Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW WrestleKingdom 16 Results & Report! (1/4/22)
WrestleKingdom 16, Night One!
NJPW goes even bigger in 2022!
NJPW goes even bigger in 2022 as WrestleKingdom 16 will be THREE nights total! But will Kazuchika Okada make it REIGN once again?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- 2022 New Japan Ranbo: Chase Owens, CIMA, Minoru Suzuki & Toru Yano advance to the KOPW 2022 Fatal 4 Way tomorrow.
- YOH VS SHO; Yoh wins.
- Six Man Tag: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Rocky Romero & Ryusuke Taguchi VS KENTA, Taiji Ishimori & El Phantasmo; Kenta, Ishimori & ELP win, by disqualification.
- Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS The United Empire; wins.
Catch Wrestling RulesPro-Wrestling Rules: Katsuyori Shibata VS Ren Narita; Shibata wins.- NEVER Openweight Championship: Tomohiro Ishii VS EVIL w/ Dick Togo; Evil wins and becomes the new NEVER Openweight Champion.
- IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: The Dangerous Tekkers VS Hirooki Goto & YOSHI-HASHI; Goto & Hashi win and become the new IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions.
- IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: El Desperado VS Hiromu Takahashi; Desperado wins and retains the title.
- IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Shingo Takagi VS Kazuchika Okada; Okada wins and will defend the title against Will Ospreay tomorrow.
PLAY BY PLAY
2022 New Japan Ranbo!
Another year, another chance at the KOPW trophy! Toru Yano has already retained this prize two years running, will he be one of the final four going into tomorrow night? Or will the New Year wipe the slate clean?
First out is Bullet Club’s Crown Jewel and NWA Texas Heavyweight Champion, Chase Owens! Out second is the United Empire’s Ultimate Weapon, Aaron Henare! The bell rings and these two go right after each other with forearms! Henare then fires off KICKS, runs but dodges the Shi Trigger to fire off knees! Henare whips but Chase reverses, then BOOTS Henare, only for Henare to run him over with a shoulder! Fans cheer and Henare runs in, but into a BUCKLE SHOT! Chase hurries to stomp Henare at the ropes and even digs his knee in. The ref counts the ropebreak, Chase lets off, and here comes the countdown!
Chase stomps Henare in a corner as we see number three is… Young Lion, Kosei Fujita! Could this be his chance to hit the big time? Kosei runs down the ramp and slides in, dodges Chase and fires off forearms! Chase knees low, runs, but Kosei dropkicks Chase down! Fans fire up for the Young Lion as he fires forearms on Chase. Kosei runs, Chase reels him in for a BACKBREAKER! Kosei writhes to a corner and flops out under the bottom rope, he’s safe. But Henare goes after Chase and tries to throw him over and out! Chase holds onto the ropes, throws body shots through the ropes and gets back in. Henare stomps Chase as the countdown returns!
Henare springboards and stomps Chase down, and number four is… Yuto Nakashima! Another Young Lion enters the match at high speed! Yuto CLUBS Henare and fires off forearms! Yuto fires up, runs, ducks and dodges to CLOBBER Henare! Yuta gets Henare up for forearm after forearm, but Henare hits a heavy body blow! Henare keeps on with the body shots and fast hands! The ref counts as he has Yuto in the corner, and Henare stops at 4. Chase sees Kosei sliding back in and is right on him with fists! Henare snapmares Yuto then KICKS him in the back! The countdown is back already and number five is… Ryohei Oiwa! A third Young Lion!
Ryohei runs into the ring, blocks Chase’s kick and throws him down, to then deadlift gut wrench suplex! Fans fire up as Ryohei dropkicks Henare down! Ryohei gets a leg, drags Henare around, but Henare kicks free, and Chase BOOTS Ryohei down! Chase stomps the Young Lions, as does Henare. Fans rally and here comes the countdown! Number six is… Master Wato! The Way of the Grandmaster makes his way down the ramp while the Young Lions start fighting back on Henare and Chase. Henare wraps Ryohei’s arm around ropes while Chase grinds Yuto down. Wato gets in to hit Chase, then kick Henare!
Wato CLUBS Henare, Chase CLUBS Wato. Chase CHOPS, whips, but Wato reverses to hurdle, back elbow, uppercut and SOBAT! Fans fire up and Wato blocks Henare’s kick to give kicks, sobat and SUPERKICK! Chase blocks Wato’s kick for a SHIN BREAKER! And a leg YANK! The countdown is back, and number seven is… Hiroyoshi Tenzan! Chase chokes Wato but the Young Lions go after Henare! Tenzan makes his way down as Henare BOOTS down Ryohei and Chase dropkicks Yuto! Henare fires off kicks in the corner, but lets off as the ref counts. Chase JABS Wato, Tenzan finally arrives and he CLUBS Chase!
Tenzan headbutts Chase down, then fires off Mongolian Chops! Wato goes after Henare and throws elbows in the corner. Chase runs Tenzan over but the countdown is here! Number eight is… Minoru Suzuki! Chase stomps Tenzan while Henare and Wato have dueling HEEL HOOKS! They’re both in the ropes but Henare moves around. Tenzan stomps Chase at the ropes, a Young Lion helps Wato with Henare. Tenzan headbutts Yuto and brawls with Kosei. Wato snapmares Henare for an elbow drop! One of the Young Lions covers Henare, TWO! Suzuki approaches and Chase eggs him on! “KAZE NI NARE!” and Chase runs away, only to get caught by Tenzan!
A Young Lion gets in Suzuki’s way and gets driven down for a HEEL HOOK! Ryohei taps, Suzuki ELIMINATES a Young Lion! Then Suzuki catches Kosei into a KIMURA! Kosei taps, Suzuki ELIMINATES another Young Lion! The countdown returns while Wato grinds Henare down and Yuto goes after Suzuki with forearms! Number nine is… Satoshi Kojima! Suzuki DECKS Yuto then drags him up for a SLEEPER! The Young Lion is OUT, Suzuki ELIMINATES Fujita! Tenzan brawls with Suzuki now, Henare hits Wato back, Kojima gets in to help Tenzan! TenCozy goes after Suzuki but he goes after them!
Suzuki gets pinballed between forearms and Mongolian Chops! Kojima Mongolian Chops, then TenCozy double whip to double shoulder tackle Suzuki! Kojima stomps Suzuki around, the countdown is back, and number ten is… Taka Michinoku! The Blue Playmaker is here, but Suzuki is getting mugged by TenCozy! They dig their boots in, but Taka goes after them with kicks! But then Kojima throws a forearm, so Taka pokes him in the eye! Tenzan Mongolian Chops Taka, but Taka CALF KICKS! Taka runs, into the TENCOZY CUTTER! Suzuki stomps Tenzan, clamps on a chinlock, but Kojima gets Suzuki for a headlock!
The countdown is back and number eleven is… CIMA! What a huge moment for Strong Hearts that the #GleatCima is here! Cima decides to go up top right away, and he METEORAS Taka! Cover, Cima ELIMINATES Taka! Wato goes after Cima, Suzuki whips Kojima and runs in to BOOT him! Tenzan digs his boots into Chase while Suzuki PENALTY KICKS Kojima! Suzuki covers, TWO! Wato has Cima in the corner but Cima turns it around to CHOP Wato! Suzuki tortures Kojima’s arm, all the way to the fingers! The countdown is back and number twelve is… Tomoaki Honma! Everyone’s Kokeshi is ready!
Kojima gets a ropebreak but Suzuki just stomps him down. Tenzan CHOPS Henare in the corner again and again, Chase hobbles to a corner, Cima goes after Wato with a forearm but Wato whips. Cima reverses, hurdles, Wato leaps over, Wato dodges and RANAS Cima to ropes! Wato kicks and whips, Cima reverses again to kick and run. Wato back elbows, runs, but Cima dropkicks Wato at the ropes! Cima runs but then fakes Wato out and dumps him over the top rope! Wato crashes down, Cima ELIMINATES Wato! Honma and Cima brawl, Wato CHOPS away at the ropes! Cima whips, Honma reverses and CLOBBERS CIma with an elbow!
Honma runs, KOKESHI! Cover, ROPEBREAK! The countdown is back and lucky thirteen is… Douki! Japones del Mal is here to reinforce Suzuki! Honma stomps Cima in the corner, Kojima stomps Henare in another corner. Honma CLUBS Suzuki, he and Cima go after Suzuki together. Chase hobbles out under the bottom rope while Henare holds on to ropes as Kojima dumps him over! Douki gets in the ring to KICK Honma! Suzuki-Gun mugs Honma, Tenzan Mongolian Chops Cima down! Honma ROCKS Douki, but Douki dodges to HELL STAB! Suzuki catches Chase getting back in and wraps his arm around ropes!
Kojima bumps Henare off buckles as the countdown returns. Number fourteen is… Yuji Nagata! Blue Justice is here, and now #ThirdGen is at full force! Honma dumps Cima over the top but Cima is safe on the apron! Suzuki waits on his eternal rival, and Nagata gets in to fire off forearms! They go back and forth, Suzuki throws a body shot then a haymaker! Nagata hits back, bumps Suzuki off buckles, Chase tries to scrape Douki off the apron, then he uses a cravat to choke Cima. Suzuki turns things around on Nagata as the countdown returns. Number fifteen is… Yoshinobu Kanemaru! The Heel Master came close, will he get back to the KOPW in 2022?
Henare holds on using a foot on the bottom rope! Cima tries to dump Honma out but Honma lands safe on the apron. Suzuki and Nagata continue to brawl, Kanemaru goes fright after Tenzan! Tenzan headbutts and Mongolian Chops in return, but runs into WHISKEY MIST! Roll up, with help from Douki! Douki & Kanemaru ELIMINATE Tenzan! Nagata and Kojima go after them for that, double suplex for Kanemaru! The countdown is back, and sweet sixteen is… Togi Makabe! The Rampaging King Kong is coming to reinforce Great Bash Heels! Kojima fires off MACHINE GUN CHOPS on Kanemaru, then adds Chase to it!
Kojima throws Chase down, and reloads to MACHINE GUN CHOP Kanemaru! Suzuki has Cima down and tortures his fingers, but Cima grabs at Suzuki’s face! Kojima finishes up chopping Kanemaru to whip him into the corner. Kojima hits a forearm smash and throws Kanemaru down while Honma goes after Suzuki. Nagata turns on Kojima with a SAIDO! Bridging cover, and Suzuki-Gun helps out! They all ELIMINATE Kojima! Technically every man for himself, or rather that tag teams and factions don’t matter. Makabe gets in and he chokes Henare! The ref counts and Makabe lets off while Honma goes after Suzuki.
Honma gets Suzuki up on the top rope and Cima helps out! The countdown is back and number seventeen is… Bad Luck Fale! Chase Owens has survived this long and now he has an ally! Suzuki fights off Cima and Honma, and he pulls on Honma’s arm! Kanemaru digs his boots into Chase while Douki and Nagata brawl. Makabe sees Fale coming and eggs him on. Fale gets in, Suzuki-Gun goes after him first! Fale blocks the double whip, and he SMACKS Douki and Kanemaru together! Fale TOSSES Douki and ELIMINATES him! Fale TOSSES Kanemaru and ELIMINATES him! Fale TOSSES Honma and ELIMINATES him! THREE eliminations in a row!!
Nagata goes after Fale but Fale fireman’s carries him, only for Nagata to get a SLEEPER! But Fale fights free and CLOBBERS Nagata to ELIMINATE him!! A fourth elimination already! The countdown returns and number eighteen is… Tatsumi Fujinami! The legendary Dragon, inventor of the dragon sleeper, dragon screw and dragon suplex, is here! Fale throws Suzuki over the ropes but Suzuki holds on! Fale goes after Makabe, Cima is after Henare, and Chase is after Suzuki, but now the IMMORTAL Dragon gets in the ring! Fale is ready, but his kick is blocked! DRAGON SCREW! Makabe runs to clothesline Fale out and ELIMINATE him!
Chase CLUBS Makabe down, Fujinami blocks Henare’s kick, for a DRAGON SCREW! Cima goes after Makabe with Chase and they double whip, but Makabe breaks the clothesline to DOUBLE LARIAT them back! But then Suzuki CLOBBERS Makabe! The countdown is back and number nineteen is… Toru Yano! The man to beat is finally here! Suzuki kicks at Fujinami, but he also gets a DRAGON SCREW! Makabe stands off with the legend, and they shake hands, but Makabe’s kick is still caught! DRAGON SCREW! Fujinami gave everyone a Dragon Screw, and he puts Makabe in a FIGURE FOUR! Makabe endures, but Fujinami keeps him caught!
Henare sees Yano get in the ring, and rushes right over! But Yano holds the ropes down and dumps Henare out to ELIMINATE him! Henare can’t believe it! Meanwhile, Yano helps Chase and Cima cover Fujinami and Makabe while they’re still in the leg lock! They ELIMINATE Makabe and Fujinami at the same time!! The Dragon can’t believe it, but he’s out! And then Yano does a head count, we’re at the final four!!
Winners: Chase Owens, CIMA, Minoru Suzuki & Toru Yano (qualify for the KOPW 2022 match)
Yano celebrates but Chase ROCKS Yano, Cima ENZIGURIS, and Suzuki wraps on the SLEEPER! Then they give Yano stomps! They all get their piece of Yano, but this is far from over! Will Yano survive such a fierce field to again be Mr. KOPW? Or is the new year bringing change with it already?
YOH VS SHO!
Direct Drive broke the Murder Machine in the Best of the Super Juniors, but then Sho went after Yoh during the finals! And even then, the NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championships are on the line tomorrow night! Who takes the next win in this RPG3K fallout?
Sho tries to go after Yoh before the bell, but Yoh is ready and he knocks Sho down first! Now the bell rings, Sho bails out and Yoh builds speed to FLY! Direct hit at the ramp and fans fire up with Yoh! Fans rally as Yoh drags Sho up by his hair and brings him to the ramp. Sho shouts for mercy but Yoh throws knees, then reels him in to underhook the arms! Sho fights free and runs away down the ramp. Sho kicks a Young Lion and shoves him at Yoh! Sho then drags Yoh up, scoops and SLAMS him on the ramp! Sho mocks Yoh’s pain, then stomps him before going back to the Young Lion. Sho beats him up, then brings him around to scoop and SLAM onto Yoh!
Sho talks trash, goes back to the ring, and lets the ring count handle this. Fans rally up for Yoh but Sho tells them to stop while he plugs his ears. Yoh writhes, crawls for the ring, and gets in at 15 of 20! Sho stomps away on Yoh and kicks him back out! Sho gets the fans to rally up and he builds speed, to then just hop out and whip Yoh into railing! Yoh flops off the railing and Sho puts him back in the ring to cover. TWO, and Sho is annoyed but fans are cheering. Sho tries to tune them out again and he stomps Yoh to a corner. Sho digs his boots in, the ref counts and Sho stops at 4. Fans still rally for Yoh as Sho stands on Yoh’s head.
Sho taunts Yoh, Yoh fights his way up, but Sho rakes Yoh’s eyes! The ref counts, Sho stops at 4, but Yoh blocks the kick to DRAGON SCREW! Fans cheer while both men are down! Sho drags himself to a corner, Yoh gets up and runs in to back elbow! Yoh snapmares Sho to rain down forearms from all sides! Fans rally as Yoh keeps going, and then Yoh gets the arms for DANIELSON STOMPS! Sho sputters as Yoh lets off, and Yoh drags Sho up. Sho pulls a finger! The ref reprimands, Sho CLUBS the arm, but Yoh handsprings to dodge! Sho blocks the superkick to forearm! Sho whips, Yoh reverses and dropkicks Sho down!
Fans rally back up as Yoh waistlocks and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Bridging cover, TWO! Yoh fires up and fans are with him as he waits on Sho. Sho crawls, Yoh drags him up and reels him in. Yoh underhooks, Sho fights out to wrench, kick, kick and SUPER- NO! Yoh blocks the superkick, but Sho rakes eyes again! The ref counts, Sho stops, but Yoh gets around to ROCK Sho with an uppercut! Yoh runs, Sho uses the ref as a shield! Then Sho SPEARS Yoh down! Fans rally up while both men are down, and Yoh gets himself to a corner. Sho goes to the other corner, runs in corner to corner, and he clotheslines!
Sho then snapmares Yoh to return those forearms from earlier! Sho even returns the DANIELSON STOMPS! Sho gives Yoh an extra helping, then holds onto a wrist. Fans rally but Sho drags Yoh up and reels him in! But no Snakebite as Yoh jackknifes! TWO, Sho CLOBBERS Yoh! Sho is fuming now as he drags Yoh back up. Sho reels Yoh in, POWERBOMB! Sho rolls and reels Yoh back in, CROSS ARM PILEDRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Yoh survives but Sho keeps his cool. Fans rally up and Sho says this will end it! He aims his bow, drags Yoh back up and reels him back in. Double pump handle, but Yoh slips out to trip and jackknife, to the STAR GAZER CALF KILLER!!
Sho endures as Yoh pulls way back on the leg! Sho reaches out, moves around, but Yoh pulls back even more! Sho keeps crawling, Yoh throws elbows then rolls Sho away! Dick Togo appears! The Spoiler distracts the ref and he misses Sho tapping out! Yoh would’ve won if not for Dick! Yoh lets Sho go to run Dick off, but then Sho gets up to GERMAN SUPLEX! Both men are down again but fans rally back up for Yoh. Sho crawls his way over, drags Yoh back up, and Sho runs, to LARIAT Yoh down! Sho drags Yoh back up, reels him in, SNAKEBITE!! Yoh reaches, flails, kicks around, and fans rally as he endures!
Yoh gets a second wind but he can’t drag himself and Sho to the ropes! The ref checks on Yoh as he fades, but Yoh gets a third wind! Yoh fights up, moves around, ROPEBREAK! Fans fire up as Sho lets Yoh go! Dick gets on the apron again to distract the ref, and Sho sneaks his wrench out! Sho aims at Yoh, but he tells fans to hush! Yoh flounders up, but he dodges the wrench! Sho gets sent into Dick, then Yoh rolls Sho with the FIVE STAR CLUTCH! YOH WINS!
Winner: Yoh, by pinfall
Direct Drive gets the better of the Murder Machine again! Sho is furious and he stomps away on Yoh! Young Lions hurry in but Sho knocks them down! Sho gets his wrench again and decides to try again! But Sho runs into a SUPERKICK! Dick gets Sho out of there, will this momentum help Yoh and Chaos take the NEVER Six Man titles away from the House of Torture?
Six Man Tag: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Rocky Romero & Ryusuke Taguchi VS KENTA, Taiji Ishimori & El Phantasmo!
It’s a two-in-one in terms of building momentum! The Ace joins the Mega Coaches ahead of both the IWGP US Heavyweight and Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship matches! Will they trump Fang Revived & The Cutest Tag Team of NJPW? Or will Bullet Club be feeling Too Sweet going into Night Two?
Fans cheer as Tanahashi takes off the jacket and shows off the muscles. Tanahashi is definitely ready to start, but Bullet Club has him wait. The Bullet Club Low Sweets, then Kenta backs down. ELP starts against Azucar and fans rally up. They circle, tie up, and ELP headlocks. Rocky powers out, ELP runs him over and flexes. ELP runs, Rocky stays low to then hurdle. ELP leaps over, Rocky runs in and slides under to shove and follow and RANA! ELP handsprings through, but Rocky ducks the kick to roll-up! ONE, Rocky gets ELP for a backslide, TWO! ELP stomps but Rocky avoids the boot to ROCK ELP with an uppercut!
Rocky runs into the corner, ELP stops the monkey flip to put Rocky up top. Rocky boots back and hits a FLYING RANA! Fans fire up with Rocky and he tags in Taguchi. The Mega Coaches combine for a “Sliced Rocky!” Taguchi covers, TWO! Taguchi drags ELP up, gives him a point blank hip attack, then whips him to ropes. ELP holds ropes to avoid another hip attack, Taiji tags in and kicks low. Taiji whips, Taguchi reverses but Taiji goes out, slides in, goes back out and shoulders in! Taiji springboards, Taguchi gets under and gets around to waistlock. Taiji switches, Taguchi elbows out then runs, but Taiji follows. Taguchi jumps, but hip attack becomes an atomic drop!
Taiji runs, but Taguchi still hits the hip attack! Rocky gets in to intercept ELP with his own hip attack! Taguchi DECKS Kenta, fans rally up while Taiji and ELP end up in opposite corners. The Mega Coaches coordinate, Taguchi and Rocky run corner to corner, hip attack for ELP and clothesline for Taiji! Then the other way to trade! And again! Then they send Taiji and ELP at each other, only for them to reverse! The Mega Coaches dosido, stereo hip attacks for the Cutest Tag Team! Fans fire up as Taguchi goes up top and prepares his Funky Weapon! Rocky has Taiji & ELP, but Kenta gets in to CLOBBER Rocky!
Kenta aims 1000 Years of Death at Taguchi! But Tanahashi CLOBBERS Kenta from behind, and Kenta runs into the Funky Weapon! Taguchi still gets a few years of death to the groin while Kenta DECKS Tanahashi! Kenta throws Tanahashi out while Taguchi falls down! ELP stomps Rocky, Taiji goes after Taguchi, and Kenta rains down fists on Tanahashi on the outside. Kenta POSTS Tanahashi, Taiji tags ELP in and they put Taguchi up top. They put Taguchi in a Tree of Woe while Kenta uses a chair on Tanahashi! The Cutest Tag Team run corner to corner, to then go up and stand on Taguchi’s groin! The ref reprimands and counts, they hop off at 4.
Taguchi flops down again, fans rally up, but ELP drags Taguchi up to knuckle lock. ELP CHOPS, goes up and up and jumps around to show off, to then leap and CLAW Taguchi’s back! Tag to Taiji, he goes up and rallies the fans, to then do his dance moves, jump and CLAW Taguchi’s back! Taiji DECKS Rocky, Kenta gets in to CLUB Taguchi, then Kenta puts Taguchi back in the Bullet Club corner. Taiji rakes eyes, tags Kenta in, and Kenta stomps Taguchi down. Kenta KICKS Taguchi in the side, then drops an elbow on Taguchi’s back! Cover, TWO! Kenta drags Taguchi up but Taguchi throws body shots.
