Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW New Years Golden Series Results & Report! (2/11/22)
Will Wato be golden?
The Golden Series finally has gold on the line!
NJPW continues the New Years Golden Series, and Master Wato challenges El Desperado for his IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship! Will Wato truly be the Grandmaster?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Preshow – Tomoaki Honma VS Ryohei Oiwa; Honma wins.
- BUSHI & Hiromu Takahashi VS DOUKI & Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Douki & Kanemaru win.
- Six Man Tag: Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Hirooki Goto & Tomohiro Ishii VS The House of Torture; Tenzan, Goto & Ishii win.
- Six Man Tag: Ryusuke Taguchi, Togi Makabe & Toru Yano VS Suzuki-Gun; Taguchi, Makabe & Yano win.
- Satoshi Kojima VS Great-O-Khan; Khan wins.
- Six Man Tag: Kazuchika Okada, Hiroshi Tanahashi & Yuji Nagata VS Los Ingobernables de Japon; win(s).
- Tiger Mask VS Gedo; Tiger Mask wins.
- YOH VS SHO; Sho wins.
- IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: El Desperado VS Master Wato; Desperado wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
Tiger Mask VS Gedo!
Bullet Club had to make adjustments, but they still got the better of the living legend in the tag match on February 7th. Will Tiger Mask get his revenge? Or will The Blacksmith forge a path back to the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships?
Tiger Mask gets impatient with Gedo as Gedo paces around outside. Gedo mockingly tells Tiger Mask to calm down. Tiger Mask backs off, Gedo gets in and the bell rings. But then Gedo bails right back out. “Calm down, kitty cat.” Tiger Mask demands Gedo gets back in but Gedo goes out further. Fans rally up, Gedo still trolls Tiger Mask but he eventually returns. Gedo and Tiger Mask tie up, Gedo puts Tiger on the ropes, but lets off slowly. Tiger Mask deflects the thumb to the eye! Tiger KICKS and KICKS Gedo’s leg, and Gedo falls out of the ring. Tiger pursues, puts Gedo back in, and Gedo wants him to wait. He thumbs Tiger in the eye!
Gedo whips, but Tiger comes back with a CROSSBODY! Tiger fires off kicks on Gedo and Gedo bails out again. Gedo wants a timeout, but there are no timeouts in wrestling! Gedo goes up the ramp, Tiger pursues! Tiger brings Gedo back into the ring, but Gedo bails out the other side. Tiger Mask pursues again, but Gedo swipes the bell hammer. Gedo wants Tiger to wait, then he hits Tiger in the stomach with the hammer! And then in the head! And again! The ref stops Gedo from using the hammer and the hammer is given back to the timekeeper. Gedo gets in the ring and lets the ring count start.
Fans rally for “Tiger Mask! Tiger Mask!” as he gets up and in at 10 of 20. But Gedo throws Tiger Mask back out! Gedo goes out, takes off his belt, and LASHES Tiger! And again! And again! The ref reprimands but Gedo LASHES Tiger Mask again! And again! The ref gets Gedo to back off and put the belt down. Gedo hugs it out with the ref, then goes into the ring. The ref checks on Tiger Mask while Gedo undoes a buckle pad! The ring count returns, and climbs to 10 of 20 again. Fans rally up, Tiger Mask drags himself up at 15, and in at 18! Gedo drags Tiger Mask up, and whips him into the bare buckles!
Tiger Mask goes down while Gedo taunts him. Gedo kicks Tiger around, toying with him. Fans rally again, Gedo drags Tiger up for a headlock and punches! Gedo drags Tiger Mask into a camel clutch, but he pulls the mask! The ref counts, Gedo lets off and “apologizes.” Gedo CHOKES Tiger Mask! The ref counts, Gedo stops at 4 and asks what’s wrong. Gedo taunts Tiger Mask more, drags him back up, and whips him back into the bare buckles! Tiger Mask falls and Gedo grins, but the fans rally up. Gedo takes his time going for the cover, TWO! Gedo still smiles as he stomps Tiger Mask down.
Gedo drags Tiger Mask up by his mask, brings him around, and digs his fingers into Tiger Mask’s eyes! The ref counts, Gedo lets off at 4 and “apologizes” again. Gedo whips Tiger again, but Tiger reverses! Gedo blocks, thumbs Tiger in the eye, then whips Tiger to the other corner. Tiger goes up and CROSSBODIES again! Fans fire up while both men are down! Tiger stands, runs in but Gedo BOOTS him! Gedo whips, Tiger reverses, now Gedo gets bare buckles to the back! Tiger Mask dropkicks Gedo out of the ring! Fans rally, Tiger Mask builds speed and DIVES! Direct hit and Gedo hits railing in front of commentary!
The ref checks on both men, they’re both okay to continue, so a ring count starts. Tiger Mask gets up at 6 of 20 and in at 7. Gedo is still down at 10 of 20, but Tiger Mask has the ref wait. Tiger Mask goes out to fetch Gedo, which fans applaud, and Tiger Mask decides to get Gedo’s belt! Tiger Mask storms up on Gedo and Gedo wants the ref to do something. The ref pretends he has something in his eyes! Tiger Mask LASHES Gedo! And again! And again! Tiger Mask throws the belt down, then puts Gedo in. The ref’s “eyes” are fine, and Tiger Mask goes up top. CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Gedo’s still in this but Tiger Mask keeps cool.
Tiger Mask KICKS Gedo to the corner, and KICKS him again and again! Tiger Mask whips corner to corner, then runs in to ROUNDHOUSE! Gedo goes down and fans fire up, but Tiger Mask isn’t done with Gedo! Tiger Mask drags Gedo up, double underhooks, but Gedo breaks free. Tiger Mask knees Gedo low, underhooks again, but Gedo drops to resist. Tiger Mask BUZZSAWS Gedo in the arm! Then KICKS him again! Then SOBATS! Tiger Mask wrenches, Gedo rolls, and Gedo catches Tiger Mask for a COMPLETE SHOT! Fans applaud, that was admittedly good. Gedo covers, TWO! Gedo gets mad but fans rally again.
Gedo stands Tiger Mask up for a JAWBREAKER! Basement SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO!! Tiger Mask survives and Gedo is frustrated again. Gedo crawls to his corner, and in his bag, he brings out brass knuckles! The ref sees them, though! They’re too shiny not to be seen! Gedo shoves the ref away, but the ref blocks the punch! Tiger Mask SOBATS Gedo low, then BUZZSAWS him down! The ref kicks the brass knuckles outta the ring, Tiger Mask drags Gedo into double underhooks! TIGER DRIVER! Cover, TWO!?! Gedo survives but Tiger Mask fires up! Fans rally behind Tiger Mask as he gets back up.
Tiger Mask drags Gedo up, chicken wings, but Gedo blocks! Tiger Mask spins Gedo, Gedo ducks the roundhouse to uppercut! Gedo then shoves Tiger Mask into the ref! Gedo whips Tiger Mask to ropes, pop-up LOW BLOW!! Gedo then hooks Tiger Mask up, GEDO CLUTCH! TWO!! Tiger Mask escapes and Gedo is beside himself! Fans rally for Tiger Mask while Gedo gets up. Gedo aims from the corner, BANG! Gedo reels Tiger Mask in, but Tiger fights out of the Half Hatch to crucifix takedown! TWO!! But Tiger has a REVERSE DOUBLE ARMBAR! Gedo endures, Tiger pulls way back on that arm! Gedo verbally quits, Tiger Mask wins!
Winner: Tiger Mask, by submission
Tiger Mask’s iconic moves didn’t work out, but he still had something up his proverbial sleeve! Will a move like that help Tiger Mask & Robbie Eagles hold onto the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships?
YOH VS SHO!
Just when you thought the RPG3K fallout was over, these two go another round! Will Direct Drive or Murder Machine take this round?
