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Mitchell’s NJPW New Japan Cup Results & Report! (3/6/22)
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Mitchell’s NJPW New Japan Cup Results & Report! (3/6/22)

The New Japan Cup continues!

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Will the United Empire conquer the Cup?

After making some adjustments, the New Japan Cup continues, and the Commonwealth Kingpin fights for his spot in round two!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Yuji Nagata VS Kosei Fujita; Nagata wins.
  • Six Man Tag: Tiger Mask, Tomoaki Honma & Togi Makabe VS Bullet Club; Bullet Club wins.
  • Six Man Tag: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Ryusuke Taguchi & Master Wato VS House of Torture; Tanahashi, Taguchi & Wato win.
  • 8 Man Tag: Chaos VS Los Ingobernables de Japon; LIJ wins.
  • Jeff Cobb & Great-O-Khan VS Bad Luck Fale & Taiji Ishimori; Fale & Ishimori win.
  • 2022 New Japan Cup Opening Round: Aaron Henare VS Yuto Nakashima; Henare wins and advances.
  • 2022 New Japan Cup Opening Round: Zack Sabre Jr. VS Ryohei Oiwa; ZSJ wins and advances.
  • 2022 New Japan Cup Opening Round: Will Ospreay VS Bushi; Ospreay wins and advances.

PLAY BY PLAY

Six Man Tag: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Ryusuke Taguchi & Master Wato VS House of Torture!

The Ace teams with Six Or Nine against the King of Darkness, Tokyo Pimp and Murder Machine as a preview of an upcoming New Japan Cup showdown! Will Tanahashi and Wato help Taguchi be ready for Evil? Or will Darkness Fall on the Funky Weapon?

Tanahashi shows off the muscles and fans cheer. The House of Torture Low Sweets, while Taguchi and his team huddle up and do their own team cheer. But then House of Torture attacks! Sho throws out Wato, Yujiro DECKS Tanahashi and Evil CLUBS Taguchi! The bell rings to get this on record as Evil stomps away on Taguchi. Evil drags Taguchi up, wrenches his arm, then wrenches again. Evil wrenches a third time, whips Taguchi, but Taguchi reverses to HIP ATTACK! Fans fire up and Taguchi calls on his team. Taguchi and Wato double whip Evil to a corner, then Wato runs in to back elbow. Tanahashi adds a SPLASH, but Evil boots Taguchi away!

Wato runs in to hit another back elbow, Tanahashi runs in to hit a back elbow, Taguchi runs into another boot! Wato elbows, Tanahashi forearms, and Taguchi gets booted! Taguchi drops to his knees while Wato and Tanahashi mug Evil. They stand Evil up for Taguchi to run in, but Evil turns hip attack into atomic drop! Sho and Yujiro get in to throw Wato and Tanahashi out. Evil stomps Taguchi down, drags him back up and hits another atomic drop! Tgauchi falls, Sho tags in, and Sho uses the crossbar cover to SPANK Taguchi again and again! The ref confiscates the covering so Sho just stomps Taguchi.

Sho drags Taguchi up, facelocks, and he tags in Yujiro. They mug Taguchi, and Yujiro snapmares Taguchi to throw down right hands! The ref reprimands about closed fists, so Yujiro BITES Taguchi’s forehead! Cover, TWO! Fans rally but Yujiro tags Evil. Evil tells fans to stop that, then he eggs on Wato. But Taguchi tries to roll Evil up! Evil blocks, drags Taguchi up and wraps him in the cobra twist. The ref is busy with Wato, so he misses the HOT boys linking up from ring to railing! Taguchi endures but Tanahashi storms over to grab Dick Togo in a SLEEPER! Dick fades out already!

The ref sees what is going on and he reprimands. Evil lets go and Taguchi rolls away. Evil catches up to cover, TWO! Tag to Sho and Sho drags Taguchi up to bump him off buckles. Sho stomps away on Taguchi, digs his boots in, but the ref counts. Sho lets off at 4 and fans rally up. Sho tries to tune them out while Taguchi sputters in a daze. Sho drags Taguchi back up and CLUBS him on the back. Sho KICKS Taguchi in the butt, but hurts his own foot?! Taguchi’s got buns of steel! Taguchi fires up and fires off palm strikes! Sho rakes Taguchi’s eyes! Sho whips, Taguchi reverses but Sho dodges the hip attack! Sho runs, but Taguchi rolls and jumps to HIP ATTACK!

Fans fire up as Taguchi rolls, hot tag to Wato! Wato rallies on Sho, BOOTS him the whips him for a dropkick! Wato blasts Evil and Yujiro off the apron, then runs at Sho in the corner! Sho puts Wato on the apron, but Wato jumps the sweep to GAMANGIRI! And then springboard, FLYING UPPERCUT! Cover, TWO! Wato drags Sho up, hooks him in, but Sho resists the Mouse Trap Driver! Sho wrenches the arm to BEND the fingers! Sho waistlocks but Wato elbows free. Wato runs but Sho uses the ref as a shield! Sho then runs to SPEAR Wato down! Fans fire up while both men are down, but Sho tags in Yujiro.

Yujiro drags Wato up, kicks and forearms and CHOPS him, then whips to ropes. Wato reverses to CALF KICK! Both men are down and fans fire up! Wato crawls, hot tag to Tanahashi! Tanahashi runs to FLYING FOREARM Yujiro down! Tanahashi BLASTS Sho and Evil with a crossbody! Tanahashi fires off strikes on Yujiro, then scoop SLAMS him! Fans fire up as Tanahashi goes to the second rope, SUNSET SENTON! Cover, TWO! Tanahashi keeps focus and fans rally up. Tanahashi runs, but Yujiro gets around to dragon sleeper! Tanahashi fights out but Yujiro BITES the hand! Yujiro then whips, but Tanahashi reverses.

Yujiro holds ropes, dodges Tanahashi, and Evil anchors Tanahashi’s foot! Yujiro BOOTS Tanahashi down, Sho BLASTS Six Or Nine! The House of Torture regroups and whips Tanahashi into a corner. Sho hits a forearm, Yujiro hits a BOOT, Evil runs to corner clothesline! Then feed to Yujiro’s FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, Six Or Nine break it! Sho and Evil go after them, throw them out, and Yujiro gets back up. Fans rally as Yujiro drags Tanahashi up, Tanahashi SHOTEIS! Tanahashi runs, into Yujiro’s LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Yujiro goes for his pimp cane while Dick distracts the ref! Tanahashi gets up, but he dodges the cane!

Tanahashi waistlocks, but Yujiro mule kick LOW BLOWS! Dick stops distracting and Yujiro drags Tanahashi back up. But Tanahashi slips out of Big Juice to shove Yujiro at the ref! Then Tanahashi uppercut LOW BLOWS Yujiro! Roll up, Tanahashi’s team wins!

Winners: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Ryusuke Taguchi & Master Wato, by pinfall

Taguchi has Evil in Oh My Garfunkle! Evil taps and Taguchi lets him go! To then T-BAG Evil! Will Taguchi give Evil the same treatment in their New Japan Cup match? Or will the tournament prove Everything Is Evil?

 

Jeff Cobb & Great-O-Khan VS Bad Luck Fale & Taiji Ishimori!

The United Empire’s Hawaiian Hulk and Dominator are through to the next round, but they’re up against Bullet Club’s Rogue General and Bone Soldier! Will Cobb and Khan conquer even outside the Cup? Or will things be Too Sweet?

The teams stare down, and then Bullet Club attacks! Taiji rakes Khan’s eyes while Fale throws body shots and forearms! Fale shoves Cobb to a corner, the bell rings to get this on record, and Taiji claws Khan’s face at the ropes. The ref reprimands, Taiji lets off and Fale throws Cobb out of the ring. Fale goes out but Cobb throws body shots and haymakers in return. Taiji headlocks Khan and claws his face again. The ref reprimands, Taiji lets off and drags Khan around to CLUB him. Cobb CLUBS away on Fale and Khan ROCKS Taiji back. Khan Mongolian Chops Taiji and again! And again! Taiji falls over and fans fire up!

Khan stalks Taiji and brings him around into an IRON CLAW SLEEPER! The ref reprimands over the claw in Taiji’s eyes. Khan lets off but he complains Taiji was clawing him the whole time. Khan digs his boot into Taiji in the corner, but the ref counts. Khan lets off at 4, then he brings Taiji up to wrench and whip him to the corner. Khan looms over Taiji, then drags him up into the corner. Khan CLAWS Taiji’s back! The ref reprimands while Taiji writhes. Khan talks trash, stands Taiji back up and CLAWS his back again! Fans cheer as Khan taunts Fale. The ref keeps Fale back and Khan puts Taiji back in the corner.

Khan sits on Taiji’s head! Fans cheer while Fale protests. Khan asks if Taiji quits, and then he pulls on the arms! Taiji endures, the ref counts and Khan hops off at 4. Khan looms over Taiji while taunting him. Khan goes to make Taiji kiss his foot but Taiji resists! Taiji breaks free, throws body shots, then CHOPS! Khan knees low, CLUBS Taiji on the neck, and Cobb cheers with the fans. Khan drags Taiji up and into a HITSUJIGOROSHI! Taiji endures the Sheep Killer, and he knees free! Khan blocks the boot but Taiji blocks the iron claw! Taiji wrenches the hand, but Khan powers back up! The two struggle, Taiji fights up and kicks low!

Taiji gut wrenches but Khan blocks with his own hold! Khan gut wrenches but Taiji slips out to JAB! Taiji whips, Khan reverses and IRON CLAWS the ear! The ref reprimands but Khan CLUBS the ear! Khan drags Taiji up to ROCK with a forearm, then whips corner to corner. Taiji goes out, slides under, slips back out and shoulders into Khan. Taiji springboards, SEATED SENTON! Fans fire up and Taiji brings Khan around by his ponytail! The ref reprimands but Taiji kicks Khan around. Taiji uses the ponytail to CHOKE Khan inside the cravat! Snapmare, NECK TWIST! Khan writhes but fans cheer.

Taiji circles Khan while fans rally up. Taiji brings Khan around, but Khan gets the leg, HEEL HOOK! Khan also has the leg grapevined! Taiji endures, drags himself forward, ROPEBREAK! Khan tags Cobb in and Cobb stomps Taiji. Cobb drags Taiji around to stand on his back! Cobb uses Taiji’s body as a surfboard! Cobb hops off while the ref keeps Fale back. Cobb deadlifts Taiji to the stalling suplex! And he shifts it to a gorilla press, to then RAM Taiji into the corner! Fans rally, Cobb covers, TWO! Khan DECKS Fale off the corner, the ref keeps Fale out. Cobb taunts Taiji with a Too Sweet so Taiji CHOPS!

