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!
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 8th 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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Who will get what they want?
The Wyatt Sick6 want to end things with Solo Sikoa & MFT, and they will put the WWE Tag Team Championships on the line to do so!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- WWE United States Championship Open Challenge: Carmelo Hayes VS Ilja Dragunov; Melo wins and retains the title.
- Jade Cargill VS Chelsea Green w/ Alba Fyre & Jordynne Grace; wins.
- WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship #1 Contenders Match: Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss VS Nia Jax & Lash Legend VS Giulia & Kiana James; win and will challenge for the titles.
- Damian Priest VS Trick Williams; wins.
- WWE Tag Team Championships: Joe Gacy & Dexter Lumis w/ The Wyatt Sick6 VS MFT; win(s) and
PLAY BY PLAY
Sami Zayn is here!
Montreal cheers their hometown hero as he makes his way out, and he high-fives the fans along the narrow aisleway. Sami goes to the ring, he grabs the mic, and the fans not only cheer for him, but they sing for him! “OLE~, OLE OLE OLE~! OLE, OLE~!” Sami nods, and in French, he welcomes the fans, and in English says, “Damn it feels good to be home!” Sami continues in French and English that momentum is a funny thing in the WWE. But he’ll be damned if he doesn’t feel he has all the momentum in the world right now! Saturday Night’s Main Event, Sami has the chance here in Montreal to become the #1 contender to- Trick Williams interrupts!
The fans boo as Trick makes his way out, mic already in hand. Trick has them cut his music, and he says one thing for sure, two things for certain, Sami Zayn and Trick Williams are NOT on the same level. Trick is Mr. 250, Sami is Mr. Too Many Chances. Trick is Mr. Streetwear, Sami’s Mr. Street Corner. The fans tell Trick off, but Trick says Sami is Mr. Almost, but Trick is Mr. Let’s Toast, cuz Trick Willy knows how to get the job done, let’s talk about it! Trick steps into the ring, and he says Sami’s problem is like he just said: Sami can’t get the job done. Which reminds Trick, the last time Sami had an opportunity at the title was right here in Montreal.
And Sami didn’t get the job done. That is the difference between them. Trick knows how to get the job done! He said it before, he’ll say it again, here in Sami’s city, Trick is going to become WWE Champion. The fans boo Trick and cheer on Sami, and Sami says a couple things Trick said are true, can’t argue with them. Sami did lose a WWE Championship match here in his city, a bitter pill to swallow. Sami had to swallow it, but yeah, it happened. And Trick is also right, he looks like a million bucks and might be a future champion. But one thing Trick said that he’s absolutely right about is that these two are NOT on the same level.
The fans cheer as Sami says to remember that when you step in the ring with Sami, you are dealing with the best of the best! Trick has all the potential in the world, but maybe he’ll reach it in five, ten, fifteen, IF he’s lucky, he’ll be HALF as good as Sami! Trick gets mad but Sami tells him that if Trick thinks he is wrong, do something about it. The fans cheer Sami while Trick looks around. Trick says, “No.” Trick has other things on his mind. He has his match with Damian Priest in the main event. This here, they take care of business tomorrow. And speaking of, Damian Priest makes his way out here!
The fans cheer as The Outlaw has a mic of his own and he joins Trick and Sami in the ring. Priest says, “Trick Willy! Y’know, last week, I told you you’re the guy that does a lot of this (talking). You’ve been on SmackDown what? A month now? And you’ve stepped to everybody and done this. I mean, you just did it to Sami! Last week, I came to your face and you didn’t say a word to me. So I have a theory. I believe you’re afraid of me. I believe you think if you say the wrong thing to me, I’ll drop your ass where you stand. You afraid, Trick? You afraid?” Trick stares Priest down and Priest dares him to say something.
But tell you what, Trick can always do something. The fans cheer as now Trick is stuck between two top stars. Trick says y’all need to mind your business while grown folks is talking! And secondly, Priest thinks Trick is scared? You think he doesn’t know what to say? You think he’s scared to pop off?! Watch this. Trick then SUCKER PUNCHES SAMI! The fans boo, then Trick tries Priest! Priest fires haymakers in return! Priest has Trick in the corner, but Sami gets in there, too! The fans cheer, but Priest backs Sami off. They argue, but Trick CLOBBERS them both! And then he runs for it!