Yoh enters first, but he doesn’t wait for Sho to get in the ring, he goes after Sho at the ramp! Yoh fires off forearms and knees, then stomps Sho down! Yoh drags Sho up, fires off on him more, but the ref tries to get this in the ring. Sho crawls, Yoh follows, and Sho hits Yoh low! Sho stomps Yoh down, takes off his jacket, and stomps Yoh down more. Sho reveals that he had the wrench in the shirt all along! Sho aims at Yoh, Yoh dodges, wrench hits post! Sho’s hands jam and he clutches them. The bell rings to get this on record as Yoh BOOTS Sho down! Yoh whips Sho into railing! Fans applaud as Sho goes down in a heap!
Yoh stomps Sho down, the ref insists they get in the ring. Yoh throws Sho in, then stomps Sho in the ring. Yoh drags Sho up but Sho BENDS Yoh’s fingers! The ref reprimands, Sho CLUBS the arm, then grabs Yoh’s hair. Yoh BENDS Sho’s fingers in return! The ref reprimands, Yoh headlocks but Sho powers out. Yoh runs Sho over and fans cheer. Sho bails out but Yoh is right after him! Yoh kicks and whips, but Sho reverses! Yoh stops himself, but Sho already sends a Young Lion into Yoh! Sho drags Yoh up, and whips him into railing hard! Yoh falls in a heap now, but Sho drags him up. Sho whips him into more railing!
Sho drags Yoh up again, even as the ref wants him to get in the ring. Sho whips Yoh hard into railing, and Yoh is stuck across it! Yoh flops back, Sho stomps Yoh down then puts him in the ring. Sho covers, TWO! Fans rally up but Sho stomps Yoh down. Sho drags Yoh up, fans rally, and Sho whips to kitchen sink knee Yoh down. Sho grins as he looms over Yoh, and then he drags Yoh up. Sho scoops but Yoh slips off to roll up! TWO, and Yoh kicks Sho to whip him to a corner. Yoh run sin, but Sho puts Yoh on the apron. Sho sweeps the legs, runs side to side and dropkicks Yoh off the apron! Fans applaud, that was an admittedly good combo.
Sho goes to the apron, Yoh stands up, PENALTY KICK! Down goes Yoh and Sho takes a moment to catch his breath. Sho strips a crossbar of its cover, and uses that cover to SMOTHER Yoh! The ref counts, Sho stops at 4 and Yoh flops down. Sho then brings out a chair! Sho SMACKS Yoh on the arm while the ref is busy with the crossbar! The ref comes back, confiscates the chair now, and Sho just smirks. Yoh clutches the arm as he writhes but fans rally up. Sho paces around in the ring while the ring count starts. Yoh sits up and 11 of 20, pushes himself up at 14, and he hobbles into the ring at 17!
Sho walks over, and he claws Yoh’s face! The ref reprimands and counts, Sho stops at 4, but then Sho stands on Yoh’s neck. The ref counts, Sho lets off at 4. Yoh sputters, Sho talks trash and slaps him around. Sho gives toying kicks, then he chokes Yoh on the ropes! The ref counts, Sho lets off at 4 and Yoh flops to the apron. Yoh sputters as he gets back in and the ref checks on him. Sho wants to be named the winner but the ref says no, Yoh is still in this. The fans rally, Yoh slowly rises, but Sho kicks him around again. Yoh gets up, Sho kicks him more. Yoh glares defiantly at Sho so Sho throws a forearm! Yoh grits his teeth and eggs Sho on!
Sho throws more forearms but Yoh keeps coming back for more! Sho claws Yoh’s face! The ref reprimands, Sho runs, but Yoh dodges and hits FLYING FOREARMS! Both men are down and fans fire up! Yoh clutches his arm, that flying forearm was a bit double-edged. Sho gets to a corner as fans rally. Yoh runs in to back elbow! Yoh wrenches, DECKS Sho, and fires up! Yoh drags Sho up, Sho BENDS the fingers! The ref reprimands, Sho CLUBS the arm then runs. But Yoh back elbows! Yoh runs, Sho back elbows! Sho runs, Yoh DROPKICKS him down! Sho bails out but Yoh builds speed, Yoh FLIES! Direct hit at the ramp!
Fans fire up as both men are down at ringside. A ring count starts, Yoh stands at 5 of 20. Yoh shakes out the cobwebs, drags Sho up, and he puts Sho in at 12. Yoh drags Sho up to suplex, FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO! Yoh keeps cool and he drags Sho up by his waistband. Sho reaches for ropes, Yoh reels him into a full nelson. Sho breaks free, turns around, and suplexes, only for Yoh to slip out! Sho breaks the full nelson, Yoh waistlocks but Sho resists the lift. Sho wrenches out and BENDS the fingers! The ref reprimands again but Sho CLUBS the arm and ROCKS Yoh! Sho runs, Yoh handsprings to dodge!
Sho blocks Yoh’s kick and waistlocks but Yoh resists the lift! Yoh elbows free, runs, but Sho uses the ref as a shield! Sho then SPEARS Yoh down! Fans fire up while both men are down. Sho gets up, drags Yoh up and wrenches the arm to an ELBOW BREAKER! Sho twists the wrist, ELBOW BREAKER! Sho whips Yoh to a corner, runs in, corner clotheslines! Sho shoves Yoh down, aims from the corner, PENALTY KICK to the bad arm! Sho then has the double wristlock takedown! Yoh endures but Sho CRANKS the arm! Fans rally, Yoh kicks and moves around, but Sho has him caught! Yoh gets his head free and scoots back!
Sho CRANKS the arm more, but Yoh still endures! Yoh reaches out with his legs, and he finds the ROPEBREAK! Sho holds until 4, but he’s still frustrated. Fans rally for Yoh, Sho tries to tune them out. Sho drags Yoh up to knuckle lock the bad arm. Sho wraps the bad arm around ropes, then he fires off forearms on Yoh! The ref reprimands but Sho shoves him away to then hook Yoh’s good arm in the ropes. Sho fires off forearm after forearm, then he runs to LARIAT Yoh against ropes! POWER BREAKER!! Cover, TWO!! Yoh survives and Sho can’t believe it! Sho shakes his head, but fans rally up for Yoh.
Sho drags Yoh up, reels him in, but Yoh jackknifes through the Snake Bite! TWO, and Sho runs to KICK the bad arm! Yoh blocks the next kick to DRAGON SCREW! Fans fire up while both men are down! Yoh clutches his arm, Sho clutches his leg, and fans rally up as they slowly rise. Sho drags Yoh up to fire off forearm after forearm! Yoh wobbles and flops back down, but Sho drags him back up. Yoh breaks free to fire off boxing elbows! Yoh ROCKS Sho, then DECKS him! Yoh has the fans behind him as he stands Sho up. Yoh runs, into a JUMP KNEE! Sho runs, into a JUMP KNEE! Yoh runs, Sho side-steps to SNAP GERMAN!
Yoh is right back up! But Sho LARIATS him right back down! Fans rally up for Yoh but Sho drags Yoh up. Sho runs, but Yoh LARIATS back!! Yoh drags himself to a corner, gets to his feet and he brings Sho back up. Yoh suplexes, FALCON USHIGOROSHI! Fans fire up as Yoh roars, and he brings Sho back around. Underhooks, but Sho RAMS Yoh into the ref! Sho crawls for his corner, and he finds the wrench! Sho gets back in the ring, he aims for Yoh! Yoh SUPERKICKS Sho first! Yoh staggers around as Sho is down! Yoh sees the wrench. Last time, Yoh used that to disqualify himself. Will he do it again?!