Taiji CHOPS and CHOPS but Cobb isn’t bothered. Cobb knees low, then whips Taiji. Taiji handsprings, but Cobb catches him! GERMAN SUPLEX, but Taiji lands and rolls through, to JUMP KNEE! Tag to Fale! Fans fire up as Fale fires off on Cobb in a corner! Fale whips corner to corner, runs in, but Cobb dodges! Tag to Khan and he runs in at Fale, SPLASH! Khan runs and BOOTS Fale but Fale stays up. Fale swings, Khan dodges, and Khan runs for FLYING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Khan wraps Fale right up in a katagatami! Fale endures, Taiji stomps Khan and the head ‘n’ arm triangle is broken!

Khan and Fale get up, Khan reels Fale in, but Fale blocks the sayanagi! Fale CLUBS Khan, runs in at the corner and SPLASHES! Fale shoves Khan down for the BIG elbow drop! Cover, Cobb breaks it! Cobb CLUBS Fale, Taiji attacks but Cobb sends him out. The Empire regroups and they get Fale up. They give Mongolian Chops back and forth! But Fale blocks the double whip! Fale whips them away, Taiji anchors Cobb’s foot and Fale LARIATS Khan! Cobb drags Taiji in as Fale covers, TWO! Taiji knocks Cobb out of the ring and fans rally up! Fale drags Khan up and pulls the pin, but Khan denies the Grenade with an uppercut!

Fale blocks the ref from seeing Taiji get in! But Khan clamps the IRON CLAW onto Taiji’s head! But Taiji LOW BLOWS Khan! Fale then gets Khan, GRENADE!! Cover, Bullet Club wins!

Winners: Bad Luck Fale & Taiji Ishimori, by pinfall

The United Empire falls! Will this momentum help the Rogue General against The Ace? Will Bone Soldier make sure #ItsReborn when he goes 1v1 with Khan?

 

2022 New Japan Cup Opening Round: Aaron Henare VS Yuto Nakashima!

We just saw the United Empire take a rather embarrassing loss, will the Ultimate Weapon take an even more embarrassing one? Or will Henare make sure this Young Lion learns his place in the food chain?

The bell rings and the two circle. They feel things out as fans rally up, and they each try testing kicks and punches. Henare clinches but Yuto fights through to go for a leg. Henare blocks that, floats to a waistlock but Yuto switches. Henare spins, Yuto has a leg, then drops down for a headlock. Henare gets away and fans cheer the technical exchange. They tie up collar ‘n’ elbow, and Henare powers Yuto to ropes. The ref counts, Yuto turns things around, there are some shots thrown, but Yuto lets off to forearm! Fans cheer his grit but Henare kicks and CLUBS Yuto down! Henare headlocks and grinds Yuto down.

Yuto fights up, throws body shots, wrenches out and headlocks back. Henare throws body shots, he powers out, and the two ram shoulders! Yuto eggs Henare on, then runs, only for Henare to withstand the shoulder tackle. Yuto dodges the haymaker and runs again, to run Henare over! Fans cheer and Yuto stomps Henare around. Yuto brings Henare up, throws big forearms, then runs, but Henare runs Yuto over! Fans cheer the showing of power as Henare drags Yuto up and throws him out. Henare goes out but Yuto throws forearms. Henare KICKS away on Yuto’s leg then SUPERMAN PUNCHES him down!

Henare drags Yuto up and whips him into railing! And then back the other way! Henare paces while Yuto slumps down. The ref checks and Yuto is still in this, so Henare drags him up and into the ring. Henare drags Yuto to a cover, TWO! Henare is annoyed but the fans cheer Yuto on. Henare drags Yuto up, boots him and fires off shots in the corner! The ref counts, Henare jumps up to dig his boots into Yuto! The ref reprimands and Henare lets off. Yuto sputters but Henare drags him back up. Henare wrenches, facelocks and suplexes high and hard! Cover, TWO! Henare gives Yuto some ground ‘n’ pound then covers, TWO!

Henare snarls but fans rally for Yuto. Henare stands Yuto up, Yuto throws forearms but Henare just knees low. Henare whips Yuto to a corner, runs in but Yuto dodge! The knee hits buckles, Yuto scoops and SLAMS Henare! Fans fire up but Henare is on Yuto first. Yuto throws more forearms, then whips Henare to ropes. Henare reverses but Yuto CLOBBERS him! Yuto roars and fans fire up again. Yuto runs in at the corner to forearm smash, then BIG hip tots! Cover, TWO! Yuto hurries to get Henare’s legs, but Henare kicks Yuto. Yuto grabs that leg for a HEEL HOOK! Henare endures as Yuto pulls on the foot!

Henare drags himself and Yuto over to ropes, ROPEBREAK! Yuto lets go and stomps Henare to a corner. Yuto fires off forearms, whips Henare corner to corner, but Henare comes back to RAM- NO! Yuto fights off the spear, but Henare ROCKS him! Yuto fires forearms back so Henare gives more shots. They go back and forth and fans rally up as they pick up speed! Henare gets the edge, then HEADBUTTS and ROCKS Yuto! Henare eggs Yuto on, Yuto SLAPS! Henare SLAPS, it’s a SLAP fight! Yuto gets the edge here, and he KICKS Henare down! Cover, TWO! Yuto fires up and the fans are with him!

Yuto throws forearm after forearm, but Henare hits a heavy body shot! And then a SUPERKICK! Henare snarls and aims from a corner. Yuto slowly rises, RAMPAGE SPEAR! Cover, Henare wins!

Winner: Aaron Henare, by pinfall (advances to the next round)

A valiant effort from young Yuto, but it’s still too early in his journey to be heading for the Cup. Will the Ultimate Weapon be ready to shoot down the Cold Skull next round?

 

2022 New Japan Cup Opening Round: Zack Sabre Jr. VS Ryohei Oiwa!

The Submission Master won this tournament once before, and he wants to get back to it! Will he make this Young Lion #JustTapOut? Or will he end up on the bad side of a bracket buster?

The bell rings and Oiwa rushes in and runs ZSJ over! Fans cheer as he stomps ZSJ and brings him up. Oiwa whips, ZSJ reverses and headlocks, but Oiwa powers out. Things speed up, Oiwa hurdles and hip tosses! ZSJ kicks Oiwa away but Oiwa runs him over again! ZSJ bails out and fans fire up! Oiwa dares ZSJ to get back in but ZSJ says, “Very good, very good.” ZSJ takes his time returning and returns at 5 of 20. They circle, ZSJ and Oiwa feel out the grapple, and Oiwa shoots in to get the waistlock. ZSJ throws Oiwa for a headlock, but Oiwa headscissors and squeezes tight. ZSJ moves around, pops out to have the legs and he digs knuckles in.

Oiwa endures, throws forearms on ZSJ, but ZSJ pushes the legs down! ZSJ stands on the knee, gets an arm and twists it to a hammerlock. ZSJ grinds Oiwa to the mat but Oiwa fights up. Oiwa throws elbows, slips the hammerlock onto ZSJ, but ZSJ counters with a cording hold. Oiwa resists the hip toss, so ZSJ shifts to arm-drag him down! ZSJ has the headlock but Oiwa gets the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer as ZSJ lets off and the two reset. ZSJ and Oiwa circle, feel out the grapple, and Oiwa shoots in to fireman’s carry takeover! Oiwa headlocks, ZSJ headscissors but Oiwa fights it off. Oiwa traps an arm but ZSJ gets the headscissors!

ZSJ holds tight while he twists the arm into a double wristlock! Then he has as figure four stump puller! ZSJ shifts to the step-over toehold, but can’t get the crossface. Oiwa headlocks to drag ZSJ off, and he pulls back to get the arm! ARMBAR! But ZSJ scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Oiwa lets off and fans cheer the technical exchange. ZSJ and Oiwa reset and circle again. They feel things out, clinch, ZSJ gets a waistlock and mat return. ZSJ cravats to snapmare and he holds onto the neck wrench. Oiwa endures, but ZSJ traps an arm and then shifts to headscissor again. ZSJ pulls on Oiwa’s arm and fingers!

Oiwa fights free of the headscissor hold but ZSJ shifts to a top wristlock. Oiwa fights up to his feet and fights the wristlock. Oiwa wrangles ZSJ to the mat and now he has the armlock. ZSJ clasps hands, gets to his feet, and he rolls to break free and leg pick Oiwa for a takedown. ZSJ stands on the arm, twists it and bends the fingers, then wrenches to bend the fingers even more! Oiwa kicks and flails as ZSJ bends the arm into the double wristlock! Oiwa reaches out, and gets the ROPEBREAK with a foot! Fans cheer and ZSJ lets off. ZSJ kicks Oiwa and eggs him on. Oiwa gets up but ZSJ knuckle locks to then WRING Oiwa out!

ZSJ rolls and tweaks the arm! He mockingly asks if Oiwa is okay and Oiwa gets mad. ZSJ gives more kicks, focusing on the bad arm. Oiwa gets mad and picks ZSJ up! SPINEBUSTER! Fans fire up as Oiwa grits his teeth. Oiwa whips corner to corner, runs in and dropkicks ZSJ down! Oiwa runs to run ZSJ over, and then he gets ZSJ back up to gut wrench suplex! Cover, TWO! Oiwa shakes out the bad arm, gets the legs, but ZSJ trips him up to get the headscissor necklock! Oiwa endures the squeeze, but ZSJ shifts around to get better leverage! Oiwa reaches out, ROPEBREAK! ZSJ lets go again and fans cheer this technical clinic we’re seeing.

Fans rally, Oiwa gets up and ZSJ BOOTS him down! Oiwa gets up again and blocks the boot to trip ZSJ! Oiwa has the legs, ZSJ resists the turn and twists to throw Oiwa into the corner! ZSJ gets up, waistlocks, but Oiwa switches. ZSJ slips out to snapmare and neck wrench! Oiwa fights up but ZSJ hooks a leg. Oiwa fights through to scoop and SLAM! Fans fire up as Oiwa gets the legs! ZSJ resists again, Oiwa tries to power through but ZSJ uses that to headscissor roll! But Oiwa rolls through that to sunset flip! TWO!! ZSJ escapes and fans fire up! Oiwa rushes in to whip and DROPKICK ZSJ down! Cover, TWO!

Oiwa roars and he brings ZSJ up! Scoop and- No! ZSJ fights the slam and EuroUppers! Oiwa stays up but ZSJ EuroUppers again! And again! Oiwa staggers into more EuroUppers! ZSJ stands Oiwa up but Oiwa fires forearms! ZJ gets the leg and trips Oiwa, to then have a standing toehold! Oiwa endures, gets one leg free, but ZSJ drags him from ropes to TWIST that toehold! Oiwa taps, ZSJ wins!

