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

WrestleKingdom 16, Night One!

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NJPW WrestleKingdom 16 Tokyo

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 Rules Pro-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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Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (5/23/25)

Never! Slow! Down!

Published

on

It’s getting hot in Georgia!

WWE begins a big Memorial Day Weekend with SmackDown and The Street Profits defending the WWE Tag Team Championships against Fraxiom!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Women’s Money in the Bank Qualifier Triple Threat: Charlotte Flair VS Zelina Vega VS Giulia; Giulia wins and advances to Money in the Bank.
  • Chris Sabin w/ Alex Shelley VS Tommaso Ciampa w/ Johnny Gargano; Ciampa wins.
  • Mia Yim & B-Fab VS The Secret Her-Vice w/ Chelsea Green; Mia & B-Fab win.
  • Jimmy Uso & Rey Fenix VS Jacob Fatu & JC Mateo w/ Solo Sikoa; Fatu & Mateo win.
  • Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifier Triple Threat: Shinsuke Nakamura VS LA Knight VS Aleister Black; Knight wins and advances to Money in the Bank.
  • WWE Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits VS Fraxiom; win(s) and

PLAY BY PLAY

Drew McIntyre arrives backstage.

And is immediately attacked by Damian Priest! The Archer of Infamy and the Scottish Terminator are #OnSight with each other, and the brawl is on! Priest gets the edge, but then Drew RAMS him into a road case! Security and producers pull these two apart, but it takes a lot of them! Will these two have to be sent home so they can make it to tomorrow night’s Steel Cage match?

 

Tiffany Stratton is here!

Savannah, Georgia fires up as the WWE Women’s Champion struts her way to the ring. And even after a red hot battle last week, it is still Tiffy Time! Tiff has the mic to ask, “Savannah, Georgia, what time is it?” “TIFFY TIME!” Tiff says that is right. So much can change in over a year. This time last year, she was walking into Money in the Bank with all the hype in the world. Some thought she was in over her head, but here she is, standing as THE WWE Women’s Champion! The fans cheer that! And along the way, she has beaten some of the best. On the Grandest Stage of Them All, she beat Charlotte Flair!

And just last week, she kicked Nia Jax’s face off! And in two weeks at MITB, someone will have the same opportunity as Tiff had. So word of advice to whoever wins: If you try cashing in on Tiff, just know- Wait! Alexa Bliss is here! Savannah fires up all over again as Lil’ Miss Bliss makes her way down to the ring, then grabs herself a mic. Bliss says she and Tiff haven’t been formally introduced. Alexa is a former women’s champion, and a former Miss MITB. And Tiff, Alexa has had her eye on you. Tiff caught Alexa’s eye when Tiff beat Charlotte at Mania. And Alexa felt a little bad for Charlotte, but then remembered you can’t feel bad for a narcissist who calls herself The Queen.

Alexa doesn’t need to do stuff like that. But what she does need is the briefcase hanging up there, because Tiffy… Is it okay if Alexa calls her that? Tiff says yes. Alexa tells Tiffy that this is all business. Tiff cashed in on Nia, just like Alexa. But the difference is, Alexa actually liked Nia. She doesn’t know Tiff. So Tiff better pray that Alexa doesn’t win. If you think that rise to the top was quick, just wait for the downfall. But wait! Now Charlotte Flair makes her way out here! The fans boo The Queen, but she struts out in her black feathered robe, gets her pyro, and also gets a mic. Charlotte puts the robe aside and is dressed for her match.

Charlotte tells everyone that if there’s one thing she’s known for is humility. She might be the most humble 14-TIME champion in the history of the WWE! Now, she wants to humbly congratulate Tiff for beating her at Mania. “Tiffany, sweetie, you’re doing great. But it’s not gonna last forever.” And the thing is, Charlotte’s done everything there is to do in the WWE except win the Women’s MITB. So when she does win, and she cashes in, not only will Charlotte take that title back, she plans on taking back the spotlight! Fans chant “Charlotte Sucks!” but Charlotte says when she wants something, she doesn’t wait, she just takes!

Tiff tells “Char” that she is lowkey giving hypocrite. Didn’t Charlotte say that cashing in was the “easy way?” Then why is Charlotte trying to qualify? ANd to be honest, Charlotte and Alexa are both a little… vintage for Tiff. They were the standard, she’s the upgrade! Whether they like it or not, but as long as Tiff is champion, it’ll always be Tiffy Time~! Tiff drops the mic, waves tootles, and then holds up her title on the way out. But will it still be her title after Money in the Bank? Or will she be the prime target for Miss MITB 2025? Well, speaking of that match, Giulia makes her entrance! Will MITB succumb to the Beautiful Madness? Or will wrestling royalty take over?

Women’s Money in the Bank Qualifier Triple Threat: Charlotte Flair VS Zelina Vega VS Giulia!

SmackDown returns as Zelina makes her entrance, going full Prominence Burn with her entrance attire. One month as Women’s US Champion, could the inaugural Queen of the Ring soon add “Miss MITB” to her list of accomplishments?

The bell rings and the fans cheer as the three stare down. Charlotte gets some last-minute stretching in, then she, Zelina and Giulia circle. Giulia and Charlotte stare down more, but Zelina won’t be left out. She pushes them, but Charlotte KNEES Zelina low! Charlotte TOSSES Zelina, then goes back to Giulia. They circle, but Zelina rolls Giulia up! TWO, Charlotte scoops Zelina, but gets a tilt-o-whirl RANA! Giulia CLOBBERS Zelina, and then she stares down with Charlotte. The fans rally and ‘WOO~!” as the two tie up. They go around, break, and Giulia dodges a boot. Zelina wheelbarrows Charlotte, but is sent at Giulia, so she RANAS through!

