Coverage

Andrew’s NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 16 Results & Match Ratings: 1.5.2022

NJPW Wrestle Kingdom Day 2! Is there more to care about than Okada vs Ospreay? Let’s find out!

Published

3 years ago

January 5, 2022

Andrew Balaz

NJPW Wrestle Kingdom Day 2! Is there more to care about than Okada vs Ospreay? Let’s find out!

Well Day 1 was underwhelming but still left me with remnants of hope. However, as soon as we’re told that there’s 3 dark matches born from the Ranbo and Day 1 results, I immediately don’t care. When I actually see who is in these matches, I’m bored, confused and mad all at once.

So Day 2 on paper now has me doubting its validity as entertainment. Hopefully the Stardom girls, US Championship and main event are enough to keep me invested because I’m really not sure how to feel about this anymore.

Well I guess we should get this started.

Ratings:

Gedo, Jado & Bad Luck Fale vs Togi Makabe, Tomoaki Honma & Yuji Nagata: Honma wins via Middle Rope Kokeshi – ** ¼
TenCozy (Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima) & Master Wato vs Suzuki-Gun (TAKA Michinoku, Yoshinobu Kanemaru & El Desperado): Wato wins via Inverted Lotus Lock – ** ¾
Suzuki-Gun (Taichi, ZSJ & DOUKI) vs LIJ (Shingo Takagi, Hiromu Takahashi & BUSHI): Shingo wins via Last of the Dragon – ***
IWGP Junior Tag Titles: Mega Coaches (Rocky Romero & Ryusuke Taguchi) vs Bullet Club (Taiji Ishimori & ELP) vs Flying Tigers (Robbie Eagles & Tiger Mask) (c): Eagles retains via Ron Miller Special – ***
Stardom Tag: Saya Kamitani & Tam Nakano vs Starlight Kid & Mayu Iwatani: Saya wins via Phoenix Splash – *** ½
KOPW 2022: Chase Owens vs CIMA w/Stronghearts vs Minoru Suzuki vs Toru Yano (c): Suzuki wins via Gotch Style Piledriver – ** ½ – Trophy CHANGE!!
NEVER Openweight 6 Man Titles: CHAOS (YOSHI-HASHI, Hirooki Goto & YOH) vs House of Torture (SHO, EVIL & Yujrio Takahashi) (c): HoT retain by typical crap – ½*
SANADA vs Great-O-Khan: SANADA wins via Japanese Leg Clutch – ** ½
Jeff Cobb vs Tetsuya Naito: Naito wins via Destino – *** ½
NoDQ IWGP US Heavyweight Championship: KENTA (c) vs Hiroshi Tanahashi: Tanahashi wins via High Fly Flow through Table off Ladder – *** – TITLE CHANGE!!!
IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Will Ospreay vs Kazuchika Okada (c): Okada retains via Rainmaker – **** ¾

Results:

They added 3 dark matches? I have a feeling this will involve a lot of stuff I should have just gone back to sleep for. Talk about starting off on the wrong foot.

Gedo, Jado & Bad Luck Fale vs Togi Makabe, Tomoaki Honma & Yuji Nagata

Oh did you expect anything of merit? Fale is big, there was a “he’s too big to throw around” moment. Nagata neutralized people trying to interfere, Makabe and Honma had a few tandem attacks on the likes of Jado and Gedo, Honma hit…I think all of his Kokeshis. Then he goes for the middle rope Kokeshi on Gedo, actually hits it and picks up the win! Honma’s year might have already peaked.

TenCozy (Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima) & Master Wato vs Suzuki-Gun (TAKA Michinoku, Yoshinobu Kanemaru & El Desperado)

So…the Junior Heavyweight champ, who semi-mained the first day…is now in a dark match? Am I being Punk’d? Is Despy being Punk’d?

We start off with a brawl since Wato wants to prove himself to Despy. But it devolves into TenCozy playing the greatest hits, while TAKA and Kanemaru bump quite a bit but get in a few cheap shots. However, it does end up as Wato versus Despy. Despy absorbs a lot of Wato’s strikes, hits a few big moves but TenCozy breaks up the pin and then hits a TenCozy Cutter. Wato goes for the RPP, but he misses. Despy sets up for Pinche Loco, Wato flips out, goes for a Sunset Flip pinfall, Despy goes to reverse the cradle, but then Wato turns it into a submission? Like some leg braced inverted Lotus Lock or something?

Despy did need a challenger, but the fact they’re finally giving Wato a shot is a little shocking.

Suzuki-Gun (Taichi, ZSJ & DOUKI) vs LIJ (Shingo Takagi, Hiromu Takahashi & BUSHI)

Well now, if I thought Despy was bad enough now Shingo and Hiromu are both in this Dark match? Just Wow. If the “main card” isn’t tremendous after relegating these guys to dark matches, I’m not really hopeful for NJPW in 2022.

This was a bit of a cluster in a good way. Hiromu picked a fight with ZSJ, tried his hand at catch wrestling, but it was definitely heavier into the comedy aspects of World of Sport. Taichi and Shingo faced off a bit, but as soon as we saw DOUKI in this match we knew it was done.