Winner: Zack Sabre Jr, by submission (advances to the next round)

The Submission Master took a simple toehold and turned it into torture! Oiwa learned his lesson, but will ZSJ teach everyone else that it’s best to #JustTapOut?

 

2022 New Japan Cup Opening Round: Will Ospreay VS Bushi!

The United Empire has gone 50-50 on the night, and now their leader is in action! Will the Commonwealth Kingpin begin his conquest here? Or will the Black Mask make things tranquilo in the end?

Ospreay finishes putting his coat and Rev-Pro British Heavyweight title aside, and he turns around into Bushi’s dropkick! Ospreay bails out, the bell rings to put this on record, and Bushi DIVES! Direct hit and Ospreay tumbles up and over the railing! Careful not to knock the Cup over! Ospreay gets up to his feet as fans fire up and Bushi drags him back to ringside. Ospreay flounders about, Bushi kicks him and whips him into railing! The railing goes sliding with Ospreay! Bushi puts Ospreay back in the ring, fans rally up and Bushi brings Ospreay up for a NECKBREAKER! Cover, ONE! Fans cheer as Bushi stomps Ospreay.

Ospreay fires elbows but Bushi eggs him on. Bushi then knees low, CLUBS Ospreay, and whips him to a corner. Bushi runs in but Ospreay blocks monkey flip and puts Bushi up top. Bushi boots but Ospreay CHOPS! Fans cheer as Bushi tumbles down. Ospreay goes out after Bushi, “Who do you think you are?!” Ospreay whips Bushi hard into railing! Bushi falls, and Ospreay stands on Bushi’s head! Red Shoes reprimands but Ospreay says to tell Bushi that. Ospreay brings Bushi up and puts him in the ring. Cover, TWO! Ospreay brings Bushi up, CHOPS him, and stalks Bushi to a corner. Ospreay strips Bushi’s shirt off, and wipes his butt with it!

Ospreay drags Bushi up and brings him around to CHOP off his feet! Cover, TWO! Ospreay drags Bushi back up, scoops and SLAMS Bushi, to then drop a BIG elbow! Cover, TWO! Fans cheer as Bushi is still in this but Ospreay grows annoyed. Ospreay kicks Bushi around, then gives him toying kicks while he taunts Bushi. Ospreay says he’s the best wrestler to ever live, but Bushi CHOPS and CHOPS! And DOUBLE CHOPS! Ospreay ROCKS Bushi and Bushi leans against Ospreay. “That’s what I thought.” Ospreay whips Bushi to a corner, runs in, but into a BOOT! Bushi goes up and FLYING RANAS!

Fans fire up while both men are down. Bushi pushes up, fans rally, and Bushi throws forearms! Bushi whips but Ospreay reverses. Ospreay runs in but into the SWING KICK! Bushi goes up and missile dropkicks! BUSHIROONI! Fans fire up and Bushi aims as Ospreay bails out, SLINGSHOT RANA! Fans fire up again while both men are down on the outside! Bushi gets up as the ring count climbs. It’s 10 of 20 before Bushi stands. Bushi fires up and fans fire up with him. Bushi puts Ospreay in at 15, Ospreay swings but into a DDT! Cover, TWO! Bushi keeps cool and fans rally up. Bushi brings Ospreay up, but no Fisherman Screw!

Bushi ducks Ospreay’s chop but runs into a scoop, SPINNIIIIING BACKBREAKER! Fans cheer that combination of speed and strength while Ospreay gets to a corner. Bushi slowly rises as Ospreay takes aim. Springboard and PIP PIP CHEERIO! Cover, TWO! Ospreay is annoyed again but he waits on Bushi. Fans rally as Bushi rises, BUZZSAW and MULE KICK! Ospreay calls his shot, springboards, but Bushi make Red Shoes take the OSCUTTER! Ospreay is in shock! He moves Red Shoes aside and gets Bushi back up. Bushi fires off forearms! Ospreay ROCKS and ROLLING ELBOWS Bushi down! Ospreay prepares his armband and aims from the corner!

Bushi dropkicks Ospreay’s leg out before the Hidden Blade! Ospreay CHOPS, runs, but into a dropkick! Bushi reels Ospreay in, FISHERMAN SCREW! Both men are down, and referee Marty Asami comes out to substitute for Red Shoes. Bushi goes up the corner and aims as Ospreay stands. But now Ospreay uses Marty to take the MX!! Now Bushi is in shock! And then OOWN! Ospreay aims, to the apron and KICKS him down! Ospreay aims, PLANCHA! Direct hit and fans fire up! A third referee, Saito, appears, and he has medics help Red Shoes and Marty. Ospreay checks with the new ref before fetching Bushi.

Ospreay has the ref stay at a safe distance. HOOK KICK for Bushi! Then Ospreay calls his shot, underhooks and Canadian racks, but Bushi slips off! Bushi shoves Ospreay at the ref! Ospreay stops himself, then moves aside and Bushi MISTS Saito!! Oh no!! Ospreay aims, Bushi ducks, the ROUNDHOUSE hits Saito!! This match is wiping out NJPW’s referee corps! Fans fire up as Ospreay shouts for another ref! Ospreay boots but Bushi dodges. Ospreay blocks a kick, ducks the enziguri but not the HEEL KICK! Bushi runs, but into Ospreay’s Tiger Wall Kick and ENZIGURI! The fourth ref arrives, Ospreay calls his shot! OS- BACKSTABBER!!

Bushi hurries to the corner again and fans fire up! Bushi goes up, leaps, but into a GAMANGIRI! Ospreay springboards, OSCUTTER!! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay hurries to underhooks the arms and Canadian rack! Bushi slips off, backslide and bridge! TWO!! Ospreay escapes the Bushi Roll and fans are fired up! Bushi runs in, but no Code Breaker! Pop into the POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay aims from the corner! HIDDEN BLADE!! Cover, Ospreay wins!

Winner: Will Ospreay, by pinfall (advances to the next round)

It took four refs to do it, but Ospreay gets the win! And of course, he gets the mic to speak. “More. Motto.” The fans cheer more and Ospreay continues, “If you think you want to bet on anyone else in this tournament, think again! Will Ospreay is back in NJPW! And he’s back for the New Japan Cup! And no one, no one, will stop me from becoming back-to-back New Japan Cup winner! EL PHANTASMO! You’re next!” #BillyGOAT just called out ELP, but will the Headbanga get over his crisis of confidence before he’s conquered?


My Thoughts:

A very good event, but yes I did skip a few things. Nagata wins the opener against a Young Lion, and the Bullet Club combo of Chase Owens, Gedo & El Phantasmo win over guys not in the tournament anymore so that Bullet Club can have momentum. I covered the next Six Man Tag because it was the lead-in for Taguchi VS Evil. It was a clever finish for Tanahashi to return the low blow favor. That way, Tanahashi, Wato and Taguchi get momentum going into their matches while not really taking away from House of Torture. I skimmed the 8 Man Tag, all good stuff, especially Takagi and Ishii brawling after the match. Can’t wait to see that match-up happen.

Cobb & Khan VS Fale& Taiji was really good stuff, and quite the surprise that Bullet Club won. Khan is surely winning 1v1 with Taiji, partially as revenge for this loss. And though Henare and ZSJ both faced Young Lions, those were still pretty good matches. The Young Lions got good showings, I wonder if this is to make up for them not getting to go on excursion because of the pandemic. Ospreay VS Bushi was great stuff, especially with the multiple ref bumps that for once actually sidelined the refs. Of course, these were basically finishers they were taking, so it makes sense.

Ospreay wins for the reason he put in his promo: he wants to go back-to-back, which hasn’t happened since Hirooki Goto did it 2009 and 2010. Ospreay winning the Cup would be a big accomplishment and it would set up Okada VS Ospreay at Hyper Battle, probably the last date on April 9th. Of course, there are still plenty of other great choices, maybe whoever meets Ospreay in the semifinals gets the cup.

My Score: 8.6/10

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Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (6/20/25)

One step closer to the end!

Published

on

Can the Last Real Champion handle The Truth?

While the King & Queen of the Ring tournaments reach their semifinals, John Cena has his first match on SmackDown in years, against Ron Killings!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Queen of the Ring Semifinals: Asuka VS Alexa Bliss; Asuka wins and advances to Night of Champions.
  • Aleister Black VS Kit Wilson; No Contest.
  • King of the Ring Semifinals: Randy Orton VS Sami Zayn; Orton wins and advances to Night of Champions.
  • Charlotte Flair VS Chelsea Green w/ The Secret Her-vice; Charlotte wins.
  • Bronson Reed w/ Paul Heyman & Bron Breakker VS LA Knight; Knight wins, by disqualification.
  • John Cena VS Ron Killings; Killings wins, by disqualification.

PLAY BY PLAY

LA Knight is here!

Grand Rapids fires up as the Mega Star marches right to the ring. Knight grabs a mic while the fans chant his name, and he says, “LEMME TALK TO YA!” The fans cheer, and Knight says, “Let’s just go ahead and rewind our mind a little bit. We go to back to Money in the Bank, Seth and his boys, they just happen to come down and screw this guy.” The fans boo that. Knight says usually, he lets things slide. But he just figured he couldn’t let it slide, so he made sure to screw on of Rollins’ boys in their title opportunity, King of the Ring. But then they came back, paid it back and screwed Knight outta KOTR, so he had to go and screw the other one over!

And it just has Knight thinking. Fans “YEAH!” and Knight says there is only one way this can go. He has gone back and forth between Raw and SmackDown, where it ends, nobody knows! Except Knight! He knows! He knows where this ends! The fans cheer that! And Knight says it ends with him and Rollins! And what better place than here? And what better time than now! Knight tells Rollins to come on out and talk to him! But “Ladies and gentlemen…” The fans boo as Paul Heyman walks out and gives his introductions. He serves as the Wise Man to Mr. Money in the Bank, Seth FREAKIN’ Rollins!

Heyman says you do not boo that name. And you screwed up your cue, so they’ll do this again. He serves as the Wise Man for Seth Freakin’ Rollins! The fans keep booing, Heyman wants to try again, but Knight says shut up and get to the point! Why is Heyman here?! Heyman walks to the ring and asks permission to step inside. The fans chant “O T C! O T C!” but Knight steps back. Heyman steps into the ring, and he says yes, there has been a lot of bad blood between Knight and Mr. MITB, Seth Freakin’ Rollins. However, Heyman happens to be, with all due respect to everyone here in Grand Rapids, Michigan…

The fans chant “C M PUNK!” at Heyman now and he frowns. Knight says Heyman has a lot of enemies. Heyman says he is the biggest LA Knight fan in all of WWE! Heyman’s been waiting a long time to say this: YEAH! Now, because of that, Seth Freakin’ Rollins (the fans boo again) has allowed Heyman to say to Knight, as a favor to Heyman… It is time for Knight to get the hell outta Grand Rapids, Michigan. Because if he does not, something really bad is going to happen to him before the end of the night. Have a nice evening. Heyman turns to go but the fans cheer Knight on. Knight says he couldn’t help but notice, but did you~ (poking fun at Heyman’s voice cracking) threaten Knight?