Yoh picks up the wrench and fans are rallying. Sho begs for mercy, so Yoh throws the wrench away to SUPERKICK Sho down! Yoh drags Sho back up, reels him back in, underhooks for DIRECT- NO! Sho BACK DROPS free! Sho blocks the superkick and sends it into the ref! LOW BLOW!! And then the House of Torture appears! Evil, Yujiro Takahashi & Dick Togo all stomp away on Yoh! Fans rally for Chaos but Evil & Dick stand Yoh up. But here come Tomohiro Ishii & Hirooki Goto! Goto DECKS Dick and Ishii SAIDOS Evil! Yujiro still tries to use his pimp cane but Goto gets around, and feeds him to Ishii’s forearm!
Goto fireman’s carries Yujiro, USHIGOROSHI! Goto coaches up Yoh, then he and Ishii keep Evil and the others down on the outside. Fans are thunderous as Yoh stomps the mat! Sho flounders up, Yoh takes aim, but Sho ducks the superkick! WRENCH SHOT!! Somehow, he had the wrench! Sho drags the ref over and gets him to count the cover! The ref crawls into position to see, starts to count, but then he sees the wrench!! The ref questions the validity of the cover! Sho defends the wrench had nothing to do with it but wait, Evil gets in with his NEVER Openweight title! BELT SHOT!!
Sho stops arguing with the ref so that he can drag Yoh up. Sho tucks the arms, SHOCK ARROW!! Cover, Sho wins!
Winner: Sho, by pinfall
Of course the Murder Machine gets help from his team! The NEVER Openweight Six Man titles will be on the line soon enough, will the House of Torture pay for what they’ve done?
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: El Desperado VS Master Wato!
The Rogue Luchador has perhaps underestimated the Way of the Grandmaster one too many times. He and Yoshinobu Kanemaru lost to Team Six or Nine on the 7th, but will redeem himself on the 11th? Or will Wato finally become the grandmaster of the Junior Heavyweight Division?
Wato has his mentors, Tenzan and Taguchi, at ringside while Desperado has his tag partner, Kanemaru. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if the Rogue Luchador stays golden.
Fans rally up already as the two circle. They tie up, Wato shoots in and gets the waistlock. Desperado switches, Wato switches back. Desperado pries free, wrenches to a wristlock, but Wato spins through to wrench and wristlock back. Desperado rolls, steps over, wrenches through, and has the wristlock now. Wato slips through, wrenches, hammerlocks, but Desperado drop toeholds free. Desperado floats to a headlock and grinds the hold. Wato fights up, Desperado hits a takeover but Wato headscissors. Wato holds tight as Desperado tries to kip free, so Desperado bridges back and moves around.
Desperado pops free of the headscissors, and he gets the headlock back. Wato rolls to a cover, ONE. Desperado holds on tight but Wato fights up to his feet. Wato powers Desperado to ropes and Red Shoes calls ropebreak. Desperado lets go and Wato gets away, fans applauding the exchange. They reset, fans rally up, and Wato ties up with Desperado collar ‘n’ elbow. Desperado headlocks, Wato rolls to a cover, ONE, but now Wato has the headlock. Desperado endures as Wato grinds the hold. Desperado pulls Wato’s hair! Red Shoes reprimands and counts, Desperado lets go but Wato thrashes the hold.
Desperado rolls things and has the headlock back. Desperado also traps one arm and keylocks the other. Wato fights around but Desperado shifts his grip. Wato slips out the back to a hammerlock! Desperado scrambles to the ropebreak! The fans cheer the exchange as Wato holds on until 4. Desperado complains to Red Shoes but Tenzan tells him to stop being a baby. Desperado gets up, he circles with Wato, and they tie up. Desperado headlocks again but Wato powers out. Desperado runs Wato over! Things speed up but Desperado just steps on Wato. Desperado headlocks again and thrashes Wato around.
Wato throws body shots and is free, and things speed up again. Wato ducks the leg lariat, Desperado does the splits, Wato leaps over. Wato back elbows, uppercuts and SOBATS! Fans cheer while Desperado clutches his stomach. Wato KICKS Desperado in the back as fans rally, then Wato KICKS Desperado down. Cover, ONE! Wato keeps on Desperado with a chinlock and knee in the back. Wato stretches Desperado back but Desperado crawls. Wato drags Desperado up, snapmares, then headscissor necklocks! Desperado endures, even as Wato pushes up. Desperado reaches out, crawls over, and gets a ROPEBREAK with a leg!
Wato lets off quickly, then follows Desperado out of the ring. Wato puts Desperado in, dodges the haymaker and RANAS Desperado down! Fans fire up as Wato stomps Desperado down. Wato rains down body blows! Wato drags Desperado into a full nelson and fans rally as Desperado endures. Desperado pries at the fingers, but Wato powers up to put the hold back on! Desperado reaches out again, and gets another ROPEBREAK! Wato thrashes Desperado but lets off at 4. Wato keeps Desperado from crawling out, and he stomps away on Desperado! Wato drags Desperado up, but Desperado throws Wato out!
Desperado goes out, whips, but Wato reverses to POST Desperado! Desperado goes flying and Wato gets back in the ring. Wato builds speed, TORNILLO but Desperado gets in the ring! Desperado dropkicks Wato, then whips him into railing! Wato falls but fans rally up. Desperado drags Wato up, whips him into more railing, but Wato comes back to ROCK Desperado with a forearm! Desperado ROCKS Wato back with an uppercut! Red Shoes wants this back in the ring and Desperado drags Wato up, to snap suplex to the floor! Desperado gets in the ring alone and the ring count starts. Wato stirs but is still down at 10 of 20.
Tenzan and Taguchi coach Wato up, and he gets up at 15 to get in at 18! Desperado is annoyed and he stomps Wato down. Desperado then stands Wato up to CHOP him! Wato goes to a corner, Desperado stomps a mudhole into him! Desperado digs his boot into Wato’s leg, but lets off at 4. Desperado then puts the leg in the ropes to pull on it! Wato fights back with a chinlock, but Desperado runs side to side to dropkick the leg! Cover, TWO! Desperado drags Wato by the leg, YANKS and SPLASHES the leg, then covers. TWO, and Desperado is frustrated now. Wato tries to get his bad leg working but Desperado kicks at it.
Fans rally up, Desperado tells them to shush. Desperado stomps the bad leg, drags Wato up, but Wato ROCKS him with a forearm! And another! And another! Desperado kicks the bad leg! Desperado SMASHES the leg into the mat! Desperado paces around, taunts Wato, then drops an elbow on the knee. Desperado has the toehold but Wato tries to fight back. Desperado thrashes the leg, then drops a knee on the knee! Wato scrambles as Desperado pulls on the leg, and gets the ROPEBREAK! Desperado lets off by dropping a knee on the knee! Desperado then eggs Wato on while the fans rally up.
Wato gets up, Desperado gives him toying kicks. Desperado offers a free shot, so Wato throws forearms! And a KICK! Desperado kicks the bad leg, but Wato resists the suplex! They struggle, so Desperado kicks the bad leg again. Desperado suplexes Wato, Wato slips out but the bad leg jams! Desperado reels Wato in, but Wato RAMS Desperado into a corner! Wato hobbles then runs back in, but Desperado dodges. Desperado runs back in, but into BOOTS! Wato runs to SHOTGUN dropkick Desperado down! Fans rally up as both men are down! Wato and Desperado rise, but Wato KICKS first!
Desperado goes to a corner, Wato runs in to back elbow. Wato pushes Desperado down, goes out and springboards, FLYING UPPERCUT! Cover, TWO! Wato keeps cool, gets the bad leg moving again, and fans rally up. Wato KICKS Desperado in the chest, and KICKS, and KICKS! Wato then wrenches, reels Desperado in, but no Mouse Trap! Desperado slips out, spins Wato around, underhooks, but Wato RANAS free of Pinche! Desperado bails out, Wato builds speed! Wato TORNILLOS! Direct hit at the ramp! Both men are down, Kanemaru checks on Desperado, Tenzan and Taguchi coach up Wato.