LIJ needed the win since they have their faction battle against KONGOH for the January 8^th NOAH crossover show. KONGOH currently holds the top two belts in NOAH, so LIJ couldn’t limp into that fight looking like punks. Double team action from Shingo and Hiromu, DOUKI is rocked, Last of the Dragon and Shingo wins!

Those dark matches were surprisingly decent, except for the first one. Now let’s just hope the official card keeps up the momentum.

IWGP Junior Tag Titles: Mega Coaches (Rocky Romero & Ryusuke Taguchi) vs Bullet Club (Taiji Ishimori & ELP) vs Flying Tigers (Robbie Eagles & Tiger Mask) (c)

So this was chaotic, it was like a lucha rules match. Tiger Mask got dumped out early, a lot of fun high spots and counters from Eagles. We saw the dual Avalanche Back Rakes from the Bullet Club group, and it was just entertaining. It looked like they were setting up a pile up spot for El Phantasmo, but Tiger Mask came back into the match, hits an Avalanche Tiger Suplex into a Tiger Driver, but the pinfall gets broken up.

ELP pulls off some impressive moments, including a Splash nearly fully across the ring. ELP tries to pull off Sudden Death, Robbie counters it and makes ELP kick Taiji. Then everyone else holds down ELP, reveals the metal in the boot, so the referee disqualifies the Bullet Club team and makes it a 2 on 2.

Cradles everywhere, some generally amusing situations but it ends with Rocky and Eagles, Rocky tries to find an opening but Eagles grabs his legs and ties him up. Pulls off the Ron Miller Special out of the Turbo Backpack, and Rocky is forced to tap out.

Stardom Tag: Saya Kamitani & Tam Nakano vs Starlight Kid & Mayu Iwatani

Starlight and Saya start off, Starlight drops Saya and wipes out Tam, then tags in Mayu. We see a bit of MK Sisters throwbacks, so I’m not sure if this is a Starlight ploy, or if they are doing this more for the betterment of Stardom and their own personal factions.

Tam really went after Mayu for her own personal vendetta, Starlight and Saya tried to prove themselves as the youngest and it was a very fun match. Tam showed off her striking ability and general resolve. Mayu and Starlight went back into the MK Sisters bag a few times. After an Endless Waltz-esque moment where Saya and Starlight traded Rolling Cradles which Saya got the best of after a Deadlift Schoolboy Suplex. Star Crusher set up for the finish and then Saya hit the Phoenix Splash for the win!

Stardom looked quite good and each woman got across their own style and personality.

KOPW 2022: Chase Owens vs CIMA w/Stronghearts vs Minoru Suzuki vs Toru Yano (c)

So El Lindaman and T-Hawk come out with CIMA, so that’s a bit unexpected to see Stronghearts in New Japan. Chase, Suzuki and CIMA continue the gang up on Yano idea. Then it devolves into everyone wanting a piece of Suzuki. CIMA versus Suzuki is entertaining and unexpected, but we get small tastes of things and that’s a good way to do this match.

Everyone gets a few moments to shine, Yano nearly steals the match after a low blow, but Suzuki kicks out, knocks Yano’s head off with that chasing single leg Dropkick, Sleeper into Gotch, and The King…well…is The King of Pro Wrestling 2022 so far.

NEVER Openweight 6 Man Titles: CHAOS (YOSHI-HASHI, Hirooki Goto & YOH) vs House of Torture (SHO, EVIL & Yujrio Takahashi) (c)

Not gonna lie, including the 3 dark matches this is the seventh match of the show…and none of it really matters. I’m already sick of this show and we’re going into a match with EVIL’s garbage.

Typical House of Torture crap mixed with typical 6 man strategy that we’ve already seen a few times. This match is worthless. I’ll rank it slightly higher than the NEVER from yesterday because the SHO and YOH thread is alright. But even that feels stupid now.

This crap is part of the reason why New Japan has been nearly unwatchable for the last few months.

Thankfully NOAH invades the Tokyo Dome stakes their claim lead by Keiji Mutoh. Shingo comes out to reply a bit with Kenoh, but he eventually relaxes to the back since LIJ is out numbered. Kenoh and Kaito Kiyomiya shake hands right before NOAH leaves the ring to show solidarity for the company and they’re putting their differences behind them for 1 day.

SANADA vs Great-O-Khan

SANADA is on the early receiving end, then we get one of the dumbest exchanges I’ve ever seen with dueling Mongolian Chops/Block with return attempted chops. It’s stupid because it’s not a move that looks good from SANADA. Mongolian Chops are better from bulkier guys, not athletic pretty boys.

We see SANADA gain some momentum after a low Dropkick, but a lifting Flatliner sends SANADA powdering. O-Khan again hints at wanting to do a plancha, but the referee and Aaron Henare don’t want him to do it. SANADA gets up and challenges him to do it, O-Khan finally says screw it and pulls off a gorgeous Plancha to SANADA’s disbelief. They trade submissions for a while, counter holds, counter strikes, moving out of finishers…but heavily uninspired.

