Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (1/14/22)
SmackDown gets extreme!
It’s a big Friday night on the road to the Royal Rumble!
Roman Reigns learned Seth Rollins is his next challenger, and they’re going to meet face to face again tonight on SmackDown! Plus, LITA RETURNS!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- SmackDown Tag Team Championships #1 Contenders Fatal 4 Way: Los Lotharios VS Cesaro & Mansoor VS Jinder Mahal & Shanky VS The Viking Raiders; The Viking Raiders win and will challenge the Usos for the titles.
- Aliyah VS Natalya; Aliyah wins.
- Sheamus VS Ricochet; Sheamus wins.
- Kofi Kingston VS “Mad Cap” Moss w/ “Happy” Corbin; Moss wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Seth Rollins speaks.
Or rather, laughs. The Architect is ready for tonight’s face-to-face meeting with The Tribal Chief, but what will he have to say about their coming Universal Championship match?
The Usos head to the ring!
Jimmy & Jey are still the SmackDown Tag Team Champions after defeating The New Day and shutting them down in the Street Fight! Xavier Woods tore a calf muscle and is out of action indefinitely, and the Usos are on to new challengers. Jey gets the mic to say, “Yo! Last week, we went to war with the New Day.” Jimmy says, “YEET!” The Usos won. YEET. But they respect the New Day. YEET. Cuz the only team that’s ever pushed the Usos that hard is the New Day. YEET. But then what happened, Uce? The Usos let everyone else know that they run this show, that they are The Bloodline, that they are the best damn tag team in the world, and that #WeTheOnes!
Fans are torn as the Usos hold up their fingers to the sky. But Jey says the grind don’t stop. They should be celebrating, or even helping the Tribal Chief with Seth Freakin’ Rollins, but what’s going on tonight? Management is already linin’ ’em up, and the Usos gonna knock ’em down like this! There is a Fatal 4 Way Tag to name #1 contenders to the titles! Then bring ’em on out! Introducing first, these boys are muy caliente, looking to steal hearts, cars and a victory. It’s LOS LOTHARIOS! Humberto Carrillo & Angel Garza make their way out, but next up is the strongest man from the Swiss Alps, and his friend with the very, very great hair, it’s Cesaro & Mansoor!
The Swiss Superman & the Star of Saudi Arabia make their entrance, reforming their alliance from a few months ago. Then there’s the giant rats of Jinder Mahal & Shanky! The Modern Day Maharaja leads the way for him and his massive sidekick! Then finally, a team as dangerous at raiding the buffet as they are the ring, the Viking Raiders! Erik & Ivar may be last but they don’t plan on being the least! Who punches golden tickets for the tag titles on the Road to WrestleMania? Jimmy says they went over the rules in the back. No eye gouging and no hits below the belts. But the most important rule: #WeTheOnes! Let’s go! But then the Usos SUCKER SUPERKICK Erik and Mansoor!!
The Usos bail out, and a brawl breaks loose! Omaha, Nebraska is going nuts as SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown Tag Team Championships #1 Contenders Fatal 4 Way: Los Lotharios VS Cesaro & Mansoor VS Jinder Mahal & Shanky VS The Viking Raiders!
SmackDown returns and Mansoor gives Humberto an atomic drop! Then he gets around for another! And then whips Humberto to the apron. Humberto shoulders back in, the Usos are on commentary as Humberto flies, into an atomic drop! Tag to Cesaro, tag to Garza, but Garza gets fed to a tilt-o-whirl BACKBREAKER! Erik tags in off Cesaro, the two stare down, but Garza shoves Erik into Cesaro! Cesaro falls out of the ring, Garza takes off the pants! Shanky tags in off Garza before those pants can go flying. Erik bobs ‘n’ weaves and KICKS away on Shanky, but Shanky shoves him to CHOP him! And LARIAT!
Fans boo as Shanky drags Erik up and tags in Mahal. They mug Erik, Mahal CLUBS Erik then reels him in for a LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Mahal kicks Erik, tags Shanky back in, and they mug Erik more. Shanky throws back elbows, tags Mahal back in, and then they mug Erik more. Mahal drags Erik out but Erik ROCKS him! Hot tags to Shanky and Ivar! The War Beard dodges to CLOBBER Los Lotharios, then he fires off hands on Shanky! Ivar whips Shanky, Shanky reverses, Ivar uses that to hit Cesaro and Mansoor! Shanky fires hands on Ivar, whips him corner to corner, but Ivar dodges! Tag to Erik, Ivar SPLASHES Shanky! Erik SHOTGUN KNEES!
Erik lifts Ivar, HIP ATTACK SPINEBUSTER! Fans are thunderous as Erik tags Ivar back in! Ivar goes up, but Mahal throws Erik out and ROCKS Ivar! Mahal throws more haymakers, Shanky bails out. Mahal goes up top, Ivar throws body shots in return. Cesaro joins in and CLUBS Ivar! Cesaro and Mahal get Ivar up together, but Erik joins in! TOWER OF DOOM!! Double powerbombs and a double superplex has Omaha electric as SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns and Mansoor throws Humberto away! Humberto stops Garza from reaching Cesaro, throws him back, but Mansoor ducks and hot tags Cesaro! Cesaro rallies on Humberto, BOOTS Shanky, EuroUppers Humberto and fires off body shots! Cesaro climbs up to rain down fists, then he CLUBS Garza! Cesaro fireman’s carries Humberto for the SAMOAN DROP! Usos appreciate the shout-out, but Ivar tags in off Cesaro. Cesaro hits a DISCUS on Humberto, but he dodges Ivar’s clothesline to EuroUpper then trip Ivar up! Cesaro has the legs, time for a SUPERSIZED SWISS SWING! But Mahal CLUBS Cesaro, to hit the KALLAS!!
Mansoor boots and ENZIGURIS Mahal! Shanky TOSSES Mansoor! Erik SHOTGUN KNEES Shanky! Los Lotharios DOUBLE SUPERKICK Erik! Usos like that, too, as Los Lotharios DOUBLE DIVE onto Cesaro and Erik! But Ivar gets up! Ivar builds speed, but runs into DOUBLE DROPKICKS! The cousins are fired up, Garza runs in, into a SEATED SENTON! Ivar cartwheels around Humberto, THOR’S HAMMER!! Cover, the Viking Raiders win!!
Winners: The Viking Raiders, by pinfall (NEW #1 contenders to the SmackDown Tag Team Championships)
The Usos are hyped to see it! The Viking Raiders have a successful raid! History says Vikings raided and pillaged and steal, but y’all ain’t never had a war! You think you can war with the Usos? If you did, it’d be one and done! UCE! OHHH!! Will Erik & Ivar be the ones that finally stop Jimmy & Jey?
Naomi visits Sonya Deville in her office.
“It’s cold in here. Just like your heart, Cruella.” And she won’t even hear Sonya talk. Anything she says, especially when it comes to Naomi, is a lie. Sonya toying with Naomi is one thing, but messing with her title opportunities won’t slide. Naomi has not gotten one single reason for the hate. But Naomi can give her one right now. Um, no, she’s not. For the millionth time, when Sonya wears a suit, she’s the boss. So Naomi better keep hands off. And if she wants to know why Sonya’s so annoyed with Naomi, it’s because Naomi comes waltzing into the office with her main character vibe, when everyone knows she’s just an extra.
So keep your hands off, unless you want to get fined, or removed from the Royal Rumble. Maybe even fired. Choice is Naomi’s, though. Naomi storms off, Adam Pearce walks in and says it is also cold in here. But what was that about? Sonya says it’s nothing. She also tried the thermometer, doesn’t seem to be working. But will this grudge only heat up between Naomi and Sonya?
Sami Zayn heads to the ring!
The “elder statesman” of SmackDown vows that tonight, he’ll have something that’ll put Johnny Knoxville’s entire Jackass franchise to shame. Will the world become fans of #InZayn overnight? We find out, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Sami claims the conspiracy against him has gone on too long! It all started when he was robbed of the Intercontinental Championship! Now, after all this time., Sami is finally #1 contender and is finally poised to get back what is rightfully his! But they have to talk about last week. “A new actor” in the conspiracy made his way into Sami’s life, and he is of course talking about Johnny Knoxville. Put that up on screen! Put it up! Put the thing up! You know what Sami’s talking about. The recap plays of Sami telling Knoxville wasn’t qualified for the Royal Rumble, and then dared Knoxville to show Sami “something.”
That something was Knoxville sneaking up on Sami to dump him out of the ring. And then Knoxville was officially allowed into the Rumble! Sami says that’s great! Knoxville in the Rumble, Sami loves it! And why? Because Sami has officially entered the Rumble, and he can’t wait. Knoxville thinks he can do what Sami does, but he can’t. However, Sami can do anything Knoxville can! We see a skateboard ramp set up by the ring as Sami says, “When it comes to being a Jackass, there’s no one better than Sami Zayn!” Well, okay. But everyone knows that franchise. Get ready for the “most spectacular stunt show to ever show up on television.” This is the premiere of INZAYN!
Sami’s knockoff of Jackass even has a knockoff theme song. Sami goes backstage, then comes back inside a shopping cart with a helmet. Welcome to InZayn! He’s Sami and he’s gonna jump the wrestling ring in a shopping cart! Just like they rehearsed, guys. Is this the same cart? Feels a bit snug. Alright, no problem. There’s also a crash pad on the other side, but Sami wants the guys to wait for his count. This is dangerous, y’know. Like, pretty dangerous. Just give Sami a sec. That ramp’s small, and the ring is bigger than he remembered. Well no backing out now! On three. One. Two. THRE- WAIT! No, on “go,” after three.
Fans boo as Sami is clearly stalling. Sami calms himself down, counts it out, fires himself up, THREE, GOOO!! They go but he has them stop the cart! Sami bails out, he wants everyone to shut up, and he double checks things. He’s making sure this is safe! No one wants to see him get hurt, do they? Fans sound like they want to see that. Sami says he’s tougher than Knoxville, but he won’t get hurt for nothing. Rick Boogs has appeared! Sami’s glad Boogs is here, actually. Tell Nakamura- He’s behind Sami! Sami turns around into a KINSHASA! The helmet doesn’t help when you get hit in the face! Boogs then lifts Sami, and aims for the X! Boogs THROWS Sami, and he hits the mark!
Sami may not have gone #InZayn, but he’ll surely be furious once he gets back up. Will Nakamura prove to be an even more dangerous challenge once he and Sami go 1v1 for the Intercontinental Championship?
Backstage interview with Aliyah.
Megan asks Aliyah about making her singles debut against the Best of All Time. Any nerves? Aliyah says she’s all nerves. She’s dreamed of stepping into the ring ever since she was a little girl, and she goes up against Natalya, a WWE Triple Crown winner! Aliyah just hopes she puts on a good showing and try not to embarrass herself. Natty walks in and smiles. She thanks Aliyah for the compliment and says Aliyah will do great. There’s no shame in losing to Natty in your first single’s match. After all, Natty is the winningest woman in WWE history, and that is just one of her three Guinness World Records. Wow, really? That’s still a thing?
Natty gets mad, but the music hits and gives Aliyah an excuse to leave. Will Aliyah leave Omaha a winner? Or will she be sunk by the BOAT?
Aliyah VS Natalya!
SmackDown returns and the Queen of Harts has an interview of her own. She tells Megan that the Guinness Book of World Records is still very much a thing! It acknowledges her three records that symbolize the blood, sweat and tears Natty has shed over 14 years in the WWE. That is why Natty is a favorite to win this year’s Rumble. Natty has the most matches, the most PPV matches, and the most wins of any woman in WWE history. So tonight, she sets a fourth record: beating the record of fastest match win of any woman in WWE history! Natty makes her entrance, holds up the record book, and is still all smiles.
Natty goes right at Aliyah the second she’s in the ring! The ref backs Natty off, but Natty goes right back after Aliyah to dribble her off the mat! Natty then bumps Aliyah off buckles, stomps away, then throws Aliyah into ropes! The ref tries to stop Natty but Natty just keeps after Aliyah! The ref gets Natty to back off and asks if Aliyah can continue. Aliyah drags herself up the ropes, the ref says Aliyah can’t compete. But then Aliyah says no! She wants to compete here tonight! The ring announcer makes the announcement, but Aliyah insists to change that. The ref says they will have this match, and fans fire up!
Aliyah staggers up, the bell rings, Aliyah rolls Natty up! ALIYAH WINS!
Winner: Aliyah, by pinfall
Natty is shocked! What was the time on that?! Did Aliyah set the record? SHE DID!! Natty wanted that win, but in 3.17 seconds, Aliyah has immortalized herself! Is this just the start of a historic career for the young star?
Sonya and Pearce are both shocked.