The fans boo but Trick only has until later tonight to prepare for Priest. Will he survive Friday’s main event to make it Saturday Night’s Main Event? Or will he face the Punishment for his actions?
Randy Orton watches this backstage.
Cathy Kelley walks over to ask his take on the situation. He stayed back here to watch rather than get involved, is that strategy on his part? Orton says with all due respect, what in the Hell kind of question si that? 2026 is the Year of the Viper! He has every intention of taking world title gold for the 15th time in his career! And it starts tomorrow night, in the Bell Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, in a Fatal 4 Way at Saturday Night’s Main Event! Orton will beat Sami, he will beat Priest, and he will Whoop Dat Trick! Then he hops on a plane, flies halfway across the world to Saudi Arabia, and fight Drew McIntyre at the Royal Rumble for the World Heavyweight Championship!
Orton will then beat Drew the only way he knows how: With the three most dangerous letters in all of sports entertainment, R K O! The Apex Predator is all fired up, will he punch his golden ticket to Saudi Arabia?
Carmelo Hayes talks with Ilja Dragunov.
Melo asks Ilja if he’s alright after last week’s match with Sami. Ilja says he has had better. Melo says keep your head up, nothing to be ashamed off after that great match. The Open Challenge is Ilja’s if he wants it. Ilja says he just lost to Sami Zayn, his chance at the Undisputed WWE Championship is gone, and he is beat up and bruised. Does Melo think Ilja is so stupid as to compete in this condition for the US Championship? Melo says no, that’s a good point- Ilja pats Melo on the shoulder and says, “You know me so well. See you in the ring.” Well them, challenge accepted. The Miz walks in and says Melo and Ilja are boys now, huh?
This is what Miz can’t stand of this generation. “I look forward to wrestling you.” “Oh, it’s gonna be a great challenge!” Whatever happened to the times when people actually hated each other? Oh, like when Melo hated Miz? Miz says Melo is what the French call easy competition. And take some advice from the adult in the room: Don’t hand out opportunities. What’d Ilja ever give Melo? More of a chance Miz ever did. Melo leaves Miz speechless, but will he still leave with the title? Or will the Mad Russian Dragon make the most of this rematch?
WWE United States Championship Open Challenge: Carmelo Hayes VS Ilja Dragunov!
SmackDown returns as Ilja makes his entrance. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if pain will entertain!
The bell rings and Melo dodges! Ilja blocks the First 48, but Melo avoids the stomp. Ilja blocks a boot, back suplexes, but Melo lands out. Melo CHOPS Ilja to the ropes, then CHOPS again. The fans rally and Melo CHIOPS again! Melo whips, Ilja reverses and HIGH ANGLE GERMAN SUPLEXES! Ilja holds on but Melo scuffs him with forearms. The fans rally but Ilja HEADBUTTS away on the back of Melo’s head. Melo still rises up, fires more elbows, but Ilja spins him to CHOP him down! Ilja clamps on with a REAR BEARHUG and squeezes tight. Melo fires elbows again, fights back to his feet, and pries at the grip.
The fans rally, Melo opens the waistlock, and he switches to shove Ilja. Ilja uses the ropes but Melo avoids the Constantine Special! Melo springboards, but Ilja dodges the Fade Away Jumper! Both men keep moving, DOUBLE LARIATS bring them both down! The fans fire up while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Ilja and Melo stir, rise up, and Ilja reels Melo in for a CHOP! Melo sits back, and Ilja BOOTS him down! Ilja fires up and storms around, but Melo CHOSP! Ilja CHOPS back! Ilja whips corner to corner hard, then runs in for a KNEE! Ilja goes side to side to BOOT Melo through the ropes! Ilja then goes out to the apron to bring Melo up, pushes him against the bar, and CLUBS him! Ilja steps in, brings Melo around, and suplexes for a BROKEN ARROW! Cover, TWO! Melo survives but Ilja clamps on with a CROSSFACE! Melo endures, fights around, gets his arm free, but Ilja keeps on the facelock. The fans rally as Melo fights to his feet.