Zelina runs, Charlotte scoops her and talks trash before the FALL AWAY SLAM! Charlotte kips up, the fans “WOO~!” again, and she goes to Zelina. Charlotte CHOPS Zelina, but Giulia storms up. Giulia pushes Charlotte aside so she can CHOP Zelina. Giulia and Charlotte stare down, then Charlotte KNEES low! Charlotte RAMS Giulia into Zelina, those two fall, and then Charlotte waistlocks Giulia. Giulia fights the lift, drops down and slips out to trip Charlotte! The fans cheer as Giulia ties up the legs! Giulia then SLAPS Charlotte to get those arms, DEATHLOCK SURFBOARD and STOMP! The fans fire up and Giulia stands over Charlotte.

Giulia taunts Charlotte, then hits a NECK TWIST! Giulia then drags Charlotte up, ROCKS her, CHOPS her, and ROCKS her again! Giulia fires off shots, but Charlotte CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Giulia goes Matrix on the fourth, but they DOUBLE LARIAT! Zelina is back to reel Giulia in, and she kicks at Charlotte. Charlotte stops that, she and Giulia DOUBLE SUPELX, only for Zelina to DOUBLE DDT! Cover on Charlotte, TWO! Cover on Giulia, TWO! DOUBLE KNEES for Charlotte int he corner! Giulia runs up, Zelina blocks a shot to ELBOW her away! Zelina runs at Charlotte, is put on the apron, and Charlotte DECKS her!

Giulia runs up, Charlotte puts her outside and BOOTS her down! The fans “WOO~” and rally up as Charlotte goes out. Charlotte and Giulia brawl, but Zelina goes up top! DOUBLE QUEBRADA! Down go Charlotte and Giulia and the fans fire up while SmackDown goes picture in picture!

Zelina points to the briefcases, stomps Charlotte, then puts Giulia in the ring. Charlotte follows as Zelina covers, TWO! Zelina covers Charlotte but Giulia breaks it! All three stand, Charlotte CLUBS Zelina, then coordinates with Giulia. Giulia bumps Zelina off buckles, Charlotte stomps a mudhole in, and then Giulia adds her own. Giulia digs her boots in, steps off to drag her up, and Charlotte joins in so they can DOUBLE SUPLEX! But Charlotte and Giulia both want to cover, TWO! Zelina survives because of the delay, and Charlotte argues with Giulia. Giulia goes for Zelina but Charlotte rolls her up! TWO, and Charlotte LARIATS Giulia down!

Charlotte storms up on Zelina, brings her around, but Zelina JAWBREAKERS free! Zelina runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, and CROSSBODIES! Zelina hurries to whip Charlotte, but Charlotte reverses. Zelina goes up and over and rolls Charlotte up, TWO! ROLLING KICK! But Giulia brings Zelina up, BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Charlotte CLOBBERS Giulia at about the same time, so now she and Giulia start shoving. Charlotte CHOPS, then pie faces, then CHOPS! Charlotte whips, but Giulia SHOTGUN BOOTS! Charlotte tumbles away and Giulia goes to the corner. Charlotte hits her with a BACKBREAKER and BUCKLE SHOT! Cover, TWO!

SmackDown returns to single picture, Charlotte slaps Giulia around and talks trash. Charlotte pie faces Giulia, the fans boo, but Giulia SLAPS back! Giulia fires knees, then fires up! The fans are with her and she runs in, only for Charlotte to DUMP her out! Giulia stands but into a GAMANGIRI! Zelina is in a corner, Charlotte runs up but Zelina BOOTS her! And FLYING RAN- NO! Charlotte brings Zelina up, but Zelina spins around! Giulia is up top, MISSILE DROPKICK DOOMSDAY!! Cover on Charlotte, TWO! Cover on Zelina, TWO! Giulia is annoyed but the fans rally up. Giulia ROCKS Zelina, ROCKS Charlotte, repeat!

Charlotte CHOPS Giulia, CHOPS Zelina, repeat! Zelina kicks Charlotte, Giulia HEADBUTTS Zelina, then Giulia BOOTS Charlotte! Cover on Charlotte, TWO! Giulia clamps onto Charlotte, drags her up, and whips her to a corner. Charlotte goes up and out and then BOOTS back! Zelina runs up, Charlotte RAMS her! Charlotte fires up, the fans are torn, but Charlotte climbs. Zelina & Giulia stand up, Charlotte DOUBLE CROSSBODIES! Zelina is up, tilt-o-whirl, LA MYSTICA! DRAGON SLEEPER! But Giulia KNEES Zelina down! But Charlotte BOOTS Giulia! Cover, TWO! Giulia is tougher than that, and then Zelina scraps with Charlotte.

Charlotte CLOBBERS Zelina, the fans are torn, and Charlotte steps on Giulia and Zelina to go to the corner. Charlotte climbs, the fans boo, but Charlotte is up to MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO!! Both Zelina and Giulia survive and Charlotte is furious! Charlotte paces around, but she gets dragged down by Giulia! RINGS OF SATURN!! Charlotte is flailing, fighting, rolls, but Giulia rolls through to make it a ghost pin! TWO, and Zelina DOUBLE SHOTGUNS! The fans fire up as Zelina kips up, dials it up, 619 on Charlotte! Giulia grabs Zelina to HEADBUTT her! And HEADBUTT Charlotte! Both women wobble, and Charlotte SPEARS!! Cover, TWO!!!

Giulia narrowly survives but Charlotte TOSSES Zelina out. Charlotte stomps away on the legs, steps through, but Giulia makes it a cradle! TWO!! Giulia ducks ‘n ‘dodges, and she- NO, Charlotte blocks the boot to have the FIGURE FOUR! METEORA from Zelina!! Giulia is freed, but Zelina hops on, CODE RED!! Cover, CHARLOTTE CLOBBERS IT!! The fans are thunderous, “This is Awesome!” while all three women are down. Zelina goes to a corner, Charlotte to another, and Giulia is on the outside. Zelina and Charlotte rise, Charlotte runs up, but Zelina dodges! Charlotte hits buckles, staggers, but avoids Code Red to BOOT Zelina!