Kenta knees low, runs, but Taguchi follows! Only for Kenta to avoid the hip attack! Taguchi crashes down hard! Kenta DECKS Tanahashi, then he whips Taguchi into a corner. Kenta runs but into the HIP ATTACK! Both men are down and fans rally up! Hot tag to Tanahashi! Tanahashi fires off on Kenta, Kenta reverses the whip but Tanahashi hits FLYING FOREARMS! Tanahashi dropkicks ELP down, then gets Taiji’s leg for a DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! Kenta kicks but into a DRAGON SCREW! Fans fire up with Tanahashi, he runs but Kenta avoids the slingblade! Kenta shoves Tanahashi at the ref, Tanahashi stops from colliding with him!
Kenta rolls Tanahashi up, TWO, and Kenta collides with the ref! Kenta spins Tanahashi around for a DDT! The ref is down so Kenta gets his kendo stick! Kenta aims and SMACKS Tanahashi on the back! And again! Tanahashi crawls, gets up, but Kenta SMACKS him down! Kenta has ELP & Taiji get in, they drag Tanahashi up. They set him up for Kenta, but Tanahashi boots Kenta away! Tanahashi fights free, the Mega Coaches throw the Cutest Tag team out, DOUBLE PLANCHAS! Fans fire up and Tanahashi CLOBBERS Kenta with the kendo stick! And SMACKS and SMACKS and SMACKS away!
The ref returns, he stops Tanahashi from using the stick more but Tanahashi doesn’t care! He shoves the ref away and SMACKS Kenta down again! The ref calls for the bell, that’s a disqualification!
Winners: Kenta, Taiji Ishimori & El Phantasmo, by disqualification
The Ace goes after Kenta, even as Young Lions try to stop him! Even the Mega Coaches have to hold Tanahashi back! ELP & Taiji get Kenta outta there, will Tanahashi unleash all his rage in the No Disqualification match? Or can Fang Revived stay golden in the new year?
Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS The United Empire!
While Night Two will see Tetsuya Naito face Jeff Cobb and Sanada face Great-O-Khan, they and Bushi join forces to take on the full power of the United Empire! Will the Uncontrollable Charisma, Cold Skull & Black Mask make Night One tranquilo? Or will the Hawaiian Hulk, the Dominator and the returning Will Ospreay be rolling into a big Night Two?
Ospreay wants LIJ to hurry up as they all have elaborate entrance attire. Naito still does things on his time, so the Empire attacks! Cobb CLOBBERS Bushi and then fires forearms on Naito while Khan throws Sanada out. Ospreay just stays back as the bell rings to put this on record, and Cobb whips Naito, but Naito reverses. Cobb blocks the arm-drag but Naito gets an atomic drop! Naito shoves Cobb to a corner, runs in to JUMP KICK, then leg sweep and COMBIN- NO! Cobb RAMS Naito to a corner, then runs to CLOBBER Naito with a shoulder! Naito bails out but Cobb goes out after him to ROCK him with a forearm!
Cobb hoists Naito up onto his shoulder to then run and RAM him into railing! Ospreay applauds and Cobb puts Naito in the ring. Cobb covers while mocking the LIJ fist, TWO! Tag to Khan, Khan stands on Naito’s head, but fans rally up. Khan drags Naito up, but Naito pulls the ponytail! Khan knees low to Mongolian Chop! And Mongolian Chop! And Mongolian STRIKE! Cover, TWO! Naito pulls at Khan’s hair so Khan pulls Naito’s hair. The ref reprimands, Ospreay tags in! Fans fire up to see him back in action, and he brings Naito around to RAM into the corner! Tag to Cobb and Ospreay laughs as he says, “I don’t need this, I’m in the main event tomorrow.”
Cobb stomps Naito, Khan clubs Naito in the leg, and Cobb RAMS his shoulder into Naito’s back. Naito fights back with haymakers, but Cobb doesn’t budge! Cobb HEADBUTTS Naito, Ospreay applauds, and Cobb whips corner to corner. Cobb runs in, Naito avoids the back elbow to dropkick the legs out! Naito ENZIGURIS, then whips, but Cobb reverses, only for Naito to FLYING FOREARM him down! Fans rally up, Naito and Cobb crawl, but Cobb stops Naito from reaching the LIJ corner. Cobb suplexes but Naito fights out to shove. Cobb ducks but Naito kicks! Bushi sunset flips but Cobb stays up! Sanada dropkicks Cobb down, Bushi sits Cobb back up, Naito basement dropkicks!
Fans fire up but Khan gets in. The ref has him stay back, Cobb crawls over to the corner, hot tags to Khan and Sanada! Sanada rallies on Khan, arm-drags and atomic drops! Sanada trips Khan, has the legs and ties him up in Paradise! Khan is furious but the fans rally up. Sanada gets them to get louder, then he runs to dropkick Khan out of Paradise! Khan flops out of the ring, Sanada aims, PLANCHA! But Khan dodges, gets in the ring, and he hesitates. Sanada dares Khan to plancha at him! Khan decides not to, so Sanada gets in and fires off forearms. Sanada whips, Khan reverses and pulls on an ear! Then a KNEE SMASH!
Khan gets the legs, and has the throne cradle! TWO, Khan runs to BOOT Sanada down! Khan tries again, and bridges! TWO!! Khan clamps onto Sanada with a katagatami! Sanada fights up, throws elbows, but Khan knees low. Khan whips Sanada to a corner but Sanada goes up and out to springboard in and missile dropkick! Fans fire up as both men are down! Khan and Sanada crawl, hot tag to Bushi! Bushi stomps Khan, drags him up and spins Khan around for a DDT! Cover, TWO! Bushi drags Khan up, reels him in, but no Fisherman Screw as Khan wrenches for a drop sayanagi! Khan rolls, tags Ospreay in, and Ospreay waits on Bushi to rise.
Ospreay springboards, PIP PIP CHEERIO! Fans fire up and Ospreay asks if they want to see it! Ospreay drags Bushi up, underhooks, but Naito CLUBS Ospreay! Cobb runs in but Naito dropkicks the legs out! CORRIENDO- OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! Cobb turns around into Sanada’s dropkick! Sanada dodges Khan’s boot, knees and whips but Khan reverses. Sanada knees back from the corner, goes up and QUEBRADAS, but Khan gets under! Khan runs into Sanada’s fireman’s carry, then throw into a dragon sleeper! Khan drops to victory roll but Sanada rolls through to forearm and ROLLING- HITSUJIGOROSHI, MARINE!
Bushi gets in, Khan BOOTS him down! Ospreay gets back up, “Let’s do this!” Underhooks and lift, STORM- NO! Bushi slips off to ROCK Ospreay! Bushi runs, into a POP-UP POWERBOMB! High stack, TWO!! Ospreay fires up, takes aim and HIDDEN BLADE! Cover, the Empire wins!
Winners: The United Empire, by pinfall
The Commonwealth King finishes it off, and the United Empire has all the momentum! Khan taunts Sanada by standing with his back to him, and Cobb lets Naito have the ice packs. Naito taunts Cobb back by putting the pack on Cobb’s knee. Will Khan and Cobb conquer the Ungovernables? Will Ospreay be back on top as the true IWGP World Heavyweight Champion? Or will he just have to settle for having three other belts in his collection?
Catch Wrestling Rules: Katsuyori Shibata VS ???
The Wrestler is back again! But still taking baby steps, as this is only allowing submissions and grapples, no strikes. Pin, submission, disqualification, count outs, all fair game, but is Shibata ready to take on this challenge? And just who is Shibata facing? It’s the LADOJO prospect, Ren Narita! Is this Ren’s chance to prove he’s ready for the next level?
Before things being, Shibata gets a mic. “I want a rule change. I want pro-wrestling rules!!” WHAT?! Shibata asks Narita if he’s up for that, and of course he is! Then it’s official! This is a full-on pro-wrestling match now?! Is Shibata taking too big a step? Or does he know what he’s doing?
The bell rings, the two circle, and Narita give testing kicks, but so does Shibata. They approach, tie up, and fans are fired up already as Shibata waistlocks and gets Narita down for a top mount. Narita bucks but Shibata stays close with a waistlock. Narita moves around but Shibata doesn’t let him get away. This is still pretty technical stuff as Shibata powers his way back to the top mount. Shibata shoots the half then floats to a short arm scissor. Narita clasps hands then fights up. Shibata has his leg guard, he rolls Narita away and mounts again, then stomps Narita! Fans cheer as Shibata throws the first strike.
Fans rally as the two circle and tie up with collar ‘n’ elbow. They end up on ropes, the ref calls for the ropebreak, and Shibata lets off. Narita turns it around, then CHOPS Shibata! Fans cheer as Shibata takes his first strike! They go again, Narita headlocks and holds on as Shibata tries to power out. Shibata powers out the second time to then get the headlock on Narita. Narita powers out, Shibata holds ropes and drops down to get the headlock. Fans cheer, Narita fights up, but Shibata hits a headlock takeover. Narita headscissors, but Shibata moves around to pop free and kick! Narita gets under and fans cheer how close that came!
Narita and Shibata reset as fans rally up. Shibata gets a leg, trips Narita and steps through, but Narita keeps the Figure Four from completing. Shibata applies more torque and he clamps it on! Narita endures, fans rally, and Shibata keeps on the pressure. Narita moves around, crawls his way over, but Shibata drags him away from ropes! Shibata puts more pressure on, Narita reaches back and gets the ropebreak! Shibata lets Narita go but stomps the legs. Shibata puts Narita in the corner to fire off forearm after forearm, then he knees low. Shibata runs corner to corner but Narita follows to back elbow!
Narita stomps away, the ref counts, but Narita shoves the ref away! Narita keeps on Shibata as he digs both boots in! The ref comes back, counts, Narita lets off at 4. Narita drags Shibata up, has the half hatch but then blocks Shibata’s strike to fire off KICKS! Narita runs, but Shibata catches him for a headlock STO! Shibata drags Narita up, whips him to a corner and BOOTS him! Shibata whips Narita corner to corner and BOOTS him! Shibata fires off forearm after forearm, but Narita eggs him on! Shibata EuroUppers, then stomps away! The ref counts, Shibata lets off at 4, but he gets his scuffing heel kicks in behind the ref’s back.
Shibata goes corner to corner, fans fire up and Shibata runs in, HESITATION DROPKICK!! Shibata hits his signature! And then SNAP HALF HATCH! Cover, TWO!! Narita survives, but Shibata has the ARMBAR! Narita rolls it to get a DOUBLE HEEL HOOK! He rolls it to a SHARPSHOOTER! Shibata endures, fans fire up and Shibata powers up! Shibata crawls forward, Narita sits deep on the hold, but Shibata gets the ROPEBREAK! Narita drags Shibata from ropes for a KNEEBAR! Shibata scrambles and gets the ROPEBREAK again! Narita lets go but shows no mercy as he stomps away on the leg!
Narita hauls Shibata up, CLUBS the leg, but runs into a KITCHEN SINK! Fans are fired up as both men are down. Shibata gets his leg moving, aims at Narita, and SOBATS! Narita staggers, Shibata KICKS him out of the ring! Narita falls to the floor, Shibata lets the ring count start. But then Shibata decides to go out after Narita, puts him in, and ducks the punch to kick! Shibata ducks another punch to get a SLEEPER HOLD at the ropes! The ref counts, Shibata kicks Narita down and runs, into a clinch! Shibata fights the suplex, pulls Narita’s hair, but Narita is giving Shibata headbutts! Narita slips around to a cobra twist! Shibata breaks it to put Narita in the cobra twist!
Narita endures, reaches for the ropes, and gets the ROPEBREAK! Shibata lets go to KNEE and SAIDO! Shibata holds on, drags Narita back up, ripcord SLAP! Shibata drags Narita back up, to KICK and KICK and KICK! Narita flops, Shibata sits him up to KICK again! Narita flounders to a corner but he fires himself back up. Shibata fires up and BOOTS Narita down! Cover, ONE?!? LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! Narita isn’t done, he gets a leg and clubs away on it! Narita KICKS away on that leg, KICKS up high, Shibata keeps his guard up as Narita fires off. Shibata gives kicks in the openings, then KICKS Narita’s leg out!
Narita fires up but Shibata ROCKS him! SLEEPER, then PENALTY KICK!! Cover, Shibata wins!!
Winner: Katsuyori Shibata, by pinfall
The Wrestler is back!! He and Narita went all out in this match, and Shibata stands tall! And though Narita lost, he embraces Shibata, proud to have been the one facing him in this moment. Is this just the beginning of a storybook comeback?
NJPW returns to AXS TV!
Thursday, March 3rd, New Japan returns to American primetime television!
NEVER Openweight Championship: Tomohiro Ishii VS EVIL w/ Dick Togo!
The Stone Pitbull took this title off Jay White in the United States, and now brings it back to Japan to defend it! But with the NEVER Openweight Six Man titles in the House of Torture, is the King of Darkness about to become the King of NEVER? Or will Ishii never let that happen?
The introductions are made, but Evil attacks Ishii as he enters! Evil CLUBS Ishii, rakes his eyes, and then POSTS Ishii! The bell rings to get this on record, and Evil gets those chairs out from under the ring! Ishii sits up, Evil JAMS him with a chair, then puts it around his head! Evil gets the other chair but Ishii kicks him first! Ishii arms himself with the chair, and they duel! Evil is disarmed, but Dick kicks Ishii enough to throw him off balance! Evil RAMS Ishii into the railing, and down goes the timekeeper! Young Lions hurry to help Abe-san while Evil drags Ishii and the chairs away. Evil knees Ishii low, puts the chair back around his head, and gets the other chair to HOME RUN!
Evil smirks, then he mocks Abe-san as he picks himself up. The ref checks on Ishii while fans rally up, and Evil goes into the ring. Evil wants the ring count to start already, but Ishii staggers up and in first. Evil drags Ishii up while fans cheer, and Evil whips Ishii into a corner. Wait, that one’s buckle pad is gone! Changing up the Bullet Club special, it seems! Evil drags Ishii up, and whips him back into that bare corner! Evil stands on Ishii’s head, then brings him up to throw him out. Dick DECKS Ishii while Evil distracts the ref! Dick puts Ishii in, Evil covers, TWO! Another cover, TWO! Another one, TWO!! Evil is furious but fans rally up.
Evil kicks Ishii around and taunts him. Ishii gets up but Evil CHOPS him. Ishii doesn’t flinch, he ROCKS Evil then whips him into his bare corner! Evil staggers, Ishii runs him over! Fans fire up and Ishii finally gets his shirt off. Ishii drags Evil up, reels him in, but Evil blocks the suplex. Evil throws elbows, runs, but Ishii dodges. Evil goes to the corner, Ishii gets around, SAIDO! Both men are down but fans fire back up! Ishii gets up and fans rally behind him. Ishii waits on Evil to stand, then he runs, but Evil avoids the lariat. Evil waistlocks, Ishii switches, Evil shoves the ref! Evil backs Ishii down into Dick’s CHAIRSHOT! Then FISHERMAN BUSTER!
Both men are down again but the fans rally. Evil gets up, runs, but Ishii avoids the lariat to spin. Evil JABS Ishii, whips him into the bare buckles, but Ishii comes back to LARIAT! Fans fire up while Ishii grits his teeth to fight through the pain in his back. Ishii hoists Evil up top, climbs up after him, and then brings Evil up for a STALLING- No, wait, Evil fights the superplex. Ishii tries again, and he gets Evil up for the STALLING SUPERPLEX! Cover, TWO! Ishii snarls but he keeps his focus as he sits Evil up. Ishii runs, but Dick is there to swipe at him! Ishii is angry, but then the ref is used as a shield!
Ishii swats Evil’s clothesline and gets a waistlock, but Evil grabs the ref! That throws things off so no back suplex. Ishii runs, the ref is thrown into the LARIAT! Dick gets in and stomps Ishii down! And then he uses the SPOILER CHOKER! But not only that, here comes Yujiro Takahashi! Feed to a LARIAT from Tokyo Pimp! The House of Torture get Ishii up, BIG- NO! No big DDT! Ishii shoves Yujiro into Dick! Ishii then sends Yujiro into the bare buckles! Ishii goes back for Evil as fans fire up! Ishii stands him up to CHOP and forearm on repeat! But here comes Sho! GERMAN SUPLEX!
The Murder Machine is still upset after his loss earlier, so he drags Ishii up and tucks the arms. But here comes YOH! Yoh gets in and he CLOBBERS Sho! And SUPERKICKS Evil! Direct Drive then PLANCHAS onto Sho and Yujiro! Now things are even! A new ref hurries out and he checks on both men. Ishii gets up and he headbutts the corner to fire up! Evil sits up in a daze, Ishii runs and- No, Evil swats his lariat! GERMAN SUPLEX! But Ishii is back up! Ishii tanks Evil’s lariat and HEADBUTTS! Ishii runs but into EVERY- NO! Ishii waistlocks, Evil grabs the ref, but Ishii avoids the low blow kick! Ishii ENZIGURIS Evil down!
Dick tries to get in with the title belt! Yoh stops him, Ishii LARIATS Evil!! Cover, TWO?!! Evil survives but Ishii fires up again. Dick elbows Yoh but Yoh keeps him down! Ishii drags Evil back up, but Sho grabs at the ref! Ishii suplexes, Yujiro LOW BLOWS! The ref misses it all! Yoh attacks Sho, but then Evil gets the title belt! Dick distracts now, Evil takes aim, BELT SHOT!! Evil gets the belt out of the ring and he drags Ishii back up. EVERYTHING IS EVIL!! Cover, Evil wins!!
Winner: Evil, by pinfall (NEW NEVER Openweight Champion)
Another night, another dastardly way to win! And at least for tonight, Evil is the Double NEVER Champion! But will Chaos avenge this travesty in tomorrow’s Six Man title match? Or does the house always win?
IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: The Dangerous Tekkers VS Hirooki Goto & YOSHI-HASHI!
Taichi & Zack Sabre Jr. have been quite impressive as champions, having even won a Triple Threat involving Los Ingobernables de Japon and the very team they’re facing here. But the Fierce Warrior & Head Hunter fought their way through World Tag League 2021 and are now standing on the precipice of their dream! Will Goto-Hashi make it #LightsOut? Or will they #JustTapOut to the Holy Emperor & Submission Master?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see if this is the moment Goto & Hashi have been waiting for!
Hashi and ZSJ start and fans rally at the bell. They circle, feel things out, and knuckle lock. ZSJ breaks one, wrenches the other, then wrenches more for a wristlock. Hashi breaks free but ZSJ avoids the chop to EuroUpper! ZSJ headbutts low, headlocks, but Hashi powers out and Goto tags in! They double shoulder ZSJ down, then hip toss senton! Then they hammer ZSJ down! Taichi runs in, Goto-Hashi double kick him, but Taichi avoids getting hammered! Taichi chokes Goto to a corner while ZSJ snapmares and NECK TWISTS Hashi! The ref reprimands the Tekkers, Taichi lets off on Goto and exits.
ZSJ drags Hashi out to cravat while Taichi whips Goto into railing. ZSJ slams Hashi down on the ramp for another NECK TWIST! ZSJ goes back to the ring while Taichi chokes Goto with the camera cable! A ring count starts, Hashi gets up at 7 of 20 and in at 8. ZSJ drags Hashi up to go after an arm. ZSJ throws Hashi over to then get a neck lock! ZSJ pushes up to get leverage, but Hashi moves around! ZSJ gets the legs to keep them from touching ropes! ZSJ has them in a figure four knot, but Hashi powers his way with his arms, ROPEBREAK! ZSJ lets go, tags in Taichi, and Taichi stomps Hashi down.
Taichi drags Hashi up, snapmares and KICKS him in the back! Taichi chokes Hashi, the ref sees that and reprimands. Taichi stops, but chokes again. The ref reprimands again, so Taichi uses both hands to choke! The ref counts, Taichi lets off at 4, then drags Hashi back up. Taichi chokes Hashi but sorta hides it as he puts him in the corner. ZSJ tags in to headbutt low and clamp on a cravat. ZSJ snapmares and holds on for a neck wrench. Hashi endures, even as ZSJ thrashes him. Goto rallies the fans and they rally for Hashi as he endures. Hashi fights up, ZSJ cranks on the hold more! Hashi throws body shots, then he CHOPS, but ZSJ blocks!
ZSJ wrenches, KICKS the arm, then runs, but Hashi dodges! Hashi runs to BLOCKBUSTER! Fans fire up as Hashi shakes out his bad arm. Hashi and ZSJ crawl, hot tag to Goto! Goto rallies on ZSJ, DECKS Taichi, then fires up! Goto runs at ZSJ in the corner, MURAMASA! Headlock and BULLDOG! Cover, TWO! Goto drags ZSJ up, fireman’s carries but ZSJ fights that with a double wristlock! ZSJ wrenches, wrangles Goto down then wrenches again. Goto ROCKS ZSJ with a forearm, runs, but ZSJ shoots around to an IRON OCTOPUS! Goto endures, stays up and powers out, but ZSJ slips off the fireman’s carry to EuroUpper!
ZSJ runs, Goto follows and Goto LARIATS! Taichi AX BOMBERS! Hashi LARIATS! ZSJ boots and EuroUppers! ZSJ dropkicks Goto’s leg out and PENALTY KICKS! Goto is right back up to LARIAT ZSJ down! Fans fire up as all four men are down! Fans rally as Goto crawls after ZSJ. Goto drags ZSJ up, throws forearms, and ZSJ staggers to ropes. ZSJ comes back with a EuroUpper! And another, but then Goto ROCKS him! Goto runs, ZSJ gets around and has another IRON OCTOPUS! Taichi gets Hashi for the SEITEIJYUJIRYOU! ZSJ drags Goto down for the grounded octopus, then a mounted armbar! ZSJ keeps after the arm but Goto still endures!
Goto moves around, kicks his way over, ROPEBREAK! Taichi lets Hashi go and ZSJ sets Goto free while fans cheer. The Tekkers coordinate and bring Goto up. Goto blocks the scoop, CLUBS away on ZSJ, then runs, but into a choke grip! CHOKE SLAM BACK SUPLEX! ZSJ covers, TWO! Taichi TAKES OFF THE PANTS! ZSJ drags Goto up again, Taichi takes aim, but Hashi anchors Taichi! Goto gets ZSJ in a sleeper, then a La Magistrol! TWO!! ZSJ swings, into a dragon sleeper! BUt he victory rolls for a EURO CLUTCH! TWO!! Goto escapes by mere nanoseconds! Goto blocks the Penalty Kick to CLUB the leg! But ZSJ PELES Goto’s arm! Goto fireman’s carries, USHIGOROSHI!
