Coverage

Mitchell’s NJPW New Japan Cup Results & Report! (3/20/22)

The quarterfinals begin!

Published

3 years ago

March 20, 2022

Steven Mitchell

Will Tetsuya Naito avoid a Tour of the Islands?

The biggest New Japan Cup enters the quarterfinals! Tetsuya Naito and Jeff Cobb collide in a WrestleKingdom 16 rematch, but will history repeat itself?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Six Man Tag: Chaos VS Kosei Fujita, Ryohei Oiwa & Yuto Nakashima; Chaos wins.
Hiroshi Tanahashi & Satoshi Kojima VS Hirooki Goto & YOSHI-HASHI; Goto & Hashi win.
10 Man Tag: Ryusuke Taguchi, Master Wato & The Guerrillas of Destiny VS Bullet Club; Bullet Club wins.
8 Man Tag: Suzuki-Gun VS House of Torture; House of Torture wins.
Six Man Tag: Tiger Mask, Tomoaki Honma & Togi Makabe VS Los Ingobernables de Japon; LIJ wins.
Six Man Tag: Suzuki-Gun VS The United Empire; The United Empire wins.
2022 New Japan Cup Quarterfinal: Tetsuya Naito VS Jeff Cobb; Naito wins and advances.
2022 New Japan Cup Quarterfinal: Kazuchika Okada VS CIMA; Okada wins and advances.

PLAY BY PLAY

10 Man Tag: Ryusuke Taguchi, Master Wato & The Guerrillas of Destiny VS Bullet Club!

Team Six or Nine rescued Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa & Jado from a beatdown, and now they’re united against common enemies! Will the “Guerrillas of 69” take out Taiji Ishimori, El Phantasmo, Bad Luck Fale, Chase Owens, and most of all, Gedo? Or will their new alliance prove less than Too Sweet?

Jado leads the charge as they rush the ring, but Bullet Club’s five get out of the ring fast. Fale’s mad, so he shoves Abe-san down! Seems Evil isn’t the only one who bullies the timekeeper. But the ref tells Bullet Club to get back to the ring, and “Jado’s Avengers” dare them to, too. The bell rings to get this on record, and Jado’s team attacks! They brawl on the outside, Gedo rakes Jado’s eyes! Tama RAMS Chase into railing! Wato ROCKS ELP but Taiji bumps Taguchi off the apron. Taguchi gets in the ring while ELP pulls Wato’s ear and knees low. The Cutest Tag Team puts Six or Nine in the ring while Gedo chokes Jado.

Gedo tells Jado he made the wrong choice, and Fale CLUBS Loa, then CLUBS Tama. ELP stands on Taguchi at the ropes, Taiji stands on Wato, but the ref reprimands. ELP and Taiji step off, fans rally up, but they mug Taguchi and Wato. They double whip but the champs reverses to double drop toehold and double basement dropkick! Fans rally as Six or Nine double whip ELP. They double elbow, back hand and sobat, to SLIDING HIP! Wato covers, TWO! Fans rally and Wato CHOPS ELP at the ropes. Wato whips, ELP reverses and Taiji dumps Wato out! ELP BOOTS Loa off the apron and Fale is after him!

Taiji drags Wato out to RAM him into railing! Wato drops, Gedo rakes Jado’s eyes and Chase chokes Tama! The ref has his hands full but ELP distracts him with an early celebration. Taiji puts Wato in for ELP, ELP covers with a knee to the face, TWO! ELP drags Wato to the ropes to stand on his back! Tag to Fale, Fale stands on Wato’s back! Taiji gets in to climb onto Fale and then Gedo stands on Wato’s head! The ref reprimands and counts and the four step off. Gedo taunts Wato, Fale tags Chase, and fans rally up. Chase stomps Wato, drags him up to snapmare him for a forearm to the back!

Chase clamps on a chinlock and then shifts to a neck wrench! Wato endures, moves around but Chase knees him in the back. Tag to Gedo, he and Chase split the wishbone! Gedo holds up both hands and throws up the Too Sweet. Gedo stomps Wato, kicks him around but fans rally up. Wato gets up to CHOP! Gedo rakes the eyes! The ref counts, Gedo lets off and Wato falls. Gedo laughs as Jado’s team protests. The ref is busy keeping Tama back, Fale drags Wato over to a corner! Fale and ELP YANK Wato into the post! ELP and Taiji and Fale all pull on the legs to dig Wato in deeper! But Loa rushes over to save Wato!

Loa fights off ELP and Taiji, but Fale and Chase mug Loa. Chase and Fale double whip Loa at railing, and Loa tumbles up and over! Gedo drops fists on Wato, then covers, Taguchi breaks it! Gedo protests but then he tags Taiji in. Taiji stomps Wato as fans rally up. Taiji throws fists but Wato grits his teeth. Wato throws shots back, then CHOPS! And a kick, but Taiji blocks! Taiji CLUBS the leg, gut wrenches, but Wato slips out. Taiji mule kicks, runs, but into a ROUNDHOUSE! Both men are down and fans fire up! Hot tag to Loa! The Silverback rallies on Taiji, DECKS Fale, then runs off Gedo and Chase!

Taiji runs in, DOUBLE KNEES to Loa in the corner! Taiji fires fast hands, runs, but Loa follows to SPEAR! ELP gets in to fire off forearms, but Tama gets in to give him haymakers! Fans rally with Tama, he whips, but ELP holds ropes to kick back! ELP runs, into a dropkick! ELP falls out, Tama fires up, but Chase runs in! Tama dodges the C-Trigger, then he whips Chase to ropes. Chase holds ropes, he fakes Tama out, then trips him for a SHINING WIZARD! But Loa runs in! Chase fires off fast hands, Taiji gets in, and they double whip. Loa breaks their line to DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE!

Fans fire up with Loa and he brings Taiji up. Taiji pokes him in the eyes! Taiji whips, Loa reverses, Taiji handsprings to NEURALIZER! Taiji hurries to tag Gedo! Gedo JAWBREAKERS Loa, then aims, SUPER- NO! Loa blocks! Gedo says no but Loa says yes! Loa DECKS Gedo! Fans fire up with Loa, and he brings Gedo over to tag Jado! Fans fire up even more as Jado aims at his former friend! Gedo wants a handshake but Jado sees through that! Jado blocks the cheap kick, but Gedo rakes eyes! Gedo runs, but Jado rallies with clotheslines! Fans are thunderous as the Master Heater powers up!