Charlotte has a leg, steps through, FIGURE FOUR!! But Giulia is up top! Charlotte bridges into the FIGURE EIGHT, but Giulia hits a DIVING DOUBLE STOMP!! Charlotte’s leg takes the damage, so Giulia scoops Zelina! NORTHERN LIGHTS BOMB!! Cover, Giulia wins!!

Winner: Giulia, by pinfall (advances to Money in the Bank)

It was an instant classic, and now the former NXT Women’s Champion is going to be one step away from a new prize! Will she make this the Beautiful Madness in the Bank and snatch a title just as quickly?

 

#DIY speaks.

Tommaso Ciampa says, “Ever since we came to SmackDown last year, we have turned this tag team division into the best on the planet.” Johnny Gargano adds, “We did that!” The Profits hold the gold, but every time DIY takes a step forward, Motor City Machine Guns are breathing down their neck. Shelley, Sabin, the only thing they ever did was piggyback off Gargano’s friendship to get into this company. MCMG likes to say that they are your favorite tag team’s favorite tag team. Talk about egotistical sociopaths! And if that wasn’t enough, there are the young rookies, Fraxiom, adding to the delusion! Frazer goes on social media shouting from the mountaintops, “Oh, thank you, MCMG!”

How pathetic! Add Fraxiom to the long list of people trying to hold DIY back! Conspiring against them! And after last month, the brutal TLC, it is clear that something needs to change. That change begins tonight, when Ciampa takes on Sabin 1v1. And Ciampa promises that when this entire story is done, you are looking at the THREE-TIME WWE Tag Team Champions, D I Y! Ciampa storms off, but will the Sicilian Psycho scratch Sabin off their hitlist? Or is it time for the Machine Guns to fire back?

 

Zelina returns backstage.

The Women’s US Champion is clearly upset over her loss, but Chelsea Green walks over. She has her Secret Her-vice stand down, there is absolutely no threat here. But it is amazing how Zelina manages to be a champion and yet still a loser. How does she do it? Zelina ROCKS Chelsea, and then the Secret Her-vice mugs Zelina! But Mia Yim SMACKS Alba with a kendo stick! Piper DECKS Mia, B-Fab runs up and it is chaos! Nick Aldis shouts, “ENOUGH! ENOUGH! Everyone just calm down!” Mia says Zelina got Chelsea, but she & B-Fab need to get after the Secret Her-vice tonight! Aldis likes the sound of that! They’ll do it TONIGHT!

B-Fab says see you later! Will Piper & Alba pay for Chelsea’s crimes? Or will there be no getting past the Green Regime?

 

Chris Sabin w/ Alex Shelley VS Tommaso Ciampa w/ Johnny Gargano!

SmackDown returns as DIY makes their entrance. The bell rings and Ciampa circles with Sabin. They tie up, Ciampa pulls Sabin’s ear, and he puts Sabin in a corner. The ref counts, Ciampa lets off, but Sabin avoids the cheap shot! Sabin arm-drags Ciampa and the two reset. The fans rally, the two circle, and they knuckle lock. Sabin spins to wrench and headlock. Ciampa powers up and out but Sabin runs him over! Cover, ONE, but Sabin arm-drags to an armlock. Ciampa endures, fights up, but Sabin hammerlocks. Ciampa slips through, but Sabin puts the hammerlock right back on! Sabin grinds the arm, Ciampa reaches out, but Sabin pulls him back.

Ciampa again tries to get free but Sabin just puts the hammerlock right back on him. Ciampa ELBOWS Sabin down, shakes out the bad arm, then he whips Sabin into buckles. Ciampa stomps away, the ref counts, but Ciampa stops at 4. The fans boo but Ciampa soaks up the heat. Ciampa stalks Sabin while Gargano talks trash. Ciampa wrenches and CHOPS Sabin, then snapmares for a STOMP! Sabin clutches his face but Ciampa pushes him to a cover, ONE!! Ciampa is frustrated but he stomps Sabin’s hand! Ciampa stomps Sabin around, drags him up, and whips. Sabin ducks ‘n’ dodges and tilt-o-whirls to RANA!

Ciampa gets up, Sabin arm-drags again, and Ciampa bails out. Gargano cools Ciampa down, but Sabin PLANCHAS! Ciampa rolls in, Sabin lands safe on the apron, but Ciampa throws Gargano’s jacket at him! Sabin is stuck, WILLOW’S BELL! Sabin flops out and the fans boo, but Ciampa whips him into barriers! The fans are torn but DIY clap and pat themselves on the back while SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Sabin BULLDOGS Ciampa! The fans fire up while both men are down! Ciampa and Sabin crawl to opposite corners, then stand. Ciampa runs up, Sabin BOOTS him, then LARIATS! And LARIATS! Sabin blocks a kick, SWEEPS the leg, then PENALTY KICKS, but Ciampa blocks! Ciampa stands, but Sabin wrenches and STRAITJACKET GERMAN SUPLEXES! The fans fire up as Sabin runs corner to corner, GAMANGIRI! Cover, TWO! Ciampa scrambles to the outside and Gargano checks on him. Sabin goes to the apron, Ciampa dodges and hops up. Ciampa ROCKS Sabin, Sabin ROCKS Ciampa, repeat!

The CHOPS go back and forth and the fans “WOO~” with each one! Ciampa fires up, ducks a chop, and picks Sabin up for an APRON AIR RAID CRASH!! Cover, TWO!! Sabin survives and the fans fire up! Ciampa snarls and looms over Sabin. Ciampa drags Sabin up, brings him around, and reels him in. Ciampa grins as he underhooks, for the- NO, Sabin fights the Fairytale Ending, has a leg, then an arm, to DRAGON SCREW! Ciampa hobbles around and Sabin runs to springboard! FLYING DDT!! Cover, TWO!! Ciampa survives and the fans fire up again as Sabin climbs. Sabin aims as Ciampa rises, but Gargano distracts him!

