Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW WrestleKingdom 16 Results & Report! (1/5/22)
WrestleKingdom, Night Two!
NJPW and Stardom, on one night!
As if WrestleKingdom’s first night wasn’t big enough, night two raises the stakes! Will Will Ospreay return to being THE IWGP World Heavyweight Champion? Plus, a Stardom showcase tag match!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Preshow – Six Man Tag: Bullet Club VS Yuji Nagata, Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma; Nagata, Makabe & Honma win.
- Preshow – Six Man Tag: Master Wato, Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima VS Suzuki-Gun; Wato, Tenzan & Kojima win.
- Preshow – Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Suzuki-Gun; LIJ wins.
- IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships Triple Threat: Robbie Eagles & Tiger Mask VS Rocky Romero & Ryusuke Taguchi VS Taiji Ishimori & El Phantasmo; Eagles & Tiger Mask win and retain the titles.
- Starlight Kid & Mayu Iwatani VS Saya Kamitani & Tam Nakano; Kamitani & Nakano win.
- KOPW 2022 Fatal 4 Way: Toru Yano VS CIMA VS Minoru Suzuki VS Chase Owens; Suzuki wins and becomes the provisional Mr. KOPW 2022.
- NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championships: House of Torture VS Chaos; House of Torture wins and retains the titles.
- SANADA VS Great-O-Khan; Sanada wins.
- Tetsuya Naito VS Jeff Cobb; Naito wins.
- IWGP US Heavyweight Championship No Disqualification Match: KENTA VS Hiroshi Tanahashi; Tanahashi wins and becomes the new IWGP US Heavyweight Champion.
- IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Kazuchika Okada VS Will Ospreay; Okada wins and is the undisputed IWGP World Heavyweight Champion.
PLAY BY PLAY
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships Triple Threat: Robbie Eagles & Tiger Mask VS Rocky Romero & Ryusuke Taguchi VS Taiji Ishimori & El Phantasmo!
It was Christmas Eve when half of each team faced off in a singles Triple Threat, and it was the Headbanga who won big for the holidays. But now, all six men are involved in this match and the gold is on the line! Will the Sniper of the Skies and his legendary tag partner be able to hold onto the gold? Will the Mega Coaches become mega champions? Or will the Cutest Tag Team make it feel like Christmas all over again?
The introductions are made, but ELP hits Tiger Mask with a SUDDEN DEATH! Eagles tackles ELP, Taiji goes after Eagles, and the bell rings. The Mega Coaches go after ELP and Taiji and put them in opposite corners, with Eagles is in a third corner. Rocky corner clotheslines Taiji, Taguchi follows it up with a hip attack! Rocky hits Eagles with a clothesline, Taguchi also hits a hip attack! And of course, clothesline and hip attack for ELP! Then the Mega Coaches hip bump. But then Taiji and ELP rush them! The Mega Coaches send them at each other, but then Taiji and ELP hug it out! Only to turn around into DOUBLE HIP ATTACKS!
Eagles runs into Rocky’s kick, and Rocky CLUBS Eagles down. Taguchi goes up the corner, Rocky whips Eagles into the Funky Weapon! Then Rocky trips Eagles to CATAPULT him into the Funky Weapon! And then Rocky uses Taguchi to kick off of and hit a TORNADO DDT! Taguchi adds a SLIDING HIP! Cover, TWO! The Mega Coaches get Eagles up, double whip, but Eagles reverses to send Taguchi to ropes. Eagles then hurdles over Taguchi, and Taguchi runs Rocky over! Eagles runs to BLINDSIDE LARIAT DROPKICK COMBO! Fans fire up with Eagles but Taiji throws a haymaker. Taiji whips, Eagles reverses then runs in but is put on the apron.
Eagles GAMANGIRIS Taiji away, ELP runs over but Eagles goes up and over to CROSSBODY onto the Mega Coaches on the outside! Fans fire up as Eagles fires back up, and he gets back in the ring. Eagles ducks and dodges, but ELP fakes him out to mule kick! Eagles doubles over, that boot has to be loaded! Fans rally up, Taiji drags Eagles up and ELP goes up the corner. ELP builds power to leap and slowly CLAW Eagles’ back! ELP then drags Eagles up while Taiji goes to the top rope. Taiji builds power, to jump and quickly CLAW Eagles’ back! Taiji bumps Eagles off buckles, whips him corner to corner, then ELP whips Taiji in to DOUBLE KNEE!
Taiji and ELP combine in an Electric Chair lift, but Rocky springboards in to CLOBBER Taiji off ELP’s shoulders! Rocky fires off palm strikes, but ELP stomps Rocky’s foot! Taguchi gets in to fire off palm strikes, but ELP blocks one to wrangle Taguchi down. ELP then stomps Taguchi’s hand! ELP stands on Taguchi’s arm, gets the fans to clap along, and he stomps away on the hand! ELP knuckle locks, CHOPS and goes up and up to jump around and start walking the tightrope. ELP does a few dance moves, but Eagles springboards up to SUPER STEINER! Fans fire up as Eagles duck and dodges Taguchi to DIVE and take out Taiji!
Eagles drags Taiji up, but then Taguchi goes to the corner while Rocky builds speed! Rocky DIVES onto Taiji while Taguchi triangle jump CROSSBODIES Eagles! All four of them are down by the ramp and fans rally up as ELP climbs. But Tiger Mask returns! Tiger throws hands on ELP, climbs up top, throws headbutts, and then underhooks the arms?! SUPER BUTTERFLY SUPLEX! And then Tiger gets ELP back up, has the arms again, and hits the TIGER DRIVER 98!! Cover, Taiji breaks it! Taiji whips Tiger, Tiger reverses and hits a tilt-o-whirl BACKBREAKER! Taguchi runs in, but into a tilt-o-whirl BACKBREAKER!
Tiger sees Rocky coming, he hits another tilt-o-whirl BACKBREAKER! Fans fire up with Tiger, he whips Rocky to the corner then runs in. ENZUGIRI BOOT COMBO! Tiger then sets Rocky up for Eagles to springboard in, missile dropkick to a leg! Eagles gets Rocky in the RON MILLER SPECIAL! Tiger blocks ELP but Taiji gets in to rake Eagles’ eyes! Taiji rains down rights on Eagles while ELP punches Tiger back. ELP whips Tiger, Tiger holds ropes and then dumps ELP out! Taiji knees Tiger down but Eagles throws Taiji out. Eagles and Tiger go after Rocky in the corner, but Rocky moves and Tiger’s kick hits Eagles!
Taguchi HIP ATTACKS Tiger off the apron! Taguchi runs at Eagles but Eagles hits an atomic drop! Eagles runs, but into DOUBLE HIP ATTACKS! Fans fire up as the Mega Coaches wheelbarrow Eagles for BLACK HOLE INVASION! Cover, ELP breaks it! Taiji goes after Taguchi, whips him to ropes, but Taguchi reverses. Taiji handsprings for the NEURALIZER! ELP and Taiji mug Rocky, double whip, but he gets under to DOUBLE RANA! Fans fire up with Rocky and he cravats Taiji. Rocky kicks ELP but Taiji blocks the Sliced Rocky! ASSISTED CIPHER UTAKI! Tiger runs in but ELP gets him for the straitjacket torture rack!
Taiji adds a FLYING KNEE to the SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Taiji ASAI MOONSAULTS Taguchi down! ELP is up top, he walks the tight rope for a THUNDER KISS 86!! Cover, TWO!! Tiger survives and ELP can’t believe it! ELP decides to end this, and fans rally up. Taiji drags Tiger up while ELP tunes up his boot. But Eagles blocks Sudden Death to send it into Taiji! Taguchi slips in, as does Rocky. These four look at ELP and ELP wants mercy. He tries to run away but they drag him back in! GIRI SANDWICH, to a BIG uppercut from Rocky! Taguchi adds a SLIDING HIP! But then there’s a standoff as they think about the cover.
But then they agree there’s something bigger than that! Rocky and Tiger hold ELP down, while Eagles and Taguchi go after the boots! They’re going to get to the bottom of this mystery!! Eagles undoes the laces, pulls the shoe off, and he sees inside! Eagles pulls out a METAL PLATE! ELP acts like he has no idea how that got in there! The ref confiscates the plate and reprimands ELP. The ref gets the plate far away from the ring, and says ELP is ELIMINATED from this match?! Is that even a thing in a Triple Threat? The Young Lions make it a thing as they drag ELP out of the ring and to the back!
But back in the ring, Tiger rolls Taguchi up while Rocky rolls Eagles! TWO, and Tiger runs at Rocky to crucifix takedown! TWO, Taguchi cradles Tiger! TWO! Eagles runs in to roll, schoolboy bridge! TWO! Taguchi ENZIGURIS Eagles! Tiger SOBATS Taguchi! Rocky spins Tiger but Tiger kangaroo kicks him away! Taguchi runs to HIP ATTACK! Tiger stays up against ropes, and he dumps Taguchi out! Tiger DIVES! Direct hit and Taguchi hits railing! Rocky JUMP KNEES Eagles! Eagles blocks one kick, ducks the enziguri and the heel kick, but Rocky rolls him into a cradle, TWO! Rocky wheelbarrows to victory roll, TWO!!!
Eagles ROCKS Rocky, then backslides, but Rocky rolls through. Rocky kicks but Eagles blocks again, and brings Rocky in for TURBO BACKPACK! Cover, TWO!! Eagles keeps the legs, for the RON MILLER SPECIAL!! Taguchi gets in but Tiger stops him at the ropes! Rocky taps, #FlyingTigers win!
Winners: Robbie Eagles & Tiger Mask, by submission (still IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champions)
A huge win for Eagles & Tiger! They hold onto the gold, and they expose ELP’s dirty little secret! Taguchi shows them respect, but will he and Rocky be back for a 2v2 shot later in the year?
Starlight Kid & Mayu Iwatani VS Saya Kamitani & Tam Nakano!
Stardom is part of WrestleKingdom 16 with a special tag match! But will the Genius Girl and the Icon of Stardom shine bright? Or will they be eclipsed by the Golden Phoenix and the Violent Kung-Fu Girl?
The teams sort out, and Saya starts against Starlight Kid. “Ki-chan” goes right at Saya but Saya whips her to ropes. Saya hurdles, then drops, but she avoids Ki-chan’s basement dropkick. Saya whips Ki-chan again, but Ki-chan tilt-o-whirl headscissors and basement dropkicks! Ki-chan hits Tam off the apron and tags in Mayu! They kick Saya to ropes, fans rally up, and they both run, DOUBLE 619! Ki-chan and Mayu set up, DOUBLE STANDING MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! Mayu sits Saya up to KICK her in the back! Mayu then whips Saya to ropes, but Saya WHEEL KCIKS! Tag to Tam, and she drags Mayu up, only for Mayu to sobat!
Mayu runs, Tam goes Matrix to dodge, and she rolls Mayu up! Mayu rolls through but Tam dropkicks her down! Cover, TWO! Tam drags Mayu up, but Mayu blocks the suplex. Mayu throws back elbows to get free, but Tam ROCKS her with a forearm! Mayu ROCKS Tam back, so Tam comes back with a BIG forearm! Mayu forearms back, Tam forearms again, and fans rally up as Mayu gets the edge! Mayu rolls Tam to basement dropkick her down! Fans fire up with Mayu and she drags Tam up. Mayu full nelsons, but Tam blocks the suplex! Tam breaks free, but Mayu gets around to CRUCIFIX DRIVER! Cover, TWO!!
Tam survives but Mayu fires up more! Mayu full nelsons but Tam fights free again! Tam ducks the roundhouse to HEEL KICK! Then she runs, but into Mayu’s SLINGBLADE! Fans fire up while both women are down. Tam and Mayu crawl for their corners, hot tags to Saya and Starlight Kid! Ki-chan dodges the boot, then the clothesline to kick! Ki-chan runs, but Saya DROPKICKS her down! Ki-chan goes to a corner, Saya runs in but is put on the apron. Saya blocks to ROCK Ki-chan, then she springboards, but Ki-chan gets under! Mayu gets in to kick Saya, but Tam gets in to hammer away on Mayu!
Tam and Saya double whip Mayu, but she crisscrosses their arms and goes up, up, and DOUBLE ARM-DRAGS! Saya and Tam bail out, fans fire up and Ki-chan goes to the apron. ASAI MOONSAULT onto them and some Young Lionesses! Mayu drags Saya up and into the ring and fans fire up! Ki-chan goes up top, for a 180º FROG SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Saya survives but Ki-chan fires up! Mayu goes up top as Saya stands, and then Ki-chan goes up onto Mayu’s shoulders. SUPER CROSSBODY! Cover, Tam barrels in to break it! Mayu throws Tam back out and fans fire up with Ki-chan. She gets Saya’s legs, ties them up, TEXAS CLOVERLEAF!
But Tam gets in again to attack Ki-chan! Mayu gets in but Tam throws her out now! Mayu runs to BLINDSIDE DOUBLE KNEE Ki-chan! Tam fires up, fans rally behind her, and she goes up top! Tam aims and leaps, SUPER CROSSBODY onto Mayu, Ki-chan and the Lionesses! Tam puts Ki-chan back in for Saya, and Saya aims from the apron. Saya springboards to CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! But Saya is right on Ki-chan with a NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, Mayu breaks it! Tam kicks Mayu out and Saya gets Ki-chan back up. Fisherman, but Ki-chan turns it into a cradle! TWO, Saya sunset flips but Ki-chan sits up!
ONE, Saya brings her down, and they rock back and forth between covers! Ki-chan shifts her weight but Saya rolls her up. They rock more, Ki-chan gets an Oklahoma Roll! TWO!! Saya wrenches, steps over, rolls Ki-chan up then deadlifts for a SINGLE LEG SUPLEX! With bridge! TWO!! Ki-chan survives and fans fire up! Saya fires herself up and she drags Ki-chan back up. Saya reels her in, fisherman’s, but Ki-chan escapes and Mayu SUPERKICKS Saya! Ki-chan runs, jumps up, MOMO LATCH! Cover, Tam breaks it up! Mayu kicks but Tam blocks. Tam kicks but Mayu ducks, to DRAGON SUPLEX! But Tam’s back up!? Tam chicken wings for a TIGER SUPLEX!
All four women are down but fans fire back up! Saya roars as she gets up and she brings Ki-chan around. Fisherman, STAR CRUSHER!! But she’s not done there! Saya goes up top, for a PHOENIX SPLASH!! Cover, Saya & Tam win!
Winners: Saya Kamitani & Tam Nakano, by pinfall
And that is the power of the Wonder of Stardom Champion! Saya and Tam celebrate their great victory, will they be celebrating even more in the New Year?
KOPW 2022 Fatal 4 Way: Toru Yano VS CIMA VS Minoru Suzuki VS Chase Owens!
The four men at the end of the New Japan Ranbo now battle for the KOPW trophy! The Producer has already dominated this prize the last two years, is he going to do it all again? Or does the New Year start with a new name on the plaque?