Natty brought that on herself there. Wait, now things are too hot. Pearce tries to turn it down, but maybe they’ll have to bring some snow in from outside.
Michael Cole is in the ring.
For the first time in 20 years, SmackDown sees this game-changing, glass ceiling shattering, four-time WWE Women’s Champion and a WWE Hall of Famer, LITA! Fans go wild as Lita heads out to the ring and she gets the mic as Michael Cole welcomes her back. She says she’s home! Fans chant her name and she gets goosebumps. Cole is sure that Lita gave the fans chills when she performed every week. Talking to superstars today, like Bayley and Liv Morgan and even Becky Lynch, say she inspired them. So why is she back for the Royal Rumble? Well it’s been a wild ride. She has more career highlights than she can count.
Lita was one of the first women to main-event a Monday Night Raw, alongside her now bestie, Trish Stratus. Lita was the first woman in TLC matches, steel cage matches, and then getting into the WWE Hall of Fame. Most days, she is fully satisfied with her career. Until more recently. She didn’t have the opportunity to be in a Royal Rumble match. The women didn’t have one then. But now they do, and she thinks she’s got one last run in her! Fans like the sound of that! So Lita has a plan. She’ll enter the Rumble, mow through 29 other women and win the Rumble to main event WrestleMania! But here comes the SmackDown Women’s Champion!
Charlotte Flair struts down the ramp, has her pyro, then goes into the ring. Charlotte gets a mic and says she’ll interview Lita now. Cole returns to commentary and Charlotte asks Lita how she is. It doesn’t matter. But Charlotte didn’t know this was flashback Friday. This is so extreme~! That’s what Lita used to say, right? So fun reminiscing. But Charlotte is entering the Rumble as champion. And when Charlotte wins, she chooses who main events WrestleMania. So when she throws Lita out, that fun little return will be over. So the real question that everyone is dying to know the answer to is, how is Lita going to handle the humiliation when Charlotte ends the dream?
Oh, Lita heard about this version of Charlotte. A real Tonya Harding, y’know? Continuing with the flashbacks and all. But how is Charlotte gonna throw anyone out with that giant head of hers? How does she not tip over? Fans taunt, “Giant Head!” Yep, huge, giant head. Charlotte pretends she can’t hear them. But here’s another question, Lita. Funny you bring up Trish, because in 2019, when Trish got bored of being a mom and wanted to be relevant, she begged Charlotte for a match. Of course Charlotte said yes, and of course Trish lost. Charlotte broke Trish. Trish was so broken, she officially retired. And that is exactly what Charlotte will do to Lita.
Lita shows punch and Charlotte covers up! Gottee! But then Lita kicks low, and hits a TWIST OF FATE! Fans fire up as Lita takes down the champ, but will she pull off the huge comeback she’s after? Or will the Queen do everything in her power to end the comeback before it begins?
Backstage interview with Sheamus
He’s going to take on Ricochet, and has Megan save her breath. He has a question for her: What’s missing from this picture? His protégé, Ridge Holland, should be here. But instead, he’s home with a notepad, and a nose sticking out the back of his head. And who’s responsible? Ricochet, the human pinball machine! But Sheamus will set it right. This will be the hurtin’ of Ricochet’s life. And we’ll finally see how Ricochet likes it when he’s the one leaving with a broken nose. The Fella heads out, will Fight Night leave the King of Flight grounded?
Sheamus VS Ricochet!
SmackDown returns as the One and Only makes his entrance to a new theme song. The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Sheamus headlocks and throws Ricochet, then he grins. Ricochet gets up, waistlocks, headlocks, throws punches, and holds on tight as Sheamus tires to power out. Sheamus powers up again, Ricochet hits a takeover. Sheamus fights up, powers up again, but Ricochet hits another takeover! Sheamus fights up, powers out, then runs Ricochet over! Sheamus CLUBS Ricochet on the back, stomps a hand, then drags Ricochet up to EuroUpper. Sheamus reels Ricochet in, gets him up, but Ricochet RANAS free!
Sheamus stands, Ricochet PENALTY KCIKS him down! Ricochet builds speed to FLY! Direct hit and down goes the Celtic Warrior! Ricochet gets Sheamus back up and in the ring, goes to the apron, but Sheamus bails out the far side. Ricochet hurries after, but Sheamus gets the leg. Ricochet CLUBS Sheamus away, but then Sheamus trips him! Ricochet hits apron on the way down! Sheamus pulls the apron skirt up, drags Ricochet around, and GUILLOTINE CATAPULTS Ricochet into the steel frame! Fans boo but Sheamus just soaks it all up as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and Sheamus has Ricochet down in a motorcycle stretch. Ricochet endures, fights up, but Sheamus cranks the arms, so Ricochet kangaroo kicks free! Ricochet then hits a JAWBREAKER, but Sheamus reels him in to back suplex! Ricochet lands on his feet, dodges and springboards to CROSSBODY! Fans fire up, Ricochet KICKS and KICKS and forearms and CHOPS! Ricochet keeps going, whips, but Sheamus reverses. Ricochet KICKS back, then runs, into a scoop! Ricochet slips free, Sheamus runs in but Ricochet dodges! Sheamus gets caught up on ropes, but he gets to the apron.
Sheamus ROCKS Ricochet, but Ricochet KICKS him in the ropes! GUILLOTINE LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Ricochet keeps cool, fans rally up, and Ricochet goes up top. SHOOTING STAR but he has to bail out as Sheamus moves! Tilt-o-whirl BACKBREAKER! Sheamus seethes as Ricochet crawls to the apron. Sheamus drags Ricochet up by his face, CLUBS him in the back, then stretches him out for Beats of the Bodhrain! The fans count, but so does the ref! Sheamus gets 9 before the ref says 4, then he goes out to clotheslines Ricochet back into the ring! Sheamus then gets in, fireman’s carries, and he goes up the corner!
Fans fire up as Ricochet fights! Ricochet HOTSHOTS Sheamus, then KICKS him, and KICKS him, and SMACKS him off the post! Ricochet goes up, springboards and SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMBS! Cover, TWO!! Sheamus survives but Ricochet keeps his focus. Ricochet waits on Sheamus to get up, and then Ricochet fireman’s carries! Sheamus elbows out, whips to a corner, but Ricochet goes up. Sheamus catches him, Ricochet sunset flips through, TWO! Ricochet ducks and dodges, handsprings, into a BROGUE!! Cover, Sheamus wins!
Winner: Sheamus, by pinfall
Sheamus found an opening and he literally kicked Ricochet out of the air! Ridge Holland is surely celebrating at home, will he and Sheamus be celebrating a Rumble win in two weeks?
Sonya and Pearce are still talking Aliyah’s record setting win.
The irony of Natty wanting that record so much being her downfall, it’s crazy. But as Sonya was saying, she had to explain the rules of the Royal Rumble match to someone. It’s kinda obvious, though. But wow, they’re sweating. The thermostat broke, Pearce will go check with maintenance. Sonya throws off her jacket, Naomi returns, and Sonya did say while the jacket was off… No, that wasn’t literal! Pearce returns to stop this, and Sonya hurries to get her jacket back. Naomi says the beat down is long overdue. Sonya just abuses her power, and no one stops her. Naomi almost had Charlotte, if not for Sonya changing things on the fly.
Pearce agrees with Naomi. Naomi deserves another chance. Next week, Naomi VS Charlotte one more time. Naomi tells Cruella to stay in her cage. Will Pearce make sure things stay fair and square between Naomi and Flair?
Kofi Kingston VS “Mad Cap” Moss w/ “Happy” Corbin!
Sir Kofi is here on his own without King Xavier, but he will still do his sworn duty to protect the Kingdom of New Days on SmackDown! But will the court jesters have the last laugh here tonight?
SmackDown returns and Kofi has a mic to say, “Dearly beloved members of the WWE Royal Universe! Gather ’round for a proclamation from your king.” It is with great regret that King Xavier, first of his name, bringer of new days, clotter of bloodlines, has fallen victim to a calf injury sustained whilst carrying the SmackDown Tag Division on his strapping back. As a result, Your Majesty will indeed miss the Royal Rumble. However, on a positive note, His Majesty declares that the Royal Rumble cannot be royal without proper representation. So therefore, the Hand of the King, Kofi Kingston, shall enter the Royal Rumble match, BAAAAABYYYYY~!
But here come the hyenas. Corbin and Moss have mics and Corbin apologizes for interrupting, but he just feels really good. He’s happy cuz he’s rich, handsome and made so much money on NFT’s, he bought himself a brand new, $50 THOUSAND watch. The only thing that could make Corbin happier is throwing Kofi out of the ring, into the front row and out of the Royal Rumble. Moss says that would be great. Corbin says he and Moss haven’t been this happy since they destroyed Drew McIntyre’s neck! Footage replays to remind us all that the backstage ambush was how Corbin and Moss set McIntyre up for a chair vice to the neck.
Moss and Corbin laugh it up, and if you think that was funny, “What do you call the New Day when it’s just Sir Kofi in the ring alone, so scared to face me in a match, that he loses control of his bowels? POO DAY!” These two laugh it up again, and Kofi fakes a laugh that makes the other two stop. That’s really funny, Moss, because of “poo.” But actually, Kofi had every intention of dropping a royal deuce on Moss’ forehead! Corbin gets out of the ring, the bell rings and we finally have this match. Kofi dodges Moss, fires off kicks, but Moss powers up to lift Kofi and head for the ropes! But Kofi throws Moss out with a body scissors!
Kofi then rums to FLY! Direct hit takes out Moss and Corbin! Kofi’s all fired up and having a real laugh as SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns again and Moss has Kofi down with a chinlock. Kofi fights up, throws body shots, then whips Moss to ropes. Moss reveres, Kofi leaps, but Moss catches him for a FALL AWAY SLAM! Corbin is fired up but he’s the only one as Moss stomps away on Kofi in a corner. The ref counts, Moss lets off, then he stomps Kofi more. The ref backs Moss off, but Kofi hits back with forearms and haymakers! Moss kicks low, whips Kofi to a corner, but Kofi goes up to missile dropkick! Kofi rallies with elbows then a dropkick! Kofi dodges, and hits a LEAPING LARIAT! Fans fire up, Kofi twerks but Moss rolls him up! TWO, Kofi PENALTY KICKS Moss down!
Kofi runs, for the NEW~ DAY~ BOOM DROP! Fans fire up and Kofi claps in the corner. “NEW! DAY ROCKS!” Corbin gets up, Kofi chases him off. Kofi spins, Moss dodges, then Moss comes back to ROCK Kofi! Moss runs again, Kofi slips out to SWING KICK Moss away! Kofi goes up top, CROSSBODY! Moss rolls through! But Kofi slips out of the slam to waistlock. Moss bucks, but runs into the clinch! Moss claws eyes to stop the SOS! PUNCHLINE!! Cover, Moss wins!
Winner: “Mad Cap” Moss, by pinfall
Corbin is fired up as his buddy just beat a WWE Grand Slam Champion! But will the happy-go-lucky Moss and Corbin run out of luck come the Rumble?
Seth Rollins heads to the ring!
From 10 years ago when The Shield debuted, to a few years later when the Architect threw the Shield away, to WrestleMania 31 when he pulled off The Heist of the Century, there is a storied history between the challenger and the WWE Universal Championship. These two will meet face to face after the break, will all hell break loose this close to the Royal Rumble?
SmackDown returns and Roman Reigns makes his entrance. He raises the title and the pyro goes off. Then he goes to the ring, raises the belt again, and the second round of pyro goes off. Rollins stays put as Roman gets a mic. Rollins has a mic of his own, and Roman grins as the fans chant his name. Roman tells Rollins, “Before you say anything… Omaha! Acknowledge me!” Rollins says alright, let’s acknowledge the fact that this is quite the moment. Fans chant for Rollins now, and Rollins says for old time’s sake: fist bump. Roman knows he wants to. Roman says that’s beneath him now.
Ouch. Alright, then let’s acknowledge the look on Roman’s face when Rollins showed up last week. Seems he’s the last person on Earth Roman wanted to see. And why would he? Their track record in singles matches for titles is pretty one-sided. Rollins won them all, so he gets why Roman doesn’t want to see him. Roman says Rollins is out here talking about the past. Rollins must be sleeping under a rock or something. He doesn’t know what’s going oni here. Roman’s in GOD MODE now. Tribal Chief, Head of the Table, provider for the WWE, the greatest of this generation, no questions asked. He’s the greatest Universal Champion of all time. That makes him the greatest to ever do this.
