelsea walks in, thanks “Spicy Service,” and says B-Fab and “Mimi” should stand up and properly congratulate her as the only woman to successfully defend this title. B-Fab says Chelsea please. We all know that if it wasn’t for Piper the Mall Cop, Chelsea would not be champion.

Piper steps up and tells B-Fab that if she takes another step closer, it’ll be her last. If that’s how Piper wants to play it, then how about this? B-Fab will talk with Aldis, then she and Piper can handle their problem tonight. Then after Piper, Chelsea better watch her back. Mia says that is a threat. Mia follows B-Fab, Chelsea tells Piper to neutralize B-Fab. Piper agrees. But just how will this shake out when Piper’s the one in action?

Jimmy Uso heads to gorilla.

“San Diego! The goal tonight is to make sure Carmelo stays missing. Hey, ya boi got something to prove! Hey, I’m proud of The Yeet Man. My brother got his own title match coming up, and it’s time to go get mine. But it starts tonight with Carmelo. Hey yo, Uce, between me and you, Big Jim is Him!” Jimmy heads out to the ring, will he prove he’s just as worthy of golden opportunities?

Jimmy Uso VS Carmelo Hayes!

SmackDown returns as Melo makes his entrance. Melo has a mic to tell Big Jim that he wants to get this straight. Roman’s in the Rumble, Jey’s got a world title match, and what’s Jimmy got? It just seems like Jimmy is living in the shadow of his brother who is living in the shadow of Roman Reigns. But for some reason, Jimmy’s taking shots at H1M? Then here’s a serious question: How can Jimmy take shots when he’s sitting on the bench? Do Melo a favor: Lace up those shoes real tight, Unc, because you’re about to see that Melo Don’t Miss. But then Jimmy TOSSES Melo into the ring! Jimmy borrows those sunglasses, then he fires haymakers!

The fans fire up as Jimmy pops, locks ‘n’ ROCKS Melo! Jimmy whips, but Melo avoids the superkick! Melo bails out, the fans boo, and Jimmy grins. Jimmy hurries after Melo but Melo HOTSHOTS Jimmy down! Melo storms in to CLOBBER Jimmy, and he stomps away at the ropes! The ref counts, teh fans boo, but Melo lets off at 4. Melo soaks up the heat, then he CHOPS Jimmy against ropes. Melo stalks Jimmy, CHOPS Jimmy in a corner, then brings him around for haymakers. Melo whips, Jimmy reverses, QUICK DRAW! Melo is in a corner, and the fans join Jimmy in chanting, “UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs, but Melo dodges the hip attack!

Melo comes back, but Jimmy puts him on the apron. Jimmy UPPERCUTS Melo, Melo sputters, and Jimmy goes out to join him. Jimmy suplexes Melo onto the apron! Melo writhes, Jimmy refreshes the count, and then Jimmy builds speed! Jimmy DIVES, and Melo is sent into the desk! The fans fire up for Jimmy while SmackDown goes to break.

About Chairshot Radio Network

MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

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Coverage

Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 1.16.25

The Go Home for Genesis this Sunday! Let’s see what happens!

Published

23 hours ago

January 16, 2025

Andrew Balaz

So Genesis is Sunday, followed by next week’s Live Episode of iMPACT! Let’s see exactly how we get to Genesis and not to bury the lead, the fact the WWE/TNA partnership was extended for a few years is very big news for TNA. More visibility for a nostalgic brand and the younger NXT wrestlers get more opportunities with potential sprinkles of a big name here or there (yes I only really mean AJ Styles, but that’s what we all want to see one more time).

Let’s get to the show and see if it’s a Go Home worth anything.

After her shocking appearance on @WWENXT, @mashaslamovich steps into the confessional with @WeAreRosemary…

WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/Dw7ITswj28 pic.twitter.com/YSTXfJZw6X

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) January 17, 2025

Ratings:

Trent Seven vs Leon Slater: Slater wins via Swanton 450 – *
Fir$t Cla$$ vs Maniac Marines (Eric Young & Steve Maclin): EY wins via Macho Elbow – ** 3/4
Laredo Kid vs Jake Something: Jakes wins via Avalanche Something Bomb – **
The Hardys vs Ohio Versus Frankenstein (Sami Callihan & PCO): Hardys win via Crouton Bomb – ***

Results:

Trent Seven vs Leon Slater

British on British violence! I just appreciate that Trent’s theme is a down tuned remix of Seven Nation Army.