The introductions are made, but then Yano gets mugged like he did yesterday! The bell rings to put this on the record, the other three keep stomping Yano until he’s out of the ring. But then Chase backs up into Suzuki. Chase says a quick prayer before offering a handshake. Suzuki DECKS Chase, then Cima eggs Suzuki on! Fans fire up and these two start trading CHOPS! Cima kicks low, he whips Suzuki to a corner but Suzuki reverses. Cima goes up and over but Suzuki dodges, only for Cima to BOOT! Cima goes up to missile dropkick Suzuki down! Cima stands Suzuki up, throws more CHOPS, then runs, only for Suzuki to follow and shoot around to a SLEEPER!
Suzuki then spins Cima around to ROCK him with a forearm! Suzuki runs, but Chase and Yano drag Suzuki out! They mug Suzuki, Cima builds speed, Cima DIVES to take them all out! Fans fire up and Cima fires up, too! Cima brings Chase up to put him in the ring. Cima talks some trash to Suzuki before going into the ring. Chase headlocks but Cima throws body shots. Cima powers out, Chase runs him over. Things speed up, Cima leaps into a fireman’s carry but he makes it a sunset flip! Chase rolls through to SHINING WIZARD! But Yano SLAPS Chase on the back of the head! Yano hurries to a corner while Chase seethes, and Yano starts untying a buckle pad.
Chase turns around, expecting Yano, but Suzuki is there! Chase freaks out but Suzuki eggs him on. Chase works up the courage to forearm Suzuki, but then he apologizes. Suzuki DECKS Chase again! Yano SLAPS Suzuki and whips him into the bare buckles! Yano kicks and whips Cima but Cima reverses, Yano hits bare buckles! Cima drop toeholds Yano and ties up the legs, then he eggs Chase on. Chase falls for the bait, Cima kicks him low and reels him in. SUPLEX DEATHLOCK COMBO! Fans fire up, Yano endures, but Suzuki returns to CHOPS Cima down! That only adds more pressure to the deathlock!
Cima gets up again and Suzuki DECKS him, putting more pressure on Yano! Cima stands up a third time, eggs Suzuki on, and Suzuki runs to BOOT Cima down! Yano keeps enduring the leg lock, even as Suzuki puts Cima in the SLEEPER HOLD! But Chase gets Suzuki in a SLEEPER! It’s a submission chain, but if Yano taps before someone passes out, Cima still wins! Yano crawls, and he gets the ROPEBREAK! Everyone has to let go, and the ref counts! Everyone is free at 4, but Chase throws Suzuki and Cima out. Chase stomps Yano, then runs, but Yano pulls Chase’s hair! Chase fires back, runs, but Yano picks him up, atomic- No! Chase slips free to SHI TRIGGER!
Chase drags Yano up, tucks him in, but Cima ENZIGURIS Chase first! Cima Alabama lifts Chase for an AIR RAID CRASH! Cima hurries up top and fans fire up! METEORA!! Cover, but Suzuki drags Cima off with a SLEEPER HOLD! But Yano LOW BLOWS them all! Roll up, TWO!! Suzuki survives and Yano runs, into a DROPKICK from Suzuki! Suzuki drags Yano up, into a SLEEPER! Then the Gotch hold, PILEDRIVER!! Cover, Suzuki wins!!
Winner: Minoru Suzuki, by pinfall (Provisional Mr. KOPW 2022)
The Meanest Man in the World is Mr. KOPW 2022?! He snatches the trophy from the ref, and then stomps away on Yano! This is how Suzuki celebrates! Suzuki then wraps on the SLEEPER! Wait, Yano has handcuffs?! Yano cuffs Suzuki’s wrist, and puts it on the ropes! Yano gets away with his life, but will he be able to take the trophy from such a dangerous man as Minoru Suzuki?
NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championships: House of Torture VS Chaos!
The King of Darkness is now the King of NEVER after Dick Togo, Yujiro Takahashi and Sho all helped him cheat the Stone Pitbull! But with Yoh beating Sho and Goto-Hashi becoming NEW IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions on Night One, is Night Two the night where the House finally loses?
The introductions are made, but as soon as the House of Torture is ringside, Chaos attacks! Goto is after Evil, Yoh is after Sho, and Hashi is after Yujiro! And don’t worry, Tomohiro Ishii is ringside to make sure Dick minds his own business! Goto puts Evil in the ring, the bell sounds to put this on the record, and Goto is after Evil in the corner! The ref counts, Goto lets off at 4, and then he drags Evil up. Yoh RAMS Sho into the apron, Hashi does the same to Yujiro, and Goto whips Evil corner to corner to MURAMASA! And then BULLDOG! Fans fire up and Goto stomps away on Evil. Sho gets in to kick Goto and rake the eyes!
Sho runs but Yoh DROPKICKS him down! Yoh sees Sho bail out, and he PLANCHAS him down! Goto CLUBS Evil, Evil rakes the eyes! The ref reprimands, Evil whips Goto to the corner, and surprise! The buckles are bare! Goto hits the steel and the Bullet Club special strikes again! Evil knocks the rest of Chaos off the corner, then he kicks Goto around. Evil drags Goto up, throws him out, and he distracts the ref. But Ishii makes sure Dick can’t attack! The ref reprimands the Stone Pitbull but he’s just being a good guard dog. Sho puts Goto back in, Evil drags Goto up but Goto CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Evil rakes the eyes!
Evil puts Goto in the corner, Sho tags in, and Sho wrenches an arm. Sho brings Goto to a knee to kick, kick and bend the fingers! Yoh gets in to CLUB Sho, then he runs, into a kitchen sink knee! Sho glares at Yoh, taunts Hashi, then brings Goto up to wrench and whip into the bare buckles! Yujiro tags in, knees low, then has Goto against ropes for a BOOT! Yujiro drags Goto up, reels him in, FISHERMAN- NO! Goto fights the buster and fans rally up! Goto tries to suplex, Yujiro resists, but Goto still suplexes him up and over! Yujiro slips out to get a dragon sleeper but Goto spins around. Yujiro wrenches, Goto dodges, DISCUS LARIAT!
Fans fire up as Goto and Yujiro are down. Evil gets in to drag Goto up. Evil whips Goto at the corner but Goto stops himself from hitting the bare buckles. Sho grabs Goto’s hair, Evil runs in, but Goto dodges and Evil DECKS Sho! Goto gives Evil a SAIDO! Fans rally up, Goto crawls, hot tag to Hashi! The Head Hunter rallies on the House, and he puts Evil in a corner. Hashi dodges Yujiro to fire off strikes, then he throws Yujiro into Evil! Mule kick for Yujiro, NECKBREAKER for Evil! Hashi gets Yujiro back up, puts him on the ropes and runs, and he dropkicks Yujiro down! Cover, TWO! Hashi drags Yujiro back up while fans rally.
Hashi reels Yujiro in but Yujiro fights the bomb to BITE the hand! Hashi SLAPS Yujiro, but Yujiro blocks the kick to throw Hashi down! Basement BOOT! Fans rally, Yujiro reels Hashi in but Hashi fights the Incolle Slam with elbows. Yujiro forearms but Hashi CHOPS! Yujiro reels Hashi in for the INCOLLE SLAM! Hashi is right back up to LARIAT Yujiro down! Fans fire up and rally as the two crawl for their corners. Hot tags to Sho and Yoh! Yoh dodges to CLOBBER Sho, and again! Yoh whips, Sho reverses and rakes the eyes! Sho runs, Yoh drops to then bypass and drop toehold! Basement dropkick! Sho flounders but Yoh brings him up.
Sho throws forearms, Yoh gives back boxing elbows! Yoh runs, but Sho JUMP KNEES! Sho runs but Yoh JUMP KNEES! Yoh full nelsons, Sho breaks it but Yoh waistlocks! Sho resists the German Suplex and bends Yoh’s fingers! Sho CLUBS the arm, Yoh blocks the kick to EuroUpper! Yoh whips, Sho reverses and Evil trips Yoh! Sho BLASTS the Chaos corner, Evil and Yujiro get in. Evil whips Yoh to a corner, Sho runs in to clothesline! Yujiro runs in to BOOT, Evil run sin to clothesline! Feed to Sho’s kick, and Sho gets Yoh up for a POWERBOMB! High stack, Goto-Hashi break it! Evil and Yujiro go after them and throw them out while fans fire up!
Sho has the wrench! The ref stops Sho, but Dick gets in to use the SPOILER CHOKER on Yoh!! Ishii drags Dick out! Yoh is free, he dodges Sho and shoves him to the fireman’s carry! DOUBLE SUPERKICK to the USHIGOROSHI! An even fiercer flash, and Goto-Hashi fire Yoh up! Yoh roars, he drags Sho up and underhooks the arms. Sho resists Direct Drive and back drops Yoh away! Sho runs in, but into a SUPERKICK! Fans fire up and Yoh hurries to get Sho back up. Suplex, FALCON USHIGOROSHI! Yoh roars and fans are with him as he gets Sho back up. Yoh reels Sho in, underhooks the arms, but Yujiro gets in with the pimp cane!
The ref stops Yujiro, but this is so Evil can get in and LOW BLOW Yoh! Then the WRENCH SHOT from Sho!! Cover, House of Torture wins!
Winners: House of Torture, by pinfall (still NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Champions)
And to add insult to injury, they all start stomping on Yoh! Hashi, Goto and Ishii get in to run them off, but the damage is done. Will Chaos try again with Ishii in the mix? Or are Evil and his cohorts on to a new challenge?
Pro-Wrestling NOAH makes a special appearance!
True, this Saturday, January 8th, WrestleKingdom 16’s third day becomes a special crossover between the stars of NJPW and NOAH, but this is quite the surprise! Keiji Mutoh stands at the center of the ring as the others file in. First on the mic is The Hope of NOAH, Kaito Kiyomiya. “Everyone, NJPW fans. On January 8th, Pro-Wrestling NOAH will take a fight with NJPW.” Then Kongoh leader, Kenoh, speaks. “Japan, just who is the top promotion? Pro-Wrestling NOAH is out to take that top spot from NJPW.” NJPW can’t even fill the Tokyo Dome, COVID restrictions not withstanding. NOAH is here to help them with that.
But then Shingo Takagi, Bushi & Hiromu Takahashi show up! Kenoh calls them out, and how Takagi lost the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion. Takagi gets the mic to say, “Oi, oi, oi. How dare you say something so offensive right off the bat. But it seems like you guys don’t have anything to do around here. There is nothing to gain for NJPW, no reward, or risk, but that’s the point. We’ll show the difference between us.” Takagi sees that it’s 3 against a couple dozen, so this will have to wait. Kenoh gets the mic to say that he’s here to pick a fight! What’re they gonna do about it? They can’t back away! Well, whatever. January 8th, NOAH will take care of you.
Kenoh promises that the fans and the best of NJPW will finally see who the best in pro-wrestling really are! Kenoh says NOAH will take over, and NJPW cannot compete with their quality! The pecking order will change in Japan this Saturday in Yokohama as NOAH becomes this country’s top promotion! Kenoh and Kiyomiya shake hands, putting aside their factions’ feud to carry the NOAH banner. Mutoh leads NOAH out of the building, but will we see a paradigm shift in the New Year? Watch the crossover event live on Abema.TV, or a week later on NJPW World’s On Demand list.
SANADA VS Great-O-Khan!
Los Ingobernables de Japon lost to the United Empire in trios action, but now we see how it goes 1v1! Will the Cold Skull bring the Dominator to a Skull End? Or will the United Empire continue their conquest?
Sanada’s entrance gear takes a new form! He wears an oni skull mask and a new black-and-white jacket. Khan again taunts Sanada by showing his back to him. The bell rings, Khan and Sanada circle and feel things out as fans rally. Khan shoots in but Sanada keeps away from his grip. Khan tries again and gets a waistlock, but Sanada switches. Khan switches, Sanada switches back but Khan gets away. Fans cheer the exchange as the two go again. Khan shoots in, gets an arm, wrenches, but Sanada wrenches back. Sanada has the wristlock but Khan wrenches to a hammerlock then a cording hold. Khan whips but Sanada hip tosses and dropkicks!
Khan bails out, fans fire up and Sanada builds speed, but Khan moves so Sanada tumbles to the apron. Khan avoids the apron moonsault, and then eggs Sanada on. Sanada runs in but Khan clotheslines him right back out! Fans rally, Khan goes out to fetch Sanada, and he drags Sanada up to put him in the ring. Khan drags Sanada up to a waistlock and he SLAMS Sanada down. Khan kicks Sanada around, cocky cover, TWO! Khan drags Sanada back up, brings him around to HALF NELSON FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Khan keeps his cool and drags Sanada back up. Khan suplexes, and he hits Sanada with a GOURD BUSTER! Cover, TWO!
Fans cheer but Khan taunts Sanada. Khan drags Sanada up and tries to make Sanada kiss his shoe. Sanada fights up, throws forearms, but Khan knees low. Khan Mongolian Chops! And again! And then Mongolian- No! Sanada blocks, but Khan blocks as Sanada tries to steal the Mongolian Chop! Khan Mongolian Chops but Sanada blocks, and then back the other way! And again, and again! They’re in a deadlock as Khan powers through the block! Khan runs, but Sanada dropkicks the legs out! Fans rally up while both men are down! Sanada kips up and fans fire up! Sanada runs in at Khan and rallies with forearms and arm-drags!
Sanada gets around to give Khan an atomic drop! Khan bails out, Sanada PLANCHAS! Direct hit and fans fire up! Sanada encourages them to get louder and they oblige, and then Sanada puts Khan back in the ring. Sanada drags Khan up, Khan kicks but Sanada blocks! Sanada trips Khan, gets the arms but Khan kicks Sanada away! Khan catches Sanada for a LIFTING COMPLETE SHOT! Both men are down again, Sanada rolls out of the ring. Khan wants Sanada to stand, but then the ref wants him to stay in the ring! Khan wants to do what Sanada did, and Sanada even eggs him on! Khan decides to PLANCHA! Direct hit and they both go down!
Khan gets up and fires up! Khan drags Sanada up as the ring count starts, and he puts Sanada in at 6 of 20. Khan drags Sanada up for an INVERTED EXPLODER! Throne Cradle, TWO! Basement BOOT! Khan tries the Throne Cradle again, with a bridge! TWO! Sanada is still in this and fans rally up, but Khan drags Sanada up into a gut wrench. Khan pops Sanada around, but Sanada slips out to a dragon sleeper! Khan fights free, Sanada dodges to QUEBRADA, to the dragon sleeper! But Khan fights free to HITSUJIGOROSHI! Sanada endures, and pulls Khan’s ponytail! Sanada then gets the dragon sleeper back!
But Khan clamps on the iron claw! HITSUJIGOROSHI! Sanada endures again, jumps and KNEES Khan away! Fireman’s carry, throw to the dragon sleeper! SKULL END, but Khan rolls through! Iron claw, ELIMIN- NO! Sanada arm-drags, dodges and O’Conner Rolls with- NO! No bridge! Khan has the iron claw again! ELIMINA- NO! Sanada gets a waistlock, but no O’Conner as Khan bucks free! Khan gets around, HITSUJIGOROSHI!! Khan has Sanada again, thrashes him around, but Sanada again endures! Sanada throws haymakers, so Khan scoops him! Sanada fights free of the powerslam to get the dragon sleeper!
