Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW Hyper Battle Results & Report! (4/9/22)
It’s a SIX TITLE MATCH finale!
What a great way to close out Hyper Battle 2022!
NJPW closes this blast from the past with an explosion of gold! The world title, junior title, world tag titles, junior tag titles, NEVER and KOPW, ON ONE SHOW!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- 8 Man Tag: JadoAce & Guerrillas of Destiny VS Bullet Club; JadoAce & GoD win.
- Tetsuya Naito & Shingo Takagi VS Will Ospreay & Aaron Henare; Naito & Takagi win.
- IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: Ryusuke Taguchi & Master Wato VS El Phantasmo & Taiji Ishimori; Taguchi & Wato win.
- KOPW 2022 No Ropes Ring Out Match: Toru Yano VS Taichi w/ Miho Abe; Taichi wins and becomes the new Mr. KOPW 2022.
- NEVER Openweight Championship: EVIL w/ Dick Togo VS Hiromu Takahashi; Evil wins and retains the title.
- IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: Hirooki Goto & YOSHI-HASHI VS Great-O-Khan & Jeff Cobb; Khan & Cobb win and become new IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions.
- IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: El Desperado VS SHO; Desperado wins and retains the title.
- IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Kazuchika Okada VS Zack Sabre Jr; Okada wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: Ryusuke Taguchi & Master Wato VS El Phantasmo & Taiji Ishimori!
The Funky Weapon exposed the fix in the Headbanga’s boot, and then he and the Way of the Grandmaster took these belts in a fiery Fatal 4! But will the 69 come to an end? Or will Six or Nine shut down the Cutest Tag Team once again?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and the first of SIX title matches begins!
Fans rally up as ELP and Taiji Too Sweet, and then Taguchi and Wato double fist bump. Taiji and Taguchi start and fans rally up as they circle. They tie up, Taiji wrenches to a hammerlock then waistlock, but Taguchi drop toeholds. Taguchi floats to a headlock but Taiji slips out to hammerlock. Taguchi moves around but Taiji keeps on the hammerlock. They stand up, Taguchi wrenches back but Taiji rolls, kips up, cartwheels and wrenches to wrangle Taguchi down! Fans applaud the exchange, and Taiji brings Taguchi over. ELP tags in, climbs up, and he ax handles the arm! ELP wrenches, hammerlocks, and headlocks, but Taguchi slips out to hammerlock back!
Taguchi keeps on the hold and puts ELP in the corner. Tag to Wato, Taguchi hands off the arm for Wato to wrench. Wato headlocks, ELP powers out, things speed up, ELP hurdles and Wato leaps. ELP runs into the back elbow and uppercut but he avoids the sobat. ELP whips, Wato reverses but ELP rolls off his back. Wato runs to RANA! Fans fire up but ELP gets up, SOBAT hits after all! Wato DECKS Taiji for good measure, and he tags in Taguchi. Six or Nine double whip, double drop toehold, and roll to double basement dropkick! Fans fire up as Taiji runs in to get double hip toss, split the wishbone, and double basement dropkicks, too!
Wato bumps ELP off buckles in one corner while Taguchi bumps Taiji off buckles in another corner. They run corner to corner, Taguchi hip attacks Taiji and Taguchi hip attacks ELP. Then they go back the other way! Six or Nine whip ELP & Taiji at each other, but they do-si-do. Taguchi and Wato dodge to then do-si-do, but then Taiji & ELP dodge! Another do-si-do, but Taguchi and Wato tell them to stop! ENZIGURI IN STEREO! Fans fire up as Wato and Taguchi give thumbs up. Taguchi uses baseball signals and Wato brings the Cutest Tag Team up while Taguchi climbs a corner.
Taguchi arms the Funky Weapon, Wato brings Taiji and ELP over but they fight back! Taiji and ELP double whip Wato into Taguchi’s ass! Taguchi doesn’t realize what happened until he looks down! Taguchi sees Wato flop out of the ring, and then he looks back to see Taiji and ELP there. Taguchi turns around and ask they wait. He leaps, but they get clear of the Missile Hip. ELP kicks low and CLAWS Taguchi’s back! ELP and Taiji bring him to the corner, Taiji tags in, and fans rally as Taiji does his dance moves! Taiji jumps down to CLAW Taguchi! ELP and Taiji strut about, ELP tags back in, and fans rally up.
ELP goes corner to corner, somersaults, handsprings, drop steps, and hits a Liger pose to CLAW Taguchi! Cover, TWO! ELP drags Taguchi up, Taiji tags in, and they mug Taguchi. ELP even claws Taguchi on his way out! Taiji drags Taguchi up but Taguchi throws body shots. Taiji knees Taguchi low, whips, but Taguchi reverses. Taiji slips out, slides in, goes back out and shoulders Taguchi away, springboard SEATED SENTON! Cover, TWO! Fans rally but ELP tags in, and he CHOPS Taguchi on the ass! Snapmare and hip attack! ELP is mocking Taguchi but using his signature! ELP fires up, runs, but into a SOMERSAULT HIP ATTACK!
Fans fire up, hot tag to Wato! Wato dodges ELP, DECKS Taiji, then CLOBBERS ELP! Wato KICKS, whips and DROPKICKS! Wato whips ELP corner to corner, runs in but is put on the apron. Wato blocks to GAMANGIRI, but Taiji anchors him! Wato kicks Taiji away, springboards, into a DROPKICK from ELP! Cover, TWO! ELP drags Wato right up, puts him in the corner and tags Taiji. ELP ROCKS Wato, then Taiji snapmares for a NECK TWIST! Wato writhes but Taiji brings him up. Fans rally, Taiji puts Wato up and in a Tree of Woe. Tag to ELP, Taiji runs in to sliding dropkick! ELP runs in to sliding dropkick, too!