Jado drags Gedo up, puts him through ropes, but Taiji & ELP save Gedo! But Wato springboards in, FLYING UPPERCUT for Taiji! Taguchi springboards in to MISSILE HIP ELP out! Then Six or Nine DOUBLE PLANCHA them both! Fans fire up more but Chase and Fale run in. Jado dodges Chase, holds him in place, and then moves as Fale runs in! Fale SPLASHES Chase, and then Tama runs in to STINGER SPLASH them both! Then Loa dropkicks Fale down! Tama whips Chase and throws a body shot, Jado PUNTS Chase, then Loa hits a BIG back suplex! Jado covers, TWO!

Fans fire up but Jado wants them to hush. Jado stomps to tune up the band and the fans clap along. Chase gets up, Jado runs in, but Chase dodges! Chase grabs the ref, Gedo gets in and he DECKS Jado! Gedo seems to be putting something away in his pocket! Did he have a loaded fist somehow? Chase drags Jado up to C-TRIGGER! Cover, Bullet Club wins!

Winner: Bullet Club, by pinfall

The Crown Jewel gets another pin off the Master Heater! Is it just not in the cards for Jado? Meanwhile, ELP and Taiji each choke Wato and Taguchi, making it clear they want after the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions! Will Bullet Club be Too Sweet through to the Spring?

2022 New Japan Cup Quarterfinal: Tetsuya Naito VS Jeff Cobb w/ The United Empire!

The Uncontrollable Charisma conquered the Hawaiian Hulk in the Tokyo Dome, and Cobb hasn’t forgotten that! Will he make sure Naito never forgets this match? Or will history repeat itself and lead Naito to the semifinals?

As usual, Naito takes his time with his elaborate entrance attire. Cobb is patient, and then the bell rings. Fans applaud as the two stare down, and then they rally for “NA-I-TO!” Cobb claims it’s “JEFF CO-BU” instead. Naito and Cobb circle, each daring the other to step forward. They tie up, Cobb puts Naito on the ropes, and the ref calls the ropebreak. Cobb lets off slowly and cleanly, and fans applaud the sportsmanship. Naito and Cobb circle, tie up again, and though Naito tries, Cobb puts him back on the ropes again. Cobb lets off slowly and then mocks Naito’s LIJ fist. The two circle again and fans rally back up.

Cobb and Naito tie up again, and Naito gets around so he can waistlock and put Cobb on ropes. The ref calls the ropebreak, Naito lets off slowly, and he pats Cobb on the back. Then he pulls Cobb’s hair! The ref reprimands but Cobb breaks free. Naito ducks the lariat, Cobb avoids the basement dropkick, and Cobb runs Naito over with a shoulder! Naito bails out, Cobb builds speed! Cobb fakes Naito out and rolls to copy the tranquilo. But then Naito basement dropkicks him! Naito clamps on a chinlock and he pulls Cobb back, but fights up and backs Naito to a corner. The ref calls the break and Naito lets off slowly.

Naito then CLUBS Cobb, CLUBS him again, and cravats for a neck wrench. Cobb endures, scoops Naito, but Naito uses that for a flying-mare! Naito kicks, runs, and RANAS! Cobb flounders, Naito storms over and the Empire coaches Cobb, but Naito snapmares Cobb into the leg hook full nelson! Fans rally as Cobb endures, Naito pushes up for more pressure, but Cobb moves around. ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Naito thrashes the hold but then “apologizes” as he claims he can’t get loose. The ref reprimands, Naito lets Cobb go, and Ospreay coaches Cobb up while Khan fans Cobb off with the towel.

Naito stomps Cobb at the ropes, drags Cobb up, then kicks low. Naito kicks again, then CLUBS Cobb, then kicks. Cobb blocks a kick to scoop and FALL AWAY SLAM! Naito falls out of the ring and Cobb goes out the side. Cobb drags Naito up, ROCKS him with a forearm, then CLUBS him on the back. Cobb RAMS Naito into railing! Naito goes down in a heap and fans rally up. Cobb drags Naito up, SMACKS him off the apron, and then CHOPS him! Naito staggers around the way, Cobb fakes out English commentary and throws Naito into the ring. Kevin Kelly breathes easy and Cobb says Kevin’s fine.

Cobb gets in the ring, stomps Naito, then brings him up. Naito fires off forearms but Cobb body shots and snapmares, to then jam his knee in again and again. Then Cobb uppercuts Naito in the back! Naito writhes but Cobb covers, TWO! Fans rally up but Cobb drags Naito up to suplex. Cobb holds Naito up with one arm! Fans fire up and Cobb squats with Naito as the weight! Then he TOSSES Naito down! Fans fire up for that showing of strength and Cobb takes his time walking over to Naito. Cobb looms over Naito, drags him back up, and whips him to a corner. Cobb then runs in, to JUMP KICK!

Cobb leg sweeps, and he COMBINACION CABRONS! Fans fire up as Cobb copies the pose, and then covers. TWO, so Cobb covers again. TWO, and Cobb is annoyed. Fans rally, Cobb paces and drags Naito up. Naito throws body shots but Cobb doesn’t budge. Naito keeps throwing hands but Cobb short arm LARIATS! Then GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT flops as Naito moves! Fans rally up while both men are down. Khan fans Cobb off again while he and Naito get up. Cobb’s in the corner, he rushes Naito but Naito arm-drags him! And then throws back elbows! Naito gets under the clothesline to atomic drop and dropkick the leg! Then NECKBREAKER!

Fans fire up while both men are down again. Cobb goes to another corner, Naito runs in, JUMP KICK! Leg sweep! TRUE COMBINACION CABRON! Naito also shows Cobb how to do the pose properly. Cover, TWO! KNEEBAR! Naito is after the beat-up leg but Cobb endures! Cobb reaches out and gets the ROPEBREAK! Naito cranks harder on the leg, but the ref counts him! Naito lets go with only his hands and keeps the grapevine. The Empire protests and the ref counts again, but Naito lets the grapevine go slowly. Fans rally up and Naito brings Cobb up to get the leg. Cobb resists the lift, so Naito kicks the bad leg!

Naito brings Cobb up again, has the bad leg, but Cobb resists again! Cobb throws body shots but Naito kicks the leg again and again and again! Cobb drops, fans fire up and Naito brings Cobb up again. Naito has the leg, but Cobb CLUBS him down! Cobb gets to ropes but Naito brings him around, TORNADO- NO! Cobb blocks the DDT to suplex! But Naito slips off to waistlock. Cobb elbows free, whips, but Naito reverses to fire off back elbows! Cobb ROCKS Naito with a forearm! Naito ENZIGURIS! But Cobb LARIATS! Both men are down but fans fire up! Cobb crawls towards his corner while Naito goes the other way.

