Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (2/25/22)

The Beast, the Tribal Chief, and a contract!

Published

3 years ago

February 25, 2022

Steven Mitchell

SmackDown solidifies WrestleMania’s Winner Takes All!

Brock Lesnar returns to SmackDown to sign a contract with Roman Reigns! It will be Winner Takes All at WrestleMania, but will the fighting start tonight?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

The New Day VS Los Lotharios; The New Day wins.
Xia Li VS Natalya; Xia wins.
Sasha Banks VS Shotzi Blackheart; Sasha wins.
Drew McIntyre VS “Happy” Corbin w/ “Mad Cap” Moss; changed to…
Drew McIntyre VS “Mad Cap” Moss w/ “Happy” Corbin; McIntyre wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Michael Cole is in the ring.

And he introduces the former Raw Women’s Champion, the winner of the 2022 Women’s Royal Rumble, and the Baddest Woman on the Planet, RONDA ROUSEY! Fans in Hershey, Pennsylvania are rowdy for Rowdy Ronda as she makes her way out to the ring. Cole welcomes Ronda while fans chant her name, and Cole says it has been 3 years since Ronda stepped foot inside the WWE ring. Why did she return at the Rumble? Well, main eventing in 2019, she broke her hand. After rehabbing that, she broke her other hand. Then she became pregnant with her daughter. And as soon as she knew her due date, that four months after, she’d come back and earn her second main event. And she did!

But that’s because Ronda’s mom was the first American to win the World Judo Championships while a single mother. While working as an engineer and working towards her PhD. Ronda wanted to set that same example of badassery for her daughter. Cole says her daughter has quite the role model. Ronda’s accomplished so much. She was the first American to medal in Judo at Olympics. She was the first Women’s UFC Champion. She was the first woman in the UFC Hall of Fame. And she was one of three women to main event WrestleMania for the very first time. So with all of those things, how does it feel to finally win the Royal Rumble?

It felt great in the moment, but Ronda doesn’t dwell on the past. She looks to what’s next: the first woman in a long time to tap out Charlotte Flair. She teamed with Naomi to take on Charlotte and Sonya Deville, but with one arm tied behind her back. Ronda did well against Sonya, but with Charlotte it was a different story. We get a slideshow of Charlotte dominating Ronda while she had only the one arm. Ronda is upset seeing that slideshow, but she is even more upset seeing Charlotte arrive in person! Charlotte spins for her pyro and then tells Ronda, last Saturday was a little taste of a welcome back, and it was so much fun!

Charlotte says she showed mercy. She felt sorry for Ronda having just one arm. But it won’t be like that at WrestleMania. That’s because WrestleMania is supposed to be STUPENDOUS~! It will be when Charlotte puts Ronda in the Figure Eight and for the first time in Ronda’s life, she screams for mercy and taps out. Which means Charlotte will remain SmackDown Women’s Champion. But the silver lining or Ronda is that she can go home and work on baby number two! But then SONYA DEVILLE attacks Ronda from behind! Sonya taunts Ronda, but then Charlotte trips Ronda and drags her to the post!

Charlotte SLAMS a leg into the post! And again! That’s Ronda’s surgically repaired leg! Sonya asks Ronda, “Why is it that you’re such a failure?!” She drags Ronda up, but gets TOSSED! Sonya bails out to regroup with Charlotte, and Ronda has a furious look on her face. Will Ronda look to rip into everyone on her way to WrestleMania?

The New Day is cruising!

They ride the ATV Kofi got birthday boy Big E as they head to gorilla. Will they be celebrating even more with another win over Los Lotharios?

Adam Pearce has Sonya watch the film back.

He can’t believe Sonya is getting involved in things. It is his duty to inform Sonya that next week, she goes 1v1 with Ronda Rousey. Upper management has made that match official, there’s no getting out of it now. Will Sonya regret throwing off the jacket and throwing down with the Baddest Woman on the Planet?

The New Day VS Los Lotharios!

Big E & Kofi Kingston got the better of Angel Garza & Humberto Carrillo as they prepared for Valentine’s Day, but then the self-professed lethal lovers loved getting revenge on them. Will Garza & Carrillo be feeling sweet here in Hershey? Or will they just feel~ the power~?

As Garza & Carrillo make their entrance, they get the Kiss Cam going. And they find a young lady in the front row to give a kiss on each cheek to. But then the New Day makes their entrance and pull up to the announce desk. They high-five Pat McAfee then park by the ring. The teams sort out, Kofi starts with Carrillo. They tie up, Carrillo wrenches, Kofi rolls and handsprings and then trips Carrillo for a SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Fans rally for “NEW! DAY ROCKS!” already as Kofi puts Carrillo in the corner. Tag to Big E, he runs in to RAM Carrillo, then Big E sets up as a step for Kofi to run in, Positivity in Motion!

Kofi then feeds Carrillo to Big E’s LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Big E drags Carrillo up, spins him around and has the cobra twist! Fans cheer as Big E CLUBS the rhythm into Carrillo’s ribs. Carrillo endures, fights free, stomps the foot and knees Big E. Carrillo throws hands, but Big E hits back! Big E CLUBS Carrillo on the back and CLUBS him down! Tag to Kofi, Big E snapmares Carrillo for Kofi to run and leap frog SENTON! Cover, TWO! Kofi keeps on Carrillo but Carrillo kicks back. Carrillo whips but Kofi goes up and leaps to missile dropkick! Kofi runs in but is put on the apron. He ducks to GAMANGIRI, then he tells Garza to stay back.

But Carrillo still dropkicks Kofi down! Tag to Garza, and he whips Carrillo at Big E to knock him down! Then Los Lotharios both go out to RAM Kofi into the apron! Garza throws off the pants as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Kofi has to fight out of the Los Lotharios corner, only for Garza to CLUB away on him! Kofi’s stuck in the Tree of Woe, Garza tags Carrillo and Los Lotharios double basement dropkick! Carrillo drags Kofi to center for a cover, TWO! Carrillo keeps on Kofi with a cobra clutch but fans are rallying up! Kofi fights up and throws body shots, but Carrillo keeps him away from Big E! Carrillo CLUBS Kofi, then sucker punches Big E! Fans boo but Carrillo grins. Carrillo drags Kofi over, tags in Garza, and Los Lotharios hook the legs for a DOUBLE LEG CATAPULT! Garza then holds on for a HALF CRAB!

Kofi endures, fights and moves around, and he kicks Garza away! Kofi then gets up to DOUBLE STOMP Garza down! Fans fire up but Kofi clutches his leg. “NEW! DAY ROCKS!” Kofi crawls, Garza grabs at him but Kofi kicks Garza away. Hot tags to Big E and Carrillo! Carrillo runs into an OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! And another! And then a SIDE Belly2Belly! Big E swivels them hips, runs side to side and BIG SPLASHES! Big E claps, fans clap with him. Carrillo flounders to his feet, Big E scoops but Garza slides in. Big E runs Garza off, Carrillo SUPERKICKS Big E! Tag to Garza and he runs in, into an Urenag-E!

Tag to Kofi, Big E reels Garza into a wheelbarrow, FLYING BULLDOG! Cover, Carrillo breaks it! Big E ducks the roundhouse but not the ENZIGURI! Kofi dropkicks Carrillo! Garza swings but into SO- NO! Garza shoves Kofi out and DIVES! Direct hit and down goes Kofi! Garza hurries to get Kofi up and in, but he also looks at the New Day ATV. He admires it’s fine lines, but Kofi comes back with FLYING AX HANDLES! Kofi puts Garza in, but Carrillo rushes over! Into Big E’s OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! Kofi gest up top, but Garza SUPERKICKS the crossbody! Cover, TWO!! Kofi survives!

Garza drags Kofi to a drop zone and goes up top. But then Big E threatens to run over Carrillo! Garza begs for mercy, but Kofi rolls Garza, JUMP KNEE! Tag to Big E, Big E scoops Garza! Kofi is up top, MIDNIGHT HOUR!! Cover, New Day wins!

Winners: The New Day, by pinfall

A big birthday win for Big E & Kofi Kingston! Granted, they threatened Carrillo with more than just torn up Valentine’s cards. But with this, will the New Day make their way back up towards the SmackDown Tag Team Championships?

Rick Boogs & Shinsuke Nakamura go on a road trip!

They’re really just test driving the all new Toyota Tundra TRD Pro! “They gave us the keys!” They explore the great outdoors in Sonoma, California. Nakamura loves surfing and kayaking so they use the GPS to guide the way to the lake. They’re a great team on the land and water! Watch on social media as the adventure continues!

Sheamus & Ridge Holland find The New Day backstage.

“Well, well, well, well. Would you look at this?” A new toy, huh? Very nice. But if these two want to show up for Fight Night, they’ll need this ATV to carry their sorry arses out of the building. Right, Ridgy? Too right. The New Day laugh that off and then zoom off. Sheamus is mad and so is Holland. Will the Fella and his protégé be careful they don’t end up as roadkill?

Sam Roberts is here!

And his guests are the SmackDown Tag Team Champions, the Usos! He asks them about tonight’s contract signing. No no no no. There’s no contract signing, Toucan Sam. This is a signing for the BIGGEST match in WrestleMania history! Winner Takes All, Championship Unification. Brock Lesnar has no idea what he’s gotten himself into. Roman’s gonna put that work on Brock, just like the Usos put that work on the Viking Raiders. Smelly Vikings that is. They smell like Sam. They can smell those two coming from a mile away. But Erik & Ivar then jump them! So much for that! Erik & Ivar says, “You smell that?! We want our tag team title shots!” Will the raid not be denied?

Backstage interview with Xia Li.