Fans rally and Wato sits up first. Red Shoes starts the ring count, Wato gets up at 5 of 20 to drag Desperado up at 8. Wato puts Desperado in at 10 of 20, then goes back to the corner. Wato climbs up this time, Desperado stands, missile dropkick! Cover, TWO! Desperado is still in this but Wato fires up again! Wato wants Desperado to stand, SCREW HIGH- NO! Desperado ducks, and gets the STRETCH MUFFLER! Wato reaches out, but Desperado drags him back! Wato rolls to turn it into a cradle! TWO, into BUTTERFLY STRETCH!! Desperado endures, gets an arm free, and he elbows away on Wato!
Wato pulls harder on the crossface he does have, but Desperado digs fingers into Wato’s face! Red Shoes reprimands but Wato still lets go of the hold! Fans rally while both men are down again. Wato goes to a corner, Desperado runs in, and Desperado blocks the boots! DRAGON SCREW! Wato falls while clutching the knee but fans rally back up. Desperado gets up, and he dropkicks the leg out! STRETCH MUFFLER!! Wato endures as Desperado thrashes the leg! Desperado keeps on the hold, then gets an arm! NUMERO DOS! Wato still reaches with his one free arm, but he just misses the rope!
Desperado bends and thrashes Wato around! Wato still endures, fans fire up, and Wato gets the ROPEBREAK! Desperado lets go in frustration as Wato survives. Both sides coach their guy while the fans rally again. Desperado gets back up, drags Wato up, and Desperado hooks Wato up! GUITARRA- NO! Wato slips out, but Desperado fights the Mouse Trap again! Desperado powers through to a fireman’s carry! Wato slips off, but Desperado RAMS him into a corner! Desperado fires off elbows, stomps the bad leg again and again, and only stops because he runs out of steam! Fans rally as both men slowly rise!
Wato hops on, ZIGZAG!! Wato gets back up, Desperado flounders, and Wato hops on, CODE RED! Cover, TWO!! BUTTERFLY STRETCH!!! Desperado endures, Wato pulls as hard as he can on the head and arms! Desperado kicks to move around, fans rally up, Desperado keeps reaching out! ROPEBREAK!! Wato lets go quickly, to then drag Desperado up and wrench! MOUSE TRAP DRIVER!!! Cover, TWO!?!? Desperado escapes but Wato won’t let off! Wato drags Desperado to a drop zone and goes up top! But Desperado gets up, and ROCKS Wato with a right! ROCKET LAUNCHER! Wato crashes down and fans fire up!
Wato gets up, runs back in, but Desperado pops him up to send him into buckles! Wato staggers backward into a SAIDO! Both men are down and fans are thunderous! Wato and Desperado stir, crawl for each other, and go forehead to forehead. Wato throws a forearm, Desperado ROCKS Wato back! Wato forearms again, but Desperado hits back! They stand now, Wato KICKS a leg! Desperado CHOPS back! Wato KICKS Desperado in the chest! And again! Desperado CHOPS back again! Wato sobats, front kicks, and- HEAVY ELBOW from Desperado! Both men sit down and fans rally up again.
Wato manages to stand, Desperado goes to ropes. Wato scowls and Desperado laughs. Desperado ROCKS Wato with another elbow! Wato comes back, Desperado CHOPS him again! Wato shakes his head, so Desperado CHOPS again! Wato is fuming, Desperado CHOPS again! Wato still won’t stay back so Desperado CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Desperado runs, ROCKS Wato, but Wato SUPERKICKS on the return! Fans fire up with Wato, Wato drags Desperado up to T T D!! Cover, TWO!! Desperado survives but Wato goes to the corner! R P P FLOPS!! Desperado runs back in, SPEAR!!
Desperado hooks Wato up, GUITARRA DEL ANGEL! Cover, TWO!! Desperado is furious but fans are thunderous! Desperado drags Wato back up, underhooks the arms, PINCHE- NO! Wato slips out, tilt-o-whirls and rolls him up, jackknife bridge! TWO!!! Desperado escapes and no one can believe it! Wato BUZZSAWS Desperado down! Desperado MONO LOCOS! Desperado drags Wato up, underhooks the arms, PINCHE- NO! Wato slips out the top, rolls back in, SUNSET BOMB! Cover, TWO! Prawn hold, ONE! GROUND DRAGON SCREW! STRETCH MUFFLER!!! Wato rolls, but into NUMERO DOS PLUS!!
Wato endures, fans are thunderous again, and Wato gets a hand free! Wato reaches out, but Desperado grabs for the hand again! Desperado gets the arm, rolls Wato from ropes, NOW Wato quits! Desperado wins!!
Winner: El Desperado, by submission (still IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion)
An incredible effort from Wato, but today is still not the day he becomes the Grandmaster. Will Wato be able to fight his way back up and try again? As for Desperado, he gets the mic to say, “Oi, Wato.” Desperado takes a moment to catch his breath. “Sorry for all the smack talk during the warm-ups. That was all my honest opinion. The point is, you’re just not good enough. I hate you, so I don’t want to pay you any compliments. But physically, you’re at the top of what we have here in NJPW. You just don’t have the smarts, training or the way of thinking. Why don’t you follow ‘Nobu’s lead?” Following Taguchi & Tenzan’s clearly only gotten him so far.
Desperado looks to Hiromu on commentary and says Wato’s gotten farther than either of them thought. Desperado then asks Kanemaru that he wanted to talk to Desperado while he still had the belt, right? There’s a lot Desperado wants to get to, though. Like Lindaman and T-Hawk! Fans cheer for the mention of Strong Hearts. Desperado says there are many more he wants to face, even if he has to wait a bit. But he does hope he and Kanemaru can face off soon. Desperado then asks the fans, “You want me to say something cool to end this out? Well I don’t have it right now. But… I AM your IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion!”
Desperado raises the belt and the confetti streamers fly! The Rogue Luchador has quite the wish list before facing the Heel Master, will all his dream matches come true?
My Thoughts:
This was a very packed event for NJPW, I was not gonna be able to get all of this today. As I skimmed through, I couldn’t believe Douki & Kanemaru beat Bushi & Hiromu. Good wins for the Faces in those early Six Man Tags, and it seems the stipulations for Suzuki VS Yano for the KOPW 2022 is going to be between a handcuff match and a dog crate match. A very good match between Kojima and Khan, and a big win for Khan there. A great Six Man Tag of dream team and Blue Justice against LIJ, and another rare Skull End submission win for Sanada there. LIJ is building up so much momentum, but I feel like that’s all the more reason Okada and Tanahashi are going to retain their titles.
The matches I did cover were of course great stuff. Tiger Mask VS Gedo wasn’t going to be amazing but it was really good. Tiger Mask gets the win here to build momentum towards the Junior Heavyweight Tag title match he and Eagles will have against Taiji Ishimori & El Phantasmo, and who knows how that one goes. Yoh VS Sho was basically on par with all their other matches, and of course there was more overbooking with House of Torture and Chaos showing up. Yoh won the last time so naturally Sho wins this time, and this all feeds into the NEVER Openweight Six Man title match. That could probably go either way, too, but with Ishii and Evil fighting over the NEVER singles title, I feel like the House of Torture keeps the Six Man belts.
And what a great main event! Undeniably Wato’s best match yet. His character as a personality has been a bit odd, but I think some of that is on purpose. But in ring, he is definitely proving he’s near the top of the Junior Heavyweight card. But in the end, as I figured, Desperado retains. I like that he wants there to be crossover with OWE, and I bet he could get some great matches out of Lindaman and T-Hawk. Of course, Desperado VS Kanemaru would be a great one, too. Either way, it just feels like Desperado is gonna be running hot and having a lengthy reign with this belt, and he’s proven he deserves it.
My Score: 8.7/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Coverage
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 1.30.25
Are we gonna get consecutive weeks of momentum or we gonna get the “LOL TNA” moment already?