Cobb sees Naito in the open corner, and he runs in to back elbow! Naito flops down and to the apron! Cobb checks his face, then he drags Naito up. Cobb bumps Naito off buckles, then goes up the corner. Naito resists, but Cobb still deadlifts for the SUPERPLEX! Naito sits up in a daze before flopping back over! Cobb crawls to the cover, TWO! Cobb GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! Naito survives and the Empire can’t believe it! Fans rally up, Cobb stalks Naito, and he drags Naito up to whip. Naito holds ropes then BOOTS back! Naito spins Cobb around, TORNADO DDT! Both men are down and fans fire up again!

Fans rally up as Naito and Cobb stir. Cobb gets to the corner, Naito hurries over to CLUB him. Naito hops up, reels Cobb in, ESPERANZA! Fans fire up and Naito aims as Cobb stands. CORRIENDO SHIKI- NO! ATHLETIC PLEX! Cobb counters Destino much like he did at WrestleKingdom! Fans are thunderous as both men are back down! The Empire rallies with the fans as Naito and Cobb slowly sit up. Naito throws forearms on Cobb, but Cobb ROCKS Naito with one! They stand, Naito fires off more forearms, but Cobb ROCKS Naito again! Naito fires even more forearms, but Cobb fires just as many!

Cobb whips, Naito FLYING FOREARMS! Cobb staggers, runs, but into a basement dropkick! Naito gets up but Cobb CLOBBERS him with a low headbutt! Cobb gets to ropes, fans rally up and Cobb drags Naito up with a gut wrench! DOCTOR BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Naito survives and fans are thunderous again! Cobb drags Naito up again, whips and scoops, but Naito slips out to REVERSE DDT! Cover, TWO!! Cobb survives that pseudo Destino but Naito fires back up! Naito drags Cobb up, wrenches and tilt-o-whirl, DESTI- NO! TOUR OF- NO! Roll up! Naito wins!!

Winner: Tetsuya Naito, by pinfall (advances to the semifinals)

The Empire can’t believe it! Naito snatches victory from the arms of defeat! Will the Uncontrollable Charisma be unstoppable on the way to the Cup?

2022 New Japan Cup Quarterfinal: Kazuchika Okada VS CIMA!

The Rainmaker has so far kept his promise to make it rain, and he has so far dominated as IWGP World Heavyweight Champion. But he is up against a #GLEAT competitor who comes off a win over Hirooki Goto. Will Cima find himself a shortcut to the top? Or will Okada break this Strong Heart and continue to keep his promise?

The bell rings and fans rally up with claps for “O-KA-DA!” Okada and Cima circle, feel things out, back off a moment, then approach again. They tie up, Cima wrenches to a wristlock, but Okada rolls and trips Cima to a toehold. Cima endures then gets a body scissors to roll Okada to a cover! TWO, Okada has the toehold again but Cima fights back with a chinlock. Cima drags Okada down and leans on the hold but Okada rolls Cima to get a headlock. Cima keeps his shoulders up and rolls Okada to a cover, ONE! Okada cranks the headlock but Cima endures. Cima uses a chinbar but Okada eggs him on.

Fans rally, Cima headscissors free and even pulls Okada’s arm. Okada endures, moves around, and pops free to also have a butterfly stretch. Okada then jumps onto another headlock. Fans cheer the technical exchange while Cima fights up. Okada thrashes the headlock, but Cima throws body shots. Okada cranks the headlock harder and he grinds Cima down! Cima reaches back, ROPEBREAK! Red Shoes points it out, Okada lets off and fans cheer the exchange again. Cima and Okada reset, approach, and knuckle lock. They go shoulder to shoulder in a test of strength. Okada puts Cima on ropes, but Red Shoes counts.

Okada lets off slowly, and he fakes the chop, to pat Cima’s shoulders. Fans cheer the Okada standard, but then Cima CHOPS! Cima runs, but Okada BOOTS and snapmares, to run and basement dropkick! Cima flops out of the ring while fans fire up! Okada goes out after Cima while fans rally up. Okada drags Cima up, ROCKS him with a forearm, then brings Cima around the way. Okada puts Cima in and covers, TWO! Okada clamps on with a chinlock and he grinds Cima down. Fans rally up and Cima reaches out again. Cima makes his way over, ROPEBREAK! Okada lets off cleanly and fans cheer.

Okada comes back but Cima throws body shots. Okada ROCKS Cima with a forearm, then whips him to a corner. Cima reverses and runs in but Okada puts him on the apron. Cima ROCKS Okada back then HOTSHOTS him away! Cima then gets in to drive a knee into Okada’s back! Fans rally up, Cima brings Okada up to snapmare and elbow drop. Cima then clamps on a chinlock and shifts to a neck wrench. Cima elbows Okada in the shoulder! Fans rally up more, and Cima brings Okada around to NECK TWIST! Fans cheer that while Cima brings Okada to ropes. Cima brings Okada through the ropes for an APRON LEG DROP!

Cima then gets space to DRIVE-BY DROPKICK! Fans fire up as Cima catches his breath and checks his kneepads. Cima brings Okada out, CLUBS his neck, then whips him into railing! Okada staggers, into a DDT to the floor! Cima then gets on the apron, fans fire up, METEORA to the floor! Fans fire up more but Cima checks his knees. Red Shoes checks Okada but he’s okay to continue. Cima hobbles a bit as he gets in the ring. The ring count begins, Okada is still down at 10 of 20. Okada slowly sits up at 12, clutching his neck and shoulder. We’re at 15 , Okada gets up at 17, and in at 18!

Cima drags Okada up to stomp him down! Cima sits Okada up again to drive elbows into the shoulder and neck, then ghost pin! TWO!! Okada escapes and fans rally again. Cima fires up and fans fire up with him as he brings Okada back up. Okada throws forearms but Cima eggs him on! Okada keeps throwing shots, but Cima elbows away on the neck! Cima runs, into a FLAPJACK! Fans fire up as both men are down again! Okada and Cima slowly rise as fans rally. Okada glares at Cima, throws forearms then whips. Cima reverses but Okada CLOBBERS him with an elbow! Okada then brings Cima up to whip him to a corner.