Khan pushes free, but Sanada has the chicken wings! TIGER SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Khan survives but Sanada goes up top! ROUNDING BODY PRESS onto knees! Khan saves himself but both men are down! Fans rally up, Sanada and Khan slowly rise. They go forehead to forehead, then they throw forearm for forearm. They stand, Khan forearms but Sanada forearms back! Fans rally up as they pick up speed going back and forth! Khan ROCKS Sanada, but Sanada EuroUppers! Khan HELL STABS! Sanada UPPERCUSTS, spins, but into another HELL STAB! But Sanada SOBATS! STRAIGHT RIGHT from Khan!! Cover, TWO!!
Fans are fired up again while both men are down. Khan gets up, goes to a corner, and he bangs his head on the buckle pad to fire himself up! Khan slashes his throat and gives thumbs down, SECOND ROPE MOONSAULT! Then iron claw, but Sanada victory rolls, pops Khan down, body scissors to BRIDGING CLUTCH! SANADA WINS!!
Winner: Sanada, by pinfall
Khan can’t believe it! He, the professed great technician, gets caught by a technical hold! Khan is furious, but will he learn to tranquilo like the Cold Skull?
Tetsuya Naito VS Jeff Cobb!
We just saw Sanada redeem himself from the Six Man Tag defeat, but now we will see if LIJ’s charismatic leader can do the same. Will Naito make Cobb tranquilo? Or will the Hawaiian Hulk SMASH Naito in the New Year?
As always, Naito takes his time with everything, especially taking off the elaborate entrance attire. He keeps throwing pieces to Cobb, but Cobb says, “Tranquilo,” and he politely hands those to the Young Lions to put away. But then Cobb CLOBBERS Naito as soon as the pants are gone! The bell rings as Cobb fires off forearms in the corner! The ref counts, Cobb keeps hammering so the ref backs Cobb down! Fans rally, Naito gets back up, and Cobb throws a heavy body shot! Cobb whips corner to corner, runs in, but Naito boots him! Cobb comes back, but into another boot! Cobb is annoyed, but he turns around into a dropkick to the legs!
Naito kicks Cobb’s leg, stomps away on it, but the ref has him back off while they’re in the ropes. Naito just goes after Cobb again! Naito lets off to appease the ref, then he stomps Cobb more! The ref tries to stop Naito again and Naito shoves him down! Naito drags Cobb up, Cobb ROCKS Naito with a forearm! And then another one! Cobb has Naito and suplexes him, but Naito knees free! Naito kicks the legs out and Cobb falls to the floor. Naito builds speed, but then just rolls. Wait, not to tranquilo, but to redirect and dropkick Cobb! Cobb hits railing and fans fire up! Naito goes out to stomp Cobb, then bring him up to whip.
Cobb reverses, scoops, and pops Naito up to a suplex position! Cobb POSTS Naito, then POSTS him again, before the RUNNING SUPLEX! Fans cheer the show of strength, then rally as both men stir. Cobb gets up and gets in the ring while Naito sputters. The ring count starts, Naito flounders up, but the count passes 10 of 20. The count reaches 15, Naito drags himself up the railing, and hobbles at 18 to get in at 19! Cobb stomps Naito, Naito sputters more, and then Cobb sits him up to JAM a knee into his back! And even uppercut him in the back! Naito writhes, Cobb stomps him down again. Cobb drags Naito up to suplex, stall, and then trophy lift and TOSS!
Naito flops to the ropes after that “victory driver,” and Cobb walks over. Cobb stands on Naito’s back! Fans rally while Cobb mocks Naito’s pose. The ref counts, Cobb hops off, and he drags Naito up. Cobb picks Naito up to RAM him into a corner! And then goes corner to corner, and back again! Fans rally, Cobb CHOPS Naito! And CHOPS! Cobb backs up to run in and basement dropkick! Naito writhes while clutching his ribs, but Cobb hobbles to bring Naito back up. Naito throws a forearm but Cobb doesn’t flinch. Naito keeps trying but Cobb doesn’t budge. Naito kicks but Cobb blocks to then ram Naito down with a shoulder!
Cobb sits Naito up for a DEADLIFT suplex! Naito slips off, Cobb ROCKS him with a right, but Cobb runs into a SHOTGUN BOOT! Fans rally up while both men are down again! Naito gets up, Cobb follows. Naito throws forearms and kicks but Cobb still doesn’t budge. Naito kicks and whips, back elbows Cobb down, then basement dropkicks the leg! Naito gets Cobb back up, whips him to a corner, then runs in to JUMP KCIK! Leg sweep! COMBINACION feint to dropkick the bad leg! And then the basement dropkick to finish the combination! Naito poses and fans rally up. Naito drags Cobb to center and hooks up the leg in a TRAILER HITCH!
Cobb endures, crawls, and gets the ROPEBREAK! Naito holds until the ref undoes the hold for him. Fans rally up again, Naito stands Cobb up to kick the bad leg. Naito then gets the leg, but Cobb blocks the lift. Cobb CHOPS Naito, Naito comes back but Cobb avoids the basement dropkick! Cobb drags Naito up, OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! Cobb has some blood in his mouth, but he gets up to hobble and run in at Naito. Back elbow, then a BIG back suplex! Cobb crawls to the cover, TWO! Cobb grows frustrated with Naito, but he hobbles after him. Fans rally, Cobb drags Naito back up, and whips him to ropes. Naito holds ropes, Cobb blocks the boot but Naito gets around to TORNADO DDT!
Fans fire up while both men are down again! Cobb drags himself up in the corner, Naito runs in to dropkick the leg again! Naito goes up the corner, reels Cobb in, ESPARANZA! Then CORRIENDO- NO! Cobb powers out but Naito dropkicks his leg out again! Naito gets Cobb up in the corner, puts him up top, and Naito elbows away on the bad leg! Naito climbs up to join Cobb, but Cobb turns that into a SUPER POWERBOMB!! Both men are down again and fans fire up more! Cobb crawls to another cover, TWO!! Naito is still in this but Cobb’s too tired to be frustrated. Cobb gets up, the blood actually coming from his nose.
Cobb drags Naito up, whips him to ropes, and scoops, but Naito gets the bad leg! KNEEBAR! CALF SLICER!! Cobb endures, Naito thrashes the leg, but Cobb reaches out! Cobb has blood in his nose but he powers up to push back and hammer away on Naito! Naito lets go, Cobb waistlocks and deadlifts for the GERMAN SUPLEX! Cobb drags Naito up, runs, but Naito dodges the lariat to throw back elbows! Naito kicks the leg, Cobb headbutts, Naito ENZIGURIS! Cobb LARIATS! Fans fire up, Cobb roars and drags Naito back up! Cobb whips, scoops, but Naito escapes to suplex, VALENTIA! Naito drags Cobb up, wrenches, tilt-o-whirls, DESTINO!! Cover, Naito wins!
Winner: Tetsuya Naito, by pinfall
Los Ingobernables de Japon is avenged! Naito and Sanada take both matches, is LIJ going to rise up and rebel in the New Year?
IWGP US Heavyweight Championship No Disqualification Match: KENTA VS Hiroshi Tanahashi!
Fang Revived claims to be the more deserving of this belt because he’s more American than The Ace. But will knowing complex English words keep Tanahashi from using anything and everything to beat Kenta’s ass? Or will Tanahashi’s rage get the better of him like it did last night?
The introductions are made, Kenta already brings out a pair of kendo sticks from under the ring, and he throws one to Tanahashi. Red Shoes gets the belt, and the kendo duel is on! The bell rings, Tanahashi disarms Kenta then fires off on him! Kenta bails out, Tanahashi goes out to SMACK him more! They go around the way, Tanahashi SMACKS Kenta again, but Kenta grabs the belt from the timekeeper’s table! BELT SHOT! Kenta gest the kendo stick and he SMACKS Tanahashi now. Tanahashi sits up, Kenta SMACKS him back down! And SMACKS him again! And again! Kenta drags Tanahashi up, puts him in the ring, then brings the kendo stick.
Kenta SMACKS Tanahashi more, and more, then throws the stick down as it starts to break. Kenta goes out to look under the ring, and he brings out a chair, a few trash can lids, and then the busted up IWGP US Heavyweight Championship Right to Challenge case? That thing hasn’t been thrown away yet? Oh, wait, Kenta brings in the trash can, too. Kenta gets the chair and he SMACKS Tanahashi on the back! The padding comes off so Kenta already throws that away, to then SMACK Tanahashi with the trash can lid! Kenta picks up what appears to be a serving tray, and he SMACKS Tanahashi with that, too!
Kenta goes out to look under the ring again, and fans rally as he brings out a ladder! Kenta puts the ladder in, stomps Tanahashi down, and he sets the ladder up in the corner. Kenta brings Tanahashi up, whips him in and Tanahashi collides with ladder! Tanahashi writhes on the mat but Kenta fetches the good kendo stick. Kenta SMACKS Tanahashi down, then gets the trash can. Fans rally up, but Kenta runs at Tanahashi, but Tanahashi dropkicks the legs out! Kenta faceplants into the trash can! Fans rally up as Tanahashi gets the trash can’s lid! Tanahashi SMACKS Kenta right in the head!
Tanahashi buffs the dent out of the trash can, raises it up and SMACKS Kenta in the head with it! Tanahashi puts the can around Kenta, then gets the chair! TRASH CAN HOME RUN! Fans cheer this edgier side of The Ace as he goes out and looks under the ring. Tanahashi brings out… a guitar?! No more air guitar, this one is real! Tanahashi waits for Kenta to get free of the trash can, before he gives Kenta a SMASH HIT! Tanahashi doesn’t stop there, he goes back out and looks under the ring. Tanahashi brings out a table! Tanahashi sets it up at ringside, goes back to the apron, but Kenta elbows him! Tanahashi gets a leg, for a DRAPING DRAGON SCREW!
Kenta writhes and clutches his knee, but Tanahashi drags him around to tie up the legs in the TEXAS CLOVERLEAF! But Kenta has the briefcase! Kenta SMACKS Tanahashi with it! Not the first time, either, but that was the hardest one yet! Kenta kisses his best friend, and then BRIEFCASE BUSAIKU KNEES Tanahashi down!! Kenta drags Tanahashi up, throws him out hard, and sees the table nearby. Kenta drags Tanahashi up, throws haymakers, then puts Tanahashi on the table. Kenta rains down rights, then goes to a corner. Fans rally up as Kenta climbs, but Tanahashi hurries up after him! Tanahashi throws hands, then climbs up!
Fans fire up as Tanahashi aims for the table! Kenta resists, throws body shots, and even elbows. Tanahashi steps down, Kenta rains down fists. Tanahashi SHOTEIS, and Kenta flops into the ring! Tanahashi hops down to look under the ring again. Tanahashi brings out another chair, and another chair, and another chair, and another, and another, and another! Half a dozen chairs are in a pile, and Tanahashi drags Kenta up. Kenta grabs for anything but Tanahashi keep shim away. Kenta resists the German suplex with elbows! Tanahashi SHOTEIS, runs, FULL METAL SLINGBLADE!! They land hard on all the chairs!!
Tanahashi sets Kenta on his chair pile, climbs up top, FULL METAL HIGH FLY FLOP!! Kenta dodges and Tanahashi crashes down! Fans fire up as Kenta goes to a corner. Kenta then puts Tanahashi in the corner to scrub his boot on Tanahashi’s face. Kenta piles the chairs onto Tanahashi now, then goes corner to corner to FULL METAL DROPKICK!! A bit double-edged but Kenta doesn’t care! Kenta drags Tanahashi out of the pile, brings him around to a fireman’s carry, GO TO- NO! TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Tanahashi holds on, for a TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT on the chairs! Fans rally up as Tanahashi goes back out and looks under the ring once more.
Tanahashi searches, but he can’t find anything good. So he just hauls the table he set up into the ring! Tanahashi stands it up near a corner, and he brings Kenta up. Tanahashi scoops Kenta to put him on the table. Tanahashi also shoves a chair down onto Kenta! Fans fire up as Tanahashi climbs up the corner! But Kenta gets up to SMACK Tanahashi with the chair! Kenta makes sure the table is back up, and he climbs up to go after Tanahashi. Tanahashi resists the superplex with body shots, but Kenta throws headbutts! Kenta goes to the very top, and he SUPER FALCON ARROWS Tanahashi through the table!! Fans fire up while both men are down!
Kenta doesn’t cover, he goes back outside. Kenta searches under the ring, and searches a bit more. What could he be looking for? Kenta finds a new table! Kenta gets the table in the ring, then rains down fists on Tanahashi. Kenta isn’t done here, he goes back under the ring, and he brings out a very tall ladder! Kenta gets that in the ring, leans it up in a corner, then stomps Tanahashi. Kenta stands the ladder up to set it up, and fans rally up as Kenta complains the ref should be helping him! Red Shoes sure isn’t doing that, so Kenta has to finish it up on his own. Kenta SMACKS Tanahashi with a trash can lid, and he still has to fasten the other side of the ladder!
Kenta finally has the ladder propped up, and then he sets up the table nearby. Kenta smacks Tanahashi on the table, then punches him down to keep him on the table. Kenta climbs the ladder and fans fire up as he reaches the top! Kenta aims, but Tanahashi gets up to shake the ladder! Kenta holds on, but the ladder tips! Kenta falls onto the trash can! Red Shoes checks but Kenta is okay to continue, so Tanahashi brings Kenta to the table. Kenta is busted open, Tanahashi shoves him down onto the table. Tanahashi fires up, climbs up, and fans fire up with him! Tanahashi reaches the top and takes aim, for an ORBITAL HIGH FLY FLOW!!
Tanahashi has to crawl out of the wreckage to cover, Tanahashi wins!!
Winner: Hiroshi Tanahashi, by pinfall (NEW IWGP US Heavyweight Champion)
Speaking of orbital, how is Kenta’s face after all that? There’s a lot more blood coming from his nose, will he be alright? As for Tanahashi, he gambled and came out the winner! Will he go to new extremes to prove he’s still the Ace?
IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Kazuchika Okada VS Will Ospreay!
Once again, the Rainmaker is holding the top title in all of NJPW! But after such a powerful fight against the Rampaging Dragon, does Okada have enough to thwart the Commonwealth King? Or will Ospreay regain the title he never truly lost?
Ospreay’s entrance has a video photo album of those he defeated in 2021 to establish himself as the “REAL” IWGP World Heavyweight Champion. Then he rises up from the stage, and the rest of the United Empire appears behind him. Ospreay has his copy of the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, as well as the Warrior Wrestling Championship and both belts that represent the Undisputed Rev-Pro British Heavyweight Champion. The Empire makes sure Ospreay is introduced as the real world champion, but he still has to win here to make that official. Okada’s introduction is made, Okada’s belt is raised, but tonight, we see if it stays Okada’s past 24 hours!
Fans rally up already with the bell as these two stare down. They circle, approach, stare down some more, and Ospreay smirks as he and Okada circle again. Ospreay then shoots in to get a leg and he brings Okada down to a facelock. Ospreay powers Okada to a press, ONE, but Ospreay holds on as they goa round. Okada gets a leg pick, lateral press, ONE as Ospreay gets away. Fans cheer the early exchange, and the two reset. They feel out the knuckle lock, tie up collar ‘n’ elbow, and Ospreay wrenches to a wristlock. Okada rolls, trips Ospreay and has the toehold, but Ospreay pulls at hair. Ospreay uses a leg to hook Okada for an armbar, but Okada powers his way up.