Coming off the first Live iMPACT! in 8 years, it has been pretty universally agreed upon that it was not a bad show. Good favor, a larger audience then they’ve had in years and TNA actually did fairly well establishing themselves as not a third rate duelist.
Let’s see if the good tidings continue or if things start to well…TNA.
The official liaison between @WWENXT and TNA, @AriannaGraceWWE, was rudely interrupted by Tessa Blanchard while speaking with @MeanGiaMiller!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/9IIhMDrtkn pic.twitter.com/8ImgauBAiO
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) January 31, 2025
Ratings:
- Cora Jade vs Hyan: Cora wins via Jaded – ** 1/2
- Brian Myers w/The System vs Leon Slater: Myers wins via Roster Cut – ** 3/4
- Laredo Kid vs Mustafa Ali: Ali wins via 450 – ** 3/4
- Eric Young & Josh Alexander vs Sinner & Saint: No Contest? EY Turned Heel – N/A
- Ace Austin vs Wes Lee w/Tyson & Tyriek: Wes wins via Cardiac Kick – ***
- Kaiba Boys (Nic & Ryan Nemeth) vs Fir$t Cla$$: Kaibas win via Danger Zone – ***
Results:
Nic Nemeth comes out to talk, doesn’t complain and says he’s just gonna dust himself off and start again. Ryan comes out to complain on behalf of “hiissss brrooother” and run down Hendry. Nic is playing babyface still and Ryan is instigating is typical little brother fashion. Nic tries to appease Ryan saying this could be a big year for both of them, so Fir$t Cla$$ music hits and KC Navarro cuts them off and hands off to AJ Francis. Ryan get mad at them interrupting, Nic tries to calm the situation but Ryan decides to agree to a tag match that Nic doesn’t seem like he wanted to go there. But Santino comes out and makes it official.
EXCLUSIVE: @XiaBrookside welcomed @WWENXT's @CoraJadeWWE to #TNAiMPACT, but things got HEATED fast!
Don't miss #TNAiMPACT TONIGHT at 8/7c on @AXSTV in the US, @Sportsnet 360 in Canada, and streaming worldwide on TNA+!
Get 1 month FREE of TNA+ with code: NXTNA pic.twitter.com/LP8ghA78Pv
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) January 30, 2025
Cora Jade vs Hyan
Hyan tries a Pump Kick, Cora catches it, lays her out and kicks her feet up in the corner getting cocky. Snapmare with the Hair, into a Springboard Single Stomp from Cora, Hyan is getting throttled along the ropes and putting up much of a fight to start. Hyan is usually just enhancement talent in TNA, even though she does have a solid pedigree in the indies and internationally. Hyan finally moves so Cora smashes herself into the corner, Wasteland from Hyan for a 1 count, Cora counters Hyan’s attempted offense and then hits Jaded for the win!
The match did what it needed to, Cora tried to lay in the boots further, Xia runs out to make a save but Cora baits her into a false sense of security and goes after Xia. So Masha comes out for the save on the person who made the save. Cora comes off looking pretty good and Masha scaring her off helps Masha’s aura.
.@MeanGiaMiller tries to get answers out of @WesLee_WWE, @TyriekIgwe_WWE and @_Tysonwwe_ for his attack on The Rascalz ahead of Lee's match with @The_Ace_Austin TONIGHT on iMPACT!
Watch #TNAiMPACT now on TNA+: https://t.co/9IIhMDrtkn
Get one month FREE with code: NXTNA pic.twitter.com/UIU5GgiylE
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) January 31, 2025
Brian Myers w/The System vs Leon Slater
Myers grabs the quick Headlock into the Shoulder Tackle and welcome back to 1997 wrestling starts. Myers got cocky, shot Leon into the ropes and eats a Shoulder Tackle from Leon, so a little showboating from Leon gets under Myers skin and causes him to make a few missteps. Leon hits the Feint Mule Kick into the Handspring Back Elbow for 2, but when he tries to continue, Myers pulls him down into the buckles. Myers looks for a Spear, Leon Leap Frogs and Myers eats turnbuckle. He powders, the System shields him from a dive, and we’re starting to see the numbers game come into play.
A Thrust Kick from Myers rocks Leon as he’s coming back in, Strong Irish Whip into a Gator Roll and then Sleeper Hold. Again, offense brought to you by Bill Clinton. Leon gets away from the Sleeper, tries to hit the ropes and Myers does his Baseball Slide Trip. Slow heel moves from Myers, Sleeper, Facelocks, Back Elbows…just slow classic heel offense. Leon tries to fire, eats a Knee Lift. Irish Whip but Leon counters by hoping the ropes to the apron, quick pop shot and then Springboard Crossbody into a series of Lariats and a Shotgun Kick! Leon has the momentum, Blue Thunder Bomb for two! Leon goes to the top, Myers is up, Leon rolls to the other side to avoid Myers, Myers eats a Leg Lariat from Leon and Myers pushes off, Bicycle Kick, Thrust Kick into Implant DDT for only two! Myers looks to Spear, gets rolled up in a Small Package, Kick out, dumped outside, Leon flies over the corner onto Myers!
System surrounds Leon, tries to get a few shots, but Leon has some quick offense for everyone. In the chaos, Lish puts a Ring on Myers’ hand so a Loaded Punch into Roster Cut and Myers wins!
Laredo Kid vs Mustafa Ali
Slow start with Ali being arrogant into a Lucha stalemate section where there’s Satellite counters, Headscissors and a powder to break the nonsense. Corner counters, Overhand Chops from both, they tussle on the top rope, Ali backflips off the ropes, Laredo tries a Crossbody but Mustafa hits a Dropkick. Grounded Abdominal Stretch from Ali, Laredo tries to fight up and out, but Ali slams him back down, talks smack, slaps him and then eats a Michinoku Driver out of nowhere! But only a two count! Ali manages to pull Laredo into the corner pads, tries a dirty pin with feet on the ropes but the referee sees it, Laredo tries a Roll-Up in the disarray, Ali kicks out, they run back and forth, Ali just slides out thinking he’s outsmarted Laredo but Laredo hits the Suicida for a solid pop. Ali pokes the eye and grabs at the mask, Laredo is off kilter, Ali baits Laredo through the corner, hits the Draping DDT off the apron, slides Laredo back in and 450 for the win.
Eric Young & Josh Alexander vs Sinner & Saint
Jabroni duo comes out, and they look stupid, their music is generic Hot Topic trash and the one with hair walks like he’s pretending to be a Delirious fused with a Dinosaur. They look so insanely pathetic.
Dino-nerd tries a stand switch and suplex but Josh no sells and looks like the older sibling judging the little sibling’s stupidity. Bald jabroni tags in, does nothing, blind tag just for Josh to single handedly lay both out. Of course they’re trying to establish the loser squad, so the eventually have a good defensive moment that catches Josh and isolates him in their corner. He still mostly takes care of both of them. This is honestly pathetic.
Locomotion counter switches in the corner before a Shotgun Kick wipes out Josh, Dino-nerd tries a Lio Rush style splash but misses, Josh tags out, EY looks to tee off but he turns and lays out Josh. EY turns heel…that was not on my Bingo Card, but I’m not mad about it. EY has the maniacal look in his eyes again, so Sanity or Violence by Design could be back? Can he call the group SAnitY since they’re working with WWE now?
Ace Austin vs Wes Lee w/Tyson & Tyriek
Things start slow then a few quick strike spots from Ace. A grounded Heel Kick and Enzuigiri rocks Wes, Wes slingshots back in, Sunset, Ace dodges tries to stay crouched to get cute but Up Kick from Wes kicks Ace in the face. Wes crotches Ace on the top rope, Enzuigiri, Suicida leaves Ace laying on the ramp. Wes hits the Street Fighter combo in with Ace shoved in the corner, the crowd chants “Boring” so Wes revels in the negativity and mockingly does the Rascalz taunt. A few quick shots and Ace kicks out at one and holds the ropes as Wes just lights him up with kicks. Ace asks for more, and goes full Strong Style. A few round kicks to the chest before Wes decides to do the hell thing and a Spinning Thrust Kick to the side of the face. Wes puts Ace in a Key Lock and Ace struggles to his feet before barely slipping the lock.