O-Khan tries to surprise SANADA again with a perfect middle rope Moonsault, he goes into the Eliminator but SANADA sits out, kicks O-Khan’s legs out from under him, hooks the legs with his feet and executes the Leg Clutch from the ground for the pinfall.

This was a low impact special singles mid card match. Who – cares.

Jeff Cobb vs Tetsuya Naito

No matter how good this match is, I really don’t care coming into it. This show has languished for 3 hours of uselessness. This is legitimately awful. I’d rather be sleeping or doing taxes than watching any of what happened for the last 3 hours, except maybe the Stardom match since that was really great.

Cobb bulldozes Naito early, and when Naito tries to return the favor the referee tries to pull him off of focusing Cobb’s leg, but turnabout is fair play. Marty Asami really needs to know better unless he really likes getting pushed around. They go to the outside, Cobb literally catches Naito, holds him up in the Vertical Suplex position, slams him into the ring post a few times and then runs forward dropping Naito back onto the floor.

As has been the gimmick with many of Naito’s recent matches, he gets thrown around literally and figuratively, but finds the resolve to fight back. Naito focused heavily on the knee before the match and during the match, where Cobb’s strength base finally failed him. Cobb tried to power through with adrenaline fueled Deadlift Suplexes and an Avalanche Powerbomb, but after a Knee Triangle nearly wins the match for Naito, he finds the opportunity to hit Valentia and then Destino for the win.

NoDQ IWGP US Heavyweight Championship: KENTA (c) vs Hiroshi Tanahashi

While it started off in perfect KENTA fashion with him throwing Tanahashi a kendo stick and them having a light saber duel, it quickly devolved into too much. It was amusing to see the first table brought back in, the old US Cup briefcase, but a lot of spots were slow. Especially the finish.

KENTA took what felt like 5 minutes to find a really tall ladder and a second table, then bracing the ladder took too much time even though he tried to entertain people by screaming at Red Shoes for help. KENTA got unceremoniously dumped off the ladder into a trash can, and busted him wide open. So Tanahashi puts KENTA on the table, goes up the ladder and lands the High Fly Flow as KENTA’s blood flows.

It was…mediocre at best. But the spots were just slow and made the match a pain to watch.

IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Will Ospreay vs Kazuchika Okada (c)

The story of this match was that Ospreay really did his homework. We saw Ospreay hark back to many different championship matches Okada has had. Naomichi Marufuji, Hiroshi Tanahashi, Kazuchika Okada himself, Kenny Omega, Katsuyori Shibata; just a lot of little moments that made you stop and go “OH THAT”.

Ospreay also showed a level of maturation when he avoided going for the Sasuke Special on the initial outside the ring spot, but went to it when he got cocky, and Okada countered it. Okada’s thread here was that he knew Ospreay’s playbook fairly well. So he dodged the Hidden Blade once or twice, countered the Sasuke Special and when Ospreay got cocky and went for the Rainmaker, Okada hit him with a Stormbreaker. Ospreay did manage to hit every move in his arsenal, except Stormbreaker.

Hell, Ospreay even did what no one has done in the last year or so that Okada has broken it back out; and that’s kick out of the first full contact Rainmaker. Okada had to utilize the Rolling Rainmaker, the Nakamura inspired Landslide and then one more Rainmaker to keep Ospreay down. It was a really fun much if not a little too over indulgent sometimes. Definitely ends the show on a high note, because this day needed something.

Overall Score: 5/10

Now the first day wasn’t great, but I was hoping it built toward a bigger day 2. This Day was awful, it was generally a 1 match show, beyond the fact I really enjoyed the Stardom tag. KENTA/Tanahashi tried to do too much and failed at many of the attempts. The 3 I gave it was more courtesy for the effort and the fact that KENTA knew some spots were taking too long so he filled time with comedy. SANADA is the most uninteresting wrestler in Japan, so he needs to figure something out. Naito did Naito things and it probably won’t lead to anything major beyond his challenge for the World title. United Empire goes 0-3 again, so that’s a decent enough thread.

Just too damn many matches that did nothing. This was about 4 hours before the main event, but it felt like 20. Such a bad day over inflated with matches that didn’t matter. Okada versus Naito as the next match up will keep people around, but it’s not because of these first two days of booking. Such a sad start to things for New Japan.

I really hope the implied possible cooperation with GLEAT and NOAH leads to something further down the line, because New Japan on its own, is not a captivating company. Their main event scene is fine, everything else is pretty much a dumpster fire.

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Mitchell’s AEW Dynamite Results & Report! (1/5/22)

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Mitchell’s NJPW WrestleKingdom 16 Results & Report! (1/4/22)

Coverage

Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (4/18/25)

ROH says TGIF!

Published

3 hours ago

April 18, 2025

Steven Mitchell

420 Honor Club!

Can’t go wrong with ROH on a Friday afternoon! But will Dustin Rhodes & The Von Erichs still be World Six Man Tag Champions after facing #MXMTV?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Bandido & Komander w/ Alex Abrahantes VS The Infantry w/ Shane Taylor Promotions; Bandido & Komander win.
ROH World Six Man Tag Team Championships: Dustin Rhodes & The Von Erichs VS Johnny TV & MXM Collection; Dustin & The Von Erichs win and retain the titles.
Sammy Guevara VS Lee Johnson w/ Blake Christian; wins.
The Frat House VS ???
Six Man Tag: Atlantis Jr, Fuego & Esfinge VS Euforia, Barbaro Cavernario & Zandokan Jr; win.
Evil Uno & Alex Reynolds VS Jon Cruz & Rosario Grillo; win.