Okada runs in, back elbows Cima, and kicks him for a DDT! Cover, TWO! Fans applaud, and Okada brings Cima up to throw him out. Okada whips Cima into railing! And then another DDT to the floor! Fans rally up as Red Shoes checks on Cima. Cima’s okay to continue, so Okada runs a full lap around the ring to basement dropkick Cima down! Fans fire up for Okada bringing out something new, but now Okada has to catch his breath. Okada brings Cima up and into the ring, wrenches the arm and has the MONEY CLIP! Cima endures and fights his way forward to the ROPEBREAK! Red Shoes counts, Okada lets off quickly.

Cima gets to a corner, Okada runs in but Cima BOOTS him! Cima goes up, SHOTGUN missile dropkick! Then Cima drops a SENTON! Cover, TWO! Fans rally while both men are down, and Cima gets up first. Cima brings Okada up, but Okada fights the fisherman hook! Okada CLUBS Cima, ROCKS him and runs, but Cima follows to dropkick at the ropes! And then SAIDO! Cima fires up, runs, but into Okada’s dropkick! Fans fire up again and Okada drags Cima back up. Okada scoops and SLAMS Cima, then goes to the corner. Okada climbs up, MACHO ELBOW! And fans already fire up for the Rainmaker Pose!

Okada brings Cima up, ripcords, but Cima ducks and waistlocks to straitjacket BACKSTABBER! Cima gets up and runs, SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up and Cima sits Okada up. Cima goes to the apron and climbs the ropes, springboard BLINDSIDE METEORA! Fans fire up but Cima resets on the other side! Springboard, but Okada avoids the meteora! Scoop and SPINNING TOMBSTONE! Fans fire up again while both men are down! Okada gets up first and he EuroUppers Cima. Cima eggs Okada on so Okada EuroUppers again. Cima keeps egging Okada on, and fans rally up behind him!

Okada EuroUppers again and Cima ends up in a corner. Okada runs corner to corner but Cima dodges the back elbow! Cima CLUBS Okada, puts him in the corner with legs in the ropes, and DRAPING BACKSTABBERS! Cima drags Okada to a drop zone and then goes to the adjacent corner! Springboard, COAST2COAST! Cima then snapmares Okada to sit in the drop zone! Cima goes up the corner, METEORA STOMPS!? Cima spares his knees to use his feet, but now he’s getting serious! The kneepads come down and Cima goes back up! METEORA, but Okada moves! The bare knees hit mat!

Okada crawls over to Cima as fans fire up, and he clamps on the MONEY CLIP! Cima endures, fans rally up and Cima gets to his feet, only for Okada to hit a BACK2BACKBREAKER! And then MONEY CLIP is put back on! Cima endures again as Okada squeezes tight! Fans rally up, Cima reaches out but Okada drags him to center! Cima kicks and flails but he isn’t giving up yet! Cima reaches out, crawls, but Okada squeezes even tighter! Cima still has life, but Okada bends him back! Red Shoes checks with Cima but Cima is still fighting! ROPEBREAK! Okada lets go and fans cheer as Cima survives.

Okada gets to his feet, drags Cima back up, and gut wrenches again. Cima fights free, rolls Okada then floats to ENZIGURI! Okada staggers, Cima goes for a leg but Okada blocks! Okada turns things to a backslide, Cima rolls through, but into a short arm LARIAT! Okada drags Cima back up for another short arm LARIAT! Okada roars, fans fire up and Okada brings Cima up to ripcord, only for Cima to slip out and SUPERKICK! Cima then fireman’s carries but Okada slips off. Okada spins but Cima jumps! Okada blocks the Code Breaker! Okada brings Cima around to LANDSLIDE! And then ripcord, RAINMAKER!! Cover, Okada wins!

Winner: Kazuchika Okada, by pinfall (advances to the semifinals)

Cima may have been wearing sky blue, but there were clouds in his way! The Rainmaker stands tall and is headed to the final four! But Cima has won Okada’s respect, as Okada bows on hands and knees in respect. Cima returns that respect, as both men have proven how #GLEAT they are today. Okada gets his title back on and then gets the mic to say, “Everyone, thank you for your hot, hot, hot support tonight!” Okada says many may not know his connection to Cima, but they both had the same teacher in Ultimo Dragon. “In that sense, Cima is a relative to me.”

They had their own paths, and Okada found his way to NJPW. But for them to meet and fight in a NJPW ring means a lot to Okada. If he represents another company and fights in the New Japan Cup, well, that just means other companies have great wrestlers, too.” Fans applaud that sentiment. Okada adds that the best are in NJPW. And Okada promises they’ll all keep tearing it up in the very best ring for the fans! Fans applaud that, too. Okada then says, “Wrestling in the New Japan Cup here in Nagaoka reminds me of three years ago. Back then, I won the Cup and became champion. I’m already champion now, so next is winning the Cup.”

Fans cheer that, remembering back to that time. Okada reminds everyone that there’s still more tomorrow, all part of this anniversary year, so he hopes everyone returns tomorrow. And he promises to keep making it rain in the New Japan Cup! Will Okada relive three years ago and have both top title and tournament cup?

My Thoughts:

Another very good event, and of the non tournament matches, I had to do the 10 Man cuz that was a match I was expecting from the Guerrillas VS Bullet Club story. It even had the five guys from Bullet Club I expected, but I didn’t think they were gonna win. I suppose it does set up a Junior Heavyweight Tag title match, so maybe Jado’s vindication is when he gets a 1v1 with Gedo or something. I skipped the others cuz we had three Young Lions as one team, the IWGP Heavyweight Tag champs together again, and just some tune-up tags. I will say, United Empire winning of Suzuki-Gun’s Douki, Taichi and Zack Sabre Jr. didn’t really affect math since Henare pinned Douki.

As for the New Japan Cup, Naito VS Cobb was great stuff, roughly on par with their WrestleKingdom match. Naito wins again but in a quick way to establish Cobb is getting closer to the top but he’s still not there. Okada VS Cima was also great stuff, and as I figured, that was Cima’s best match in NJPW. Okada wins, of course, but that’s big for him to show respect to Cima there. Okada VS Naito is going to be an awesome semifinal, and at this point, I feel like it could go either way. Naito could easily ruin Okada’s run at the Cup as payback from New Years Golden Series, and then he has a shot at the title in his back pocket if he doesn’t win the finals.

My Score: 8.7/10

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420 Honor Club!