Because Knight wants to wrap his head around this. He’s heard Heyman say stuff like this before, because Heyman is a liar, a swindler, a grifter, a scammer and a schemer! Heyman leeches on to any talent that has a bit of hype, sucks ’em dry, then moves on to the next! Rollins just happens to be the latest in this. But where next? Who cares! But the bottom line is, Knight asked for Rollins but he got Heyman. And while he got Heyman, he got a Heyman out here talking all tough. So it has Knight thinking, he has a great idea.

Talking about wise man, wisdom, there was a point in time if Heyman had said something like that, a man like Knight would look at a “thing” like Heyman and punched his wisdom teeth down his throat! Knight won’t do that, yet. But here’s the deal: Heyman’s talking all tough, but if he can’t bring Rollins out here, then the only thing to do out here in Grand Rapids is Knight fighting Heyman here and now! The fans fire up for that! Knight asks if the fans want that, and they cheer! “HUH?” “YEAH!” “HUH?” “YEAH!” “YEAH!!” Knight promises he’ll turn around, take his vest off, and Heyman gets the first shot. He better make it good, or Knight will molly whop his ass right outta Grand Rapids!

The fans fire up as Knight does as promised. He turns around, his vest is off, but Heyman bails? The fans boo as the Wise Man doesn’t play along. Heyman says, “Remember when I told you to get the hell out of Grand Rapids or else something really bad is gonna happen to you before the end of the night? That wasn’t a prediction. That… was a spoiler!” Heyman throws down his mic, and here comes Bronson Reed & Bron Breakker! Rollins’ behemoths head to the ring, but Knight fires off on them first! The fans rally as Knight throws hands and feet, but then Bron TACKLES Knight! Bronson joins in and they mug Knight right out of the ring!

Bronson drags Knight up to TOSS him over barriers! Bron clears the desk, he wants Bronson to put Knight through it! But Knight has a chair! He JAMS Bron, JAMS Bronson, then SMACKS Bron and SMACKS Bronson! Knight gets in the ring, ready to hit whoever gets in! The fans cheer Knight but Heyman has Bron & Bronson stand down. Will Heyman have the henchmen try again before the end of tonight?

 

SmackDown returns and…

Heyman has Bron & Bronson calm down, they have this under control. It is all in their favor, and it always will be in their favor. That is the whole point behind this. Byron Saxton steps in and wants to talk to them, but Heyman has to hold Bron back like the dog he is! Heyman says no need to bite Byron. Byron apologizes, he has word from SmackDown GM, Nick Aldis, that Bronson Reed VS LA Knight is set for tonight. Heyman says okay, thank you, and goodbye. Byron leaves and Heyman smiles. He told them! Patience is not a virtue, it is strategy. Bronson smiles and nods. Will Auzsilla destroy LA here in Grand Rapids?

 

Queen of the Ring Semifinals: Asuka VS Alexa Bliss!

Two great returns to action through this tournament, and now they cross paths with each other. The Empress of Tomorrow overcame Ivy Nile, Raquel Rodriguez and Stephanie Vaquer while Lil’ Miss Bliss outsmarted Alba Fyre, Candice LeRae and Charlotte Flair. But whose comeback story overtakes the other’s here just one match away from Night of Champions?

The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Alexa headlocks, but Asuka powers up and out. Alexa RAMS Asuka, Asuka roars, and the fans fire up as Asuka fires hands! Alexa blocks a kick to THROW Asuka down, then basement DROPKICK! The fans cheer as Asuka and Alexa reset. Alexa kicks, Asuka blocks and slips through to waistlock. Alexa elbows free, runs, but Asuka runs past her to then RUN her over! The fans fire up and Asuka runs in again, HIP ATTACK! Alexa falls to the floor and the fans fire up while SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Asuka lets Alexa stay down while she soaks up the cheers. The ring count starts, Alexa rises, but Asuka goes out after her. Alexa slips inside and DROPKICKS Asuka’s leg! Asuka falls from the apron but she has to nod respect for that savvy move. Asuka steps back in at 6 of 10, and she resets with Alexa. They circle, feel things out, and tie up. Asuka wrenches and wristlocks, but Alexa rolls and wrenches to hammerlock. Alexa waistlocks, rolls Asuka, TWO! The two stand off again and they both nod respect. They reset, the fans rally up, and the two feel things out. Asuka trips Alexa, clamps on with a headlock, and she grinds Alexa down.

Alexa endures, Asuka turns her over to go after the arm, then she stands on Alexa’s arm. Alexa endures, Asuka shifts arms, but Alexa wrenches out to wrangle Asuka. Alexa shifts to a cording hold, but Asuka fights up and fires body shots. Alexa whips Asuka to a corner, but Asuka elbows her away! And BOOTS! Asuka goes up, leaps, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Alexa stays in this but Asuka stays focused. Asuka drags Alexa around and gives her Kawada Kicks! SmackDown returns to single picture, and Asuka wrenches for a chicken wing! Alexa fights the Asuka Lock and JAWBREAKERS free! Alexa runs up to RUN Asuka over!

The fans rally as Alexa rallies, then hits a BLOCKBUSTER! The fans fire up as Alexa SLAPS, ROCKS, and KNEES Asuka down! Then SOMERSAULT SENTON! Cover, TWO! Asuka stays in this and Alexa grows frustrated. The fans rally while Alexa brings Asuka up. Asuka breaks free to URAKEN, SOBAT, FRONT KICK, and GERMAN SUPLEX! Alexa tumbles away, Asuka runs up, SLIDING KICK! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up as Asuka stands and takes aim. But Alexa ducks the buzzsaw! Cover, TWO! Alexa clinches, TWISTED- NO, Asuka rolls Alexa up! TWO! Alexa sits up, BUZZSAW! Cover, TWO!! Alexa survives but Asuka just fires up!

The fans rally as Asuka goes to the corner. Asuka climbs from the outside, and MISSILE- NO, Alexa dodges this time! Alexa kicks and DDTS! Cover, TWO! Asuka stays in this and the fans fire up! “This is Awesome!” as Alexa drags Asuka into the drop zone. Alexa goes up, up, and the fans fire up! TWISTED- NO, Asuka moves, so Alexa stops. Alexa won’t let Asuka sneak away, but then she gets caught in an ARMBAR!! Alexa flails, rolls, but ends up in an omoplata! RINGS OF SATURN!! Alexa fights around, pops her arm free for a cover, TWO!! Asuka reels Alexa in, NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!!

The fans fire up as Alexa stays in this! Asuka fires up, the fans are with her, and she runs up, only for Alexa to ROCK her with a right! Alexa puts Asuka in the Tree of Woe, and she DROPKICKS Asuka out of it! Alexa climbs back up, and TWISTED BLISS onto knees!! Asuka still counters the moonsault, and hits the EMPRESS IMPACT!! Cover, Asuka wins!

Winner: Asuka, by pinfall (advances to Night of Champions)

The Empress says no one is ready for Asuka, and that has certainly been the case! But on Raw, we find out, will it be Jade Cargill or Roxanne Perez that meets Asuka in Saudi Arabia?

 

Jade Cargill, Mia Yim & B-Fab watch backstage.

And Fab says damn, Asuka just came back and she’s already making statements. Almost like she never left. Michin says maybe they need to make their own statements. They need to talk to Aldis about the tag titles. Fab agrees. Fab & Mia wish Jade luck before heading out. Byron walks in and asks if he can have a word. Jade says shoot. Byron says Asuka just advanced, but Jade has her match on Monday with Roxanne Perez. How does Jade feel about facing a talented competitor like Roxie? And how does she feel about the possibility of facing Asuka in the finals? Jade says “Rox” has potential. Roxie is quick and scrappy.

But she’s still trying to prove herself. And this isn’t a proving ground, this is a throne room, and Jade was built for royalty. As for Asuka, there’s a storm on the horizon. But news flash, Jade is that storm. This entire tournament wasn’t built for the future, but for a woman who can walk through fire, shatter glass ceilings, and take her crown on the way to the top. This Queen of the Ring, Jade isn’t just walking in to win. She’s here to reign. Will the Prodigy be washed away by the storm this Monday?

 

Alexa Bliss returns backstage.

And Chelsea Green finds her. Flanked by her Secret Her-vice, The Hot Mess asks, “Hey, little fu-fu, how’s your boo-boo?” Alexa asks back, “How’s yours?” Piper tells Chelsea not to get upset, Alexa is just jealous. Chelsea says this serves Alexa right. Chelsea should be Queen of the Ring, and she’d be building her parliament if not for Alexa! Oh, if she has that big of an issue, then try facing her in the ring. Chelsea says she will! But then Charlotte Flair walks in and says if anyone should’ve still been in this tournament, it’s her. But had Chelsea’s “replacement” tapped out sooner, maybe she would.

So here’s the deal: Charlotte will have a match made and tap Chelsea out instead. N-Not if Chelsea makes it a bank holiday! ROYAL DUTIES! NICHOLAS! Chelsea hurries away with the Secret Her-vice following, and Alexa tells Charlotte that she doesn’t need Charlotte’s help. Oh, that’s cute. Because Charlotte wasn’t helping Alexa. Charlotte leaves now, leaving Alexa to chew on that. Will The Queen chew up the Hot Mess and spit her out now that she has nothing better to do?

 

Aleister Black VS Kit Wilson!

The Dark Father is also directionless now that he is out of the King of the Ring tournament, but he never lets that bother him. Will he make himself the direction all roads lead when things #FadeToBlack? Or will Kit prove he can be Pretty Deadly all on his own?

Wait, who is attacking Kit? It’s R-TRUTH! But why’s Ron Killings going after Kit?! He POSTS Kit, drags him back out, and puts him in an STF!! The fans fire up and Kit taps, but it won’t matter when this isn’t a match! Killings lets Kit out of the hold and demands a mic. A mic is given, and Killings says, “Get John Cena out here now. I’m driving! On my terms! Cena, get out here!” The fans fire up and then Killings puts Kit back in the STF! Aleister is rather confused, but producers hurry out here to stop Truth. Truth lets Kit go, Jamie Noble asks Truth wait for the main event. Truth seethes, but he accepts the terms.

Killings leaves, walking right past Aleister. Will there be no denying The Truth when he finally gets his hands on the Last Real Champion?

 

Jamie Noble talks with Truth backstage.