The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but now Shelley is after Gargano. Gargano backs off, Ciampa runs up, but Sabin dodges! The BOOT hits Shelley, Sabin rolls Ciampa, TWO!! Sabin staggers, dodges Ciampa, and Ciampa tumbles out! Sabin builds speed to TRIANGLE JUMP PLANCHA! Down goes DIY! The fans fire up as all four men are down! Sabin rises, he fetches Ciampa into the ring, “This is Awesome!” as Sabin climbs a corner. Ciampa CHOPS first! Ciampa climbs up after Sabin, reels him in, but Sabin fires body shots! Sabin ROCKS Ciampa, Ciampa falls, and he clutches the leg! The ref checks Ciampa and Sabin isn’t sure what to make of this.

BUT CANDICE LERAE IS HERE! She HOTSHOTS Sabin!! PSYCHO KNEE from Ciampa!! Cover, Ciampa wins!!

Winner: Tommaso Ciampa, by pinfall

DIY does it again, and the Poison Pixie is the magic difference maker! Will this “change” be what helps DIY take over SmackDown?

 

Backstage interview with Fraxiom.

Byron Saxton is with Nathan Frazer & Axiom to bring up their meteoric rise in the WWE. They debuted on SmackDown just a month ago but have been undefeated in that time. How much pressure is there heading into the biggest match of their careers? Frazer says it has been a wild ride, and he’d be lying if he said this wasn’t the biggest night of their lives. Axiom says they can think back on those nights when they were dreaming of an opportunity like this. And tonight is that night! They could become the NEW WWE Tag Team Champions! They’re nervous, because the Profits are one of the best tag teams in the world.

But tonight, the Profits are just a step on Fraxiom’s path to greatness. Frazer agrees with amigo Axiom, because while DIY said that stuff about them, they’re not worried about what DIY said. They are only concerned with the Profits and that if they beat them again, they can become champions! They can make history! If they believe in themselves, if they’re on the same page, then they could take on any tag team on the planet! Byron wishes them luck, but will it be the combination of speed and agility that takes the titles?

 

Damian Priest heads to the ring.

But before he can properly make an entrance, Drew McIntyre is on him! They brawl again, and Priest sends Drew into barriers! Then he ROCKS Drew! Drew hits back, the fans fire up, and Drew sends Priest into barriers now! Priest ROCKS Drew, Drew kicks Priest, and then Drew POSTS Priest! Security hurries out here but the fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT! LET THEM FIGHT!” Producers and refs join in and separate the two. Priest grabs a mic to shout at Drew, “Where you going? You gonna go hide behind your phone? Nah, it’s Guepa Time! Tomorrow, I send your ass to the hospital! But tonight, I’m getting my pound of flesh!”

Priest DOUBLE LARIATS security, then leaps out to attack Drew on the ramp! They brawl, the producers separate them, and Aldis says for these two to be taken away! Drew and Priest are going to be like wild animals inside that Steel Cage, who will even survive Saturday Night’s Main Event?

 

Solo Sikoa talks with JC Mateo backstage.

Solo knows JC knows, but then Jacob Fatu walks in. Solo says big tag match tonight! Fatu & Mateo, same page, baby. But Fatu wants to talk with Solo in private real quick. Why? Anything he has to say to Solo, he can say to JC. JC’s family now. What is on Fatu’s mind? Fatu says first thing on his mind is that he doesn’t trust JC. He doesn’t know JC. He doesn’t like JC. And he damn sure doesn’t like what Solo’s got going on. See, Fatu didn’t need the help at Backlash. At the end of the day, JC ain’t blood, and he damn sure ain’t family. Solo has JC stand down, and Solo says that aggression is what he is talking about!

Just take that aggression and transfer it to Jimmy Uso & Rey Fenix. Speaking of Jimmy, Solo knows Jimmy is upset that Roman Reigns left. Jimmy is all sad. But y’know who never left? Solo! And he never will. He wants Jimmy to come back, but the only way that can happen is if Fatu and Mateo work together as a family. YADAD- NO, Solo, stop that. That’s not even it. You saying it wrong. But see you out there tonight. Yarrrrrda mean? Solo says he doesn’t hear the difference. But can the Samoan Werewolf and the Imperial Unit tear down #BigJim and the Firebird?

 

Charlotte Flair walks backstage.

But Alexa says, “And that’s why it’s important to have friends. Because when you don’t, there’s no one there to lift you up when everything falls apart.” Charlotte asks, “What’d you say?” Alexa says she wasn’t talking to Charlotte, she was talking to Lily. But see you at MITB. Oh… Sorry. Alexa leaves The Queen behind, but will Charlotte show she can do bad all by herself?

 

Mia Yim & B-Fab VS The Secret Her-Vice w/ Chelsea Green!

The Head Baddie in Charge & Miss Fabulous made sure the Green Regime didn’t bully Zelina Vega, and now they’re stepping right up to the Hot Mess’s personal security. Will Mia & Fab kick some serious lass tonight? Or will Alba & Piper pave the way to Chelsea’s “reelection?”

SmackDown returns and Michin makes her entrance, followed right by B-Fab’s. They go to the ring together, and the teams sort out. Piper starts with B-Fab and they tie up. They throw hands in the clinch, then end up on the ropes. Fab keeps firing shots but Alba tags in. Now Alba & Piper mug Fab, then THROW her down! Piper runs to BLAST Mia, Alba sets Fab up and Piper SENTONS! Chelsea applauds, Alba adds a SUPERKICK, and Alba covers, TWO! Alba drags Fab up and puts her in the corner to stomp a mudhole in! Tag to Piper and Chelsea taunts Fab while another Piper stomps another mudhole in!