Fans fire up while both men are down! Goto and ZSJ crawl for their corners, hot tags to Hashi and Taichi! Taichi BOOTS, Hashi forearms! Taichi rebounds to BOOT, Hashi rebounds to forearm! Taichi and Hashi stare down, Taichi KICKS but Hashi forearms! They keep going, back and forht, kick for forearm, but Taichi gets the edge. Taichi ROUNDHOUSES but Hashi BACK HANDS! They stare down again, Hashi throws another forearm and Taichi throws another kick! They keep going, Hashi gets the edge and CHOPS! Taichi drops to a knee, Hashi powers up! Hashi runs, but into a boot! He BACK HANDS again! Taichi wrenches to DANGEROUS HOOK KICK!
But Hashi’s back up?! Only to run into a DANGEROUS SAIDO!! Cover, TWO!! Taichi grows frustrated but fans rally up. Taichi aims from the corner, powers up, but Hashi SUPERKICKS first! Hashi fires up and copies Taichi’s stance, but Taichi SUPERKICKS back! Taichi fires up, ZSJ gets in, and ZSJ BOOTS Goto down! Taichi gets Hashi up, Alabama lift, but Hashi slips off to shove Tekkers at each other! HIDDEN GAP SUPERKICK for ZSJ! DRAGON SUPLEX for Taichi! Taichi’s right back up!? But Hashi LARIATS him back down! High stack, TWO!! Fans are thunderous as Hashi drags Taichi back up! Hashi half nelsons and pump handles, but no Karma!
Taichi fights but Hashi holds on, Goto returns! Hashi feeds Taichi to Goto’s fireman’s carry, but Taichi slips off! HIDDEN GAP SUPERKICK! Another fireman’s carry, SUPERKICK to USHIGOROSHI! Fierce Flash hits, but that’s not it! Dragon sleeper and leg lift, SHOTO!! Cover, but ZSJ barrels in and breaks it!! Fans are thunderous again as Goto clubs ZSJ. ZSJ EuroUppers, but then Goto gets him in a facelock! Hashi helps out, G Y R!! Goto-Hashi fire up and they get Taichi back up! Full nelson and lift, but Taichi kicks free! ZSJ drags Goto to an ANKLE LOCK! Taichi has the GEDO CLUTCH! TWO!?!?
Hashi kicks at ZSJ but ZSJ has the ANKLE LOCK! Hashi throws ZSJ off to Goto’s fireman’s carry, but ZSJ slips around to a GUILLOTINE! But Goto powers out! FIERCE FLASH to SHOTO!! Fans are electric as Goto runs in, but Taichi dodges to GAMANGIRI! Then GAMANGIRI for Hashi! Taichi erupts and he drags Hashi up! Alabama lift, but Hashi fights it off to a DESTROYER?! Goto gets Taichi, URA GTR!! Hashi gets the Full Nelson, Goto gets the legs, NARAKU!!! Cover, Goto-Hashi win!!!
Winners: Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi, by pinfall (NEW IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions)
The same way Goto-Hashi won the WTL trophies is the same way they win the tag titles! And this might only be the start! Will this momentum help Goto, Hashi and Yoh take the NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championships off the House of Torture?
Hashi shows Taichi and ZSJ respect by offering a handshake. Taichi sits up, and he slaps the hand away, to pat him on the shoulder and even hug Hashi! The Tekkers are down right now, but will we see them find their way back in the New Year?
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: El Desperado VS Hiromu Takahashi!
We just saw Suzuki-Gun’s Dangerous Tekkers lose their titles against the WTL 2021 winners. Now, the Rogue Luchador and the Ticking Timebomb battle again, wanting to settle that time limit draw during the Best of the Super Juniors 28! Will Desperado prove who is really the best? Or will Hiromu make history as being a three-time BOSJ winner that became champion?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and the world witnesses the next chapter in this storied rivalry!
The two go right after each other at the bell! They collide with shoulders, then start throwing forearms back and forth! Fans rally up as the two build up speed! Desperado shakes his head, CHOPS Hiromu, and Hiromu CHOPS back! They go CHOP for CHOP, and this is feeling a lot like their BOSJ 28 match. They overhand CHOP, back hand CHOP, and Hiromu eggs Desperado on. Desperado CHOPS, so Hiromu CHOPS again! Desperado is stinging but he still CHOPS back! Hiromu CHOPS, Desperado ROCKS Hiromu with a right hand! Desperado waistlock but Hiromu elbows free. Hiromu runs, but Desperado elbows him at the ropes.
Desperado runs, but now Hiromu follows and elbows him at the ropes. Hiromu fakes Desperado out but Desperado whips to elbow. Desperado then dodges, elbows, runs, but Hiromu dodges and CLOBBERS him! Desperado is up to CLOBBER Hiromu! Hiromu is up to CLOBBER Desperado! Desperado is up to CLOBBER Hiromu! They both get up, DOUBLE FOREARMS, and then they RAM shoulders! Hiromu clotheslines in the corner, snapmares, but Desperado is up to run, into D! Hiromu has Desperado caught in the triangle hold, but Desperado powers up! Hiromu lets go, but Desperado gets around to back suplex! Cover, ONE!! Hiromu GERMAN SUPLEXES! Cover, ONE!!
Fans fire up as both men stagger. Desperado waistlocks, Hiromu elbows free but Desperado pulls him back. Desperado runs into a pop-up but makes it a RANA! Hiromu falls out of the ring, Desperado runs to DIVE! Direct hit at the ramp! Desperado puts Hiromu in, but Hiromu runs to SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB! Fans fire up as Hiromu and Desperado are both down. The ring count starts, Hiromu crawls but so does Desperado. The count is 15 of 20 before either stands up! Hiromu and Desperado get to the apron, they slide in at 19! Fans rally as both men sit up slowly. Desperado throws a forearm from his knees, but Hiromu gives it back.
Desperado stands to throw a haymaker, but Hiromu throws it back! Desperado punches back, Hiromu staggers, but he comes back with another! They go back and forth again, Hiromu fires up to get the edge! Hiromu ROCKS Desperado to a corner, then brings him out to fireman’s carry. Desperado slips off, but Hiromu mule kicks, front kicks and fireman’s carries. Desperado slips off again, but runs into a BOOT! Hiromu runs but into a SPINEBUSTER! Desperado floats and GUITARRA DEL ANGEL! Cover, TWO! Desperado drags Hiromu to a drop zone and goes up top! Fans rally, Desperado leaps, FROG SPLASH! Cover, TWO!
Fans cheer and Desperado gets back up. He drags Hiromu up, reels him in and underhooks, but Hiromu fights Pinche! Hiromu wrenches, HEADBUTTS, but Desperado ROCKS Hiromu with a forearm! Desperado runs, but into a POP-UP POWERBOMB! But Hiromu can’t hold the cover as he and Desperado are both down! Fans rally, Hiromu drags himself up the ropes in a corner. Desperado runs in but into an OVERHEAD Belly2Belly into the corner! Both men are down again and fans rally up even more. Hiromu roars as he stands back up, and he runs corner to corner, to SHOTGUN Desperado back down!
Hiromu drags Desperado up, fireman’s carries, DYNAMITE PLUNGER! Cover, TWO! Hiromu grits his teeth as he hobbles back to Desperado and fireman’s carries again. CORNER DEATH VALLEY! Fans fire up with Hiromu and he drags Desperado back to center. Another fireman’s carry, but Desperado makes it a crucifix takedown! TWO, Desperado spins Hiromu to a backslide, but just to get he arms PINCHE- NO! Hiromu fights it, fireman’s carries, throws him to a dragon sleeper, but Desperado slips out, and then fights the Falcon Arrow! Hiromu spins Desperado around, suplexes, but Desperado keeps fighting it!
Hiromu gets Desperado back to the fireman’s carry, spins, but Desperado sunset flips to the STRETCH MUFFLER! Hiromu endures, rolls Desperado to a cover, TWO! STRETCH MUFFLER! Hiromu endures as Desperado makes it NUMERO DOS PLUS! Cover, TWO! Hiromu sits up and sunsets for a DESTROYER!! Desperado flounders and staggers, HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER! Fans rally up as Hiromu gets back up. Hiromu drags Desperado into the suplex, VICTORY ROYALE! Cover, TWO! Hiromu roars again, he’s far from done! Hiromu drags Desperado up into the dragon sleeper, inverted suplex, but no Timebomb! EL ES CULERO! TWO!!!
Hiromu gets up to SUPERKICK! He dodges Desperado’s punch to SUPERKICK again! Hiromu drags Desperado back up, reels him in, and he underhooks the arms, but Desperado powers to the Alabama lift! He tucks Hiromu in, CRUNCHY!! Cover, TWO!! Hiromu survives and Desperado can’t believe it! Desperado roars, drags Hiromu up and underhooks the arms, PINCHE- RANA! Hiromu sits on the cover, TWO!! Desperado escapes, Hiromu SUPERKICKS! Hiromu runs, but Desperado LOCO MONOS! Hiromu goes down and Red Shoes reprimands cuz that was a closed fist. But Desperado doesn’t care, he drags Hiromu back up! Underhooks, PINCHE LOCO!
Desperado holds on as he rolls Hiromu to the underhooks, TIGER- NO! Hiromu slips off, tucks Desperado in, TWO!?! Desperado escapes the clutch, but Hiromu steals LOCO MONO! Hiromu powers up and fans rally behind him as he drags Desperado back up. But Desperado LOCO MONOS right back! Fans fire up with Desperado now as he gets Hiromu up! Underhooks, PINCHE LOCO!! And then the roll-through, to another PINCHE LOCO!! Cover a la the Deadman, Desperado wins!!
Winner: El Desprado, by pinfall (still IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion)
It didn’t matter that Hiromu won the trophy, the Rogue Luchador holds onto the belt! Will Desperado prove that HE is the Best of the Super Juniors through the rest of 2022?
IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Shingo Takagi VS Kazuchika Okada!
The Rampaging Dragon is only the third man to hold this belt, born of unifying IWGP Heavyweight and IWGP Intercontinental Championships. But now, there are those that claim they hold the TRUE belt. The Rainmaker himself resurrected the IWGP Heavyweight Championship belt to act as his G1 Climax 31 briefcase to make such a point. Will Okada reestablish the old order? Or will Takagi burn hot as the sun towards a bright future?
The introductions are made, the winged world title is raised, and forces of nature collide in the main event!
Fans rally up already as the two stare down. Takagi and Okada circle, feel things out, and Okada slips away before Takagi can clinch him. They go again, Takagi gets a waistlock but Okada switches. Takagi switches and brings Okada down, but Okada switches on the mat. They stand, Takagi wrenches to a wristlock, then wrenches again. Takagi pushes through to a hammerlock, but Okada drop toeholds. Okada floats to a facelock but Takagi slips out to get the facelock for himself. They stand, Okada wrenches out, headlocks, and he grinds Takagi down to a knee. Takagi fights up, pries the hold, but Okada powers it on tighter.
Okada hits a headlock takeover but Takagi gets the headscissor. Takagi pushes up to put on pressure, then he gets Okada’s arm. Okada moves around, gets a leg guard, but Takagi pushes through to a lateral press. ONE, and fans cheer as the two stand off. Okada and Takagi go again with a collar ‘n’ elbow. They’re in a deadlock, but Okada finds a point of leverage and he puts Takagi on ropes. Red Shoes calls for the break, Okada lets off slowly, and he fakes the chop to pat Takagi on the shoulders. Takagi and Okada egg each other on, so Okada kicks low! Okada headlocks, Takagi throws body shots and powers out. Okada and Takagi ram shoulders but neither falls!
Okada runs, Takagi withstands the shoulder tackle! Okada runs again, rams Takagi but Takagi rebounds, into a drop toehold! Okada drops an elbow on Takagi’s back! Takagi gets to ropes, Okada brings him up, and Okada throws a forearm. Okada turns Takagi to a NECKBREAKER! Cover, ONE! Okada keeps cool and brings Takagi into a chinlock. Takagi endures, moves forward, and gets a ropebreak. Okada lets off but brings Takagi back up to snapmare, run and basement dropkick! An Okada classic, and he paces while catching his breath. Okada drags Takagi back up, scoops and SLAMS him, then goes to the apron for a slingshot, only for Takagi to avoid the senton!
Okada turns around into Takagi’s ELBOW! JAB! YUKON LARIAT! Okada gets up, Takagi clotheslines him out of the ring! Fans fire up and Takagi encourages them to get louder. Takagi then goes out to fetch Okada, and bumps him off the apron! Then Takagi fireman’s carries to SNAKE EYES Okada off the apron! Fans cheer more, and Takagi hauls Okada up. Okada fights the pump handle, elbows free, boots and DDT’s Takagi to the floor! But Takagi deadlifts Okada for a suplex!? What power from the Dragon! Red Shoes checks on Okada, he’s okay to continue, and fans rally up as Takagi gets back up.
A ring count starts, but Takagi takes his time stretching out his back. Takagi refreshes the count, hauls Okada up, and RAMS him into the apron! Takagi puts Okada back in, then slingshots to STOMP Okada in the stomach! Fans cheer as Takagi stands on Okada and marches in place. Red Shoes counts, Takagi lets go of the ropes, then DOUBLE STOMPS Okada again! Takagi kicks Okada around, Takagi puts him against ropes, and then throws knees! Takagi whips and KNEES Okada against ropes, then runs to run Okada over! Takagi gets Okada right back up for a FAST back suplex! Cover, TWO! Takagi keeps on Okada with a body scissors squeeze!
Okada endures, fans rally up, and Okada moves around. Takagi thrashes Okada, adds on a chinlock, but Okada gets a ropebreak with a foot. Takagi lets go to loom over Okada, and he drops an elbow! And another! And then a SENTON! Fans cheer, Takagi says that’s why he’s champion. Takagi taunts Okada, brings him up, but Okada throws body shots. Takagi HEADBUTTS Okada down, but Okada comes back with more forearms! Takagi ROCKS Okada with just one, but Okada comes back with a string of forearms. Takagi DOUBLE CHOPS back! Takagi then whips, Okada ducks and dodges to CLOBBER Takagi with the back elbow!
Fans rally up again, “TA-KA-GI!” “O-KA-DA!” as both men go to corners. Okada runs in to rally with forearms and elbows! Takagi dodges the boot but not the FLAPJACK! Takagi goes to a corner, Okada whips corner to corner, and runs in to back elbow! Kick and DDT! Cover, TWO! Okada keeps cool as fans continue to rally. Okada waits on Takagi to get up, but Takagi fights the Alabama lift. Takagi runs in, misses in the corner, Okada puts him up to to dropkick him down! Takagi tumbles to the apron and then the floor! Fans rally up while Okada catches his breath and a ring count starts.
Okada goes out after Takagi at 5 of 20, brings him up and whips him into railing! Okada runs and BOOTS Takagi over the railing! Okada has media clear out and then he gets space, to run and FLY over the railing! CROSSBODY sends Takagi crashing down! Fans fire up while Red Shoes checks on Takagi. Takagi’s okay to continue so a ring count starts again. Okada gets up and brings Takagi back to the ring at 10 of 20. Okada climbs up the corner, Takagi stands, and Okada missile dropkicks! Cover, TWO! Okada drags Takagi up, wrenches the arm and puts on the MONEY CLIP! Fans rally as Takagi endures and fights to his feet!
Okada cranks on the hold more, but Takagi steps forward to the ROPEBREAK! Okada lets go, Takagi gasps and sputters, but Okada comes back. Takagi fights the gut wrench so Okada CLUBS him! Okada runs, into the ELBOW! JAB! YUKON feint for the DDT! Both men are down but fans rally back up. Takagi gets up and he drags Okada up. Okada fires forearms and an uppercut, but into the Gory Especial! Okada fights it, and has the MONEY CLIP back! Takagi arm-drags free! Takagi runs in but is popped up to the Alabama! Takagi fights out, Gory Especial, NOSHIGAMI! Both men are down again and the fans rally back up!
Takagi drags Okada into a wheelbarrow GERMAN! Takagi crawls over, sits Okada up, and he drives elbow after elbow into Okada’s shoulder. Takagi runs, but Okada catches the sliding lariat to the MONEY CLIP! Takagi endures again, fights back up, but Okada gut wrenches for the SPINNING TOMBSTONE! And then MONEY CLIP! Takagi endures, throws punches with his free arm, but Okada cranks the arm! Takagi fights up, reaches out, but Okada keeps him from ropes with a BACK2BACKBREAKER! And then MONEY CLIP!! Takagi endures all over again and the fans rally up! Okada cranks harder, Takagi throws more punches.
Takagi keeps reaching, Okada drags him down but Takagi reaches back with a foot for the ROPEBREAK! Okada lets Takagi go and fans rally up again. Okada drags Takagi up, scoops and SLAMS him, and then heads for the corner. Another classic formula, Okada drops the MACHO ELBOW! And then, Rainmaker Pose! Takagi stands, Okada ripcords, but PUMPING BOMBER hits first! Both men are down and the fans rally back up! Takagi says he’s not done yet, and he gets up. Fans fire up more as he copies the Rainmaker Pose, and then flexes! Okada BOOTS Takagi for that, then fires off hammering fists! No one mocks Okada!
Red Shoes has to back Okada off, but Okada pushes him away! Okada ROCKS Takagi, and again! Okada runs, Takagi LARIATS! Takagi runs, Okada BOOTS! Okada boots again, but Takagi blocks and LARIATS! But Okada’s right back up to SHOTGUN dropkick! But Takagi gets right back up, PUMPING BOMBER!! Both men are down and the fans are thunderous! Okada rolls his way out of the ring and flops to the floor. Takagi is annoyed but he goes out after Okada. Takagi drags Okada up, but Okada RAMS him into the apron! Okada POSTS Takagi, then brings him tot he ramp to throw forearms! Okada headbutts to keep Takagi going up the ramp.
Okada goes to gut wrench but Takagi blocks! Okada powers through, but Takagi still fights it! Okada tries a third time but no dice so he EuroUppers Takagi down! Takagi flounders back towards the ring but Okada is there to gut wrench! But Takagi turns it around on Okada, to fireman’s carry and DEATH VALLEY BOMB Okada on the ramp! Now that’s an attitude adjustment! Fans rally back up, the ring count starts, and Takagi sits up at 5 of 20. Takagi crawls for the ring, leaving Okada behind. Takagi stands at 10, gets in at 12, and lets the count handle the rest. Okada stirs at 14, staggers over to the ring at 17, goes around the railing and gets in at 19!
Takagi wants Okada to stand up in the corner, and fans rally as Okada gets up. Takagi runs in to clothesline! Takagi hauls Okada up to the top rope, climbs up to join him right away, and with little hesitation, hits a SUPERPLEX! Okada writhes and Takagi crawls his way over. Takagi sits Okada up and runs, to SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Takagi fires up with “OI! OI! OI!” Fans clap along, Takagi drags Okada up and pump handles, but Okada fights the half nelson! Takagi throws knees, Okada switches but Takagi elbows, only to run into a DROPKICK! Okada gets Takagi for the ripcord, but Takagi ducks to ripcord! Okada ducks, backslides and stands Takagi up, LARIAT!
Okada keeps wrist control, stands Takagi up again, LARIAT! Okada roars, ripcords and RAIN- NO! Pump handle, MADE IN JAPAN! Cover, TWO!! Takagi doesn’t wait, he just gets Okada up again, MADE IN JAPAN AGAIN!! Cover, TWO!!! Okada survives but is dazed, and the fans are thunderous again! Takagi runs, PUMPING BOMBER!! Cover, TWO?!?! Okada is still in this but Takagi just fires up! Takagi drags Okada up, pump handle and torture rack, but Okada slips out! Ripcord, RAINMAKER!! But Okada can’t make the cover! Fans are electric as both men are down! Okada checks his eye while Takagi flounders.
Takagi crawls over to Okada, but Okada pushes himself up. Okada throws a forearm from the mat, but Takagi gives it back. Okada throws another, Takagi gives it back! Okada throws a forearm, Takagi throws it back! Takagi stands Okada up but Okada throws a forearm! Takagi forearms, Okada forearms, and fans rally up as Takagi roars! Takagi forearms, and again, but Okada just stares him down. Takagi SLAPS and SLAPS and forearms, but Okada EuroUppers! Takagi wobbles, Okada EuroUppers again! And again! Takagi leans against ropes and fans fire up again! Okada eggs Takagi on so Takagi comes back with boxing elbows!
Takagi tops things off and he DECKS Okada! Takagi drags Okada back up, pump handles, torture racks, but Okada slips off, MONEY CLIP! But Takagi arm-drags free, and BLINDSIDE ELBOWS! Takagi goes to the corner, fireman’s carries Okada and climbs up! Okada fights free and then moves around. Takagi throws body shots back, fans fire up, but Okada again resists! Okada and Takagi are brawling up top, Takagi fights up but Okada hits a SUPER DDT!! Fans are thunderous as both men are down again! Okada roars as he stands back up! Ripcord but Takagi elbows free! So Okada GERMAN SUPLEXES! Okada holds on, ripcords, but Takagi dodges!
Okada catches Takagi, spins, but into the JAB! And a HEADBUTT! Both men wobble, POINT-BLANK PUMPING!! Takagi fires up, he drags Okada up and pump handles for the torture rack! Okada fights again, dragon sleeper to a gut wrench! Takagi fights free of that, DRAGON SUPLEX! Takagi runs, into a DROPKCIK! Takagi flounders up to his feet, but runs into a MICHINOKU DRIVER! Okada gets Takagi back up, ripcord and RAINMAKER!!! Cover, Okada wins!!
Winner: Kazuhicka Okada, by pinfall (NEW IWGP World Heavyweight Champion)
The more things change, the more they stay the same! The Dragon has been slain, and now the Rainmaker is back on top! And as such, Okada wants his belt first. He sets that belt down and thanks it for being there for him. Then he puts that aside, to have Red Shoes put the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship around his waist! But of course, Ospreay returns to get the mic! “This is how you do it! Ladies and gentlemen, your winner, aaaaand NEEEW interim IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, Kazuchika… Okada…!” Ospreay grins as he says Okada has had a rough 2021. That ring gear looks so cheap! And people are agreeing with him!