Fans rally again as ELP & Taiji both run, to then hop up and stand on Wato’s groin! The ref reprimands, Taguchi runs in but gets DOUBLE CHOPS! Taguchi falls over, Taiji & ELP go out and they each grab a leg. Wato fears for his life as they YANK Taguchi into Wato! And then Wato falls onto Taguchi! Talk about 69… ELP kicks Taguchi out of the ring and he drags Wato up. Wato throws body shots and forearms, then CHOPS! Wato whips corner to corner but ELP goes up and over, ducks and springboards, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO, but ELP handsprings to a LIONSAULT, and FLOPS as Wato moves!
Fans rally, Wato crawls but ELP drags him away. Wato kick ELP away, Taiji tags in, and Taiji gets ahead of Wato to DECK Taguchi off the corner! Taiji stomps Wato, drags him back up, and scoops to SLAM him! Tag to ELP, and ELP kicks Wato around. Taiji adds stomps, but fans rally up for Wato. Cutest Tag Team double whip, but Wato holds ropes! Wato sobats ELP, front kicks Taiji, and brings them both in, COMPLETE SHOT DDT COMBO! Fans fire up while all three men are down and Taguchi returns! Wato crawls over, hot tag to Taguchi! Taguchi HIP ATTACKS ELP, then HIP ATTACKS Taiji!
The Cutest Tag Team end up on opposite ends, and fans rally as Taguchi starts up the Hip Attack Train! One for ELP, then for Taiji, and back again! Baseball slide APRON HIP for ELP! Taguchi aims, springboards, MISSILE HIP for them both! Fans continue to fire up and Taguchi brings ELP up. Taguchi snap suplexes, Uno Amigo! Another, Dos Amigos! Taguchi goes for the third but ELP resists! They fight for suplex control, and Taguchi puts ELP up top! Fans rally, Taguchi moves aside for Wato’s STEP-UP KNEE! Taguchi then goes up top, SUPERPLEX! Wato adds a PENALTY KICK! SLIDING HIP from Taguchi! Cover, TWO!
Fans rally up again as Taguchi tags Wato. Six or Nine brings ELP up to double whip corner to corner. Taguchi hip attacks, Wato BOOTS, and Taguchi returns for another HIP ATTACK! Taguchi sets ELP in the drop zone, Wato is up top, DOUBLE STOMPS! Cover, Taiji breaks it! Taguchi returns but Taiji dumps him out! Taiji kicks and whips Wato, runs in and DOUBLE KNEES! ELP Electric Chair Lifts Taiji, ASSISTED CODE BREAKER! Taiji holds Wato down, ELP goes up, MOONSAULT KNEE SANDWICH! Cover, TWO! Wato survives and fans fire up! ELP drags Wato up and over, tags in Taiji, then torture racks Wato.
Taiji springboards, FLYING KNEE, and then he keeps going to TRIANGLE JUMP MOONSAULT onto Taguchi! ELP keeps the rack spinning, for a HUGE SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Taiji returns to cover, TWO!! The fans are all fired up but the Cutest Tag Team is furious! Taiji tags ELP back in, and ELP goes up. Taiji gut wrenches, for CIPHER UTAKI! ELP aims, THUNDER KISS 86!! Cover, Taiji intercepts Taguchi, but Taguchi powers through to break it! Fans fire up again and Taguchi runs, into Taiji’s BOOT! Taiji BOOTS Wato back down! ELP says they’ll end this now! Taiji gets Wato set up and ELP tunes the band!
But Wato blocks Sudden Death?! He sends it at Taiji but Taiji ducks, only for Wato to ROUNDHOUSE him down! Wato then leaps at ELP, JUMPING COMPLETE SHOT! Fans fire up and Wato sees Taguchi at the corner! Hot tag to Taguchi! Taguchi wants ELP to stand up! Springboard, but into an ATOMIC DROP! Taguchi is stuck on ropes, SUDDEN DEATH to the ass! ELP reels Taguchi in, tucks the arms, but Taguchi back drops free! ELP sunset flips but Taguchi rolls through, to jackknife! TWO!! Taguchi hurries back up, ELP gets him for a backslide! TWO, and Taguchi La Magistrols! TWO!! Fans rally up again as Taguchi checks the count.
ELP rushes in, but into a fireman’s carry! ELP sunset flips but the tights come down! Taguchi has red undies on as he sits on the cover! Six or Nine wins!!
Winners: Ryusuke Taguchi & Master Wato, by pinfall (still IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions)
ELP sputters and coughs from having Taguchi’s cheeks in his face! Will he ever get the stench of defeat off him? As for Taguchi & Wato, will they keep winning by the seats of their pants?
KOPW 2022 No Ropes Ring Out Match: Toru Yano VS Taichi w/ Miho Abe!
The Producer and the Holy Emperor are taking this wild and sometimes wacky championship trophy to another level, by taking this old school! It’ll be a sumo style match, where there are no ropes, and you win when your opponent gives up, your take their belt belt, or you throw your opponent out! Taichi is so dedicated, he has a kimono and a pillow to sit on! Yano has his signature red folding chair, but also a belt.
As the ropes are removed, Yano gets impatient and nervous, but Taichi practically meditates. Fans applaud as the ring transformation is done, and Miho gives Taichi his nose spray. Perhaps he has allergies now that it’s Spring? Yano and Taichi step up into the ring and fans rally, “Y T R!” “TA-I-CHI!” The introductions are made, the trophy is raised, and Taichi even takes off the pants right away! The belts are strapped on, and it’s time to see who is the Yokozuna of NJPW on top of Mr. KOPW!
Taichi rushes Yano right away! Yano barely holds off, uses the corner post to get away, and fans cheer that first exchange. Yano and Taichi circle, Yano kicks low and whips! Taichi reverses but Yano reverses and back again! They go around and around, they ref almost goes with them! They all get back to center and fans rally up. Taichi and Yano reset, and Yano forearms but Taichi kicks! Forearm, kick, forearm, kick, repeat! Yano then rakes Taichi’s eyes! Yano scoops but Taichi slips off! Taichi waistlocks, Yano switches, Taichi switches, repeat! Yano grabs the ref again, and LOW BLOW MULE KICKS! But Taichi stays up and ENZIGURIS!