The Protector is having her SmackDown in-ring debut against Natalya, and she’s been waiting her whole life for this. Xia worked so hard in NXT and dreamt about being here. She’s nervous, but she’s also confident. She is the Protector, and Natty will be the one needing protection! Will the Queen of Harts learn what happens to bullies when Xia’s around?

Xia Li VS Natalya!

SmackDown returns and Natalya makes her entrance. Aliyah, Mansoor, Shayna Baszler and even Drew Gulak are all watching backstage for this one. The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Natty waistlocks then throws Xia by her hair! Xia gets to the corner but Natty stomps away on her. The ref counts, Natty lets off then pushes Xia around. Natty whips Xia hard to a corner, then brings her around to whip the other way. Xia goes up the corner, leaps over Natty, then comes back to dropkick Natty down! Cover, TWO! Xia gets Natty up to scoop but Natty slips off and DISCUS LARIATS! Cover, TWO!

Natty is upset, she puts Xia in the corner to stomp and SLAP her! Natty then brings Xia out to snap suplex! Natty kicks Xia around, tells fans to shut up, and then she brings Xia up. Xia hits back but Natty CLUBS her down. Natty stands Xia up to wrap her up in a cobra twist! Xia endures, even as Natty SLAPS her in the side. Natty pulls on the stretch but Xia endures, even as Natty adds a leg! Xia elbows Natty’s leg and gets free to arm-drag! Xia blocks Natty, throws haymakers, then blocks the leg to CLUB the leg! Xia throws a back elbow, then JUMP KNEES, and JUMP KNEES again!

Xia sobat kicks Natty to a corner, runs in at the corner, step up and ELBOW to the head! Then a pump handle EXPLODER! Cover, TWO! Natty is still in this, she is the winningest woman in WWE. Natty trips Xia, stomps her then steps through, but Xia resists the Sharpshooter and boots Natty away! Xia gets up, fans fire up with her, and she powers up before she run sin, SPINNING HEEL KICK!! Cover, Xia wins!

Winner: Xia Li, by pinfall

What a powerful strike! The Protector defeats one of the Best Of All Time, will she soon become one of the best in her own right?

Sami Zayn heads to the ring!

The NEW three-time WWE Intercontinental Champion is here, back in his fancy gold leaf tuxedo jacket, because he is going to celebrate his victory! What will the Great Liberator have to say about his vindication? We find out, after the break.

SmackDown returns and balloons have been set up and Sami has the title on a pedestal. Sami has a mic to sing, “Oh happy~ day~!” Because FINALLY, justice has been served! That’s all he’s ever wanted! It’s true what they say: you can’t keep a good man down. “They” have tried everything, Sami was the victim of a massive conspiracy that targeted him and robbed him of the Intercontinental Championship, but look! Look at this set-up! Okay, if he’s being honest, this isn’t what he asked for, the colors don’t match his suit. But the old Sami would’ve said this is part of the conspiracy. Which brings us to the million dollar question.

If Sami recaptured his title, that begs the question: Is there or was there ever a conspiracy? The answer is YES. “They” will persecute Sami any chance they get, but now he knows! No matter what “they” throw at him, Sami can overcome all of it! Show some respect, ladies and gentlemen for YOUR Intercontinental Champion!! Fans choose to boo and give thumbs down instead. But Sami wants everyone to know, he is happy to give Nakamura a rematch for this title, but he is still picking up pieces of his knees that Sami shattered! So sadly, Nakamura isn’t available. But unlike Nakamura, Sami is happy to defend his title against any and all comers!

Anyone who is brave enough to step foot in the ring with Sami, he has no problem with them. But with business taken care of, let’s party! But here comes Johnny Knoxville! Hershey erupts as Jackass Forever’s very own is here! Sami says, “Okay okay okay, hahaha.” Ladies and Gentlemen, Johnny Knoxville. They cheered for him, so now what the hell is he doing here? Well Sami crashed Knoxville’s celebration, so he’s returning the favor. How’s Sami doing? He’s doing great, actually. it’s great to have Knoxville here. But they can catch up later. So respectfully, Sami asks Knoxville to turn around and get the hell outta here!

Now, wait, didn’t Sami throw out a challenge for anyone brave enough? So then, let’s do it! Sami is beside himself while fans are cheering Knoxville on. Apparently, Knoxville doesn’t learn. But Sami will tell him again. He has no problems saying it: Knoxville doesn’t belong! He doesn’t belong in the same ring as Sami! But Sami knows Knoxville is just trying to get under his skin and in his head. It’s actually working! But Sami sees through Knoxville and it wont’ work. What’s the matter, Sami? Don’t you wanna be a fighting champion? Or do you not have the balls? Fans chant, “No Balls! No Balls!”

Sami drops the mic, so Knoxville drops his. The two go face to face, Sami says he should drop Knoxville here, but he won’t. He’s better than that. Fans cheer for Knoxville as Sami goes to take his leave. But then Sami sucker punches Knoxville! Sami rains down fists! Fans boo and Sami lets off. Knoxville gets up but Sami puts him in the corner! HELLUVA KICK! “The gloves are off!” Sami gets in Knoxville’s face but referees have him back off. Sami gets loose to HELLUVA KICK again!! Sami holds up the Intercontinental Championship, but will he have no choice but to accept Knoxville’s challenge?

WWE celebrates Black History Month and honors Titus O’Neil.

Titus O’Neil founded the Bullard Family Foundation, which hosts programs every year to help children, such as the Back to School Bash. In 2021, they donated 30 THOUSAND backpacks full of school supplies to help under resourced students. Titus’ work also led him to support a Tampa Bay school, and it was renamed the Thaddeus M Bullard Academy at Sligh Middle Magnet School. Then the foundation helped the school build gardens. Titus is also in the Boys & Girls Club of America Hall of Fame.

Adam Pearce confronts Sami backstage.

Sami says he didn’t start it, but he is sorry for overreacting. It’s just that Knoxville gets under Sami’s skin so badly! Pearce gets it, because Sami’s giving him a headache after Sami left Knoxville laying and busted up! Ricochet walks over and says he knows there’s a lot of stuff going around, but he overheard that open challenge. Ricochet’s stepping up. Well okay, take a number. Pearce says ricochet is on to something. Maybe we should make it for next week: Sami VS Ricochet, Intercontinental Championship. Ricochet thanks Pearce for that, and tells Sami No Balls he’ll see him next week. Will the One and Only be the one and only challenger Sami faces when he loses this close to WrestleMania?

Sasha Banks VS Shotzi Blackheart!

The Boss is back! She’s the standard, the blueprint, and a former women’s champion, but will she be feeling #LEGIT on the road to WrestleMania? Or will she be welcomed to the ball pit by the wild child tonight?

But before things get going, Naomi makes her way out! She hands out some glow sticks before she joins commentary. The bell rings, Sasha and Shotzi circle and then Shotzi pie faces Sasha as a way to welcome her back. Sasha gets a n arm and drags Shotzi down! Shotzi slips out, pulls hair, but Sasha CHOPS Shotzi! Sasha then dodges, tilt-o-whirls and suplexes! Una amiga! Sasha gets Shotzi up for dos amigas! But Shotzi blocks the third to suplex and hang Sasha out to dry! Sasha flops down, Shotzi stomps away on her! The ref counts, Shotzi lets off, and then she covers, TWO! Shotzi is annoyed, and she pushes Sasha around.

Shotzi runs, SENTON against the ropes! Cover, TWO! Fans rally as Shotzi stands Sasha up. Sasha resists the suplex and waistlocks to O’Conner Roll, ONE! Sasha is in a corner, Shotzi run sin but into DEADLY NIGHTSHADE! Then METEORA! Naomi cheers Boss Time, and Sasha runs in, BASEMENT CODE BREAKER! Sasha wants Shotzi to get up, BACKSTABBER to BANK STATEMENT! Shotzi taps, Sasha wins!

Winner: Sasha Banks, by submission

Naomi applauds and says bye to commentary so she can join Sasha in the ring. Naomi looks at Sasha, and says, “I just wanna say, you’re looking at the next WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions!” Sasha likes that, and they fist bump! Is Team BAD back in business? Will they dethrone Carmella & Queen Zelina on the Grandest Stage of Them All?

Backstage interview with Mad Cap Moss & Happy Corbin.

The Happy Folks are facing Drew McIntyre again, the man who nearly ended Moss’ career at Elimination Chamber. It was no laughing matter as the Inverted Alabama Slam could’ve ended up a piledriver. McIntyre also used Angela the sword to scare of Corbin, though he almost beheaded him instead. Corbin is somehow able to laugh? “Now that was using your head!” Oh, sorry. But Moss has the strongest neck ever. Otherwise things could’ve been a real disaster. Now, can’t say the same about tonight because Corbin VS McIntyre is a Mania level match that happens here on SmackDown.

McIntyre is off his rocker! He tried to take Corbin’s head off with a sword! You do not get to disrespect an undefeated powerhouse like Happy Corbin and get away with it. And you don’t get to do that to his friends, either. Tonight, Corbin shows McIntyre who the real warrior is, and that’s no joke. Will Corbin help Moss feel much better? Or will he be feeling just as battered and bruised after tonight?

Drew McIntyre VS Happy” Corbin w/ “Mad Cap” Moss!

SmackDown returns as the Happy Folks make their entrance. Corbin wants a mic before the match, and he tells McIntyre, this is a WrestleMania caliber match. Is McIntyre sure he wants to be embarrassed in Hershey, Pennsylvania? “Just look around. These people are pathetic. And y’know, nothing would make me happier than stomping you into a pulp, but speaking of things that make me happy, my man, Mad Cap Moss. That man is tough as nails. That man is an inspiration. That man landed on his head and neck and continued to fight.” Corbin wants Moss to stand up on the apron to show the people how great he really is!