Okada facelocks Ospreay then floats to a headlock. Ospreay fights up, Okada grinds the hold, but Ospreay powers up to pry at the hold. Okada clamps the headlock on tighter and grinds, but Ospreay pulls hair. Ospreay powers out, Okada runs him over, but Ospreay kips right up! Fans cheer and Ospreay smirks, then fires off forearms! Ospreay runs, into a BOOT! Okada drags Ospreay up, Ospreay stomps his foot! Ospreay bumps Okada, runs, but into a back drop! Ospreay gets some air and crashes down! Okada brings Ospreay back up to CLUB him on the back! Okada reels Ospreay in for another CLUB to the back.
Ospreay goes to a corner, kicks back but Okada blocks to CLUB the leg. Okada then turns Ospreay for a NECKBREAKER! Cover, ONE!! Okada keeps on Ospreay with a chinlock. Fans rally while Ospreay endures. Ospreay fights up, throws body shots, but Okada ROCKS him with a forearm, Okada whips, Ospreay reverses, but Ospreay misses in the corner. Okada puts Ospreay up top, but Ospreay kicks him away! Ospreay puts Okada up top to CHOP him down! Okada is on the apron, Ospreay drags him through the ropes, DRAPING DDT! Cover, TWO! Ospreay keeps his cool as he goes right to the apron. PIP PIP CHEERIO!
Okada bails out but Ospreay goes out after him. Ospreay looms over Okada, drags him up by his jaw, then CHOPS him! Okada staggers around the way, Ospreay follows after. Ospreay chokes Okada against the railing in front of the timekeeper’s area to make Okada look at all the belts! Ospreay then DECKS Okada, and says he is the real champion! Ospreay drags Okada up, puts him in the ring, and covers. Red Shoes refuses to count after the shenanigans, so Ospreay sits Okada up to KICK him in the back. And again. Okada eggs Ospreay on, Ospreay KICKS him more! Okada still eggs Ospreay on so Ospreay fires off forearms and ROCKS Okada!
Okada stands up, Ospreay wrenches and CHOPS him. And CHOPS! Ospreay reels Okada in but Okada fights the backbreaker with elbows. Okada runs, but into a SPIN-OUT BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Ospreay is annoyed but fans rally up as Okada survives all those rotations. Ospreay drags Okada up, KNEES him in the back, and again, then clamps on a cravat. Okada endures, fans rally up, and Okada powers up to throw elbows and body shots. Ospreay CLUBS Okada, whips him to the corner, but Okada reverses. Okada runs in, but Ospreay BOOTS him! Ospreay runs but into a FLAPJACK! Both men are down and fans fire up!
Ospreay gets up but Okada follows. Okada rallies with forearms and elbows, then whips. Ospreay reverses, Okada ducks and dodges, and CLOBBERS Ospreay with the elbow! Okada drags Ospreay up, whips him to the corner, runs in and back elbows. Okada kicks and DDT’s! Cover, TWO! Okada staggers up but eggs Ospreay on. Fans rally up and Ospreay stands, Okada tries the Alabama lift but Ospreay fights it. Ospreay whips, Okada reverses, but Ospreay handsprings! Okada gets under, Alabama lift to REVERSE NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Okada keeps cool as he drags Ospreay up. Ospreay blocks the gut wrench, but Okada powers through!
Ospreay kicks, gets to the apron, and throws body shots through the ropes! Ospreay aims for the ramp, but Okada fights the suplex! They’re both on the apron, Okada CLUBS and ROCKS Ospreay but Ospreay hits back. They brawl on the edge, forearm for forearm! Ospreay gets the edge, then CHOPS, but Okada SHOTGUNS Ospreay into the post! Ospreay crashes down and fans are fired up again! The Empire coaches Ospreay up but Okada stands first. Okada gets Ospreay and he whips Ospreay into railing! Okada then BOOTS Ospreay over the railing! Okada wants more space so people move aside. Okada runs in and FLIES, into a SUPERKICK!!
Ospreay shoots Okada out of the air, and Okada clutches his leg after that crash landing! Okada drags Ospreay up, bumps him off girders, and then decides to climb up! Fans are thunderous as Ospreay goes up and up, and then up a little more! Ospreay ORBITAL ARIHARA MOONSAULTS!! Fans are electric as Ospreay hits the mark!! Khan fans Ospreay off as he walks around to make sure his leg is alright. A ring count starts, climbs to 5 of 20 before Ospreay gets Okada up. They return to the ring at 11 of 20, and fans cheer as Ospreay climbs up. Okada stands, Ospreay BLINDSIDE PIP PIP CHEERIOS! Ospreay gets Okada up, LIGER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!!
Fans fire up as Okada is still in this! Ospreay keeps his cool, drags Okada up, and turns him, but Okada elbows free! Okada throws forearms and EuroUppers, then runs, into a TIGER WALL KICK and ENZIGURI! Fans fire up as Okada bails out, and Ospreay builds speed! SASUKE SPECIAL!! But Okada catches him?! TOMBSTONE to the floor!! Fans are thunderous as both men are down on the outside! The ring count starts again, and Okada stirs at 9 of 20. Okada stands at 12, hobbles over and drags Ospreay up at 15, and puts him in at 16. Fans cheer as Okada goes up the corner now. Ospreay stands, Okada SHOTGUN MISSILE DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO!
Okada drags Ospreay up, wrenches and has the MONEY CLIP! Ospreay endures, pries at the hold, but he RAMS Okada into a corner. Ospreay is free but Okada SHOTGUN dropkicks him again! Fans rally again as both men are down! Okada goes to Ospreay, drags him up, scoops and SLAMS, then goes back up the corner. MACHO ELBOW! Fans rally more as Okada strikes the Rainmaker Pose! Okada ripcords, Ospreay wheelbarrows, but Okada GERMAN SUPLEXES! Ospreay lands on his feet to ROUNDHOUSE! Ospreay whips, Okada reverses, but Ospreay avoids the dropkick, SHOOTING STAR onto knees!
Okada hurries to whip Ospreay, but Ospreay turns dropkick into LIGER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Fans fire up again and Ospreay drags Okada back up. Ospreay suplexes to hang Okada out to dry. Ospreay HEEL KICKS Okada, then FRONT KICKS him! Okada is stuck, Ospreay goes to the corner and climbs up. SHOOTING STAR GUILLOTINE! Ospreay goes right back up the corner, SHOOTING STAR PRESS! Cover, TWO!! Okada survives again! But Ospreay wont’ stop, he stands Okada up and springboards, OSCUTTER! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay is beside himself but fans are thunderous! Khan coaches Ospreay and he gets Okada back up.
Ospreay reels Okada in, turns him, DREAM SMASHER ELBOW! Ospreay then aims from the corner, Okada sits up, HIDDEN- NO! Okada ducks, gut wrenches, but Ospreay turns it around! TOMBSTONE! Ospreay grins as he mocks the Rainmaker Pose! Takagi learned the hard way to not do that, but Ospreay drags Okada up. Ripcord, but Okada gets around to backslide! Ospreay rolls through, into double underhooks!? Okada gets Ospreay up, and steals STORMBREAKER!!! Cover, TWO!!! Ospreay survives and fans are thunderous again! Okada roars and he drags Ospreay back up. Ripcord, but Ospreay elbows free! So Okada BLINDSIDE DROPKICKS him to ropes!
Okada whips Ospreay, dropkicks him down again! Okada ripcords, RAIN- SPANISH FLY!?!? Ospreay snatches that one outta nowhere! Ospreay gets Okada’s arm, drags him up, and short arm LARIATS! Ospreay holds on, copying one of Okada’s signature tactics, and he gives him another short arm LARIAT! Ospreay goes to the corner, up, up and SUPER OSCUTTER!! Cover, TWO!??! Okada survives yet again and Ospreay is enraged! He underhooks and lifts Okada, but Okada slips out to gut wrench! SPINNING TOMBSTONE!! Okada roars, drags Ospreay back up, ripcord and RAIN- NO! Ospreay slips through to underhooks!
STORM- NO! Okada slips out, rip cords, DISCUS RAINMAKER! Okada gets Ospreay right back up, ripcords, TRUE RAINMAKER!! Cover, TWO?!?! Now Ospreay shocks Okada! Fans are electric again as both men are down. Okada drags Ospreay up, for the MONEY CLIP! Ospreay tries to fight back but he’s already fading. Fans rally up, Okada cranks on the hold harder, but Ospreay grits his teeth. Ospreay fights up, but Okada keeps him from ropes with a BACK2BACK- NO! Ospreay slips free, but Okada ducks the buzzsaw! Ospreay ducks the lariat to steal the RAINMAKER!! Both men are down again and fans rally hard as ever!
Ospreay and Okada slowly rise. Ospreay SLAPS Okada, so Okada SLAPS back! They give more SLAPS, then Ospreay throws a forearm. Okada forearms back, so Ospreay throws another. Okada gives it back, but Ospreay hits him again. Fans rally up as they stand and keep throwing forearms. Okada hits Ospreay and Ospreay wobbles. Ospreay comes back to go forehead to forehead before throwing another forearm. Okada gives it back, they keep going, faster and faster, then at the same time! Okada gets the edge, and he ROCKS Ospreay! Ospreay staggers around, Okada DECKS him! Okada checks his jaw before he drags Ospreay back up.
Okada backslides, rolls through, LARIAT! Okada holds on, stands Ospreay up, and LARIATS again! Okada drags Ospreay up, ripcords, but Ospreay pop-up FOREARMS Okada! Then HIDDEN BLADE!! Cover, TWO!??! Fans fire up as Ospreay fires up, and Ospreay drags Okada up to underhook. Okada fights so Ospreay fires off Kowata Kicks! Underhooks, but still no Stormbreaker! Okada back drops and sits on the cover, TWO! Okada EuroUppers, Ospreay HOOK KCIKS! Ospreay underhooks, but Okada slips out to LARIAT! Ospreay stays up, and V-TRIGGERS! He’s not Kenny! But he HEADBUTTS Okada down!
Ospreay roars, fans are electric, and off comes the elbow pad! HIDDEN- DROPKICK! Ospreay is right back up?! But he runs into the SIT-OUT PILEDRIVER! Ripcord, TRUE RAINMAKER!!! Cover, Okada wins!!!
Winner: Kazuchika Okada, by pinfall (Undisputed IWGP World Heavyweight Champion)
The Rainmaker keeps his promises! He stops Ospreay, holds onto this belt, and makes it rain in the New Year! Red Shoes presents him with the belt, and it is now, without a doubt, Kazuchika Okada as NJPW’s top champion! Will Ospreay just have to settle for having three other belts around his waist?
Okada gets the mic to say, “Ospreay. The real champion is speaking, but I will say that your strength is real.” The fans cheer the respect Okada shows to Ospreay as the United Empire make their exit. Okada then says that he can now say he is, “without a doubt,” THE IWGP World Heavyweight Champion! As with Takagi yesterday and Ospreay tonight, Okada vows to give us 50th anniversary worthy matches against worthy opponents. “So please, keep your eyes on Kazuchika Okada, the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion!” But wait, here comes Naito! He did win earlier tonight, and it seems pretty clear why he’s returned.
Naito goes right to the ring, picks up the mic, and notes again that Okada defeated Takagi yesterday, and Ospreay tonight. “Right now, the strongest man in NJPW is undoubtedly Okada. And that’s exactly the Okada I want a piece of. That’s why I want to challenge for the belt around his waist.” So how about Okada’s next challenger be Tetsuya Naito? The fans applaud, and Okada gets the mic back to say the fans think it’s a good idea. Okada VS Naito, huh? How about it? Fans continue to applaud, and Okada says that sounds like a 50th anniversary worthy match. Naito raises his fist as a salute before he leaves. Will the Rainmaker tranquilo in his next title defense?
Okada again says, “Sounds good for the 50th. Now that I’m champion, I promise you more matches just like that.” Okada thanks the fans for their support these past two days in the Tokyo Dome, and knows that though they couldn’t shout out, they found other ways to cheer. Their support reached all of the wrestlers, and they gave back what they could in return. “This 50th anniversary celebration has just begun. So please, keep giving us your support.” And one more thing. “Inoki-san, I’m waiting for you to grace this NJPW ring again. With willpower, you can do anything, right? Inoki-san, please find energy and come back to this ring! I think you’re needed here for this anniversary.”
Okada continues to say that he hopes the people take care of themselves during these difficult times, because he wants to wrestle in front of a cheering crowd again. Fans applaud that, and Okada gets a bit emotional now. Okada hopes we never go back to empty arena shows again. “I want to fight for all of you!” Every wrestler in NJPW is giving their all, so please keep fighting alongside them! NJPW has made it these 50 years, and he vows to lead it these next 50, so please stay with him! “I’ll make it rain on NJPW!” The Rainmaker is as passionate as ever, will he keep things going as the New Year rolls on?
My Thoughts:
Another great event for NJPW and WrestleKingdom, but I did end up skipping the three opening Six Man Tags. I didn’t really have time to cover them, since it was another hour on top of the main show, but I did skim them. Pretty good stuff to warm up the crowd, and I think the most shocking thing was that Master Wato got the win, and by making El Desperado tap out! Perhaps they’re looking to make Wato next up for the title, though I feel like he already got his win here. The Triple Threat Tag for the Junior Heavyweight Tag titles was great, especially with them finally proving ELP uses something in his boot. The champions retaining makes sense, there’s a lot of fight left in Tiger Mask.
The Stardom tag match was great stuff. All four women got to look great and used a lot of their movesets here, but it was a natural choice for the top Stardom champion to get the win here. And I figured as much yesterday, with Yoh, Goto & Hashi all winning the other matches that the House of Torture would retain the Six Man titles. There’s a chance Evil & Yujiro try for the IWGP Heavyweight Tag titles, and no idea if there’s any other trio that could move up to take these NEVER titles off Bullet Club. Suzuki being the one winning the KOPW trophy here was quite the surprise, but I bet that means we’re getting a string of rather sadistic stipulations for when Yano tries to challenge him.
Good stuff in the NEVER Openweight Six Man title match, but as I figured yesterday, Chaos got their wins and so House of Torture retains. Evil is probably going to be NEVER Openweight Double Champion for some time, and I kinda hope it leads to something with him and Jay White since Ishii took that from White. NOAH’s wrestlers showing up was quite a surprise, but it makes sense given the crossover event. Kiyomiya and Kenoh gave good promos, but a bit of a bummer that the livestream of the event is on a different provider than NJPW World. I like that it was Takagi & LIJ that confronted NOAH, with Kenoh able to play off how Takagi lost the title. We’re going to get a lot of great stuff out of that event, and it’s anyone’s guess as to who wins the “series.”
The last two matches of the night were awesome stuff. The No Disqualification match was great stuff, and they really brought out everything in that match. I love that Kenta refuses to give up his Right to Challenge briefcase, even though it’s practically in shambles. But that finish, wow that was rough for Kenta. I think he got both a broken nose and a cut on his face somewhere from that trash can, and then he still has to get crushed through the table. Tanahashi winning here was big stuff, and it seems the US title is staying in Japan for a bit. Then of course, the world title match was another stellar instant classic from Okada and Ospreay. Those guys can do no wrong, and that super moonsault was wild.