Rollins says he didn’t come out here to rain on the parade. Rollins is here to… “acknowledge” Roman. He is acknowledging the success, the championships, the main event matches, all of that. But Rollins has one question for Roman: Can Roman look himself in the mirror at night and say he’s done that all by himself? That’s the difference here! Without Roman, Rollins is just fine. Rollins climbed the ladder while Roman rode the pine in the CFL. Rollins was holding Roman’s hand left and right back in The Shield days. And when Rollins sent Roman to the back with the chairshot heard ’round the world, Roman still couldn’t do it on his own. He needed the Bloodline to hold it all up.
So does Roman understand who is really the greatest here? Let’s not forget: Rollins created Roman, and he can destroy Roman. Rollins laughs it up, but Roman twitches. Roman manages to smile it off and says Rollins is a waste of his time. Just look at him! He looks like a clown, sounds like a clown, and he IS a clown. Rollins doesn’t have the star power Roman has, will never reach the level Roman’s reached, and if Roman was looking for a mega star, he wouldn’t have chosen Rollins from Raw. Rollins wouldn’t have even been the one Roman chose from his own household. If Roman was gonna main event with a mega star, he would’ve gone with Becky.
But then the Usos rush in! Rollins gets away from them and gets to the announce desk. The Usos pursue, Rollins jumps over Jey, sends Jimmy into steel steps, then gets back in to stare Roman down. But the Usos regroup and Rollins bails out! “Is that all you got?! I’m in your head, living rent free, Roman!” The Visionary says he created The Tribal Chief and will destroy him at the Rumble. Will another of Roman’s reigns end at the hands of Seth Freakin’ Rollins?
My Thoughts:
A very good episode of SmackDown, though not necessarily from the matches. Four matches is rather scarce for a SmackDown, and the best one was the Fatal 4 tag to start. The Usos had a good promo to set it up, and I figured The Viking Raiders would win here. Erik & Ivar haven’t had a lot lately but this build to the Rumble with The Usos is going to be really good. I can’t say the Viking Raiders win, but I’m sure they’ll give the Usos a great match. As for Sami Zayn, his “InZayn” stunt not happening was a given. Sami of course makes it very hilarious, but I really hope he and Nakamura are having their title match for the go-home. Something needs to happen here, that title is just sitting there doing nothing.
I really wish we’d gotten more of a match out of Aliyah VS Natty, but then Natty set things up for a fast match with the whole talk of world records. It’s great for Aliyah that she gets this honor, but hopefully we get a rematch of these two that really helps Aliyah show some in-ring skills. Lita and Charlotte had a good segment together, and I do like that the target on Charlotte’s back is growing. As I said before, everyone else in the Women’s Rumble should work together to throw Charlotte out the moment she’s in the match. Naomi had a good couple of promo segments with Sonya, and I do appreciate Pearce is setting up a rematch. I’m sure Sonya will still try to stop Naomi from becoming a contender, but maybe it backfires.
Sheamus VS Ricochet was a really good match, and a logical one given it was Ricochet’s foot that broke Holland’s nose. Cesaro may have teamed up with Mansoor tonight, but maybe there will be a rematch of Cesaro & Ricochet VS Sheamus & Holland after Holland’s nose is healed up for a proper blow-off to this. A shame about Woods’ calf, but he’ll surely be back before WrestleMania. Naturally, Kofi keeps things going, and it seems the New Day is now going to duel with Moss & Corbin. Moss winning was a bit of a surprise but obviously that’s to signal this feud actually starting. I hope at some point, it’s pointed out that Moss is doing all the work, getting all the wins, and he should ditch Corbin. Or, perhaps instead, Moss & Corbin end up feuding for the tag titles.
And we got a pretty good segment out of Roman and Rollins tonight. They had video packages recapping their history but I wish they’d done a bit more of it themselves in the promos. Rollins avoiding the Usos’ ambush was good stuff, it shows Rollins knows Roman’s tricks and is ready for them. This is going to be a really great build towards the Rumble, their match is going to be a great one, and I feel like this could nudge things towards End of the Brand Split 2022.
My Score: 8.2/10
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Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW World Tag League Results & Report! (12/14/25)
We have reached the finish line!
Who wins the 2025 World Tag League Championship?
Gabe Kidd & Yota Tsuji have held it together, but can they take the World Tag League trophies? Or will TMDK make them #JustTapOut?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- NJPW World Television Championship Open Challenge: El Phantasmo VS Hartley Jackson; ELP wins and retains the title.
- 10 Man Tag: Bishamon, Boltin Oleg, Katsuya Murashima & Tatsuya Matsumoto VS Taichi, Satoshi Kojima, Lance Archer, Alex Zayne & Masatora Yasuda; Taichi, Kojima, Archer, Zayne & Yasuda win.
- Six Man Tag: El Desperado, Shuji Ishikawa & Shoma Kato VS SHO, Don Fale & Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Sho, Fale & Kanemaru win.
- Six Man Tag: Shingo Takagi, “Drilla” Dan Moloney & Taiji Ishimori VS Yujiro Takahashi, Chase Owens & DOUKI; Takagi, Drilla & Taiji win.
- Six Man Tag: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Shota Umino & Yuya Uemura VS OSKAR, Yuto-Ice & Daiki Nagai; Tanahashi, Shota & Yuya win.
- David Finlay & Hiromu Takahashi VS Great-O-Khan & Callum Newman; Finlay & Hiromu win, by disqualification.
- NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championships: Toru Yano, YOH & Master Wato VS EVIL, SANADA & Ren Narita; Yano, Yoh & Wato win and retain the titles.
- 2025 World Tag League Finals: Gabe Kidd & Yota Tsuji VS Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa; ZSJ & Oiwa win and will challenge for the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships.
PLAY BY PLAY
NJPW World Television Championship Open Challenge: El Phantasmo VS ???
The Headbanga fought hard, but he and Hiroshi Tanahashi couldn’t get to the playoffs. Now he must defend his title, but against who? It’s TMDK’s Hartley Jackson! Now this is a BIG surprise! But can ELP overcome? Or will it be Hartley Jackson Number One?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see whose 15 minutes of fame are up!
ELP polls the fans, and it sounds pretty even between them. The bell rings and we’re on the clock as the two tie up. Hartley SHOVES ELP away, ELP is a bit stunned, but he comes back. Hartley SHOVES ELP away again, and ELP steadies himself before coming back again. ELP waistlocks, but Hartley’s too big to lift! Hartley switches, ELP fires elbows, but ELP headlocks. Hartley powers up and out, they RAM shoulders, and Hartley says, “No, no, no.” ELP runs to RAM Hartley again, but Hartley is solid! ELP runs again to RAM Hartley, but he still doesn’t budge! ELP fires forearms, but Hartley CLOBBERS ELP!
Hartley says, “Jackson Number One!” But ELP mule kicks! ELP whips but Hartley blocks! Hartley whips ELP to a corner hard, and ELP tumbles up and out to the floor! The fans rally, Hartley goes out to stomp ELP, then he opens the gate. Hartley drags ELP out to the crowd, just to scoop and POST him! The fans rally again while ELP writhes. Hartley drags ELP along, opens another gate, and he again brings ELP to the crowd. Hartley scoops, but ELP slips free! ELP POSTS Hartley! The fans cheer while Hartley slumps down. ELP closes the gate and the fans applaud. ELP brings Hartley up, whips, but Hartley blocks again!
Hartley reverses, ELP leaps over railing, then he ROCKS Hartley! ELP jumps up, but he’s caught! DEATH VALLEY DRIVER to the floor! A bit double-edged with both men down, but the ref checks on ELP. ELP is still in this, and Hartley rolls into the ring. The ring count starts, but ELP slumps against railing at 3 of 20. ELP stands at 5, slumps back down, but crawls his way over at 8. ELP stretches out his back before he rolls in, but Hartley is on him for a cover, TWO! Another cover, TWO! Hartley is annoyed but the fans rally up. Hartley drags ELP up, puts him in the corner, and CHOPS! ELP staggers away to another corner.
Hartley storms up and he CHOPS again! ELP sits down this time, but the fans rally up. Hartley waits on ELP to stand, but ELP dodges the chop to CHOP! CHOP! CHOP! Hartley swings, ELP dodges, and he CHOPS, fires fast hands, then ROCKS and ENZIGIRIS! Hartley drops to a knee and we pass five minutes! ELP goes to suplex, but Hartley’s too big! Hartley suplexes high and hard in return! Hartley paces, the fans rally up, and Hartley runs, but ELP moves! The senton FLOPS and the fans rally again. ELP storms up to fire forearms, then he whips, but Hartley again blocks! ELP KICKS Hartley’s leg again and again!
ELP whips, Hartley reverses, but ELP ducks ‘n’ dodges to springboard and CROSSBODY! Somersault and LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Hartley is still in this and the fans rally up. ELP brings Hartley up, he still tries, but Hartley is too much to suplex! ELP wrenches to RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP, then covers, TWO! Hartley is still in this, but ELP goes up the corner. The fans cheer as ELP lines up the shot! “Say cheese!” FALLING AX HANDLE! The fans cheer as ELP now air guitars a la Tanahashi! But Hartley runs up! ELP dodges, Hartley hits buckles, and ELP ENZIGIRIS! ELP goes up, TORNADO DDT!
Hartley stands, staggers, then falls! ELP covers, TWO! ELP calls for the Brain Salad! The fans rally up, ELP straitjackets and- NO, Hartley is too big to torture rack lift! Hartley whips ELP to a corner, SPLASHES, then short arm LARITS! SENTON onto knees! Ghost pin, TWO! Mule kick! ELP tucks Hartley in, but Hartley wrenches out! ELP dodges to SUDDEN DEATH! ELP runs, but into a LARIAT! SENTON!! Cover, TWO!! The fans fire up and Hartley hurries, DEATH VALLEY BOMB!! Cover, TWO!!! ELP survives and the fans fire up again! Hartley stalks ELP, drags him up, and fireman’s carries!
Hartley goes to the corner, puts ELP up top, and then climbs. Hartley fireman’s carries, but ELP CLUBS free! ELP fires forearms as we hit 10 minutes, and he ROCKS Hartley! ELP SUPER SUNSET FLIP, but Hartley holds onto ropes! ELP avoids the punch! Mule kick to the leg! Mule kick to the other leg! And the corner helps with the torture rack! BRAIN SALAD!! Cover, TWO?!? Hartley survives and the fans fire up! ELP tucks Hartley in, and lifts?! C R 2!! ELP hurries to the apron, climbs up the ropes, and THUNDERKISS 86!! Cover, ELP WINS!
Winner: El Phantasmo, by pinfall (still NJPW World Television Champion)
Hartley was definitely a big challenge, but ELP found a way to make it through! The Headbanga Show continues on, but who will be next on the list?
After Six Man Tag: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Shota Umino & Yuya Uemura VS OSKAR, Yuto-Ice & Daiki Nagai…
A HIGH FLY FLOW on Daiki Nagai scores the win for The Ace and his team! There’s a tense stare down between Hontai and the Knock Out Brothers, but that’s all it is for now. Tanahashi then gets the mic, and he says, “NJPW has finally returned to Kumamoto! Everyone, today was my last match here in Kumamoto, thank you for the support. And from now on, it will be the work of all our young wrestlers to carry NJPW forward! We look forward to your support, and even though we haven’t finished the show… Kumamoto, AISHITEMAAASU~!” The fans cheer President Ace as he and #YuSho make their exit. Shota & Tanahashi even do photo-ops with baby fans.
Tanahashi may not have gone far in his final World Tag League, but he still leaves Kumamoto on top. Now he must prepare for his final WrestleKingdom and his final match with Kazuchika Okada. Will The Ace stay high? Or will he be brought down to earth by The Rainmaker?
David Finlay & Hiromu Takahashi VS Great-O-Khan & Callum Newman!
The Rebel & The Timebomb brawled with The United Empire all over Kagoshima in a Six Man Tag, but that was just the opening salvo! Will Finlay & Hiromu finally humble the Dominator & Prince of Pace? Or will Khan & Callum conquer the Unaffiliated War Dogs?
But turnabout is fair play, Finlay & Hiromu attack the Empire from behind this time! They mug Callum, knock Jakob Austin Young down, then go after Khan! The fans rally while Hiromu CHOPS Callum! And CHOP again! Callum hits Hiromu back, but Finlay brings Khan around to SMACK off the apron! Gedo cheers Finlay on, but Callum CHOPS Hiromu, then CHOKES him using his jacket! Finlay brings Khan up to whip, but Khan reverses to send Finlay into railing! The ref reprimands, Callum drags Hiromu to ringside and whips him into railing! Hiromu hobbles away while Jakob applauds, and Khan has taken things into the crowd!