Ospreay gets in the ring with Okada, and “congratulates” Okada for his hard fought victory. Okada looks exhausted. Ospreay, on the other hand, didn’t break a sweat earlier. So Ospreay can’t wait. Because not only will Ospreay get sweet revenge tomorrow, he will walk out with the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship and Okada can just go away from NJPW to be an actor. NJPW will be safe in Ospreay’s hands. “See you tomorrow.” Ospreay drops the mic and has a smarmy smile as he exits the ring. Okada takes his turn with the mic to say in English, “Yo, Ospreay. I’m sorry, fake champion. See you tomorrow.”
That gets Ospreay to come back in a huff! Fake champion?! Okada just called Ospreay a fake champion!? “Yeah, yeah, yeah. You are fake champion. See you tomorrow. Have a good night.” Ospreay talks trash as he exits for real, and Okada continues in Japanese for the crowd. “Everyone, Happy New Year! For wrestling fans, the new year doesn’t begin until today. I’ve got three things to say. First: Takagi-san, you were a real champion. And that was a real battle. Thank you very much.” Fans appreciate Okada showing that respect.
“Second: I selfishly resurrected the fourth gen IWGP Heavyweight Championship belt.” Okada knows he confused some people with that. But Okada truly believes that belt fueled NJPW these past 50 years. Okada was mostly upset that when they created the new belt, they didn’t properly say good by to the old one. But with all the fans clapping along, Okada was able to give it a proper sendoff. He thanks everyone for that, and asks for one last round of applause for the IWGP Heavyweight belt. Fans oblige, and Okada continues by saying, “Third: There is no third thing.” Another classic Okada move.
Well, he’d like to call it here, but there is the title match tomorrow. Plus, the 50th anniversary year is just kicking off. Fans applaud that, too! NJPW is really the greatest, and they will continue to give fans hot matches with their support. Okada thanks everyone for coming out to see the show, and knows there is still the “opponent” of COVID. Wrestlers always get back up, so the people have to do the same. That way, next year’s WrestleKingdom, though Okada has said this before, he still promises, “Let’s fill the Tokyo Dome to capacity! That’s the goal for this 50th anniversary!” Fans definitely cheer that!
Okada hopes they continue to support NJPW as it celebrates 50 years and marches forward! Fans also cheer that sentiment. Okada finishes by saying he hopes to see everyone back tomorrow, and promises to make it rain for the 50th! Fans cheer and night one comes to a close! Will Okada make sure to keep this promise and reign through 2022? Or will Ospreay rain on Okada’s parade and already become a two-time IWGP World Heavyweight Champion?
My Thoughts:
What a great night for NJPW to start WrestleKingdom week! Fujinami was a great surprise in the New Japan Ranbo, as was Cima. Cima being a finalist was also great, he will make the Fatal 4 tomorrow really interesting, as will Suzuki, but I’m thinking it’s between Yano and Chase. Yano is still a comedic genius, but it’d be great if this year, Yano has to chase the trophy while Chase is the one with all the wild match stipulations. Yoh VS Sho was a great grudge match, and I’m a little surprised Yoh not only won, but stood tall no matter what Sho tried to do after. But I also like that this all turned around in the NEVER Openweight title match, Yoh not being enough to thwart the entirety of the House of Torture, so Evil wins the belt.
Skipping ahead, Goto-Hashi VS Tekkers was an awesome match, and what a great moment for Goto-Hashi to finally get the heavyweight tag titles. Now, the math is literally 2 to 1, Chaos standing tall with Yoh, Goto & Hashi winning, so I have a feeling that House of Torture retain their Six Man titles. The Six Man of Tanahashi & Mega Coaches ending in a DQ was a bit of a surprise, but it is a great way to plug the NO DQ match tomorrow. Tanahashi loses the match but stands tall as he whoops Kenta, I’m thinking Kenta retains the title. Meanwhile, United Empire wins their Six Man, so I think Naito and Sanada each win their singles matches.
Holy crap, Shibata surprising with the rule change and giving us not just a pro-wrestling match but a great match with Narita, that was probably the best moment of the whole night. Everyone is rooting for Shibata to get back in the swing of things, this was a great sign that he is right there at the doorstep. Desperado VS Hiromu was great, definitely the way to follow up their BOSJ match, and what a shock that Hiromu doesn’t use the momentum from BOSJ to win. Depending on how the Junior Heavyweight Tag title match goes, any of the four losers could step up to face Desperado for the title next.
And of course, the main event! Great pacing, great build upon what we saw from them in the G1 and the vacated title match before that. I personally really liked Takagi being that newer, fresher face carrying this belt, but I completely understand Okada getting back to the top at this time. Okada’s still running strong, he was the last man to have the fourth gen belt, this was the moment to properly close the book on that chapter in NJPW so that this new one can finally come into its own, just as Okada said himself. Now, Okada VS Ospreay could go either way, but for all those same reasons I just said, Okada could definitely win out and carry NJPW through 2022 and then maybe be the one there when fans in Japan can finally shout out loud in the stands.
My Score: 9.1/10
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Show no fear!
To prepare for his AEW World Championship Steel Cage match with Jon Moxley, Samoa Joe faces Claudio Castagnoli! But will it really just be Claudio out there?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- AEW Women’s World Championship Eliminator Fatal 4 Way: Toni Storm VS Penelope Ford VS Thunder Rosa VS Anna Jay; Toni wins and denies all three a title match.
- ROH World Television Championship Mystery Opponent: Nick Wayne w/ The Patriarchy VS Rhino; Nick wins and retains the title.
- Six Man Tag: Ricochet & The Young Bucks VS Swerve Strickland, Mark Briscoe & “Speedball” Mike Bailey; Ricochet & The Bucks win.
- AEW Continental Championship Eliminator: Kazuchika Okada VS Kevin Knight; Okada wins and denies Knight a title match.
- Samoa Joe VS Claudio Castagnoli; Joe wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Hangman Page is here!
Motor City fires up for that #CowboySh*t as the Men’s Owen Hart Cup finalist makes his way out to the ring. Hangman grabs a mic and says, “I don’t know that I’ve ever understood, after everything that I’ve done, why even one of you would cheer for me, but…” The fans cheer and chant for “COWBOY SH*T!” and Hangman continues, “I just want to let you know that it does make a difference, so thank you.” The fans applaud and Hangman says he probably shouldn’t have to say it, but the past two years for him have been “some kind of special Hell.” And after what happened to his family, he wanted revenge, he wanted justice, and he’d found it!
Hangman took from another man his only hopes and dreams, and Hangman nearly killed him! And after their steel cage match, Hangman stood at the top of the ramp and thought he’d finally feel some kind of joy, some kind of closure, to an awful chapter of his life. But he felt nothing. Hangman thought that maybe if he went and finished the job, he’d have his closure, but he couldn’t do it! The fans now chant, “Tell Us Why! Tell Us Why!” Hangman says he doesn’t know why. But since he couldn’t find that closure, he took that anger, bottled it up, and he unleashed it on anyone who got in his way, because he thought that’d give him catharsis! But all it did was tear down everyone around him!
“So I had to make a decision. Swerve Strickland…” The fans chant for “Whose House?” “SWERVE’S HOUSE!” Hangman tells Swerve that he will never forgive what Swerve did to him. And he will probably never forget. But for Hangman, he will have to put it behind him. Hangman made his decision to enter this year’s Owen Hart Cup, and he defeated Josh Alexander in the first round, and then in front of his friends and family, Hangman defeated Kyle Fletcher in the second. And finally, at Double or Nothing, for a chance at the AEW World Championship, Hangman wrestles who everyone says is the BEST wrestler in the world, Will Ospreay.
The fans cheer, and then here comes Ospreay! Detroit fires up even more as the Aerial Assassin walks to the ring to be face-to-face with the Cowboy. The fans are losing their minds just from these two staring down! There’s also a “Happy Birthday!” chant for Ospreay. Ospreay apologizes for interrupting Hangman’s “therapy session,” but isn’t it a bit strange the amount of promotions they’ve both been part of, and this is the first time they’ve even spoken to one another? Just for Ospreay, it is a pleasure to meet The Hangman. And in that same breath, Ospreay wants to apologize, he sees Hangman’s been through a lot.
Ospreay’s seen it with his own eyes, and he’s seen it through the fans’ eyes. “We have watched your journey, my man. I understand how much this match means to you. I get it. I’ve seen it. We’ve all seen it. One of my favorite moments in wrestling, mate, one of my favorite moments is when you took these misfits known as The Dark Order, and you showed ’em leadership, and you showed ’em what it takes to be a cowboy, bruv.” The fans cheer that! Ospreay says from there, how Hangman rode that support and became THE AEW World Champion, “mate, it was perfect!” The fans also cheer that.
But Ospreay continues, “It’s just, after you lost it, everything changed, didn’t it? I understand. I get it. You’ve had a rough couple o’ years. I spotted something last week. Last week, after you beat Kyle Fletcher, I and these people saw something we ain’t seen from you in a long time. You smiled again.” The fans cheer that, too! Ospreay says we hadn’t seen that from The Cowboy in a long time. And while everyone here, including Ospreay, really wants Hangman to beat those demons and go reclaim his spot as the “main character” of AEW, Ospreay has a problem with that. At Double or Nothing, Ospreay is not losing.
See, while Hangman has been finding himself, he’s been tearing this place apart! Does Ospreay even need to mention Jeff Jarrett, Christopher Daniels, or even one of Ospreay’s best friends, Swerve Strickland? See, Ospreay has been doing all of Hangman’s jobs! Has Hangman been doing media? NOPE, Ospreay’s been doing it! Has Hangman been doing meet ‘n’ greets? NOPE, Ospreay’s been doing it! Has Hangman been taking photos with kids and their families? NOPE, Ospreay’s been doing it! And the best bit of it is, when they ring the bell, Ospreay is the one showing AEW is where the best wrestle! OSPREAY, NOT HANGMAN!
And what? All because Hangman is smiling again, all because Hangman’s found himself, he thinks he can just take that spot back? That don’t mean Cowboy Sh*t to Ospreay, bruv! The fans are torn, but Ospreay says all of this, he understands it is about Hangman’s redemption, but it is far too little and far too late! This is not about Hangman’s redemption, this is about Ospreay’s ascension! Ospreay and Hangman get up in each other’s face, but then The Don Callis Family shows up! With Josh Alexander, Lance Archer, Konosuke Takeshita, Rocky Romero & Trent Beretta at his back, Don Callis has a mic to say, “Y’know, Ospreay…!”
The fans boo a lot but Callis continues with how every day, Ospreay shows us just how stupid he is! The dumbest day of Ospreay’s life was when he left the Don Callis Family! The fans tell Callis off but Callis says just to prove how stupid Ospreay is, does Ospreay even know what is standing in the ring with him? Does he even know what that is next to him!? Callis will tell ya! “That is a violent, mentally unstable sociopath who put his mentor in the retirement home and he can’t walk!” The fans boo, Hangman is riled up but Ospreay has Hangman stand down. The fans again tell Callis off.
Ospreay says he’s already had enough of Callis’ talking! Why not do us a favor, Callis, and bring any two of your guys down to the ring right now so Ospreay and Hangman can- But then Hangman brushes Ospreay’s hand away. Callis says he sees what’s going on here. But y’know what? Hangman and Ospreay can’t even get through a segment together without wanting to kill one another! This is the first good idea Ospreay’s ever had! Callis will take any two members of his family to put against Ospreay & Hangman, so long as Hangman doesn’t have another mental breakdown before next week!
The fans boo more and they tell Callis to STFU. Ospreay and Hangman stare down as the Callis Family leaves, but what hand will be dealt this close to Double or Nothing?
FTR visit commentary…?
Cash Wheeler, Dax Harwood & Stokely Hathaway just walk over, and #BigStoke has the mic to tell Tony Schiavone, “Lemme ask you a question.” The fans boo but Stoke asks Schiavone if he has an issue with FTR. Does Nigel McGuinness have an issue with FTR? Because if Stoke recalls correctly, FTR issued an apology. But week after week after week after week, Schiavone has something negative to say about them, and more importantly, something negative to say about Stokely! The fans boo but Stokely says last Saturday Night Collision, Schiavone said Stoke was a snake in the grass! A snake in the grass…!
But y’know what Schiavone is? He’s a decrepit, pale, pasty piece of- Schiavone stops Stokely there and says that’s enough. The fans cheer for Tony, and Tony stands to ask Stokely & FTR to politely leave. But Stokely SHOVES Schiavone! Schiavone gets back up but FTR stand in the way. Cash tells Tony to relax! He’s so tense! Loosen up a bit. This isn’t even about Schiavone. Daniel Garcia says he wants answers, but why did FTR do what they did to him? He gave them no choice! Garcia made that decision himself. FTR saw themselves as father figures to Garcia, and Garcia turned his back on them!
So like Cash’s father taught him, sometimes you learn lessons the hard way! Tomorrow night, Thursday Night Collision, here in Detroit, Cash promises Garcia that it’ll hurt them a lot more than it will Garcia… emotionally. The fans boo, but Dax smirks as he says, “Tony… Tell Nigel we’ll see him tomorrow night. Top Guys, out.” FTR leave, but will they survive their Collision with Red Death?
Harley Cameron and Anna Jay talk backstage.
The wild Aussie tells the Queenslayer that tonight, Anna goes into battle and comes out with a title match! Don’t think about anything else! Anna says Harley’s had her fat ass’s back out there, and she’ll have her fat ass again tonight, right? With both hands! Harley has the T, Anna has the A! Tenacity and aggression! Uh, yeah, and the other kind. Those, too! So Toni Storm, Thunder Rosa, Penelope Ford, “Who wants to get choked out!?” YEAH! That was definitely the closing line! Giddy-up! Anna hops onto Harley and they head to gorilla! Will Anna prove she’s the Star of the Show? Or will Dynamite still be Timeless?
AEW Women’s World Championship Eliminator Fatal 4 Way: Toni Storm VS Penelope Ford VS Thunder Rosa VS Anna Jay!
The bell rings and Anna goes right at Ford, still wanting to settle scores from the past few weeks! Rosa and Toni stay back a moment, still allied as ThunderStorm/ThunderTits. Ford and Anna go to the outside, and Anna sends Ford into railing! The fans fire up, and now the friendly rivals tie up. Toni headlocks, Rosa powers up and out, but Toni runs her over! Things keep moving, Rosa ducks ‘n’ dodges to tilt-o-whirl RANA! Rosa DROPKICKS Toni, Ford sends Anna into steel steps, and Rosa runs to DROPKICK Toni against ropes! Cover, TWO! Ford gets in there to whip Rosa, but Rosa dodges, arm-drags, and lateral presses! TWO!
Ford is up but Rosa scoops her for a SLAM! Rosa then rallies the fans, runs the ropes, but Ford avoids the splash Rosa belly flops and Ford runs up to wheelbarrow! Victory roll, but Rosa rolls into the ropes! Ford runs to DROPKICK Rosa! Cover, Anna breaks it! Anna pushes Ford into the ropes, stands her up, and ROCKS her! Anna runs up, avoids the shoulder from Ford, and KNEES her in the ropes! And LEG LARIATS, then HOTSHOT NECKBREAKERS! Anna drags Ford to a cover, Toni breaks it! The fans cheer and Toni fires forearms on Anna! Toni ROCKS Anna, reels her in, FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, Ford LOW BLOWS Toni!
The Superbad Girl is naturally the first to use the No Disqualification rules and the fans boo. Toni tumbles out, Ford throws Anna out to join her, and then Ford ASAI MOONSAULTS! Direct hit and the fans fire up, but now Rosa climbs! Ford has Toni & Anna, Rosa SUPER CROSSBODIES onto them all! La Mera Mera wipes out all three weras and the fans are thunderous! Rosa rises again as Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Rosa stomps Anna, drags her up, and SMACKS her off steel steps! Toni stands, she and Rosa call truce, and Rosa drags Ford up while Toni goes for Anna. Ford fires forearms on Rosa, Toni sends Anna into barriers, and Ford CHOPS Rosa. Toni CHOPS Anna! Toni then kicks Ford, CLUBS her down, and Rosa helps out. ThunderStorm mugs Ford, then puts her in the ring. They drag Anna up, scoop for the BACKBREAKER and LEG DROP! Rosa covers but Toni stops her! Toni covers, but Rosa stops her! They argue, Toni kicks low, and then Toni TOSSES Rosa! Toni goes back for Ford, headscissor squeeze!
Ford endures but Rosa returns. Toni apologizes but Rosa grabs her for a headscissor squeeze! Now Toni endures, but Anna is back! Anna grabs Ford’s legs, powers up, and she turns the chain over! Ford endures multiple submissions, but Toni is still stuck between Rosa’s legs! Anna can’t hold on any longer, she lets go and everyone is separated! Anna and Rosa stand to fire forearms while Ford and Toni go to corners. Anna ROCKS Rosa, Rosa ROCKS Anna, and then they both fire up! They both run, and DOUBLE FOREARMS knock them both down! Toni rises, but so does Ford, and now they start trading shots!
Dynamite returns to single picture, the fans cheer Toni and boo Ford. Toni gets the edge and the fans fire up! But Ford takes a swing! Only for Toni to catch her in a GERMAN SUPLEX! Rosa returns to KNEE Toni down! Anna rises but Rosa is on her first! Rosa CHOPS, then whips, but Anna grabs ropes! Anna ELBOWS Rosa back, then BOOTS her! Rosa falls, the fans rally and Anna covers, TWO! Anna snarls, but then Ford yanks Anna down! They brawl on the outside, Anna ROCKS Ford and snap suplexes her to the floor! Anna rises, but she has to duck Rosa’s dropkick! Rosa and Anna brawl outside, and Rosa DDTS Anna to the floor!
The fans fire up and Toni is back. ThunderStorm regroups, but Ford is up top! ARIHARA MOONSAULT!! Ford wipes out the ThunderStorm and the Star, and Detroit cheers because that was legit! Ford puts Anna in, Anna goes away to a corner, and “This is Awesome!” as Ford handsprings in! Anna dodges, then runs up to LEG LARIAT! Toni runs to SPLASH them both! Ford & Anna sit down, Toni keeps moving, and she says kiss this! SWEET HIP MUSIC for two! Then she sets up for Rosa! Rosa runs up, THUNDER IN MOTION DROPKICK! Ford takes the shot, then ThunderStorm reels her in!
Ford fights the suplexes, and here comes Megan Bayne! It was only a matter of time before The Megasus made her presence known. Megan storms into the ring, Rosa runs up, but Megan BOOTS Rosa down! Then she LARIATS Toni! The fans boo as Megan eggs Rosa on. Rosa rises, into the FLYING LARIAT! Megan smirks, but Anna is up! The fans fire up as Anna steps to Megan, but then Megan dodges a shot to fireman’s carry! Anna slips free and fires forearms! The fans fire up, but Ford CLUBS Anna! Anna gest mad and DECKS Ford! But then Megan LARIATS Anna! Megan hauls Anna up, reels her in, and lifts her up, BAYNE BOMB!
BUT HERE COMES HARLEY! And she has a lead pipe! She dodges Megan, LARIATS Megan up and out, abut then Megan drags her out! Harley dodges and JAMS Megan up! And CLUBS her on the back! Harley keeps after Megan with that equalizer and the fans are thunderous! Harley runs Megan off to the back, only for Ford to have Anna in the MUTA LOCK!! But Toni runs up to LOW BLOW Ford in return! The fans fire up as Toni now locks on the T C M!! Ford TAPS, Toni wins!!
Winner: Toni Storm, by submission (denies her opponents a title opportunity)
Toni’s Classic Move gets the job done, and Rosa shows respect with the secret handshake and chest bump. The Timeless AEW Women’s Champion is 12-0, but will she be ready for whoever comes out of Arizona as the Queen of Harts?
CRU appears ringside.
As Dynamite returns from break, Lio Rush & Action Andretti decide they want to watch the show in person.
The Hurt Syndicate is here!
Detroit fires up as Montel Vontavious Porter, Bobby Lashley & Shelton Benjamin make their entrance. The fans sing, “We Hurt~ People!” as MVP & the AEW World Tag Team Champions go to the ring. MVP has the mic and says, “Attention AEW viewing audience. This is an official announcement from the Hurt Syndicate. Standing to my right is the Standard of Excellence, Shelton Benjamin. And to my left is the All Mighty, Bobby Lashley. The Hurt Syndicate are the AEW World Tag Team Champions. But I have a question. This is AEW, right? This is where the best wrestle, right? Well, where are all the best tag teams stepping up to challenge us for the tag team championships?
“Who is gonna take the tag team titles off of these two gentlemen? We like to hurt people, but who’s gonna hurt us? I wanna know! Is there anybody that has what it takes to step up and take the titles from the Hurt-” Wait! Top Flight is here! Darius & Dante Martin have mics, and Darius tells MVP, “Look, look, look, look, look. I’ma be real. Top Flight, we’ve been a little down on our luck lately. Which is exactly why we can’t look at this challenge and not see it as an opportunity. Teams like CRU are afraid to step up because you hurt people.” MVP says, “That’s what we do. Would you like to be next?” CRU talks trash even though they’re several rows back…
Darius says that’s fine, they’ve been hurt before. They get up every single time! MVP respects that. Darius says you’re looking at a team that just won’t die! Hurt Syndicate can try their best. And they know they’re the underdogs. They know no one’s gonna put money on them. But guess what? They have proven before that they can get in the ring with championship caliber teams and hold their own. And Dante knows they can do it again. So Motor City! Y’all wanna see a miracle? The fans are torn, but then MJF CLOBBERS DARIUS! And he DECKS Dante! The fans are torn but the Scumbag is ready to show Lashley how he can hurt people!
MJF rains down fists on Darius, stands him up, and POSTS him! MJF drags Dante up, and Dante’s already a bit busted open. MJF throws hands on Dante to work on that wound, then he storms over and BITES Darius’s face!! The fans chant “We Hurt~ People!” as MJF stands Dante up. MJF tells Lashley to look at the blood! MJF reels Dante in, and hits an APRON POWERBOMB! MJF storms up to the apron, blood staining his tank top, and he steps to Lashley. The fans fire up as MVP hands MJF a mic. “I! HURT! PEOPLE!!” The fans cheer that, but Lashley is stoic. Lashley takes the mic from MJF, then looks to MVP.