But naturally, Okada wins here, he is pretty much Mr. NJPW at this point. Okada VS Naito is set up for the next major event, and Okada has another great promo to close out the show for the fans. Okada will definitely carry NJPW for the majority of this year, if not the whole year, so let’s hope his dream, and everyone’s dream, of no longer worrying about COVID becomes a reality.
My Score: 9.2/10
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IF YA SMELLALALALALALA~…!
As Cody Rhodes teams with Damian Priest & Braun Strowman against Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline, FINALLY, The Rock has come back to SmackDown!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso; Jimmy wins.
- The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & LA Knight; Miz & Melo win.
- Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae w/ Nia Jax; Tiff wins.
- Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez; No Contest.
- WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly; Pretty Deadly wins, by disqualification, and DIY retain the titles.
- Six Man Tag: Cody Rhodes, Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga; changed to…
- Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga; Priest & Braun win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes talks with Nick Aldis backstage.
They shake hands, but the SmackDown General Manager tells the WWE Champion there’s been a change: Cody’s out of the Six Man Tag match. What? Why would Aldis do that? It is out of Aldis’s hands. Wait, Solo Sikoa shows up to do what he did, but they can’t do the Six Man Tag that they advertised? How is this out of Aldis’s hands? Who do they need to talk to so they can do the match? Aldis says there’s no one either of them can call, if you smell what’s cooking. This is coming from The Final Boss, and The Final Boss wants to see Cody in the ring tonight. What business could The Great One have with The American Nightmare?
Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso!
The Scottish Terminator rubbed it in Big Jim’s face that only one of them is going to Elimination Chamber in Toronto, which Big Jim was able to brush off. But McIntyre harping on how only one Uso is going to WrestleMania was a step too far. These two look to have it out, but is Jimmy just playing into McIntyre’s hands? Or will McIntyre get embarrassed by “the other Uso” this close to that big time match?
Speaking of, Jimmy has a message for Drew as he heads to gorilla. “Everybody know you’re going to Elimination Chamber, right? But Big Jimmy got a question for the Big Easy: Will Drew go onto the Elimination Chamber and win that? Will Drew go onto WrestleMania and win that? Ey, Drew, I think we got an answer for you, Uce. The answer is…” “NO YEET!” Jimmy makes his entrance, the bell rings, and the fans rally behind Jimmy. Jimmy and Drew jaw, and then Drew raises his hands, to say UP YOURS! But Jimmy ROCKS and CHOPS away! Drew puts Jimmy in a corner, Jimmy dodges to CHOP!
Jimmy climbs and he rains down fists! The fans count, Drew dumps Jimmy tot eh apron at 5, but Jimmy GAMANGIRIS! Jimmy goes up, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Jimmy hurries to CHOP, then he whips. Drew reverses to send Jimmy to the corner. Jimmy BOOTS back, goes up, and leaps, but into a clinch! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders to a corner, Drew runs up to SPLASH and OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders again, the ref has Drew hold on, and Jimmy bails out. Drew storms out to get Jimmy and he whips Jimmy HARD into barrier! The fans boo but Drew looms over Jimmy.
The ring count starts, Drew mockingly calls him “Jey,” then puts Jimmy in the ring. Drew says NO MANIA for Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, ROCKS him, then runs up, only for Jimmy to put him on the apron! Drew blocks a superkick, but not the DRAGON WHIP! Drew drops, Jimmy DIVES! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! Jimmy grins, goes back to the apron, and then aims. But Drew stops the Penalty Kick to THROW Jimmy down! Drew then has Jimmy in the Reverse Alabama Lift! REVERSE ALABAMA SLAM onto the steel steps! Drew stands on the desk to say “NO YEET!” while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Drew revels in the heat from New Orleans, then he leaves Jimmy behind. The ref checks Jimmy, he’s able to continue, so a ring count starts. Drew paces while Jimmy stirs. Jimmy drags himself up using the desk, then lunges in at 9! Drew is annoyed but he rains down fists! Drew stomps Jimmy, then eggs him on. Jimmy rises as the fans rally, but Drew is right on him in the corner. Drew winds up, but Jimmy counter punches! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! And whips, only for Drew to reverses. Jimmy goes up, but Drew KICKS him out of the air! Drew then hauls Jimmy up, snap suplex! Cover, TWO!
Drew says okay, Big Jim. He clamps onto Jimmy with a top wristlock and grinds the arm. Jimmy fights up, fireman’s carries, but Drew elbows free. Drew bumps Jimmy off buckles, then hauls him up to the top rope! Drew CLUBS Jimmy on the back, climbs up, then CLUBS Jimmy more. Jimmy fires elbows and Drew drops back. But Drew runs up to CLUB Jimmy again! SmackDown returns to single picture as Drew CLUBS away on Jimmy again! Jimmy keeps taunting “Jey,” then drags him up. Jimmy fights the back suplex! The fans rally, Jimmy fires hands and a HEADBUTT! Jimmy SMACKS Drew off the post!
Jimmy rises to USO IN THE WIND! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! A standing count starts while both men stir on the mat. They both stand at 5, and Drew swings! Jimmy counter punches, then fires more shots! Mule kick, UPPERCUT, but then Jimmy dodges Drew! SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Drew is tougher than that, but Jimmy hurries to a corner. Jimmy aims as Drew goes to the other corner, “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs, but Drew FLYING HEADBUTTS! The Glasgow Kiss stuns Jimmy, and Drew hits a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Jimmy shows his own toughness, and the fans rally behind him.
Drew paces, then he stalks Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, reels him in, but Jimmy fights the underhooks! Jimmy wrenches, UPPERCUTS, but Drew ROCKS Jimmy back! Jimmy UPPERCUTS, Drew HAYMAKERS! Drew whips, Jimmy reverses and Drew ends up on the apron! Drew ROCKS Jimmy first, then climbs the corner! FLYING- SUPERKICK! Jimmy runs to SPEAR! Cover, TWO!! Drew survives, Jimmy’s spear doesn’t hit quite like The Tribal Chief’s. Jimmy goes to the corner, climbs up, and the fans rally up. USO- NO, Jimmy rolls through as Drew moves! Drew dodges a lariat to NECKBREAKER!
Both men are down, the fans rally, and Drew kips up! Drew scowls as he aims at Jimmy. “THREE! TWO! ONE!” CLAY- SUPERKICK!! Jimmy hits first! GLASGOW KISS returns! Drew reels Jimmy in, “This is your WrestleMania! This is as close as you get!” Drew shouts Jimmy is nothing, then ROCKS him with forearm after forearm! GLASGOW KISS! Another Reverse Alabama, but Jimmy victory rolls it! JIMMY WINS!!!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Drew is furious, but his own ego caught him there! But then Drew CLOBBERS Jimmy! The fans boo Drew being a sore loser, but he puts Jimmy back in the ring! Drew rains down fists, then he DRIBBLES Jimmy off the mat! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Drew says that was Jimmy’s Mania Moment! Drew will win the Chamber, he will go to Mania, and he will win there! Jimmy means NOTHING to Drew! Drew puts Jimmy up against the post, then takes aim! The fans boo, but refs and producers rush out here! They swarm Drew to keep him from going after Jimmy again. Drew says fine, fine, then takes his leave.
Producers help Jimmy to his feet, but then Drew BLASTS through the refs! CLAYMORE for Jimmy!! The Scottish Terminator hits his target, then laughs as he actually leaves. Will McIntyre make this his Road to WrestleMania?
A car pulls into the parking lot.
And out steps Solo Sikoa. Solo heads inside, and he finds Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga waiting. Solo tells them that last week with Tama, that was an accident. Jacob says yeah, it’s all good, Uce. But keep it 100: If it wasn’t an accident, Solo wouldn’t be standing here right now. Well, good! Glad to see we’re all on the same page. Solo says he will be in the corner during the match for Jacob & Tama. Uh, no, Solo, no disrespect, but Jacob & Tama have been running things on SmackDown these past couple weeks. So tonight, it’s Jacob & Solo running the play? Yadada mean? Yeah, of course. And that right there, Jacob, is exactly why Solo loves him.
Solo says he’ll be back, he has to talk with Nick Aldis. Solo heads out, but will he really just step right back into place from before he lost the ula fala?
Carmelo Hayes is backstage.
R-Truth calls out to Melo, and says for the first time ever, Truth VS Melo! What’s Truth talking about? Duh, they have a match. No, Truth, Melo knows. But they had a match last week. Truth says he has never met Melo in his life, but they have a tag match tonight. What? No, they don’t. Who even made this match? Him. Truth, they are not going through this H1M who’s on first thing again. Melo is H1M. No, him made the match. The Miz!? Miz says he’s H1M. So now there’s two of you? No no no! Melo is H1M, this is The Miz! Yeah, #MeloDon’tMiz! NO! That’s not a thing! Tonight, they are. Who’s Truth’s partner?
Truth says he’s got a guy. A Louisiana legend! In fact, he just got here, so Truth’s gotta go. Laters. Miz says he has been workshopping this, and the fans love it. Think about it: Melo Don’t Miz! Melo Don’t Miz! And we are…! Melo shakes his head. Truth steps in and says Miz just wants Melo to say, “Awesome.” Miz offers a fist bump, Melo says no. Will Melo wish he had missed tonight’s show? Or will Miz actually help H1M get another win?
Zelina Vega speaks.
“My whole life, people have taken one look at me, and they try to define me. My size has never stopped me before. It never stopped me from becoming tag team champion. Or my personal favorite, the history-making first-time-ever Queen of the Ring. That’s me. Make no mistake about it, I’ve never had it easy. I had to scratch and claw to get anything around here. But this is a fresh start. Because I have something to prove. And my dreams are a lot bigger than your measuring stick. It ain’t over until Zelina Vega says it’s over.”
The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & ???
Miz makes his entrance but Melo kinda steps all over it. So he already missed his cue… But who did Truth find to team with him in the Big Easy? We’ll see, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Truth makes his entrance. “What’s up?” Well, more like who is his partner? He’ll tell us! His tag team partner is a local legend, born and bred right here in New Orleans! Ladies and gentlemen, welcome Louisiana Knight! Wait, he means L A Knight! Yes, Louisiana abbreviated is LA, but that’s not… Oh, Truth… Truth gives Knight a Po’ Boy and some Mardi Gras beads, so Knight embraces it. The teams sort out, and Truth calls out him! Does he mean Miz or Melo? Well, Melo says he is H1M, so that’s who starts. The fans cheer on Knight while Truth and Melo tie up. Melo KNEES low, whips, but Truth reverses.
Melo springboards, FADEAWAY JUMPER! Melo makes his free throw, but Truth drop toeholds! Truth headlocks, Melo powers up and out but Truth whips! Melo turns hip toss into lateral press, TWO! Truth has a ghost pin, TWO! Melo trips to cover, ONE! Truth trips to cover, ONE! Melo runs up, Truth does the splits, and then hits a BIG hip toss! The fans fire up, Truth counts, Melo gets up at TWO, but Truth was just goofing. The ref explains to Truth that he is the ref, not Truth! Melo is annoyed, he runs up on Truth, but Truth wrenches him around! Melo pulls hair but Knight tags in. The fans fire up as Knight fires hands!
Knight ROCKS Melo, whips Melo, but Melo reverses! SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Knight drags Melo up to tag Truth back in, and Truth ROCKS Melo! Melo staggers, but he refuses to tag! Truth arm-drags Melo, then grinds the arm. Melo insists he’s got this, then arm-drags free. Truth staggers up, he and Melo bump heads! Truth staggers around more, and he tags Miz?! Truth forgot The Awesome Truth isn’t a thing anymore! Again! Melo BLASTS Truth off the apron, the fans boo, but Miz tags himself in! Melo is annoyed, but Miz goes to fetch Truth while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again, and Melo has Truth. Truth ROCKS Melo, but Melo holds onto the wristlock! Truth reaches for Knight, Knight reaches for Truth, but Melo holds on. Truth takes a swing, but into an O’Conner Roll! TWO and Melo BLASTS Knight! Truth rolls Melo up, TWO! Melo kicks low, calls his shot, but Truth suplexes for a STUNNER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Truth and Melo crawl, hot tags to Miz and Knight! The fans fire up as Knight rallies on Miz! “YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips, Miz reverses, but Knight lEAPING LARIATS! Knight TOSSES Melo in for good measure!
Knight stomps a mudhole into Melo, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” LARIAT for Miz! KNEE for Melo! Knight scoops and POWERSLAMS Miz! Knight keeps running, JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Knight stays on Miz as he brings Miz up. Knight ROCKS Miz, then ROCKS him again! Knight whips, Miz grabs the ropes. Miz KICKS, then takes a swing, but into a back suplex! Miz lands out, tag to Melo! Miz ELBOWS Knight, but Knight scoops! Miz tilt-o-whirls through, Melo SUPERKICKS Knight down! cover, TWO! Knight stays in this but Melo says he’s got this! Melo waits on Knight, then leaps, but NO 48!
Knight kicks low, but NO B F T! Tag to Truth! Knight ELBOWS Melo, Truth runs in! CENA SHOULDER TACKLES! Then the SPIN OUT BOMB! Truth says it’s time! “YOU CANT SEE ME~!” truth runs for the FIVE KNCUKLE SHUFFLE! Truth then fireman’s carries, but Melo slips free! Melo shoves, Truth dodges, and Truth hits the LIE DETECTOR! Truth then gets Melo in the S T R-TRUTH! But Miz CLOBBERS Truth! Knight ROCKS Miz, then LARIATS him up and out! Knight then goes out to THROW Miz into barriers! The fans fire up again, but NAKAMURA ATTACKS KNIGHT!
The fans boo, but the sinister samurai then POSTS Knight!! Nakamura slithers away while Melo keeps the ref’s attention! Truth sees Knight is down, Melo runs up, but Truth dodges! Miz tags in, full nelson, and a FIRST 48 FINALE COMBO?!? Cover, Miz & Melo win!!
Winners: The Miz & Carmelo Hayes, by pinfall
Well, what do you know? Nakamura aside, Miz and Melo made it work! Okay, they’re both trying to hog the spotlight, but is there a future for Melo Don’t Miz? Will Knight only have more of a reason to take that title off Nakamura now?
Charlotte Flair speaks.
“The GOAT… doesn’t have to call themselves The GOAT. Now, I have crafted a legacy that no one, I mean no one, can touch. And I’m back.” The Women’s Royal Rumble Winner chose Tiffany Stratton, but will The Queen take back her throne? Or will WWE always be on #TiffyTime? Speaking of…
Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae!
The WWE Women’s Champion may have gotten past Nia Jax, but now she knows Charlotte Flair is waiting for her at WrestleMania, and is going to be teaming with Trish Stratus in Toronto! Will she be in Tiffy Top Shape for that Tiffy Trishy dream match? Or will the Poison Pixie be quite the problem all on her own?