Fans fire up as both men are down! Taichi tries to point out what Yano did but it doesn’t really matter now. Fans rally and Taichi slowly sits up. Taichi gets to his feet, fans rally up, and Yano sits up. Taichi kicks but Yano gets under and shoves! Taichi stays away from the edge, so Yano shoves the ref at him! Taichi stays put, Yano runs in, but Taichi moves and Yano shoves the ref OFF the ring! The ref hits railing and is down, Taichi hits AX BOMBER! Taichi powers up and takes his sumo stance, but Yano dodges the elbow! Taichi holds onto the post, and Yano goes to push him off! Taichi rakes Yano’s eyes, and they switch positions!
Taichi tries to CHOKE Yano off the post, but Yano rakes Taichi’s eyes! Taichi staggers away, Yano runs in, but Taichi chokes! Yano arm-drags Taichi away! Taichi gets mad now, he eggs Yano on, and they sumo clinch! Taichi tries to throw Yano but Yano shifts around! They both pull the belts and fans fire up as they’re in a deadlock! Taichi powers up but Yano lifts Taichi! But Taichi turns it with a half nelson and he throws Yano OUT! Taichi wins!!
Winner: Taichi, by ring out (NEW Mr. KOPW 2022)
The Holy Emperor has dethroned the Clown Prince! Yano takes his leave, but will he be back for this trophy soon enough? Speaking of, Taichi accepts the trophy and holds it high! Miho helps Taichi take the belt off and put his robe back on, then Taichi gets the mic.
“I told you I’d win this and bring it to a new stage. And I said I’d take this to the main event. I’ll stay true to my word and do just that.” Fans cheer that sentiment, and Taichi says, “Who is a deserving challenger? Former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, TAKAGI!” Taichi is calling out the Rampaging Dragon! Taichi knows Takagi has time on his hands right now. So Taichi will let Takagi challenge him! Fans like the sound of that, and Taichi says, “Takagi, I can do anything! Even play Kick the Can, ya bastard! I’ll paint KOPW in MY colors, you fools!” What will Takagi have to say about being called out like this?
SANADA is here!
The IWGP US Heavyweight Champion is here, clean shaven and with short hair. He lost in the New Japan Cup due to an orbital bone injury, but it seems he’s back to address the crowd. “In March, I suffered a fractured orbital bone at my left eye. I’ve been sidelined since, and not sure of when I’ll return. So as champion, it’s my duty to relinquish this title for now. Not to get ahead of myself, but I’d like the former champion, Tanahashi, to win this belt back.” Fans applaud that idea. Sanada says when he returns, he wants to beat Tanahashi for this belt again! Fans also cheer that idea!
Wait, here comes Will Ospreay! “Are you for real?!” Ospreay says no, and he gets in the ring. Ospreay snatches the mic. “We ain’t doing this again, Bushido. They tried screwing me on my World Heavyweight Championship, they screwed me on my New Japan Cup, and now, you’re trying to do this again?! Don’t think so! Sanada, I’d like to say I’m sorry for your eye injury, but I’m not sorry! Learn how to protect yourself, mate!” So what Sanada is doing right now is surrendering the title to Ospreay, since he’s the one who caved Sanada’s face in! “Give me the United States Championship right now!” Sanada refuses but Ospreay says, “NOW.”
Wait, here comes The Ace! Ospreay says no, go away, shoo! Go away, this is about Ospreay. Give him the US title! But Tanahashi gets in the ring and gets in Ospreay’s face. Ospreay wants Tanahashi to understand he’s doing something so piss off. But Sanada takes the mic from Ospreay, and he gives it to Tanahashi! Tanahashi tells Ospreay, “SHUT UP! Let me tell you something. I have a good idea. We fight for the US Heavyweight Championship at Fukuoka!” Fans really like the sound of that! Ospreay asks if Tanahashi remembers the last time these two faced off. But fans applaud, “Let’s Go, Ace!”
Ospreay says fine! If that’s what Tanahashi wants, Ospreay will see him there! Ospreay grumbles all the way to the back, and Tanahashi tells “Sana-yan. Get well. I’ll be waiting.” Fans applaud that and Tanahashi offers the mic back. Sanada takes it, and says, “OI, Ryogoku! See you next time!” When and where will we see Sanada again? And who will he be chasing for the IWGP US Heavyweight Championship when the time comes?
NEVER Openweight Championship: EVIL w/ Dick Togo VS Hiromu Takahashi!
The King of Darkness is also the King of NEVER, as he and the House of Torture still have the Six Man Tag titles. but will the Ticking Timebomb blow that all up? Or will Hiromu have to accept that Everything is Evil?
Hiromu is wearing new black pants, with Evil’s name written all over them! Is this Hiromu getting in Evil’s head? Or a sign that Evil is in Hiromu’s? The introductions are made, the singles belt is raised, and we see if Darkness Falls on Hiromu-chan World!
Dick and Evil Too Sweet but fans rally up for “HI-RO-MU!” The bell rings, but Evil bails right out. Hiromu eggs Evil on but Evil goes looking under the ring. The ref reprimands but Evil still brings out chairs! Hiromu dares Evil to do something then, but when Evil hesitates, Hiromu rushes out after him! Evil hurries to get back in the ring, but Hiromu slides back in, too! Hiromu was a step ahead and fans applaud. Evil eggs Hiromu on, and Hiromu rushes in, but Evil catches him in a clinch! But Hiromu escapes Everything to fireman’s carry! Evil slips out, fireman’s carries back but Hiromu slips out! Hiromu reels Evil in, but Evil escapes before he can steal the STO!