Jamie says Truth has to calm down. Truth says he wants John Cena NOW! He’s driving! Yes, okay, but just wait. Truth promises that when he sees Cena, he is killing him tonight! Aleister steps in and asks Truth why he is getting involved in Aleister’s match. Truth says it wasn’t personal, it had nothing to do with Aleister. These two stare down, and then Damian Priest steps in. The Archer of Infamy has Aleister stand down. Truth is going through a lot, let Priest talk to him. Oh, of course. Aleister says, “Ron.” “Black.” Aleister leaves, Priest tells Truth that there’s no need for any of that. Priest gets Truth is frustrated, but he can’t just go beat up people for no reason.

Priest used to do that, and Truth was the guy there to make him smile. Truth made the world smile! All that anger and negativity, focus that on the match tonight. Focus that on John Cena. Go out there and handle business with Cena, then Priest and Truth can go downtown to celebrate. How’s that sound? Truth says sounds good, DP. They shake hands, and Priest heads out. Truth is still seething, but will he make sure it all explodes on Cena?

 

Cody Rhodes is here!

Grand Rapids sings along as The American Nightmare makes his way out, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro, he high-fives fans in the front row, then looks closely at the King of the Ring’s crown. Cody goes to the ring and grabs the mic. He hears the fans cheer him on, but then Jey Uso is here! The fans fire up as Main Event Jey makes his way down through the crowd! A young fan joins in bouncing along, but so does all of Grand Rapids! Jey continues down the stands, finds another young fan, and they bounce along again. Jey then reaches ringside, high-fives the front row, and he joins Cody in the ring as we get the next wave of YEET!

Grand Rapids might want to YEET all night, but Jey hugs it out with Cody before he gets his own mic. The music dies down, the fans chant, “One More Time! One More Time!” and Cody says sure, one more is fine. Jey says okay, and yes, the fans get to YEET again! Jey says hey, Cody doesn’t even have to say nothing. They been in the trenches! “YEET!” Still in the trenches! “YEET!” From fighting The Bloodline… “YEET!” To winning tag titles… “YEET!” To finishing their stories at WrestleMania! “YEET!” They’ve both been to the mountaintop. “YEET!” But Cody, on Monday, there is only room for one of them.

The fans are intrigued, and Cody nods. Jey says there’s only one that can go. Cody VS Jey, Jey VS Cody, and Jey knows Cody will bring it. Jey has to get his, Uce. He has to, just like Cody has to get his. But that said, Uce, it ain’t personal. This all business. But that all said, too, Uce, on Monday, after they go to war, please believe that it will be four letters, one word, uh uh… YEET! Cody smiles and the fans cheer. They shake hands again, and wait! Here comes Sami Zayn! The fans cheer as the Great Liberator makes his way to the ring. Sami grabs a mic to say, “This is nice, isn’t it? I get to share the ring with two great friends.”

The fans applaud, and Sami says he is in the ring with two of the very best that this business has to offer! The fans cheer that, too! Sami says he’d be lying if he denied there was a part of him that sees the three of them in this ring, and notices how only one of them has never been world champion. Jey, Sami wants him to know, man to man, this year, Sami missed Mania. Sami had no reason to be in Las Vegas, but he got his ass on a plane to Vegas for one reason: To congratulate Jey the moment he won the World Heavyweight Championship! Sami loves Jey, and he is proud of him. And Cody, for years, everyone watched as Cody finished his story.

And when Cody did, he did the unthinkable and pinned Roman Reigns in the middle of this ring, Sami was the first one out here to congratulate Cody. Sami is so proud that Cody finished his story. So he hopes both men understand that now, it is time for Sami to finish HIS story! The fans cheer, but then here comes Randy Orton! The Viper looks at the crown, then goes to the ring. The fans sing along with Voices and Orton grabs himself a mic. “So Cody, same deal as last week but I’m gonna say it again. There is no line I will not cross, even if it means going through you, so that I can get to John Cena at SummerSlam, beat him, and get my FIFTEENTH world championship!”

The fans cheer, and Orton tells Jey, “Man, I respect the… Hell outta you, dude. Our families go way, way, way back. Nothing but love, dude. But if you’re standing across the ring from me at SummerSlam, it’s not gonna be four letters, one word. It’s gonna be three letters, one move.” The fans say it, “R K O!” And Orton says he not only speaks for himself but for everyone here in this arena when he says, and from the bottom of his heart, one day and one day soon, Sami Zayn will be world champion. But not at SummerSlam. Because tonight, Sami is on the receiving end of the three most dangerous letters in sports entertainment: R K O.

Orton drops the mic, and it is time to put those words into action. Will it be the Legend Killer or the Underdog from the Underground that heads for Saudi Arabia?

King of the Ring Semifinals: Randy Orton VS Sami Zayn!

SmackDown returns, the bell rings, and these two circle. They tie up, Sami wrenches, ELBOW BREAKERS, then wristlocks. Orton endures, fights up, and the fans duel. Orton wrenches Sami in return to then headlock. Sami endures, powers up to wrench again, and he grinds the arm. Sami wrenches and CHOPS, and Orton goes to the corner. Sami CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! The fans “WOO~” but the ref counts. Orton pushes past Sami, bails out of the ring, and he is pretty red already. Sami builds speed but he fakes Orton out with the Arabian Press! The fans fire up and Orton has to admit that was good.

Orton goes up the steps and steps back into the ring. The fans rally, Orton and Sami tie up, and Orton puts Sami in the corner. Orton lets off slowly, but he pokes Sami in the eyes! The fans boo but Orton UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! But Sami pokes Orton in the eyes! The ref caught that one and reprimands Sami. Sami TOSSES Orton out, goes to the apron, but Orton YANKS Sami down! Sami hits off the apron, and Orton reels him in, DESK BACK SUPLEX! Sami writhes and Orton rolls into the ring, just to refresh the count. Fans want that “One More Time!” and Orton agrees! DESK BACK SUPLEX again!

Sami writhes more and whatever monitor wasn’t busted, they’re busted now! Orton leaves Sami behind for a moment while SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Orton goes out to fetch Sami, but Sami fights off a third back suplex! Orton kicks low, brings Sami over, but Sami blocks the smack off the steel steps! Orton sputters, Sami stalks him, and Sami decides to give him some payback! But Orton ROCKS Sami first! Orton SMACKS Sami off the desk, puts him in the ring, and covers, TWO! Sami stays in this but Orton looms over him. Sami rises, Orton puts him in a corner, and Orton fires body shots. Orton climbs up and rains down fists! Orton gets to eight before Sami fires back! Sami has Orton in another corner, climbs up, and Sami rains down a fast TEN!

Sami huffs ‘n’ puffs and CHOPS! Orton is stinging but Sami CHOPS him again! Sami wrenches, ELBOW BREAKERS, and whips! Orton reverses, Sami hits buckles hard, and Sami falls in a heap. Orton dusts himself off and looms over Sami again. Orton stomps Sami’s hand! Sami writhes and clutches his finger. Orton stomps Sami’s foot, ten the other foot! And then the other hand! Sami sits up, SmackDown returns to single picture, and Orton CLUBS away on Sami’s chest! Orton DECKS Sami, the fans cheer, and Orton brings Sami up. Orton whips, Sami goes up and over, and Sami LARIATS Orton down! The fans fire up again as Sami rises!

Sami goes to the corner, Orton runs up, but Sami ELBOWS him! Sami goes up, AX HANDLES, and the fans fire up more! Orton takes a swing, but Sami slips around! Orton fights the Blue Thunder, then LARIATS! And LARIATS! Orton dodges Sami to SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up while Sami goes to the apron. Orton drags Sami in through the ropes, and DRAPING DDTS! The fans fire up as Orton hears those voices! Orton watches Sami rise, but then Sami bails out! The fans are torn but Sami is smart to avoid what was coming. Orton goes out to fetch Sami, SMACKS him off the desk, and then back suplexes, only for Sami to lands out!

Sami CLUBS Orton, and hits a DESK BACK SUPLEX on Orton! Sami puts Orton in the ring, goes to a corner, and the fans fire up as Orton rises. Orton runs in, Sami dodges, and Orton POSTS himself! Sami runs corner to corner, HELLUVA- SNAP POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Sami survives and Orton seethes. “This is Awesome!” as Sami goes back to a corner. Orton runs back in and he LARIATS! Orton runs but Sami follows! But Orton dodges the Helluva Kick! Sami gets stuck on the to rope, frees himself, and hobbles into an RK- NO! BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Orton survives and the fans fire up again!

“This is Awesome!” as Sami drags Orton to the drop zone. Sami goes up the corner, Orton stands and he gets under the leap! R K- NO, Sami SLAMS Orton down! And then HELLUVA- RKO!!! Orton crawls to the cover, Orton wins!!

Winner: Randy Orton, by pinfall (advances to Night of Champions)

Sami fought his heart out, but the Viper still strikes! Orton is going back to back in KOTR finals, but will he win the crown this time?

 

Nia Jax is here!

Grand Rapids boos as The Irresistible Force goes to the ring. She grabs the mic dot say, “You know what’s crazy? Tiffany Stratton approached me to be under my wing, because she knew exactly what I could do for her. And look, she’s thriving! And what kind of thanks did I get for it? She betrayed me. She has MY title!” But wait, here comes Tiffy! Grand Rapids cheers as the WWE Women’s Champion has the mic to tell Nia, “You’re like that toxic ex I just can’t get away from. News flash: get over it! You make excuse after excuse, but when are you just gonna admit that maybe I’m just better than you?”

The fans cheer and Tiff heads to the ring. Nia says yeah, okay, if Tiff is so much better, then give Nia a rematch without kicking a chair into her face. Tiff says if Nia’s so desperate for a match, it is her lucky day! She made it official for next week: Tiff VS Nia! And Tiff will have more fun adding more scars to that “five head” of Nia’s. Because it won’t just be a regular match. It will be Last Woman Standing! Nia takes a swing but Tiff dodge! Tiff fires off, kicks low, and runs up, but into a POP-UP HEADBUTT! And then Nia drops a leg, brother! Nia holds up the belt and soaks up the heat. Nia thinks about leaving, but decides to add on! ANOTHER leg drop, brother!

The fans boo but Nia says that’s not enough! Nia tells Wade & Joe that she’s taking the title! But wait! NAOMI is here, with a ref! Is she doing it!? Is she doing it?! But Nia YANKS Naomi out! Naomi tells her back off! Nia doesn’t, Naomi shoves her, but Nia still grabs at her! Tiff DROPKICKS Naomi onto Nia! Tiff avoids a cash-in because Nia was in the way, but is she setting herself up for failure with that extreme title match?

 

Charlotte Flair VS Chelsea Green w/ The Secret Her-vice!