Fans boo Moss as he gives himself thumbs up. Y’know what? Moss, you should take this match! You deserve a rematch! What? After what happened to his neck? Yeah, he’s got this! It’s only McIntyre. What? Corbin is chickening out? Moss rushes into the ring but McIntyre sees the sneak attack coming! But that leaves him open to Corbin’s sneak attack! The Happy Folks mug McIntyre! The ref reprimands but Corbin applauds what he and Moss did. But it seems the switch is still happening! Can Moss redeem himself from Elimination Chamber? Or will he end up getting hurt worse than before?

The bell rings, Moss runs in and RAMS into McIntyre! Moss would be more fired up if not for his sore neck. Moss stands McIntyre up, only to get a GLASGOW KISS! McIntyre storms up, blocks the boot, and Moss fears what’s next! Inverted Alabama and Corbin freaks out! McIntyre throws Moss into the ropes and Moss scrambles to regroup with Corbin. McIntyre says it’s only a matter of time. Will Moss want to get back in that ring? We’ll see after the break!

SmackDown returns and Corbin cheers as Moss has McIntyre down in a chinlock. McIntyre endures, fans rally, and McIntyre fights up to throw body shots. McIntyre CHOPS Moss, then whips him corner to corner. Moss BOOTS McIntyre down! Corbin says to keep on him, and Moss builds speed to run McIntyre over! Cover, ONE!! Corbin tells Moss to keep on McIntyre and Moss stomps away on McIntyre in the corner. Moss drags him up, whips him corner to corner but McIntyre reverses. Moss goes up but McIntyre BOOTS him outta the air! Corbin coaches Moss as he and McIntyre get up.

McIntyre seethes, and he ROCKS Moss with a haymaker. Moss gives it back, they brawl, Moss kicks low to fire off forearms! Moss whips corner to corner but McIntyre comes right back to LARIAT! McIntyre starts to rally, he whips Moss to ropes for an OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! Then he clinches for another! NECKBREAKER! McIntyre kips up and fans fire up! McIntyre counts down already, but Corbin gets on the apron to distract him! Moss pokes McIntyre in the eye! Moss POSTS McIntyre! Then DDT! Cover, TWO!! Moss is beside himself and Corbin is speechless! Moss slaps McIntyre around, rains down angry fists, then shouts, “You can’t kill Mad Cap!”

Moss builds a lot of speed, but runs into a CLAYMORE! Cover, McIntyre wins!

Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall

Corbin is stunned silent again! McIntyre beats Moss again, is his battle with Corbin inevitable?

Backstage interview with Ronda Rousey.

Ronda is getting a 1v1 match with Sonya next week, what are her thoughts? Well, for all the times Sonya ambushed Ronda, as well as bullied Naomi, Ronda’s gonna show her what happens when an authority figure steps outta line. Short and simple but far from sweet, will Sonya be nothing but sour and sore after Ronda gets both her hands on her?

Roman Reigns heads to the ring!

The Tribal Chief, the WWE Universal Champion, added Goldberg to the list of legends he’s defeated in his 544 day reign. But despite all the hard work put in to detour Brock Lesnar, Brock Lesnar is still coming for him and his title! The Bloodline heads together to the ring, we’re going to have a contract signing for perhaps THE BIGGEST WrestleMania match of all time! Title VS Title, Winner Takes All, CHAMPIONSHIP UNIFICATION is put on paper, after the break.

SmackDown returns as Roman holds up his title for the second round of pyro. Roman, Heyman, the Usos, Adam Pearce, a table, and security guards all all in the ring. Roman is handed a mic by his Special Counsel, and Roman says, “Hershey, Pennsylvania. ACKNOWLEDGE ME.” Fans are torn but the mic is handed back to Heyman. “Ladies and gentlemen, we have come to a point in history where there is no way to embellish or exaggerated the enormity of the main event of this year’s WrestleMania. What we are facing right now is the single biggest match in history. The biggest main event on the biggest WrestleMania of all time.

“Bigger than Hulk Hogan VS Andre the Giant. Bigger than Stone Cold Steve Austin VS The Rock. Bigger than the night I conquered the Undertaker’s Undefeated Streak at WrestleMania, and to be fair, Brock Lesnar, I will give you half credit for that.” WrestleMania Sunday will be main evented by YOUR Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns, solidifying his GOAT status against the Beast, the Conqueror, the now and maybe not by then WWE Heavyweight Champion of the World, in a title VS title, champion VS champion, Winner Take All TITLE UNIFICATION Match! So… Now we get down to the business at hand.

“Ladies and gentlemen, the contract signing for the biggest WrestleMania match of all time. These security guards are here tonight to protect Brock Lesnar from his own impulsiveness, and to protect Brock Lesnar from his Tribal Chief, Roman… Reigns. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is what they call a cliffhanger.” Because we’re going to break!

SmackDown returns and BROCK makes his entrance! Roman frowns while Brock, with his cowboy hat and the WWE World Championship, circles the ring. Brock then hangs his hat up on the corner post before getting in the ring and taking his seat at the table. Roman smirks while Brock grins and fans cheer. Fans chant for “Suplex City!” as Brock gets a mic for himself. “Mr. Acknowledgement, and Mr. Dick. Allow me to introduce myself as your NEW! Reigning! Defending! WWE Heavyweight Champion of the WORLD~! BRRROCK! LESNARRR!” And Lesnar admits he has to contain himself. “impulsive?” Sure. Very much so.

But if they think that for one second, these skid mark guards are gonna stop him from jumping the table and kicking Roman’s ass, and Heyman’s ass, they’ve got another thing coming. The only thing stopping Lesnar from doing all that is Lesnar! And this contract. Lesnar will sign his part, because at WrestleMania 38, he’ll kick Roman’s ass AND Heyman’s ass, and you can bet your asses he’ll get paid for it! Pearce hands Lesnar the contract, Lesnar picks up the pen and signs on the dotted line, then TOSSES the contract at Roman. Heyman says he has had it with Lesnar’s disrespect! It was just business before, but now it’s getting personal!

Heyman says this is the biggest match in WrestleMania, but it won’t be a unification match because Lesnar won’t even make it to Mania as champion! Lesnar will lose his world title next Saturday in Madison Square Garden! Heyman then hands Roman a pen, and Roman signs his part of the contract. Pearce takes the paperwork away and Roman says Lesnar must be a confused little farm boy. That world title is Roman’s title and Lesnar doesn’t even realize it because Roman’s gonna smash him at Mania. And it isn’t even Lesnar’s fault. This is ROMAN’s show! This is ROMAN’s ring! This is ROMAN’s cameraman!

These fans are ROMAN’s people because the acknowledge him! Roman gets fired up and he gets out of the ring. The commentary team is HIS team! They brag and talk about HIM! That sign saying WrestleMania is HIS because he IS WrestleMania! Roman is this show, eh runs the show, everyone works for him! Including the security in the ring. The eight guards all turn their attention on Lesnar. But Lesnar throws the table at half of them! Then he beats the crap outta the others! SUPLEX for one! ARMFCHAIR for another! Lesnar gets the table back up to RAM half the guards out, then RAM the other half!

Lesnar picks up one guy that’s left, for an F5!! There’s still one more guard still in the ring, he gets a GERMAN SUPLEX! Heyman is stunned and Roman looks worried! Whoever it is facing Lesnar in MSG better be careful or he’ll just be a warm-up for WrestleMania!

My Thoughts:

This was actually a very good SmackDown to follow Elimination Chamber and last Monday Night Raw up with. Well, there was the weak point of the very confusing audibles called in the McIntyre match. First, it was advertised as McIntyre VS Moss on WWE.com. Then it was removed from WWE.com and then given to us on the show as McIntyre VS Corbin. And then Corbin, foreshadowing that this is meant for WrestleMania, swaps Moss back in. Why not just have it out as the promo backstage and then it’s still McIntyre VS Moss no matter what? Moss of course loses and now it’s obvious that we’re getting McIntyre VS Corbin.

Another weak point: another short women’s match. Shotzi VS Sasha could’ve been much better, but whatever, WWE just wants to get to the point of it: Sasha and Naomi are reuniting as a tag team. I hope they take those titles off Mella & Vega. For one, SmackDown needs another turn with those belts. For another, Naomi’s put in the work, she deserves to have more on her list of achievements. I just hope it’ll actually be a good match worthy of titles. Xia Li also had a short match with Natty, but it was a strong showing and win for her. Fans got kinda bored in the middle but they fired up seeing that awesome heel kick of hers. Maybe Natty comes back for a rematch that ups things.

In a bit stronger part, Ronda had a good segment with Charlotte and Sonya, and I would think we’re going to get a good match out of Ronda VS Sonya, though I’m sure Charlotte will try and interfere. The tiebreaker for New Day VS Los Lotharios was another great match, but wow, Big E threatening to run Carrillo? That was so over the top I laughed out loud seeing it play out. Sheamus & Ridge seem to be starting something with New Day, but I’m really hoping something makes Ridge break off from Sheamus at this point. Ridge deserves to be on his own more in a parallel to Austin Theory than a parallel to Boogs.

Speaking of, Boogs & Nakamura do get a nice little Toyota product plug segment, getting that easy paycheck. Maybe Nakamura & Boogs will recommit to the tag division to try and get those titles. I like that the Viking Raiders turned things around on the Usos. A little surprising the tag titles are on the line next week, but I suppose it means the SmackDown Tag Team Champions can take on someone else for the “most stupendous” WrestleMania ever. Sami had a really good segment with Knoxville, and him defending against Ricochet next week is probably just to pump Sami up before he undoubtedly faces Knoxville. Knoxville’s a nice guy and all, I’m sure he’ll surprise us like he did at the Royal Rumble, maybe do some great spots, but Sami should win, even if he blatantly cheats.