Tag to Alba, she stomps a mudhole, then argues with the ref so Piper can pull Fab’s hair! Alba KNEES Fab down, tags Piper, and Piper drags Fab up. Piper straitjackets to the COBRA CLUTCH! Fab endures, the fans rally, and Fab fires body shots! Piper ripcords but Fab ducks the lariat, only for Piper to hit a SCRAPBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Fab survives, Chelsea is frustrated, but Piper SLAPS Fab around! Piper kicks Fab around, drags her up, and Piper reels Fab in for a suplex. Fab slips free, reaches out, but Piper keeps her from Mia. Fab wrenches and KNEES Piper down! The fans fire up and Fab crawls, but so does Piper!

Hot tags to Michin and Alba! Mia dodges Alba, ROCKS Piper, then LARIATS Alba! And LARIATS! Mia DROPKICKS Alba and the fans fire up! Mia runs up, whips, but Alba reverses. Mia RANAS Alba away! Mia dusts off, but Piper is in! Mia ROUNDHOSUES Piper, then kicks off Alba to ASAI DDT Piper! Mia has Alba again, but Chelsea distracts everyone! The ref reprimands, but ZELINA is here! She YANKS Chelsea down and KNEES her in the face! The fans fire up for the US Champion, and she runs away! Piper chases her, but Fab LARIATS Piper! But Alba rolls Mia up, TWO! Mia stands, Fab tags in! Mia makes Alba EAT DA FEET!

Fab is in, she has Alba for the NECKBREAKER REMIX! #Fab-U-LOST! Cover, Fab & Mia win!

Winners: Mia Yim & B-Fab, by pinfall

Mia & Fab bail out before Chelsea & Piper can get in! The Green Regime suffers a humiliating defeat, will they pack it in before it gets worse? Or will Chelsea have to resort to some extreme measures to get back in power?

 

Backstage interview with The Street Profits.

Byron is now with the WWE Tag Team Champions, Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins, and says there is a belief out there that all the pressure to win tonight is on them. What? Well, Fraxiom beat them once, and if they do it again, the Profits have to say goodbye to the tag titles. Dawkins says, “Hold up, fam. This is a big night for Fraxiom, this is a big night for us! They got one up on us, and that’s cool, props to them. But tonight, it’s about these! This right here is Gucci! This right here is food on the table! This ain’t no friendly exhibition, and we gonna see under the bright lights if the moment’s too big for Fraxiom.”

Ford adds, “Oh, oh, Fraxiom’s on a roll! Fraxiom’s undefeated! Fraxiom’s the best tag team in the world! All LIES! Okay? Cuz tonight, it’s like he said, we’re gonna see if the moment’s too big for ’em, cuz we gonna walk out of Savannah, Georgia the same way we walked in: YOUR WWE Tag Team Champions!” But then in steps Solo Sikoa with JC Mateo & Jacob Fatu. Solo chuckles, because the family is about to handle their business first. Will nothing stop Solo’s Bloodline from rising from the ashes? Or is that more a Fenix thing?

 

Legado del Fantasma sits at the table.

Santos Escobar wants to tell Los Garza this. “Angel, Berto, you’re mi familia. And yes, like any other familia, there are a lot of beautiful moments, bonding moments. But sometimes, there’s fighting, there’s bickering. I just know what we are capable of when we come together.” Berto says this is just another stupid pep talk. Santos says it is more than that! This is business. And on June 7th, Worlds Collide in Los Angeles… They will come together as the best this house has to offer, against the best they have to offer. Legado has shown who they are, where they come from, and what they are about across the globe!

And now, this is the opportunity to stand victorious. And this time, it will be in front of their people! Santos will drink to that. Angel stands with Santos, but Berto is reluctant. Santos tells Berto to trust him. See the vision. Berto raises his glass after all, but just to drink. Santos tells Angel to let him be, because soon, Berto will understand. Salud. Legado is set to face AAA’s best in Pagano, Psycho Clown & El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr! But who will be the best of the best when Worlds Collide?

 

Jimmy Uso & Rey Fenix VS Jacob Fatu & JC Mateo w/ Solo Sikoa!

SmackDown returns and we’re backstage with #BigJim and Fenix. Jimmy gets them fired up. Last week, they were opponents. But tonight, they’re teammates, carnal. What’s Fenix say? Fenix says tonight, for the first time ever, they will show all the beautiful people of Georgia who they are! Jimmy says he’s with it! Vaminos, carnal! ANIMO, UCE! Jimmy makes his entrance first, followed by Fenix. The teams sort out and Jimmy starts against Fatu. The fans rally behind Jimmy as he and Fatu slowly circle. Solo tells Jimmy that he can still be in the family, he just has to be smart. Fatu and Jimmy circle, but then Mateo tags in!

The fans boo while Fatu and Mateo stare down. Fatu steps out, and Jimmy fires hands on Mateo! Jimmy runs, but Mateo RUNS him over! Mateo stomps Jimmy in the corner, then Fatu tags in. The fans rally for Jimmy while Fatu stares Mateo down. Mateo backs off, Jimmy kicks, but Fatu blocks! But the DRAGON WHIP hits! Tag to Fenix, Jimmy gives him the boost for the ENZIGIRI! Then for a RANA! Fatu tumbles out, Mateo runs in but Fenix SUPERKICKS !Jimmy SUPERKICKS! Then they DOUBLE SUPERKICK! Mateo tumbles out, Jimmy sets up and Fenix builds speed! Jimmy gives Fenix the boost for the TOP ROPE TORNILLO!