A little back and forth until Slater hits a Reverse Gamengiri, Trent tries to climb back to the apron after the powder, eats a Shotgun Kick. Trent dodges the dive, and Suplexes Leon down the steps at Center Stage. I feel like Slater over sold the spot, but I suppose using your surroundings is always interesting. Leon slides in at 9.5, Trent gets a little cocky and Leon hits two Flash Cradles for near falls, as Trent is reeling from the quick pinfall attempts he eats another Shotgun Kick for a near fall. Trent sells to the corner, eats a Jumping Bootwash, Leon perches Trent, goes for possibly a Spanish Fly but Trent turns it into an Avalanche Flowsion for two!

Bop and Bang, 7 Star Lariat, Piledriver with flourish and…still a two. Birminghammer attempt but Slater flips out of it, Crucifix pinfall for two, Uppercut by Trent and Birminghammer is hit! But Slater…kicks…out? He sells a Suplex where he slides down steps like death, but eats huge signature and finishing moves and kicks out. The psychology in this match is non-existent. Trent does the Finger Break, Leon sells away, hits another Shotgun Kick and Trent powders. X Plex gets reversed into a DDT from Slater. Trent powders off the Ramp, Leon goes to the entrance way runs and jumps off the ramp, then hits the Swanton 450.

Completely stupid match with spots that make no sense. All sizzle no steak, so dumb my IQ dropped 5 points.

The Elegance Clique have a “Pre-Launch Championship Celebration”. Tom Hannifan hates it, the crowd hates it, and the Personal Concierge uncovers a cardboard cut out with a Knockouts Title around their waists…and they are size accurate. Heather is like a My Size Barbie. Ash gives a very cringey speech where she thanks everyone except Heather, the Concierge passes the mic to Heather, Spitfire interrupts of course, and at least Dani cuts the promo to start so it’s tolerable. Yeah this is painfully bad cringe, as much as I didn’t mind the Ash gimmick to start with, this is lame. The only thing saving the segment is the crowd is hot for the the Elegance Clique getting their stuff ruined. So it was lame, but the crowd was into it and Ash sold the destruction of cardboard cut outs like Spitfire just murdered her puppy.

.@PCOisNotHuman and @TheSamiCallihan take on The Hardys! If they win, they’ll secure their spot in the TNA World Tag Team Title match at #TNAGenesis!

WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/Dw7ITswQRG pic.twitter.com/fO9P2F5d9d

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) January 17, 2025

Well the first 40 minutes of this show are making me wish for a stroke instead of watching this. So hopefully it picks up somewhere.

Fir$t Cla$$ vs Maniac Marines (Eric Young & Steve Maclin)

KC flips out of two of EY’s Back Body Drops and does his “First Class” taunt, so EY just slaps him upside the head and tags in Maclin to start beating on Navarro. I do really like KC’s work. He’s like WWE Lio Rush, but likable and talented. Maclin is beating the hell out of KC though, Lariats him out, goes for the SCUD, but AJ low bridges so Maclin crashes to the outside, KC hits the Tope con Hilo with blind tag so AJ is now legal and they start working over Maclin in the corner. Tennessee Whiskey, and there does seem to be a few First Class fans in the crowd.

Navarro is back in for the 305, quick tags though to keep Maclin eating offense. Splash into Big Boot into Assisted Splash while AJ leans on Maclin literally. KC starts picking on kids in the crowd near Judd Normand, he shoves the actor, the actor shoves him back and AJ comes over to mad dog the actor. Maclin takes advantage of the distraction and drops AJ on the way back in with an Olympic Slam, tags in EY and EY comes out hot. KC tags in, EY levels KC and they start messing around in the corner, AJ tries to break it up but eats a Busaiku Knee from Maclin and then a SCUD. EY manages to throw KC off the turnbuckle and then hit the Macho Elbow for the win.

After the match Eddie, Lish and Brian Myers stand at the entrance way to send a message but not cause any real chaos.

Josh Alexander and his two bitch boys come out to cut a promo on Santana or something. I am about as interested in this as I am in Norwegian Dog Sledding. Josh trying to say Santana is too hurt to go at Genesis when we all know this was filmed the same time like a month ago. You really can’t do doofus attempts a story when you’re promoting the first live episode in nearly a decade or something for next week. At least the match should be good because this build is lame, the jabronis are useless, “Bald Ass Head” is the big insult…sheeeesh.