And of course, a great final segment with the contract signing. Great promo work from everyone, especially Heyman’s smooth cue to a commercial break. And while this one ended up like most contract signings, i.e. in a huge fight, it was awesome to see Lesnar just decimate eight mere mortal men and scare the crap out of Heyman. Since Bobby Lashley won’t be ready for March 5th, I can’t be sure who they put up against Lesnar that would even come close to a challenge.

But either way, Lesnar is definitely winning at MSG, and he is definitely going to WrestleMania, and then who knows. It could go either way, especially now that it’s unification. The newest Undisputed WWE Champion (probably called the Undisputed Universal Champion) is going to end up on some power level WWE has never seen because Lesnar and Roman have dominated in a way no one ever has. I wouldn’t say Vince has written himself into a corner, but he hasn’t done himself any favors focusing on two guys and acting like everyone else is just there.

My Score: 8.3/10

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

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Up Next

Mitchell’s AEW Rampage Results & Report! (2/25/22)

Don't Miss

Andrew’s IMPACT Results & Match Ratings: 2.24.2022

Coverage

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

Penta wants payback!

Published

24 minutes ago

May 5, 2025

Steven Mitchell

Cero Miedo on Cinco de Mayo!

Penta made sure Judgment Day didn’t win the WWE World Tag Team Championships, and now he’ll make JD McDonagh pay for the WrestleMania screwjob!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Iyo Sky VS Roxanne Perez; wins.
Rusev VS Otis w/ Akira Tozawa & Maxxine Dupri; wins.
PENTA VS JD McDonagh w/ The Judgment Day; wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

About Chairshot Radio Network

MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

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

WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)

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

FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)

SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast

SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast

CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

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

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

Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5

Classic POD is WAR

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

All Shows On Demand

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

Coverage

Mitchell’s NJPW Wrestling Dontaku Results & Report! (5/4/25)

It’s a Wrestling Dontaku Weekend finale!

Published

20 hours ago

May 4, 2025

Steven Mitchell

Who will stand atop the NJPW mountain?

The Goto Revolution finally leads NJPW, but will the Fierce Warrior be conquered by The United Empire as Callum Newman goes after the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Kickoff – Ryusuke Taguchi & Katsuya Murashima VS Hitamaru Sasaki & Jet Wei; Taguchi & Murashima win.
Taiji Ishimori & Gedo VS MENTAI KID & Batten Burabura; Taiji & Gedo win.
YOSHI-HASHI & Master Wato VS Great-O-Khan & Jakob Austin Young; Hashi & Wato win.
Six Woman Tag: Maika, Hazuki & Koguma VS Starlight Kid, AZM & Yuna Mizumori; Maika, Hazuki & Koguma win.
El Phantasmo & Boltin Oleg VS Konosuke Takeshita & Rocky Romero; ELP & Boltin win.
10 Man Tag: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano, YOH, Ryota Chikuzen & TAJIRI VS TMDK; Tanahashi, Yano, Yoh, Chikuzen & Tajiri win.
8 Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Shota Umino, Tomohiro Ishii, Taichi & Taka Michinoku; LIJ wins.
IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship: Yota Tsuji VS Yuya Uemura; Tsuji wins and retains the title.
IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Hirooki Goto VS Callum Newman; Goto wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

Six Woman Tag: Maika, Hazuki & Koguma VS Starlight Kid, AZM & Yuna Mizumori!

It’s a Stardom Showcase as The Crimson Cannon Empress, The Wildheart & The High Speed Genius take on The Masked Idol, High Speed Bomb Girl & Kumamoto’s Unsinkable Ship! Which side of Stardom shines brightest in Fukuoka?

The trios sort out and Koguma starts against Starlight Kid. The fans cheer and the two circle. They approach, but Koguma dodges to do her bear taunt. But then Starlight CLUBS her! Starlight whips, Koguma whips but Starlight handsprings over. Starlight whips, runs up, but Koguma puts her on the apron. Koguma runs up, Starlight slips under and sunset flips, TWO! Starlight runs up, but into an arm-drag! Starlight comes back to hit a headlock takeover! Koguma headscissors, Starlight kips free, and the two strike their animal poses! The fans cheer as bear and tiger reset. They tie up, Koguma spins Starlight, then goes for the arms!

Starlight fights free of being made to bear pose! But then Koguma kicks low, runs, but Starlight blows past her to springboard and CROSSBODY! Then SHOTGUN! The fans fire up and Starlight tags Yuna. Yuna runs up to run Koguma over, then fires up as she keeps moving. But Hazuki jumps in and helps Koguma ELBOW Yuna down! Then they double Yuna into Maika’s shoulder tackle! The fans fire up for the TRIPLE DROPKICK! The ref reprimands but Koguma tags Hazuki in. Hazuki rallies the fans while she stands on Yuna! Then she scrubs her with the boot again and again! Hazuka runs to BOOT WASH her!

Hazuka bumps Yuna off buckles, tags Maika, and the fans cheer as Maika scoops and SLAMS! Cover, TWO! Yuna stays in this but Maika kicks her around. Maika eggs Yuna on, but Yuna rises to CLUB Maika in the chest! Maika comes back to DECK Yuna! Yuna flounders, Maika brings her up and whips her to a corner. Maika runs up but Yuna BOOTS her down, somersaults, and SHOTGUNS! Yuna hurries and she tags in AZM! The fans rally up for AZM as she climbs, then leaps, but into Maika’s arms! Maika throws AZM back, kicks her, and she has Koguma help double whip. But AZM sends Maika into Koguma, and Starlight jumps in!

Starlight hits a TAKEOVER HEADSCISSORS COMBO! Then AZM DOUBLE DROPKICKS Maika & Koguma! The fans fire up for Starlight’s team as she and AZK put Maika & Hazuki at the center of the ring. They coordinate, STANDING MOONSAULT and DOUBLE STOMP! Cover, TWO! Maika is tougher than that, but AZM drags her into a drop zone. AZM goes up, DIVING DOUBLE- NO, Maika avoids the stomps to then scoop and POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! AZM stays in this but the fans rally behind Maika. Maika drags AZM up, reels her in, and suplexes, only for AZM to fight free! Maika kicks and runs, but into a ROUNDHOUSE!

Maika just roars and comes back! Maika spins AZM, suplexes, but AZM has a GUILLOTINE FACELOCK! The fans rally as Maika endures, powers up, and suplexes again! BRAINBUSTER! The fans fire up while both women are down! The fans rally as Maika and AZM crawl, hot tags to Yuna and Hazuki! Hazuki sends Yuna to an open corner, runs up, but Yuna puts her on the apron! Only for Koguma to SPLASH Yuna! Hazuki then goes up and MISSILE DROPKICKS Yuna! Koguma goes up to CROSSBODY! Hazuki hurries to SENTON! Cover, TWO! Yuna survives, but is now in a CROSSFACE! Koguma & Maika intercept AZM & Starlight!

The fans rally while Yuna endures, and then AZM & Starlight break free! They both stomp Hazuki! Koguma & Maika drag Starlight & AZM back out, Hazuki CLUBS Yuna and whips her to ropes. Yuna reverses, Hazuki grabs ropes, then she DUMPS Yuna out! Yuna skins the cat to then LARIAT! The fans fire up with Yuna, she and the others coordinate! TRIPLE DROPKICK at the corner! Yuna then goes out while Starlight goes up! UFO SPLASH! Starlight sets Hazuki up for AZM’s DIVING DOUBLE STOMPS! Yuna adds the fireman’s carry and TROPICAL VALLEY BOMB! Cover, Maika breaks it! The fans fire up, but Starlight runs in and RANAS Maika!

Koguma runs in and spins Starlight around for a DDT! AZM runs up, Koguma blocks the kick to CUTTER! The fans fire up with Koguma as she and Hazuki coordinate. The “Double Crazy” combo DIVE and CROSSBODY!! Everyone is down at ringside and the fans fire up! Hazuki puts Yuna back in and the fans rally up more. Hazuki springboards and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Yuna survives but Hazuki keeps on her. Hazuki whips Yuna to a corner, Koguma hits a SPLASH, and then Hazuki adds an ELBOW! Maika adds a LARIAT, then she puts Yuna up top! Now we get Triple Crazy as Maika lifts and the others climb!

The fans fire up for the TRIPLE CRAZY BOMB!! Cover, but Starlight Kid breaks it!! Koguma CLOBBERS Starlight, Maika keeps AZM on the outside, and Hazuki drags Yuna up. Hazuki suplexes, Yuna slips free and she trips Hazuki up! Yuna hammerlocks an arm, turns Hazuki over, TROPICAL CRADLE!! TWO!??! Hazuki escapes, but Yuna runs up! But Hazuki spins her to a suplex and stalling BRAINBUSTER!! Cover, Triple Crazy wins!

Winners: Maika, Hazuki & Koguma, by pinfall

A fast ‘n’ furious fight from three rising stars, and it was the Wildheart that finishes it off! Will we see this Triple Crazy trio soon go for the IWGP Women’s and/or NJPW Strong Women’s Championships?

10 Man Tag: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano, YOH, Ryota Chikuzen & TAJIRI VS TMDK!

As The Ace’s Final Road continues to roll on, this is quite the unique stop. Sure, he’s teamed with the Clown Prince and Mr. Direct Drive before, but he is now honored to be teaming with The Makai Love Machine and yes, THE Japanese Buzzsaw! Will Tanahashi & Tajiri add to their legends with this epic team-up? Or will Zack Sabre Jr, Ryohei Oiwa, Robbie Eagles, Kosei Fujita & Hartley Jackson prove that The Mighty Don’t Kneel?