Melo slips around, SAIDO! Ilja flounders away to a corner while Melo shakes out the bad leg. Melo stands, runs up, but into a BOOT! Ilja then brings Melo around to scoop and SLAM! And then SENTON! Cover, TWO! Melo is still in this, but Ilja hauls him up and reels him in. But Melo BACKDROPS free! Melo springboards, FADE AWAY JUMPER! Cover, TWO! Ilja survives but Melo stays focused, he knows how tough Ilja is. SmackDown returns to single picture as Melo checks his bad leg again. Ilja crawls but Melo is on him with forearms. Ilja UPPERCUTS back, but Melo ROCKS him! Ilja CHOPS! Melo ROCKS Ilja!
Ilja SLAPS Melo, Melo SLAPS back, and the fans rally. Ilja ducks a haymaker to waistlock, but Melo ELBOWS free! That got Ilja in the nose or maybe the bad eye. Melo storms up to Ilja again, but Ilja CHOPS, CHOPS CHOPS! The fans fire up as Ilja CHOPS, SPIN CHOPS, then CHOPS the leg! Ilja lines up a shot, BOOTS Melo down, then stomps him! Ilja stomps Melo again while the fans rally. Ilja drags Melo up, runs the ropes, and BOOTS him again! Melo rebounds to ROCK Ilja! Ilja jumps up to ENZIGIRI! Melo returns, LA MYSTICA! Cover, TWO! Ilja survives and Melo is a bit frustrated, but the fans continue to rally up.
“This is Awesome!” as both men rise. Melo has Ilja first, but Ilja fights the suplex! Ilja has the COBRA TWIST, and throws down HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! Melo fires elbows from below! Melo is free, then sidesteps Ilja, but the CONSTANTINE SPECIAL finds him! Cover, TWO! Melo survives and Ilja is stunned but the fans fire up again! Melo goes to a corner, Ilja goes to the other, and Ilja climbs! Ilja aims, and he goes COAST2COAST into the FIRST 48, BUT ILJA BLOCKS IT?! DEADLIFT POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Melo survives and the fans are fired up again while SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns again and Ilja SLAPS Melo up top! Melo wobbles on the top rope and Ilja climbs. The fans rally, and Melo SLAPS back! Ilja still climbs, CLUBS Melo’s neck, then CLUBS him again! Melo fires body shots, then he HEADBUTTS Ilja! Melo brings Ilja up, the fans like where this is going! But Ilja stops the Layup to CLUB away on Melo! Not quite Beats of the Bodhrain but just as nasty! Then Ilja DEADLIFT SUPERPLEXES!! The fans fire up again and even lose their minds over that one! Ilja and Melo both go to the apron, and Ilja says he knew this would be fun. Melo asks what’s wrong with him!
Both men stand, and Melo SLAPS! Ilja CHOPS! Melo SLAPS again, Ilja CHOPS again, repeat! The fans fire up as the shots go back and forth! Melo SLAPS, LARIATS, and LARIATS! Ilja CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! Then Ilja fireman’s carries, but Melo fires elbows! and a SUPERKICK! Ilja wobbles, Melo reels him in, LAYUP on the apron! They both fall to the floor and the fans fire up again! The ring count is already 5 of 10 as both men rise. Melo puts Ilja in at 7, goes to the corner, and takes aim. But Ilja CHOPS Melo first! And SLAPS him! Ilja fires up, HEADBUTTS, and then climbs. Ilja RIDGE HANDS again and again!
Ilja fireman’s carries Melo off the corner, for a CORNER DEATH VALLEY! Cover, TWO! Melo survives and Ilja seethes but the fans rally up again. Ilja hobbles, goes to the apron, and now Ilja climbs! The fans fire up, but THE MIZ shoves Ilja down!! The fans boo but Melo has no idea! FIRST 48!! Cover, Melo wins!!
Winner: Carmelo Hayes, by pinfall (still WWE United States Champion)
The Miz applauds more himself than he does H1M. Will the Hollywood A-Lister look to make an unwanted sequel with Melo? Or will it be a new story with him and the Mad Russian?
Michael Cole has a sit-down interview with Cody Rhodes.
Maggle welcomes Cody and they shake hands. Cole says he doesn’t want start out with bad memories, but he does have to bring up losing the Undisputed Championship. Cody says it won’t be about losing, it’ll be about regaining the title through the Royal Rumble. Winning it a third time is a nigh impossible feat, but Cody is focused. Cole apologizes, but let’s not overlook Saturday Night’s Main Event. Cody takes on the man who cost Cody that title against Drew McIntyre. What are Cody’s feelings towards Jacob Fatu? Cody says he respects Cole asking what he has to ask, and surely Cole already knows the answer.