Laredo Kid vs Jake Something

Well…someone has to win this match, so there’s that.

Nothing special start until Jake comes off the ropes and runs over Laredo sending him flying over the ropes onto the ramp. Jake panders to the crowd, Laredo tries to get something going but Jake steps on his foot to stop any Lucha things, and mollywops him. Jake runs him corner to corner until Laredo moves, strings a few moves together, tries to fly and then gets knocked out of the sky with a Forearm. Only a two count for Jake, but Laredo is definitely doing his best impression of a pinata so far in the match. Laredo gets a desperation Satellite DDT, misses his big attempt, but Jake misses the Spear in the corner, La Magistral gets a 2, a few bad spots from Laredo where it looks like he missed a Satellite Facebuster and sloppy Essex or Canadian Destroyer. Laredo goes to the top, Jake bear paw slap, goes up top and Avalanche Something Bomb for the win.

The Hardys vs Ohio Versus Frankenstein (Sami Callihan & PCO)

Before the Hardys intro, the 23 thing flashes a few times again. So at least they didn’t forget that.

Sami starts with Jeff and gets in a few early shots and goads Jeff with Hardys taunts, then all four get in, throw hands and we go to commercial. We come back from commercial to Matt Delete Turnbuckling Sami, and then Poetry In Motion the classic way! A few quick tags, but Sami eventually knocks down Matt, tags in PCO, Matt’s moves aren’t very effective, Jeff throws himself in too and they get their asses beat by PCO. PCO tags in Sami, Sami slaps around Matt, drags his face across the ropes, tags PCO back in and uses PCO as a battering ram into Matt’s chest. PCO keeps Matt in their corner, tags back in Sami, some simple tandem work and a short 2 count for Sami. Sami calls PCO back in and they’re formulating a tag move, they try the Double Back Drop, but Matt turns it into a Double DDT instead.

Jeff tries to fight them both off, Sami grabs Jeff, PCO goes for the Lariat, malfunction at the junction, Whisper in the Wind mostly hits PCO so Jeff Splashes Sami. Twist of Hate, Twist of Fate, Swanton Bomb from Jeff and the Hardy Boys win!

Before the obligatory contract signing on the Go Home before a PPV, Jordynne walks over to the announce table with the contract for her match with Tessa. Says she’ll leave it with them so she can’t miss it, but hey, “if she doesn’t show up at Genesis it wouldn’t be the first time”. That’s funny.

Joe starts the promo saying he has to win, but its on him to take the title from Nic. There’s an intensity, so it’s not all cornball jokes and shenanigans. That’s kinda nice to start with. Nic takes the babyface angle of “you’re not wrong but I don’t think you’re ready yet kid”. Then he plays the JBL clip from Bound for Glory. Nic tries to use the video to clear his name because Ryan got attacked too. Joe is about to poke a hole in the defense but then Hollywood Abyss Mokuba shows up. “MY BROTHER SETO” Ryan interferes, Nic tries to stop the stupidity but Ryan plows through is about to eat a Standing Ovation but Nic Superkicks Joe to save Mokuba. Nic does stand there as the crowd chants “kick your brother”, but Nic doesn’t pull the trigger but you can tell he’s contemplating.

OH! Sexy Tessy shows up, signs the contract but Jordynne was waiting for her and leaves Tessa laying with a Grace Driver and solid intensity. Okay most of the show was kinda mid but the ending was pretty solid.

Overall Score: 6.25/10

As I said at the very end, most of this show was mid…or mediocre for the older crowd. Indie Spotfest Dumbassery to kick off the show, a few segments that made me question if I was tasting pennies, a decent match with First Class, the stalled push never relevant squad match between Jake and Laredo, and at least the main event match was fun.

The video packages always feel lackluster because the only people really watching TNA currently are hardcore fans. I never really see too many people pull the whole “whoa first TNA episode in 11 years and I decided on the random Go Home instead of the first live episode since 2015”. See, this is why logic matters in booking. WWE gets to have the mentality of “it could be someone’s first time watching it” every week because they the biggest show in town. The name alone will garner random views or transient lapsed fans if they get a whiff of something. However when it comes down to TNA, people are only surprised its still alive.

Even with many questionable hours it wasn’t terrible. It did fine…plus like I just said, there’s opportunity for more random eyes thanks to the WWE merger AND a live episode next week. So the Go Home format won’t change, but hopefully the exposure gives us more congruent storylines.