Khan BOWLS Finlay into chairs and railing! Callum brings Hiromu out to whip, but Hiromu reverses to BOWL Callum! STRIKE! The fans rally for Finlay but Khan tells them to shut up. Finlay fires body shots and forearms, then he HEADBUTTS Khan! And HEADBUTTS again! And again! Khan stumbles into railing, Finlay whips him into the wall! Callum drags Hiromu up to CHOP! Hiromu staggers towards ringside, Callum clears out chairs, and he brings Hiromu up to SMACK off the apron! Finlay drags Khan along, but Khan fires body shots! Khan KNEES low, Callum RAMS Hiromu into railing, and Khan POSTS Finlay!
Callum lounges on the apron for a moment, then he gets Hiromu up. Khan CHOKES Finlay with a chair! Callum puts Hiromu in the ring, wants the bell, but the ref wants him to back off first. Callum waits, and the bell rings as Hiromu sits up. Callum stomps Hiromu down, then rains down forearms! The ref wants to check Hiromu so Callum backs off. Hiromu eggs Callum on, so Callum rains down more forearms! Hiromu still eggs Callum on, so Callum gets the wrists to STOMP Hiromu! Cover, TWO! Callum BLASTS Finlay off the apron, goes back to Hiromu, and fires forearms! Hiromu CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS, but Callum kicks low!
Callum runs, Hiromu dropkicks the leg! Callum stays up, and he BLASTS Finlay again! And he BOOTS Hiromu down! The fans rally, Callum bumps Hiromu off buckles, tags Khan, but Hiromu goes out after Callum! Hiromu goes after Callum, CLUBS him, then whips, but Callum reverses! Hiromu hits railing, Callum brings him around, and whips him back into railing! Khan keeps the ref distracted while Callum puts Hiromu back in. Khan then talks some trash, sits Hiromu up, and DECKS him with a haymaker! And again! And again! The ref reprimands the closed fists but Khan shoves him aside, to then BLAST Finlay off the apron!
Khan rains down more fists, the ref reprimands again, but then Khan BODY BLOWS Hiromu while he’s on the mat! Cover, TWO! The fans rally, Khan argues the count, but Gedo still protests the closed fists. Khan scuffs Hiromu, drags him up, and suplexes. Hiromu slips free to CHOP, CHOP, and CHOP! Khan Mongolian Chops! And then IRON CLAW! Hiromu fights the grip, breaks free, and stomps a toe to KICK! Hiromu runs, HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER! But Khan stays up! And he IRON CLAWS again! And ELIMIN- NO, Hiromu victory rolls, TWO! But then SUPERKICK! Hiromu runs, HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER!
The fans fire up while both men are down! Khan and Hiromu crawl, hot tag to Finlay! Finlay CLOBBERS Khan, BLASTS Callum, and CLOBBERS Khan again! Finlay whips, Khan reverses, but Finlay UPPERCUTS! Callum kicks, runs, but Finlay ELBOWS him down! Finlay LARIATS Callum up and out! Finlay runs in and UPPERCUTS Khan in the corner! The fans bark with Finlay, and he fires LARIAT after LARIAT! Finlay goes all the way to TEN and the fans fire up. Finlay reels Khan in for a BROKEN ARROW! The fans cheer, Finlay flexes, and Khan writhes. Finlay drags Khan up, reels him in, but Khan fights the lift!
Khan BACKDROPS, Finlay sunset flips, but Khan stays up to IRON CLAW! Khan drags Finlay right up, and THROWS him away! Finlay tumbles to the corner, Khan fires up, and Khan runs in! Finlay BOOTS Khan away, then BOOTS him again! Finlay runs up, ROLLING- IRON CLAW! Khan clinches and lifts, but Finlay slips free and ROLLING ELBOWS! The fans fire up again and Finlay drags Khan up. Finlay lifts to POWERBOMB! The fans fire up again and Finlay vows to end it! Finlay drags Khan up, reels him in but Callum CHUCKS a chair! The ref says that’s it, disqualification!
Winners: David Finlay & Hiromu Takahashi, by disqualification
Callum stopped caring about the rules, and that cost the team! But he says fine, all bets are off! He POSTS Finlay! Hiromu goes after him, but Callum whips him into more railing! Callum puts Hiromu in the ring, takes aim with Hiromu’s on GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship, and CLOBBERS him! Then Callum SPITS on the title, puts it down, and smears Hiromu’s face in it! Then EXCALIBUR STOMP onto the belt! The fans boo, but Jakob throws Gedo in! Callum says bang bang, PENALTY KICK to the face! The fans boo more, but Callum puts a chair around Gedo’s neck! Finlay has the SHILLELAGH!!
Callum runs away from Finlay, and Finlay snarls as he circles. Finlay is bloodied but he still has fight in him! Callum dares Finlay to do something, so he CLOBBERS Jakob!! And OVERKILL!! Drilla & Shingo are also out here to reinforce Finlay. Callum smirks like it doesn’t even matter, but Finlay grabs a mic. “Callum! Thank you for reminding me! Thank you for painting a little picture in my own effin’ blood! I was beginning to forget who I am. These people were beginning to forget who I am. More importantly, the boy sin the back were beginning to forget who I am! You are marching down a very, very dangerous road.
“Are you absolutely sure you wanna make me a target? Do you really think you can kill me off? Consider this a baptism in my own blood! The Savage King is reborn!! The same Savage King that beat your old leader so bad, he had to limp off into Uncle Tony’s arms! So here’s what I’m gonna do. How ’bout this? At the Tokyo Dome…! At a sold-out WrestleKingdom, I am going to give the Empire a chance. Come get revenge, or come get killed! If there’s one thing about blood, boys, if you’re gonna draw it, you better be damn ready to effin’ spill it!” Finlay has put out the challenge but Callum shrugs it off with a smirk and a finger gun.
Did Callum just get the Empire dragged into another war with the War Dogs? Will this Rebel make sure to put the Empire down once and for all?
NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championships: Toru Yano, YOH & Master Wato VS EVIL, SANADA & Ren Narita!
The challenge was put out for Tokyo Dome, but the King of Darkness didn’t want to wait! Will Evil become the King of NEVER with the help from the Cold-Blooded, Souled-Out Snakes? Or will The Producer, The Direct Drive & The Way to the Grandmaster stay golden for the holidays?
The introductions are made, but of course the House attacks! The fans boo and the ref reprimands, but Evil TOSSES Wato while Ren TOSSES Yano! Sanada SMACKS Yoh off buckles, then dumps him out! Ren CHOKES Yano with Yano’s own sash! Evil stomps Wato, Sanada stomps Yoh, and Fale gets a BODY BLOW in since this isn’t a match yet! Ren SMACKS Yano with a water bottle! Sanada puts Yoh in the ring, the bell sounds, and now this is a match! Sanada stands Yoh up, but Yoh fires forearms! Sanada CLAWS eyes, SMACKS Yoh, then headlocks. Yoh powers up and out, drops down, then bypasses to drop toehold!
Yoh keeps moving, basement DROPKICK! But Evil & Ren attack! They double whip, but Yoh ducks the lariats to DUOBLE EYE POKE! The fans fire up and Yoh storms over to Sanada. Yoh drags Sanada around by his legs, and then he ties Sanada up, only for SAanada to kick free! Sanada blocks a kick, trips Yoh, and he ties Yoh up! But Yoh kicks free! Yoh dodges Sanada, O’Conner Rolls, and bridges! But Evil YANKS the ref out! Ren BLASTS Wato & Yano, Yoh hurries to check on the ref, but Sanada KICKS the ropes to jam him up! Wait, now Douki & Yujiro are out here to add onto the mugging! The fans boo, but Sanada puts Yoh in the DRAGON SLEEPER!
Wait a minute, KANEMARU is a ref now?! SKULL END!! Kanemaru asks Yoh, and Kanemaru claims Yoh gave up! Sho rings the bell, and the music plays!? Evil drags the belts into the ring while Sho makes the BS announcement! The House of Torture are NOT the new NEVER Openweight Six Man Champions, but they mug Yano, Yoh & Wato all the same! Sho claims that Yoh, Yano & Wato are NOT going to the Tokyo Dome now! Kanemaru raises everyone’s hands in victory, and the whole House thinks this farce will stand with NJPW officials! The fans boo as the House starts to leave, but Yoh picks up the mic!
“Oi! What’re you idiots talking about? You really think we’ll let you get away with this?! We need to have this happen, NOW! Restart the match!” The fans chant for that, too! And now AARON WOLF is here, and he’s bringing ref Marty Asami! The fans cheer as justice is being served! Asami also lays down the law, telling Kanemaru and all the extra players to back off! But then Ren & Sanada CLOBBER Team Hontai from behind! The fans boo again as the mugging continues, and even Wolf gets in there! Evil CLAWS Wolf’s eyes! Asami shouts at them all to stop it, and the other Young Lions get in there to usher the cornermen out!
Evil, Ren & Sanada are without Fale, Douki, and the rest, but even Wolf has to back down for the time being. The fans rally for Wolf but he’s sent to the back. Things are finally just 3v3, and we do get our restart! Evil TOSSES the blue buckle pad! Evil drags Yano up, whips him to the corner, and Yano hits the bare steel! Evil tags Ren, Ren stomps Yano’s leg and AX HANDLES him down! Ren drags Yano up and whips him back into the bare steel! Tag to Sanada, Sanada drags Yano, and Sanada TOSSES Yano out! Ren sets Yano up for Evil to JAM him up with a chair! Evil puts Yano in the ring and Sanada covers, TWO!
The fans cheer as Yano toughs it out. Sanada tags Evil, Evil brings in a towel, but the ref stops Evil! The ref confiscates the towel, but Evil has the tag rope! Evil CHOKES Yano with the rope, laughs as he gets away with it, then covers, TWO! Yano survives but Evil covers again, TWO! Another cover, TWO!! The fans fire up as Yano stays in this for the team! Evil tags Ren, and they split the wishbone! Ren drags Yano up, whips him to ropes, and ELBOWS him down! Cover, TWO! Ren is annoyed but the fans cheer. Ren drags Yano up, but Yano pulls hair! The fans cheer, but Ren hits a leg roll! Evil & Sanada BLASTS Yoh & Wato! FIGURE FOUR KNEEBAR!!
Yano endures, reaches out, but Ren puts on the pressure! Yano still fights his way around, and he makes the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Ren lets go in frustration. Ren stands Yano up, kicks the leg, then whips. Yano reverse and THROWS Ren down by his hair! The fans rally while both men crawl, hot tag to Wato! Wato BLASTS Sanada & Evil, then he goes after Ren with forearms! Wato ROCKS Ren, whips him, but Ren reverses. Wato RANAS Ren! Evil & Sanada return, they double whip Wato to a corner, then Sanada runs in. Wato dodges and he RANAS Evil! Then he dodges Sanada to RANA Sanada, too!
The fans fire up as The House regroups on the outside! Wato builds speed and he FLIES! Down goes the House! The fans fire up with Wato now and he drags Ren into the ring. Wato then goes up the corner, MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Ren survives but the fans still rally for Wato. Wato waistlocks to GERMAN- NO, Ren fights the lift and switches, SLEEPER! Wato arm-drags free, ducks and ZIGZAGS! The fans fire up, Wato covers, TWO! Ren toughs it out but the fans rally for Wato again. But Ren CHOKES Wato! Wato breaks free, kicks low, then runs, but Evil trips him! Ren tags Sanada while Evil BLASTS Yano & Yoh!
The House double whip Wato to a corner, then Evil LARIATS! Sanada ELBOWS! Ren ELBOWS! Snapmare, and Evil has Yano’s red chair! This is to distract the ref while SHO slithers back out here! Sanada & Ren set Wato up upside-down, Sho goes up, and DICK CHOP! The fans boo but Sanada covers, TWO!! Wato survives and the fans fire up! Sanada drags Wato up and around, fireman’s carries, but Wato slips free! Sanada ELBOWS Wato, runs the ropes, but Wato DROPKICKS him down! The fans fire up and Wato crawls for the corner! Hot tag to Yoh! Yoh drags Sanada around, and ties him up in Paradise!
The fans cheer as Yoh hurries to kick and whip Ren into railing! And then he does the same to Sho! The fans fire up and Yoh hurries back into the ring! Yoh encourages the fans to get louder a la the old Sanada, and he DROPKICKS Sanada out of Paradise! The fans cheer again, and Yoh reels Sanada in! FALCON- NO, Sanada slips free! Yoh ELBOWS and ROCKS Sanada, but Sanada FALLING LOW BLOWS! The fans boo, but Sanada gets his guitar! The ref stops Sanada, but this is so Sho can sneak in! SPOILER CHOKER on Yoh! The fans boo but “Dick Togo Junior” scurries away! Ren now distracts the ref, and Sanada takes aim!