The fans fire up as Fenix wipes out Fatu AND Mateo! The fans fire up, Solo gets his behemoths to focus, but the fans say “ANIMO YEET!” while SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and the fans rally for Jimmy as he endures a bearhug from Mateo. Jimmy fights up, fires body shots and elbows, but Mateo shoves him to ELBOW him, JAB him, and YUKON LARIAT him! Mateo then GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULTS! Solo loves it, but he wants Mateo to focus. The fans rally while Mateo and Fatu stare down. Fatu tags in, and he HIP ATTACKS Jimmy! The fans fire up as Fatu geeks out, and then Fatu goes back to Jimmy. Fatu drags Jimmy up, HEADBUTTS him down, and then runs to SENTON! Jimmy writhes, Fatu fires up, and fans are torn. Solo tells Jimmy that he still loves him, so Jimmy can join them.

Fatu CHOKES Jimmy, lets off at 4, and Jimmy sputters to a corner. Fatu runs corner to corner to HIP ATTACK! The fans are torn but Fatu stares down with Mateo. Fatu tags Mateo in, Mateo storms up to stomp Jimmy, and then he stands Jimmy up. Mateo puts Jimmy up top, grins as he climbs up, but Jimmy holds onto the ropes! The fans rally and Jimmy fires elbows! Jimmy throws elbow after elbow, “YEET! YEET! YEET!” and Mateo finally falls back! Jimmy sets up, USO IN THE WIND! The fans fire up while both men crawl! Hot tags to Fatu and Fenix! The fans fire up as Fenix fires forearms on Fatu over and over!

Fatu whips, Fenix BOOTS him, then Fenix SOBATS! And ENZIGIRIS! Fenix knuckle locks, CHOPS, and goes up, up, and even ADIOS AMIGOS for Mateo! Then FLYING RANA for Fatu! The fans fire up as Fenix hurries to WRECK Mateo with a dropkick! Fatu whips Fenix, Fenix goes Tiger Feint Rewind, HEEL KICK! POISON-RANA! Cover, TWO!! Fenix is stunned that Fatu survived! The fans are torn but Fenix refocuses. Fatu sputters, Fenix brings him up and fires hands. Fatu HEADBUTTS Fenix, pops him up, and SAMOAN DROPS him! Fatu geeks out and the fans fire up! Fenix is i the corner, Fatu grins and runs in, but Fenix dodges!

Fatu wipes out against buckles, Mateo tags in! Mateo hurries to deadlift Fenix, and he GERMAN SUPELXES! But Fenix lands out! Jimmy tags in! Fenix sends Mateo into a GAMANGIRI! Jimmy goes up, up, and FLYING CROSSBODIES! Cover, Fatu SENTONS it apart! “This is Awesome!” as Fenix springboards and MISSILE DROPKICKS Fatu out! Fenix then DIVES, but Fatu catches him! And RAMS him into apron! And TOSSES him over the desk! The fans fire up as Jimmy SUPERKICKS Mateo! SUPERKICK for Fatu! Jimmy dodges Mateo to SPEAR!! Jimmy hurries up top and the fans fire up!

But Solo is there to distract! Jimmy ignores his brother but Fatu is there! Jimmy hurries to USO SPLASH, but has to roll through as Mateo dodges! Jimmy comes back, but into a TOUR OF THE ISLANDS!! Cover, Mateo & Fatu win!

Winners: Jacob Fatu & JC Mateo, by pinfall

Even Solo is stunned seeing that one. Mateo & Fatu kept it together, will Solo’s family be the ones running SmackDown from now on?

 

Backstage interview with LA Knight.

Byron Saxton wants to note the impressive win we just saw, but The Mega Star says, “NAH NAH! You gotta 86 that trash, cuz we’re standing in my locker room right now, so lemme talk to ya! You wanna talk about anything with those cross-eyed halfwits, let’s talk about Solo Sikoa being in Money in the Bank. Let’s talk about the fact that he’s got himself a first-class, front-row seat to watching me monkey rip that case down off that ladder. And what that means is, you think about it, the odds are against me, it’s 1-in-6 chance, but the odds are against everybody. But the odds have been against me ever since I stepped foot, and still I stand here the man they call The Mega Star! YEAH!

“But then I think about it. I’m gonna return to the city that helped make me, Los Ange. I’m gonna walk into Money in the Bank, and what I’m gonna do is I’m gonna show up and I’m gonna show out. But before I get there, I gotta walk through the darkness. Now, what do I mean by that? What I mean by that is tonight, in a little bit, the lights are gonna turn out and out walks Aleister Black. Then the lights are gonna turn out a little bit later, and out’s gonna walk Shinsuke Nakamura. And through all that, the man who’s gonna walk out and shine a little light on a couple guys who are living spooky season year round, NAH NAH! It’s championship season!

“And what that means is that this man has to go through two of ya, on the job, all day, every day, dropping BFTs on everybody, which means one of ya catching three the hard way. Cuz I hit it and quit it, moving on to Money in the Bank. But with or without the case, you gotta understand, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, I am walking, talking, living, breathing Money in the Bank, with everybody saying…” “L! A! KNIGHT!” “YEAH!!” Knight is ready to make this his night, but will LA be heading home to LA to win the big one?

 

R-Truth is here!

Savannah cheers but Truth isn’t worried about rapping his theme song as he goes to the ring. Truth steps inside, grabs a mic, and he tells Savannah, “Make some noise! WHAT’S UP!?” “WHAT’S UP?!” Truth will tell ’em what’s up. Everyone keeps asking him, “How’re you gonna handle fighting your childhood hero, John Cena, on Saturday night?” The fans boo, but Truth says they don’t get it. He’s not fighting his childhood hero, John Cena, tomorrow night. The man we all see now, the man who attacked Truth, Truth doesn’t recognize him. But Truth has been thinking about his childhood hero, John Cena.