The Queen was denied her crown, but she’s not even angry at Alexa Bliss, the one who took that opportunity from her. She instead looks to humble the Hot Mess that claims she would be queen if her demands were met. Who vents their frustrations and comes away with the win?

SmackDown returns and Charlotte makes her entrance. The bell rings and the fans actually cheer on Chelsea. Alba distracts Charlotte and Chelsea sucker punches her! The ref reprimands but Chelsea SMACKS Charlotte off the mat again and again! Chelsea salutes, but Charlotte CHOPS! Chelsea KNEES low, whips, but Charlotte goes up and out at the corner. Charlotte BOOTS Chelsea away, avoids Alba and KICKS her! Chelsea runs up, Charlotte RAMS her, and then Charlotte climbs up. CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Chelsea scrambles away and Charlotte runs up, but into an ELBOW! Charlotte GAMANGIRIS!

Charlotte snapmares, Chelsea distracts the ref, and Alba grabs Charlotte by the hair! Alba HOTSHOTS Charlotte and Chelsea hits a BACKSTABBER! Cover, TWO! Chelsea is furious but Charlotte stays in this, and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Chelsea hops onto Charlotte for a SLEEPER! The fans rally, but Charlotte hits a BACKPACK SENTON! Charlotte is free, Chelsea runs back up, but Charlotte gives her a BACKBREAKER and BUCKLE SHOT! Chelsea falls back, Charlotte huffs ‘n’ puffs and runs up to fire hands! The fans fire up as Charlotte CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Charlotte CHOPS again, then clinches for an EXPLODER! And a kip up! The fans fire up and Charlotte salutes to poke fun at Chelsea. Charlotte runs, dodges, and handsprings to LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Chelsea survives but Charlotte stays on her by going for a leg.

Alba gets on the apron, so Charlotte BOOTS her down! The fans cheer, but Charlotte turns around into a ROUGH RYDER! Cover, TWO!! Charlotte survives and Chelsea is furious! Chelsea takes off her face protector and drags Charlotte up. Chelsea has the arms, turns Charlotte, but Charlotte shoves her away! Charlotte dodges and SPEARS! Cover, TWO!! Chelsea survives but Charlotte has the leg! FIGURE- CRADLE!! TWO!! Charlotte has the leg again, FIGURE FOUR! And the bridge for the FIGURE EIGHT!! Chelsea TAPS, Charlotte wins!

Winner: Charlotte Flair, by submission

But then Piper Niven SENTONS onto Charlotte!! Alba storms in, she and Piper mug Charlotte, but here comes Alexa! She RAMS into Piper, she ROCKS Alba, then she catches Chelsea! Charlotte LARIATS Alba out while Alexa hits a TWISTED SISTER ABIGAIL! And then Charlotte BOOTS Piper down! Charlotte and Alexa look at each other, and despite what either one thinks, maybe they both need the other after all. Alexa offers the handshake, but Charlotte walks right past Alexa. Alexa lets that slide, but will Charlotte come around soon enough?

 

Solo Sikoa talks with JC Mateo.

Why is JC taping up? Uh, duh, he’ll take out Jacob. No, Solo is going out there alone to talk with Jacob. Solo was the only one that Jacob would listen to. Jacob needs Solo. Solo will smooth things over. JC accepts that, but Solo does say that JC should stay ready. Solo is covering his bases, but will he need the Imperial Unit to put down the Samoan Werewolf? Or will it all be alright between them all?

 

Solo Sikoa heads to the ring.

SmackDown returns as the former Tribal Chief makes his way out, and Grand Rapids boos. Solo grabs the mic, takes a moment, and says, “Alright, Jacob. I’m out here in the middle of the ring, all alone, with open arms, willing to talk to you face to face. I feel terrible about what happened. So if you’re back there, come on out so we can clear the air.” Jacob Fatu makes his entrance and Grand Rapids cheers! Fatu holds up the United States Championship before he steps into the ring, and he has a mic of his own. The fans cheer on “FATU! FATU!” and Solo says he didn’t come out here to fight him, okay? He’s not here for that.

Solo wants to make it clear to Fatu that he loves him, always has loved him, no matter what. One thing Solo learned from being Tribal Chief is how to love family and how to take care of them. That’s all he’s trying to do. Families fight all the time. They fight, they argue, they forgive, and then they move forward. So they should move forward together, Jacob. Move forward as one. The fans boo that, but Solo says nobody saw the potential in Jacob except Solo. Nobody wanted Jacob here in the WWE, except Solo. That is why Solo brought Fatu here and gave him the chance to change his life and put food on his family’s table.

And why did Solo do that? Because Solo loves Jacob. He does. And to be honest, Solo doesn’t have anybody else. Fatu isn’t sure about that, but Solo says all he has is Fatu. And he’s all Solo needs. So come back to the family, and even if Jacob doesn’t say those four words, Solo will. Solo will say it for him, to him, loud enough so everybody can hear it! Solo tells Jacob, “I love you, Jacob.” The fans boo, they don’t trust this. Fatu paces as he thinks on that. “So you love me, huh?” Solo nods yes. So this is what it comes down to, huh? Solo loves Fatu? The way Fatu sees things, Solo has been using Fatu! Solo has been using Fatu to gain power, to fight his battles, and to stay Tribal Chief.

Hell, Solo brought Fatu in so Fatu could bring Solo fame! Solo brought Fatu in because he thought Fatu would bring him gold! Is that all this is about? Fame? Gold? Power? SOLO, LOOK AT HIM! Solo looks up from the floor while the fans cheer Fatu on. Fatu tells Solo that ever since he won the US Championship, Solo is the one that’s been acting different. And maybe Fatu isn’t the problem. Fatu just figured it out! The problem… is this. The problem is the US Championship. Fatu sets it down between him and Solo, and he says if this is what he thinks it is, then just fight him for it! Fight Fatu for the title! The fans fire up for that!

And Solo, Fatu will only warn you one time: If you ever think about coming this way, you know what Fatu is about! You know what’s poppin’ with Fatu, blood! And you know Jacob Fatu is all gas, no brakes with it! YADADADA- SOLO TAKES A SWING! Fatu blocks the spike and he HEADBUTTS! JC Mateo rushes out here! Fatu HEADBUTTS him, too! But Solo CHOP BLOCKS the legs! The fans boo but JC & Solo mug Fatu! But then here comes JIMMY USO! The fans fire up as #BigJim slides in, dodges Solo, and SUPERKICKS JC! And then he SUPERKICKS Solo! But JC LARIATS Jimmy down! JC HAMMERS Jimmy and Solo has him put Jimmy in the corner.

The fans boo but Solo tells Jimmy that he should’ve chosen Solo’s side, not Jacob’s! But speaking of, Fatu is up! The fans fire up as Fatu BODY CHECKS JC! Then he SUPERKICKS Solo! Solo is in a corner, Fatu fires off on him, HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT! SUPERKICK for JC! HIP ATTACK for Solo! The fans are fired up for the Samoan Werewolf, and he locks eyes with Jimmy. Jimmy came to Fatu’s rescue, Fatu just saved him, so Fatu goes up, up, only for Solo to bail out! No Best Moonsaults here in Grand Rapids, but will Fatu cut Solo down soon enough?

 

Bronson Reed w/ Paul Heyman & Bron Breakker VS LA Knight!

The Wise Man warned, or rather threatened, the Mega Star that he should just cut and run, but that’s not how he does things. Knight is ready to fight, but will he survive a battle with Auszilla? Or is a Tsunami about wipe out LA?

Wait, Knight doesn’t enter from the stage! He enters from the crowd! And he POSTS Bron! The fans fire up as Knight evens things out! He TOSSES Bronson out, throws his vest at him, and Bronson snarls. Bronson has Bron stand down, and says, “Tonight, I kill him.” Bronson steps into the ring, the bell sounds, and Knight fires off! The fans fire up as Knight fires hands, but Bronson puts him in the corner. Knight ELBOWS back, Knight fires more hands, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips but Bronson blocks! Bronson whips Knight to a corner, runs up, but Knight dodges! Bronson POSTS himself, and Knight stomps a mudhole in!

The fans rally, the ref counts, and Knight goes corner to corner, but into a fireman’s carry! Knight slips down to sunset flip, but Bronson stays up! Bronson jumps but Knight avoids the hip drop! Then Knight basement BOOTS! The fans fire up and Knight storms up on Bronson. Bronson TOSSES Knight to the apron, but Knight slingshots back in! Bronson catches Knight to a fireman’s carry! Knight flails free and he RAMS Bronson into a corner! But Bronson holds ropes to deny the Jump Neckbreaker! Bronson runs but Knight avoids the senton! The fans fire up as Knight goes up, up, and FLYING BULLDOGS! That’s a Steiner move!

The fans fire up and spell it out, “L! A! KNIGHT!” but Bronson bails out! Knight runs to WRECK Bronson with a dropkick! Knight goes back up, springboards, CROSSBODY to the ramp! The fans fire up with Knight and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Bronson has Knight up top. The fans rally as Knight fights back with body shots! Knight ROCKS Bronson, ROCKS him again, and ROCKS him again! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Bronson finally falls and Knight adjusts position. “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” BOX JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Bronson survives and Knight is rather stunned while Heyman is relieved. Knight aims, kicks, but Bronson denies the BFT! HEADBUTT, then a fireman’s carry! DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO! Knight survives the “Jagged Edge” DVD but Bronson brings him right up. Bronson reels Knight in and says thumbs down.

Bronson lifts Knight up, but Knight flips the bomb into a DDT! The fans fire up but Bron barks at the apron! Knight DECKS the dog, tells Heyman to get the same, but Bronson runs up! Knight DUMPS Bronson out, builds speed, but BRON SPEARS!!

Winner: LA Knight, by disqualification

The fans boo but Bron handed Knight the win with that one. Bronson stands Knight up so Bron can build speed and SUPER SPEAR!! Grand Rapids is torn but plenty of fans bark. And now Bronson goes up!? TSUNAMI!! Bronson goes up again, the refs hurry out here, but TSUNAMI AGAIN!! The fans want another, so Bron scares the refs off to let Bronson go back up! THIRD TSUNAMI!!! Have Rollins’ rooks just broken Knight into pieces? Is this a message to everyone that no one can stop the vision?

 

Jacob Fatu speaks.

“Yeah, c’mon on widdit! I just spoke to the man, and you know the man makes everything possible here on SmackDown! So next week, next week on Saturday, me ‘n’ you, Solo! Night of Champions, mano a mano, I’m about to dog walk yo’ ass for the US Championship! Solo, you better get in where you fit in. Cuz if you don’t, then baby, it’s ’bout to be all gas, no breaks with it. Yadadadada mean?” The Samoan Werewolf will get to sink his teeth into Solo, but will he stay golden through it all?