But WOLF has Sho in a sleeper! Revenge! Evil is furious, Sanada takes a swing, Yoh dodges! SMASH HIT on the post! Yoh then waistlocks, but Sanada fights the lift! Yoh avoids the low blow, Sanada ROCKS him, but Yoh FALLING LOW BLOWS! Ren freaks out, but Yoh kicks the ropes to JAM Ren up! Yoh then SHOVES Sanada into Ren, and then cradles Sanada! HONTAI WINS!!
Winners: Toru Yano, Yoh & Master Wato, by pinfall (still NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championships)
Justice has truly been served, and then Wolf and Evil are brawling full on! Evil CLAWS at Wolf, the Young Lions get in there and back them both off, but not for long! Evil CLAWS Wolf’s eyes, fires some knees, and things spill into the crowd! Wolf ROCKS Evil! And ROCKS him again! Wolf is not backing down, so Evil THROWS Young Lions at him! Evil drags Wolf up with a headlock, CLAWS his eyes again, but the Young Lions pry him off of Wolf! Evil tells Wolf to know his place, but Wolf isn’t gonna be bullied! They take their fight to the back! Is it all but official that Evil will be defending his NEVER title at WrestleKingdom, too?
Hiroshi Tanahashi joins commentary!
He may have missed out on the finals, and he may have already had his last match in Kumamoto, but he wants to watch this main event match that very well affects the future of NJPW.
2025 World Tag League Finals: Gabe Kidd & Yota Tsuji VS Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa!
Both teams fought hard to make it up the ranks, make it to the playoffs, and make it to this point. The Mad Man & Gene Blast smoothed out the rough patches, but The Chin & The Mullet have always been in sync. Will Gabe & Tsuji make The Mighty kneel? Or will ZSJ & Oiwa be more than #WarReady?
The teams sort out, and while Gabe wants after someone, Yota has him stand down. Yota starts against Oiwa and the bell rings. The fans rally up already as Oiwa and Yota stare down. The “YOTA! YOTA!” seems to outweigh the “OIWA! OIWA!” They slowly circle, feel things out, and while Yota reaches in, Oiwa steps back. They tie up with collar ‘n’ elbow, then Yota wrenches to wristlock. Oiwa rolls, wrenches back, and wristlocks. Yota moves around, the fans rally, and Yota spins to slip through and full nelson. Yota spins Oiwa, snapmares, but Oiwa rolls to wrench. Yota rolls, wrenches, but Oiwa headlocks.
Yota powers up and pries the hold open, to then top wristlock! Oiwa fights it but Yota still powers him down, so Oiwa bridges! The fans cheer as Oiwa stands and headlocks again! Yota endures the grind, powers up, but can’t power out as Oiwa holds on tight! Yota powers up to lift, Oiwa hits the takeover, bu tYota rolls to a cover! ONE, and Yota fights up. Yota fires body shots, powers up and powers out, to then drop down and sidestep! Yota then runs, slips around and arm-drags Oiwa! And leg sweeps! Cover, ONE! Yota hits a takeover, Oiwa headscissors, and Oiwa holds on tight! The fans cheer as Oiwa pushes up for pressure!
Yota fights around, pops out, and he has Oiwa’s legs trapped in a butterfly! Yota floats to a headlock, Oiwa headscissors, but Yota kips free! The fans cheer the standoff! Oiwa and Yota back away, and they take Gabe and ZSJ. The fans rally as Gabe and ZSJ circle, then they step up. They feel things out, knuckle lock, but ZSJ rolls, wrenches, and wristlocks. Gabe spins, slips through, wrenches, and wristlocks. ZSJ hooks a leg, but Gabe puts pressure on the wristlock. ZSJ rolls, hooks the leg again, and even chinbars. Gabe cranks the wristlock again, but ZSJ bridges, spins, wrenches, slips through, and wrangles Gabe with a top wristlock!
Gabe fights up fast, rolls, rolls back, then handsprings! Gabe breaks free, ZSJ avoids the chop, and the fans cheer! ZSJ and Gabe reset, circle again, and test the waters. They tie up, ZSJ wrenches an arm then makes it a COBRA CLUTCH! Gabe fights it, but ends up in a straitjacket! ZSJ digs his head into Gabe’s shoulder blades, then keeps him from the ropes. Gabe powers up to turn the jacket onto ZSJ! ZSJ drops, bridges, scoots under, but Gabe blocks him! Gabe keeps the jacket on ZSJ, but ZSJ tries again! Bridge, spin, waistlock! Gabe switches, ZSJ switches, O’Conner, but Gabe trips ZSJ to a SLEEPER! ZSJ rolls back, has the wrists, but Gabe flips over!
Gabe smothers ZSJ into a cover, TWO!! ZSJ avoids another chop and the fans fire up! Gabe and ZSJ back off in their stalemate, and ZSJ tags Oiwa. Gabe doesn’t tag out, but he pretends like Oiwa isn’t there. Gabe and Oiwa circle, and Gabe eggs Oiwa on. They tie up, Gabe headlocks, but Oiwa powers up and out! Gabe RAMS Oiwa, RAMS him again, and RAMS him again! Oiwa stays up and the fans fire up! Gabe runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Oiwa arm-drags him down! The fans cheer while Oiwa grinds the armlock. Gabe fights around, rises up, and fires forearms! Oiwa grinds the armlock harder and Gabe drops to a knee.
Gabe fights back up, Yota coaches him, and Gabe KNEES low! Gabe whips Oiwa to a corner, but Oiwa dodges, to arm-drag again! Oiwa has the armlock again, and ZSJ BOOTS Yota down for good measure! Red Shoes reprimands, but Gabe fights up. Oiwa wrenches and YANKS the arm! Oiwa UPPERCUTS the arm, then RAMS the shoulder! Tag to ZSJ, he steps on Gabe’s arm, and he pulls the arm around to bend the fingers! Red Shoes reprimands but Gabe endures. ZSJ has the top wristlock, floats to turn Gabe over, and he traps the arm in an omoplata! Then roll to a cover, TWO! ZSJ keeps the arm to wrench, wrench, and he tags Oiwa.
Oiwa takes the handoff and wrenches the arm again. And again, and then he top wristlocks! Oiwa STOMPS the arm down! A very ZSJ move, and Oiwa SPLASHES down! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer but Oiwa keeps Gabe down. Oiwa drags Gabe over and tags ZSJ. TMDK double whip and DOUBLE ELBOW! Then they get the legs, DOUBLE TOEHOLDS! Red Shoes reprimands but they shift to DOUBLE STRAIGHT ARMBARS! Yota storms in and stomps them both! Yota coaches Gabe, but TMDK trips Yota up! DOUBLE TOEHOLDS! Then they both top wristlock and STOMP the arms! Yota rolls out of the ring while he writhes.
Gabe sits up, ZSJ kicks him again and again and again. Gabe stands, ZSJ wrenches the arm and wristlocks. ZSJ bends the arm, wrangles Gabe to the mat, and JAMS his own hand into his side! ZSJ twists the arm more, then DOUBLE WRISLTOCKS! Gabe endures while the fans rally, then fights up. ZSJ wrenches, Gabe whips him away, but ZSJ goes up and- CHOP! Yota is back, he and Gabe BLAST Oiwa together! Yota goes out after Oiwa while Gabe CHOPS ZSJ! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Yota sends Oiwa into railing, then stomps him down. Gabe RAMS ZSJ into railing, then CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS!
ZSJ flops down, Gabe shakes out his arms, and Gabe drags ZSJ up to whip him into railing! The ring count starts but Gabe CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! The count is 8 of 20, Gabe rolls in at 10. ZSJ is still down and the count is climbing. We pass 15, but ZSJ rolls in at 17! The fans cheer, but Gabe is there to CHOP ZSJ in the corner! And CHOP again! Gabe snarls, CHOPS again, and ZSJ drops to the mat! Gabe paces, glares at Oiwa, then tags Yota. Yota BLASTS Oiwa for good measure before he brings ZSJ up. Yota whips ZSJ to a corner, RAMS into him again and again, then CHOPS! The fans cheer and rally up while Yota snapmares ZSJ.
Yota digs his knee into ZSJ’s back while he clamps on the chinlock. ZSJ bends Yota’s fingers, but Yota ELBOWS ZSJ in the head! Yota tags Gabe back in, Gabe drags ZSJ up, and Gabe suplexes. CHASING THE DRAGON!? Cover, TWO!! ZSJ survives that but Gabe sends ZSJ to Yota’s scoop, BACKBREAKER! Gabe scoops, SIDEWALK SLAM! Cover, Oiwa breaks it! Oiwa stomps Gabe, but Yota kicks and TOSSES Oiwa. Gabe snarls as he looms over ZSJ. Gabe drags ZSJ up to CHOP him to the corner! And CHOP him down! Tag to Yota, he and Gabe stand ZSJ against the ropes to CHOP, CHOP, CHOP, and repeat!
The fans cheer but Red Shoes reprimands. The CHOPS continue, and then they stop at 4. Yota & Gabe tell Red Shoes to tranquilo, then they double whip ZSJ. But ZSJ double wrenches and PELES the arms! Hot tag to Oiwa! He DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up, and Oiwa runs to LARIAT Gabe in a corner! And he LARIATS Yota in the other corner! Oiwa winds up, Yota ducks the lariat, but he runs into a DROPKICK! Oiwa fires up, he dodges Gabe, and DROPKICKS! Oiwa handsprings and the fans fire up again! Oiwa drags Gabe up, he suplexes, but Gabe fights it! Oiwa holds on!? And he suplexes again for the SLAM!
The fans fire up, but Yota RAN- NO! Oiwa stops the rana to LIGER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Yota survives but the fans cheer Oiwa’s sheer strength! Oiwa drags Yota up, but Yota fights the Tenzan Plex! Oiwa still tries but Yota sunset flips it! TWO, and Yota clinches! BACKBREAKER, FLATLINER, and STOMP! The fans cheer the Gene Combination while Oiwa sputters. Yota takes a moment to check his own neck, then he sees Oiwa go to the corner. Yota runs corner to corner, and STINGER SPLASH! Then Yota hoists Oiwa up top, and he ROCKS him with a forearm! Yota fires the fans up, and he smiles as he climbs! Yota fires a flurry, but Oiwa fires back!
Oiwa fights the clinch, HEADBUTTS Yota down, and now Oiwa fires up! The fans cheer, but Gabe SMACKS Oiwa! Gabe climbs up, he has Yota move aside, and Gabe has Oiwa on the very top! SUPER DUPER PLEX! Yota covers, TWO! Oiwa is tougher than that, but Gabe barks. The fans bark with Gabe, Yota stands Oiwa up, and Gabe runs up! Oiwa dodges and knees collide! Oiwa then SHOVES Yota into Gabe! Oiwa then gets around, TENZAN PLEX! All three men are down and the fans rally up again! Oiwa crawls, hot tag to ZSJ! ZSJ runs up, tilt-o-whirls, and has the arm for the IRON OCTOPUS! But Yota powers up to BACKDROP free!
ZSJ runs up, but into a FLATLINER! Both men are down and Yota calls to Gabe! Yota rolls, hot tag to Gabe! Gabe puts some stank on the CHOP! ZSJ falls, Gabe covers, TWO!! ZSJ almost didn’t get out of that, but Gabe stands him up. Gabe CHOPS, then CHOPS again! ZSJ staggers around, and Gabe CHOPS again! Gabe eggs ZSJ on, CHOPS, but ZSJ blocks! And top wristlocks to STOMP the arm! Gabe writhes, ZSJ PENALTY KICKS! But Gabe sits up to flip ZSJ off! ZSJ PENALTY KICKS and high stacks! TWO!! Gabe survives and escapes, but ZSJ stays focused. The fans rally up, ZSJ reels Gabe in, scoop and- NO, Gabe fights that to suplex!
ZSJ slips free, Oiwa is there, LARIAT GERMAN SUPLEX COMB! EURO CLUTCH! TWO!! Gabe is up, but ZSJ BOOTS! Oiwa backslides, ZSJ jackknifes, but Gabe rolls through to cover! Oiwa breaks it!! Oiwa almost didn’t notice the turnaround, but he manages to save this for TMDK. But Gabe ROCKS ZSJ, CHOPS Oiwa, and repeat! Oiwa ducks a chop, puts Gabe in a corner, ENZIGIRI to CHAOS THEORY!! Then the jackknife bridge! YOTA BREAKS IT!! Yota almost didn’t get there in time, but he kicks Oiwa and whips! Wrench and GENE TRIGGER! Oiwa falls, but ZSJ snapmares Yota to NECK TWIST! Gabe BOOTS ZSJ!