The fans again sing, “We Hurt~ People!” Lashley sees what MJF has done, and he smiles. “I’ll have an answer for you next week.” The fans boo, but MJF takes what he can get. Will the All Mighty accept the Devil of AEW into the fold?
The Elite speak.
Nicholas Jackson does not appreciate Excalibur cueing them up, and tells the commentary team to have more enthusiasm when you’re pitching to your Founding Fathers! Matthew says they should all have enthusiasm right now because it is a huge night for The Elite! We have the Rainmaker in singles action! Kazuchika Okada tells Kevin Knight that tonight, Okada makes him a b*tch! And of course, their new trios partner, Ricochet. But Matt has to ask, this match was Ricochet’s idea. Why is Ricochet so eager to team with the #YoungBizzles? Ricochet says he knows The Bucks have a little Swerve problem. And Ricochet has already beaten Swerve twice.
That means Ricochet has Swerve’s number! And Ricochet has already beaten “Speedball” Mike Bailey and Mark Briscoe, and so if they just follow his lead tonight, he promises to take them to victory! The Bucks like the sound of that, and they all fist bump. They tell him they’ll see him out there, and Ricochet says, “See you, Bosses!” Ricochet heads out, The Bucks go to their office, but wait! The Death Riders are there…! Is there something The Bucks can help them with? The Bucks step inside, Marina Shafir closes the door. What business will The Maniac AEW World Heavyweight Champion have with the EVPs?
ROH World Television Championship Mystery Opponent: Nick Wayne w/ The Patriarchy VS ???
Right as The Prodigy is about to take off for Japan and the NJPW Best of the Super Juniors tournament, it would seem the “Sins of the Father” will be visited upon him. Someone from Christian Cage’s past wants after this title, but that’s a long list of enemies. Will Nick be able to pass this new test of his faith? Or will he be flying to Japan with much lighter luggage?
AEW returns and the challenger is revealed: IT’S RHINO!! The fans go wild as the manbeast from Michigan is here! The belt is raised, the bell rings, and Detroit is already fired up as Rhino and Nick circle. The two tie up, Rhino SHOVES Nick down, and the fans fire up! Nick bails out and is already frustrated, but Christian coaches him up. Nick goes back into the ring, circles with Rhino, then dodges. Nick kicks low, throws hands, then runs, but Rhino runs him over! The fans fire up as Rhino whips Nick to a corner. Rhino runs up, Nick BOOTS him, then Nick goes up to MISSILE DROPKICK! Nick flexes but the fans boo.
Nick storms up to stomp Rhino in the corner but the ref counts. Nick digs his boots in while the fans rally behind Rhino. The ref has Nick back off, but then Nick clamps on a chinlock. The fans boo but Rhino endures and fights up. The fans rally as Rhino fires body shots, but Nick throws him down by his hair! The ref reprimands but Nick picks out the strands on his fingers. Nick soaks up the heat, then STANDING MOONSAULTS, only to FLOP as Rhino moves! The fans rally and Rhino rises up. Rhino fires haymakers on Nick, then whips and LARIATS Nick down! Nick gets up but Rhino ELBOWS him down!
Rhino whips Nick to a corner, runs in and RAMS him! Then Rhino clinches for a BELLY2BELLY! The fans fire up but Christian is worried. At least, he acts worried. Kip Sabian distracts the ref and Christian goes after Rhino! The fans boo but Rhino avoids being tripped up. Nick runs in, Rhino still hits him with a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Nick survives and Rhino is annoyed but the fans rally up. Rhino goes to a corner, takes aim, and Nick rises up. Rhino runs up but is sent into buckles! Nick then chicken wings, KILLSWITCH! Cover, NICK WINS!
Winner: Nick Wayne, by pinfall (still ROH World Television Champion)
Rhino had to deal with distractions and Nick comes out on top! Christian snatches the belt from the ref to personally hand it to Nick, but not without “explaining” he was doing this for Nick’s own good. The fans call BS, especially as Christian lingers with the belt. Nick asks for it back, Christian just drops it on the floor! Will Nick’s time in NJPW for the BOSJ be much needed time away from his jealous father?
Rush speaks.
El Toro Blanco tells Kevin Knight, “You cost me $100,000, and now you owe me that money! And you will pay with blood! Just remember: When you mess with the bull… you get the horns!” Rush has put Knight on notice, but will Knight focus more on earning a golden ticket to the Continental Championship?
Six Man Tag: Ricochet & The Young Bucks VS Swerve Strickland, Mark Briscoe & “Speedball” Mike Bailey!
Well, if we’re talking about being “robbed” of $100,000, then The One & Only knows what that is like when he lost that big money 8 Man a few weeks ago. Ricochet has since then avenged himself of that loss, much like he has with Swerve’s House. But will Ricochet & The EVPs make tonight #OuttaThisWorld? Or will The Most Dangerous Man help the Sussex County Chicken & Speedball be like Swerve’s new track and go #OuttaControl?
The trios sort out and fans cheer on “Whose House?” as Swerve steps up against Ricochet. Ricochet taunts Swerve and his team that he’s got their numbers, but then Swerve points out how The Bucks seem to be inching away. Ricochet turns around and sees that, and asks what they’re doing! The Bucks say Ricochet’s got this, right? Ricochet argues with them, they push him back, and Swerve DECKS Ricochet! And then DECKS him again! And again, and again! Swerve kicks low, fires more hands in the corner, then stomps away! The fans fire up, Swerve HAMMERS Ricochet, but the ref counts.
Swerve lets off of Ricochet, then fireman’s carries for a SNAKE EYES! Swerve runs and BOOTS Ricochet down! Swerve scares The Bucks off, then goes back for Ricochet. Tag to Briscoe and then Briscoe tags Bailey. The Bucks are warry of them, too, and then Swerve has Bailey hop up onto his shoulders in a Chair Lift. Then Swerve THROWS Bailey at Ricochet to RANA! Briscoe adds a SLIDING LARIAT! Bailey covers, TWO! Ricochet stays in this, but Bailey SLAPS him on his bald head! The fans fire up for that! Bailey drags Ricochet up, whips, but Ricochet reverses. Bailey grabs ropes, Nick runs up, but Bailey DECKS him!
Ricochet runs up but into an ELBOW! Matt grabs Bailey’s foot, Bailey kicks free, but Ricochet CLOBBERS Bailey from behind! The fans boo but Swerve runs in! Ricochet gets Swerve for a JAWBREAKER! Ricochet then whips Swerve into a DOUBLE GAMANGIRI from The Bucks! Briscoe runs up but Ricochet KNEES him! The Bucks coordinate, ALLEY-OOP DROPKICK! The fans boo more but Ricochet & The Bucks set everyone up at the ropes! DOUBLE SLINGSHOT SENTONS from The Bucks to Swerve and Briscoe, Ricochet KNEE-BOARD SENTONS Bailey! Then The One & Only poses with The Bucks while the fans boo.
But uh, Swerve’s team stands up! The Elite turn around, see punches coming and run away! The fans fire up but Ricochet & The Bucks huddle up. They talk strategy, go to the apron, but then The Bucks leave Ricochet alone like before. Bailey BOOTS Ricochet and he falls onto The Bucks! The Bucks scramble up to their feet, as does Ricochet, but Bailey SUPERKICKS Ricochet! Swerve’s team all take aim, DOUBLE PLANCHA for The Bucks while Bailey ASAI MOONSAULTS onto Ricochet! The fans are thunderous for all this high flying, and Swerve’s team keeps after The Elite with punches. Briscoe even BITES Matt’s forehead!
The ref reprimands, Bailey puts Ricochet in the ring and whips him corner to corner hard! Tag to Briscoe and he winds up. “This is Awesome!” as Briscoe REDNECK KUNG-FU UPPERCUTS! Ricochet wobbles, Bailey adds a CANADIAN TAE KWAN DO UPPERCUT! They’re very similar. Then Bailey & Briscoe DOUBLE UPPERCUT Ricochet down! The fans fire up more, and Briscoe brings Ricochet around, only for Ricochet to TOSS Briscoe out! Nick PENALTY KICKS Briscoe! Swerve runs up, but Ricochet sends him into a shoulder RAM from Nick! Nick then hits a slingshot FACEBUSTER! And a cartwheel MOONSAULT onto Briscoe!
Ricochet hits a GERMAN SUPLEX on Swerve! Matt intercepts Bailey, ROCKS him, then drags him out along the ropes! Nick goes up, DRPAING DOUBLE STOMP SLINGSHOT BOMB COMBO!! Nick ESCALARAS onto Swerve! Ricochet springboard 450 SPLASHES onto Bailey!! Detroit can’t help but be fired up for all this, and Dynamite goes picture in picture!
The Bucks & Ricochet soak up cheers and jeers, then they focus on Briscoe. They double whip him corner to corner, and Nick runs up to LARIAT! Matt adds his own LARIAT, and then Ricochet adds another LARIAT! Ricochet snapmares Briscoe so they can TRIPLE BASEMENT DROPKICK! Ricochet winds it up, and then just like last time, The Bucks lend Ricochet their hair for the photo op. It doesn’t really work as well this time, it just gives Ricochet a big runway and two long curtains on the side… The Bucks then go to the corner and Ricochet whips Briscoe in. Briscoe hits buckles hard then slumps down.
Matt tags in and he stands Briscoe up. Briscoe fires body shots and backs Matt down, but Matt scoops to BACKBREAKER! Nick tags in and adds the LEG DROP! Nick taunts Briscoe’s team, Ricochet taunts the fans, and Nick drags Briscoe back up. Nick scrapes his soles off Briscoe’s face, then stalks him to a corner. Nick CHOKES Briscoe with a boot, stops as the ref counts, and then whips Briscoe corner to corner. Nick runs in and SHINING WIZARDS! Briscoe sits down but Nick stands him up to reel him in. Nick suplexes, Briscoe slips free, and RUSSIAN LEG SWEEPS! Both men are down and the fans rally up!
Briscoe and Nick crawl, but then Matt BLASTS Swerve & Bailey! Nick tags Ricochet and Ricochet stomps away on Briscoe! Ricochet soaks up heat, then stalks Briscoe to a corner. Briscoe CHOPS him first! And CHOPS him again! Ricochet CLAWS Briscoe’s eyes! The ref reprimands, Ricochet stops, only for Ricochet to CHOKE Briscoe on the ropes! The ref counts and Ricochet stops again while Dynamite returns to single picture. The fans rally but Ricochet reels Briscoe in. Briscoe fights the lift, so Ricochet CLUBS him and KNEES him for it! Ricochet talks trash, runs the ropes, but Briscoe ducks ‘n’ dodges!
Ricochet BACKDROPS Briscoe on return but Briscoe lands on his feet! Briscoe reaches out but Ricochet waistlocks! Briscoe breaks free and PELES Ricochet! The fans fire up as Ricochet falls! Both men crawl, hot tags to Bailey and Matt! Detroit fires up as Speedball BOOTS Matt and fires LIGHTNING KICKS on Nick! ENZIGIRI sends Nick down, then a SOBAT rocks Matt! AX KICK and BUZZSAW! The fans fire up as Bailey takes aim, STANDING SHOOTING STAR! Cover, TWO! Matt stays in this but Bailey stays fired up! Bailey brings Matt up, hits a FALCON ARROW into the drop zone, then he goes up the corner!
Nick hurries over to anchor Bailey but Bailey BOOTS him away! Matt bails out, so Bailey FLYING RANAS Nick onto Matt! The fans fire up as The Bucks both fall down! Bailey puts Matt back in, hurries back up, and the fans cheer “A E DUB!” for making this match happen! Bailey is up top, and he ULTIMATE- NO, he has to bail out as Matt moves! Bailey turns around as Matt runs in, but into a SPANISH FLY! Cover, Ricochet breaks it! The fans boo but Swerve storms in! Ricochet ROCKS Swerve, but Swerve BOOTS Ricochet! Both men block a boot, then they see Briscoe and Nick running in! Both men let the other go so they can each go Matrix!
Swerve and Ricochet each kip up, Ricochet CHOPS Briscoe while Swerve BOOTS Nick! Then Ricochet dodges Swerve to DOUBLE STOMP! Briscoe clinches for an EXPLODER! Then he gives Nick an EXPLODER! The fans fire up but Matt feints the superkick to DDT! But Bailey is up top again, and he MISSILE DROPKICKS Matt! Ricochet STANDING SHOOTING STARS Bailey! But a HOUSE CALL connects on Ricochet! Nick gives Swerve a DESTROYER!! Only for Swerve to go Super Saiyan! HOUSE CALL!! All six men are down and Detroit is electric! Everyone else bails out except Bailey, and he crawls his way to the corner!
The Bucks hurry and they anchor Bailey! Nick then BLASTS Swerve! The Bucks aim at Bailey, but Bailey HEEL KICKS the Superkicks away!! Nick blocks Bailey’s kick, but then Bailey blocks Matt’s kick! Bailey hands Matt’s foot to Nick, Matt goes Matrix to avoid Bailey’s kick! Bailey BOOTS Nick! Then he dodges Matt, hot tag to Swerve! Swerve LARIATS Matt! And UPPERCUTS Nick! Roll and UP KICK for Matt! Then another UPPERCUT for Nick! Swerve snapmares Nick and goes up, FALLING UPPERCUT! Hit that Griddy! Ricochet runs up but Swerve TOSSES him out! More Griddy! HIP TOSS for Matt, then a gator roll!
Swerve suplexes but Nick makes the save! The Bucks reel Swerve in, but Swerve DOUBLE SUPLEXES! Ricochet FLYING- NO! Swerve stops the rana to pop and POWERSLAM! The fans are electric as the Most Dangerous Man stands tall! And he blocks Matt’s superkick to slip around and BACKBREAKER! Briscoe is back, Swerve feeds Matt to his fireman’s carry! ROLLING DEATH VALLEY! Briscoe then whips Bailey in, PENALTY KICK! And MOONSAULT KNEE DROP! Briscoe goes up while Bailey WRECKS Ricochet with a dropkick! FROGGY-BOW for Matt!! Cover, NICK BREAKS IT! Briscoe CHOPS and TOSSES Nick, then goes to the apron!
Swerve goes up, Briscoe says BANG BANG, but Ricochet anchors Swerve’s foot! Swerve hops down to DECK Ricochet, and then Briscoe adjusts to BLOCKBUSTER Nick! Bailey GOLDEN TRIANGLE MOONSAULTS Ricochet! Swerve jumps in but Matt catches him to a cradle!! ELITE WINS!!
Winners: Ricochet & The Young Bucks, by pinfall
Swerve is as shocked as anyone! After all the chaos, it was a technical move that ends this! Ricochet brags that he still has Swerve’s number! Will nothing stop The One & Only from being as elite as The Elite? The, THE Elite?
Backstage interview with Will Ospreay.
Renee Paquette is now with The Aerial Assassin to bring up the tag match of Ospreay & Hangman VS Don Callis Family. We saw how tense it was out there earlier tonight, and they’re so close to the Owen Hart Cup finals at Double or Nothing. How will this shake out next week? Ospreay hopes to God that- MJF interrupts… MJF asks “Billy Boy” how he’s doing, but then says it doesn’t matter, he doesn’t really care. MJF just wants to do a shameless plug real quick: Go to ShopAEW.com to get yourself a beautiful replica Dynamite Diamond Ring today! Make him richer while you get poorer! Ospreay asks what MJF even wants.
MJF says, “What I want? Will, what is up with all this hostility, my man? I’m a fan. I came over here simply to tell you I hope you win this whole entire Owen Hart Cup tournament. Truly. And do you wanna know why? I know you’re a little bit slow, so I’ll explain the whole thought process to ya. I want you to go to All In: Texas, and I want you to win my AEW World Championship. So that way, when I wrestle you, I’m gonna get another easy dub. Taking the belt off you will be like taking candy from a lil’ Bri’ish baby.” Ospreay says, “Aww. That’s adorable, mate. Thank you so much. But if it was gonna be that easy, why weren’t you in the Owen Hart Tournament?”
Ospreay says MJF can work hard, right? And he could’ve easily talked with Tony Khan. MJF is in TK’s pocket, right? Oh, right, it’s maybe because there’s some little bit of fear that stepping into the ring with Ospreay again will go down like it did last time: Ospreay picking MJF up, dumping him on his head, and losing power in his arms. MJF chuckles and says okay. Understand something. Ospreay is clearly the reason there are instructions on shampoo bottles. MJF will explain this: MJF hopes they do wrestle again. Because if they do, Ospreay finds out yet again that ain’t nobody on the level of the Devil!
MJF turns to leave, but Ospreay yanks him back in! Ospreay says that’s where MJF is wrong. Ospreay IS on that level, because he is on another level! The Assassin puts the Scumbag on notice, then apologizes to Renee. Will we see MJF and Ospreay go another round somewhere down the line? Or will Hangman throw a wrench into both of their plans?
Sit-down interview with Jamie Hayter.
Dynamite returns as Renee is now with one half of the Women’s Owen Hart Cup Finals. Renee says we’re just two-and-a-half weeks away from Double or Nothing, Hayter VS Mone in that tournament finals. The winner then goes on to All In: Texas for a shot at the AEW Women’s World Championship. Renee wants Hayter talk about what this opportunity means to her. Hayter says what this means to her surely means more than what it does to Mercedes, that’s for true. Mone was talking with Renee last week about “Scooby-Doo characters” and her legacy. Pfft! Utter nonsense. Hayter will be damned if Owen Hart’s legacy is represented by Mercedes Mone.
Mone is virtually the antithesis of what Owen stood for! Hayter doesn’t even care about all that, though, because she wants to get to know the real Mercedes Mone. The woman behind the hype. Not the catchphrases, not the brand, not the cheap, egotistical, obnoxious woman that we know today. Renee says regardless of personal feels for Mone, there is no denying what Mone has accomplished throughout her career. Renee notes her talk last week, Mone said Hayter reminded her a lot of Mone. Hayter stifles a laugh and says that’s an insult. They’re not anything alike! Hayter doesn’t claim to be the best or worst, she’s not claiming to be this or that.
Hayter simply reciprocates actions and energy. Mone runs away like she owes Hayter money! Hayter doesn’t have Mone’s resumé, her accolades, her match catalogue or her “star power.” But what Hayter has is integrity, grit, truth, and more of a reason to hurt Mone! This isn’t even about gold or glory now. This is about showing Mone that she is NOT untouchable. Mone cannot just walk around here, do what she wants, say what she wants, like she’s the second coming. Renee does bring up Hayter’s time away with her back injury. Hayter says there’s no need to talk about that. It is irrelevant. She is fine, good to go.
The point is, Mone is looking past Hayter, and that is fine. But then Mone rushes in and attacks! Hayter is ready, and Hayter chases Mone down the hall! So far, it’s going how Hayter said! But will it be that easy for Hayter to punch her ticket to Texas? Or will The CEO find a way to get ahead?
Wait, wait, wait, they’re coming out to ringside! They’re brawling in the special box seats! Hayter CHOKES Mone, but Mone slips away, and safely to the floor! Mone keeps running, Hayter pursues, and they brawl again! Mone still tries to flee, and she KICKS Hayter away! Mone goes to the stage, Hayter pursues, and then Hayter blocks a haymaker! Mone dodges the Hayterade and runs away into the night! Hayter says there she goes, running away again. Hayter stands by the cup, but Mone returns to CLOBBER her! The fans boo as Mone puts on the STATEMENT MAKER!! Mone shouts Hayter will NEVER have what she has!!
Refs rush out here to stop Mone, but Mone only stops once she’s pulled Hayter way back! The fans boo as The CEO now stands by the cup. Will nothing stop the Money Train from railroading Hayter?
Backstage interview with Willow Nightingale.
Alicia Atout is with the Babe with the Power and says the last few months for her have been really busy. It includes some great success, even in Japan. But here in AEW, it seems Willow still has a lot to settle with the Death Riders. Willow says yeah, she does. And luckily, she isn’t alone. The list of people who wanna end the Death Riders just keeps getting longer and longer, and Willow can appreciate that. But she also wants to be the first one to just shove her fist into Marina’s face! A hand reaches out, Willow gets spooked, but it’s Kris Statlander! Kris tells Willow that if Willow doesn’t wanna talk in the back, then they’ll have to have it out on camera.
Willow says she doesn’t think there’s anything that needs to be said. She heard Kris, she gets where Kris is at, and she gets Kris was sorry. So like, what? Kris is now disappointed she lost in The Owen? Last year, Willow could’ve won The Owen, and it’s all because of Kris. Kris doesn’t want Willow going there, but Willow says this conversation is over anyway. Kris goes to leave but then Willow reconsiders. She says if Kris wants to meet in the middle of the ring… Then how about tomorrow night, Thursday Night Collision, here in Detroit, Willow knows a whole bunch of sickos would love to see it! So what does Kris say?
Willow offers a handshake, Kris accepts the handshake, and Kris says if there’s nothing more to be said, then see her there. Kris does leave, and Willow smiles. Will these former besties get out all the tension between them when they go 1v1 on Collision?
AEW Continental Championship Eliminator: Kazuchika Okada VS Kevin Knight!
The Rainmaker told The Jet that he’s going to humble him, but jets are know to still fly through the rain. Will Okada cross another name off the list of contenders? Or will Kevin be feeling #2Flyy as he also prepares for Best of the Super Juniors?
Wait, Rush attacks Knight during his entrance! The fans boo but El Toro Blanco is making good on his warning! Dralistico is also here so La Faccion Ingobernable mugs Dralistico! Security rushes out, Dralistico fires hands on them, and Rush stands Knight up. Rush tells Knight that he said he’d pay! Knight is sent into the steel steps! And then into railing! And then railing again! Security steps in but Rush still CHOKES Knight! But Bailey rushes out here to SUPERKICK Dralistico! Bailey dares Rush to fight him now but Rush shoves Knight down. Rush tells Bailey he’ll be next. LFI falls back, but what about Knight’s opportunity with Okada?
Okada is nonchalant about all this as Knight says no, he doesn’t want to give this up. Bailey helps Knight with his jacket, and Knight manages to roll into the ring, so the match IS on. But now Bailey has to leave ringside per Continental Rules, so he wishes his friend good luck. The bell rings, and Okada runs up to ELBOW Knight! Okada kicks Knight low and hits a DDT! Cover, TWO! Knight is still in this and the fans fire up! Okada is amused, and he drags Knight up to Alabama Lift. Knight sunset flips through, TWO! Okada and Knight stand up and Knight fires a forearm! But Okada DECKS Knight!