They trade strikes, Triangle Kick misses for Ace but he manages to connect after with a strike, a few more, Click Click Boom, Seated Miz Lariats in the corner, Wes falls out of the corner, Triangle Kick for the near fall, but the offense isn’t over and Ace hits the Gutwrench Sitout Powerbomb! Ace looks for The Fold, Tyson and Tyriek make their presence felt, Ace does the apron dance and kicks them both in the face. Wes gets dumped out of the ring, Ace with a Fosbury Flop (not the best one he’s done), Tyriek picks the ankle long enough to slow down Ace as Ace walks into the Cardiac Kick!
Wes and crew attacks Ace after the match, so The Rascalz make the save. We’re obviously going to get a 6 man soon, and this is perfectly fine.
Kaiba Boys (Nic & Ryan Nemeth) vs Fir$t Cla$$
AJ starts with Ryan and just shoves him away and demands Nic, Nic gets the best of AJ but AJ tags in KC and KC gets in a few quick shots, some cute counters and showboating before eating a Dropkick from Nic. AJ comes in to try and take out Nic, the Kaibas take out AJ and then dump KC into AJ’s arms and hold the ring going to commercial.
During the commercial a little blind tag and Spiderman in the ropes taunt from KC caught Ryan off guard so First Class is in control. AJ is beating the hell out of Ryan in the ropes, then hits Tennessee Whiskey for the “Money Money Money” taunt. KC tags himself in and starts slapping Ryan around, Dropkick into 305 as KC cuts off Ryan from Nic, throws Ryan in the corner, Rolling Uppercuts, Snapmare, Roll through, Chest Stomp into a near fall. KC tags in AJ and a little tandem offense gives them another near fall but Mokuba refuses to lose…so far. AJ steps on Ryan’s chest and then lays in a few Overhand Chops. AJ slowing things down, looks for a power move but Ryan slips it into a Sleeper Attempt but AJ counters and slams Ryan down for another two count. Two Sidewalk Slams after getting bounced out of the corner, but Ryan keeps kicking out.
AJ takes Nic off the apron, looks for another Sidewalk Slam but Ryan turns it into a Satellite DDT. Simultaneous tag time, KC eats the fire from Nic, two Lariats, Stinger Splash, Rude Awakening, 10 Count Shots to the Heart for…AJ breaks it up! AJ looks for a Down Payment but Nic slips, Superkick, Ryan tries to rock AJ to no avail so they both Lariat AJ out and Avalanche Polish Hammer from Ryan lays out AJ. KC tries the Flash Pinfall but Nic rolls out, a few quick shouts, Spinning Heel Kick from KC for a 2 count. Nic hits a FAMEasser into Danger Zone after Ryan’s blind tag so Ryan gets the cover as Nic just laughs and takes it in.
Overall Score: 6.25/10
Nothing to really be offended by. Some of the stuff was a little low stakes or obvious filler, but stories moved forward with Cora, Wes and the Kaibas. Plus you know, Eric Young turning on Josh is a little unexpected. EY has been the fill in Dreamer/Scott with the “Ra-Ra” speeches and feel good crap for significant shows, so having him go back to Maniac is a nice twist.
Tessa also steering into this “Locker Room bully” persona is smart. It’s not a stretch from what people already think, so steering into the skid is very smart. I may not have been blown away by anything in this episode, but it was definitely decent and did a solid enough job showcasing the partnership and not making the TNA talent feel like an after thought.
All in all, very nice.
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Who is the Face of ROH TV?
Leila Grey called out Red Velvet, and now they’re fighting for the gold! Who will be the ROH Women’s World Television Championship?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Sammy Guevara VS Aaron Solo; Sammy wins.
- Queen Aminata VS Allysin Kay; Aminata wins.
- ROH World Television Championship Proving Ground Match: Komander w/ Alex Abrahantes VS Lee Johnson w/ EJ Nduka; Time Limit Draw, Lee earns a future title match.
- Serpentico VS Brandon Cutler; Serpentico wins.
- ROH Rewind – ROH World Television Championship: Samoa Joe VS Tony Deppen; Joe wins and retains the title.
- Blake Christian VS Evil Uno w/ The Dark Order; Blake wins.
- ROH Women’s World Television Championship: Red Velvet VS Leila Grey; Velvet wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
Sammy Guevara VS Aaron Solo!
The Spanish God, a Son of Texas, is still ROH World Tag Team Champion after he and Dustin Rhodes took down The House of Torture in Tokyo! But will Sammy keep things going strong from WrestleDynasty? Or will The Extra Talented Aaron Solo bring the DOOM~ on behalf of QT Marshall?
The fans cheer on Sammy while he offers the Code of Honor handshake. Solo says nope, the fans boo, but the bell rings. Sammy and Solo circle, tie up, and Solo wrenches to a wristlock. Solo grins but the fans boo more. Solo keeps Sammy from the ropes, but Sammy spins, flips, and wrenches to wristlock in return. The fans cheer but Solo knees low! Solo fires a forearm, storms up on Sammy at the ropes and fires another. Sammy fires back but Solo knees low again! Solo whips, Sammy reverses, and Sammy hurdles, backflips, then DROPKICKS! Solo falls and Sammy kips up so smooth! The fans cheer and Sammy takes a bow.
Sammy aims and springboards, but he fakes Solo out to spin and pose. The fans cheer, Sammy eggs Solo on, and Solo storms in! Sammy DUMPS Solo back out, then builds speed to CORKSCREW PLANCHA! Direct hit on Solo, and Sammy shouts out Tay Melo and their baby, Luna. Sammy then CHOPS Solo against the railing, puts him in the ring, and covers, ONE! Solo is still in this but Sammy stays on him with a snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Sammy stays cool as he goes to the apron, and the fans rally up. Sammy springboards but Solo trips him up! Crash landing for Sammy and the fans boo, but Solo rains down fists!
Solo stomps Sammy at the ropes, the ref counts and Solo stops to soak up heat. Solo CHOKES Sammy on the ropes, steps off as the ref counts again, and he drags Sammy back up. Solo RAMS into Sammy at the corner, the fans taunt him with “YOU SUCK, SOLO!” but Solo just talks smack. Sammy CHOPS Solo! And CHOPS again! Solo knees low again, then snap suplexes! Cover, TWO! Sammy goes for ropes but Solo catches him to a chinlock. Solo digs his knee into Sammy’s back but the fans rally up. Sammy endures, fights up, and fires body shots. Sammy CHOPS Solo, CHOPS again, and CHOPS! But Solo knees low again!
Solo whips, Sammy ducks ‘n’ dodges, and he CROSSBODIES! And kips up! The fans fire up with Sammy, he dodges Solo, then RAMS him in the corner! ENZIGIRI! Then a slingshot, somersault and- NO, Solo rolls Sammy! TWO! Solo spins, Sammy ducks the kick and JUMP KNEES! Then he reels Solo in, back suplex KICK!! Cover, TWO!! Solo survives that modified Detonation Kick, but Sammy vows to end it here! Sammy brings Solo up to the torture rack, but Solo grabs ropes! Solo escapes to the apron, but Sammy GAMANGIRIS! Solo staggers up the ramp, and Sammy springboards, but Solo dodges! Sammy rolls through, and Solo runs up to ROCK him!