Before the match, Tiff grabs a mic while the fans cheer. Tiffy says, “I know, I know. You know it, you know it, and you know it. Ever since I won this title, everybody’s just been so obsessed with me. And last week, I had Nia Jax beat, until Candice LeRae decided to interfere and help her little meal ticket. And at Elimination Chamber, Trish Stratus and I make sure the Unstoppable Force comes to a definitive end!” The fans cheer that, but Tiff says enough about them. Let’s talk Charlotte Flair. The fans boo that name, but Tiff says Charlotte took her sweet old time, grabbed a chair, grabbed a mic, and she looked down on Tiff.
Charlotte chose Tiff as her WrestleMania opponent. In that moment, Tiff’s dream came true! And as she lied down there and looked up at Charlotte, she realized the rumors are true: No one loves to kick a girl when she’s down quite like Charlotte Flair. So at WrestleMania, Tiff isn’t coming for Charlotte’s legacy; that’s all Charlotte’s. Tiff is coming for the spot Charlotte desires the most: The number one spot as the top girl in the WWE! But here comes Nia & Candice to interrupt. Nia has a mic to tell Tiffy, “I Have to say, this is really cute. Like, it’s really cute that you actually think you were gonna beat me last week.”
Doesn’t Candice think that is cute? Candice says yes, it is so~ cute. And Tiff wouldn’t even be standing there if not for little Trish Stratus~. Exactly! And it’s even cuter that Tiff is out here talking about Charlotte when she wont’ even see WrestleMania! Because after Nia & Candide destroy Tiff at Elimination Chamber, Nia is coming back for her WWE Women’s Championship. Nia & Candice step up to the ring, and Nia says Tiff won’t even see the Grandest Stage of Them All. Tiff tells Nia to just give it up. This title isn’t even hers anymore. And once Tiff beats Candice tonight, Nia won’t have anyone to do her dirty work anymore!
Candice tells Tiffy that while they’re meant have a match right now, she and Nia are feeling impatient. Nia says they should just get rid of Tiff right now! But the ref steps in and says not gonna happen! Tiff VS Candice will, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Candice has Tiffy down with an armlock. Tiff fights up as the fans rally, but Candice wrenches to wristlock. Tiff spins through, goes to ropes, then up the corner to flip and arm-drag! The fans fire up as Tiff rallies on Candice! DROPKICK, and Tiff snarls! Tiff goes to the corner, and Charlotte makes her entrance? The Queen chooses to be fashionably late all so everyone looks at her, including Tiffy. Tiffy handsprings, but Candice dodges! Candice runs up to UPPERCUT, then she snapmares and NECK SNAPPERS! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Candice clamps onto Tiffy with a top wristlock.
The fans “WOO~” as Charlotte now chooses to join commentary. Tiff fights up, has the ROPEBREAK, but Candice CLUBS away on her! Candice backs off, runs up, but Tiff drop toeholds her to ropes! Tiff runs, HIP ATTACKS, and Candice flops back! Cover, TWO! Tiff stays on Candice with a whip, but Candice reverses. Candice CLOBBERS Tiff, covers, TWO! Charlotte corrects Tiffy’s words earlier: Charlotte isn’t the “top girl,” she is THE woman in WWE. Candice HIP DROPS Tiff but the fans rally up. Candice scuffs Tiff, then grinds an arm to drop a knee on the elbow! And another knee drop! Tiff endures and the fans rally up.
Candice keeps on that arm, thrashes it around, but Tiff fights up. Tiff fires body shots, then shoves Candice to Alabama Lift her! Candice sunset flips, Tiff rolls through, TIFFY STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Tiff is frustrated and Candice bails out. Tiff goes to the apron, goes up the corner, and ARIHARA MOONSAULTS! Direct hit on Candice and Nia, and Tiff almost stuck the landing! The fans fire up with Tiff and she goes into the ring. Tiff points to the WrestleMania sign, and then at Charlotte, but SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Tiff waits on Candice, Candice slides in, and Tiff stomps her down! Candice bails out, Nia is there to coach her, but Tiff lets the ring count start. Candice gets on the apron, Tiff kicks her, but Candice RAMS Tiff! Candice CLUBS Tiff, has her in the ropes, and hits a NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT! Candice climbs, aims, and leaps to MISSILE DROPKICK Tiff down! Cover, TWO! Candice is frustrated but this is why Tiff’s a champ. The fans rally, but Candice stomps Tiff! Candice scowls at the fans, stalks Tiff, then brings her up. Tiff fires body shots, then she rolls Candice up! TWO, and Candice CLOBBERS Tiff! Cover, TWO, into a ghost pin! TWO!
Candice escapes to hit a CODE BREAKER! Both women are down, but Candice scowls again as she crawls over to Tiff. Candice rains down fists, Nia tells fans to shut up, and Candice steps on Tiff’s face. Candice huffs ‘n’ puffs, pushes Tiff around, then scuffs her. Tiff rolls Candice up again, TWO! Candice DECKS Tiff! Cover, TWO! Charlotte is stoic on commentary as Candice drags Tiff up and puts her in a corner. Candice fires hands, then backs off. Candice runs up to ROCK Tiff again! Candice then runs, but Tiff dodges! SmackDown returns to single picture, and Tiff rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT! The fans fire up, Tiff handsprings, BACK ELBOW!
Tiff then reels Candice in for a SKY HIGH! High stack, TWO! The fans rally for Tiff, Nia coaches Candice, but Charlotte still seems nonplussed. Tiff and Candice rise, and Candice runs up. Candice puts Tiff on the apron, but Tiff ROCKS her! Tiff bumps Candice off buckles, then goes up, but Candice ROCKS her back! Candice climbs up, and she fires hands on Tiff! Tiff fights the suplex! Tiff DECKS Candice, then adjusts position, to SANTON- FLOP! Candice ghost pins, TWO!! Tiff escapes, but Candice hits the step-up SENTON! And then a LIONSAUL FLOP! Tiff hurries to fireman’s carry, ROLLING SENTON! And then PRETTIEST MOON- NO, Nia drags Candice out of the ring!
The fans boo, Nia tells them to shut up, but Tiff is on the apron! Nia swings, Tiff cartwheels over, and then she DROPKICKS Nia! Tiff Alabama Lifts Candice, to ALABAMA SLAM her into barriers! Tiff stares down Charlotte, tells her just wait for Mania, then she puts Candice in the ring. Tiff goes to the corner, PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, Tiff wins!
Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall
Charlotte gives moderate applause, but Nia CLOBBERS Tiff from behind! The fans boo, but Nia just drags Tiff to a corner. Nia goes up, but wait! Trish is here!! The fans fire up for the legend as she rushes into the ring! Trish avoids a haymaker to CHICK KICK! Then THESZ PRESS for Candice! And then a SPINEBUSTER! Trish helps Tiff to her feet, but Nia grabs them both! Trish fires fast hands on Nia! Candice CHOP BLOCKS Trish! Tiff is still dazed, Nia HEADBUTTS her back down! Nia & Candice mug Trish, and then Nia HEADBUTTS Trish! Trish & Tiff are side by side, and Nia drags them into the drop zone! A-NIA-LATOR!!
The fans boo but there’s nothing can be done! Nia grins as she helps Candice away, will these two trash Trish & Tiff in Toronto? Charlotte steps into the ring, stands over Tiff, and points to the WrestleMania sign. Will The Irresistible Force & Poison Pixie unwittingly do the dirty work of The Queen of Flair?
Cody talks with Damian Priest backstage.
Priest asks why Cody’s boy, The Rock, is here tonight. Cody says given the time of year, his guess is as good as anyone’s. But tonight will surely be eventful. Cody congratulates Priest on entering the Elimination Chamber. Priest says what’s wild is, last year, they both walked out as champions. What sucks is that this year, only one of them can. Now, Priest is man enough and he respects Cody to say that after Chamber, he’s coming for that title. Cody says he wouldn’t have it any other way. Cody heads out, but what business does The Rock have tonight?
Braun Strowman steps in, and he tells Priest that congrats on winning, and good luck in the Chamber. But let’s be honest, Braun had Jacob dead to rights last week. If not for Solo Sikoa, things would look a lot different next week. Priest chuckles and says take it easy, he’s sounding like Drew with the excuses. But it is what it is, Priest just beat Braun to the punch. But that was last week. Tonight, Solo and Jacob, two of the baddest men in the business. Priest & Braun handling business? Oh, they’re handling business. The only business Braun cares about is getting his hands on those two. Priest says Braun definitely will.
Braun heads out, will the Monster of All Monsters and the Archer of Infamy make sure Solo & Jacob #GetTheseHands? Or will the rogues run roughshod all over SmackDown once again?
Backstage interview with Naomi & Bianca Belair.
Byron Saxton is with the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions and brings up last week’s SmackDown, the security footage led us to believe Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez were the ones behind Jade Cargill’s attack. Now, hold on, Saxton. They don’t think, Naomi knows they were. Fair enough. But this Monday, they can get their revenge when they defend the tag titles against Liv & Raquel. How ready are they for this match? Bianca says so ready! They have been waiting for months for an update. Jade has been recovering, she hasn’t been able to call or text, so the GlowEST took matters into their own hands to get revenge.
Bianca & Naomi will handle Liv & Raquel, then move on to Elimination Chamber, where one of them is gonna win to face Rhea at WrestleMania. Not only will you #FeelTheGlowEST on Monday, but Liv feels it tonight! #Let’sGLOW! The champs head out, but will they clear their Road to WrestleMania of any other distractions?
Alexa Bliss speaks.
“When I was away, there was a lot of… change that happened in me. But when I look around, I see this place is still the same. The names and faces may be different, but the desperation and insecurity remains the same. You’ll see Toronto when I turn the Elimination Chamber into something of a playground of my own. I know the Chamber. I love the Chamber. I’ve won the Chamber. And for the other five women, it’s gonna be a Hell like they’ve never experienced before. Need I remind you, this is my division, and I am in charge.” Bliss smiles and says, “See you soon.” The film comes off the reel, but will things get twisted in Toronto?
Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez!
The Big Easy is all about having fun, and they’re fired up for Naomi’s entrance. But wait! Liv & Raquel don’t wait, they attack Bianca & Naomi while the lights are still down! They mug Naomi, but Bianca drags Liv out of the ring! Then Bianca storms in to fire off on Raquel! The fans fire up, but Liv returns to CHOP BLOCK Bianca! Raquel hauls Bianca up for a TEJANA BOMB!! Naomi runs up, fires more hands, but Liv brings Naomi around. Naomi fires hands on her, but Raquel throws her down! Liv runs up, OBLIVION!
Liv & Raquel stand tall, the refs rush out here, but clearly the singles match isn’t happening. Will we be getting something even meaner and nastier between these four on Monday?
The Rock arrives!
His truck pulls into the parking lot, but we’ll see him in the ring, after the break!
SmackDown returns and…
Aldis is chewing out Liv & Raquel for the attack. He doesn’t know what they get away with on Raw, but they can’t pull that crap here. Now get the hell out of his building. Liv & Raquel just laugh that off, but then Chelsea Green & Piper Niven walk in. Chelsea says have no fear, Chelsea & Piper are here to sub in for Bianca and Naomi at Elimination Chamber. Aldis sighs, and says they’re not missing the Chamber. What? But Chelsea had an outfit picked out! This is a travesty to not have the greatest Canadian export since maple syrup on a Canadian PLE! Does he know who she is? The first-ever, longest reigning, tallest, shortest, prettiest, richest, tannest, sparkliest, oldest, youngest Women’s US Champion! Piper asks what this is aboot, eh?
Aldis says this is them testing his patience. They need to pack their gear and whatever else they want, because they’ll be in action next week on SmackDown in Toronto. And oh, it’ll be a good one. Wait, they need more details! At least an e-calendar notification? Aldis is leaving Chelsea in the dark on what’s coming, will she absolutely hate it?
The Rock heads to the ring!
Wait, what is this New Orleans related remix? The Final Boss steps out on stage, he shows those goosebumps, then continues down the ramp, shaking hands with fans. The Rock hits his signature pose on the corner, but then takes the long way around to pick up a fan’s phone for them before going back into the ring. The fans all cheer for “ROCKY! ROCKY!” and he grabs himself a mic. He waits as the fans continue to chant his name, and then he says, “Ahh, you feel it, don’t you? You feel it. The Rock has got chills up and down his body because you know, on a Friday night, for the Final Boss to get inside his bird and fly all the way here, you know that I’m dropping some ish on you tonight!”
The fans fire up and The Rock smiles. Rock says, “Let’s get this show on the road.” The fans anticipate what’s coming but he says hold on, he’ll do it. “FINALLY! The Rock has come back…” “TO NEW ORLEANS~!” Rock smiles, and he adds, FINALLY, WrestleMania is coming back to New Orleans!! The fans are thunderous to hear that! WrestleMania 30, WrestleMania 34, and now WrestleMania 42!? Yes, next year, 2026, LIVE from the Superdome! One of the greatest cities on Earth in New Orleans, Louisiana! The pyro goes off to commemorate the occasion, and the logo is already on the tron! Rock smiles at that, then he smiles at the WrestleMania 41 Vegas logo.
The fans are losing their minds, as we now know April 11th and 12th, 2026, the Big Easy has the Grandest Stage of Them All. Rock says you damn right holy ish! Oh when the saints go marching in…! Oh how I’d love… Wait, no, this ain’t singalong with The Final Boss! Sit there, shut up, and let The Final Boss sing the song! The fans are torn, but Rock says he sings! Oh how I’d love, to be in that number~! Oh when the saints go marching in~! Okay, that’s good enough. You got him, that was a great duet. The Rock is singing with the largest collection of STD’d trailer trash he has ever seen! The fans can’t believe Rock would do that to them!
Rock says now, dropping this news wasn’t the only gift he was going to drop on us. The Final Boss came here to call somebody out. The Rock will call out a man who he respects, who he admires, and who we all admire. That man is our WWE Champion, the one and only, Cody Rhodes. The fans cheer as The American Nightmare makes his entrance! They sing along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” and we get Cody’s pyro before he goes to the ring. Cody gets his second “WHOA~ OH~!” and round of pyro, then he steps inside to join The Rock. The fans cheer Cody on, so he holds up the title and the fans cheer even more.
Cody grabs a mic, but Rock says, “That feels good, doesn’t it? I mean, that’s gotta feel amazing, right? They love you, man.” Cody tells NOLA, “I love you, too.” Rock says this is crazy. Pretty much no one knows this, but since after WrestleMania last year, they’ve actually become good friends. No, it’s true, they have. Last time they were together was the Raw Netflix debut. Rock gave Cody his flowers, told Cody he has carried the company like the incredible champion that he is, so thank you, Cody. Rock meant it, and that night, they went to the back, drank tequila for two hours and had a great ol’ time.
They chopped it up, had a blast, but Rock wants to call Cody out here for something important. Here’s the thing… The fans get a bit rowdy as they wait, and Rock says Cody is a great champion. A great WWE Champion. Cody knows that. Again, they’ve become good friends, so over the months, they’ve texted. Even their moms became good friends! Look! Mama Johnson & Mama Rhodes together after WrestleMania 40! It is a pleasure becoming Cody’s friend. But Rock wanted this face to face to tell him a few things. One: Cody has been a great champion, but he needs to understand. Yes, The Rock, The Final Boss, is on the Board of TKO. And TKO owns WWE.