Okada whips Knight to ropes, and then FLAPJACKS! Cover, TWO! Knight stays in this and now Okada’s annoyed. Knight goes to a corner but Okada storms up on him. The fans duel as Okada kicks at Knight. Okada drags Knight up, gut wrenches, but Knight fights free! Knight ROCKS Okada with forearm after forearm! Knight UPPERCUTS, the fans fire up, and both men go to corners. Knight runs in but Okada puts him up top! Okada DROPKICKS Knight down to the apron and then Knight falls to the floor! Knight writhes and Okada just waits inside while Dynamite goes picture in picture.
The ref checks Knight but Knight refuses to let this stop the match. Okada goes out after Knight, brings him up, and RAMS him into the railing! Okada laughs at the fans, especially a little girl in the second row. Okada drags Knight up, RAMS him into the railing again, and then laughs at the little girl again! The little girl gets upset and hides behind her mom while Okada goes back to the ring. Okada waits as the ring count climbs. Knight crawls towards ringside at 5 of 10, drags himself up at 7, and rolls in at 8. Okada is right on Knight with a turn and NECKBREAKER! Okada lets Knight writhe a bit before standing over him.
Okada SLAPS Knight! Knight glares up at Okada, but Okada SLAPS him again! Knight rises, Okada SLAPS him again! Knight comes back to CHOP Okada! Okada brushes that off, so Knight CHOPS again! Knight fires a forearm, Okada fires back, and Knight wobbles! Okada ROCKS Knight and puts him in a corner. Okada digs his boot into Knight’s neck, and practically pushes him out of the ring! The ref reprimands but Okada backs off. Knight sputters on the apron, Okada goes back to bring him in, but Knight fires body shots! Okada UPPERCUTS Knight and Knight falls back down! Okada stands Knight up to whip corner to corner.
Knight goes up, up, and FLYING LARIATS! Both men are down and Dynamite returns to single picture. The fans rally for both men as they rise, and Knight roars! Knight runs and SPLASHES Okada in a corner! Knight stomps and UPPERCUTS on repeat! Then Knight stomps a mudhole into Okada! The ref counts, then backs Knight down. The fans boo, but Okada pokes Knight in the eyes! The fans boo more, but Okada whips Knight. Knight reverses to SKY2HIGH! Cover, TWO!! Okada survives and Knight is frustrated. The fans rally, Knight rises again while Okada goes to a corner. Knight runs in, but Okada BOOTS him!
Okada goes up, but Knight jumps up to the UPPER ROOM! The fans fire up as Knight somersaults and UFO SPLASHES! Cover, TWO! Okada stays in this, proof of his championship caliber toughness. But Knight roars, runs up, only for Okada to fight the Satellite DDT into a REVERSE NECKBREAKER! Okada drags Knight up, scoops and SLAMS, then he goes to the corner! Standard formula says MACHO ELBOW! The fans fire up as Okada stands, and Okada winds up the… MIDDLE FINGER~! The fans are torn, and Okada oddly censors his own middle finger for some of the fans. Okada drags Knight up, ripcords, but Knight reels him in for a cradle! TWO!!
Okada is up, Knight has him for a backslide! TWO! Okada is back up, he spins Knight, but Knight hurdles the lariat! Then Knight PELES! Okada falls and the fans fire up again! Knight hurries to a corner and he climbs up! MOTHERSHIP SPLASH onto knees!! Knight sputters as Okada saves himself! Okada grits his teeth, drags Knight up to whip, but Knight avoids the dropkick! Knight runs, but Okada BOOTS him! Both men roar and the fans fire up! Okada UPPERCUTS, whips, but Knight reverses and DROPKICKS! Both men are down again, but Knight still rises! The fans are thunderous as Knight goes to the corner!
Knight springboards in, but into an ANTIAIR DROPKICK!! Ripcord and RAINMAKER!!! Cover, Okada wins!
Winner: Kazuchika Okada, by pinfall (denies Knight a title match)
Give the assist to Rush, but The Rainmaker still gets the job done. Wait, now he drags Knight up for another RAINMAKER!!! The fans boo as Okada shows no mercy! RAINMAKER again!!! And then another ripcord, but Knight falls! And then here comes Bailey! Speedball runs Okada off, but Okada still has a smug smile. Knight has to catch a flight to Japan, but will Bailey make sure Okada pays for his arrogance?
The Don Callis Family speaks.
Don Callis himself says, “The Outrunners tried to challenge RPG Vice? Who do you two idiots think you are? Y’know, I was wrestling in the ’80s, I knew a lot of dirtbags like you! So why don’t you get yourselves a couple of other stupid idiots to be your partner, and you can take on the Don Callis Family, and I will kick your ass all the way back to Tennessee like it’s 1983!!” Wait, did he say he will? Well, will Truth Magnum & Turbo Floyd find someone willing to take on
BREAKING NEWS for Collision!
It has been decided that Dax Harwood will take on Daniel Garcia in response to his challenge last week. Will Dax the Ax make good on FTR’s word to make this one hurt? Plus, after the confrontation we saw between them, Bailey will take on Dralistico as payback for what LFI did to Knight! Will Speedball strike out the Prince of Silver? And speaking of baseball terminology, the 5 Tool Player is about to throw some heaters at “Big Shotty” Lee Johnson for stepping to the plate last week. Will Bowens make sure to #MollyWhopp Lee back to the dugout?
BREAKING NEWS for Beach Break!
The Don Callis Family has decided: Konosuke Takeshita & Josh Alexander will take on Hangman Page & Will Ospreay! Can Cowboy and Assassin coexist? Or will the Owen Hart Cup Finalists fall to The Alpha & The Walking Weapon?
Backstage interview with The Hurt Syndicate.
Alicia catches MVP, Lashley & Shelton on their way out, and brings up Lashley telling everyone that we have to wait until next week to find out if MJF is officially getting the thumbs up. Can’t he just let us know now where things stand now? Lashley says he is very protective of the Syndicate, but apparent legal counsel advises him to say no more. The answer will be made public next week. MVP introduces longtime legal counsel to the Hurt Syndicate, Harrison Landow. And well, when he speaks, they listen. See you next week. The Syndicate heads out, but will MJF’s attack on Top Flight have been in vain?
Samoa Joe VS Claudio Castagnoli!
The Samoan Submission Specialist and The Opps have been putting The Death Riders on the defensive, and Joe himself has accused Jon Moxley of no longer having the guts to fight a real fight. Moxley took offense to that remark last week, but he will still let his Swiss Cyborg handle things first. Will Claudio soften Joe up for Moxley and that Steel Cage title match? Or will Joe prove it is the Death Riders who are soft?
The fans already sing, “Joe is gonna kill~ you!” but Claudio takes his time entering the ring. The bell sounds, the fans rally up, and the two circle. They tie up, go around, and Joe powers Claudio back. Claudio turns things around to put Joe in the corner, then he grinds his forearms in. The ref counts, but he has to get in there to back Claudio off. Claudio eggs Joe on, the two circle, and they feel things out. They tie up, Joe powers Claudio back, and they end up on the ropes. They go around, end up in a corner again, with Joe in control. The ref counts, he backs Joe off, but Claudio throat chops! The ref reprimands and fans boo but Claudio goes after Joe!
Claudio fires fast hands from all sides and the ref counts. Claudio UPPERCUTS again and again until the ref reaches 4. The ref backs Claudio off, but Claudio jukes him, only for Joe to dodge Claudio! COQUINA CLUTCH!! Joe has Claudio by the head, but Claudio steps through the ropes! The ref counts, Joe lets go at 4, but then Joe LARIATS Claudio down! Joe goes out to then whip Claudio into barriers! Joe storms up, whips him again, and Claudio hits railing hard! The fans fire up and Joe SMACKS Claudio off the top of barriers! Joe CHOPS Claudio, refreshes the ring count, but Claudio scoops to SNAKE EYES off the barriers!
Joe sputters and falls while fans boo, but Claudio RAMS Joe into barriers! Claudio UPPERCUTS Joe, then gets space. Claudio runs back in, but into the URENAGE to the floor! The fans fire up while Claudio writhes. Joe aims at Claudio, runs in and BOOTS Claudio! The fans fire up and Joe brings Claudio into the ring. Joe stalks Claudio but Claudio goes to the apron. Claudio then RAMS into Joe, RAMS him again, and UPPERCUTS! Claudio JABS, CHOPS, and JABS again! Claudio CHOSP, but now Joe is getting mad! The fans rally as Claudio UPPERCUTS and CHOPS, but Joe CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS!
The fans “WOO~” with every CHOP, then Joe whips corner to corner. Joe runs up and ELBOWS! And PELES! Claudio sits down, the fans fire up, and Joe snarls. Joe has Detroit behind him as he hoists Claudio up top. Joe CHOPS again, then tucks Claudio in! Claudio fights that by CLAWING Joe’s eyes! The ref reprimands, Claudio stops, but then Claudio jumps down to HOTSHOT Joe’s arm! Joe falls back, Claudio hurries in, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Claudio stomps Joe down, then paces around. Claudio HIP DROPS Joe, then clamps on a chinlock stretch! Joe endures, even as Claudio pulls on the hold. Joe fights to his feet, but Claudio wrangles him back down! Claudio grinds Joe down with the side headlock, then adds an arm for a straitjacket! Joe endures, fights up, and HEADBUTTS free! Joe ROCKS Claudio, CHOPS him, then runs, only for Claudio to BOOT him down! Claudio goes to a corner, goes along the ropes, and then SPRINGBOARD ELBOW DROPS! Cover, TWO! Joe survives and Claudio is furious, but the ref defends the count.
Claudio pushes Joe back down, runs and DOUBLE STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Claudio is frustrated but this is why Joe is a former AEW World Champion, and why he dethroned the Death Riders as AEW World Trios Champions. Claudio drags Joe back around to DOUBLE STOMP! And DOUBLE STOMP! And DOUBLE STOMP again! Claudio then clamps on with a COBRA CLUTCH! Joe endures and the fans rally up. Joe stands, but Claudio fires knees down low! Joe drops to his knees and Claudio squeezes tighter! Joe still endures but Claudio grinds him down to the mat! The ref checks but Joe is still in this.
Joe rises up, Claudio wrangles him again, but he also smothers Joe! The ref reprimands, Claudio lets go and “apologizes,” mockingly asking for clarification on what was wrong. Claudio then clamps back on with the Cobra Clutch as Dynamite returns to single picture. The fans chant at Claudio, “You Suck!” Joe fights up but Claudio throws knees! Claudio goes back to the Cobra Clutch and thrashes Joe around! Joe endures, the fans rally, and Joe fires hands! But Claudio fires more knees! Claudio runs, but into a SNAP POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Joe whips Claudio to a corner, then reels him in for an atomic drop!
Joe runs to BOOT Claudio down, then SENTONS! Cover, TWO! Claudio stays in this but Joe stays focused. The fans rally behind Joe and he brings Claudio up. Joe fireman’s carries but Claudio slips free, and he shoves Joe at the ref! Joe stops short, but then Claudio pokes Joe in the eyes again! Claudio runs, runs, and runs to LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! Joe survives and Claudio grows frustrated. Claudio drags Joe up, reels him in, but Joe BACKDROPS free! Claudio lands on his feet! Claudio dodges Joe, springboards and FLYING UPPERCUTS! Claudio snarls while fans are torn, and Claudio calls for it! Claudio grabs the legs, but Joe kicks free!
Claudio staggers, Joe turns him around and reels him in by his tights! COQUINA CLUTCH!!! CLAUDIO TAPS, JOE WINS!!
Winner: Samoa Joe, by submission
The Swiss Cyborg got caught, but here comes reinforcements! Joe dares the Death Riders to make a move, so Wheeler Yuta jumps the barriers! Marina and Moxley follow, they’re flanking the ring! But WILL HOBBS is here! And the Powerhouse is armed with a chair! The fans fire up as The Opps have the numbers and the “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” Moxley backs away, but Hobbs tells him, “Watch this!” Claudio stands up, into a CHAIR SHOT! Claudio falls and the fans want “One More Time!” Joe says okay, and Hobbs SMACKS Claudio again! Moxley seethes but he is still standing at the barriers.
Joe sets the chair down, drags Claudio over, and Joe gives Moxley one more chance to do something. Moxley doesn’t move, so Joe hits a FULL METAL GOURD BUSTER!! Joe avenges Hook and Shibata, but will Joe save all of AEW from Moxley’s reign of terror? Or will The Maniac find a way to survive Beach Break in the Windy City?
My Thoughts:
A great episode of Dynamite here, but not without odd choices. CRU continue to be chihuahuas barking at bigger dogs, and then oddly enough, Top Flight kinda do the same thinking they’ll get at Hurt Syndicate for the titles. MJF going after them to “hurt people” made for a fitting move in that moment, but then Lashley making us wait and them bringing in some lawyer for the Syndicate is disappointing. Are they really dragging this out for Double or Nothing? Why not give us the “moment of truth” tonight, then next week has some sort of official “swearing in,” and then we get shenanigans that give us a Double or Nothing match. I feel like TK’s sense of pacing continues to be a problem…
Good promo from FTR and Stokely to call out Schiavone & Nigel as well as Garcia, and Dax VS Garcia will be great stuff. I still sense Adam Copeland returns to join Garcia and settle things with FTR. Good promo from Willow to call out Marina and the Death Riders, and I like the segue back into the Willow-Kris story. They’ll have a great match tomorrow, but I don’t know what’ll happen with it if Willow is to also still feud with Marina. Unless newly released Shayna Baszler shows up to team with Marina, Kris & Willow getting on the same page doesn’t seem likely. Side note, Shayna and Marina should be part of the ROH Women’s Pure Championship tournament.
Great promo from Hangman and Ospreay to open the show, looking back on continuity and even getting a bit meta with the “main character of AEW” stuff thrown around. But of course The Don Callis Family wants after them and all their other enemies. Konosuke & Alexander VS Ospreay & Hangman will be awesome stuff for next week, but I feel like Alexander takes the loss so Ospreay and Hangman both head for Double or Nothing with momentum. Then with Roppongi Vice and I assume Lance Archer facing The Outrunners, I feel like my idea of Brody King teaming with Truth & Turbo is going to become a reality. It just makes sense given Brody had that brawl with Archer last week.
Great promo from Harley and Anna before the Fatal 4, and then a great Fatal 4 match. Ford was a touch off on those pinfall breaks but that was a minor thing. Naturally, Megan got involved, which cued Harley to do the same, and clearly we’ll get Megan & Ford VS Harley & Anna in a great tag match. Toni winning out is fine, but it just seems odd they did this at all. I still hope Athena steps up so we can have Champion VS Champion at Double or Nothing to go double or nothing on titles. And then with how Hayter VS Mone is going, there’s still a chance we can go all in at All In with Mone putting up at least the TBS title against both the AEW & ROH Women’s titles.
But given the great interview promo from Hayter and the obvious ambush from Mone, there’s also still a chance Hayter VS Storm happens as a rematch from long ago. Then Mone and Athena can still go title for title in Texas as TBS Championship VS ROH Women’s World Championship. Very good stuff with that open challenge for the ROH World TV title, and it was great for Rhino to be in his hometown. But naturally, whoever was showing up would be cheated out of the win. Nick Wayne is going to bring that title with him to Japan, I just wonder if he’s bringing The Patriarchy with him. At the very least, Christian should keep AEW viewers up to date with every little win or loss Nick has in the BOSJ like the overbearing and jealous father he is.
Great promo from The Elite & Ricochet to hype up their matches, and what an intriguing move to have The Death Riders meet The Bucks in their office. Though, they didn’t light the scene very well, I only knew it was The Death Riders from Claudio’s bald head and white shirt. And then of course when it was Marina closing the door. But we got an awesome Six Man Tag of Ricochet & Bucks VS Swerve, Briscoe & Bailey. Rather surprising win for the Heels but I suppose that ups the animosity between The Elite and Swerve. Also, good promo from Rush followed by a pretty good ambush on Knight. Okada VS Knight was a great match but I figured Okada would win. Bailey is clearly going to get an eliminator next, and that’ll be awesome, too.
And of course, a great main event of Joe VS Claudio. Great win for Joe, and naturally the Death Riders would rush out there. Great counter with Hobbs showing up, and it works that The Opps “take out” Claudio. With Pac out from an actual injury and then Hook and Shibata kayfabe sidelined from what Death Riders did to them, things are a bit more even now. But even then, Yuta & Marina can still interfere, Hobbs & Willow can still counter, only for Moxley to still somehow win against Joe because I don’t think Beach Break is where a title change this big is going to happen. It still feels like Double or Nothing gives us Anarchy in the Arena 2025, Death Riders making a deal with The Elite to take on The Opps, Swerve, and Kenny Omega, who was conspicuous by his absence tonight.
My Score: 8.8/10
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Who will grab their golden tickets to Tampa?
While TWENTY-FIVE men fight in a Battle Royal to face Oba Femi, Jordynne Grace and Giulia go 1v1 to face NXT Women’s Champion, Stephanie Vaquer!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Six Man Tag: Joe Hendry, Hank ‘n’ Tank VS Dark State; Dark State wins.
- Kelani Jordan VS ZARIA w/ Sol Ruca; Zaria wins.
- NXT Championship #1 Contender’s Battle Royal: Myles Borne wins and will challenge Oba Femi for the title at NXT Battleground: Tampa.
- Karmen Petrovic VS Jaida Parker; Jaida wins.
- NXT Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Giulia VS Jordynne Grace; Grace wins and will challenge Stephanie Vaquer for the title at NXT Battleground: Tampa.
PLAY BY PLAY
Six Man Tag: Joe Hendry, Hank ‘n’ Tank VS Dark State!
Say his name and he appears, HONK HONK! Hank ‘n’ Tank believe in Joe Hendry! And they also didn’t like that the Prestigious One got attacked by the pack of wild dogs known as Dark State. But will we all be believers after the TNA World Champion and the NXT Tag Team Champions stand tall together? Or will we see that truly #NoOneIsSafe?
The teams sort out, but then it is just a brawl! The fans fire up, Dark State knocks Hank and Hendry out of the ring to isolate Tank. Dion Lennox starts and he throws hands. Dion whips, then hits a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Tank stays in this but Dion is already bringing out his Mr. Hyde side. Tank fires body shots but Dion headlocks. Tank powers him to ropes but Osiris Griffin tags in. They mug Tank, then Osiris dribbles Tank off buckles. Tag to Cutler, Osiris feeds Tank to him, but Tank swings around and hits a crucifix takedown! TWO, Cutler headlocks, but Hank tags in as Tank powers out! They misdirect and CLOBBER Cutler! Then SENTON! Cover, TWO!
Hank keeps Cutler down with a facelock, then wrench to a wristlock. Tag to Hendry, the fans fire up, and Hendry KNEES low! Hendry suplexes Cutler, holds him up, and the fans cheer him on as he marches around with Cutler! Then the SLAM! Cover, TWO! Hendry wrenches Cutler, tags Hank, and Hank goes up to AX HANDLE the arm! The fans rally as Hank whisp, but Cutler grabs ropes to block! Cutler BOOTS Hank, then brings him around to whip. Cutler ELBOWS Hank down, then CHOKES him on the ropes! Saquon Shugars talks trash on the big boy, then Dion tags in. Dion scoops but Hank fights it!
The fans fire up as Hank fires hands, but Dion fires back! Dion whips and ELBOWS Hank down! Dion stalks Hank to the ropes, wrenches his arm, then RAMS his shoulder! Cover, TWO! Hank is tougher than that, but Dion scoops. Hank slips free, shoves Dion then BOOTS him! Tag to Tank and they bump Dion off buckles! Tank SPLASHES, Hank SPLASHES, then BULLDOGS! The fans fire up and Dark State is mad! But HONK! HONK! BIG BELLY SANDWICH! Feed to Hendry for a scoop! FALL AWAY SLAM! The fans fire up as Hendry kips up! Cutler is in, but Hendry scoops to FALL AWAY SLAM! And another kip up!
Hank hugs Hendry but Hendry scoops out of instinct! Tank tells him that’s Hank, and Hendry realizes it. Hendry sets Hank down, and then trio TURNS! The fans cheer the big smiles and NXT goes picture in picture.
Hendry waits on Dark State while they huddle up. They talk it out, Dion rushes in, but Hendry SLAMS him down! Hendry wrenches an arm, tags in Hank, then Hank goes up again. Hank winds it up, then AX HANDLES Dion! Hank taunts Dark State before he wrenches Dion and YANKS the arm! Hank wrenches again, tags Hendry back in, and Hendry goes up. Hendry winds it up, and then AX HANDLES Dion’s arm! Hendry wrenches the arm again, tags Tank, and they double wrench to DOUBLE CLUB Dion! Tank snapmares Dion, covers, TWO! Dion stays in this but Tank stays on him with a chinlock.
Dion endures the grind and fights up to his feet. Dion fires body shots, Tank grinds the hold, repeat. Dion powers Tank to ropes, Osiris tags in, btu Tank fights them both off! Osiris HOTSHOTS Tank, then storms in and CHOKES Tank on the ropes! The ref counts, Osiris stops at 4, then he CLUBS Tank down! Osiris scoops Tank to SLAM him, then covers, TWO! Osiris keeps Tank down with a COBRA CLUTCH! Tank endures as Osiris thrashes him around. Osiris ripcords, Tank dodges! Hot tags to Cutler and Hank! Hank fires haymaker after haymaker, then whips for an ELBOW! And another ELBOW! Hank bumps Cutler off buckles, then runs him corner to corner to do it again!
NXT returns to single picture as fans fire up with Hank! Hank goes up the corner, Cutler storms over, but Hank fires hands! Cutler falls back, Dion distracts the ref, and Saquon SHOVES Hank down! Cutler tags Dion, Dion stomps away on Hank, then SPLASHES DOWN! Dion pulls Hank back by pulling hair, then he tags Osiris. Osiris waits on Hank, scoop shim, and hits a BACKBREAKER! Osiris then CHOKES Hank on the ropes, drags him up, and bumps him off buckles. Tag to Dion, then tag to Cutler, and Dion sends Osiris to SPLASH Hank! Cutler sends Dion in and he SPLASHES Hank! Then feed to Cutler for a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO!