Can’t go wrong with ROH on a Friday afternoon! But will Dustin Rhodes & The Von Erichs still be World Six Man Tag Champions after facing #MXMTV?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Bandido & Komander w/ Alex Abrahantes VS The Infantry w/ Shane Taylor Promotions; Bandido & Komander win.
ROH World Six Man Tag Team Championships: Dustin Rhodes & The Von Erichs VS Johnny TV & MXM Collection; Dustin & The Von Erichs win and retain the titles.
Sammy Guevara VS Lee Johnson w/ Blake Christian; wins.
The Frat House VS ???
Six Man Tag: Atlantis Jr, Fuego & Esfinge VS Euforia, Barbaro Cavernario & Zandokan Jr; win.
Evil Uno & Alex Reynolds VS Jon Cruz & Rosario Grillo; win.

PLAY BY PLAY

Bandido & Komander w/ Alex Abrahantes VS The Infantry w/ Shane Taylor Promotions!

The Most Wanted is once again ROH World Champion, but the Commander of the Skies just lost his ROH World Television Championship. Meanwhile, Captain Shawn Dean & “Bad News & Tattoos” Carlie Bravo want to take over the ROH Tag Division. Will someone be getting Two 2 Da Head? Or will the luchadores be dealing out a Blackjack 21?

The fans rally for Bandido already, which annoys The Infantry. The Code of Honor is not upheld as The Infantry strike first! The bell rings, the ref reprimands and the fans boo as Dean fires forearms with Komander while Bravo has Bandido. Dean kicks Komander, then Bravo SUPERKICKS Komander! Bandido BOOTS Dean, then he brawls with Bravo! They go back and forth, Bandido ROCKS, KNEES, and headlocks. Dean tags in as Bravo powers out, and then Bravo drops down for Dean to take a swing. Bandido blocks that to DECK Dean, but Bravo CHOP BLOCKS Bandido! Bravo shoves Bandido out for Dean to whip hard into railing!

The fans boo but Bravo says, “That’s how we get down! S T P!” Dean drags Bandido up and into the ring, then stays between him and Komander. The fans rally, but Dean RAMS Bandido into the corner! The Infantry mugs Bandido, the ref counts, and The Infantry lets off. Tag to Bravo and he CHOPS Bandido! Bravo puts a leg in the ropes, stomps it, then CHOPS! Bravo stomps Bandido again, then backs off as the ref reprimands. Bravo brings Bandido out, but Bandido fights the suplex! Bravo hooks a leg to FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect, but Bravo drags Bandido from Komander with a HEEL HOOK!

Tag to Dean, Dean stomps Bandido, and Bravo says #TAIGASTYLE taught him that. Lee Moriarty gives a thumbs up, and Dean stomps Bandido. Dean puts Bandido’s leg on the ropes, then HIP DROPS it! The fans rally for Bandido but Dean stomps him down. Cover, TWO! Bandido stays in this but Dean drags him around by the leg. Dean drops an elbow on the knee! Then he drops an elbow on the other knee! Then back to the right knee! Then the left knee! The fans boo but Dean drags Bandido to the corner. Dean runs to ELBOW Bandido, then he tags Bravo. Dean scoops Bandido, Bravo goes up, ELBOW DROP BACKBREAKER!

Bravo swaggers while the fans boo, but then he goes back to cover Bandido. TWO, and the fans rally up. Bravo drags Bandido up to HEADBUTT, then he tags Dean. Dean sends Bravo in, but Bandido TOSSES Bravo out! Dean runs up, Bandido BOOTS him! Dean comes back, Bandido dodges and hobbles, hot tag to Komander! Komander springboards and salutes for the CROSSBODY! Bravo rushes back in, he has Komander, but Komander BOOTS Dean to go up and over Bravo! Komander shoves Bravo into Dean, then knuckle locks Bravo to CHOP! Komander goes up, jumps around, and FLYING RANAS Bravo away!

The fans fire up as Komander dodges Dean, ROCKS Bravo, then mule kicks Dean! Komander sends Dean into Bravo, then springboards to DROPKICK Bravo into giving Dean the DDT! Cover, but Bravo breaks it! Bandido runs up, Bravo wrenches and ROLLING ELBOWS! Bravo is fired up, but Komander SUPERKICKS him! Komander fires off on Dean with forearms and puts him in the corner. Bravo sneaks a tag while Komander climbs up. Komander rains down five punches, then whips Dean corner to corner. Dean reverses, Bravo runs up, CARLIE CROSSOVER! Then feed to Dean’s FLYING LARIAT!

The Infantry then hoist Komander up, wrench and URENAGE DOUBLE BACKBREAKER!! Bravo covers, but Bandido breaks it! The fans fire up as Dean whips but Bandido TOSSES him! Bravo runs up, Bandido SUPERKICKS him! The fans fire up as Bandido rises, but then Bravo distracts the ref. Shane Taylor gets on the apron, talks trash on Bandido, then ROCKS Bandido! Komander storms up, Shane grabs him, but Bandido comes back! Komander gives Bandido the boost to SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB Shane onto Moriarty & Dean! The fans are all fired up as Komander then BOOTS Bravo, ENZIGIRIS, and calls to Bandido!

Komander tags Bandido, then he ROCKS Bravo! Komander goes corner to corner to go up, up, and ESCALARA MOONSAULT onto STP! Bandido scoops Bravo for the X KNEE!! Bravo is on the ropes. Bandido runs, BLACKJACK 21 PLEX!! Bridging cover, Bandido y Komander win!

Winners: Bandido & Komander, by pinfall

A big victory for Bandido y Komander! With Sueprcard of Honor just a few weeks away, who will step up to take on The Most Wanted for his most wanted ROH World Championship?

ROH World Six Man Tag Team Championships: Dustin Rhodes & The Von Erichs VS Johnny TV & MXM Collection!

The Natural may have been literally robbed of his belt, but he is still a champion alongside Marshall & Ross Von Erich. The Von Erichs are back to help Dustin take back that belt, will the Sons of Texas ride off into the sunset tonight? Or will they find they’re NOT #TVReady?

Speaking of not ready, Johnny, Mansoor & Mason Madden attack the Sons of Texas at the ramp! The fans boo the blindside attack, but Mansoor CLUBS Ross, Johnny CLUBS Marshall, and Mason stomps Dustin. Johnny kicks Marshall, Mason whips Dustin into the railing, and Mansoor RAMS Ross into the steel steps! The fans boo more, Mansoor tells them to shut up, but Marshall fights back! Marshall fires forearms, but Johnny CLAWS Marshall’s eyes! Mason sends Dustin into more railing, then LEG LARIATS Dustin down! Mansoor fires more shots on Ross, then he puts Ross in the ring for Johnny.