Cody… is interrupted as Jacob storms in! Nick Aldis wants Jacob to exit, but Cody says no, it’s alright. We already know what tomorrow is, so Fatu can sit down, too. Cole steps aside for Fatu to sit across from Cody. Fatu says he’ll lay it out on the line for Cody: His concern was Drew McIntyre, who kicked Fatu’s teeth out. Fatu was locked in and full throttle on Drew and Drew alone. Fatu doesn’t give a damn how Cody feels or thinks about that. But then Cody had to be the hero, huh? Had to put his hands on Fatu and that got Fatu’s mind moving. It got the wheels turning. Fatu was thinking- Cody interrupts by saying Fatu was thinking, huh?
Because it sure didn’t seem like Fatu was thinking during Three Stages of Hell! It looked like acting. Cody won’t talk about someone kicking your teeth down your throat, Cody will talk about what everyone is thinking but no one has the balls to say. Fatu was acting, NOT thinking, and that is what got Fatu locked up in the first place. That’s what got Fatu put in prison in the first place! Fatu stands up, Aldis wants things to cool down, and Fatu says okay, we’re going there, huh? Listen, bruh, that ain’t nothing new nobody don’t already know about Fatu. Sixteen, locked down. Eighteen, locked down. Seven kids, no job, and one bedroom!
A month before Fatu got here, he didn’t even know if he had a job! He almost got fired before he got hired, but he ain’t complaining. The choices and mistakes Fatu made all made him a better man. That’s the man standing right here in front of Cody’s ass! Cody says that’s the problem! Fatu is standing across from Cody, but Cody is NOT WWE Champion, and that’s on Fatu. SNME, Montreal, Bell Centre, it SHOULD be for the WWE Championship! Oh, hold on, Cody was gonna make it a title match? NAH! The way Fatu seen it, Drew was already on his way out before Fatu got there. Oh, is that it? Fatu has it all figured out?
Which is completely crazy, because Fatu’s never BEEN in a title match! Fatu gets heated again and says that’s what Cody thinks this is? That Fatu’s just like every other Samoan he’s been against? They don’t make ’em like Fatu no more. Hell, they ain’t ever made ’em like him! Everyone thinks he’s a loose cannon? Unhinged? Outta control!? Nah, bruh. Trust Fatu, he IS in control. Think about that. Fatu leaves, will Samoan Werewolf soon tear the American Nightmare apart?
Chelsea Green & Alba Fyre run across Jordynne Grace.
The Hot Mess & Slaygent A say they’re so glad to see her. Chelsea wanted to take this time to be the bigger person, as per usual, and let Jordynne know that Jordynne is a star! And y’know what stars deserve? A platform to shine on! So that said, Chelsea offers Jordynne the “coveted position” of Slaygent in the Secret Her-vice! They can start her next week at the Royal Rumble to crown Chelsea the NEW WWE Women’s Champion! She could even start tonight! Chelsea is about to go out there and beat up that bully, Jade Cargill, and- Oh, here tonight? Yeah. Then say no more. After you. Chelsea tells Alba to get a suit ready for Jordynne. Sleeveless, of course.
Alba & Chelsea hurry away, but is Jordynne really pledging her allegiance? Or is she the one using Chelsea to get closer to The Storm?
Jade Cargill VS Chelsea Green w/ Alba Fyre & Jordynne Grace!
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Coverage
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 1.22.26
After a great Genesis PLE…do we continue the momentum? Please let us continue the good…
So TNA must’ve let Kazarian model the last two shows after a Metallica song because holy hell do I have WHIPLASH. The Debut sucked on ice, Genesis was tremendous, I don’t even know what to expect this week. Will it be another pile of cow turd? Will it continue off the momentum of Genesis? Will it be something completely different leaving me bereft of words?
Time to find out.