Fans cheer this exchange but Evil bails out of the ring. Hiromu eggs Evil on but Evil talks with Dick. Hiromu isn’t thrown off, he is ready for Evil as he gets in with a kick. Hiromu whips, Evil reverses but Hiromu sees Dick there and slows down. Hiromu also doesn’t let Evil get at him, he goes out to egg Dick on! The ref reprimands Dick and Evil protests, but the ref tells Dick to go around the corner. But Hiromu eggs Dick on more with some “Kiss this!” Dick is furious, especially as Hiromu taunts him with… nipples? But Hiromu then drags Evil out of the ring to RAM into railing! Commentary almost falls over!
Hiromu gets on the apron and he FLYING SHOTGUNS Evil into more railing! Hiromu hurries to the other side and hops back onto the apron, another FLYING SHOTGUN! Fans fire up with Hiromu and he mockingly asks Evil what’s wrong. Hiromu drags Evil up, but Dick barks at Hiromu. Hiromu eggs Dick on, then Hiromu chases him! Dick gets in the ring and Hiromu follows, Evil CLOBBERS Hiromu! The King of Darkness pulled off a trick after all! Fans rally up for “HI-RO-MU!” but Evil drags him up. Evil throws Hiromu out, then goes out after him, to RAM into the timekeeper’s area! Down goes Abe-san!
Evil drags Hiromu up and away while the ref is busy with helping Abe-san. Evil puts a chair around Hiromu’s head and then he gets the other, HOME RUN! Hiromu flops down and Evil leaves him behind. Fans rally up for Hiromu but Evil stands on a corner triumphantly. Dick eggs Hiromu on now but Hiromu gets himself up. The ring count climbs, Evil sits in the middle of the ring as he waits. The count is 10 of 20 and Hiromu drags himself up. Hiromu staggers into the ring at 13! But Evil is there to kick at him and taunt him. Hiromu throws chops but they’re not that strong, so Evil whips him into bare buckles!
The blue buckle pad is gone, the Bullet Club Special comes into play! Evil pushes Hiromu over and covers, but the ref refuses! He’s learned from Red Shoes not to take any of these shenanigans lightly! Evil is mad, he throws Hiromu out and argues with the ref, but Dick taunts Hiromu. Hiromu takes a swing but Dick dodges. Dick then DECKS Hiromu! The ref misses it, Dick puts Hiromu in, Evil covers, TWO! Evil tries again, TWO! Another cover, TWO!! Not even the deep leg hook worked! Fans rally up for “HI-RO-MU!” as he grits his teeth. Evil storms up to Hiromu but Hiromu CHOPS! Evil still isn’t bothered, he rakes eyes and whips!
Hiromu ducks and dodges to RANA! Fans rally up again and Hiromu stands at the ropes. Evil runs in, into a BOOT! Hiromu hooks up a HANGING HEADSCISSOR! Hiromu lets go as the ref counts, and Hiromu RAMS Dick into railing! Commentary almost falls over all over again! Hiromu gets back in to run at Evil in the corner, clothesline! Snapmare and basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up again for “HI-RO-MU!” as both men are down. Hiromu gets up and he hobbles over to drag Evil up by his hair. Hiromu reels Evil in, but Evil fights the suplex by pulling Hiromu’s hair!
The ref reprimands, Hiromu breaks free but Evil pokes him in the eye! Evil whips Hiromu but he stops himself! Hiromu then dodges Evil and Evil hits steel! Hiromu fireman’s carries, CORNER DEATH VALLEY, but to the red corner! Fans fire up with Hiromu as he drags Evil up. Another fireman’s carry but Evil slips away and goes outside. Hiromu follows, chases Evil back to the ring, but Evil stays on the apron. Hiromu sunset flips but Evil holds onto ropes! Dick creeps over but Hiromu BOOTS him! Then he POWERBOMBS Evil onto Dick! Fans fire up as Hiromu grins. Fans rally up, “HI-RO-MU!” but Hiromu changes the rhythm to “CLAP! CLAP! CLAP!”
Hiromu builds speed as he makes a full lap around the ring! He comes in, but Evil uses a Young Lion as a shield! Then Evil rakes Hiromu’s eyes, and reels him in, FISHERMAN BUSTER to the floor! They are both down but fans rally back up with “HI-RO-MU!” Evil drags himself up with the railing, and he hobbles over to Hiromu. Evil drags Hiromu up, puts him in the ring, and then he reels Hiromu in for a fireman’s carry. DARKNESS FALLS! Cover, TWO!! Hiromu survives and Evil is furious, but the fans continue to rally! Evil slashes his throat, drags Hiromu up, and EVERYTHING- NO! Hiromu clamps on with a clinch!
Evil CLUBS Hiromu down but Hiromu just gets up to clinch again! Evil grabs Hiromu’s hair and throws him down! The ref reprimands, the fans rally up, but Evil stands on Hiromu’s neck. The ref reprimands more, Evil steps off, and he throws his elbow pad at Hiromu. Evil runs, into a SUPERKICK! Hiromu fires up and the fans are with him! Hiromu runs but Dick trips him up! Evil gets in the ref’s face, Hiromu swings on Dick but into the SPOILER CHOKER! But Hiromu fights the choker off! Hiromu’s free, Evil runs in, but Hiromu dodges and sends Evil into Dick! Evil comes back, drags Hiromu up, but Hiromu wrenches into a pump handle! HIROMU ROLL!
But Dick gets in the ring and distracts the ref!! Hiromu would’ve won by now!! Hiromu lets Evil go, but Evil shoves him into the ref! The ref is down, Dick stomps away on Hiromu! Evil joins in, and then they decide to put one out on Hiromu. They get Hiromu up, but Hiromu fights off Magic Killer! Hiromu then lifts Evil and puts him on Dick’s shoulders, to steal MAGIC KILLER!! Dick can’t believe it! Dick hurries after Hiromu but Hiromu gives him EVERYTHING IS EVIL! Hiromu fires up and the fans are thunderous! Hiromu kicks Dick out, drags Evil back up, fireman’s carry for TIMEBOMB!! Cover, TWO!?!