PLAY BY PLAY

Bandido & Komander w/ Alex Abrahantes VS The Infantry w/ Shane Taylor Promotions!

The Most Wanted is once again ROH World Champion, but the Commander of the Skies just lost his ROH World Television Championship. Meanwhile, Captain Shawn Dean & “Bad News & Tattoos” Carlie Bravo want to take over the ROH Tag Division. Will someone be getting Two 2 Da Head? Or will the luchadores be dealing out a Blackjack 21?

The fans rally for Bandido already, which annoys The Infantry. The Code of Honor is not upheld as The Infantry strike first! The bell rings, the ref reprimands and the fans boo as Dean fires forearms with Komander while Bravo has Bandido. Dean kicks Komander, then Bravo SUPERKICKS Komander! Bandido BOOTS Dean, then he brawls with Bravo! They go back and forth, Bandido ROCKS, KNEES, and headlocks. Dean tags in as Bravo powers out, and then Bravo drops down for Dean to take a swing. Bandido blocks that to DECK Dean, but Bravo CHOP BLOCKS Bandido! Bravo shoves Bandido out for Dean to whip hard into railing!

The fans boo but Bravo says, “That’s how we get down! S T P!” Dean drags Bandido up and into the ring, then stays between him and Komander. The fans rally, but Dean RAMS Bandido into the corner! The Infantry mugs Bandido, the ref counts, and The Infantry lets off. Tag to Bravo and he CHOPS Bandido! Bravo puts a leg in the ropes, stomps it, then CHOPS! Bravo stomps Bandido again, then backs off as the ref reprimands. Bravo brings Bandido out, but Bandido fights the suplex! Bravo hooks a leg to FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect, but Bravo drags Bandido from Komander with a HEEL HOOK!

Tag to Dean, Dean stomps Bandido, and Bravo says #TAIGASTYLE taught him that. Lee Moriarty gives a thumbs up, and Dean stomps Bandido. Dean puts Bandido’s leg on the ropes, then HIP DROPS it! The fans rally for Bandido but Dean stomps him down. Cover, TWO! Bandido stays in this but Dean drags him around by the leg. Dean drops an elbow on the knee! Then he drops an elbow on the other knee! Then back to the right knee! Then the left knee! The fans boo but Dean drags Bandido to the corner. Dean runs to ELBOW Bandido, then he tags Bravo. Dean scoops Bandido, Bravo goes up, ELBOW DROP BACKBREAKER!

Bravo swaggers while the fans boo, but then he goes back to cover Bandido. TWO, and the fans rally up. Bravo drags Bandido up to HEADBUTT, then he tags Dean. Dean sends Bravo in, but Bandido TOSSES Bravo out! Dean runs up, Bandido BOOTS him! Dean comes back, Bandido dodges and hobbles, hot tag to Komander! Komander springboards and salutes for the CROSSBODY! Bravo rushes back in, he has Komander, but Komander BOOTS Dean to go up and over Bravo! Komander shoves Bravo into Dean, then knuckle locks Bravo to CHOP! Komander goes up, jumps around, and FLYING RANAS Bravo away!

The fans fire up as Komander dodges Dean, ROCKS Bravo, then mule kicks Dean! Komander sends Dean into Bravo, then springboards to DROPKICK Bravo into giving Dean the DDT! Cover, but Bravo breaks it! Bandido runs up, Bravo wrenches and ROLLING ELBOWS! Bravo is fired up, but Komander SUPERKICKS him! Komander fires off on Dean with forearms and puts him in the corner. Bravo sneaks a tag while Komander climbs up. Komander rains down five punches, then whips Dean corner to corner. Dean reverses, Bravo runs up, CARLIE CROSSOVER! Then feed to Dean’s FLYING LARIAT!

The Infantry then hoist Komander up, wrench and URENAGE DOUBLE BACKBREAKER!! Bravo covers, but Bandido breaks it! The fans fire up as Dean whips but Bandido TOSSES him! Bravo runs up, Bandido SUPERKICKS him! The fans fire up as Bandido rises, but then Bravo distracts the ref. Shane Taylor gets on the apron, talks trash on Bandido, then ROCKS Bandido! Komander storms up, Shane grabs him, but Bandido comes back! Komander gives Bandido the boost to SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB Shane onto Moriarty & Dean! The fans are all fired up as Komander then BOOTS Bravo, ENZIGIRIS, and calls to Bandido!

Komander tags Bandido, then he ROCKS Bravo! Komander goes corner to corner to go up, up, and ESCALARA MOONSAULT onto STP! Bandido scoops Bravo for the X KNEE!! Bravo is on the ropes. Bandido runs, BLACKJACK 21 PLEX!! Bridging cover, Bandido y Komander win!