The fans fire up as Hank toughs it out, but Cutler drags him up and RAMS him into an open corner! Cutler talks trash on Hank, hits a short arm LARIAT, then he covers, TWO! Cutler is annoyed but he clamps on a chinlock. The fans rally as Hank endures. Hank reaches out, fights up, and he fires body shots! Cutler CLUBS Hank, Hank ROCKS Cutler! The fans rally as Hank ROCKS Cutler again! Cutler clamps on an IRON CLAW! Cutler powers Hank to the corner, tags in Osiris, and Cutler feeds Hank to Osiris’ POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Hank survives but Osiris grins. Then he sucker punches Hendry!
The fans boo but Osiris ROCKS Hank and RAMS him into the corner! Tag to Cutler, then tag to Dion! Cutler sends Osiris in, but Hank dodges! Osiris POSTS himself! Hank then DUMPS Cutler, dodges Dion, and hot tags Tank! The fans fire up as Tank rallies on Dion with big shoulders and haymakers! Dion staggers, Tank dodges, and Tank OVERHEAD SUPELXES! Cutler is up but Tank wrenches and DECKS him! Tank then goes up, out, and CANNONBALLS Cutler and Osiris down! The fans are thunderous for Tank as he hurries back in! Tank catches Dino to a BUBBA BOMB! Cover, Osiris & Cutler break it!
Hendry and Hank return, the brawl is back on! Osiris runs up, Hank DUMPS him out! Hendry and Cutler throw hands while Osiris drags Hank out! Saquon distracts Hank, Osiris RAMS Yank into a POST! Hendry hits a FALL AWAY SLAM on Cutler! Hendry kips up, and the fans join in on “We Will Rock You!” But wait! TRICK WILLIAMS drags Hendry out of the ring!! Hendry fires hands on Trick in return! Tank goes for Cutler, but Dion CHOP BLOCKS a leg out! Tag after tag, and now Dark State gets Tank up! DARK STATE BOMB!! Cover, Dark State wins!
Winners: Dark State, by pinfall
Trick Williams’ grudge with Hendry cost Hendry’s team, and Dark State steal another win! Will nothing stop this fearsome foursome from taking over NXT?
Thea Hail talks with Karmen Petrovic.
Karmen thanks Thea for being on her side with the Karmen x Ashante breakup. Karmen is so done worrying about Ashante when this Women’s Division is only getting deeper. Thea says it feels safe relying on others, but sometimes, you gotta worry about yourself. That’s how you get stronger. Jaida Parker walks in and asks what Thea knows about being strong. Thea came back acting grown when nothing has changed. Thea is still the yappy little girl she was. And Karmen ain’t safe, either. Didn’t Jaida tell her four MONTHS ago to dump Ashante? Now look at you. But go ahead, open your ears to hear more wisdom.
Ashante wasn’t the only thing holding Karmen back. Karmen is just too damn soft. Thea gets heated but Karmen says she’s got this. Maybe the problem is Jaida had such an amazing opportunity at Stand & Deliver and, cough cough, choked? So what happened? We thought Miss Parker don’t play. Karmen’s right. That’s why Jaida will see Karmen in the ring. Since she’s acting so froggy, Karmen might as well jump. Jaida heads out, will she make sure the #ShingShing doesn’t get out the mud?
No Quarter Catch Crew talks backstage.
Myles Borne & Tavion Heights hype each other up for the battle royal, and Charlie Dempsey says, “Fellas… Before we compete in this battle royal, there’s something I gotta say.” Myles says if it is what he thinks it is, it can wait. Dempsey says no, it can’t. Tonight, it is a major opportunity for all of them. Tavion says damn right! Dempsey says it isn’t about grudges or individual glory. They are three individuals with the same goal in mind: That is to make sure that the NQCC takes one step closer to Oba Femi and taking that NXT Championship from him at Battleground! Yeah! Now, are they all on the same page?
Tavion says Dempsey knows they are! Time to get a title back in the NQCC! NQCC all the way to the top! Wren Sinclair checks if Myles heard that. Yeah, he heard. Let’s do this. Wren says NQCC on three. Hands in! NQCC! They’re united in wanting to win that battle royal, but will any of them make it through to the end of the 25 Man Battle Royal?
Kelani Jordan VS ZARIA w/ Sol Ruca!
Speaking of acting tough and wanting opportunities, The Standout’s new attitude is making her act a little entitled to a title shot. Kelani wants to face Sol for the NXT Women’s North American Championship, but Zaria wants Kelani to earn it. Will that be easy enough when No One Does It Like Lani? Or will the Agent of Change be the gatekeeper for Sol’s gold?
NXT returns as Zaria makes her entrance, Sol by her side. The bell rings and Kelani DROPKICKS Zaria! The fans are torn as Kelani runs and slingshots, but Zaria stops the arm-drag! Zaria whips Kelani away, Kelani ducks around to waistlock, but then ducks an elbow. Zaria pie faces Kelani! Then shoves her! Kelani frowns, then fires forearms and CHOPS! Kelani backs Zaria up but Zaria shoves her away! Zaria runs up, Kelani dodges, and Zaria hits buckles. Kelani runs up, Zaria puts her on the apron, but Kelani ROUNDHOUSES! Kelani goes up, leaps, FLYING- NO! Zaira stops the rana and brings Kelani up! Kelani fights with fists, sunset flips, but Zaria stays up!
Zaria YANKS Kelani up and scoops, but Kelani slips free again! Kelani shoves Zaria at the corner, Zaria stops herself short, and then she runs up to lift Kelani! Kelani sunset flips it, TWO! Zaria escapes, and now she RAMS Kelani into the corner! Zaria RAMS Kelani again and again, the fans are torn, but Zaria stalks Kelani to another corner. Zaria stands Kelani up, tells her she isn’t just gonna get a title opportunity, but Kelani breaks free! Zaria CHOPS Kelani on the back! Kelani goes to a corner, Zaria puts some stank on it, but Kelani dodges the chop to CHOP in return! Kelani puts stank on the CHOP to Zaria’s back!
The fans fire up as Kelani then RAMS Zaria into the corner again and again! Kelani digs her shoulder in, lets off as the ref counts, and Kelani whips. Zaria reverses to scoop and SWINGING GUT BUSTER! Kelani writhes, Zaria brushes herself off, and the ref checks on Kelani. Kelani says she’s okay to continue, but then Zaria clamps onto her face! Kelani SLAPS Zaria! Kelani BOOTS Zaria outta the ring! Zaria is furious, btu Kelani gets her in the ropes! HOTSHOT KNEE, and then the POMMEL LEG DROP! Kelani goes up, up, but Zaria bails out! Kelani adjusts, leaps, but into Zaria’s hands! Zaria knees low, whips Kelani, but Kelani stops short of the steps!
Kelani ELBOWS Zaria away, then goes up, up, and FLYING RANAS to the floor! The fans fire up and Sol is stunned while NXT goes picture in picture.
Sol coaches Zaria up but then Kelani gets in her face. Sol backs off, not wanting trouble, and Kelani drags Zaria up. Kelani whips Zaria into the apron! And then whips her into the apron again! And then she puts Zaria in the ring, runs, and SPLASHES! Cover, TWO! Zaria toughs it out but Kelani KNEES her in the back! And again! And again! Kelani then basement DROPKICKS Zaria in the back of the head! Kelani bumps Zaria off buckles, snapmares her and runs, to then SPLASH into BOOTS! Zaria turns the tide and Kelani goes to the apron. Zaria storms up, Kelani RAMS into her, then Kelani slingshots, but Zaria trips her up!
Kelani tumbles to the floor and flounders around. Zaria storms up on Kelani, drags her around, and digs a knee into her back while she pulls her back! Kelani endures, fights up, but Zaria CLUBS her down! Zaria KICKS Kelani in the side, stalks her to the ropes, then puts her in a corner. Zaria RAMS Kelani, brings her around, and KNEES her low! Zaria KNEES Kelani again and again, then reels her in for another SWINGING GUT BUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Kelani survives but is in rough shape. Zaria reels her in, hoists her into a Canadian Rack, and bends Kelani with the Argentine Backbreaker Rack! And BACKBREAKER!
Zaria holds onto Kelani, stands back up, and FLIPS Kelani! Kelani just manages to land out, and she fires body shots! Zaria storms up and they both throw hands! It gets scrappy as Zaria whips. Kelani dodges as NXT returns to single picture and Zaria hits buckles. Zaria BOOTS in return, then storms up to bring Kelani into the corner. Zaria goes up, and drags Kelani up using a full nelson! Kelani flails but the ref counts so Zaria drops Kelani. Zaria then stands Kelani back up, but Kelani ROCKS Zaria and TOSSES her from the top! The fans fire up as Zaria staggers to her feet. Kelani runs up, and she CLOBBERS Zaria! And CLOBBERS her again!
Zaria catches Kelani’s cartwheel to GERMAN SUPLEX! But Kelani is right up to handspring BACK ELBOW! Both women are down, Kelani kips up, and Sol is worried for Zaria. Kelani brings Zaria up, whips her to ropes, but Zaria reveres. Zaria scoops Kelani but Kelani tilt-o-whirl DDTS! Cover, TWO! Kelani is frustrated and she goes up, up, and 450- NO, Zaria moves! Kelani rolls through, but comes back into a SPEAR!! Cover, TWO!?! Kelani survives and Zaria is stunned! Zaria drags Kelani up, fireman’s carries, but Kelani fights around to a dragon sleeper! And THE SLICE! Cover, TWO! Zaria stays in this and Kelani is frustrated, but “This is Awesome!”
Kelani kicks at Zaria while holding a wristlock. Then Kelani changes sides to KICK from there! But Zaria blocks a kick, and she clamps onto Kelani’s neck! CHOKE- NO, Kelani slips free to waistlock. Zaria switches, Kelani switches, O’Conner Roll! TWO and Kelani staggers to ropes. Zaria runs up but Kelani DUMPS her out! Kelani aims, slingshots and ASAI MOONSAULTS! Direct hit and down goes Zaria! Kelani hurries to her feet, stands Zaria up, but Zaria shoves Kelani at Sol! Sol helps Kelani from falling! Kelani is confused, but then Zaria SPEARS Kelani through the barriers! The fans go nuts and even Sol is shocked!
Zaria rises up, she drags Kelani into the ring, and then fireman’s carries! DELTA FORCE 5!! Cover, Zaria wins!
Winner: Zaria, by pinfall
The Standout was perhaps moments away from winning, but those moments slipped through her fingers so that Zaria could come out on top! Sol celebrates with her friend, but who else will want their shot at what Sol’s got?
Tony D’Angelo is on the phone.
The Don is assuring them he’s got this. But then Wes Lee walks in, Tyriek & Tyson with him, talking up how big Wes winning the battle royal will be. They spot Tony, and Wes says look it! The Don of NXT! How’s the family, dog? Oh, haha, real funny, Wes. But if anyone knows about stabbing a brother in arms in the back, it’s Wes. What Stacks did to Tony, Wes did to Zachary Wentz. Wes says if he’d had to, he’d do it all over again. And he’s pretty sure Stacks feels the same. But hey, there’s something different about Tony. Oh…! Less confidence. That’s why Tony ain’t in the battle royal. He doesn’t think he can win without The Family.
Tony says Wes doesn’t know what he’s talking about. Wes has all this talent, yet still no instincts. But if he wants to be a tough guy, take a shot. Whoa, whoa, whoa. Wes would, but he has the battle royal to win. So see ya~! Wes heads out, his guys stare Tony down a second, and then they head out. Will the path to Battleground go through the Wes Side?
Lola Vice talks with Stephanie Vaquer.
The Mayor of Vice City tells La Primera that no matter who wins tonight between Giulia and Jordynne Grace, it will be tough at Battleground. And Lola knows Stephanie knows this, but Lola has no doubt that if anyone can walk through Hell and come out the other side NXT Women’s Champion, that’s Stephanie. Stephanie says, “Gracias, hermana.” And competing all over the world, in different promotions, could not have prepared her for what being at the top of this division would mean. Stephanie wants to say more but Lola stops her there. Lola says no matter what happens at Battleground, Lola will be waiting on the other side for her title shot.
But then in steps Giulia. Giulia says she hasn’t forgotten anything between the two of them, so she’ll see her at Battleground. Giulia heads out, but will the Beautiful Madness make it through the Juggernaut to have one last shot at the NXT Women’s Championship?
NXT Championship #1 Contender’s Battle Royal!
Everyone wants to win and face Oba Femi at Battleground, but Trick Williams says he NEEDS to win. Is this finally when #CrashOutTrick gets his way? Or will one of the other 24 hungry contenders be heading to Tampa?
NXT returns as most everyone has gotten in the ring, and Je’Von Evans makes his entrance. “All Ego” Ethan Page joins the field, but then the lights go down. A guitar strums, and the fans go nuts! That’s because E- Uh… ELIJAH is here! The fans sing, “Oh~ Walk With Elias~!” but no, no, the Drifter corrects them, and also sings. “I saw a friend in need~. And I don’t like Trick Willy~! So I decided to come back to NXT~. TNA, we walk this way. I got one more thing to say! It’s NXT, walk with me.” The fans cheer, and even chant, “Welcome Home! Welcome Home!” Elijah has a question for everyone here tonight: Who wants to walk with ELIJAH?
But then Ethan slides out to get in Elijah’s face! The bell rings and the brawl is on! Lexis King ROCKS and TOSSES Chris Island to ELIMINATE him! Lexis says he should go back to LFG! But then Island’s fellow LFG prospect, Shiloh Hill, TOSSES and ELIMINATES Lexis! The fans fire up for that, and wit, Elijah and Ethan brawl on the outside! Trick stomps away on Ricky Smokes while Sean Legacy brawls with Brad Baylor, Swipe Right is in trouble! Ty & Ty keep Wes safe, but then Briggs & Inamura get in there. Elijah and Ethan finally in the ring, but Ashante slides out under the ropes for a breather.
The Culling and NQCC are all over the place, Ridge Holland HEADBUTTS Niko Vance, but then Niko brawls with Myles. Dempsey KNEES Elijah, Myles KNEES Niko, and NQCC work together for a second. But Myles gets caught up with Thatcher, Elijah LARIATS and ELIMINATES Dempsey! Tavion goes after Elijah and Inamura is after Myles! Shawn Spears finds a pocket to stay safe before going after Elijah. Swipe Right brags a bit, and Inamura POUNCES Brad up and out to ELIMINATE him! The fans fire up with The Great Rush as he CLOBBERS Ricky Smokes! But then Trick hits a JUMPING NECKBREAKER!
The fans boo, but Adonis returns to TOSS Trick! Trick holds onto ropes while Ashante SUPERKICKS Tyson! And SUPERKICKS Smokes! And SUPERKICKS Tyriek! And SUPERKICKS Thatcher! Ashante is letting loose after being dumped by Karmen! He also SUPERKICKS Shiloh! Ashante TOSSES Shiloh, but Shiloh holds onto ropes! Shiloh dangles off the apron, Trick CLOBBERS Ashante up and out of the ring! Trick ELIMINATES Ashante and Ashante is furious, but Trick dares him to do something about it! The fans are torn over Trick while he stomps away on Shiloh, and NXT goes picture in picture.
Refs have to usher Ashante away, he’s that upset. The brawling continues chaotically, but Thatcher and Inamura trade UPPERCUTS! Elijah bumps Tavion off buckles and stomps him down, Wes and Zach find each other, but they have to fight off everyone else! They end up working together on Smokes?! Kick after kick, and then they TOSS Swipe Right out to ELIMINATE them! Then Wes and Zach stare down again. Only for Tyriek to CLOBBER Zach! Wes lets Tyriek & Tyson mug Zach, but then Briggs busts things up. Je’Von is clinging to ropes for dear life while Briggs & Inamura mug Tyson. Thatcher tries to throw Spears but Spears holds onto ropes.
Tyson fights back against Inamura, but Briggs BOOTS him and DUMPS him out of the ring to ELIMINATE him! Inamura CLOBBERS Tyriek! They stomp away on Tyriek now, then NXT returns to single picture. Ethan brawls with Thatcher, Culling works together, and Ridge is after #SuperSean. Thatcher throws uppercuts on Ethan, Jensen throws hands with Wes, and Thatcher whips Ethan. Ethan BOOTS back, then ROUNDHOUSES! Ethan TOSSES and ELIMINATE Thatcher! The fans boo but Ethan catches his breath. Briggs runs up on Je’Von but Je’Von dodges! Je’Von ROCKS Briggs, Shiloh throws hands on Niko, but Niko turns things around on him!
Tavion stomps away on Trick, Spears helps Niko against Shiloh but Shiloh throws hands! Shiloh ROCKS Spears, runs up, but Niko takes the LARIAT! Shiloh ELIMINATES Niko instead! Shiloh is still fired up, and he dodges Ridge, only for Ridge to come back and CLOBBER him! Ridge TOSSES Shiloh but Shiloh holds on! Trick ROCKS Ridge, but then Shiloh ROCKS Trick! Trick fires hands on Shiloh, but that just fires Shiloh up! Shiloh HEADBUTTS Trick, but a BOOT ELIMINATES Shiloh! The fans are torn but Trick has fire in his eyes. Elijah fights off Legacy, Inamura DECKS Trick! Jensen fires off on Inamura!
Spears CHOPS Tyriek! Je’Von whips, Tavion reverses, and Je’Von clings to ropes again! Je’Von RAMS into Tavion, hurries back in, and Trick stomps away on Inamura. Tyriek fights off Spears, Wes fights off Briggs, Inamura CHOPS Trick! Tavion stomps Sean, Ridge is down on the mat, but Briggs & Inamura work to shove Trick up and out! Trick clings to the ropes as best he can, and he stays on the apron! Briggs & Inamura kick at him, but Trick keeps one foot up! Tavion YANKS Wes down and tosses him aside. Jensen has Tyriek on the apron, and goes for broke with the FLYING LARIAT! Jensen ELIMINATES himself and Tyriek!
Tavion fires hands on Ethan, then on Ridge! Wes and Zach brawl, Tavion fires hands on Ridge! Ridge fights the German Suplex, Zach handsprings and JUMP KNEES Wes ! Ridge ROCKS Tavion! Briggs & Inamura DOUBLE LARIAT Tavion up and out, but Tavion stays safe on the apron!! Tavion grabs each of them, but Ridge runs up to BLAST Tavion! The fans boo as Ridge ELIMINATES Tavion, but then Briggs & Inamura go after Ridge! Elijah stomps Myles and goes after Spears while Briggs & Inamura give Ridge an ASSISTED BACKBREAKER! Je’Von stomps Sean, Briggs & Inamura TOSS Ridge!
Ridge holds onto ropes, but Briggs runs back up! Ridge drags Briggs out to join him! Inamura sets up while Briggs choke grips Ridge! Inamura runs up, Ridge pulls Briggs into the path, Inamura POUNCES Briggs!! Inamura accidentally ELIMINATES Briggs!! Inamura is stunned, Ridge steps back inside, and then Ridge CLOBBERS Inamura! Zach CLUBS Ridge down, stomps him, and then Je’Von DUMPS Myles out! Elijah kicks Je’Von and fires hands. Zach DECKS Spears, then goes for Wes. Je’Von leaps at Elijah, but the JUMP KNEE finds him! Wes and Zach have another stare down, but Je’Von and Sean storm up!
Wes and Zach shrug them off to SUPERKICK them both! Then they TOSS Je’Von and Sean out! They go back to a stare down while Sean and Je’Von hold on! And then Ethan and Spears TOSS the former Rascalz up and out! But then Wes and Zach both hold on! Ethan and Spears now stare down, as we get QUADRUPLE SKIN THE CAT! Ethan and Spears hurry, they LARIAT Zach back up and out to ELIMINATE him! Ethan grins and taunts Zach but Wes is safe, and NXT goes back to picture in picture.
Myles ROCKS Wes, then CHPOS him! Ethan and Trick meet again and Trick works to dump Ethan out! Ethan BOOTS Trick away, Sean and Je’Von work together on Elijah. Inamura CHOPS Wes in a corner! Spears ROCKS and CHOPS Ridge, TOSSES him, but Ridge holds on! Spears keeps after him, but Ridge punches from below! Wes throat chops Inamura, then goes after Je’Von. Wes kicks everyone he sees, and he KNEES Myles in a corner! Wes drags Myles up, but Myles puts Wes on the apron! Wes DECKS Myles, but TRICK BOOTS Wes off the apron and onto the desk! Trick ELIMINATES Wes, and is still seething.
Inamura knocks Spears down, Trick stomps Ridge, Elijah stomps Spears. Ethan and Je’Von brawl, Sean fires hands on Inamura, and Je’Von SUPERKICKS Ethan! Ethan BOOTS Je’Von! Sean puts Inamura up top, Trick has Myles, and Je’Von fights off Ethan’s powerbomb! STUNNER! Je’Von runs up but Ethan BOOTS him down! Inamura goes after Ridge with a CHOP! Ridge CHOPS in return! Elijah and Spears brawl, and Elijah JUMP KNEES him down! Ridge and Inamura fire up and go forearm for forearm! Inamura ROCKS Ridge again and again but Ridge just eggs him on! NXT returns to single picture as the big meaty men roar!
The forearms keep going, and the fans fire up more! They both roar, run, and DOUBLE LARIAT! And DOUBLE LARIAT! And DOUBLE LARIAT! Inamura roars, runs, but Ridge LARIATS him at the ropes! Ridge roars, runs, but Inamura LARIATS him at the ropes! Trick runs up to DUOBLE LARIAT and he ELIMINATES them both!! Trick has the most eliminations of this match and the fans fire up behind him! But wait! JOE HENDRY makes his way back out here! Trick screwed Hendry, Hendry is going to return the favor! Elijah TOSSES Trick and ELIMINATES him! And now Hendry brawls with Trick!!
The fans are torn but security rushes out here as Trick and Hendry fight around ringside! But then Spears TOSSES and ELIMINATES Elijah!! The fans boo as The Chair Man marks The Drifter! But Sean Legacy springboards to MISSILE DROPKICK Spears! Then Sean and Je’Von meet again. The fans fire up as these young guns take aim, and draw! Sean’s BOOT hits first! Sean TOSSES, but Je’Von rebounds, gets around, and GERMAN SUPLEXES! But Sean is back up! Je’Von runs up, Sean DUMPS him out, but Je’Von grabs the ropes! Je’Von’s feet are so close to the floor!! Je’Von rises up, he ROCKS Sean, and then he springboards in, into a SUPERKICK!!