Are @milanmiracle and @AriannaGraceWWE back on the same page?!#TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/vCG9AhKutL
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) January 23, 2026
Ratings:
- Cedric Alexander vs Moose w/Lish: Cedric wins via Double Legged Cradle – *** 1/2
- M by Elegance w/Elegance Brand vs Indi Hartwell: Indi wins via Roll-Up – ** 1/2
- FEAST or FIRED: Eric Young #1, Steve Maclin #2, Eddie Edwards #3, Trey Miguel #4 – ** 1/2
- Mustafa Ali w/Order 4 vs Jeff Hardy w/Matt Hardy: Jeff wins via Swanton Bomb – *** 1/4
Results:
Cedric Alexander vs Moose w/Lish
Collar and Elbow, into the corner, Chops around the world, Moose gets to feelin himself too much, wants 10 Count Punches or something, Cedric Snake Eyes him, Gamengiri…but Moose responds with a Dropkick and Cedric powders to the apron. Moose follows, Forearm Exchange on the apron, Cedric hits an STO on the apron, Moose is selling the back and has been moving stiffly during the start. Moose wants an Apron Bomb, Cedric shakes him, PK, into Dive to break the 10 count.
Cedric tries to feed Moose back into the ring but Moose turns it around and sends Cedric into the steps. Moose breaks the count, wants a Vertical Suplex but sells the back, a few chops and a Pump Kick from Moose as he tries to make his suplex easier, but Cedric plays the Uno Reverse and Suplexes Moose. Cedric climbs to the top, Frog Splash from Cedric for two. A couple of PKs to the back give Cedric another near fall, but Moose fights back, a few big chops, eats a Boot and Swinging Flatliner from Cedric, but Moose tries to fire. Cedric hits Moose and Moose does his Trucker Horn Pull signature taunt to try and get support to fire. Uranage into a Kip Up, Cedric tries to perch and reclaim momentum but Go To Hell, gives Moose a near fall.
Moose goes for a Spear in the corner, but misses and eats buckles, Michinoku Driver from Cedric, but only a two again! Strike Exchange again, both guys have crowd support, Moose goes for the Discus, but eats a straight forearm from Cedric. Cedric bounces off the ropes, eats a Big Boot, Spear from Moose gets countered into a Spanish Fly! Cedric goes up and Moose catches him with a Headbutt. Moose wants Lights Out again, Sunset, Single Leg, Moose stands, goes for the Jacknife, but Cedric pulls off the Body Scissors Double Legged Cradle for the flash victory again!
Mike Santana comes out, comes through the crowd in all his Latino DDP glory and comes out to cut a promo.
.@AJStylesOrg passed the torch, handing @Santana_Proud the keys to lead TNA Wrestling into the @AMC_TV era. #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/MvpaXrKvxC
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) January 23, 2026
M by Elegance w/Elegance Brand vs Indi Hartwell
M retreats to the safety of Rope Break like she’s Toru Yano. M catches Indi’s foot, wants to step on her toe for the incredulous actions at Genesis, but misses the stomp and Indi steps on M’s foot again. M gets in a few dodges, but no offense as Indi is in control. Chops and repeated Stomps to the foot, Uppercuts and a kick on the apron. M dodges the Big Boot, and they stomp on the other foot. Personal Concierge even takes off his Shoes and they hammer her boots with shoes.
Commercial break will probably end when Indi is starting her comeback. Interesting note through the match, ASH keeps stopping the rampant cheating. She hinted at a face turn during the Genesis desk, so maybe she meant it. As we return, Indi is throwing Elbows to break out of M’s Headlock and then connects on a Spinebuster to stop the heel’s offense. Just like I said…classic 90s wrestling TV logic.
Hip Attack into Bulldog from Indi only gets a two count. M tries to counter the Hurts Dontit, but its a little over rotated. They repeat the spot, done better and it’s a Roll-Up into a reverse Roll-Up, and did Indi grab tights?
Elegance Brand attacks, ASH stops them, M shoves ASH. ASH stands her ground, Double Xias come out for to back up ASH. BUT IT WAS ALL A SCAM! ASH attacks Lei Ying Lee, hits a DDT and all the elegantos stand tall.