Winners: Bandido & Komander, by pinfall

A big victory for Bandido y Komander! With Sueprcard of Honor just a few weeks away, who will step up to take on The Most Wanted for his most wanted ROH World Championship?

ROH World Six Man Tag Team Championships: Dustin Rhodes & The Von Erichs VS Johnny TV & MXM Collection!

The Natural may have been literally robbed of his belt, but he is still a champion alongside Marshall & Ross Von Erich. The Von Erichs are back to help Dustin take back that belt, will the Sons of Texas ride off into the sunset tonight? Or will they find they’re NOT #TVReady?

Speaking of not ready, Johnny, Mansoor & Mason Madden attack the Sons of Texas at the ramp! The fans boo the blindside attack, but Mansoor CLUBS Ross, Johnny CLUBS Marshall, and Mason stomps Dustin. Johnny kicks Marshall, Mason whips Dustin into the railing, and Mansoor RAMS Ross into the steel steps! The fans boo more, Mansoor tells them to shut up, but Marshall fights back! Marshall fires forearms, but Johnny CLAWS Marshall’s eyes! Mason sends Dustin into more railing, then LEG LARIATS Dustin down! Mansoor fires more shots on Ross, then he puts Ross in the ring for Johnny.

The ref checks on Ross, but Ross says he wants the match! The bell rings, and Johnny BOOTS, KICKS, ROCKS, and fires more shots on Ross! Taya Valkyrie shows off the remodeled ROH World Six Man belt while Johnny gives Ross some ground ‘n’ pound. The fans boo but Johnny drags Ross up. But Ross jumps to RANA! And then he arm-drags! And arm-drags again! And DROPKICKS! The fans fire up as Ross brings Johnny up, tags Marshall, and then whips so Marshall can DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Johnny rolls to his feet, mule kicks Marshall, then hot tags Mansoor! But Marshall dodges to BLAST Mason!

Marshall ROCKS Mansoor with counter punch after punch, but Mansoor puts him in a corner for body shots and stomps! The ref counts, Mansoor digs his boot in, but then Mansoor stops at 4. Mansoor argues with the ref while sneaking kicks. Mansoor whips corner to corner, but Marshall comes back to LARIAT! Marshall fires more hands, then he UPPERCUTS! Marshall ROCKS Mansoor, wrenches and whips corner to corner, but Mansoor comes back! Marshall runs through the lariat to then LARIAT Mansoor! The fans fire up and Marshall calls his shot! CANNONBALL for Mansoor! Cover, TWO!

Marshall drags Mansoor up, headlocks, and Ross tags in. They mug Mansoor and the fans cheer that CHOP! Ross headlocks and grinds, but Mansoor hooks Ross’ nose! Mansoor headlocks now, but Ross powers up and out. Mansoor jumps the dropdown, Mason tags in, and Mason BLASTS Dustin off the apron to then LEG LARIAT SPINEBUSTER COMBO! The fans boo, Marshall protests, but MXM mugs Ross! Johnny joins in and they all stomp away! The fans rally for Dustin while Mason TOSSES Ross out. MXM distracts the ref so Taya can stomp away on Ross with those bright green boots!

The ref has to hold Marshall back, and Mason goes out to fetch Ross. Mason puts Ross in the ring, throat chops him, then fires body shots as he says he’s H O T T, O~ G~ O~! Tag to Mansoor, Johnny lets Chappell Roan know they’re big fans, and Mansoor BLASTS Marshall off the apron! Mason scoops Ross, Mansoor runs up, CATWALK SLAM! Cover, TWO! Ross survives and Mansoor snarls. Mansoor clamps on with a chinbar and armlock! Ross pries at the grip, reaches out for the ropes, and Marshall coaches him. Ross fights up, Mansoor holds him back, but then Mansoor THROWS Ross down by his hair!

The fans boo, but Mansoor drags Ross back to tag Johnny. Johnny stomps Ross, then drags him up, only for Ross to fire body shots! Johnny gets up and under Ross, Alabama ROLLING SLAM! Cover, TWO! Johnny stands over Ross and pulls on the arms while he tags in Mason. Mansoor runs around the outside to blindside Dustin! The fans boo and Marshall protests, but there’s nothing to be done as Mason drops an ELBOW on Ross! And another ELBOW! And then a JUMP ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Mason is annoyed, Dustin is down, and Mansoor tags in. Mansoor tells Marshall that he saw the Iron Claw movie, and it SUCKED!!

The fans boo but MXM hoist Ross up! Mason runs, but Marshall DUMPS him out! Ross CLUBS away on Mansoor, reaches for Marshall, but Mansoor holds onto a hand! Ross fires a forearm, the fans rally up, but Mansoor still holds on! Mansoor ducks the shot, back suplexes, but Ross lands out! DOUBLE LARIATS take both men down! The fans fire up as Ross and Mansoor crawl! But Mason is creeping up! Mason YANKS Marshall down, then THROWS him into the steel steps! And he CLUBS Dustin for good measure! Mansoor rolls up Ross, TWO! Ross feints high to BACKDROP Mansoor! Dustin rises up!