Just as always, Tanahashi shows off the abs, the fans cheer, and Yano even adds a “Sugoi~!” The teams sort out and ZSJ calls out Tajiri! The fans fire up as Tajiri accepts. The bell rings, ZSJ and Tajiri circle, and Fukuoka are strongly behind “TA-JI-RI! TA-JI-RI!” Tajiri and ZSJ feel things out, knuckle lock, and ZSJ rolls to then wrench and wristlock. Tajiri seems rather unbothered, and he slips under ZSJ to then trip him and spread the legs! ZSJ reaches back but Tajiri uses his whole body length! ZSJ pushes up, crawls back, wrenches and hammerlocks, then half nelsons to cravat. Tajiri spins through to wrench and trip ZSJ!

Tajiri has the legs, ZSJ resists then hooks Tajiri to trip him. ZSJ returns the leg sprawl, then has a STRETCH MUFFLER! ZSJ uses it as a means to an end so he can have the BOW ‘N’ ARROW! Tajiri pops free and turns ZSJ over to have a headlock. ZSJ slips out the back, they each want the other’s arm, but then ZSJ top mounts. Tajiri pushes ZSJ away and the fans cheer the standoff! Tajiri and ZSJ feel things out, knuckle lock again, and ZSJ turns Tajiri. Tajiri turns that back around but ZSJ has an arm. ZSJ hammerlocks but Tajiri steps through the ropes, then steps back inside, and he has ZSJ’s arm wrapped around ropes!

The fans cheer, but Tajiri shows respect by respecting the ropebreak. The fans applaud, as does ZSJ, and then they tag out to Yoh and Eagles. The fans join in on “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” but Yoh rolls Eagles up! TWO and Yoh kicks low! Yoh whips, Eagles reverses to go up and around to arm-drag! Things keep moving, Eagles hurdles but Yoh dodges to RANA! The fans fire up but Fujita storms in and CHOPS! The Ichiban Sweet Boys double whip, but Yoh ducks the lariats! Yoh kicks and kicks, but the Sweet Boys CHOP and CHOP! They double wrench, and MAX- NO, Yoh fights free! Yoh crisscrosses the Sweet Boys into each other, and DOUBLE BULLDOGS!

Tag to Yano and the fans cheer, only for the Sweet Boys to double kick! They double whip, but Yano grabs the ropes! Yano then sends Fujita into Eagles, and he SLAPS them both on the heads! Yano then unties the buckle pad! The fans fire up, but Sweet Boys DOUBLE ELBOW, split the wishbone, and DOUBLE KICK! The Sweet Boys BLAST Yano’s corner, then Eagles brings Yano to the Mighty corner. Eagles bumps Yano off buckles then tags in Hartley. Big Hartley UPPERCUTS then ELBOW DROPS! Cover, TWO! Yano is a bit tougher than that so Fujita tags in. Fujita drags Yano up to CHOP! And CHOP!

Fujita whips Yano corner to corner, runs up, but Yano puts him on the apron! Fujita SLAPS Yano back! The fans rally and Fujita aims, springboard for the MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Yano stays in this and the fans rally up. Fujita tags Oiwa and he drags Yano up. Oiwa whips Yano to ropes, then ELBOWS him down! Cover, TWO! Oiwa stays on Yano but Yano pulls on the mullet! Oiwa kicks free, runs, but into an atomic drop! The fans rally up while both men are down, and Yano tags in Ryota! Ryota CHOPS Oiwa! Ryota eggs Oiwa on, but Oiwa fires a forearm! Ryota CHOPS again! Oiwa fires another forearm!

Ryota CHOPS, Oiwa ROCKS him, repeat! The fans rally as Oiwa fires a flurry! ROLLING ELBOW! Oiwa runs, but into a BACKDROP! Fujita runs in, but into a scoop and SIDEWALK SLAM! Eagles runs in, into a scoop and SIDEWALK SLAM! The fans fire up with Ryota, and he invites Tanahashi in! They double whip Oiwa, then DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! And then Ryota says, “Genki de masu!” The fans cheer as Ryota and Tanahashi have energy to spare, and Ryota drags Oiwa up. Ryota reels Oiwa in, but Oiwa fights the lift! Oiwa powers up to BACKDROP Ryota! The fans rally, Oiwa runs, SPLASH DOWN! Cover, TWO!

The fans rally more as Oiwa and Ryota rise. Oiwa whips Ryota to a corner, runs up, but Ryota LARIATS him down! Oiwa is up to LARIAT Ryota! Both me are down now and the fans rally again. Hot tags to ZSJ and Tanahashi! One more meeting between these two after yesterday’s final singles match, and the two dosido in a battle of Cobra Twists! Tanahashi has the COBRA TWIST! ZSJ pries free to have the COBRA TWIST in return! But Tanahashi powers out, has a leg, DRAGON- NO, ZSJ sits down for the ARMBAR! Tanahashi stacks ZSJ, TWO! ZSJ RAMS Tanahashi, snapmares, but Tanahashi UP KICKS!

Tanahashi kicks low, snapmares, and he NECK TWISTS! The fans fire up and Tanahashi runs, but ZSJ catches him to wrench! PELE to the arm! Then a STOMP to the elbow! Tag to Hartley and the fans rally up. Hartley runs corner to corner and SPLASHES Tanahashi against bare buckles! Short arm LARIAT! Cover, TWO! The Sweet Boys BLAST Tanahashi’s corner, then they send Tanahashi to a neutral corner. Fujita runs up to CHOP! Oiwa adds an ELBOW! Eagles adds a FOREARM! Then Oiwa scoops Tanahashi to SLAM him! ZSJ NECK TWISTS! Hartley SENTONS! Cover, Tajiri SLAPS Hartley on the head!

Tajiri scurries away before ZSJ can get him! The fans fire up and now Yoh & Yano mug Hartley. They double whip, but Hartley DOUBLE LARIATS! “Jackson Number One!” Hartley fireman’s carries Tanahashi, but Tajiri slips in and dosidos with the ref! GREEN MIST for Hartley!! Ryota runs up and SLINGBLADES!! Tanahashi hurries up top while his team keeps TMDK out! HIGH FLY FLOW!! Cover, Tanahashi’s team wins!

Winners: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano, Yoh, Ryota Chikuzen & Tajiri, by pinfall

Legends working together makes for a classic finish to this match! Will this moment be one to remember as The Ace continues his countdown to the end?

8 Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Shota Umino, Tomohiro Ishii, Taichi & Taka Michinoku!

As Wrestling Dontaku wraps up the weekend, Tetsuya Naito and Bushi have reached the end of their NJPW run. Will they be victorious one last time alongside Hiromu Takahashi & Shingo Takagi? Or will the Roughneck, Stone Pitbull, Holy Emperor & Blue Playmaker make this parting a bitter goodbye?

For one last time, Naito takes his time with the elaborate entrance attire. It also seems rather clear that Bushi is emotional over this being his farewell match. The fans rally and the teams sort out. The fans call for “NA-I-TO! NA-I-TO!” LIJ fust bump, the fans cheer, and Naito steps up for the team. The fans rally behind him more as he starts against Taichi. The bell rings and Fukuoka cheers even harder for “NA-I-TO! NA-I-TO!” But then Naito tags out to Bushi. The Black Mask has the fans on his side, too, and he circles with Taichi. They approach, Bushi kicks low then runs, but into a BOOT! Taichi runs, but Bushi TOSSES him out!

Bushi DECKS Taka, but Shota & Ishii attack! They double whip, Bushi sends Shota into Ishii, then Bushi DOUBLE RANAS! BUSHIROONI~! Taichi is back but Bushi DECKS him! Takagi sets Taichi up but Taka trips Bushi! The fans boo but Taichi storms in and stomps Bushi. Taichi CLUBS Bushi, whips him corner to corner, then runs up, but into a BOOT! Bushi runs up and RANAS! The fans fire up while both men are down! Bushi stands and he tags in Hiromu. Hiromu BLASTS Ishii, then Takagi tags in! Hiromu & Takagi double whip Taichi to DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! Then they flex! The fans cheer the side chest.

Hiromu stands Taichi up to CHOP him to the corner. Hiromu whips corner to corner, runs in and LARIATS, then snapmares, but Taichi RIDGE HANDS! Taichi wrenches and HOOK KICKS! Shota BLASTS Takagi because he can, and Taichi tags in Taka. Taka BOOTS Naito down, then stomps Hiromu around. The fans rally but Taka brings Hiromu up. Hiromu CHPOS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! Taka gets mad, and he pokes Hiromu in the eyes! Taka whips Hiromu to the corner, stomps and knees him, then tags Ishii. Ishii winds up to CHOP! Hiromu grits his teeth and CHOPS back, but Ishii doesn’t budge!

Ishii CHOPS Hiromu and eggs him on! Hiromu stands to CHOP, but Ishii CHOPS back! Ishii gives more trash talk and more mocking kicks. Hiromu stands to CHOP, CHOP, CHOP! The fans fire up as Ishii staggers, but then Hiromu CHOPS again! And again! Ishii ROCKS Hiromu, suplexes, but Hiromu fights free! SUPERKICK! Hiromu roars, reels Ishii in, but Ishii suplexes first! But Hiromu’s right up!? And he dodges Ishii to SNAP GERMAN! Ishii’s right up!? SAIDO! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Ishii hot tags Shota, and Shota BLASTS Takagi again! Shota then runs up on Hiromu, but Hiromu dodges!