The Rock is the Director of the Board of TKO. Don’t boo that! The Rock’s good friend, Ari Emanuel, who owns everything Endeavor, The Rock joked with Ari, “Can you believe that you own The WWE?” Ari says he doesn’t own the WWE, The Rock does. Rock said no, no, he doesn’t know if he owns the WWE. But The Rock knows he is the most powerful… Cody, you are a great champion. But Rock wants Cody to be something more. Rock wants Cody to be something more than just our champion. Rock wants Cody to be his champion. The fans don’t like where that’s going.
Cody says he did not expect them to become friends, nor their moms to become friends, nor the tequila. Cody didn’t have that on his bingo card. But becoming The Rock’s champion? The Rock of all people should know, Cody is the people’s champion. The fans cheer Cody more, and Rock says yes! Cody is their champion! Of course! The Rock is also The People’s Champion, he loves that about Cody. This is their universe, they were both born into this business. But Rock means something even bigger than just this. Rock knows Cody’s goal is to bring as much joy and happiness to everyone around the world, as many as possible.
The fans cheer, and Rock says that’s Cody. Cody is that guy, and everyone knows it. Cody is on social media, Instagram, millions of followers. Millions, and millions! The Rock has half a BILLION. That’s not a flex. But The Rock is the most followed American man in the world, that’s what he wants for Cody. Rock wants Cody to be even higher. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, he will open doors to possibilities Cody never even imagined. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, every dream he has ever had can come true. Every dream of Brandi’s, of their daughter’s. Think about how Rock brought them to the premiere of Moana 2, in Hawaii.
Thank you, by the way, for making that cross a BILLION dollars, fans, Rock loves you. Rock has met the Rhodes family, they’re amazing. But imagine it: Cody’s daughter’s children, their dreams, long after Rock and Cody are gone, all those dreams can come true. Rock just needs Cody to be his champion. The fans say don’t do it! Rock tells Cody to just think about it, though. Rock is a very lucky man, he has it all. Cody also has it all. They’re very fortunate. They’re Mama’s Boys, they’re Girl Dads, they’re lucky men. Fans say don’t do it, Rock tells them to shut up or he’ll slap the syphilis off their face! Rock is trying to have a moment here, shut your mouths!
The one thing that Rock has never had, that he wants more than anything, is a brother. And that is what Cody can be. Last year, WrestleMania, Rock’s goal was to face his cousin, Roman Reigns, for the title. Cody knows, the fans know. Rock talked with his friend, HHH. He talked with Nick Khan, who is his friend. They are also Cody’s friends. Rock knew it wasn’t in the plans, but they talked about moving Cody aside to make what was best for business: Rock VS Roman, WrestleMania 40! What’d Cody do? Cody pitched a b*tch fit! Cody told The Rock he ain’t doing it, and he stood up to The Rock. And y’know what else? Cody SLAPPED Rock!
No one does that and gets away with it. But that is why Cody is special. That is why Cody should be Rock’s Champion. And that is why Rock will take Cody from where he is to a level so far above. Rock will make sure every dream, every desire, for generations to come, it all comes true. Rock’s dad, Cody’s dad, Soul Man & American Dream, they are looking down right now. They were friends, Cody and Rock are friends, Cody should be Rock’s Champion. He doesn’t need to answer Rock tonight. He can think about it, talk with his wife and daughter, as will The Rock. Then Cody can think about it. Meet Rock in Toronto on March 1st to give him the answer.
Fans still say don’t do it, but Rock says it is okay. Before he leaves, this has been an amazing night, this is a hot crowd, thank you all very much. But before he leaves, Rock wants us to know this: The one thing Rock wants more than anything in this world… is that. Wait, the title? Cody’s title? The fans’ title? This is all this is about? No no no no! Brother… Rock doesn’t want the title. He wants Cody’s soul. The fans duel, “NO! NO! NO!” “SELL YOUR SOUL!” Rock pats Cody on the cheek and says see you in Toronto. The Rock leaves, giving Cody a lot to think about. Rock does give one last glance back at Cody, then smirks.
What will The American Nightmare choose: His integrity? Or his aspirations?
WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly!
Did Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano got these titles thanks to Kit Wilson & Elton Prince? #YESBOY! Did they survive a couple title defenses thanks to Kit & Elton? #YESBOY! But when Pretty Deadly needed DIY, was DIY there for them? #NOBOY! So now, Kit & Elton are looking to give Ciampa & Gargano their comeuppance! Will we finally get another #SidePlateCheck? Or will Ciampa & Gargano remember for themselves, that if you wanna be champions, you gotta do it yourself?
But as DIY make their entrance, they have mics, and Johnny Wrestling tells NOLA, “Give it up one time for your TWO-TIME WWE Tag Team Champions…! The BTTITW (Best Tag Team In The World), D I Y~!” The fans boo instead. Ciampa says there is no denying that tonight has been electrifying. Gargano says this is a hot crowd. But please, if we could be somber for a second. Guys, this is serious. Two weeks ago, Pretty Deadly embarrassed DIY, and now reluctantly, DIY will return that favor by crushing their hopes and dreams of ever becoming WWE Tag Team Champions. So please, let us all rise to our feet… Yes, you in the LSU jersey, stand up.
Ciampa thanks Wade Barrett, and asks for everyone to remove their hands and bow their heads for a moment of silence for Pretty Deadly, beginning… now. The fans boo instead! And then Pretty Deadly make their entrance! The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really needed who in this broken relationship!
But then DIY jumps Pretty Deadly! The ref reprimands, DIY whip but Pretty Deadly reverses! DOUBLE DORPKICKS! Then DOUBLE LARIATS send DIY up and out! The disco ball hasn’t even stopped spinning! The fans cheer while DIY throw a fit! They regroup, cool down, and go back to the ring. Gargano distracts Elton, Ciampa CLOBBERS him, and the bell rings. But Elton fires hands on Ciampa! Elton whips, Ciampa reverses and he pulls hair! The ref reprimands, Ciampa throws Elton to the apron and KNEES him down! Tag to Gargano and he aims, SUPERKICK! Elton goes down in a heap, DIY cheers themselves on, and SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns, Gargano tags in, and DIY hits the BACK SUPLEX BOMBO COMBO! Cover, TWO! Elton stays in this but Gargano tags Ciampa back in. Gargano sends Ciampa in, but Elton ELBOWS him away! Gargano runs in, but Elton puts him on the apron! Gargano goes after Kit, but Kit blocks the kick! Kit BOOTS Gargano down, but then Ciampa BOOTS Kit! Elton dodges Ciampa to come back, DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! Elton and Ciampa are down, sputtering and writhing, and the fans rally up. Elton crawls, Kit rises, hot tags to Kit and Gargano! Kit rallies on DIY with big forearms! Kit whips, Gargano reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS!
Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa in a corner, then LARIATS! Kit runs to LARIAT Gargano! Kit pushes Gargano down, kicks him and hits a TWIST- NO, Gargano slips through to ROCK Kit! Kit yoyos, DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up, Kit tags Elton! They get Gargano up, but Gargano BOOTS Elton! Gargano ELBOWS Kit away, then runs up on Elton! Elton dodges, then gives Kit the boost, DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Gargano survives but Ciampa is in! Elton fireman’s carries Ciampa, but Ciampa slips free! Ciampa whips, Elton reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa! Elton shows off his strength with the GOTCH LIFT PLEX!
Tag to Kit, but IN COME THE PROFITS! Ford SHOVES Kit down, Dawkins mugs him!!
Winners: Pretty Deadly, by disqualification; DIY retain the titles
Not again! Just like they did Motor City Machine Guns, The Profits make sure no one else takes these titles off DIY! URENAGE from Ford to Elton! Dawkins keeps hammering away on Kit, and then Ford POSTS Elton! Dawkins fireman’s carries Kit, to POST him, too! Looking like the All Mighty with that one! Gargano fires forearms in return, but ends up int he POUNCE GERMAN SUPLEX! Then Ciampa runs up into a FLAPJACK! Ford goes up top, then flies in FROM THE HEAVENS!! Direct hit on Ciampa! But wait! MCMG rushes out here, wanting their payback! The Profits brawl with MCMG, but Ford TOSSES Shelley to the apron!
Ford runs up, Shelley goes to kick, but Ford blocks it! Ford LARIATS Shelley down, Dawkins hits Sabin with THE BIG ENDING! The fans are torn as Dawkins whips Sabin, Profits get him for the REVELATION!! And if there’s been any revelation, it is that Ford & Dawkins don’t just want the smoke, they want to burn down the tag division to get it! Will nothing stop them once they’re back in action?
Kevin Owens speaks.
“You got what you wanted, huh? You got your match. You couldn’t, uh… You couldn’t just take the punishment that you deserved, that I’d already given you, and let it go. No, you… You wanted me and you to go again. You wanted to fight me, you want to hurt me, you want to end my career, which would hurt my family, by the way. Which is truly despicable. But what about your family, Sami? Huh? Have you thought of them? What about your family, huh?” Kevin reveals he is right outside the Zayn home! Kevin peers inside to watch Sami, his wife, and his son!
Kevin asks Sami via the video if Sami knows what he’s about to put them through, when they have to watch Kevin end Sami’s career. And what happens then, eh? When Sami can’t provide for them, and everything they have, like this nice house, the shelter, the security, the peace they have, when it’s all gone? And why? What for? Because Sami’s too proud? Because Sami’s selfish? Sami IS selfish. Because Sami is making Kevin do this to Sami’s family. Kevin will never forgive Sami for that. He’ll see Sami in Toronto. “But remember… You asked for this. It’s all your fault.” As if Kevin’s delusions aren’t already grand, will he continue to blame everyone else but himself?
Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga!
Elimination Chamber is on the horizon, and the Road to WrestleMania makes for strange bedfellows. Priest, Braun and Jacob were fighting each other just last week, but Solo’s return really threw things for a loop. Can Priest & Braun give Solo and the Samoan Werewolf their punishment? Or will everything (not) be fine in Solo’s Bloodline?
SmackDown returns as #OneBigSOB makes his entrance. As Solo, Jacob & Tama head to gorilla, we hear from Solo. “Tonight, we handle business. And it starts with Braun Strowman & Damian-” Jacob interrupts with, “Man, c’mon, DP! C’mon, Braun! I thought we did this! So tonight, we about to even up the score. If you ain’t know, I’m all gas, no brakes with it! See, since we touched the scene, we been dropping bodies like bread crumbs! Yadada mean!? FA-TUUU~! Hit my music!” The rogues enter to Jacob’s theme, is this alone proof he’s the new alpha? Or will the match be the last nail in that coffin?
The teams sort out, but Jacob stares down both Priest and Braun. NOLA seems to acknowledge Jacob, but Solo convinces him to stand down. Solo starts against Priest, the bell rings, and the two tie up. They go around, Priest powers Solo back, but Solo powers Priest back. They break, stare down, and Solo talks some trash. Solo shoves Priest, Priest shoves back. They circle again, tie up, and Priest puts Solo in a corner. The ref counts, Priest lets off at 4, but Solo stomps Priest’s foot! Solo throws hands, then a HEADBUTT! Priest staggers, but then he ROCKS Solo! And ROCKS him! And HEADBUTTS! That was a mistake!
Solo shakes his head to HEADBUTT Priest! Priest goes to a corner, Solo throws haymakers and body shots on repeat! The ref counts, Solo lets off and says see? Solo and Jacob as one! But Priest THROWS Solo to the corner to fire off haymakers of his own! Priest ROCKS Solo, the fans fire up, and Priest whips., Solo reverses to UPPERCUT! Solo talks smack but Priest ROCKS him again! Tag to Braun and the fans fire up! Braun stares Jacob down, tells him to shove it, then runs up to SPLASH Solo! Braun stares Jacob down again, goes back for Solo, and hits another LARIAT! Braun scoops, Solo slips free, but Braun runs up!
Solo ELBOWS Braun away, tags to Jacob, and Jacob runs in, but Braun dodges! Braun CROSSBODIES! Jacob is right up, but Braun BOOTS him right back down! Solo runs in but Braun TOSSES him! Priest hurries after Solo, Braun CLOBBERS Jacob! LEAPING LARIAT for Solo! Braun then gets on the track, STROWMAN EXPRESS SMACKS a chair out of Tama’s hand! The Good Bad Guy thought he was being sneaky! But then Jacob CROSSBODIES Braun into the timekeeper’s aera! The fans go wild as Jacob rises up, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Jacob hauls Braun up, drags him around the way, HEADBUTTS him, then brings him over to SMACK off the desk! Braun staggers, but he ROCKS Jacob in return! And THROWS Jacob into steel steps! Braun drags Jacob up, puts him in the ring, but Jacob SUPERKICKS Braun! Braun falls into the corner, Jacob HIP ATTACKS! Jacob’s all geeked up, then he tags in Solo. Solo soaks up some heat while Jacob HIP ATTACKS Braun again! Solo puts Braun on ropes to CHOKE him! The ref counts, Solo stops at 4, but Jacob gets a HEADBUTT in! Braun flounders, Solo taunts him and eggs him on, but Braun CHOPS him!
Solo HEADBUTTS Braun right down! Solo rains down fists, then lets off so he can put Braun on the ropes. Solo CHOKES Braun again, stops as the ref counts 4, and Jacob gets another cheap shot in! Solo tags Jacob in, then he HEADBUTTS Braun again and again! Jacob runs to BODY CHECK Braun! Jacob fires up, Braun flounders to ropes, but Jacob rains down fists! Tag to Solo, he soaks up heat from NOLA, then he stomps away on Braun! The ref counts, Solo lets off, then he keeps Braun from Priest by anchoring a leg. Tag to Jacob and Jacob climbs up, FROG SPLASH! Jacob roars while Braun writhes!
Jacob looms over Braun but he glares at Priest. Priest gets heated, but Jacob fires hands on Braun as SmackDown returns to single picture. Braun stands, but Jacob HEADBUTTS him again! Jacob runs for another BODY CHECK! And then a SENTON! Cover, TWO! Braun stays in this and he goes to a corner. Jacob snarls, tags Solo in, and the fans boo. Solo runs corner to corner to HIP ATTACK Braun! Solo grins as he copies Jacob’s geeking out. Tag back to Jacob and fans cheer! Jacob aims, runs, and HIP ATTACKS! Jacob keeps going, but Braun BOOTS from below!! The fans fire up while both men stagger to their feet.
Braun SPINEBUSTERS Jacob! Both monsters are down, the fans rally up, and they crawl, hot tags to Solo and Priest! Priest fires hands on Solo, then whips. Solo reverses but Priest SHOUDLER TACKLES Solo! Priest runs to BACK ELBOW! Jacob is back, but Priest dodges to WHEEL KICK! Priest then waits on Solo, but Solo catches Priest! Priest elbows free, but Solo SUPERKICKS! But Priest JUMPING ROUNDHOUSES! Solo comes back, Priest ROCKS him first! Solo swings, but into the FLATLINER! Cover, TWO! Solo survives but Priest puts him in a corner. Priest whips corner to corner, then runs, only for Solo to put him on th eapron!