Truth couldn’t figure out where it went wrong, or how he could’ve prevented this. Then he realized the problem. “What?” Truth says he realized the problem! It’s power. It’s always power! Cena used to call Truth his friend, his brother, but the more power and fame Cena got, the more disconnected he became. The text messages were less. The replies were slower. The phone calls stopped! Truth felt like Cena was always annoyed with him, because no matter what Truth did, it was wrong. Truth blames himself. Then Truth thought he did something to upset Cena, or getting on his nerves. But then Truth talked to others, and they said they felt the same way!

“John Cena isolated himself with power! He was like that goblin fella on Lord of the Rings! He became corrupted with all the power he gave himself. That’s you, John Cena! That’s you! Staring at your championship, calling it Your Precious! It’s not the championship, it’s your ego, dawg!” The fans cheer that. Truth says Cena stopped having fun, and now he’s mad when someone else wants to have fun. The fans also cheer that. Truth doesn’t like who Cena has become. And he doesn’t believe Cena is happy. “What?” “He’s not happy.” Cena is the greatest of all time. He is, y’all! Truth doesn’t know if he can bring Cena back, but he’s gonna try.

Truth says Cena will not take Truth’s joy away from him! The fans cheer that! Truth says, “You wanna ruin wrestling? So if I wanna save wrestling, I gotta save you! Now, I don’t wanna have to put my hands on you, but if I have to… I will beat the ever-living Hustle, Loyalty, and Respect right back in yo ass!” The fans love that! Truth tells he’ll leave us with this. “I miss my hero. I can’t deny it. So Saturday, we fans again! If Cena wins, WE RIOT! WHAT’S UP?!” The fans fire up for that! Will Truth be the one to stop Cena from ruining wrestling and his own legacy?

 

WWE hears from three more contenders.

The Eerie Glow says, “Undervalued, underappreciated, underestimated. The old Naomi allowed herself to be taken advantage of. I’m done with thanking people for the scraps they gave me.” But The Storm says, “Naomi took everything away from me. She took my friendships, my title, and my health. But not just that, she took my opportunity at the WWE Women’s Championship.” And the Irresistible Force says, “I only have one thing on my mind, and it’s the title. And if anyone gets in my way, I show them no mercy. Naomi and Jade Cargill got in my way. I don’t care about petty drama. But when somebody ruins my chances at MY championship, I’m going to ruin their chances.”

Jade refuses to let anyone take one more thing from her, and she’ll be damned if it is MITB. Nia says she’s worked with Naomi before, but she doesn’t trust her. Naomi says she is taking her revenge, taking back all the times she let Nia and Jade get the better of her. Jade says next week, they better watch their backs, because a storm is coming. Nia doesn’t care who it is, she will A-Nia-Late them all until she gets what she wants. Naomi is taking her victory, that contract, and it all will be Money in the Bank. Three forces of nature are set to collide, who will even survive?

 

Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifier Triple Threat: Shinsuke Nakamura VS LA Knight VS Aleister Black!

Just as the Mega Star said, he must face a sinister samurai of Strong Style and the Dark Father in an intense Triple Threat. Who makes it out of Savannah with their golden ticket to the Golden State?

SmackDown returns and Nakamura makes his entrance, then LA Knight makes his. The bell rings and the fans rally as the three circle. Knight points to the briefcase to say that’s his, only for Nakamura to CLOBBER him! Aleister goes after Nakamura, they brawl, and then Nakamura kicks and CLUBS and KNEES Knight. Aleister is back, he and Knight go after Nakamura 2v1, then Aleister CLUBS Nakamura down. Knight ROCKS Nakamura, coordinates with Aleister, and they hit a HIGH LOW uppercut and leg sweep combo! They TOSS Nakamura out, then Knight and Aleister circle. The fans rally up and the two tie up.

Knight wrenches then hammerlocks but Aleister switches that, and fans already want tables. Knight switches the hammerlock back on Aleister but Aleister elbows free. Aleister runs, but Knight dropkicks the legs out. Knight runs but Aleister avoids the basement dropkick to KICK Knight! Aleister runs up but Knight dodges and JUMPING NECKBREAKERS! Knight stomps a mudhole in, “YEAH! YEAH!” and then Knight runs corner to corner. But Nakamura is back to sweep the legs! Knight lands on his face, Nakamura kicks him out of the ring, then he grins as he is 1v1 with Aleister. The fans rally as the two circle.

Nakamura and Aleister both BOOT! And BOOT! And then kick for kick! Aleister blocks a kick to trip Nakamura, but Nakamura avoids the kick! Nakamura trips Aleister, but Aleister avoids the kick to kip up! Aleister then blocks a punch to fire off strikes, and he KNEES Nakamura down! Nakamura bails out, the fans fire up and Aleister builds speed to go up, out, and up again. But Knight springs up to get Aleister! MEGA PLEX! But Nakamura is up to FLYING KNEE! All three men are down and the fans fire up! Nakamura roars as he rises up, but SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again and the fans rally as Aleister rallies on Nakamura with elbows! Aleister fires a strike fest, SWEEPS the legs, then runs to SLIDING KNEE! Aleister kips up, the fans fire up, and Aleister runs to QUEBRADA! Down goes Nakamura and Aleister covers, but Knight breaks it! Knight reels Aleister in and suplexes, but Aleister knees free! Aleister takes a swing, Knight blocks to spin Aleister around for a cravat. Aleister powers out, but Knight ducks the heel kick! Knight torture racks, for a BURNING HAMMER! Cover, Nakamura breaks it! Nakamura TOSSES Knight out, goes after him, then sends him into steel steps!

Nakamura rolls back into the ring and he storms up on Aleister. Nakamura kicks Aleister around, taunts him, and SLAPS him! Aleister gets in Nakamura’s face, and the forearms fly! The fans rally as Aleister fires another strike fest, but Nakamura SHADOW ELBOWS! But then Aleister SHADOW ELBOWS! Nakamura HEADBUTTS and whips, then runs up. Nakamura blocks a boot but not the KNEE! Aleister storms up but into the ROLLING KICK! Aleister sits in a corner, Knight KNEES him down! Knight TOSSES Nakamura, hauls Aleister up, and he whips to scoop. Aleister slips free, shoves, and JUMP KNEES! Knight tumbles out and fans fire up!