FEAST or FIRED
Trey Miguel and Rich Swann square off for the first possible briefcase scramble, AJ Francis cuts off Trey, so Swann and Trey work together to Powerbomb AJ. EY then appears to stop all of the attempts, he poses in the middle, eats 4 Superkicks and then gets wiped out by Eddie Edwards and Brian Myers. They do a cut away to the back, then we see Trey jump into a pile of idiots, Home Town Man does the same. The everyone stand there and get jumped on spot if moronic. Home Town then grabs a briefcase, but EY cuts him off before his feet hit the floor. Unmasks HTM to cause him to drop the briefcase, EY picks it up and officially has Briefcase #1. Great Hands try to work together, Maclin cuts them off, grabs Briefcase #2 and walks out. SDL stops Eddie Edwards, Mance grabs a few chairs and starts lighting up Eddie. Eddie fights back, Blue Thunder Bomb onto the chairs. AJ Francis hits the Down Payment into the apron on Rich Swann. Trey stops AJ, Ryan Nemeth cuts off Trey, then Trey hits a Spider Suplex when Ryan tries to shortcut over him. Trey Miguel grabs briefcase #4 and hits the floor with it. Brian Myers clears out everyone else, Eddie grabs case #3, throws it at AJ since he was missed and then Dropkicks into the Briefcase so AJ drops and flops it.
Elayna Black talks like Xanax feels. She talks like she’s bored even if she’s trying to punctuate things. She’s hot, sure…but she’s about as interesting as licking drywall.
Mustafa Ali w/Order 4 vs Jeff Hardy w/Matt Hardy
The commercial break starts things, so we’ll actually see most if not all of the match. Go figure?
Jeff gets the best of Ali early, a little mat wrestling toying, and is just straight, out wrestling Ali. Jeff lets Ali gather himself and re-enter the ring, a small rope run, Jeff feigns a punch and Ali retreats and throws himself over the top rope. Tries to come back, Jeff raises the fist, Ali cowers, so Jeff Low Dropkicks the feet and Ali stomps around like a child on the outside.
Ali finally gets back in the ring, puts together a couple moves but eats a Lariat, Ali counters the Jawbreaker and dumps Jeff to the outside. Matt handles Great Hands, Agent Zero lands a Kick while Matt is jawing with Tasha. Oh…another commercial.
During the commercial, Great Hands struggled moving the bottom steps into position so Zero did it himself. They set up a spot, but Jeff counters and Twist of Hate onto the steps. Both men sell the toll the match has taken, count gets to 9 and they both slide in. Jeff hits his combo, Manhattan Drop, Leg Drop, Low Dropkick, near fall. Jeff tries another Twist, gets pushed off, Jeff wants Whisper, but Ali Dropkick says no. Ali charges and Jeff Leap Frog’s Ali into the buckle. Splash by Jeff, into a Twist of Hate but only for two!
Ali trips Jeff into the ropes, heads to the tag belts and wants to use one, Matt pulls the belt away and fights off the Great Hands. Zero attacks but Matt pushes him into the post. Ali tries the Rolling Neckbreaker but gets cause with a Twist! Swanton…missed! Ali positions Jeff, 450! Jeff kicks out! Elijah’s strum hits, and Ali gets distracted, Twist! Swanton is good! Jeff wins.
So the newest member of the Main Event Mafia…I mean…The System will be revealed today since JDC retired at Genesis. Bear Bronson gets introduced as the new member, and the connection is because Brian Myers trained him. Eddie, Bronson and Myers attack Dango and Moose! Cedric comes down to clear the ring but then hits Moose with a chair. The old…Quadruple Turn. Eddie, Cedric, Myers and Bronson are the new heel system.
Overall Score: 7.25/10
The show breezed by, there were decent matches and we got to see a fair amount of them instead of an avalanche of promos, video packages and ill-timed commercials ruining matches. The System also never felt right as a Face Faction. So leave it to Eddie to put the Japanese flair on the Faction Reboot. I like this new look System, makes more sense how its built. Moose also had the huge hero moment at Genesis, so keeping him babyface and having them kick him out was very correct. Moose is hopefully going to be line for a title run, be it X or World, if he keeps up this babyface momentum, he’s got something in the bag.
ASH pulling the double swerve with faking a face turn just to show she’s cleared for action. At this point, I hope we never know why she was truly out and it’s just a giant scam because she didn’t want the bad optics of losing a title match. Feast or Fired feels like Maclin is getting fired…and that’s gonna suck. TNA has to stop building newer guys who aren’t known from WWE, and then just losing them to bigger dollar signs. Josh Alexander, Ethan Page, Mike Bailey, Ace Austin, The Rascalz…pay these damn people to stick around and build your brand with consistency.
But that’s theory crafting, and we have to wait til next week to see if I rant. This week…was surprisingly really good.

About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
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