Evil survives and fans are thunderous again! They rally for “HI-RO-MU!” as hard as they can! Hiromu gets back up, he drags Evil back up but in a dragon sleeper. Evil fights with haymakers, but Hiromu turns him around, for VICTORY ROYALE! Cover, TWO! Hiromu roars and fans fire up again! Hiromu tries the dragon sleeper again but Evil fights free. Evil shoves the ref away before the LOW BLOW MULE KICK! But then Hiromu LOW BLOW UPPERCUTS! Both men are even and fans rally up! Hiromu growls and gets up. Hiromu runs, Evil uses the ref as a shield! Hiromu pushes the ref aside, EVERYTHING-
NO! Hiromu fights it off and tries to steal it, but Evil fights that off! Evil swings but Hiromu spins him around, and wrenches to pump handle, HIROMU ROLL! TWO!! Evil is surprised, too! But Hiromu dodges to HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER! Fans are thunderous again and Hiromu roars! Hiromu drags Evil back up, dragon sleeper and inverted suplex, but Evil slips off and whips Hiromu into the bare buckles! But Hiromu comes right back?! Into EVERYTHING IS EVIL!!! Cover, Evil wins!!
Winner: Evil, by pinfall (still NEVER Openweight Champion)
Hiromu’s fury blows up in his face! Evil survives the Timebomb, but will Hiromu try again some day? But wait, here comes Tama Tonga! Evil runs away before the Good Bad Guy even gets in the ring! But wait, here comes Yujiro Takahashi! Tokyo Pimp attacks Tama, bumps him off buckles, then he and Evil stomp away! But here comes Tanga Loa! Silverback scoops Yujiro for APE SHIT!! Evil runs in, into a BOOT! GUN STUN!! Fans fire up and Tama gets a mic to say, “Evil! You betrayed me. I’ll never forget you. It’s time for my payback. I will get my revenge.” Is GoD going to tear down the House?
IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: Hirooki Goto & YOSHI-HASHI VS Great-O-Khan & Jeff Cobb!
#BISHAMON was accused of committing the crime of bringing weapons to this “sacred” ring, but the United Empire is not the law! Will the Fierce Warrior & Head Hunter defy the Dominator and the Hawaiian Hulk? Or will Khan & Cobb conquer them and the Heavyweight Tag Division?
The introductions are made, Khan flaunts his certificate of heroism, the belts are raised, and the winners here will define justice!
Khan starts and he offers Goto a handshake. Cobb isn’t sure, but the fans rally for it. Goto accepts the handshake! Fans applaud the sportsmanship, and then Cobb offers a handshake to Hashi. Hashi accepts, fans applaud again, but Goto-Hashi anticipated the cheap shots! They block the kicks, Hashi dropkicks Cobb’s other leg and Goto knees Khan low! Goto CLUBS Khan and the bell rings to get this on record! Goto-Hashi double whip Khan to ropes, then run him over! Hashi runs, hip toss senton! Cobb returns, he blocks Goto’s drop toehold, but Hashi dropkicks the other leg out! Cobb falls onto Khan!
Fans rally up as Goto-Hashi hammer away on Cobb! They CLUB him back down onto Khan! Then they throw Cobb out and drag Khan back up. They hammer him, too! Fans fire up and Hashi stays in with Khan. Hashi CLUBS Khan, but Khan gets up and eggs him on. Hashi CHOPS Khan and Khan drops to a knee! Khan gets up to grab Hashi’s ear! the ref reprimands but Khan CLUBS the air! Khan whips, Hashi reverses but Khan reverses back, and reels Hashi into some kinda snap swinging neckbreaker, with a fisherman hold! TWO, but Khan hurries to toss Hashi! Khan DECKS Goto and Cobb stomps Hashi!
Cobb digs his knee into Hashi while Khan stomps away on Goto by the railing! The ref reprimands and Khan lets off to egg Goto on. Cobb RAMS Hashi into railing, Khan gets in the ring, and Cobb puts Hashi in. Cover, TWO! Fans rally but Khan drags Hashi up and over. Tag to Cobb, they mug Hashi, and then Cobb CLUBS Hashi on the back. Cobb stands on Hashi and uses him as a surfboard! Cobb mocks Goto’s chi hand sign then he steps off. Goto coaches Hashi but Cobb whips him to ropes. Hashi dropkicks the legs! Then gets a leg for a DRAGON SCREW! Fans rally up and Hashi crawls over, but Khan trips Goto off the apron!
Cobb drags Hashi up, reels him in and CLOBBERS him from behind! Khan sends Goto into railing, then Cobb hauls Hashi for a RUNNING SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Fans rally but Cobb drags Hashi up and puts him in the corner. Tag to Khan, Khan sits up on Hashi’s head! Cobb taunts Goto but the ref keeps him back. Khan pulls on Hashi’s arms but the ref counts. Khan hops off and pushes Hashi down, to then put him in the THRONE CRADLE! TWO, but Khan BOOTS Hashi down! Cover, Goto breaks it! Fans rally as Khan warns Goto. Khan wants to make Hashi kiss his boot, but Hashi fights up to throw body shots!
Khan CLUBS Hashi, whips him to ropes, but Hashi hits a BLOCKBUSTER! Fans fire up, Hsahi crawls, hot tag to Goto! Goto DECKS Cobb, but Khan CLUBS Goto! Khan ROCKS and Mongolian Chops! Khan whips, Goto reverses and runs in to MURAMASA! Then BULLDOG! Cover, TWO! Fans rally behind Goto as he drags Khan up. Khan breaks free, kicks low and runs, but Goto follows to then LARIAT! Cobb gets in, Goto kicks him and reels him in, but Cobb suplexes Goto instead! Goto slips out but Cobb elbows him away. Cobb gets Khan up, they go after Goto and mug him in the corner. They whip corner to corner, Goto dodges Khan to CLOBBER Cobb!