 

John Cena VS Ron Killings!

The Undisputed WWE Champion was the exact opposite of grateful for R-Truth saving him from Randy Orton at Backlash, and he doubled down when Ron tried to show him the truth at Saturday Night’s Main Event. So, if Cena doesn’t want the Truth, he’ll get someone who knows about ruthless aggression! Will Ron Killings bring an early end to the retirement tour? Or will Cena continue to ruin wrestling for everyone else?

SmackDown returns as Cena makes his entrance. The fans sing “JOHN CENA SUCKS~!” despite him wearing the Detroit Pistons colors. Cena makes Mark Nash give the “proper” introduction: “He is the Greatest of All Time, the Never Seen Seventeen, gracing Grand Rapids with his presence one final time… He is the Last Real Champion, JOHN CENA~!” The fans boo, the bell rings, and Truth stares at Cena while Cena smirks hearing the “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” Truth TACKLES Cena! He fires off hands but Cena bails out! So Truth goes out to DECK Cena! “What’s up!?” “WHAT’S UP!” Truth has Cena at the desk and SMACKS him off it!

Truth ROCKS Cena again, and shakes his hand out from hitting so hard. Truth SMACKS Cena off the apron, storms in after him, and whips him to a corner. Cena hits buckles hard and falls to the mat! The fans continue to duel while Truth keeps his eyes on Cena. Truth storms up on Cena while SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Truth stands Cena up, whips corner to corner again, and Cena hits buckles hard! Cena sputters, Truth looms over him, and Truth ROCKS Cena! Cena ROCKS Truth! They go back and forth with haymakers, and then Truth dodges to SHOULDER TACKLE! Truth still uses Cena’s own moves against him, and that includes the SPIN-OUT BOMB! Truth raises his hand and Grand Rapids joins in! “You Can’t See Me!” But then Cena bails out so Truth can’t hit him! Truth is annoyed, the fans give thumbs down, but here comes Truth. Cena ELBOWS him down! Cena drags Truth up, POSTS him, and he brings Truth back into the ring.

Cena HEADBUTTS Truth, CHOKES him on the ropes, but stops as the ref counts. Cena stomps away on Truth, then runs to KICK Truth in the back! Cena talks trash, then he runs to SHOULDER TACKLE! Cena takes his time, knowing it is what the fans want. Truth rises up, Cena runs to SHOULDER TACKLE again! Cena watches Truth rise again, gets around him, SPIN-OUT BOMB! And Cena raises his hand, reveling in the cheers and jeers. “You Can’t See Me!” SmackDown returns to single picture for the FIVE KNUCKLE SHUFFLE! Then Cena fireman’s carries, but Truth slips free! THESZ PRESS! And fast hands!

The fans fire up and Truth has Cena in a corner. Truth runs to STINGER SPLASH! Truth hitting all sorts of other iconic moves! Cena tumbles out and grabs the belt! Cena doesn’t care about this match anymore, he doesn’t need to take this! Truth says hold up! Truth runs Cena down and fires hands on the ramp! The fans fire up but Cena CLOBBERS Truth with the belt!!

Winner: Ron Killings, by disqualification

Cena wants to get another shot, but wait! PUNK IS HERE! Cena runs away into the ring, and he catches Punk as Punk slides in! The fans boo Cena but he huffs ‘n’ puffs. Cena drags Punk up, but Punk fires hands in return! Punk DECKS Cena, grabs the belt, and he holds it up! The fans cheer, and Punk aims, but Cena LOW BLOWS! Cena has a sinister smile as he grabs the belt. BELT SHOT for Punk!! The fans boo even more, but Cena decides to up the ante! Cena brings out a table! The fans cheer, everyone loves tables! Cena puts the table in the ring, then watches Punk sputter around. Cena sets the table up while the fans rally behind Punk.

Punk stands but Cena has the belt again! BELT SHOT!! Cena drags Punk up, fireman’s carries, ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT through the table!! Cena made Punk snap into a Slim Jim, and then he grabs a mic. Cena laughs at Punk, and then sits up on the corner. “Punk… As you lay there in your most uncomfortable…” Cena pretends the mic cut out, taps it, and then says, “Somebody’s afraid of what I’m gonna say.” Cena grins and the fans boo as Cena flips the iconic “Pipebomb” moment on it’s head. “As you lay there in your most uncomfortable, I hope you can listen. I hope you can digest.

“Because before I leave here in six months with that WWE Championship, I gotta get a whole lotta stuff off my chest. First thing’s first, I don’t hate you. I don’t even dislike you. I like you. I like you more than anyone you ever shared a locker room with, that’s for sure. I hate this idea of you. This idea that you’re the Best int he World. You’re not. I’M the Greatest of All Time.” Grand Rapids is a bit torn on that statement, but Cena says Punk is better than Cena at one thing: You’re the best BS artist in the world. Oh no, kiddos~! John Cena just dropped a curse word! That means the show is off the rails! Hey, Stu, shoot this. Hi~! “I’m breaking the forth wall! HAHA!”

Cena then says the truth is, Punk… Cena is jealous of you. Cena is jealous that Punk has conned the fans into believing the myth that Punk is the Best in the World. Oh how they chant for Punk! Which they literally do right now. Hell, the fans even sing for Punk now. But they don’t believe a damn word you say. Because Punk changes his values as much as Cena changes his shirts! Punk is just a loud mouthed opportunist who steps on the necks of those who actually work hard if it gets him ahead. Oh, hey, look, another cameraman! “Hi, Claudio Castagnoli! Hey, Nic Nemeth! Hey, Matt Cardona! How’re you guys doing?”

The fans can’t believe Cena is going this far but Cena is loving it! “He’s heating up! He’s on fire! And there’s nobody back there that’s gonna cut my mic to save your ass, cuz I’m your only friend! Remember who gave you the stage for your pipebomb, pal! And what’ve you done with it since then, huh? You just regurgitated the same five microphone moves of doom. You’re promo potato salad, pal. Hey, you’re no longer the Voice of the Voiceless, you’re a friggin’ millionaire despite yourself. You’re not a punk, you’re a capitalist! And you’re not against TKO, dude, you are Mr. TKO. Cuz they knocked your balls technically off your body.

“Your tweets are strong, but your actions are weak. And in Saudi Arabia, you’re gonna face some loud, loud music when I finally prove to the world that each and every day, day in, day out, no days off for 25 YEARS, I have been the Greatest of All Time!” The fans cheer that a bit more now, to Cena’s surprise. “See, they know. And they know that you were the Best in the World… for seven minutes, 14 years ago. And if after Night of Champions, you’re still delusional enough to believe that you’re the Best in the World, well… I guess it’s a small world after all. You’re welcome, Grand Rapids.” The fans cheer, and Cena lets the world hear it.

Cena tells Punk to bring his A Game to Night of Champions. If Grand Rapids is any indication, the mood is starting to change. Refs finally appear to check on Punk, Cena says no, that’s fine. Punk needs to rest up for his big title match. Get a good shot of this: Best in the World VS Greatest of All Time, for THE most coveted prize in sports entertainment, THE WWE Undisputed Championship! And Cena knows the fans will sing and chant, but he also knows even the idiots are smart enough to see the truth: The Champ is Here. And USA Network, keep the extra two and half minutes. He doesn’t need a bomb to blow the “mother fudging” building.

Oh, and thanks, Punk, for letting Cena rip off your best promo just to make you look even more foolish. Cena finally drops the mic and he raises the belt up again. If the proverbial tables have turned this drastically, is there no saving WWE from losing its north star championship?


My Thoughts:

A great SmackDown with an awesome ending. All those years ago, when CM Punk dropped THE OG “Pipebomb” promo, no one could’ve ever in a million years guessed that here tonight, we would’ve gotten the John Cena remix. Not only was that promo of the year, but Cena blew up go-home math. I can’t see Cena losing the title to Punk now. He can lose the match since Cena loves getting disqualified, and there’s the possibility of Rollins trying a cash-in, but Cena is leaving Saudi Arabia as champion to then go to SummerSlam. It also works because Cody Rhodes still feels like the favorite for King of the Ring.

A lot of that has to do with how Sami lost to Orton tonight. Great promo from the four semifinalists, especially since it was Jey, Sami and Orton kinda keeping Cody from talking since there isn’t more Cody needs to say. Win or lose, no explanations needed at this point. Sami VS Orton was an awesome match, but I could just feel an RKO countering the Helluva Kick as the way to go and that’s what they did. Now, as awesome as it would be for Jey to beat Cody, and then for Jey to beat Orton to go for the World Heavyweight Championship again, there are a lot of moving parts right now that it would just be the easiest for Cody to win the crown and have his rematch with Cena.

And while talking the WHC, Gunther VS Goldberg IS confirmed for the title, but has also been confirmed as Goldberg’s last match. This is a huge indicator that despite Rollins teasing a cash-in on the Undisputed title, he will likely be thwarted and then falls back to the title he feels is rightfully his. That is to say, Rollins cashes in on the winner of Gunther VS Goldberg, which I half expected even before all this talk of Goldberg’s last match. Rollins can take this title from Gunther and Goldberg, and then we can throw Jey and even LA Knight into the mix as things are getting heated between Knight and the henchmen.

Great promo from Knight with Heyman, great match with Knight VS Bronson, and a really powerful beating Knight takes from Bron & Bronson. If nothing else, Knight costs Rollins his cash-in. Truth going after Kit Wilson was an interesting move. Also a shame Elton Prince is hurt, Pretty Deadly gets going and then something happens to slow them down. But Kit was going to lose to Aleister so this really messes Aleister up more than anything. Priest keeping the peace between Aleister and Truth was good stuff. Priest and Truth being allies on SmackDown can be some real fun stuff, and I feel like they’re already set up for a feud with Aleister.

Very good stuff with Fatu, Solo and this US Championship story. Fatu VS Solo was the natural move, and I like that Jimmy Uso ends up an ally for Fatu. The title match is set, I wonder if we get a tag match first. In fact, next week is title night in Riyadh with Tiffany Stratton giving Nia the Last Woman Standing match, and basically setting the stage for Naomi to cash in. She almost did tonight but Nia was again able to stop her, so I would think Naomi waits until the very end of the Last Woman Standing match to take full advantage. Then, if Jade wins Queen of the Ring, we get Jade VS Naomi at SummerSlam.

Good promo from Jade, B-Fab & Michin watching Asuka VS Alexa. Asuka winning made the most sense, Alexa clearly has story with Charlotte and Asuka is just that good. Jade VS Roxie will be a good match but Roxie’s story in Judgment Day might keep her from winning. But then the fallback there is Roxie might actually sub in for the tag titles like I was thinking. Charlotte VS Chelsea was very good, and of course the Secret Her-vice does what they can to help. The beatdown they put on Charlotte and then Alexa making the save, that’s going to be one of those “can they coexist?” tag matches for sure.