The ref checks on Ross, but Ross says he wants the match! The bell rings, and Johnny BOOTS, KICKS, ROCKS, and fires more shots on Ross! Taya Valkyrie shows off the remodeled ROH World Six Man belt while Johnny gives Ross some ground ‘n’ pound. The fans boo but Johnny drags Ross up. But Ross jumps to RANA! And then he arm-drags! And arm-drags again! And DROPKICKS! The fans fire up as Ross brings Johnny up, tags Marshall, and then whips so Marshall can DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Johnny rolls to his feet, mule kicks Marshall, then hot tags Mansoor! But Marshall dodges to BLAST Mason!

Marshall ROCKS Mansoor with counter punch after punch, but Mansoor puts him in a corner for body shots and stomps! The ref counts, Mansoor digs his boot in, but then Mansoor stops at 4. Mansoor argues with the ref while sneaking kicks. Mansoor whips corner to corner, but Marshall comes back to LARIAT! Marshall fires more hands, then he UPPERCUTS! Marshall ROCKS Mansoor, wrenches and whips corner to corner, but Mansoor comes back! Marshall runs through the lariat to then LARIAT Mansoor! The fans fire up and Marshall calls his shot! CANNONBALL for Mansoor! Cover, TWO!

Marshall drags Mansoor up, headlocks, and Ross tags in. They mug Mansoor and the fans cheer that CHOP! Ross headlocks and grinds, but Mansoor hooks Ross’ nose! Mansoor headlocks now, but Ross powers up and out. Mansoor jumps the dropdown, Mason tags in, and Mason BLASTS Dustin off the apron to then LEG LARIAT SPINEBUSTER COMBO! The fans boo, Marshall protests, but MXM mugs Ross! Johnny joins in and they all stomp away! The fans rally for Dustin while Mason TOSSES Ross out. MXM distracts the ref so Taya can stomp away on Ross with those bright green boots!

The ref has to hold Marshall back, and Mason goes out to fetch Ross. Mason puts Ross in the ring, throat chops him, then fires body shots as he says he’s H O T T, O~ G~ O~! Tag to Mansoor, Johnny lets Chappell Roan know they’re big fans, and Mansoor BLASTS Marshall off the apron! Mason scoops Ross, Mansoor runs up, CATWALK SLAM! Cover, TWO! Ross survives and Mansoor snarls. Mansoor clamps on with a chinbar and armlock! Ross pries at the grip, reaches out for the ropes, and Marshall coaches him. Ross fights up, Mansoor holds him back, but then Mansoor THROWS Ross down by his hair!

The fans boo, but Mansoor drags Ross back to tag Johnny. Johnny stomps Ross, then drags him up, only for Ross to fire body shots! Johnny gets up and under Ross, Alabama ROLLING SLAM! Cover, TWO! Johnny stands over Ross and pulls on the arms while he tags in Mason. Mansoor runs around the outside to blindside Dustin! The fans boo and Marshall protests, but there’s nothing to be done as Mason drops an ELBOW on Ross! And another ELBOW! And then a JUMP ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Mason is annoyed, Dustin is down, and Mansoor tags in. Mansoor tells Marshall that he saw the Iron Claw movie, and it SUCKED!!

The fans boo but MXM hoist Ross up! Mason runs, but Marshall DUMPS him out! Ross CLUBS away on Mansoor, reaches for Marshall, but Mansoor holds onto a hand! Ross fires a forearm, the fans rally up, but Mansoor still holds on! Mansoor ducks the shot, back suplexes, but Ross lands out! DOUBLE LARIATS take both men down! The fans fire up as Ross and Mansoor crawl! But Mason is creeping up! Mason YANKS Marshall down, then THROWS him into the steel steps! And he CLUBS Dustin for good measure! Mansoor rolls up Ross, TWO! Ross feints high to BACKDROP Mansoor! Dustin rises up!

The fans are thunderous as Mansoor and Ross crawl, hot tags to Johnny and Dustin! The Natural rallies on the Guru of Greatness, then whips, but Johnny reverses! “Not Today!” UPPERCUT! SNAP POWERSLAM! Mansoor is in, but Dustin kicks and “Not Today!” UPPERCUT! SNAP POWERSLAM! Mason is in, but again, “Not Today!” But Mason grabs Dustin first! CHOKE- NO, Dustin slips free, and feeds Mason to a DOUBLE DROPKICK from the Von Erichs! Johnny CLUBS Dustin, whips, but Dustin hits a BULLDOG! Cover, Mansoor breaks it! The fans boo but Mansoor CLUBS Dustin. Mansoor whips, Dustin reverses, but Mansoor avoids the powerslam!

Mansoor DDTS Dustin, but Ross RANAS Mansoor! Johnny SUPERKICKS Ross! Marshall DISCUS LARIATS Johnny! Mason LEG LARIATS Marshall! Dustin storms up, Mason HEADBUTTS him! Mason runs, but Dustin dodges! Mason’s leg is in the ropes, and he begs Dustin not to. Dustin pokes Mason in the eyes! And then he puts Mason’s other leg in the ropes! Dustin takes a deep breath, but Johnny runs up! Dustin gets around and lifts Johnny, to stick him right in there with Mason! Taya protests, but that lets Dustin hit DOUBLE SHATTERED DREAMS!! Mansoor runs up, Dustin dodges, DESTROYER!!

Ross is in, and he gives Mansoor an IRON CLAW!! Marshall has Mason, and SLAM DUNKS him into Johnny’s TV! Johnny sits upright, right into Mansoor’s runway! Ross keeps Mansoor in a corner, and Dustin brings Johnny up! Dustin puts one out, then hits the FINAL RECKONING!! Cover, Sons of Texas win!!

Winners: Dustin Rhodes & The Von Erichs, by pinfall (still ROH World Six Man Tag Team Champions)

Taya is beside herself! Dustin gets his belt back as the Von Erichs keep theirs! Will no one ever truly stop The Last of His Kind from running the ROH Tag Division?

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

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Coverage

Andrew’s TNA iMAPCT! & Unbreakable Results & Match Ratings: 4.17.2025

iMPACT is the Pre-Show, Unbreakable is a TNA+ Special! See what happened!