Goto then fireman’s carries but Khan slips off! Khan waistlocks but Goto backs him into the corner! Hashi runs in, corner clothesline for Khan! Feed to Goto’s kick, and he hooks Khan up, GOTO GOTO HUNT! Fans fire up and they drag Khan back up! Dragon sleeper and leg lift, but Khan kicks Hashi away! Goto fires off knees, and URA GTR! Cover, TWO! Khan survives but Goto keeps focus. Goto dragon sleepers, but Cobb CLOBBERS Goto! Cobb hurries to his corner and fans rally up. Goto and Khan slowly stir, they go forehead to forehead, and they throw forearms! Fans rally as they go back and forth, harder and harder!
Goto gets the edge, Khan staggers but he kicks low! Mongolian Chop! Khan tries another but Goto blocks! Goto knees low, runs, but into a drop sayanagi! Fans fire up and Khan tags in Cobb! Cobb drags Goto up, CHOPS him and throws forearms and uppercuts! Then a DROPKICK! Goto ends up in a corner, Cobb hauls him up to whip into the corner! Then RUNNING BACK SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT FLOPS as Goto dodges! Fans fire up, Goto crawls and tags in Hashi! Hashi dropkicks Cobb’s leg again! Then runs in to clothesline at the corner! Hashi puts the leg on ropes, runs side to side and dropkicks the leg!
Cobb staggers, Hashi turns him, NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up more and Hashi whips Cobb to a corner. Hashi runs in to CHOP! And whips Cobb, only for Cobb to TACKLE him into the corner! Khan runs in to clothesline! Cobb hits a back elbow! Feed to Khan’s HITSUJIGOROSHI! Cobb gets the legs, Khan thrashes Hashi, inside the Fubuki, and then they hit MARINE! GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT! Cover, Goto breaks it! Khan CLUBS Goto and throws him out! The Empire coordinates, they drag Hashi up, Cobb fireman’s carries and Khan runs, but Goto trips Khan up! Hashi slips off but Cobb switches!
Hashi fights the suplex, breaks free with an elbow, and he baits Cobb into the fireman’s carry! SUPERKICK and USHIGOROSHI! The Fierce Flash hits, but that’s not all! Bishamon drags Cobb back up and fans rally! Dragon sleeper, leg lift, but Khan HELL STABS Hashi! And BOOTS Goto! Hashi runs back in and LARIATS Khan down! Fans fire up with Hashi and he eggs Cobb on! Cobb stands, Hashi runs, LARIAT! Cobb stays up so Hashi fires off forearms and a CHOP! Hashi whips, Cobb reverses to reel Hashi in, ATHLETIC PLEX! Cover, TWO! Hashi survives and fans fire up again! Cobb hurries and hauls Hashi back up!
Cobb whips, but Hashi LARIATS! Cobb stays up to ROCK Hashi with a forearm! Hashi SUPERKICKS back! Hashi reels Cobb in, for a DESTROYER!! Hashi WRECKS Khan with a dropkick! Goto returns, fans are thunderous, and they get Cobb back up! SHOUTO!! Cover, Khan barrels through Goto to break it!! Fans are thunderous again while all four men are down! Goto snarls and he drags Khan back up. Khan clamps on the IRON CLAW! But Hashi SUPERKICKS Khan down! Bishamon reset and get Cobb up, but Cobb fights free of the leg lift! Hashi tries the pump handle but Cobb fights that, too!
Cobb gets free but Hashi LARIATS, and Goto HEADBUTTS! Hashi rolls Cobb up, TWO!! Hashi gets a KNEEBAR! And Goto intercepts Khan with an STF!! The Empire endures, Khan fights up but Goto still has a SLEEPER! Cobb pries at the hold, Goto throws Khan out and it’s all on Hashi! Cobb kicks with his free leg, fans are thunderous, Khan throws Goto into railing! Cobb gets Hashi’s arm and Khan gets the IRON CLAW on Hashi! Khan drags Hashi off Cobb for the ELIM- NO! Hashi slips out, full nelsons then pump handles, but Khan slips out of Karma! Feed to Cobb’s BIG forearm! IRON CLAW, pump handle?! ELIMINATOR MKII!!
But Goto returns! He fires off forearms on The Empire, and especially on Cobb! But Goto turns around into a Mongolian Chop! Khan runs, but Goto follows! Only for Cobb to fireman’s carry! Khan runs in, IMPERIAL DROP!! Fans are electric as Khan drags Hashi up with the Iron Claw! Feed to TOUR OF THE ISLANDS!! Cover, the Empire wins!!
Winners: Great-O-Khan & Jeff Cobb, by pinfall (NEW IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions)
Bishamon loses, Chaos has been conquered! Cobb shouts, “I told you!” and Khan even has his certificate to hold up alongside these belts! Khan gets the mic to say, “Hail us, peasants!” Fans applaud but Khan says, “I can’t hear you! You are in the presence of the NEW tag champions! HAIL US!” The fans do applaud louder, Khan says, “Justice always prevails. Understand? You guys are the bad guys! Bishamon sounds like a punk rock band.
“Hey, what’s with that face? Are you crying? Would pancakes make you feel better? Without the belts, you’re nothing again! Are you asking for another chance? If you beg and plead, perhaps we’ll give you another chance.” But try as they might, they won’t beat Khan and Cobb! They are the United Empire, HAIL THEM! Now that Khan & Cobb have these belts, will the Empire be dripping with gold?
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: El Desperado VS SHO!
The Rogue Luchador has been ambushed and blindsided and beat up by the Murder Machine time and again, and enough is enough! Will Desperado give it all back to Sho with interest? Or will the House of Torture have even more gold now?
Sho makes his entrance, but then hurries to find a hiding place as Desperado makes his entrance! Sho pounces on Desperado from the bleachers! The tricks start early with Sho, and he POSTS Desperado! Sho grabs the IWGP title but the ref tells him to give it over. Sho says fine, but it’ll be his soon enough! Sho drags Desperado up and into the ring, then the bell sounds to make this official. Sho then just throws Desperado back out! Sho whips Desperado into railing! Desperado staggers and stumbles away but Sho chokes him with a shirt! The ref reprimands, Sho lets go and the ref confiscates the shirt.