Shota hits buckles, hurries after Hiromu, but Hiromu fights the half nelson. Hiromu blocks a kick, and a punch, and then DRAGON SCREWS! Hot tag to Naito! The fans erupt as Naito kicks and CLUBS Shota again and again! Naito whips to arm-drag Shota! And ELBOW him down! And basement DROPKICK! TakaTaichi attack and double whip, but Naito reverses to send Taka into Taichi! Drop toehold for Taichi and Bushi basement DROPKICKS! Naito kicks and whips Taka, Taka reverses, but Naito reverses back to TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up as Naito poses, then he tags in Takagi. Takagi runs up on Shota, blocks a boot, and LARIATS through!

Takagi keeps moving, but Shota SWATS the lariat! Takagi YUKON LARIATS, but Shota roars as he stays up! Shota fires boxing elbows, but Takagi shakes his head! Takagi fires boxing elbows of his own! He ROCKS Shota, runs, but Shota LARIATS at the ropes! Shota runs, Takagi LRIATS! Takagi runs, Shota dodges, DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Shota stays up but the ELBOW and JAB hit! Shota ENZIGIRIS! Takagi SLIDING LARIATS! The fans fire up with Takagi and he whips Shota. Shota reverses to TORNADO DDT! Shota LARIATS Takagi down! But then Shota falls over, too! The fans fire up while both men crawl.

Taka tags in, he BOOTS Naito and BLASTS Bushi! Taka runs, redirects, redirects, and BOOTS Takagi down! The fans rally up as Taka brings Takagi up. Takagi ROCKS Taka! Taichi runs up to RIDGE HAND! Ishii ROCKS Takagi! Then we get a RIDGE HAND BACKHAND COMBO! SUPER K from Taka!! Cover, TWO!! Takagi is still in this but Taka goes to scoop! Takagi is too big, so Taka pokes him in the eyes! Takagi still ELBOWS! JABS! Taka UPPERCUTS, but Takagi PUMPING BOMBERS! Bushi slips in, as does Hiromu, and they double whip Taka to a corner. Hiromu runs up to forearm SMASH! Bushi adds an ELBOW!

Takagi LARIATS, then he snapmares Taka! Naito is in, LIJ hits a QUADRUPLE DROPKICK!! The fans fire up and Takagi says, “TOKI GA KITA!” The fans fire up more as The Rampaging Dragon drags Taka up. Taka fights the lift, and Shota SHOTGUNS Takagi! Hiromu dropkicks Hiromu’s legs! Hiromu dodges Ishii, he and Naito give Ishii TENDEDERO! Taichi runs up, he breaks through the line, but Hiromu sends him into an atomic drop! Takagi BLINDSLIDE BOMBERS! LARIAT in the corner, feed to a SUPERKICK! Naito wrenches Taichi for DESTINO!!! The fans are thunderous after seeing that final Destino!

Bushi then runs in and BLASTS Shota! Bushi keeps moving, for one last DIVE!! Down goes Shota and the fans are thunderous! Takagi has the fans join in for “OI! OI! OI!” Takagi runs, Taka dodges, and Taka BOOTS! Takagi comes back to PUMPING BOMBER! Takagi drags Taka up, pump handles and torture racks, BURNING DRAGON!! Cover, LIJ WINS!

Winners: Los Ingobernables de Japon, by pinfall

Their final battle in Fukuoka, their final battle with their friends, and their final battle in NJPW, it was all victorious! Naito & Bushi stand with Hiromu & Takagi to celebrate this final win. The fans cheer on “NA-I-TO!” as Naito leads the group in one last LIJ fist bump. The wild ride is over for the Uncontrollable Charisma, and he poses with his team one last time. Burn this moment into your memories, for we may never see Naito & Bushi back in a NJPW ring again.

IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship: Yota Tsuji VS Yuya Uemura!

The Gene Blast may be one of the Reiwa Era Three Musketeers, but the Heat Storm vows to be the face of this new generation. A match meant to happen months ago finally does happen, but who will truly be the frontrunner of the future?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is the true global star!

The bell rings and the fans rally up as Yota and Yuya stare down. Fukuoka duels, but the “YO~TA!” sounds stronger than the “YU~YA!” They circle, feel things out, then circle a bit more. They feel out the knuckle lock, then Yuya rolls. Yota keeps him at bay as they clinch, then they go around. Yuya waistlocks, Yota wrenches free and waistlocks in return, but Yuya switches. Yota headlocks, Yuya rolls him to the mat and headlocks in return. Yota keeps his shoulders up, then fights to his feet. Yuya hits a takeover, Yota headscissors, but Yuya kips up. Yuya is fired up and the fans cheer him on.

Yota stands up and the two reset. They circle while the fans duel, and the two tie up. Yuya wrenches to a hammerlock but Yota switches and full nelsons. Then Yota headlocks and grinds Yuya down. Yuya fights up, pries at the hold, but Yota powers it on tighter. Yuya powers up but Yota squeezes the headlock even tighter! The fans applaud while Yuya endures. Yuya fires body shots, then powers up and out, drops down, but Yota avoids the dropkick! Yota dodges but Yuya arm-drags! And arm-drags again! Yuya has the armlock and the fans cheer again. Yota pulls at the hold, then fights up. Yuya grinds the elbow but Yota reaches for ropes.

Yota has the ROPEBREAK but Yuya brings him away from the ropes quickly. Yota fires forearm after forearm until Yuya lets go. Yota runs up but Yuya arm-drags! Only for Yota to drag Yuya down, trap an arm, and SACRIFICE the other arm! The fans cheer while Yuya writhes. Yuya shakes out the bad arm but Yota brings him back up. Yuya fires a forearm! Yota grins so Yuya fires more shots! Yota wrenches and serves up SOLE FOOD to the arm! Yuya staggers away to a corner and the fans rally more. Yota storms up on Yuya, puts him in the corner, and he wraps the bad arm around ropes! The ref counts as Yota pulls, so Yota lets go at 4.

Yota brings Yuya out to snapmare, then he has the bad arm in a top wristlock! Yuya endures, the fans rally, but Yota puts on the pressure! Yuya fights forward, reaches out, but Yota pulls on the arm! Yuya still manages the ROPEBREAK! The fans applaud as Yota legs go. Yota paces while Yuya shakes out the bad arm. Yota comes back to stomp the arm! Yota then wrenches Yuya, KNEES the arm, then KNEES it again! Yota KNEES Yuya into the corner, then paces again. Yuya stands, Yota runs in, but Yuya BOOTS him away! Yota runs back in, Yuya dodges and CHOPS! CHOPS! CHOPS! The fans fire up as Yuya winds up, but Yota dodges! Yota BOOTS Yuya in the corner!

The fans rally as Yota whips corner to corner. Yuya goes up and over, then arm-drags! And DROPKICKS! The fans cheer while both men are down. The fans rally again as Yuya rises up. Yuya roars, the fans fire up more, and Yuya brings Yota up to wrench and BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Yota stays in this but Yuya stays focused. The fans rally and Yuya brings Yota up. Yoga fights with elbows, then wrenches to YANK the arm! And YANK! And YANK! Yota whips, Yuya reverses, but Yota RANAS! Yuya tumbles out and the fans rally as Yota aims. Yota builds speed, and he DIVES! Direct hit and Yuya is sent into railing!

The fans fire up while Yuya stumbles and falls, and Yota fires back up! Yota has the fans rally more as he takes a lap. Yota comes back for Yuya, puts him in the ring, and the fans applaud. Yota steps in, stands Yuya up, but Yuya fights the suplex! Yota powers through, but Yuya fights free! Yuya CHOPS, then runs, but into a scoop and BACKBREAKER! The fans fire up while Yota grits his teeth. Yota storms around, goes to a corner, and he aims as Yuya rises. Yota runs in, STINGER SPLASH! The fans fire up while Yota snapmares Yuya down. Yota goes up, up, but Yuya avoids the Marlowe Crush!

Yuya dropkicks Yota’s leg, then has it for a SHIN BREAKER! GROUND DRAGON SCREW! Yuya then hurries to step through, FIGURE FOUR! Yota endures and the fans fire up! Yuya pulls on the main leg but Yota works to turn things over! The fans duel as Yuya fights against that, but Yota does turn the hold over! Yuya endures now, so he hurries to turn things over! Yota uses that to get the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, Yuya and the ref undo the hold, and Yuya stands over Yota. Yuya brings Yota up to scoop and SLAM him down! Yuya then goes to a corner, climbs up, only for Yota to GAMANGIRI! Yuya is dazed up top, so Yota climbs up after him!

Yota brings Yuya up, throws forearms, then goes to the very top! But Yuya fires forearms! Yota falls, Yuya adjusts, and Yuya leaps! Yota avoids the crossbody but Yuya rolls through! Yota comes back, Yuya slips around and full nelsons! But Yota powers up to break the hold! Only for Yuya to GERMAN SUPLEX! Yuya runs, but into a BOOT! Yuya comes back and takes a swing, but into the BACKBREAKER! FLATLINER! But Yuya avoids the stomp! Yuya shoves Yota, but Yota DROPKICKS! The fans fire up as Yota keeps moving, and then Yuya DROPKICKS! Both men are down and the fans fire up again!

The two men crawl away to the corners while the fans rally up. Yuya runs in corner to corner, but Yota BOOTS him! Yota runs up, but Yuya clinches! Yota fights free, ROCKS Yuya, and Yuya staggers to the ropes! Yota whips, Yuya ducks ‘n’ dodges but Yota blows past, only for Yuya to get under! URENAGE! Cover, TWO! Yota stays in this and the fans fire up! Yuya shakes out the bad arm, then he stands Yota up for a scoop. Yuya SLAMS, then he fires back up! The fans fire up with Yuya as he climbs again! Yuya is up top, for the FROG SPLASH! But he FLOPS as Yota moves! Yota runs back in, FLYING ARMBAR TAKEDOWN!!