Aleister goes up and out, goes up again, and he ASAI MOONSAULTS! Nakamura takes the hit, but Knight KNEES Aleister again! “This is Awesome!” as Knight puts Aleister in, only for Aleister to FLY! Down goes Knight but Aleister is also down. Aleister drags himself up with the apron, then puts Knight in the ring. Aleister runs, QUEBRADA, but Knight dodges! Kick and DDT! Knight rolls back to his feet and the fans fire up! Spell it out! “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” ELBOW DROP! But KINSHASA outta nowhere!! Nakamura covers, ROPEBREAK!! Knight survives and Nakamura is shocked! Nakamura seethes and he goes for Aleister now.

Nakamura runs in, but Aleister blocks the knee! Aleister KICKS, Nakamura WHEEL KICKS! Nakamura POSTS Aleister, brings him back in, REVERSE EXPLODER! Nakamura aims again, “YAO~!” BLACK MASS!! Knight TOSSES Aleister to take the cover, KNIGHT WINS!!

Winner: LA Knight, by pinfall (advances to Money in the Bank)

YEAH!! The Mega Star is the Mega Opportunist, and now he’ll be in the City of Angels! But will Knight be climbing the ladder to success?

 

The Miz & Carmelo Hayes watch this.

Melo says it’s just like he said! It feels good to watch Aleister drop the ball. Miz says what would be better is if Melo listened to him last week, and he would’ve beaten Aleister. How many times must Miz take a Black Mass for Melo to listen? Melo says he gets it, but it’s fine. He is in a MITB qualifier. Melo takes credit, but then Miz says no, Miz did that. Miz talked with Aldis and it was the option of either Miz or Melo in that match. Miz knows he could win MITB and cash-in again, he chose Melo. It is Melo’s time to shine. Miz just wants Melo to understand how important MITB truly is. It is the gateway to superstardom!

That MITB briefcase too Miz not just to the WWE Championship, but to the main event of WrestleMania! He isn’t sure he’d be where he is today if not for MITB. He wouldn’t be TWO-TIME WWE Champion! That is how much Miz believes in H1M. And that is why he’ll win the qualifier! And who will make sure Melo walks out of LA with briefcase in hand and “Dre” around his neck? The Miz! Who will make sure Melo becomes Mr. MITB? Miz! And who is going to listen to Miz and execute the play like he designed it? Melo. Exactly! Because they are Melo Don’t Miz, and they are AWES-H1M! Coach Miz has Melo fired up, but will the star player win it all?

 

BREAKING NEWS for Saturday Night’s Main Event!

Since she’s been whining and complaining, Chelsea Green gets her rematch for the WWE Women’s United States Championship! Will the Green Regime have its second term? Or will Zelina Vega refuse to lose to a tyrant?

 

Solo Sikoa and his family regroup backstage.

Solo says that’s what happens when they are focused and stick to the plan. Aldis walks over to tell them congrats on the win. And he has some exciting news! Next week on SmackDown is the the final Triple Threat qualifier for the Men’s MITB. And Fatu is in! Good luck! Aldis leaves and Fatu grins. Solo says okay, there it is! Congrats, Fatu! Now they can both be in MITB, they can both win! That briefcase is in the bag! Fatu says, “I love you, Solo.” Still not quite how he used to say it. JC asks if Solo is okay with this, and Solo says yeah, it’ll be alright. But does this improve the family’s chances of taking the prize? Or drastically ruin it?

 

Bianca Belair speaks.

“I read in a book the other day, ‘The only consistent thing in life is change.’ And that really stuck with me. Because I know I try to smile through everything, but if I’m being transparent right now, these past six months have been the most uncomfortable, difficult, challenging, frustrating times in my career. Losing championships, losing friendships, losing my first time at WrestleMania, on top of that getting injured, it has been rough.” Bianca says that she won’t lie to us, she has wanted to give up and say forget it, but then, what kind of example would she be for herself if she let that define her?

So she is going through it, but she’ll get through it. She has been hit from every direction, but she’s still standing. She’s healing in her body, her heart, and she’ll become stronger and wiser. Here is to a new beginning. She has been through so many changes and still came out the person she is today. So to rephrase the quote from earlier, “The only consistent thing in life is change, and me.” She promises us this, her best is yet to come. She returns to SmackDown next week in her hometown of Knoxville, Tennessee, just how much greater will the EST be?

 

WWE Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits VS Fraxiom!

Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins fought so hard to get these titles, and then fought even harder to keep them in that TLC Triple Threat. So how much harder will they fight to keep the new kids on the block from taking the titles on their first try? Or will Nathan Frazer & Axiom be undeniable as they #NeverSlowDown?

The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who walks through the smoke to shine with the gold!

 

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

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Coverage

Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (5/23/25)

Time to study up!

Published

on

Prepare for the Women’s Pure Championship Tournament!

While the field still needs to be filled, Queen Aminata is staying sharp for the ROH Women’s Pure Championship Tournament with her first Pure Rules match!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Marina Shafir VS Laynie Luck; wins.
  • Women’s Pure Rules Match: Queen Aminata VS Allysin Kay; wins.
  • Blake Christian w/ Lee Johnson VS El Gringo Loco; wins.
  • Six Man Tag: Atlantis Jr, Neon & Fuego VS Volador Jr, Hechicero & Barbaro Cavernario; win.

PLAY BY PLAY

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

About Chairshot Radio Network

Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!

 MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)

WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling) 

THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)

FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)

SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast

SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast 

CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

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

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

Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5

Classic POD is WAR


Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!

All Shows On Demand


Powered by RedCircle


Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
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