ZSJ is on the ropes, the fans rally up even harder, and ZSJ BOOTS Gabe! Gabe BOOTS ZSJ! ZSJ BOOTS Gabe! Repeat! ZSJ rebounds, Gabe blocks a boot to KNEE ZSJ down! The fans are thunderous while everyone is down! Gabe calls to Yota, crawls his way over, and he hot tags Yota! The fans fire up as Yota runs in, but ZSJ dodges the knee! ZSJ comes back, blocks a boot, but Yota uses the British Reel and he DOUBLE STOMPS ZSJ down! The fans fire up again and Yota goes up the corner! MARLOWE- NO, ZSJ avoids the crush! ZSJ runs up, jumps on, GUILLOTINE FACELOCK! But Yota powers through to suplex free!
ZSJ lands out, but Yota avoids the Pele to have the BOSTON CRAB! Simple yet effective and the fans fire up! ZSJ endures, but Yota powers him down! ZSJ still fights forward, but Yota drags him back! ZSJ tucks and rolls, and he drags Yota into the RINGS OF SATURN! Oiwa intercepts Gabe into the ARC CLUTCH!! Gabe endures while ZSJ shifts angles on Yota, CLARKY CAT!! Yota endures, Gabe fights around, ZSJ shifts things again for the BAD BALLOON REMIX!! Gabe THROWS Oiwa onto ZSJ! The fans are thunderous as all four men are down again! We’ve hit 25 minutes, the longest match of this whole tournament, but there’s no limit on this one!
The fans rally up again as ZSJ drags Yota up. ZSJ UPPERCUTS Yota, then UPPERCUTS again! Yota wobbles but ZSJ UPPERCUTS him down! Yota rises, ZSJ reels him in, scoop and- NO, Yota slips free! And he catches ZSJ to a backslide! Roll through, GENE TRIGGER! ZSJ flops into the corner, Yota runs up, GENE TRIGGER!! Yota roars, the fans fire up, and MARLOWE CRUSH!! But Yota doesn’t cover, he just powers up again! Yota aims from the corner, GENE- NO, ZSJ scoops for the SABRE DRIVER!! But he can’t make the cover! The fans rally as hard as they can as both men crawl! Hot tags to Oiwa and Gabe!
Gabe and Oiwa fire forearms back and forth, faster and faster! The fans rally with every shot! Gabe ROCKS Oiwa, ROCKS him again, then looms over Oiwa. Gabe eggs Oiwa on, so Oiwa stands up. Oiwa ROCKS Gabe, but Gabe shakes that off to come back. Gabe ROCKS Oiwa, and Oiwa staggers to the ropes! Gabe shouts for Oiwa to bring it! This is NJPW, get up and fight! Oiwa fires another forearm, and another, and another! That left knocks Gabe down!! The fans fire up while Red Shoes checks. Oiwa storms up, Gabe SHOVES Oiwa away, and Gabe checks his mouth. He lost a tooth!? Gabe stands up, and he SMACKS Oiwa!
Gabe SMACKS Oiwa again, and again, and Oiwa staggers around! Is Gabe trying to knock out Oiwa’s teeth? Oiwa fires forearms in return, then SMACKS Gabe! Oiwa reels Gabe in, DOCTOR- RANA! Gabe runs up and STRAIGHT RIGHT! Then Gabe says, “I’m a Mad Man!” MADMAN BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Oiwa survives but Gabe snarls again! Gabe brings down the kneepad! Oiwa rises up, O- NO! Oiwa flops down! Gabe is annoyed as Oiwa is down, but Gabe hits a three point stance! He runs up like Yota, but Oiwa stops his Gene Blaster! DOCTOR BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! The fans are thunderous as we hit 30 minutes!
Gabe sputters as he sits up, but he reaches out for Oiwa. Gabe and Oiwa are forehead to forehead, and then Gabe SMACKS Oiwa! Oiwa SMACKS back! Gabe fires a flurry of palm strikes, but Oiwa LARIATS! Gabe stays up, ducks ‘n dodges, Yota joins in! WAR BLASTER!!! Cover, ZSJ BREAKS IT! Yota gets ZSJ up, he and Gabe DOUBLE HEADBUTT! Then DOUBLE KNEE! Yota TOSSES ZSJ out, then he DIVES! Direct hit and ZSJ hits railing! Gabe has Oiwa, PILEDRIVER!! Cover, TWO!?!? Oiwa survives and Gabe is as shocked as anyone! The fans are thunderous for “OIWA! OIWA!” while Gabe shakes his head.
Gabe says a quick prayer, perhaps asking to forgive what he’ll do next. Gabe runs, Yota is back, but ZSJ trips Yota to an ANKLE LOCK! DOUBLE LARIATS collide and both Gabe and Oiwa stagger away! Yota hops around on one foot as ZSJ has him on the outside! Gabe and Oiwa run up, THE GRIP!! But Gabe pops right up! STRAIGHT RIGHT! But THE GRIP returns!! Cover, TMDK WINS!!!
Winners: Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa, by pinfall (2025 World Tag League Champions)
Both teams were firing on all cylinders, but truly, the mightier team won out! Yota apologizes to Gabe for failing to get him across the finish line. Will these rivals just have to fight that much harder next time? Will there be a next time?
As for TMDK, they have their hands raised, and then they’re handed the trophies! ZSJ & Oiwa hold those up high while the fans cheer. Then they sit down for a moment to rest and catch their breath. ZSJ makes sure the fans all cheer Oiwa properly for scoring the fall. Oiwa is then handed the mic, and he starts by saying, “TMDK just captured World Tag League! It’s been 15 months since I came back to NJPW, and I haven’t won any championships. To some, it may’ve seemed like I was lingering in the shadows, but now, Zack and I have won the World Tag League trophies! I’m not an NPC, I am a lead character!” The fans cheer that!
Oiwa continues by saying that ever since he came into NJPW, he is glad to fight and get stronger with TMDK. Zack, thank you! The fans applaud as ZSJ side hugs his young sidekick. Oiwa says that in 2025, you cannot stop TMDK’s momentum! And when this year is done, in 2026, TMDK will be at the top and put NJPW on top of the wrestling world! Oiwa vows to stay true to himself and his pro-wrestling style, and that wrestling you saw here tonight was TMDK, that was pro-wrestling! Thank you for all your support, but they’re not done yet! TMDK will keep getting stronger, and will be even tougher the next time you see them in Kumamoto!
So when they come back, Oiwa hopes this entire venue will be decked out in orange! With that, Oiwa does the mic drop, and both he and ZSJ lift the trophies again! The fans cheer and the streamers fly! The streamers are blue and silver, but will The Chin & The Mullet soon be decked out in IWGP Heavyweight Tag gold?
My Thoughts:
Another great event, especially as the 2025 WTL finale. ELP VS Hartley to open with the NJPW World TV title was good stuff, Hartley looked good even in defeat, but ELP retaining is good stuff. ELP could face any number of possible opponents now for WrestleKingdom, I’m sure that’ll be another great match. Tanahashi’s team winning here was the right move, Daiki was there to take that loss, and it was good for Tanahashi’s last Kumamoto match to be a win. Tanahashi is probably going to build more momentum with win after win up until WrestleKingdom, where he more than likely loses to Okada one last time.
Great stuff from Finlay & Hiromu VS Callum & Khan, because of course we got another brawl to be the majority of the segment. Callum disqualifying things was a bit of a surprise, and I kinda dread the possibility of another “Dog Cage” match… The first one was rough and cost Alex Coughlin his in-ring career. The second was alright but it was just to keep things going between War Dogs VS House of Torture in other forms. Again, Finlay’s contract is just about up, will Dog Cage 3 be how they write Finlay out of NJPW? Or will it give away that Finlay is staying in NJPW when the War Dogs/Unaffiliated win?
Really good stuff in the NEVER Six Man title match, and they used overbooking just right here. The House was so involved that of course it was a mess and they tried to literally steal these belts. Aaron Wolf getting involved again telegraphs that we’re getting Evil VS Wolf for WK20 now, but hey, that’s a great spot for Wolf’s first match. Yoh, Yano & Wato probably face another combination of the House of Torture since all the other factions are gonna be busy with other stuff, maybe involving Sho so that Yoh and Sho can continue their feud through these titles.
And we got an awesome, stellar main event for the WTL finals. As I’ve been saying, Gabe & Yota weren’t gonna win, Yota has his match with Konosuke. TMDK winning is awesome for Oiwa, he and ZSJ are going to have another awesome match with the Knock Out Brothers, and that could go either way honestly. Oskar & Yuto-Ice have been doing so well, I wouldn’t be surprised if they retained at their first WK to really solidify themselves. At the same time, TMDK needs a lot going for them right now in the mainstream NJPW. I haven’t seen Shane Thorne & Mikey Nicholls on these shows in a long time, and no idea if they’re helping Tamashii or NJPW Strong, no idea if their contracts are almost up, too. Getting the heavyweight tag titles would be just the spark for TMDK to get going in 2026.
My Score: 9/10
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Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event Results & Report! (12/13/25)
The Last Time IS Now!
Thank You, Cena!
After 25 years, The Last Time IS Now as John Cena has his final match PERIOD, against Der Ring General, GUNTHER, on Saturday Night’s Main Event!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Cody Rhodes VS Oba Femi; Cody wins, by disqualification.
- Bayley VS Sol Ruca; Sol wins.
- AJ Styles & Dragon Lee VS Je’Von Evans & Leon Slater; Styles & Dragon win.
- John Cena VS GUNTHER; Gunther wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
G.O.A.T.
Triple H narrates, “The Goat. You hear it so much, you forget what it means: Greatest Of All Time. Is it measured in titles? Records? Or calibrated in time? Games and matches morph into seasons, seasons into years, years into decades. But The GOAT perseveres in a style all his own every damn night, until he’s an era unto himself. John Cena made his WWE debut June 27, 2002. But what marks the intervening quarter-century, and that which makes Cena the GOAT, nothing less than the sacred currency of professional wrestling: The connection. That communion with the crowd. Oh, he sees you. He hears you. He feels you. Loves you. Every last one.” So, for one last time, #ThankYouCena!
Cody Rhodes VS Oba Femi!
While The American Nightmare wants to settle things with the Scottish Terminator once and for all, The Ruler made it clear that “Quarterback Number One” needs to focus on him now! Will the NXT Champion prove he is The Destroyer and the Bringer of War? Or will Cody show us why HE is undisputed?
The bell rings and the fans fire up as the two champions stare down. They circle, feel things out, and tie up. They’re in a deadlock as Cody cannot push Oba back, but then Oba SHOVES Cody! The fans duel and sing as Cody shrugs that off. Cody and Oba reset, circle again, and they tie up. Cody headlocks, shifts, hammerlocks, then ducks an elbow! Oba says it was that close. The two go again, Cody avoids the grapple to headlock, but Oba powers up and carries Cody to the ropes! Oba then powers up and out, but Cody ducks the boot to DROPKICK a leg! But Oba stops the Rhodes Uppercut with a guzel! And an URENAGE BACKBREAKER!
The fans fire up and Oba fires body shots on Cody in the corner! Oba HAMMERS Cody, CLUBS him down, and he snarls as the ref counts 4. The fans cheer, Cody goes to a corner, but Oba is right on him. Oba wrenches and whips corner to corner hard! Oba storms up on Cody again, but Cody fires forearms! Oba KNEES low, Cody goes back to a corner, and Oba TOSSES him across the ring! The fans fire up with Oba, and Cody hurries back to his feet. Oba whips corner to corner, but Cody goes up and over! SNAP- NO! Oba blocks the powerslam! Oba scoops to SLAM Cody back! Cover, TWO! Cody toughs it out but Oba stays focused.
Oba brings Cody up to ROCK him with a forearm. Cody goes to a corner, Oba storms up, btu Cody kicks low! Oba UPPERCUTS first! Oba huffs ‘n’ puffs and stalks Cody along the ropes. Oba whips, scoops, and he carries Cody with one arm! Oba “takes a puff” and hits the BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Oba drags Cody up and CLUBS him back down! Cody sputters and crawls, but Oba stays close. Oba drags Cody up, lifts, but Cody slips free of the bomb! Cody then dodges and Oba POSTS himself! Cody runs, ROCKS Oba, but Oba stays up! Cody goes up and over, and he SNAP POWERSLAMS! The fans fire up with Cody as he stands!
Cody springboards, CODY CUTTER! Cover, TWO! Oba survives and Cody is frustrated, but the fans rally up. Cody goes up the ropes again, but Oba catches him this time! Oba whips, Cody reverses, and Cody TOSSES Oba out! Cody runs and DIVES into a FOREARM! The fans fire up while Cody flounders back. Oba rolls in, watches Cody stagger, and Oba runs up! But Cody DUMPS Oba out! Oba staggers, Cody builds speed, and Cody DIVES! Down goes Oba and the fans fire up again! Cody hurries to get back in the ring, but so does Oba! Cody runs up into a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Cody survives and the fans fire up again!