Yuya clasps hands, but Yota breaks the grip! ARMBAR!! Yuya endures, flails, reaches out, but Yota pulls on the bad arm! Yuya fights around, but Yota just keeps after the arm! Yuya uses his core strength to sit up, but Yota PULLS the arm straight! Yuya falls over, fights around, and he turns over. Yota does his best to keep the armbar, even with this mounted angle! Yuya bites his thumb to ignore the pain in his arm! Yuya then reaches out, ROPEBREAK!! Yota lets go in frustration but the fans fire up. Yuya clutches his elbow but Yota paces around. Yota drags Yuya up from the ropes, but Yuya CHOPS! Yota brushes that off, but Yuya CHOPS again!

Yuya can’t put enough power behind the strikes with that bad arm, but he keeps trying! Yota BOOTS Yuya, Yuya drops to his knees, and the ref checks with him. Yuya refuses to let the bad arm cost him again, and he rises up to CHOP! And HEADBUTT! And HEADBUTT! Yota ROCKS him!! And then KNEES him down! The fans fire up while Yota stands tall! Yota goes to a corner, watches Yuya sputter and rise, GENE- DROPKICK to the leg! Yuya hurries to grab that leg, but Yota fires off forearms! Yuya eggs Yota on, so Yota HEADBUTT! But Yuya still DRAGON SCREWS!! Yuya steps through again, FIGURE FOUR!!

The fans fire up as Yota endures again! Yuya puts as much pressure as he can, Yota pries at the hold, but Yuya thrashes around! Yota reaches out, keeps his shoulders up, and he drags Yuya along towards ropes! But Yuya drags Yota back from ropes! Yuya thrashes as hard as he can, we hit 20 minutes, and Yota still endures! The fans rally harder and harder as Yota fights to turn this over! Yota does, but then Yuya turns it back! But this time, Yuya turns back the other way to keep Yota from the ropes! And then he PULLS on the leg! Yota lunges for the ROPEBREAK!! The fans fire up while the ref again frees Yota.

Yota clutches his leg while he crawls away, but Yuya is right on him! Yuya has the leg, but Yota ENZIGIRIS! Yuya falls, but he also manages to waistlock! Yuya drags Yota up, but Yota fires elbows! Yuya still GERMAN SUPLEXES! Bridging cover, TWO!! Yuya holds onto Yota and the fans fire up! Yuya full nelsons, DRAGON SUPLEX!! Bridging cover, TWO!! Yota survives again and Yuya is furious! Yuya roars, the fans are with him, and he reels Yota in! SAIDO BACKBREAKER! Then he puts Yota in the drop zone! Yuya climbs, the fans rally more, FROG SPLASH!! Cover, TWO?!?! Yota survives and Yuya is beside himself!

Fukuoka is thunderous as Yuya rises! Yuya brings Yota up, cording holds one arm, swings to get the other, but Yota STUNNERS free! Yota roars, runs, but into a DROPKICK! Yota just comes back, GENE- ARM-DRAG!! Yuya hurries to lock in those arms, but Yota fights off the clinch! They go around and around, and Yota frees an arm! But Yota brings it back in! DEADBOLT SUPLEX!!! Yuya roars, the fans are electric, GENE BLASTER outta nowhere!!! Cover, YOTA WINS!!

Winner: Yota Tsuji, by pinfall (still IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion)

The Heat Storm was certainly on fire, but Tsuji was volcanic! The gold stays with Yota, will he and those left in LIJ make sure NJPW stays tranquilo?

Speaking of which, the rest of LIJ returns to the ring so they can stand with their guy. Tsuji gets to also have his final photo op with the group as we know it. We also get one last LIJ fist bump with the five of them, and then Naito & Bushi let Yota, Takagi & Hiromu have the ring. Yota hurries to get the mic to tell Naito & Bushi, “Let me have one last word.” The fans applaud, and Naito & Bushi stop to hear him out. “Naito and Bushi leaving could signal the end of Los Ingobernables de Japon. But remember this: We’re ungovernable. We’ll always be connected in our hearts. Until next time.” The fans applaud that! Naito even gives one last fist bump salute.

The fans cheer as the LIJ Era has changed, and Bushi makes sure we see his mask where it says, “Adios.” Then Yota continues to say that he is still IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion, and that he’ll continue to defend the cerulean blue mat of NJPW. The fans applaud, and Yota says he is fortunate to have such a great rival in Uemura. And another in Gabe Kidd. So, who should he defend this belt against next? Well, he said the man’s name, so here comes the Mad Man! The fans bark it up for the War Dog, and Gabe gets right in Yota’s face. Yota says nic eto see him. Should they pick up where they left off?

Gabe takes the mic to say, “You’re an IWGP champion?” No, no, Yota beat Evil and Yuya, but in Osaka… It was a double knockout! Yota never beat Gabe! The fans cheer that point! Gabe says on June 15th… In Osaka Jo-Hall… “Let’s find out who the strongest is!!” The fans love that idea! Gabe heads back out, the fans bark more, and Yota tells Gabe, “Let’s show ’em our NJPW.” The fans also like that, and Yota asks if they’re ready! The fans cheer because they are, but who will make this their Dominion?

IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Hirooki Goto w/ Yoshi-Hashi VS Callum Newman w/ The United Empire!

The Fierce Warrior finally put the G in IWGP at the New Beginning in Osaka when he won this title. But now, the Prince of Pace is looking to blow right past him as the top guy in NJPW! Will the Goto Revolution stay the course? Or will it be conquered by the United Empire?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who’s really the G of IWGP!

The bell rings and the fans rally strongly for “GO-TO-O! GO-TO-O!” Callum doesn’t let that bother him, and he runs up to BOOT Goto! Callum fires forearms, whips, but Goto reverses! Callum ducks ‘n’ dodges to build speed, but then Goto dodges! The fans cheer as Goto is at least agile like Callum. They tie up, then they just fire off forearms! The fans rally as the shots go back and forth, faster and faster! Goto gets the edge, headlocks, but Callum powers out. Goto runs Callum over, but Callum kips up to ENZIGIRI! Callum TOSSES Goto out, then PLANCHAS! The fans fire up while Goto goes down!

Callum fires himself up and the fans cheer. Callum brings Goto up, the fans duel a bit more evenly, and Callum whips. Goto reverses and Callum hits railing! But he comes back to BOOT Goto down! Callum snarls, drags Goto back up, and now Callum sends Goto into railing! Goto comes back but Callum BOOTS him down again! And then PENALTY KICKS! The fans rally, Hashi coaches Goto, but Callum KICKS Goto in the back! Callum puts Goto in the ring, the fans applaud, and Callum sits Goto up again. Callum hits another PENALTY KICK! Callum then goes to the corner and climbs up, calling his shot.

Callum aims, DIVING- NO, Goto dodges! Callum comes back, but Goto dodges! Goto LARIATS, then he clinches for the SAIDO! Callum flounders away and the fans fire up. Callum goes to a corner, Goto runs in, MURAMASA! Then Goto puts Callum up top! Goto climbs up after Callum, just to drag him into a draped position! SUPER DRAPING NECKBREAKER!! Callum flounders out of the ring, Great-O-Khan & Francesco Akira check on him, as does Red Shoes. Callum winches, clutches his shoulder, but he manages to sit up. Callum has speed but Goto is taking advantage of his skinnier frame.

Red Shoes starts the ring count and Goto stays back, which annoys Callum. Callum storms into the ring, but Goto kicks him down! Goto has Callum up for a suplex, and BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Callum stays in this and the fans fire up, but Goto stays right on Callum. Goto drags Callum up, but Callum clutches his shoulder, so Goto lets him be. We’re only five minutes in as the fans rally up, and Goto stomps Callum around. Callum crawls away to a corner but Goto grabs at him. Callum wants Goto to hold on, and Red Shoes has Goto step back. Callum’s neck and shoulder are really bothering him, but Goto just storms up to stomp him!

Goto drags Callum up, snapmares, then clamps on a chinlock. Callum endures as Goto’s knee digs into the back and neck. Goto then ELBOWS Callum in the head, stomps him around, and brings him up. Goto CLUBS Callum’s neck, but Callum CHOPS! The pain in his shoulders holds Callum back, but Goto clinches for a RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! And then a GROUND OCTOPUS! Callum endures, reaches out, and the fans rally up. Goto thrashes around but Akira & Khan coach Callum. Callum kicks around but Goto shifts to a headscissor necklock! Callum endures the squeeze, kicks and kicks, and finds the ROPEBREAK!

The fans applaud and Goto lets go in frustration. Goto drags Callum up but he’s a ragdoll again. Goto still brings Callum around, snapmares him back down, then KICKS him in the back! And ELBOW DROPS! Callum sputters but Goto just ELBOW DROPS again! Akira & Khan coach Callum but Goto looms over him. Goto ELBOW DROPS onto Callum’s back! Cover, TWO! Callum toughs it out but Goto is still calm. Goto stands Callum up, kicks him low, but Callum fires a forearm! And another! The pain in the neck holds those back, and Goto CLUBS Callum! Goto runs, but into a DROPKICK! The fans fire up while both men are down!

Khan & Akira coach Callum, Hashi coaches Goto, and both Goto and Callum crawl to the apron. Goto goes to the floor, and Callum smiles. The fans rally as Callum builds speed and FLIES!! Callum does a full 360 to hit Goto and then rolls through more to stand back up at the ramp! The fans are thunderous and Callum fires himself back up! Callum drags Goto to his feet and puts him in the ring. The fans applaud, and Callum hurries back in. Callum aims from a corner while Goto flounders away. The fans rally more, and Callum runs corner to corner. FLYING DROPKICK! Callum then chicken wings for a TIGER SUPLEX!