Published

18 hours ago

April 18, 2025

Andrew Balaz

iMPACT! is getting the old Heat treatment as a TV episode pre-show. While nothing about the iMPACT episode seems overly intriguing, they all actually have narrative weight, and since the last two weeks have been devoid of weight and general cohesion…this might be a surprisingly good episode which would serve as a better pre-show than expected.

I’m still mad that it’s a damn Thursday and they want to have 4-5 hours of show because WrestleMania reasons. Even WWE realized doing long shows before workdays was stupid, so NJPW giving them the idea to break Mania into two nights is a boon for everyone over thirty.

Also the main reason I’m doing a joint article. Since Unbreakable starts immediately after iMPACT, I’m not gonna put up back to back articles. One stop shoppin it!

Will @AJFrancis410 be crowned the FIR$T TNA International Champion TONIGHT at #TNAUnbreakable?!

WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/rT1TusIxJd pic.twitter.com/rxiBn6PxPw

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 18, 2025

iMPACT! – Ratings:

Laredo vs Jason Hotch w/Tasha Steelz: Laredo wins via Laredo Fly – ** 1/4
Jazmyn Nyxx w/Fatal Influence vs Xia Brookside w/Lei Ying Lee: Xia wins via Small Package – **
KC Navarro vs Cody Deaner: KC wins via Loaded Fist – **
Maggie Lee & Heather by Elegance w/Personal Concierge vs Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley: Hot Topic Hotties win via Cemetery Drive – ** 1/4
Jakara Jackson w/Lash Legend vs Dani Luna w/Jody Threat: Dani wins via Luna Landing – ** 1/4
Leon Slater vs Brian Myers: Myers wins via Roster Cut – ** 1/2

Unbreakable – Quick Ratings:

Zachary Wentz vs Eric Young vs AJ Francis: Young wins via Piledriver – *** 1/4
Ace Austin vs Steve Maclin vs Eddie Edwards w/Alisha: Steve Maclin wins via KIA – *** 1/2
X Division Championship: Moose(c) w/Alisha vs Akeem: Moose wins via Lights Out – Long Squash
Mustafa Ali & Nemeths vs Hardys & Mike Santana: Jeff Hardy wins via Swanton Bomb – ***
Kaz & Tessa vs Joe Hendry & Masha: Hendry wins via Standing Ovation – ** 3/4
Barb Wire Massacre: Sami Callihan vs Mance Warner w/Steph De Lander: Callihan wins via Cactus Driver ’97 – ** 1/2
Inaugural International Championship: AJ Francis vs Steve Maclin vs Eric You: Maclin wins via K.I.A. – *** – TITLE CHANGE!!!

Results:

Laredo vs Jason Hotch w/Tasha Steelz

Laredo starts quick with a Straight Right, Tijeras, a few quick strikes, kicks Hotch out of the ring, wants a Plancha, but Tasha gets in the way to stop Laredo’s offense which gives Hotch an opening. Quick trip, a few chops and a hard Irish Whip has Laredo trying to catch his breath. Hotch tries to go for another Strong Irish Whip but Laredo reverses, two kicks, Flying Neckbreaker into a Missile Dropkick sending Hotch to the outside. Laredo finally pulls off his Suicida, and he’s rolling. Corner Forearm, Uno Mass Corkscrew Moonsaults, but Hotch manages to get away after two. A Snap Jab staggers Laredo, Ali style Outside In Rolling Neckbreaker and Hotch tries to take things to the top. But Laredo counters and Avalanche Michinoku Driver…only for two.

Laredo tries to keep things going, Back Handspring Crossbody, but Hotch catches him, big Tilt-a-Whirl Backbreaker for two. Hotch looks to the corner and then gets scared because he thinks Santana might strike, Hotch and Tasha argue, Laredo recovers and runs up the corner and hits the Laredo Fly for the win.

If @CodyDeaner can take down @KCwrestles tonight on #TNAiMPACT he punches his ticket Ultimate X at #TNARebellion! @milanmiracle

WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/rT1TusIxJd pic.twitter.com/T5zqKHVr24

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 18, 2025

Jazmyn Nyx w/Fatal Influence vs Xia Brookside w/Lei Ying Lee

Jazmyn and Xia go for a chain wrestling or World of Sport kind of start. Xia even gets out of the Head Scissors with the classic Hand Stand and pop. After a little taunting, Jazmyn tries to charge but Xia loops around for a flash Cradle, Nyx kicks out quick and retreats to her Fatal Influence friends for a breather. Xia catches her with a Dropkick, a few strikes and starts putting things together until Jazmyn catches her in the corner and Snake Eyes Xia the hard way and then starts leaning her into the ropes, a few Leg Sweeps, PK kicks and Jazmyn is in control. Fisherman’s Suplex Hold from Jazmyn but Xia kicks at two. She tries to fight back up but Jazmyn is using her positioning to keep control. Bulldog into the middle buckle, puts Xia between the ropes and lays in a Round Kick to her chest and Xia has been eating offense for the last few minutes. The crowd tries to rally the little British Angel, but Jazmyn lays in some forearms, hits the ropes, Xia ducks and they hit stereo High Kicks to double down for a few moments.

Xia starts to rally, gets a few shots in, Tijeras, Xia tries Angel Wings but Jazmyn moves. Jazmyn tries to stay on her, but a Jawbreaker gives Xia time to go to the corner, Xia hits the Crossbody, Angel Wings, and looks for a DDT or something but Fatal Influence get involved distracting everyone. Lei has Fallon hanled, but Jacy is mouthing off causing Rosemary to come down and make a Mist save. Jazmyn tries to be opportunistic, but Xia blocks her move and hits the Small Package for the win.

Overbooked and timing was a bit shoddy in some spots, but not offensive. Not bad, but not good either.

KC Navarro vs Cody Deaner

This is for a spot in the Ultimate X match. Here’s to hoping the Blessed One beats the hell out of the loser who’s about as over as Herpes. Meaning he never goes away, and he’s unlikable. Anyone that says “Funny Underdogs are needed on shows”, isn’t that like 60% of the roster? No one is funny if everyone tries to be funny. KC however, he’s fucking hilarious and amazing.

KC tries to pay off Deaner and get him to forfeit, Deaner of course does the underdog thing of fighting back, dumb looking punches, goofball corner spot that he lengthens to the put of looking dumb and not funny. Oh thank God KC hits the Spiderman in the ropes, ducks Deaner and 305 gets hit for a near fall. Now KC is rolling, nice quick offense, Snapmare, Front Roll Neck Snap, Stomp into Split into cover for only two. Deaner goes for the comeback, and a few Lariats, Bulldog, and everything looks soo stupid. Deaner puts KC in the Airplane spin, gets dizzy and then goes again, TKO for two.