The fans are thunderous as Mansoor and Ross crawl, hot tags to Johnny and Dustin! The Natural rallies on the Guru of Greatness, then whips, but Johnny reverses! “Not Today!” UPPERCUT! SNAP POWERSLAM! Mansoor is in, but Dustin kicks and “Not Today!” UPPERCUT! SNAP POWERSLAM! Mason is in, but again, “Not Today!” But Mason grabs Dustin first! CHOKE- NO, Dustin slips free, and feeds Mason to a DOUBLE DROPKICK from the Von Erichs! Johnny CLUBS Dustin, whips, but Dustin hits a BULLDOG! Cover, Mansoor breaks it! The fans boo but Mansoor CLUBS Dustin. Mansoor whips, Dustin reverses, but Mansoor avoids the powerslam!

Mansoor DDTS Dustin, but Ross RANAS Mansoor! Johnny SUPERKICKS Ross! Marshall DISCUS LARIATS Johnny! Mason LEG LARIATS Marshall! Dustin storms up, Mason HEADBUTTS him! Mason runs, but Dustin dodges! Mason’s leg is in the ropes, and he begs Dustin not to. Dustin pokes Mason in the eyes! And then he puts Mason’s other leg in the ropes! Dustin takes a deep breath, but Johnny runs up! Dustin gets around and lifts Johnny, to stick him right in there with Mason! Taya protests, but that lets Dustin hit DOUBLE SHATTERED DREAMS!! Mansoor runs up, Dustin dodges, DESTROYER!!

Ross is in, and he gives Mansoor an IRON CLAW!! Marshall has Mason, and SLAM DUNKS him into Johnny’s TV! Johnny sits upright, right into Mansoor’s runway! Ross keeps Mansoor in a corner, and Dustin brings Johnny up! Dustin puts one out, then hits the FINAL RECKONING!! Cover, Sons of Texas win!!

Winners: Dustin Rhodes & The Von Erichs, by pinfall (still ROH World Six Man Tag Team Champions)

Taya is beside herself! Dustin gets his belt back as the Von Erichs keep theirs! Will no one ever truly stop The Last of His Kind from running the ROH Tag Division?

[Due to scheduling conflicts, coverage will be on delay]

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Coverage

Andrew’s TNA iMAPCT! & Unbreakable Results & Match Ratings: 4.17.2025

iMPACT is the Pre-Show, Unbreakable is a TNA+ Special! See what happened!

Published

18 hours ago

April 18, 2025

Andrew Balaz

iMPACT! is getting the old Heat treatment as a TV episode pre-show. While nothing about the iMPACT episode seems overly intriguing, they all actually have narrative weight, and since the last two weeks have been devoid of weight and general cohesion…this might be a surprisingly good episode which would serve as a better pre-show than expected.

I’m still mad that it’s a damn Thursday and they want to have 4-5 hours of show because WrestleMania reasons. Even WWE realized doing long shows before workdays was stupid, so NJPW giving them the idea to break Mania into two nights is a boon for everyone over thirty.

Also the main reason I’m doing a joint article. Since Unbreakable starts immediately after iMPACT, I’m not gonna put up back to back articles. One stop shoppin it!

Will @AJFrancis410 be crowned the FIR$T TNA International Champion TONIGHT at #TNAUnbreakable?!

WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/rT1TusIxJd pic.twitter.com/rxiBn6PxPw

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 18, 2025

iMPACT! – Ratings:

Laredo vs Jason Hotch w/Tasha Steelz: Laredo wins via Laredo Fly – ** 1/4
Jazmyn Nyxx w/Fatal Influence vs Xia Brookside w/Lei Ying Lee: Xia wins via Small Package – **
KC Navarro vs Cody Deaner: KC wins via Loaded Fist – **
Maggie Lee & Heather by Elegance w/Personal Concierge vs Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley: Hot Topic Hotties win via Cemetery Drive – ** 1/4
Jakara Jackson w/Lash Legend vs Dani Luna w/Jody Threat: Dani wins via Luna Landing – ** 1/4
Leon Slater vs Brian Myers: Myers wins via Roster Cut – ** 1/2

Unbreakable – Quick Ratings:

Zachary Wentz vs Eric Young vs AJ Francis: Young wins via Piledriver – *** 1/4
Ace Austin vs Steve Maclin vs Eddie Edwards w/Alisha: Steve Maclin wins via KIA – *** 1/2
X Division Championship: Moose(c) w/Alisha vs Akeem: Moose wins via Lights Out – Long Squash
Mustafa Ali & Nemeths vs Hardys & Mike Santana: Jeff Hardy wins via Swanton Bomb – ***
Kaz & Tessa vs Joe Hendry & Masha: Hendry wins via Standing Ovation – ** 3/4
Barb Wire Massacre: Sami Callihan vs Mance Warner w/Steph De Lander: Callihan wins via Cactus Driver ’97 – ** 1/2
Inaugural International Championship: AJ Francis vs Steve Maclin vs Eric You: Maclin wins via K.I.A. – *** – TITLE CHANGE!!!