Je’Von goes to a corner, Sean fires up and he GAMANGIRIS in the corner! The fans are torn between Young OG and Legacy, but Ethan is back! Sean turns that around to TOSS Ethan! Ethan holds onto the ropes, Sean turns around into an OG CUTTER! Je’Von gets moving, BOUNCY GAMANGIRI, and Ethan holds the ropes down! Sean falls out, Je’Von & Ethan ELIMINATE Sean together! And now we’re down to our final four! Ethan Page, Je’Von Evans, Shawn Spears, and Myles Borne! “This is Awesome!” as the brawl is back on! Je’Von has Spears, Myles has Ethan, and the fans fire up! Je’Von whips but Spears reverses to fireman’s carry!
Je’Von grabs ropes to stay safe, and he RAMS Spears! Myles stomps Ethan down in a corner, but he sees Je’Von slingshot up and over Spears. SNAP POWERSLAM from #BabyRandy! But Spears runs up, into a SNAP POWERSLAM! Ethan is up, and he BOOTS Myles from outta nowhere! Ethan whips, Myles reverses, clinches, and OVERHEAD SUPLEXES! Myles fires up, he puts Ethan on the ropes, but Ethan holds on! Je’Von fires hands on Spears, whips, but Spears reverses to send Je’Von into Myles and Ethan! Spears then pushes past Je’Von to DECK Myles! Je’Von runs up, Spears ducks but Je’Von leaps to the corner!
Spears turns around, Je’Von mule kicks! Ethan is up, Je’Von BOOTS him away! Myles DROPKICKS Je’Von! Je’Von dangles from the ropes! Spears SUPERKICKS Myles! Spears sees Je’Von on the apron, runs up, but Je’Von holds ropes down! Spears ends upon the apron and Je’Von BOOTS him! Je’Von goes up the corner, but Ethan BOOTS him! Je’Von slumps down and fans freak out, but Je’Von grabs the ropes at the last possible second! Je’Von stays safe, but Ethan stomps away! Ethan calls to Spears, but Je’Von RAMS them both! Je’Von DECKS Ethan, ROCKS Spears, then he goes to the corner! Springboard, DOUBLE FLYING LARIATS!
The fans are thunderous as the Young OG reloads, springboards again, but Spears and Ethan both move! OG CUTTER for Myles!! Je’Von kicks at Spears, Spears blocks it, and sends it into Ethan! Je’Von still SUPERKICKS Spears! Springboard and DOUBLE- NO!! Ethan & Spears hold Je’Von up and TOSS him!! The Canadians ELIMINATE Je’Von! The fans boo but now Spears and Ethan agree, Myles is next. But then Spears whips Ethan! Only for Ethan to reverse and send Spears out! Spears holds onto ropes, Myles runs up, Ethan dodges! Myles dodges back, and he DROPKICKS Ethan into Spears’ headscissors!
Spears drags Ethan out with that, but the BOTH fall! MYLES WINS!!!
Winner: Myles Borne (NEW #1 Contender to the NXT Championship)
NQCC returns to celebrate with their guy! Though, Tavion & Wren are more excited than Dempsey is about it. Will #BabyRandy start to live up to that parallel? Is Myles the next NXT Champion? Or will Oba Femi still be the Ruler?
Backstage interview with Jordynne Grace.
Sarah Schreiber is with the Juggernaut and brings up tonight’s #1 contender’s match. Grace and Giulia are going 1v1 for the first time ever, with only one of them going on to face Stephanie at Battleground. Grace says last week, the two of them fought all the way out of the arena. Tonight, it has to stay in the ring. Grace vows to beat Giulia and win her long overdue 1v1 opportunity at the title. Grace has the power advantage over not just Giulia, but the entire NXT Women’s Division. But in steps Izzi Dame. “What a great attempt at being interesting. You might be one of the strongest here, but you’re not one of the biggest.
“And regardless of what happens tonight, or at Battleground, I plan on-” Lash Legend walks in and says, “SKRRRR~! The birthday girl has finally arrived. Now, I know y’all ain’t talking strong, powerful women without mentioning the Bougie Bully at the top of that list.” Grace sees where this is going. After she becomes #1 contender tonight, and then wins the title at Battleground, she’ll gladly see both of them on the other side. Grace heads out, will the Juggernaut prove it isn’t about size but about backing it up?
Karmen Petrovic VS Jaida Parker!
The locker room confrontation is now a battle in the ring! Will Karmen prove that she is a strong, independent woman who doesn’t need a man? Or will Miss Parker remind us that she don’t play, period?
NXT returns and Karmen is in the ring. The bell rings and the fans rally up. The two tie up, go around, and Jaida puts Karmen on the ropes. Karmen turns things around but Jaida turns it back around. Jaida has Karmen in a corner, the fans chant, “Hey, Miss Parker~!” and the ref counts. Jaida pushes Karmen while she lets off, and Karmen frowns. The two tie up again, go around, and Jaida scoops to SLAM! Jaida says Karmen is in HER ring now! Karmen dodges the lariat, then sweeps the legs! Karmen runs and though Jaida leans back, Karmen changes from Penalty Kick to LEG DROP! Cover, TWO! Karmen drags Jaida up, whips her, but Jaida reverses.
Karmen goes up and SOBATS, then runs up again to wrench and PELE! Jaida bails out in frustration but Karmen builds speed! Karmen DIVES and down goes Jaida! The fans are torn but Karmen puts Jaida back in. Karmen storms up, but Jaida ELBOWS her down! Jaida doesn’t play, and she runs to BLOCKBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Karmen stays in this but Jaida stays on her with buckle bumps. Jaida RAMS into Karmen again and again, then puts Karmen in the ropes. Jaida CHOPS Karmen, then runs to TEARDROP! Jaida high steps it out, then she drags Karmen up for a TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Cover, TWO!
Jaida is frustrated, but she clamps onto Karmen. Jaida pulls Karmen’s arms into the motorcycle stretch, then she steps over to sit on Karmen! Karmen endures being folded up and the fans rally. Jaida talks trash, but Karmen powers up to pull her arms back in. Jaida HIP DROPS Karmen first! Jaida then stands Karmen up, throat chops her, and fireman’s carries. Karmen kicks and fights free, then runs up! Karmen ducks ‘n’ dodges to rally with FLYING FOREARM after FLYING FOREARM! Then she DISCUS LARIATS Jaida down! Karmen fires up, fans are torn, but Karmen runs in at the corner to ELBOW!
Karmen sits Jaida down, goes corner to corner, SLIDING KICK! Jaida sputters, Karmen goes up, and Karmen SHING-BLADES! Cover, TWO!! Jaida survives and Karmen is beside herself! Karmen thinks on what to do, and she tries the LION’S- NO, Jaida dodges the kick to HIP-NOTIC!! Cover, Jaida wins!
Winner: Jaida Parker, by pinfall
A big comeback win, but Jaida isn’t done! She HAMMERS away on Karmen, fires KNEE after KNEE, then suplexes for a GOURD BUSTER! Jaida high steps it, then runs up again, but THEA HAIL takes the hit! Jaida tells Thea to mind her own business. But then Karmen almost gets Jaida with a roundhouse! Jaida goes running, and Karmen checks on Thea. Will Jaida show Karmen and Thea what it really means to be a grown ass woman?
Ava Raine talks with Joe Hendry.
The “Mayor of NXT” has security on hand as she says this situation with Hendry and Trick has gotten out of hand. It has to end! Rebellion, the attacks on TNA Impact, and even this tonight, it is all too much, she is not having it anymore! Hendry says as TNA World Champion, he is NOT backing down from Trick. Ava says that’s fine, she knows Trick, and Trick surely won’t back down. So she spoke with Santino Morella earlier tonight, and they came to an agreement. At Battleground, it will be Hendry VS Trick 1v1. And for the first time on a WWE PLE, the TNA World Championship will be on the line.
Hendry is a bit surprised by that, but Ava says the contract signing is next week. Hendry says he’ll be there. Perfect. Hendry heads out, but is he risking a lot just to settle things with Trick? Or is TNA about to stand for Trick’s Newest Achievement?
Out The Mud is on their way back.
Lucien Price says, “Sometimes you gotta let the noise die down. That’s when you strike. We got sloppy. No patience, no control.” Bronco Nima says now they know better. They been crawling out that damn mud. Now that they’re back up, they see the NXT Tag Division for what it really is. There are teams begging to prove what they can do, but OTM ain’t begging. OTM will just take whatever they want. That means they’re taking everyone else’s shine, everyone else’s opportunities, and most importantly, everyone else’s gold! When and where will Price & Nima strike down the competition?
The Wes Side regroups backstage.
Wes himself is on the phone, and he says, “He took the bait, right? The match is set.” And he tells Tyriek & Tyson it’s as the saying goes: Everyone’s got a price! They laugh and head out, but what exactly does Wes mean by that? Meanwhile, we spot Inamura & Briggs. Briggs wants Inamura to hold on, and he wants to talk about the last couple of weeks. Inamura tells Briggs that he knows what he’ll say. Inamura disappointed Briggs again. Unable to win tonight, unable to win last week, and it was all on Inamura. Inamura is sorry. No, Briggs wasn’t going to say that. Inamura says he has already talked to Ava. Tonight, he heads home to Japan.
Briggs says he doesn’t want Inamura to go, but Inamura says he wishes he could’ve been a better tag partner. Inamura even returns his leather vest! “Goodbye, my friend.” Inamura leaves, and Jensen walks in, The Culling by his side. Jensen says he knows that feeling. He’s lived that feeling! And it sucked! But hey, Briggs is better off now, right? Briggs always thinks it’s his partner, but maybe, just maybe, the problem has always been Briggs. Izzi says, “The truth hurts, huh?” The Culling leaves, and Briggs is all alone. What is the Bullhead Brawler to do with himself now?
The NQCC returns backstage.
Wren & Tavion continue to be fired up for Myles, but Dempsey still seems torn. Dempsey does pat Myles on the shoulder and tells him that was a fantastic job out there. But now is the time to get serious. Dempsey needs each and every one of them to help HIM get ready for the match with Oba at Battleground. Myles says he knows he’s hard of hearing, but did Dempsey just say he is facing Oba? Yeah. Uh, no, Myles won the battle royal. Dempsey says hey, Myles won for the good of the group, but it needs to be Dempsey going to Battleground, going after that big piece of meat and stretching it out to have Oba crying for mercy. Uh… What?
Before anyone can question what Dempsey’s talking about, Oba walks in and applauds Myles’ victory. Myles was not Oba’s pick to win, but he is still impressed. He will be seeing Myles at Battleground. Dempsey says no, it’ll be him. Oba says he’s pretty sure he saw Myles win the match. Yeah, but- Myles says yeah, HE won, so HE will be facing Oba at Battleground. But hey, Dempsey can still show Myles how it’s done by facing Oba next week. Because before Oba showed up, Charlie was saying something about… Uh, Tavion, can you help Myles remember? Something about stretching out that big meat? Dempsey says he wasn’t saying that!
Myles says no, he’s pretty sure he heard that. And Wren, didn’t Dempsey say he was gonna make Oba cry for mercy? Hey, Charlie, look. If you beat Oba like you believe you can, then maybe Battleground can be a Triple Threat. No, no, no, Oba is done with Triple Threats. But he will see Dempsey next week. Oba heads out, Myles says Oba’s pissed. Dempsey “thanks” Myles for that. What wonderful selective hearing he has… Sorry, what was that, Charlie? Dempsey frowns then storms off and Myles chuckles. Wren says Dempsey said Myles has wonderful selective hearing, and Myles chuckles again.
Tavion says Myles shouldn’t worry about that. But will Dempsey manage to take down Oba all by himself? Or will Dempsey just be an appetizer for The Ruler?
Uriah Hall & Kale Dixon talk with Mr. Chase.
It is so exciting to have Chase U back! Mr. Chase agrees, it’s been awesome. Kale says he and Uriah have been thinking. First, they love the sweater. So does Mr. Chase! And they love the polo shirts. So does Mr. Chase! But they were thinking to spruce it up a bit by getting rid of the polo. W-What? Uriah says no one really wears polo shirts anymore, and they already have some clothes for Mr. Chase to try on. Chase isn’t so sure, he was just getting used to wearing the sweater again. Uriah says just try these on. And trust them, it’ll be worth it. Chase sighs and gives in. He takes the stack of shirts, goes into the dressing room, but then a few minutes later, he shouts at them!
Uriah & Kale stand at attention as he walks out in a quarter-zip. They love it! It’ll look sharp in the classroom! Chase isn’t so sure, and he goes to try on the second shirt. That’s fine, it’s good to have options. A few minutes later, Chase comes out in a full tracksuit! There it is! That’ll look great ringside! Ringside?! J-Just a suggestion. Chase says y’know what? He does like it. Kale & Uriah fist-bump! New Chase U, new Chase Fit, this is going to be great!
NXT Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Giulia VS Jordynne Grace!
La Primera may have overcome The Beautiful Madness, The Juggernaut and Miss Parker all at once, but now she’ll have no choice but to face someone 1v1 at Battleground. Will the former NXT Women’s Champion have her rematch of revenge? Or will Grace go Beast Mode and earn her spot at Battleground?
NXT returns as Grace makes her entrance. The bell rings and both rush in! They fire forearms back and forth and the fans fire up! Grace gets the edge, but then Giulia dodges to ROCK Grace! Giulia has Grace in a corner, CHOPS and ROCKS her over and over, but stops as the ref counts. Giulia winds up, runs up, and hits a FASTBALL! The fans fire up, but then Grace puts Giulia in the ring! Grace fires forearms and CHOPS of her own! The fans fire up, the ref counts, Grace GRIZZLY MAGNUMS! Grace brushes herself off, then whips Giulia corner to corner. Giulia reverses, Grace reverses back and atomic drops!
Grace whips, scoops, and GUT WRENCH SLAMS Giulia! Giulia hits her head hard, but Grace hurries to deadlift suplex! Grace holds Giulia up, even as Giulia kicks and flails! Grace then shifts to hit a GUT BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Giulia stays in this, slaps herself to make sure she’s still in this, and we see Stephanie Vaquer watching this backstage. Grace drags Giulia back up, whips her to a corner, and Giulia bounces off buckles! Grace whips her back the other way! Giulia drops to her knees, but Grace looms over her. The fans rally, Grace bumps Giulia off buckles, then LARIATS to the back again and again!
The ref counts, Grace stops, and then Grace brings Giulia around. Grace waistlocks, Giulia switches, but Grace switches back. Grace goes for a full nelson, but Giulia uses her own leg as leverage to fight the hold. Grace still powers up to nelson, and then she spins Giulia to KNEE and LARIAT! Giulia stays up so Grace LARIATS her in the back! Giulia grits her teeth as Grace LARIATS her again! Giulia then clinches to STO! Cover, TWO! Giulia snarls and headlocks, then she brings Grace to a corner. Giulia ROCKS Grace, runs up, but Grace gets around to RAM her into the buckles! Grace has the arms hooked but Giulia pushes off the buckles!
Grace backslides, Giulia rolls through, then Giulia SHOTGUNS Grace down! The fans fire up, Giulia brings Grace up, but Grace wrenches out and whips Giulia to the apron. Giulia dodges Grace, but Grace blocks a kick! Grace pulls the leg into the ropes, Giulia pulls Grace’s hair, and the ref reprimands them both. They both let go at 4, but then Grace blocks the sucker punch! Grace trips Giulia, then goes up, up, and STOMPS! Giulia avoids disaster, then she YANKS Grace down! Grace hits apron, then Giulia pushes her back in! Giulia stands, goes Matrix to avoid the haymaker, but then Grace BOPS her! Grace goes up and brings Giulia up!
Giulia CHOPS at Grace’s legs, then drops down to trip Grace up! Grace has a hard landing now, and Giulia drags her to the apron. Giulia has Grace dangling, DRAPING NECKBREAKER to the floor! The fans fire up again and NXT goes picture to picture.
Giulia fires up, and she brings Grace back up. Giulia puts Grace in the ring, stomps her around, then brings her back up. Giulia wrenches Grace’s hair, wrenches again, then THROWS Grace by her hair! Giulia throws down hands, then throws down HEADBUTTS! The ref reprimands the hair pulling but Giulia runs to DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Grace is tougher than that, but Giulia looms over her. Giulia drags Grace up by her arms with a motorcycle stretch. Grace powers up to turn that around! But then Giulia turns it back around! Giulia brings Grace to a knee, then STOMPS her down! Giulia kicks Grace around, then clamps on for a NECK TWIST!
Grace writhes but Giulia drags her up. Giulia bumps Grace off buckles, reels her in, and puts her up top. Giulia puts Grace in a Tree of Woe, taunts her, then builds speed side to side, basement DROPKICK! Grace falls out of the Tree, but Giulia clamps on a cravat! Grace endures the neck wrench, fights up to her feet, and fires body shots! Giulia just clamps on tighter! Grace fires more body shots as NXT returns to single picture. Giulia ROCKS Grace, whips her, but Grace goes up and over! Grace then hits a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Giulia then has a GUILLOTINE FACELOCK!! Grace endures, even as Giulia has the body scissors on!
The fans rally, Grace fights up and powers through, but Giulia HEADBUTTS again and again! But Grace still hits an EXPLODER! The fans fire up while both women are down! “This is Awesome!” as both women slowly rise. They go forehead to forehead, then Giulia fires a forearm! Grace fires a haymaker! Giulia fires a forearm, Grace fires back, and they go back and forth! The fans rally as Giulia gets the edge and ROCKS Grace! Giulia whips but Grace holds ropes! Giulia SLAPS Grace, then whips! Grace reverses to SLAP back! The fans fire up, Grace runs, but Giulia blows past! Only for Grace to scoop and SLAM!
Grace scoops and SLAMS again! Then she scoops and- NO, Giulia fights it! But even so, Grace powers through to scoop and MICHINOKU DRIVER!!! Cover, TWO?!!? Giulia survives and no one understands how! Grace grows frustrated but Giulia gets herself to a corner. Grace drags Giulia up, ROCKS her, then winds up, only for Giulia to dodge! Giulia runs up but Grace puts her on the apron! Giulia goes up, but Grace UPPERCUTS! Grace climbs up and brings Giulia to the top! Stalling SUPERPLEX! And then roll through to a JACKHAMMER!! Cover, TWO!!!! Giulia survives again and Grace is beside herself!
The fans rally up for Giulia but Grace pump handles and half nelsons! Giulia fights free, but Grace reels her in! NORTHERN- DDT!! Giulia hurries to wrench and hammerlock Grace, then scoop, GLORIOUS DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!?!? Now Grace shocks us, but Giulia isn’t done! But then Grace scoops! The fans are thunderous for “Women’s Wrestling!” as Giulia fights the scoop to have an IRON OCTOPUS! Grace endures, powers through, but Giulia has her up again! Grace slips free, inverted suplexes, and tucks Giulia in for a REVERSE POWERBOMB!! But Giulia rises?!? Both women roar, Giulia runs up, but Grace ROCKS her! And URAKENS!
Grace reels Giulia in for the pump handle, BEAST MODE DRIVER!!! Cover, Grace wins!!!
Winner: Jordynne Grace, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the NXT Women’s Championship)
These two pushed past their limits and put on a banger, but Giulia could not outlast the Juggernaut! Grace is headed to Tampa, but here comes Stephanie Vaquer! La Primera walks to the ring to be face to face with Jordynne, and she holds up the title. Will Vaquer still be the best of the best in the best women’s division in the world? Or will the Dark Angel learn to lose with Grace?
My Thoughts:
An awesome NXT here, jampacked with both action and build towards Battleground. For one, an awesome main event from Giulia VS Grace, though that rough landing for Giulia out of the gut wrench was scary. Grace winning was a moderate surprise, but Vaquer VS Grace will still be awesome. I feel like this is Giulia’s way to move on to Raw, but I guess we’ll see as soon as next week. Good promo from Jaida with Thea and Karmen, and then a very good match between Jaida and Karmen. Jaida gets a good win, and with OTM on the way back, maybe the trio can finally get going on the other side of Battleground.
Lola wanting next after Battleground is also fitting. Lola VS Vaquer was teased months ago, so they might go through with it on the way to the big weekend in LA. Worlds Collide is essentially a spotlight on Latino talent, so an all Latina title match would make the perfect main event. Kelani VS Zaria was a great match, and who doesn’t like a barrier breaking spot? I figured Zaria would get the win, and I still think the route to go with is Zaria facing others who want at Sol, so that Zaria builds herself a win streak that then leads to Sol VS Zaria. Good little promo from Chase with Uriah & Kale to give an origin story behind some new ring gear. I can’t be sure if Uriah & Kale will help Mr. Chase do better or end up messing Mr. Chase up, but it’ll be good story material.
Great opening Six Man, and I didn’t think Trick would cost Hendry the match, but it still works given Trick going after Hendry every chance he can. And of course Hendry costs Trick in return during the battle royal. Trick VS Hendry for the TNA World Championship is going to be awesome stuff, I can’t wait to see the contract signing or the title match. And we might get Trick joining the exclusive club of men who’ve been both NXT and TNA Champion in their careers. The others in that club are Samoa Joe, Bobby Roode, Drew McIntyre, & Dolph Ziggler/Nic Nemeth.
That battle royal also made for a great throughline for a lot of the other stories tonight. Wes talking smack on Tony D is going to give us Wes VS Tony D, and I feel like Wes’s phone call after the battle royal has something to do with Stacks. Inamura and Briggs having their last match together for it to go south was a good move since Inamura really is going home to Pro-Wrestling Noah. And of course Jensen & The Culling had to pour salt on the wound. I stick by what I said last week where Briggs ends up siding with Culling so he and Jensen can be a team again.
I really liked the interactions of Wes and Zach in the battle royal, because they never got the chance to fight each other, and then ended up working together instead. I can’t wait to see if we get more of Wes VS Zach, maybe for some bigger TNA VS NXT show. I am really surprised Myles Borne won, but this is great for him. It also feels like NQCC could fall apart, as Dempsey was clearly trying to Freebird Rule that title opportunity even though that’s not how it works. Oba had a good promo with NQCC, and Oba will definitely beat Dempsey next week. Now, I don’t know the odds of Myles beating Oba, but Myles will certainly have an awesome showing, and this obviously will lend towards an eventual Myles VS Dempsey story, which will be great stuff.
My Score: 9/10
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TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
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