Navarro tries to powder, Deaner goes after him but the ref gets Deaner off of him since KC was in the ropes, KC wraps his necklace around his knuckles and a quick Jab to the face as Deaner tries to suplex him, 1-2-3, Blessed WIN.

If Deaner was the only doofus guy he’d be fine, but when we have Santino, Arianna, Laredo, KC, Great Hands, Brian Myers, Dango, Alisha, Hendry (while not a doofus isn’t close to serious), Kaz, Elegance Brand (all 3 of them), Ryan Nemeth and those are just off the top of my head. Everyone can’t be silly or no one is silly and nothing matters.

Maggie Lee & Heather by Elegance w/Personal Concierge vs Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley

I’m gonna keep any Gigi drooling to a minimum since I respect my boy Wentz, but I will say, you gotta love Hot Topic Hotties. Yes I like walking red flags, I’m self aware, and okay with it.

Maggie and Gigi start, a few quick counters, Gigi manages the Double Hook Cradle for two, then Hot Topic Hotties go tandem with a Dropkick and a Twisting Elbow for another two. Tatum is officially legal, Maggie looks for the tag but Heather wants to push Maggie more. Which is exactly how ASH treated her. Tatum turns it around, Gigi tags in, Poetry Bronco, and then Kawada Kicks from Gigi. Concierge distracts, Maggie grabs her, Heather takes the cheap shot, Suplex from Maggie for two. Heather and Maggie get some offense in together, and Heather is working Gigi over in the heel corner. Unicorn Stampede essentially. Heather goes for a pinfall and its only 2. Heather is getting frustrated, Gigi with an Upkick headscissors, Heather tries to stop the tag out, but eats the Mule Kick.

Tatum starts beating on Heather, rams Heather into Maggie, Cartwheel Peach Sunrise, tags in Gigi, Double Headbutts and Cemetery Drive from the Hot Topic Hotties and everyone wins. Jesus…will never leave this chat, he started it.

Jakara Jackson w/Lash Legend vs Dani Luna w/Jody Threat

Things start a little slow, Collar & Elbow tie up that they won’t relent for a while, Jakara tries to turn it into a Headlock Takeover, but Dani is too strong. Dani gets a few shots in, hops the rope for something but Lash makes her present felt and trips Dani while Jakara distracts the referee. The referee didn’t see anything but ejects Lash anyway. Lash won’t go, tries to intimidate the ref and say no. Jakara keeps things moving against Dani while Lash takes her sweet time slowly walking away. Jakara tries a Roll-Up but Dani too thicc to keep down. Dani fights back up, scoops Jakara and drops her unceremoniously.

Jakara starts laying in a bunch of Falling Knees and gets a quick two, before locking in a Cravat that Dani tries to fight out of. Dani counters out of it, ducks the Line, and they crash into each other with Forearms. The Double Fall Down spot is a little played out and this is only the pre-show really.

Dani levels Jakara with a few Lariats, looks for the Luna Landing, Jakara slips it so Dani comes off the ropes with a Busaiku Knee. Luna wants a Blue Thunder but Jakara gets away until Luna grabs her again for the Rebound Blue Thunder Bomb and a near fall. Luna charges the corner, misses, Jakara hits the Tornado DDT, but only two. Jakara tries to ram Dani’s head into the buckles, but Luna blocks, fires and takes Jakara’s head off, Luna Landing gets his and Dani wins!

Elijah has a promo segment and they have a really Sesame Street style “Walk this Way” words on the screen thing. When they did the bouncing ball lyrics with Ron Killings, it was at least cool. This comes off as corny and low budget public broadcasting crap just for Elijah to announce an open challenge at Rebellion or something. Admittedly I zoned out cause I figured it would be nothing of note.

Leon Slater vs Brian Myers

Myers and Slater start in a shoving match jawing at each other, and then Leon lays in a Shoulder Tackle off the ropes, some jumping crap and Myers is getting bounced from corner to corner like a dork. Leon tries to continue the Around the World but a punch, Thrust Kick and Irish Whip across the ring gives him some confidence, but he eats the Feint Mule Kick, Back Handspring Back Elbow…and again System matches are “look stupid and get beat up for 70% of the match until a shortcut can be taken”. Speaking of short cuts, Leon goes for his Corner Leap, Myers guards from it, Leon repositions but gets tripped and eats a Spear. Then…we go to commercial.

Coming out of the commercials Myers is still in control. Leon slips out of a suplex and then connects with a flurry of offense, Myers eats more kicks than I can count, powders, Leon does his corner post leap, comes in and looks to win but an Implant DDT, dick kick and Roster Cut gives Myers the win.

Overall iMPACT! Rating: 5/10

Nothing special but at least it made some sense and was a better than the last few episodes. Low bar comparatively. Now immediately onto Unbreakable! So because this is a long night, I figured I’d do a Watch A Long with Mat Sarpraicone over on Dirt Sheet Radio because I have zero faith in Unbreakable being worth the 2-3 hours it will take to watch it.

So you’ll get quick results with ratings and an overall thoughts at the end of Unbreakable from me, because it’s late and I needed something to keep me awake.

Overall Unbreakable Rating: 4.5/10

The iMPACT! episode was easier to watch and digest, three Triple Threats is too many and the Main Event being a slow paced triple threat after a Barb Wire match and a bunch of faster matches really doesn’t resonate well with fans. Even though I didn’t love the Sami vs Mance match, ending on carnage and the “babyface” winning would’ve been a much better way to send the crowd home happy and we wouldn’t have needed so much time fill during the last hour of the show.

Maclin being the inaugural International Champion is cool, setting up the first defense against Eric Young is good for their story, so most of the marks were hit. It just was too damn slow and had no business being a main event. Champions vs Challengers was okay, but it only really picked up when Masha and Tessa were mixing it up. I liked Moose having the extended squash match for shits and giggles, but two Triples back to back to open the show is an easy way to burn out a crowd. Sure the Moose match was an extended piss break to recharge the crowd, but the card was just laid out awkwardly and things felt like far more of a chore than they should have.

All in all this was a very lame event. Yes I get it was purely stop gap to take advantage of WrestleMania weekend, but with Rebellion next week, we all knew it wasn’t gonna shake things up too much. But hot damn was I about to fall asleep if I wasn’t doing the watch-a-long to not pass out.