Sammy ROCKS Solo! Solo ROCKS Sammy! The fans cheer Sammy and boo Solo as they go back and forth. Solo SOBATS, then DREAMCAST- JUMP KNEE again! Sammy takes aim and SUPER- NO, Solo dodges to DREAMCAST KICK! Direct hit this time, and then Solo hit a DESTROYER on the ramp!! Solo shoves Sammy into the ring, then goes up the corner! DIVING DOUBLE STOMPS!! Cover, TWO!! Sammy survives the coup de grace and Solo is furious! The fans rally up while Sammy crawls to a corner. Solo runs up, but into a SUPERKICK! Sammy goes up, FLYING CUTTER! Sammy torture racks, GO TO HOSPITAL! Cover, Sammy wins!
Winner: Sammy Guevara, by pinfall
No doom here! The Spanish God pulls out the victory, but who will target the Sons of Texas and their gold next?
ROH World Television Championship Proving Ground Match: Komander w/ Alex Abrahantes VS Lee Johnson w/ EJ Nduka!
The Commander of the Skies pushed Kazuchika Okada further than expected last Saturday on Collision, which is probably why Okada disrespected him even after winning. But now, Komander must focus on his own growing list of challengers. Will he be able to end this in ten minutes or less? Or will he owe Big Shotty a title shot?
The Code of Honor is not upheld as Lee kicks Komander’s hand away, and the bell rings. The two circle, feel things out, then tie up. Lee waistlocks and SLAMS Komander, then floats over to slap him around! The fans boo but EJ says it’s too easy. Lee smirks as he and Komander reset and circle again. The fans rally up, the two tie up, and Komander wrenches to then hook a leg. Komander slaps Lee around now and the fans cheer. Abrahantes says two can play at that game, and Lee resets with Komander. They circle, tie up, and Lee waistlocks. Lee half nelsons, Komander spins but Lee hip tosses, only for Komander to handspring through!
Komander hip tosses Lee, but Lee UP KICKS! Lee hits a headlock takeover, grinds Komander down, but the fans rally up. Komander fights up, powers out, but Lee CLOBBERS Komander! Lee says it’s too easy. The fans boo but Lee grins. Lee goes back for Komander, but Komander sips around to waistlock. Lee bucks the O’Conner, but Komander ducks the lariat! Komander wheelbarrows and arm-drags, but Lee comes back! Komander denies the Code Breaker, trips Lee up, then drops an ELBOW! Lee writhes, Komander stalks him, but Lee runs up. Komander puts Lee on the apron, then triangle jump DROPKICKS him down!
The fans fire up, Komander builds speed, but he has to literally slow his roll as EJ stands in the way. The Judge wags his finger at Komander while the fans boo. The ref tells EJ to back up, and Lee slides into the ring. Komander hurries to aim from the apron, but EJ trips him up! Abrahantes protests but EJ gets away with that one. Komander is annoyed, but Lee BLASTS him down! The fans boo more but Lee high-fives with EJ. Lee then stands Komander up to fire a BODY BLOW! Komander sputters, Lee RAMS him into the apron! EJ says that’s how you do it! Lee whips Komander hard into more railing!
Komander staggers, clutching a hip, but Lee brings Komander around. Lee puts Komander in, covers, ONE! Komander shows that toughness but Lee looms over him. Lee scuffs Komander, the fans rally up, and Komander rises up. Lee is on him but Komander fires a BODY SHOT! Komander RAMS into Lee at the corner, CHOPS him, but Lee kicks low! And CHOPS in return! Lee whips Komander to swing him around and send hard into the buckles! The fans boo but Lee runs up, into a BOOT! Lee staggers, runs back in, but Komander ELBOWS Lee away! Komander goes up, up, but Lee GAMANGIRIS!
Lee climbs up after Komander, but Komander fires body shots! The fans rally, Komander SHOVES Lee down, and Komander adjusts! Tightrope walk and CROSSBODY! Direct hit and the fans fire up! Komander stands, dodges Lee’s lariat, and he rolls to go up, FACEBUSTER! The fans fire up again while Komander crawls to the cover, TWO! Lee stays in this but Komander is more sore from the ribs. Komander goes to the apron, the fans rally up, and he RAMS into Lee! Springboard, flying sunset flip! Lee rolls through, Komander goes up the ropes again to RANA! Cover, TWO!! Lee escapes in time and EJ is relieved.
The fans rally while both men are down. Komander rises, the fans tune up with him, and he runs up on Lee. Lee fireman’s carries, ROLLING DEATH VALLEY! PENALTY KICK! STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO!! Komander survives the assault and Lee is furious! EJ also argues the count but the ref defends it. Lee huffs ‘n’ puffs and storms up on Komander. Lee drags Komander up by his mask, reels him in, but Komander slips free of the bomb! SUPERKICK! Lee goes to a corner, Komander runs in, but Lee puts Komander on the apron! Komander ENZIGIRIS! Lee drops to his knees and Komander climbs.
Lee stands to ROCK Komander first! Lee climbs up, brings Komander up again, but Komander fights the suplex! Komander fires body shots, then goes up and over! SUPER SUNSET BOMB!! Lee writhes, but so does Komander! The fans rally again as Komander goes to the apron. EJ coaches Lee but we get the one minute warning! Komander hurries to springboard SWANTON! Direct hit but Komander has to crawl back to the cover! TWO!! Lee survives, Komander scrambles back to the corner, and the fans rally up again. Komander is up top at 30 seconds left, and Komander tightrope walks! CIELITO LINDO!! But he can’t make the cover!!
Komander flails and flounders, but EJ drags Lee out of the ring! The Judge makes the save, and TIME’S UP!!
Time Limit Draw; Lee Johnson earns a title opportunity
Big Shotty has a big grin on his face, but he survived the Proving Grounds. Will Lee grab that gold when he and Komander meet again?
ROH Rewind – ROH World Television Championship: Samoa Joe VS Tony Deppen!
Here on Episode 101, we flashback to Episode 2! The Samoan Submission Machine dropped the TNT Championship just before this, but he took on a former ROH World TV Champion’s challenge, watch as Joe gets the rebound!
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who truly reigns in ROH!
The Code of Honor is upheld, the bell rings, and fans rally for “JOE! JOE! JOE!” as he circles with Deppen. They tie up, fans sing “Joe is gonna kill~ you!” as Joe puts Deppen on ropes. The ref counts the break, Joe lets off cleanly and smirks as Deppen resets. The two circle, tie up, and Joe puts Deppen in the corner. The ref calls the break again, but Joe CHOPS Deppen as he lets off. Fans rally up for Joe again but Deppen shrugs that off. Deppen and Joe tie up again, go around, and Deppen wrenches to a wristlock. Joe wrenches right back, but Deppen rolls and hooks a leg. Joe twists the wrist but Deppen rolls back, stands up and CHOPS! And ROCKS! And CHOPS!
Deppen fires off on Joe in the corner but Joe HEADBUTTS! Then JAB, JAB, JAB! Joe fires off fast hands and a CHOP! Deppen falls and fans fire up! Deppen sits up and gasps, but he CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Deppen runs, but Joe CLOBBERS him! Joe looms over Deppen before he covers, TWO! Deppen goes to ropes but Joe stalks him. Joe JABS again, and again, and again! Joe stomps Deppen to the corner, stomps him more then digs his boot in. The ref counts, Joe lets off, but Deppen shoulders into Joe. Deppen eggs Joe on, so Joe CHOPS and KICKS him down! Joe drags Deppen up, back elbows then JABS, then HEADBUTTS!
Joe stands Deppen up but Deppen throws hands. Deppen backs Joe down, ELBOWS him, then CLUBS him on the back! Deppen whips corner to corner, Joe reverses and runs in to back body block, then PELE! Deppen goes down again and fans fire up! Fans rally behind Joe, and Joe drags Deppen up. Joe hoists Deppen up top as fans sing again. But Deppen fights the tuck to HEADBUTT! Joe CHOPS in return! Joe climbs up, clinches, but Deppen throws body shots! Deppen ROCKS Joe, stands and leaps, to MISSILE DROPKICK! Fans fire up, Deppen says Joe is dead, but Joje puts Deppen on the apron. Deppen dodges the haymaker to SLINGSHOT STUNNER!