Sho stomps Desperado, drags him up and whips him into more railing! Desperado drops to the floor, and Sho hurries to bring out a chair. The ref stops Sho from approaching Desperado with that chair, so Sho lets him have it. But Desperado fires back with forearms! Sho rakes Desperado’s eyes! And whips again, only for Desperado to reverse and send Sho into railing! Desperado then clotheslines Sho over the railing and into the front row! Sho writhes right in front of fans as they rally up! Desperado pours out a bottle of water on Sho’s head! He claims he’s helping Sho refresh himself.
Desperado drags Sho up by his ear, and CHOPS him off his feet! The ref reprimands, he wants this back in the ring, but Desperado stomps away on Sho! Then Desperado dribbles Sho’s head off the floor! The ref reprimands, Desperado stops but also argues with the ref. Desperado then drags Sho up, puts him in, and fans cheer. Desperado drags Sho up as fans rally, and Desperado whips corner to corner hard! Desperado then runs in to clothesline! Sho sits down so Desperado stomps away! The ref reprimands and Sho sputters, but Desperado gives him more stomps! The ref has Desperado back off, but Desperado goes back for more!
Fans rally but the ref makes Desperado let off. Desperado shoves the ref over! Sho gets up and he throws forearms. Desperado doesn’t budge and he just eggs Sho on. Sho throws another forearm but Desperado SLAPS him down! Desperado stands Sho back up, whips him to ropes, but Sho reverses. Desperado holds ropes, Sho runs in but is sent tumbling out! Desperado builds speed, but Sho has the chair! Desperado DIVES into a chair shot! Fans can’t help but yelp as Desperado ends up stuck in the ropes! Sho gets back in, drags Desperado from the ropes and drops him on the mat. Fans rally up for Desperado as Sho looms over him.
Sho goes after the mask! Sho tries to hide it from the ref but he sees! The ref reprimands and makes Sho stop, but Sho shoves the ref down! Sho stomps Desperado, drags him back up, and throws him out of the ring. Desperado staggers to the railing, Sho goes after him with the chair! He JAMS then SMACKS Desperado on the back, then SMACKS the arm! The ref tries to stop Sho but Sho shoves him away to SMACK the arm again! Sho grins but fans rally up. The ref and Sho argue, Sho wrenches Desperado’s arm with a knuckle lock! Sho keeps on the arm, and wraps it around railing to pull on it!
The ref counts, Sho pushes him away again and BOOTS the railing to jam the bad arm! Sho again argues with the ref but he goes into the ring because he wants a count-out. Fans rally as the count climbs, and Desperado manages to sit up at 6 of 20. Desperado stands at 8, hobbles over to the ring at 10 and stands on the apron, only for Sho to BLAST him off! Desperado hits railing and a table! Desperado crashes down and the ref checks on him. Fans rally and Desperado stirs, so Sho goes out to see what’s going on. The ref has Sho stay back, and Desperado slowly sits up. Fans rally up more and Sho taunts Desperado.
Desperado crawls but Sho drags him back to the ring. Fans rally more as Sho looms over Desperado. Sho grabs the bad arm for a DOUBLE WRISTLOCK! Desperado endures, even as Sho pulls on the arm! Fans rally hard as ever and Desperado crawls with his free arm and legs, to the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts and Sho lets go at 4! Fans continue to rally as Desperado clutches his bad arm. Sho taunts Desperado and kicks at him. Desperado gets up and eggs Sho on. Sho kicks him more but Desperado CHOPS! Sho eggs Desperado on now so Desperado CHOPS again! Sho still eggs Desperado on, then he blocks the chop to rake the eyes!
Sho kicks but Desperado blocks! Desperado CLUBS the leg, ROCKS Sho, and wrenches for an OLYMPIC SLAM! Fans fire up as both men are down again! Sho crawls away but Desperado pursues. Sho goes out of the ring, but Desperado DIVES! The Somersault Suicida hits railings and knocks Milano Collection over! Fans are thunderous for that one! Desperado fires up and fans fire up more, and Desperado hurries to put Sho back in. Desperado drags Sho up, hooks him up, GUITARRA DE LA MUERTA! Cover, TWO! Desperado hurries up top, leaps, FROG SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Sho sputters, Desperado roars and fans fire up again!
Desperado drags Sho up, reels him in, but the bad arm can’t hook Sho’s arms. Sho wrenches out, ducks Desperado’s clothesline, and waistlocks to pop Desperado up, into an ARMBAR! But Desperado hurries to clasp hands! Sho thrashes around and he gets the full extension! But Desperado moves around, only for Sho to reel him into the SNAKEBITE! Desperado endures, reaches back, ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Sho lets go at 4! Fans fire up again while Sho grows frustrated. Sho crawls away while fans rally. Sho stands on Desperado’s head but Desperado pushes the foot away. Sho KICKS Desperado in the chest!
Desperado stays up so Sho KICKS him again! And again! Desperado staggers to ropes but he gets in Sho’s face! Sho ROCKS Desperado with a forearm, but Desperado comes back again. Sho ROCKS Desperado again but that’s still not enough! Sho throws another forearm but Desperado just keeps coming back! Sho dares Desperado to try, but then he wrenches the bad wrist! The ref reprimands the finger bending, they end up on ropes and Sho wraps the arm around ropes! The ref reprimands again and counts, but Sho lets off to throw boxing elbows! Sho then runs, and clotheslines Desperado against ropes! Sho keeps moving but Desperado elbows!
Desperado runs, Sho elbows him back! Sho runs, Desperado goes the other way, but Sho uses the ref as a shield! Desperado moves him aside, Sho SPEARS Desperado down! Fans fire up while both men are down again. Sho roars as he gets up, he scoops Desperado but Desperado fights free to ripcord and SPINEBUSTER! Then he turns Sho over to gut wrench, GUITARRA DEL ANGEL! Cover, TWO!! Sho survives and Desperado clutches the bad arm, but fans keep rallying. Desperado growls and he drags Sho back up. Desperado fights through the pain to underhook, but Sho shoves free of Pinche Loco, sending Desperado into the ref!