Honestly, a little surprised we didn’t get any tag team promos tonight, unless I completely missed something. I believe title night is going to have Profits VS Gacy & Lumis for the tag titles, too, so that’s going to be something wild. And while DIY is scared of the Wyatts, I feel like they’re going to interfere because they don’t want the Wyatts to take the titles. But at the same time, the Wyatts need something substantial this time around, so maybe they win the titles at SummerSlam.

My Score: 9/10

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Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 6.19.25

Are we going to start trending upwards with Slammiversary to build toward?

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Last week’s episode was lacking in ring work but had decent story moments and segments. Starting the build to Slammiversary we can either launch nicely or things can always get worse. Jason Hotch and KC Navarro are the real shining stars of the last few months, so lets hope once they get over this Leon Slater idiot ship, they can push X Division wrestlers with actual talent for pro wrestling and not just flippy charisma vacuums.

Oh and let’s not forget, it is the episode they celebrate the 23rd anniversary of TNA! TWENTY – THREE!! Somewhere PCO hates this.

Ratings:

  • Sami Callihan vs Eric Young w/Losers: EY wins via Piledriver – ** 3/4
  • Lei Ying Lee & Masha Slamovich vs The Elegance Clique w/M & Personal Concierge: Elegantos win via Rarefied Air – ***
  • Eddie Edwards & JDC w/Alisha & Brian Myers vs Matt Cardona & Home Town Man: HTM wins via Cradle – *
  • Champion’s Challenge: The Rascalz, Joe Hendry, Leon Slater & Elijah vs The Kaiba Boys, Moose, Steve Maclin & Trick Williams: Elijah wins via Highwayman’s Farewell – ***

 

Results:

Sami Callihan vs Eric Young w/Losers

Sami knocks them all off the apron before the bell rings, he levels the loser children, finds a chair, attacks EY but EY counters and this is the excuse to use weapons since the bell didn’t ring yet. EY tries to break Sami’s hand on the steps with the chair, but Sami moves, throws EY back in the ring, bell rings and EY hits a Belly to Belly suplex for two. They slug it out, Sami goes for Headbutts, then Sami wants to run the ropes but a loser trips him, distracts long enough for EY to knock him out of the ring and loser children swarm as loser children do. EY does the classic, throw back out for losers to attack while EY grabs and distracts the ref. Sami is selling a few lame attacks from the losers like he got shot. It’s an excessive sell, so it’s honestly a dumb transitional moment.

EY levels Sami, Lariat into Scoop Slam, looks for the Macho Elbow but Sami hits the ropes to crotch EY. Sami Superplex time, but EY bites the face to make Sami drop, EY jumps at him but eats a straight right hand. Cactus Driver, but no, EY tries his Piledriver…they both gouge eyes at the same time, Sami catches an EY charge into a Flatliner as they’re both down…for…reasons? The selling in this match seems…poorly timed and kinda stupid. Hard Irish Whip, EY Flair Flips the corner, levels Sami, Macho Elbow for 2.9! EY threatens to hit the ref, but then goes to mad dog commentary. EY then wants to attack fans…he’s more unhinged than World Elite EY. Sami gives him the old Dick Twist into a Stunner but only for two! Losers try to distract, first one gets taken out, second one uses a chair, EY hits the Piledriver on Sami, EY wins.

I feel like this is gonna continue for a few weeks since it wasn’t a clean win. 

Mustafa Ali’s group comes out, and I refuse to say the name because it’s dumb and they’re already fraying at the seams. Ali wants an apology session, Tasha and Hotch apologize to him but Skyler bites back and refuses, even shoved Ali. So Ali challenges him to a “Call to Arms” match. What in the hell is a Call to Arms match? 

Lei Ying Lee & Masha Slamovich vs The Elegance Clique w/M & Personal Concierge

ASH does her borderline racist fake karate before Lei stares her down and tags in Heather. Heather avoids Lei, Lei throws a few Tornado Kicks to make a point and Heather tags out. Heather being 4’8″ helps her here. Concierge says “There’s no Karate in wrestling”. ASH, Lei and Masha are in the ring, ASH is trying to decide who she wants to face, but the Concierge google translated it and hands it to ASH, before the face team rocks ASH. Masha lifts up Lei and Lei does the Liu Kang Bicycle Kick, steering more into her Mortal Kombat aesthetic. Senton off the apron from Lei and Masha dives into the pile, the comedy heels are getting leveled. We go to commercial and come back with Lei getting Double Teamed but she spins it into a weird Neckbreaker..but can’t tag out just yet. Lei blocks Heather, Enzuigiri, simultaneous tag, Masha is Yakuza kicks for all and the 2 for 1 Lariat/DDT special. Near fall, but Masha goes for murder, but Heather breaks it, Rocket Launcher/Code Breaker from Elegance but Lei breaks up the pin. ASH tries to intimidate Lei with her fake Karate before throwing her out of the ring. Heather hits Lei with a handful of Glitter and then bounces her face off the post. Masha tries to stop ASH, Kelly’s music distracts Masha, Rarefied Air gives ASH the win.

Santino comes out and GOD DAMMIT no one wants to see Tommy Dreamer fight Mance Warner…that’s a useless thing. Pivot away…no one wants this. Oh no, now we have to listen to Steph talk too. Okay it seems to be a pivot, thankfully. Steph and Mance talk shit, Dreamer says something about Something is gonna happen…and Jake Something comes out. So…I guess we’re gonna build him up for 2 months and then job him out for 6 before he fucks off to his home galaxy or whatever? 

Really wish Indi just opened with the Billy Butcher classic of, “Oi Cunt!” – but this wasn’t bad. 

Eddie Edwards & JDC w/Alisha & Brian Myers vs Matt Cardona & Home Town Man

I hate… Cardona so much more now. Heel reasons for Cardona…go away heat for Deaner.

JDC wants the Home Town Man to start…and Deaner does his stupid Flip Flop and Fly, Cardona tags in, JDC is eating some offense, Cardona wants the Reboot, JDC powders, Cardona Dives but then Lish and the general numbers catch up to Cardona. Eddie is legal, and now they isolate Cardona with some decent tandem work and isolation. This turns into kind of a schmoz, lots of silly spots, near falls and then Home Town doofus gets the cradle pinfall on Eddie.

Whenever Deaner is involved I can’t be asked to care. The System beats Cardona and Deaner down, but Eddie did eat a pin. Which is embarrassing not even for work reasons, like it’s just sad.

Champion’s Challenge: The Rascalz, Joe Hendry, Leon Slater & Elijah vs The Kaiba Boys, Moose, Steve Maclin & Trick Williams

Elijah and Nic start things off, slow push off, arm wring, top wristlock, simple chain wrestling start. Nic breaks the chain and hits a Dropkick, Elijah runs the ropes and hits a Diving Lariat and starts the Rope Walk. Nic seems far to awake and alert for that move then, I hate how people pull that off too early. Wentz gets tagged in, Nic tags in Maclin who wasn’t looking for a tag, but him and Wentz have a nice clash, Trey tags in, they try to double him, but they pause and look at each other. Maclin asks for a tag, no one tags him so he Chops Ryan to tag him in and throws him in.

The little nod to Maclin and Rascalz history and the fact the faces realize Maclin isn’t a piece of shit. A little MCMG homage tandem attacks on Ryan, Wentz punctuates with the Handspring Knee Lift, Ryan tags out to Trick. Trick and Wentz go back and forth, Rascalz have Trick eating offense, Moose tries to slow things down, both Trick and Moose powder, Rascalz Double Golden Triangle Moonsaults. Trey gets tripped by Nic, Moose hits Lights Out, but there’s no referee so it’s a little chaotic.

Out of the commercial things are controlled kinda and we see a simultaneous tag to Moose and Leon. Leon comes out hot, level Moose with a Leg Lariat, attacks Nic Nemeth, attacks Ryan, and then Moose hits Leon with the Stun Gun. Moose looks to tag in Maclin but Maclin jumps off the apron. Trick takes the tag, keeps control, Trick forcibly tags in Maclin but Ryan tags himself in and pulls Leon to the Champions’ corner, Nic tags in and isolates Leon, with the Kaibas quick tagging and keeping Leon down.

Moose tags in, tries to Suplex Leon about four times but Leon stops it then counters the Suplex. Moose tries to cut him off, but the Champions distract the ref so the ref can’t see Leon tag out. Nic and Moose doubling up and Leon is the bump guy of this last portion of the match. Big Uranage from Moose…Moose looks for Lights Out but Small Package almost ruined things, Body Scissors Cradle, GAME CHANGER! Moose looks to hit a Jacknife Powerbomb but Leon turns it into a DDT. Maclin and Ryan start fighting, Nic Superkicks Maclin, Hendry and Nic tag in, Hendry is a house of fire. Sack of Shits for everyone! Nic, Ryan, there’s a pause when Hendry is face to face with Trick and Trick gets Uppercuts first then Sack of Shit! Standing Ovation on Nic, but Ryan blocks, Kaibas try a tandem attack but Hendry Lariats them both. Elijah tags in and is the maestro of the crowd and chopping Ryan to some fun. Ryan goes for a Polish Hammer but eats the Knee Lift. Signature spam time…

Ryan tries to use the International title but Maclin grabs the title away from Ryan, clocks Nic, Standing Ovation into the Highwayman’s Farewell. Champions lose!

Overall Score: 4/10

Well this was a rough one boys and girls. Sami and EY was just an overbooked shitshow, Lei Ying Lee is unfortunately in a spot where it’s obvious TNA has no clue how to use her, the Elegantos are the New Beautiful People, and I’m not mad at that. But you need to space out your goofball crap. You can’t have Elegance Clique, Home Town Moron and Santino in 3 consecutive segments. And if anyone goes “it was 3 out of 4” that’s doesn’t lessen my point, the beauty of Pro Wrestling being a variety show is…FOR VARIETY! When the lead match feels stupid because of bad pacing, poor selling and overbooking with two losers, it feels like a useless match with idiots, then comedy, followed by more comedy…you see how that’s literally NOT VARIETY.

Figure it out seriously. This was a disappointing episode. If you’re a casual viewer than it’s just chalk for TNA doing cringe and borderline goof crap since they’ve always steered a little more into the carny than other companies. But this show was…where’s Jisoo and Jenny? I feel like I need that gif:

two women standing in a kitchen with the words not bad but not good on the bottom

About Chairshot Radio Network

Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!

 MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

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

WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling) 

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

FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)

SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast

SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast 

CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

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

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

Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5

Classic POD is WAR


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