The fans rally, Oba stalks Cody, and he drags Cody up to scoop. Cody slips free, kicks low, and RHODES UPPERCUTS! Cody goes to the ropes, but Oba LARIATS him out! Oba snarls, the fans fire up, and Oba goes out the side. Oba runs in around the way! Oba CLOBBERS Cody, they BOTH go over the desk! The fans are fired up again, Cody is bleeding from an ear or cheek, and Oba gets him up and into the ring! Oba pops Cody up, SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Cody survives again and Oba is beside himself! The fans rally up, Oba snarls as he looms over Cody. Oba whips, Cody slips free of the pop-up! SUPER CODY CUTTER!! Cover, TWO!!
The fans fire up as Oba survives! But wait! DREW MCINTYRE IS HERE!! AND HE ATTACKS CODY!!
Winner: Cody Rhodes, by disqualification
The fans boo as the Scottish Terminator just HAD to ruin the match! So much for an “unsafe working environment” when he’s the one on the attack! But now OBA gets in Drew’s face! The fans fire up for this, and Drew says Oba is too dumb to understand what’s going on here. Oba SHOVES Drew! And then CODY CUTTER!! Cody gets the better of Drew, and Oba adds on! CHOKE SLAM! The fans fire up for Oba as he stands up for both himself and Cody Rhodes. Cody shows him respect by giving Oba his title, and raising his hand! The fans cheer, but what will it take for Cody and Drew to finally put this one to bed?
Bayley w/ Lyra Valkyria VS Sol Ruca w/ Zaria!
The Role Model has been working on getting back to titles, the same as the Soul Surfer of NXT. But now Sol gets a chance to really show what she’s capable of going against a WWE Grand Slam Champion! Will Bayley get her soul snatched in DC? Or will she prove to everyone else that she’s still got what it takes?
The bell rings and Bayley circles with Sol. The fans rally, the two tie up, and Bayley headlocks. Sol fights around, Bayley shifts to a waistlock, but Sol fights up to switch. Bayley headlocks for the takeover, Sol rolls to a cover, ONE! Bayley has the armlock now, CLUBS the arm, and wrenches. Bayley WRINGS the arm, but Sol handsprings through! The fans cheer, the two tie up, Bayley waistlocks then headlocks. Bayley wrenches and YANKS the arm, YANKS it again, then whips. Sol ducks ‘n’ dodges, handsprings and handstand walks, to handspring again! RANA! The fans fire up and Bayley scrambles to a corner!
The fans fire up and Sol waits on Bayley. They circle, tie up, and Sol waistlocks. Bayley switches to YANK the arm again and again, then whips. Sol handsprings through the hip toss to X-FACTOR! Bayley tumbles out of the ring, the fans rally up, and Sol watches Bayley closely. Sol drags Bayley up, but Bayley HOTSHOTS her down! Sol tumbles out the side, Bayley runs up, DAREDEVIL- NO, Sol stops the dropkick! And she spins Bayley around, goes up the apron, handsprings to dodge and then PENALTY KICK! The fans fire up as Sol goes up and ASAI M OONSAULTS! Bayley avoids it to then DECK Sol! The fans fire up and Bayley brings Sol up.
Bayley puts Sol in the ring, storms in after her, and ROCKS her with a forearm. Bayley fireman’s carries but Sol slips free and rolls her up, TWO! Sol stands, trips Bayley, then floats to a cover, TWO! Sol trips Bayley, handsprings over her, then SUPERKICKS! The fans rally, Sol TOSSES Bayley out, and then Sol builds speed! Sol handsprings to SASUKE SPECIAL! The fans are thunderous for the “Sol-suke,” including Zaria! Sol then puts Bayley back in, springboards, but Bayley avoids the splash! Sol belly flops, and Bayley LARIATS her down! The fans rally up while Bayley huffs ‘n’ puffs. Bayley staggers around, but she lines up a shot.
Bayley runs up to SUNSET FLIP BUCKLE BOMB Sol! Cover, TWO! Sol survives but Bayley stays focused. Bayley looms over Sol, sits her up, and KNEES her in the back! Bayley clamps on a chinlock, grinds Sol down, but Sol endures. The fans rally and duel as Sol fights up! Sol fires body shots, rolls Bayley, but Bayley rolls through to KNEE Sol away! Sol staggers to a corner, Bayley runs up again, btu Sol dodges! The knee hits buckles, and Sol mule kicks! ELBOWS! And CHOPS! The fans “WOO~” and Sol whips to UPPERCUT Bayley down! And UPPERCUT! And then a whip to the corner! Sol SNAP GERMANS Bayley on the rebound!
Sol kips up, the fans fire up, and Sol goes up the corner! Bayley stands, Sol BOOTS her away, then Sol cartwheels, ARCH DDT! Cover, TWO!! Bayley survives but Sol keeps moving! Springboard, but into the BAYLEY2BELLY!! Cover, TWO!! The fans rally up, Zaria coaches Sol and Lyra coaches Bayley. Bayley hoists Sol up, puts her on the top rope, and then in the Tree of Woe! Bayley CLUBS away on Sol, runs corner to corner, and jumps up to ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Sol survives again and the fans rally up. Sol goes to a corner, Bayley runs back up, but into a SUPERKICK! Sol runs up, backslide, TWO!!
Bayley and Sol stand up, still hooked up, and Bayley swings Sol around! Step over and- NO, Sol handsprings through the Rose Plant! SHINING WIZARD! Cover, TWO! Bayley survives but Sol stays focused. Sol goes to the corner, SOLUL- NO! Bayley YANKS her out of the Snatcher to ROSE PLANT!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Bayley is furious now, and she HAMMERS Sol! The ref counts as they’re still in the ropes, and Bayley drags Sol up. Bayley clinches, SAIDO! Then she drags Sol around to the drop zone! Bayley goes up, up, and MACHO ELBOWS onto knees! Then O’Conner Roll! TWO, Sol goes up, SOUL SNATCHER!! BUT BAYLEY’S HALF OUT OF THE RING!
Sol drags Bayley back in, and Bayley snatches her to a cover! TWO, Sol has it! SOL WINS!!
Winner: Sol Ruca, by pinfall
Even #ZaRuca is shocked as Sol scores! Bayley & Lyra show them respect and they all raise hands in celebration. They also salute to Cena, “You Can’t See Me!”
AJ Styles & Dragon Lee VS Je’Von Evans & Leon Slater!
The Phenomenal One & The Boy Wonder are still WWE World Tag Team Champions after their war with the War Raiders, but there could be a new challenge as they face the Young OG & Youngest In Charge. Win or lose, will this match of present and future be absolute cinema?
The teams sort out and Je’Von & Leon DOUBLE SUPERKICK! Then Je’Von FLIES out onto Styles! Leon LEG LARIATS Dragon! Dragon tumbles out, Leon builds speed to FLY over the corner! Direct hit and DC fires up as Leon puts Dragon in! CROSSBODY! Tag to Je’Von and he goes up, FIVE STAR FROG SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Dragon survives and the fans are fired up again! Je’Von drags Dragon over, tags Leon, and they mug Dragon. Je’Von whips Leon in, SPLASH! Snapmare, cover, TWO! Dragon is tougher than that but Leon drags Dragon up to put him in the corner. Dragon BOOTS Leon, ELBOWS Je’Von, then dodges Leon!
Leon POSTS himself, but Je’Von hurries to run up on Dragon! Dragon DUMPS Je’Von out, crawls, but Leon anchors Dragon! Leon back suplexes, Dragon lands out, and Dragon slips through to lift Leon! LIGER BOMB! Both men are down, the fans rally up, and Styles is back! Leon and Dragon crawl, hot tags to Je’Von and Styles! Styles fires the Phenomenal Blitz! LARIAT! SLIDING FOREARM! The fans fire up with Styles and he runs in at the corner, LARIAT! Then fireman’s carry and USHIGOROSHI! Leon is back, but Styles gets him for an atomic FACEBUSTER! Styles runs in at Je’Von, but Je’Von puts him on the apron!
Je’Von SMACKS Styles down, then builds speed, and he slides, but Styles dodges! Styles throws Je’Von to the apron, but Je’Von goes up, up, and ASAI MOONSAULTS! Styles dodges, Je’Von lands on his feet, but Styles RAMS him into barriers! Dragon runs to FLYING RANA Leon into Styles’ hands! STYLES- SUPERKICK from Je’Von! Dragon runs up, but Je’Von POSTS him! Je’Von & Leon put Styles in the ring, and Je’Von goes up, up, SUPER O G CUTTER!! Je’Von drags Styles over, tags Leon back in! “This is Awesome!” as Leon goes up, SWANTON SPLASH!! Cover, Dragon DROPKICKS Je’Von onto it!
The fans are thunderous as all four men are down. Dragon goes to a corner, he takes off the elbow pad, “This is Awesome!” as Dragon runs up! Je’Von SUPERKICKS, but Dragon V-TRIGGERS! Dragon ducks a roundhouse but not the SUPERKICK! Je’Von handsprings, RED DOT- DRAGON BLADE!! Je’Von tumbles out, Dragon builds speed, and Dragon FLIES! Down goes Je’Von at the ramp! Leon sees Styles is down, so he hurries to reel him in! And he calls his shot! But Styles BACKDROPS free! Leon sunset flips, Styles rolls through, but Leon fights the Clash! Styles still tries, but Leon DUMPS Styles to the apron!
Styles ROCKS Leon! He prepares the elbow pad, for the PHENOMENAL- NO, Styles slips off the rope! Leon covers, TWO!! The ropes might still be a mess from this wild night, but Leon hurries back up top! Styles stands, Leon leaps, but into a POWERBOMB! And then a STYLES CLASH!! Cover, Styles & Dragon win!
Winners: AJ Styles & Dragon Lee, by pinfall
The tag team champions got a lot more out of Je’Von & Leon than they expected, but there’s no question the future of pro-wrestling will be bright! The champs show them great respect, too, and the fans applaud. Will it only be a matter of time before the Youngest In Charge are truly in charge?
The MIZ interrupts?!
He does it by shouting “AWWWWWESOME~!” over commentary talking! “Y’know what would’ve really been awesome? If this Last Time Is Now Tour didn’t pretend like I didn’t exist! Like I didn’t happen! I’ve been a main character in the history of John Cena! But here we are! Here we are, focusing on the new and up-and-coming superstars, when the guy that beat John Cena in the main event of WrestleMania, in this outfit, in this gear, is standing right here! I demand respect! I demand-” R-TRUTH is here! The fans fire up as Truth runs down the ramp a la John Cena and slides right into the ring! He’s even in a baseball cap, shirt, and jorts!
The fans cheer and sing, “What’s Up?” Truth says he saw what Miz did! In the Last Time is Now tournament, Miz did something real inappropriate with Nick Aldis’ balls! He took someone else’s opportunity! And that person… is right here! Truth holds up the lottery ball Miz swapped out! Miz snatches that away from Truth, opens it up, and reads the paper. “Joe Hendry?” “SAY HIS NAME AND HE APPEARS!” And Joe Hendry SPINS into view! Miz says NO! NO! NO! Turn the stupid music off and stop dancing! Miz is so sick of this! STOP CLAPPING! Truth says this is what Miz is asking for, though! Nd Hendry fires hands!
Miz swings, misses, and Hendry catches him! FALL AWAY SLAM! And kip up! And… Truth joins in for the TURN! They even pose for pictures! Hendry joins in with saying, “You Can’t See Me!” TEN KNUCKLE SHUFFLE! And then Hendry guzels for the STANDING OVATION! Cover, Truth count sit, Hendry “wins!” The fans in DC all now believe in Joe Hendry, he’s so prestigious. But will Miz ever be humble enough to let anyone else have the spotlight?
John Cena VS GUNTHER!
All good things must come to an end, and the same is true for the great careers of living legends. Truly, the last time is now, and the only one who doesn’t want to celebrate it is Der Ring General! Gunther won the right to face John Cena, and he wants to make it so that for the first time and the last time, John Cena finally gives up. Will Gunther make Cena’s moment all about him? Or will Cena go out on top in one last main event?
The fans already chant “Let’s Go, Cena!” while waiting on the entrance. And then the lights go down, and the music hits! The tron slideshows as many of the classic John Cena looks from the past 20 years as it can, and Cena tells Stu that this might be weird, but hold on. Cena takes the camera so he can film Stu! Stu asks if Cena’s ready, and Cena says yes! Cena asks the fans if they’re ready, and he shows the towel that says “The Last Time Is Now!” in Washington Wizards style. Cena runs down the ramp, slides into the ring, and the fans erupt with cheers! Cena makes sure to see all sides of the crowd, and again hopes they’re ready for this.