But the bad neck won’t let Callum bridge! Callum hurries to lateral press, TWO! And we’re just 10 minutes in! The fans rally, Callum fires up with a very Will Ospreay style “OI! OI! OI!” The fans rally behind that, and Callum brings Goto up. Callum reels Goto in, hooks a leg, FIRE- NO, Goto slips free of Firebolt, waistlocks, but Callum fights the lift. Callum runs, Goto follows, but then Callum dodges! Goto dodges, Callum dodges, then Callum hurdles! But Goto fireman’s carries! USHIGOROSHI! Both men are down and the fans fire up for that high speed exchange! Goto has the crowd behind him again as he rises up.

Goto storms up on Callum, stands him up, but Callum fires a forearm! Only to fall to his knees! Callum rises up but Goto DECKS him! Callum is running on fumes, but the fans do rally for him, too. Goto eggs him on and Callum manages to stand. Callum fires a forearm, drops to a knee, but Goto stands him up. Goto DECKS Callum again! Callum shakes out the stars and he snarls! Callum fires another forearm, but Goto DECKS him a third time! Goto eggs Callum on, the fans rally again, and Callum rises. Callum puts his hands behind his back and dares Goto to hit him! So Goto DECKS Callum a fourth time!

Khan & Akira coach Callum on but Red Shoes asks if Callum wants to stop. Callum shakes his head, he’s not gonna stop here. Callum stands again, leans on the ropes, then comes back for more! Callum even SPITS at Goto! The fans boo that, but Goto DECKS Callum for it! Goto watches Callum sputter, and Callum slowly rises again. But then he falls back over! Callum headbutts the mat to fire back up, and the fans rally behind him! Goto winds up and ROCKS Callum! Callum is back to get in Goto’s face! Goto fires a flurry of forearms! Callum CHOPS! Goto feels that one! The fans fire up and Callum roars, but Goto spins him! URA G T R!

Goto goes to run but Callum reels him in! GERMAN SUPLEX! ROUNDHOUSE! Callum runs, but into a fireman’s carry! G T W!! Cover, TWO!! We’re 15 minutes in as Goto stalks Callum to the apron. Goto stomps Callum, then stands him up. But Callum fights the fireman’s carry with elbows! Goto still lifts! Callum flails, slips down, and KICKS Goto! Callum goes up, up, and OSCUTTER 2.0 on the apron!! Both men fall to the floor and the fans fire up! Red Shoes checks, both men are able to continue, so a ring count starts. Khan fans off Callum while the fans rally. The count already passes 7 of 20, then hit 10, but both men are still down!

Callum rises at 13, drags himself in at 17, but Goto is still down! Goto rises up and springs in at 19! The fans fire up as this continues! Callum goes to a corner, runs up, BUSAIKU KNEE! Then he hurries to bring Goto into the drop zone! Callum roars, climbs, and the fans fire up! DIVING DOUBLE STOMPS!! Cover, TWO?!? Goto survives the coup de grace and Callum can’t believe it! Akira & Khan tell Callum to keep going, he’s almost done it! The fans rally and duel as Callum hobbles over. Callum stands Goto up, then runs, but Goto swings, DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Both men stay up, and they DOUBLE LARIAT again!

The fans fire up, Callum returns, and DOUBLE LARIATS collide again! And again! Callum waistlocks, ripcords, RAINMAKER?!? Cover, TWO!!! Goto survives as Callum shouts out the former leader of Chaos! The fans are thunderous, Callum feeds off that energy, and Callum drags Goto up. Callum calls his shot, springboards, OSC- NO, Goto blocks the cutter! DISCUS- NO, Callum dodges and springboards! OSCUTTER 2.0!!! Cover, TWO!??! But Callum hooks a leg! FIREBOLT!!! Cover, TWO?!?! Goto survives again and the fans are electric! Callum is unsure what to do as we pass 20 minutes, but the fans dueling shakes the arena!

Callum drags Goto up, but Goto wrenches out! Goto spins Callum, dragon sleepers, but Callum slips free! Backslide! Goto rolls through, PENALTY KICK BLOCKED! Goto HEADBUTTS Callum, ripcords, RAINMAKER!!! Both men are down and the fans are thunderous again! Goto rises, he brings Callum up, and the fans rally as hard as they can! Goto HEADBUTTS away on Callum, then brings him up to HEADBUTT again! Goto snarls and the fans are thunderous again, as Goto suplexes for SHOTEN KAI!!! Cover, TWO?!?!? Callum survives and Goto cannot believe it! The fans duel harder than ever before, and Goto rises again!

Goto roars and focuses his power! Callum sits up, into a BUZZSAW! But then Goto brings Callum around, but Callum drops to victory roll! TWO!! Callum SUPERKICKS, but Goto LARIATS!! Goto stands Callum up, dragon sleepers, but Callum fires shots from below! Goto blocks that arm, traps it, and G T R KAI!!! Cover, GOTO WINS!!

Winner: Hirooki Goto, by pinfall (still IWGP World Heavyweight Champion)

The Prince of Pace did his best to follow in the Aerial Assassin’s footsteps, but he is still a long way from reaching the top of the mountain. However, if this is how close he came on his first try, will nothing stop Callum Newman from being the future of NJPW?

As for Goto, the belt is put back around his waist, and he watches Callum walk away. Callum takes a moment to bow in deep respect to Goto before he and the Empire leave. Goto then grabs the mic, and the fans cheer him on. “No matter what anyone says, this is MY time!” The fans cheer that! Goto continues, “Who’s my next opponent? As a fighting champion, I’ll take on all challengers!” Wait! Zack Sabre Jr. makes his way back out here! Goto took this title from ZSJ so clearly ZSJ wants a rematch. ZSJ grabs a mic to tell Goto in Japanese, “Good work tonight. That was a fantastic match! Truly fantastic.

“You’ve been on a roll lately! You’re indeed a great champion. But I’m you’re next challenger!” The fans like the sound of that! Goto says, “I accept!” The fans really like that, and the two shake hands on it. Will the Submission Master make sure that- WAIT! Shingo Takagi is here?! He storms into the ring with a mic to say, “Pardon the intrusion!” The fans cheer as Takagi asks, “Mind if I speak my piece? Zack, hold on a moment. OI, GOTO! You really are something. You got a belt, a wife, and kids! And on top of that, you’re in Hontai!” The fans do applaud that with a bit of a chuckle.

Takagi points out that he, on the other hand, has no belt, no wife, no kids. “And now it looks like my faction is done… But that doesn’t mean I need to hang my head. I’ll soar to the top!” The fans applaud, and Takagi says the G in IWGP stands for Goto, right? But oi, oi, oi! You can’t spell “Shingo” OR “Takagi” without a G! He has two G’s, so he wants his shot at the title. At least, he’d like to say that. But he has no objects to Zack. Takagi did lose to ZSJ last time. So then Takagi will wait to challenge the winner of Goto VS ZSJ! The fans like that, too! Takagi says if it’s about G’s, Goto can’t argue Takagi’s point!

The three men all look to each other, and it looks like the deal is struck. Fierce Warrior VS Front Man, and the Rampaging Dragon gets the winner! Who will stand on the summit of NJPW going into the summer? Takagi and ZSJ take their leave, and Goto continues. “Again, thank you very much for coming today!” The fans applaud, and Goto says, “No matter who I’m up against, I will not be defeated. The Goto Revolution is far from over! Follow it until the very end! Let’s end with Goto’s G’s.” The fans chuckle, and Goto says he knows most of the locales had G in their names. But not in Fukuoka…

Even so, Goto still has this IWGP World title around his waist, so no worries there. IKU ZO! The fans cheer, and Goto says, “The G in IWGP is for GOTO!” The streamers fly, and the Fierce Warrior is ready to lead NJPW on! But will things only heat up from here on out?

My Thoughts:

An awesome event for Wrestling Dontaku’s finale, and we’re already building towards Dominion next month. I was rather surprised that the Six Woman Tag was so quick. Well, I feel like a lot of Stardom matches on a NJPW show end up like that… But the 10 Man Tag with Tanahashi’s team beating TMDK, and then the 8 Man Tag of LIJ winning, both of those matches felt just as fast/short. I suppose on some level, they did it because we all had a feeling who was winning. Tanahashi’s team wins because he also had special guests Tajiri and Ryota, so that was just a great moment for some longstanding legends.

LIJ winning was apparently to also commemorate their last match as a faction. With Titan being their CMLL member, we only have Hiromu, Takagi and Tsuji. I suppose a trio isn’t necessarily a faction, but I’m surprised they just sprang this dissolution on us. Great match from Yota VS Yuya, but I think they dragged it out a bit at the start. It got hot by the end, and Yota retaining was a great move. Gabe Kidd calling his shot is also a great move, he and Yota are going to have a great rematch from their time limit draw. And then awesome main event from Goto VS Callum, with Callum looking great even in defeat. Callum is definitely on his way, maybe he’ll really build up his power level in the G1 Climax this year.

Great promo to close, with Goto, ZSJ and Takagi establishing the next couple of title shots. I think Goto VS ZSJ has been made for Resurgence this Friday, so they’re getting that right out of the way so Takagi can face the champion at Dominion. At the same time, they kinda have to because Best of the Super Juniors is going to dominate May. Resurgence would be a wild place for a title change since it’s in the US and it’s a true PPV, so I’m not liking ZSJ’s chances.