Joe staggers, Deppen rolls Joe up, TWO!! Joe escapes but Deppen is focused! Deppen runs in, URENAGE and KNEE collide!! Both men fall but Deppen makes the cover, TWO!! Deppen almost had Joe but he isn’t sure what he has to do now. Deppen climbs the corner and fans rally up. DIVING- NO, Joe avoids the stomps! Deppen comes back, the URENAGE hits clean! Joe storms up on Deppen, reels him in, but Deppen drops! Victory roll, TWO!! Joe LARIATS Deppen! Joe then puts Deppen up top, tucks him in, and brings him out, MUSCLE BUSTER!! Cover, Joe wins!
Winner: Samoa Joe, by pinfall (still ROH World Television Champion)
From this victory, Samoa Joe would defeat Mark Briscoe in a great 1v1 match, but then VACATE it so that he could hunt down the AEW World Championship. Joe is back in action this Saturday Night Collision alongside Hook, will they make quick work of The Patriarchy?
The Infantry is backstage.
And they’re shaking down some rando for information? The cameraman ruins things and Carlie Bravo says they’re just trying to make an honest living. Shawn Dean says the cameras always have perfect timing. The more things change, the more they stay the same. Well, here are some things that changed: their attitudes; their patience with ROH; but more importantly, their pockets! Shane Taylor Promotions backed the Brinks truck up and they’re getting paid! City to city, paying for all the bad habits! But most importantly, that means ROH is on notice that this is the Crash Out World Tour! They’re handing out Double Stomps like they’re Oprah!
You get a double stomp! You get a double stomp! You get a double stomp! If you get caught in the ring, two to the head! If you get caught in the halls, two to the head! If you get caught in catering, two to the head! If you get caught walking your grandma across the street, two to the head! But hey, ROH no longer stands for “Ring of Honor.” It’s “Run Or Hide.” Why? Cuz the Infantry’s outside. So either rep the set, or expect disrespect! POP POP! Bravo & Dean have issued the warning, who will heed it and who will eat it?
ROH Women’s World Television Championship: Red Velvet VS Leila Grey!
These two used to be the best of baddies, but that was when AEW was in the eye of the storm. Since then, they’ve walked very different paths, and it is The Chef who stands atop the summit as a champion. But will she be able to serve up another L? Or will the Top Flight Attendant take her for a ride?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is the baddest baddie of them all!
The Code of Honor is barely kept, as Velvet has attitude to spare. The bell rings, the fans rally up, and the two tie up. Velvet headlocks and grinds Leila, but Leila slips out to the headlock. Velvet goes to ropes, Leila lets off, and Velvet claims there was hair pulling. Leila and Velvet reset, tie up, but Velvet stomps a foot! Velvet fires forearms, then whips. Leila ducks ‘n’ dodges and CLOBBERS Velvet! The fans fire up with Leila and she storms up on Velvet. Leila scoops and SLAMS Velvet, then runs for a SENTON! The fans cheer as Leila stalks Velvet. Velvet ROCKS Leila, but Leila fires back! Leila UPPERCUTS, kicks, and KICKS!
Leila kicks a leg out, runs, and she SHOTGUNS Velvet down! Velvet scrambles and Leila is annoyed. The fans rally, Leila eggs Velvet on, but Velvet takes her time. Velvet tells fans to shut up, and Champion’s Advantage is on her side. Leila storms out after Velvet hits a BODY SHOT! Velvet CLUBS Leila, RAMS Leila into the apron, then RAMS her in again! The ref reprimands but Velvet DOUBLE CHOPS Leila down. Velvet puts Leila under the apron skirt, then steps on her to go up to the apron. The fans boo but Velvet taunts them before leaving Leila behind. The ring count climbs, Leila rises, and Velvet mocks the fans cheering Leila on.
Velvet then runs, slides, and YANKS Leila down! The fans boo, Velvet mocks them some more, then she brings Leila up. Velvet ROCKS Leila, but Leila hits back! Velvet ROCKS Leila again, then puts some stank on the CHOP! And CHOP! Velvet says one more time, puts some more stank on it, but Leila dodges! Leila fires CHOP after CHOP on Velvet and the fans fire up! Leila is all fired up, and she vows to win that title! Leila kicks Velvet, then stalks Velvet to the corner. Velvet CHOPS, puts Leila in the ring, and then drags her into the corner. Velvet mocks Leila’s promise, then fires BODY SHOTS! The fans boo but Velvet sits Leila down.
Velvet digs her boots in while doing the splits, but she steps off as the ref counts. Velvet stalks Leila, and she CLUBS her on the back! Velvet “kicks dirt,” then runs to DOUBLE KNEE Leila in the back! The ref reprimands but Velvet says Leila’s still in the ring. Velvet pushes Leila down, clamps on a full nelson, and she leans on the hold. Leila endures, the fans rally up, and Leila fights up. Leila breaks free, runs, but into a CALF KICK! Velvet snarls, then she clamps onto Leila with a chinlock. Velvet taunts Leila while she endures, and Leila fights up again. The fans rally, Leila fires body shots, and she hits a BIG back suplex!
The fans cheer while Velvet flounders away to a corner. Leila rises, Velvet runs up, but Leila dodges to roll her up! ONE, but Leila hurries. Velvet KNEES low, whips Leila to ropes, but Leila LARIATS on return! And LARIATS again! Leila BOOTS Velvet, the fans fire up, and Leila runs in! SHINING WIZARD in the corner! Then running CUTTER, and roll back! DRAGON SLEEPER! Velvet endures being bent back and the fans fire up! Velvet reaches out, ROPEBREAK by a foot! Leila lets go in frustration, but she CLUBS away on Velvet. Leila goes up the corner, but Velvet ROCKS her first! Velvet cross the arms, ICONOCLASM! Cover, TWO!!
Leila survives and Velvet is furious! Velvet drags Leila up, bumps her off buckles, and then whips corner to corner. Velvet runs in, but Leila ELBOWS her away! Leila goes to another corner, ELBOWS Velvet away again, then goes up. The fans rally as Velvet staggers around, into the BLOCKBUSTER! Leila crawls to the cover, TWO! Leila grows further frustrated, but she hurries to get Velvet up. Leila scoops, SLAMS, and waits on velvet. Velvet stands into another scoop, but she slips free! Velvet CLUBS Leila, sits her down, and dragon sleepers! STRAIGHT OUT THE KITCHEN!! Cover, Velvet wins!
Winner: Red Velvet, by pinfall (still ROH Women’s World Television Champion)
Red beats Grey and keeps the gold! She beat this Leila, but will she and LEGIT Leyla soon run it back?
My Thoughts:
A great ROH here, though that was mostly because it was only an hour and 11 minutes. And again, the ROH Rewind accounts for some of that, with it being a match I covered. The matches I skipped were also still very good, with Serpentico VS Cutler and Blake VS Uno both surprisingly competitive. Very good opener from Sammy VS Solo, though I was expecting them to start on an ROH World Tag Team Championship story already. Maybe that’ll be next week, given AEW Revolution is in March and ROH Supercard of Honor is more than likely in April. We can get a good match out of like a Revolution Zero Hour, and then a much bigger match for Supercard.
Great Proving Ground match, though I’m surprised it’s Komander as the one unable to beat someone in under ten minutes. Komander VS Lee for the title will be a great match, hard to call how it’ll go. Very good promo from The Infantry, and I would think they’re in the running for a shot at the tag titles. Them, MXM Collection, maybe “The Fraternity,” aka a combination of Cole Karter, Griff Garrison and Preston Vance after Jacked Jameson gave them that idea. And great main event from Velvet VS Leila, probably one of Leila’s better showings, but Velvet of course won out. She’ll keep building momentum until Leyla is back, and we’ll get one more great match from them, perhaps for Supercard.
My Score: 8.7/10
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