Solo takes as swing, Priest dodges and ROUNDHOUSES! Priest then knuckle locks with Solo, goes up top, and he tightrope walks for some OLD SCHOOL! The fans fire up and Priest powers up the arm! Priest runs, but Solo ducks the Comebacker! Priest fights the fireman’s carry to BELL CLAP, ROUNDHOUSE, and then he reels Solo in! But Tama is on the apron! Priest DECKS Tama, but Jacob HOTSHOTS Priest! Solo hits the URENAGE! Cover, TWO!! Priest survives and Solo is stunned! Solo snarls, looks to his taped-up thumb, then he drags Priest up. The fans boo but Solo taunts the fans now. SAMOAN- NO! Priest grabs Solo!
But Jacob runs in! Priest ROCKS Jacob, ELBOWS Solo, then he dodges, so Jacob’s SUPERKICK hits Solo! An accident just like last week’s shot to Tama, but Jacob doesn’t seem as upset by it. Priest TOSSES Jacob, then CLOBBERS Solo! STROWMAN EXPRESS CLOBBERS Jacob & Tama!! Priest brings down the straps, the fans are thunderous, and Priest grabs Solo by the neck! SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Cover, Priest & Braun win!
Winners: Damian Priest & Braun Strowman, by pinfall
Just as Solo thought it’d be like before, he and Jacob were not on the same page! Priest is rolling towards Elimination Chamber, will this be just what he needs to go back to WrestleMania?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown here, but with some interesting moves after the sudden change in plans with The Rock showing up. Naomi and Bianca had a good promo to hype up what was meant to be a full match of Naomi VS Liv, but word had already come out before the show that things were being cut for time. But at the very least, they did the right thing of making it a brawl that adds heat to the tag title match on Monday. Also, hilarious how Chelsea & Piper thought the beatdown on Bianca & Naomi was so bad that they would need to be pulled from the Chamber. I also can’t wait to see what happens on Toronto SmackDown.
As for The Rock, I do appreciate he used his authority to kayfabe change more things, all so he could have his promo with Cody. I also appreciate Rock blending his different roles and even different sides, both Heel and Face, to A) bring the news of WM42 being in NOLA, and B) recreate the Corporate Champion/People’s Champion story from the Attitude Era. That was some wild stuff he was saying to Cody. I’m sure quite a few people will try and talk with Cody next week in the go-home. Heels will say do it because they’d love to have what Rock can give, Faces will say not because Cody’s better than that. But naturally, Cody is not going to become The Rock’s Champion, causing Rock to turn on him and really up things going into WrestleMania 41 and perhaps even beyond.
Good stuff in the Elimination Chamber related stories. Jimmy VS McIntyre was great stuff to open, and how fitting that McIntyre loses to Jimmy after talking all that trash about Jimmy and Jey being the same. Jey got McIntyre with something quick, Jimmy got McIntyre with something quick, McIntyre’s ego is obviously his weakness. And at the same time, McIntyre of course destroys Jimmy after because that’s his other personality trait. Priest had good promos with Cody and Braun, and we got great stuff from Solo’s Bloodline. Naturally, we got a miscommunication spot to help finish, we’re really close to Solo VS Jacob, I can feel it. Priest & Braun get the win, mostly because Priest isn’t winning in the Chamber when you’ve got Punk and Cena in there.
Very good stuff with Tiffy Time, from the promos leading into the match to Charlotte being ringside just to watch. Nia & Candice of course get the better of Tiff & Trish, because Tiff & Trish are definitely winning the tag match in Toronto. Charlotte just seems to enjoy trolling Tiff with her presence, so Charlotte probably shows up in Toronto to then confront Tiff after the match. I expect the seven weeks after Elimination Chamber to really heat up, as will Charlotte’s involvement, where she’ll get more active verbally and physically. Also, hell, Rock should go full Corporation and have Charlotte be his Corporate Women’s Champion because of how established she is.
Hilarious stuff from Truth tonight, as always. Truth and Melo having their “who’s on first” again was good stuff, and of course Miz gets in on this story, too. Truth & Knight VS “Melo Don’t Miz” was really fun, but yeah, should’ve figured Nakamura would get involved, too. Melo & Miz making it work could also be really fun, and while Knight VS Nakamura is a rehash, I really hope they find a way to up things. It feels like we’re getting the same with the tag titles as Profits “ruined” that great tag match from DIY and Pretty Deadly, then brawled with MCMG to still come out on top. Last year had a ladder tag title match, so why not do one for these titles this year?
Speaking of escalating, Kevin filming a promo outside Sami’s house was some really well done stuff, as expected of someone as good as Kevin and in such a story as him and Sami. Their match should main event, it needs time to breathe, as it could be just as, if not more violent, than the Chamber matches. What a powerful closing moment we could have if it’s a bloody Kevin and Sami, and one of them is standing over the other, triumphant yet mournful because it was their best friend in the world that they just brutalized.
My Score: 8.9/10
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA LIVE! iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 2.20.2025
So the first live episode got fairly positive praise from everyone; will this continue the trend?
Filming at Full Sail seems to have set the stage nicely this week! Going into a Live episode we got Moose and The Hardy Boyz on NXT, as well as Jordynne Grace’s involvement with Steph and Giulia giving a little shine to TNA happenings since she’s newly WWE.
This episode should be interesting, we finally see Lei Ying Lee (fka Xia Li) back in action, Rascalz take on Tyson and Tyriek, Tessa should be seeing some action as well…so generally interesting happenings for the second Live iMPACT! of 2025. Let’s see how this one goes down!
No matter where @ManceWarner and @stephdelander go, @TheSamiCallihan WILL FIND THEM!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/mXz9U7m9PL
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Ratings:
- Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin: Rascalz win via Meteora/Swanton Combo – ***
- Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary: Lei wins via Thunderstruck – **
- NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC: Dango wins via The System help – ** 3/4
- Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore: Masha wins via Requiem – N/A
- Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons: Elijah wins via Tombstone Piledriver – *** 1/4
Results:
Oh yeah, and another Hendry concert is…cut off by a commercial, LOLTNA. First Hendry is cut off by AXSTV’s new Anime Hour bumper, and now Primo and Epico are showing up in TNA. I definitely didn’t have this on my BINGO card. The crowd starts chanting “Where’s Carlito”, which they do acknowledge and play off of well. Oh they’re using their shoot names of Orlando and Eddie now…but before they attack the lights go out and we get another guitar strum! ELIAH/ELIAS/EZEKIEL/EBENERZER/EMERY/EL VAGABUNDO – shows up to back up Hendry. Okay I can apologize away the redundant concert since it played into an Elijah debut. The crowd is immediately popping and chanting “This is Awesome” 10 minutes into the show.
Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin
Treehouse bros take it to the bigger men quickly, a few fast dives, a little MCMG style tandem strikes, Tyson fires and tries to take them out but they Low Bridge him. Tyriek comes in and they try similar things but Tyriek manhandles them both and throws them out of the ring, Trey is the first one back up and Tyriek and Tyson take his damn head off with his Corkscrew Running Euro Upper. Trey finally manages to flip out of the manhandle, tags in Wentz and Wentz goes for the hot and spicy cleaning house spot. Corner to Corner Knee Lifts for both big men, a Rolling Snapmare, into a Superkick for Tyson and Standing Shoot Star on Tyriek but only for two because Wes feints like he’s going to interfere.
Tyson and Tyriek pull off a tandem Assisted Backdrop Driver, but Wentz breaks it up, Tyson gets knocked out, Wentz hits the Tornillo, Wes tries to interfere again after Trey gets perched on the corner buckle but Ace runs around and trips Wes at the last second causing him to faceplant on the apron, Trey hits the Meteora, Wentz hits a Swanton from the other side of the ring and Trey gets the pinfall victory.
It was fast paced, all gas no brakes, but it didn’t overstay its welcome, so it was pretty fun all things considered.
After the match Wes grabs a mic, complains a little but challenges them to a 6 man match as Sacrifice. So we’re THAT’S where we’re getting the expected 3v3.
Fir$t Cla$$ comes out with an entourage of hot chicks and probably influencers or something. The “First Class Penthouse” , Gabby AF, Mafiosa Valentina, and Carolina are apparently known in their own way. Gabby I know was the awful one who did something for Impact a last year and sucked, but she’s part of the Busted Open Network I believe so that’s why she’s around. Two of them look like Noelle Foley and Frank the Clown…oh they actually are. Look at that. I do love KC Navarro as the Hype Man, they have this whole set up of AJ being mad that they haven’t gotten more Tag Title shots, so TNA placated him with his own Piper’s Pit and he’s *pregnant pause* totally happy with that. He says he loved Piper and hated Hogan before it was cool.
This is actually quality content and AJ is cutting a nice promo in this segment. They introduce their first guest, the greatest performer in TNA history, many whole say he’s Phenomenal with a whole lot of style….it’s A-J-Francis.
.@AJFrancis410 is GOING OFF!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/kGehtp9iTE
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary
Things were slow until Rosemary took her into a corner quickly, hit the Upside Down, and we get a lot of Lei trying to avoid Rosemary’s offense. Rosemary goes for a Spear in the corner and Lei forward rolls, starts connecting with a bunch of right hands, backs Rosemary into the corner, goes for 10 Count Punches, pulls her out, Airplane Spin TKO for only a two count. Rosemary tries As Above So Below, Lei shrugs it off, Rosemary tries to go after Lei anyway and eats Thunderstruck! Lei Ying Lee wins!
After the match Rosemary catches Lei on the ramp and hits the Green mist in the eyes. Match was far too short and so many of Lei’s set up moves look better than her finish. We’ve seen Kofi Kingston do it for years so it’s not bad, just the current Knockouts Division are awful and don’t take the move well.
Eric Young and the jabronis come out, EY cuts a very basic power crazed psycho kind of promo, gets the “What” chants from the crowds. EY is trying to recruit Maclin even though Maclin made his line in the sand last week. EY tries to spin it as maybe he took out Josh FOR Maclin instead of in spite of his trust. This really doesn’t seem interesting at all, but that’s probably because I hate the two Jabronis EY is with.
NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC
I really don’t have any interest in Slater. He’s got no personality beyond “flippy guy with a British accent”.
Dango immediately powders, grabs a chair and goes to swing on him but misses. So Leon is making JDC look dumb by dodging the post chop, using the chair to shield himself from a punch by JDC, and then clapping Dango’s fingers between the chair. So typical System match, look inept for the first few minutes, then take advantage of something to take over. Oh look, Leon takes too long setting up the table, Dango gets in a few pot shots, tries to whip him into the table but Leon leaps over it, and then leaps back over to clobber Dango. Dango is still trying to recover so Leon hits his over the corner post con hilo, and the crowd appreciates it but I’m not interested. Leon panders to the crowd after the big spot and then eats an X-Plex into the chair from Dango.
JDC throws Leon back in, goes for a pinfall that’s only a two and we cut to a commercial. Coming out of the commercial JDC is in control with a Kendo Stick until he isn’t, Leon counters and takes the keno stick, brutalizes Dango a few times then comes off the ropes with the kendo shot for 2. Leon goes for another table, and again, at least the crowd is receptive to this match. Leon sets it up, looks for something off the apron but Dango stops him first until he eats a dropkick to fall onto the table, Leon hits the Swanton 450 through the table on the outside. Does it look cool? Sure. Do I care about dumbass moves? Nope.
Oh thankfully the rest of The System comes out to stop the pinfall, Shield Bomb Leon through the first table, and roll him back in for Dango to win.
The Hardy Boyz come out to try and make the save, but the numbers are against them, so Oba Femi’s music hits! Oba cleans house but doesn’t get his hands on Moose, so they’re at least building the eventual clash between Moose and Oba.
The crowd starts a “Tessa, we comin for you” chant before she even starts talking. Tessa is actually playing off the crowd well, Santino’s music hits and Tessa thinks he’ll help her out with the crowd and Santino calls bullshit basically. Santino says if Tessa doesn’t wrestle next week, she’s fired and Masha’s music hits. Masha decides to step in for Tessa’s enhancement talent match.
Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore
Jobber tries to attack Masha early but Masha stops her, rocks her and Requiem ends the match.
Masha stares down Tessa, and then Cora Jade attacks from behind and hits Jaded.
Ryan Nemeth comes out to his Abyss music remix. What will Mokuba say today? “MYYYY BIIIGG BBRROOOOTTHHHEEEEER” he repeats at least 4 times and it’s hilariously cringe. He announces that Nic will return at Sacrifice, he literally just came out to give a PSA.
Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons
Hendry starts with Eddie, after a brief tie up it seems like Hendry reads the room and points at Elijah and the crowd wants him in. So Joe tags in Elijah, a little back and forth, Shoulder Tackle from Elijah, Rope Walk with Elijah lays out Eddie and a tag to Joe allows for a quick tandem knockdown, but Eddie powders as the Walking and Talking Duo hold the ring going into the final commercial break.
We come back and Hendry is bouncing Orlando off the ropes as he return a strike, but Orlando is obviously losing, eats a Euro Upper, and then gets walked around in the Stalling Suplex for posterity. Eddie tries a sneak attack but gets caught and Sack of Shit, into Kip Up, turn and then Orlando with the ambush! A few quick short cuts and an Irish Whip/Dropkick combo gives the Colons a near fall. Hendry does get locomotion variation cradles, but eats a Dropkick to stop the attempt at momentum. Orlando stays on Joe, but Joe finally starts to fire up as the crowd starts to get behind him. Euro Uppers make some space, but a Snapmare says no.
Eddie gets tagged in and a quick Leg Sweep into a Front Chancery keeps Eddie in control. As Joe tries to get back up, Eddie turns it into a Guillotine, but finally the Suplex counter connects for Hendry! Simultaneous tags! Elijah bulls over Orlando, catches a Leap Frogging Orlando with the Manhattan Drop as Orlando retreats to a corner, Stinger Splash into Spinebuster for two. Elijah tries to keep up the attacks but Orlando finds a few ways to make space, launches himself from the middle rope and eats the Jumping Knee! Eddie breaks up the pinfall, Hendry takes Eddie out and Elijah hits the Tombstone Piledriver for the win!
Overall Score: 6/10
Well there were more live hiccups than the first episode, and this felt both more epic and less epic at the same time. Elijah and the Colons debuting was a nice way to kick things off, Oba Femi showing up for the save was fantastic. There were a few decent matches, but also a lot of really short and rushed matches. Tessa played off the crowd well, but Masha really is useless on the mic. Lei Ying Lee needs to framed stronger, her matches have done nothing to show off her ability. It just proves that the Knockouts don’t know how to sell a kick to the head because they all take it in the shoulder and fall in corny ways.
Viva La Sam could be something fun if the next 3 weeks are just hand cam footage of him being like “I’m Sami Callihan and I’m gonna kick Mance Warner’s ass”, Elegance Clique getting the rematch with a stipulation is nice to see and while I like Fir$t Cla$$, that segment went a little long for a cornball swerve payoff. It’s one thing to placate the Influencer squad especially when we’ve seen Logan Paul and Ishowspeed do so well in WWE…but these are like Z Tier Influencers that no one cares about. These kind of dorks stream on Kick because they aren’t relevant enough for Twitch, not because they chose Kick over it.
So yeah, the low lights were pretty low, and the highs were a little fleeting, but at least they were pretty fun. Not a bad show, just clunky with noticeable issues and Masha shouldn’t be allowed to speak English anymore. She’s such a charisma vacuum when she’s not rambling in Russian.
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