Results:

Laredo vs Jason Hotch w/Tasha Steelz

Laredo starts quick with a Straight Right, Tijeras, a few quick strikes, kicks Hotch out of the ring, wants a Plancha, but Tasha gets in the way to stop Laredo’s offense which gives Hotch an opening. Quick trip, a few chops and a hard Irish Whip has Laredo trying to catch his breath. Hotch tries to go for another Strong Irish Whip but Laredo reverses, two kicks, Flying Neckbreaker into a Missile Dropkick sending Hotch to the outside. Laredo finally pulls off his Suicida, and he’s rolling. Corner Forearm, Uno Mass Corkscrew Moonsaults, but Hotch manages to get away after two. A Snap Jab staggers Laredo, Ali style Outside In Rolling Neckbreaker and Hotch tries to take things to the top. But Laredo counters and Avalanche Michinoku Driver…only for two.

Laredo tries to keep things going, Back Handspring Crossbody, but Hotch catches him, big Tilt-a-Whirl Backbreaker for two. Hotch looks to the corner and then gets scared because he thinks Santana might strike, Hotch and Tasha argue, Laredo recovers and runs up the corner and hits the Laredo Fly for the win.

If @CodyDeaner can take down @KCwrestles tonight on #TNAiMPACT he punches his ticket Ultimate X at #TNARebellion! @milanmiracle

WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/rT1TusIxJd pic.twitter.com/T5zqKHVr24

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 18, 2025

Jazmyn Nyx w/Fatal Influence vs Xia Brookside w/Lei Ying Lee

Jazmyn and Xia go for a chain wrestling or World of Sport kind of start. Xia even gets out of the Head Scissors with the classic Hand Stand and pop. After a little taunting, Jazmyn tries to charge but Xia loops around for a flash Cradle, Nyx kicks out quick and retreats to her Fatal Influence friends for a breather. Xia catches her with a Dropkick, a few strikes and starts putting things together until Jazmyn catches her in the corner and Snake Eyes Xia the hard way and then starts leaning her into the ropes, a few Leg Sweeps, PK kicks and Jazmyn is in control. Fisherman’s Suplex Hold from Jazmyn but Xia kicks at two. She tries to fight back up but Jazmyn is using her positioning to keep control. Bulldog into the middle buckle, puts Xia between the ropes and lays in a Round Kick to her chest and Xia has been eating offense for the last few minutes. The crowd tries to rally the little British Angel, but Jazmyn lays in some forearms, hits the ropes, Xia ducks and they hit stereo High Kicks to double down for a few moments.

Xia starts to rally, gets a few shots in, Tijeras, Xia tries Angel Wings but Jazmyn moves. Jazmyn tries to stay on her, but a Jawbreaker gives Xia time to go to the corner, Xia hits the Crossbody, Angel Wings, and looks for a DDT or something but Fatal Influence get involved distracting everyone. Lei has Fallon hanled, but Jacy is mouthing off causing Rosemary to come down and make a Mist save. Jazmyn tries to be opportunistic, but Xia blocks her move and hits the Small Package for the win.

Overbooked and timing was a bit shoddy in some spots, but not offensive. Not bad, but not good either.

KC Navarro vs Cody Deaner

This is for a spot in the Ultimate X match. Here’s to hoping the Blessed One beats the hell out of the loser who’s about as over as Herpes. Meaning he never goes away, and he’s unlikable. Anyone that says “Funny Underdogs are needed on shows”, isn’t that like 60% of the roster? No one is funny if everyone tries to be funny. KC however, he’s fucking hilarious and amazing.

KC tries to pay off Deaner and get him to forfeit, Deaner of course does the underdog thing of fighting back, dumb looking punches, goofball corner spot that he lengthens to the put of looking dumb and not funny. Oh thank God KC hits the Spiderman in the ropes, ducks Deaner and 305 gets hit for a near fall. Now KC is rolling, nice quick offense, Snapmare, Front Roll Neck Snap, Stomp into Split into cover for only two. Deaner goes for the comeback, and a few Lariats, Bulldog, and everything looks soo stupid. Deaner puts KC in the Airplane spin, gets dizzy and then goes again, TKO for two.

Navarro tries to powder, Deaner goes after him but the ref gets Deaner off of him since KC was in the ropes, KC wraps his necklace around his knuckles and a quick Jab to the face as Deaner tries to suplex him, 1-2-3, Blessed WIN.

If Deaner was the only doofus guy he’d be fine, but when we have Santino, Arianna, Laredo, KC, Great Hands, Brian Myers, Dango, Alisha, Hendry (while not a doofus isn’t close to serious), Kaz, Elegance Brand (all 3 of them), Ryan Nemeth and those are just off the top of my head. Everyone can’t be silly or no one is silly and nothing matters.

Maggie Lee & Heather by Elegance w/Personal Concierge vs Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley

I’m gonna keep any Gigi drooling to a minimum since I respect my boy Wentz, but I will say, you gotta love Hot Topic Hotties. Yes I like walking red flags, I’m self aware, and okay with it.