Cena then steps back out to shake hands with Trish Stratus, Eve Torres, RVD, Kurt Angle, Mark Henry, Michelle McCool, Elias, Kevin Owens, Haku, Booker T, Sami Zayn, and Sami’s son. Cena returns to the ring so we can get the big time main event introductions! The fans are already fire dup, and they only keep it going as the bell rings. Gunther and Cena circle, feel things out, and they tie up. They’re in a deadlock, the fans all cheer Cena on, and the two break. Cena is surprised there isn’t a “Cena sucks” in the chant but he and Gunther reset. They feel things out again, but Gunther backs off.
Gunther steps out of the ring and the fans boo, but Gunther is doing this just to cool the fans off. Gunther steps back inside, he and Cena tie up again, but the fans tell Gunther off. Gunther UPPERCUTS Cena, stomps him down, then soaks up all that heat. Gunther goes back to Cena, stands him up again, and he UPPERCUTS Cena back down! The fans boo as Gunther puts Cena in a corner. The fans tell Gunther off more, Gunther just CHOPS Cena for it! Gunther stalks Cena to the other corner, and he CHOPS Cena again! Cena falls and sputters, the fans boo Gunther, but Gunther soaks up that heat. Gunther stands Cena up to CHOP him again!
Cena sputters while Gunther looms over him. The fans taunt Gunther with “You Tapped Out!” Gunther shakes his head, and he scoops Cena to SLAM him! Gunther stalks Cena to a corner, and he whips Cena corner to corner hard! Cena flops down but the fans rally behind him again. Cena rises up, but Gunther CHPOS him! Cena catches it! Cena fires haymakers and the fans fire up! Cena whips, Gunther reverses, but Cena ducks ‘n’ dodges, to SHOULDER TACKLE! And SHOULDER TACKLE! The fans fire up as Cena hits the SPIN OUT BOMB! Cena raises his hand, the fans are thunderous again, and “YOU CAN’T SEE ME!” FIVE KNUCKLE SHUFFLE!
The fans fire up, Cena waits on Gunther, fireman’s carry and- NO, Gunther slips free to GERMAN SUPLEX! The fans boo but Gunther runs, to LARIAT! Gunther snarls, drags Cena back up, SLEEPER! Cena fights it, but Gunther squeezes tight! Cena arm-drags free! Drop toehold! S T F!! Gunther endures and the fans are thunderous! Gunther reaches out, crawls forward, but the fans chant “TAP! TAP! TAP!” Cena pulls Gunther back, Gunther still fights, so Cena lets go to get the legs. Gunther BOOTS Cena away! T-REX SHOTGUN DROPKICK! Then the GUNTHER BOMB!! The fans boo but Gunther says it is done!
Cena sputters, sits up slowly, and the fans tell Gunther off again. Gunther aims from the corner, runs up, and LARIATS Cena back down! Gunther wants the ref to either call it or ask Cena. Cena refuses to give up as he sits back up. The fans rally behind Cena, but Gunther runs to LARIAT him back down! Gunther talks trash on the fans while they boo. Gunther paces, circling like a shark with blood in the water. The fans rally for Cena as hard as they can, and Gunther eggs him on. Cena stands, Gunther LARIATS again! Gunther shouts at Cena to give up already. Gunther is foaming at the mouth and the fans say that’s gross.
Cena stands, Gunther runs, LARIAT! Gunther is piling on the punishment as he insists Cena say he’s done. Cena rises up, the fans tell Gunther off again, so Gunther runs again. LARIAT! Cena is still conscious so Gunther looms over him. The fans rally for “SUPER CENA!” That might be the first time ever. Cena dodges a lariat to SHOULDER TACKLE! SHOULDER TACKLE! SPINE OUT BOMB again! FIVE KNUCKLE SHUFFLE! Gunther staggers, Cena fireman’s carries! ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT!! Cover, TWO!! Gunther survives and the fans can’t believe it! The fans chant “One More Time!” and Cena agrees!
Cena waits, fireman’s carries again, btu Gunther slips free! Gunther CHOPS Cena on the back! Then SLEEPER! Gunther drags Cena down into the body scissors! Cena flails, reaches out, and the fans rally as hard as they can! Cena rises, the fans are thunderous, and Cena shoves Gunther away! Cena has the SLEEPER!! The fans are going nuts as Cena has Gunther caught now! Gunther flails, flashbacks to Jey Uso at WrestleMania! Gunther kicks and kicks and fights to the ROPEBREAK! Cena lets go and Gunther bails out! The fans boo, but Cena storms in around the way! Gunther CHOPS! And then APRON BACK SUPLEX!
Cena sputters and slumps back down, but Gunther whips him into steel steps! Cena falls in a heap while the steps are knocked apart! The fans boo but Gunther refreshes the ring count. Gunther brings the other steel steps around, closer to the desk! Gunther then steps up so he can soak up all the heat. Gunther tells DC to shove it, then he fetches Cena. The fans tell Gunther off in return but he just chuckles. Gunther CLUBS Cena to be on the steps, then throws down fists! The fans boo, but Gunther clears the desk! Gunther then goes back up the steps, reels Cena in, but Cena fireman’s carries! ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT DOWN THROUGH THE DESK!!
The fans are electric as both men are down on the ground! The ref checks both men, and Cena is already rising up! Cena drags Gunther back to ringside, puts him in the ring, “This is Awesome!” as Cena covers, TWO!!! Gunther survives and no one can believe it! But the fans all rally for Cena harder than ever before! Cena decides to go for broke, and he climbs the corner! FLYING FAMOUSER!! Cover, TWO!! Gunther survives and both men are down again! The fans let Cena know, “You Still Got It!” Cena says hold on, let’s get one more! The fans cheer as Cena raises his hand. The last one, either way! He needs to hear us all!
The fans are thunderously cheering as Cena sets it up! “YOU CAN’T SEE ME!” BUT GUNTHER IS UP!! HE BOOTS CENA DOWN!! And GERMAN SUPLEXES! And then the GUNTHER BOMB!! High stack, TWO!!! Cena survives, but Gunther just drags him around to the drop zone! Gunther goes up top, but Cena UPPERCUTS first! The fans fire up as Cena hops up to get Gunther! Fireman’s carry, and the SUPER ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT!! Cover, TWO!?!? Gunther survives and everyone is shocked! “This is Awesome!” as both men are down. Cena finds the energy to rise up, as does Gunther. Both men stand, and Cena fires a haymaker!
Gunther fires back, so Cena kicks low! Gunther fires a haymaker, Cena fires a haymaker! Gunther UPPERCUTS, Cena UPPERCUTS! The fans rally as both men wobble, and Gunther fires a shot! Cena fires back! Cena eggs Gunther on, then dodges, and fireman’s carries! ATTITUDE- NO, Gunther lands out!! And lifts, GUNTHER BOMB!! Gunther goes right to the corner, right up top, GUNTHER SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!!! CENA SURVIVES! The fans are electric while Gunther wants Cena to get up again! Cena slowly rises, the fans cheer him on, but Gunther clamps on the SLEEPER!! Cena flails, reaches out, but is he fading?!
The fans rally for Cena, they boo Gunther, but Cena gets a second wind! Cena pries the hold open! But Gunther clamps it back on! Cena is fading again! Gunther sits Cena down, wraps on the body scissors, but Cena refuses to give up! A third wind and Cena shifts around! Gunther stays between Cena and ropes, but Cena pries the hold open, and fireman’s carries! But Gunther slips free, back to the SLEEPER!! Cena is turning red, but so is Gunther as they are in this war of attrition! Cena gets a fourth wind, if you will, but Gunther becomes a backpack! Cena stays on his feet, but that look on his face isn’t good… Gunther shifts to get as much weight as he can on Cena!
But Cena still turns around!? And he RAMS Gunther into buckles! Cena is free, but Gunther rushes up to clamp the SLEEPER on! Cena is fading again, and he’s back on the mat! The fans boo Gunther and rally again! Cena gets a fifth wind! Cena has Gunther as a backpack again, RAMS him into more buckles, and is again free! Then fireman’s carries! ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT!!! Cover, TWO?!?! Gunther survives, and then HAS THE SLEEPER!! The fans rally as hard as they have all night, “DON’T GIVE UP! DON’T GIVE UP!” Cena fights up as much as he can with Gunther still latched on! Gunther drags him back down, body scissors are on!
Cena is fading! The ref checks the arm, it drops once! The arm drops twice! Is it over?! The arm… STAYS UP!!! Cena rises from the dead! Gunther shifts to HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOW away!! Then the SLEEPER is back on!! Cena grits his teeth, all of DC and perhaps the entire WWE Universe behind him! But Cena is back on the mat! CENA TAPS?!? Gunther wins!!!
Winner: Gunther, by submission
The entire arena is shocked! Over 19 THOUSAND fans witnessed Cena fight beyond human expectations, and not one of them expected Cena to tap out. Many call BS, but those subside so that they can all give Cena one final standing ovation. “Thank You, Cena!” Cena sits up, and he gives a deep bow of respect. Cena is then surprised to see Triple H, Stephanie McMahon, Shawn Michaels, and pretty much everyone else walks out from the back. CM Punk and Cody Rhodes each talk with Cena in the ring, and they want to “pay it forward.” They let Cena hold their belts one last time, and the fans all cheer.
Cena is humbled as he looks out at everyone around ringside. The fans continue to cheer, “Thank You, Cena!” while they and the superstars, producers and management all clap. The fans boo a bit seeing HHH on the apron, but they cheer when Cena raises both world titles one last time. Corner to corner, side to side, all 360 degrees, Cena makes sure everyone sees him with the belts one last time. And then the fans boo a bit as HHH and Cena hug it out. HHH then cues up one final tribute video to Cena. #ThankYouJohn. Cena bows to each side of the ring one last time, and he takes off his sneakers and wristbands to leave them in the ring.
The fans cheer once more as Cena slides out of the ring, and heads back up the ramp, high-fiving the front row as he goes. Cena takes one final bow on stage, and salutes. “It’s been a pleasure serving you all of these years.” The fans continue to cheer as Cena then steps back through the curtain and to the backstage area. Truly, thank you, Cena, for 25 years of hustle, loyalty, and respect.
My Thoughts:
An awesome Saturday Night’s Main Event, certainly more like what these should be versus what we usually get. Though, this might have been a unique case since it was Cena’s final match and they also did what were to be “showcase” matches for NXT. Cody VS Oba was a great opener, but I pretty much nailed my prediction of Drew attacking. But great stuff for Oba to help beat up Drew in return. Obviously, we’re going to get Cody VS Drew one last time, maybe in Last Man Standing or I Quit so that they finally have something decisive and noncontroversial. And either way, Oba has established himself to fans who don’t watch NXT, they’ll understand he’s a big deal when he finally gets his call-up.
Great match from Bayley VS Sol, Sol also got to show fans what she’s capable of, and I’m actually rather surprised she won. But perhaps Sol & Zaria can make the jump to the main roster as a tag team to even further add to a pretty powered up tag division. That’d be pretty cool, as it doesn’t seem they want to split these two up, or else we would’ve gotten that on NXT by now. Styles & Dragon VS Je’Von & Leon having such a wild start was great, but also a bit surprising. Even so, Je’Von & Leon got to show what they can do with their aerial moves, but I figured Styles & Dragon would win out as they’re still tag champs.
Miz “interrupting” and being confronted by Truth was some good stuff. It was also a great way to get Joe Hendry back on a main roster special, he might be fast tracked to main roster after this next phase in NXT fighting for that chant at New Year’s Evil. And of course, the main event (despite what stupid fans were speculating would be the opener) was Cena VS Gunther. An awesome main event, of course, really pouring on the false finishes and the drama of that sleeper. The fans obviously made it clear they hated the tap out, and honestly I’m not really for that, either. Obviously Cena was losing, he isn’t one to buck tradition, but Cena doing a pass out with a smile on his face plays so much better than him tapping out with like half a smile on his face.
For that matter, what was that look on Cena’s face in that moment anyway? Cena’s a great actor but I’m not sure he chose the right motivation in this “scene.” Frustrated, upset, reluctant, those are the emotions I’d expect because I’d be like that myself. Not sure if HHH is all to blame, per what the fans were doing, but feels like we need an episode of Unreal on this right away to explain how we got here. In the end, we can’t let this ruin the great night, Cena’s in-ring career has come to an end, and it really makes you look back over the last 25 years and tear up a bit. Truly, for everyone at The Chairshot, #ThankYouCena.
My Score: 9/10
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