Maggie and Gigi start, a few quick counters, Gigi manages the Double Hook Cradle for two, then Hot Topic Hotties go tandem with a Dropkick and a Twisting Elbow for another two. Tatum is officially legal, Maggie looks for the tag but Heather wants to push Maggie more. Which is exactly how ASH treated her. Tatum turns it around, Gigi tags in, Poetry Bronco, and then Kawada Kicks from Gigi. Concierge distracts, Maggie grabs her, Heather takes the cheap shot, Suplex from Maggie for two. Heather and Maggie get some offense in together, and Heather is working Gigi over in the heel corner. Unicorn Stampede essentially. Heather goes for a pinfall and its only 2. Heather is getting frustrated, Gigi with an Upkick headscissors, Heather tries to stop the tag out, but eats the Mule Kick.

Tatum starts beating on Heather, rams Heather into Maggie, Cartwheel Peach Sunrise, tags in Gigi, Double Headbutts and Cemetery Drive from the Hot Topic Hotties and everyone wins. Jesus…will never leave this chat, he started it.

Jakara Jackson w/Lash Legend vs Dani Luna w/Jody Threat

Things start a little slow, Collar & Elbow tie up that they won’t relent for a while, Jakara tries to turn it into a Headlock Takeover, but Dani is too strong. Dani gets a few shots in, hops the rope for something but Lash makes her present felt and trips Dani while Jakara distracts the referee. The referee didn’t see anything but ejects Lash anyway. Lash won’t go, tries to intimidate the ref and say no. Jakara keeps things moving against Dani while Lash takes her sweet time slowly walking away. Jakara tries a Roll-Up but Dani too thicc to keep down. Dani fights back up, scoops Jakara and drops her unceremoniously.

Jakara starts laying in a bunch of Falling Knees and gets a quick two, before locking in a Cravat that Dani tries to fight out of. Dani counters out of it, ducks the Line, and they crash into each other with Forearms. The Double Fall Down spot is a little played out and this is only the pre-show really.

Dani levels Jakara with a few Lariats, looks for the Luna Landing, Jakara slips it so Dani comes off the ropes with a Busaiku Knee. Luna wants a Blue Thunder but Jakara gets away until Luna grabs her again for the Rebound Blue Thunder Bomb and a near fall. Luna charges the corner, misses, Jakara hits the Tornado DDT, but only two. Jakara tries to ram Dani’s head into the buckles, but Luna blocks, fires and takes Jakara’s head off, Luna Landing gets his and Dani wins!

Elijah has a promo segment and they have a really Sesame Street style “Walk this Way” words on the screen thing. When they did the bouncing ball lyrics with Ron Killings, it was at least cool. This comes off as corny and low budget public broadcasting crap just for Elijah to announce an open challenge at Rebellion or something. Admittedly I zoned out cause I figured it would be nothing of note.

Leon Slater vs Brian Myers

Myers and Slater start in a shoving match jawing at each other, and then Leon lays in a Shoulder Tackle off the ropes, some jumping crap and Myers is getting bounced from corner to corner like a dork. Leon tries to continue the Around the World but a punch, Thrust Kick and Irish Whip across the ring gives him some confidence, but he eats the Feint Mule Kick, Back Handspring Back Elbow…and again System matches are “look stupid and get beat up for 70% of the match until a shortcut can be taken”. Speaking of short cuts, Leon goes for his Corner Leap, Myers guards from it, Leon repositions but gets tripped and eats a Spear. Then…we go to commercial.

Coming out of the commercials Myers is still in control. Leon slips out of a suplex and then connects with a flurry of offense, Myers eats more kicks than I can count, powders, Leon does his corner post leap, comes in and looks to win but an Implant DDT, dick kick and Roster Cut gives Myers the win.

Overall iMPACT! Rating: 5/10

Nothing special but at least it made some sense and was a better than the last few episodes. Low bar comparatively. Now immediately onto Unbreakable! So because this is a long night, I figured I’d do a Watch A Long with Mat Sarpraicone over on Dirt Sheet Radio because I have zero faith in Unbreakable being worth the 2-3 hours it will take to watch it.

So you’ll get quick results with ratings and an overall thoughts at the end of Unbreakable from me, because it’s late and I needed something to keep me awake.

Overall Unbreakable Rating: 4.5/10

The iMPACT! episode was easier to watch and digest, three Triple Threats is too many and the Main Event being a slow paced triple threat after a Barb Wire match and a bunch of faster matches really doesn’t resonate well with fans. Even though I didn’t love the Sami vs Mance match, ending on carnage and the “babyface” winning would’ve been a much better way to send the crowd home happy and we wouldn’t have needed so much time fill during the last hour of the show.

Maclin being the inaugural International Champion is cool, setting up the first defense against Eric Young is good for their story, so most of the marks were hit. It just was too damn slow and had no business being a main event. Champions vs Challengers was okay, but it only really picked up when Masha and Tessa were mixing it up. I liked Moose having the extended squash match for shits and giggles, but two Triples back to back to open the show is an easy way to burn out a crowd. Sure the Moose match was an extended piss break to recharge the crowd, but the card was just laid out awkwardly and things felt like far more of a chore than they should have.

All in all this was a very lame event. Yes I get it was purely stop gap to take advantage of WrestleMania weekend, but with Rebellion next week, we all knew it wasn’t gonna shake things up too much. But hot damn was I about to fall asleep if I wasn’t doing the watch-a-long to not pass out.