Sho LOW BLOWS Desperado! The fans rally up but Sho crawls to his corner to grab his friend, the wrench! Desperado stands, ducks the wrench, and tucks Sho in for a BASTARD DRIVER! Sho ends up stuck all folded up but Desperado can’t make a cover right now. Desperado gets up, he scuffs Sho, and he grabs the wrench! Fans rally, Desperado considers what he can do with it, and decides to throw the wrench away. Fans cheer the fair play, and Desperado says too bad, Sho. PINCH- NO! Sho fights out, and tucks Desperado in, CROSS ARM PILEDRIVER! Cover, TWO!! But into SNAKEBITE!!
Desperado moves around, reaches out, but Sho cranks harder on the hold! Fans rally but Desperado is fading! The ref checks, the hand falls once! The ref checks again, Desperado wags his finger as he gets a second wind! Desperado crawls, reaches out, and gets a ROPEBREAK with his foot! Sho lets go in frustration and fans are thunderous again! Sho says he’ll finish this, and he drags Desperado up to reel him in. Sho double pump handles, but Desperado slips out! Desperado tries to reel Sho in but he holds tight, and they almost hit the ref! Sho uses that to LOW BLOW Desperado again! Sho is laughing like a lunatic!
Sho drags Desperado up, but Desperado spins out to LOCO MONO! Fans fire up with Desperado as he roars and pounds the mat! Sho flounders about, Desperado LOCO MONOS again! The ref reprimands about the closed fist but Desperado just underhooks for PINCHE LOCO!! Cover a la the Deadman, Desperado wins!
Winner: El Desperado, by pinfall (still IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion)
The Murder Machine tried so many of his tricks, but he just couldn’t finish the job! Will the House of Torture be disappointed in Sho having nothing to show for his efforts?
As for Desperado, the Young Lions ice his elbow and bring him the belt. The ref helps him stand so he can celebrate this victory. But wait, Taiji makes his way back out to the ring. The Bone Soldier gets in the ring and he gets the mic to say, “Despy. Did you really win? It would have been more interesting if Sho had won. Oh well. You know what me being here means, right?” Desperado scratches his head, pretending to not know. Taiji says he is “always on the hunt for that belt.” Desperado’s mentioned a lot of names, but what does he think of Taiji? Will Desperado defend that belt against someone from another promotion? But before Desperado can answer, the lights go down!
Desperado asks what’s going on. And when the lights come up, we see someone has joined them in the ring! Who is this? He unzips his jacket to show he is with the UNITED EMPIRE! Ospreay has teased there would be a new member, and here he is! This is Francesco Akira, originally from All Japan! He has a lighter, and then he snatches the mic! “See you at the Best of the Super Juniors! BRUCIARE! <You will burn!>” Francesco leaves, and Desperado finally addresses the issue. Francesco Akira’s is a name he mentioned, so Desperado would love to face him since he came all this way. But Francesco did mention the Super Juniors…
And also, didn’t Taiji lose a title match today? Desperado says he would’ve turned down an ordinary challenge, but Taiji is anything but ordinary. “Let’s do it. I’m glad for this. I faced you as a champion, but I didn’t feel like I fit the bill then. This time, I’ll step to you proudly, as champion. Now, play my song as I leave, will you?” The music does play, and the champ takes his leave. Will the Burning Prodigy look to secure yet another belt for the Empire? Will the Bone Soldier do the same for Bullet Club? Or will the Rogue Luchador keep this title with Suzuki-Gun?
IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Kazuchika Okada VS Zack Sabre Jr!
The Rainmaker stands atop NJPW, but the Submission Master was still the one to win the New Japan Cup. ZSJ says he has grown but Okada has stagnated these last few years, and that is why ZSJ will win! Will ZSJ leave here with both trophy and title? Or will Okada find a way to still reign?
The introductions are made, the title is raised, and we see who is truly the face of Strong Style!
Fans rally up, “O-KA-DA!” “Z S J!” at the bell and the two slowly circle. They feel things out, tie up but then break. They circle more, ZSJ rushes in but Okada avoids the leg pick as well as the crawling leg guard. They tie up again, ZSJ gets around to waistlock then drag Okada down and float to a headlock. Okada keeps his shoulders up, fights his way up, but ZSJ floats around. Okada throws ZSJ off but ZSJ has his leg guard up. ZSJ pushes forward but Okada is ready, so ZSJ backs off. Fans cheer the exchange, and rally as the two reset. They feel out knuckle locks, tie up, but ZSJ wrenches and then trips Okada, to stand on an arm.
ZSJ bends that arm back, twists the wrist, but Okada rolls and trips ZSJ back. Okada has a toehold but ZSJ fights back to get a body scissor. ZSJ squeezes, Okada moves around, ZSJ tries for an armbar but Okada pushes to a high stack. ZSJ lets go but Okada has a toehold. ZSJ gets his foot free, turns over, but Okada lets go before ZSJ can reel him in. The fans cheer the newest exchange as the two reset again. ZSJ and Okada circle as fans rally, “O-KA-DA!” “Z S J!” They feel out a new grapple. Okada gets a leg, then he trips ZSJ to have the toehold. ZSJ gets Okada’s other leg, and now we have dueling holds!
But ZSJ quickly cranks the foot with a HEEL HOOK! Okada scrambles and gets the ropebreak! Fans cheer and Okada bails out to walk off the leg pain. The rallying continues while ZSJ waits patiently. Okada takes his time, and he returns before Red Shoes starts the count. ZSJ and Okada circle again, tie up collar ‘n’ elbow, and are in a deadlock. Okada gets a headlock, grinds ZSJ, but ZSJ endures and fights up. ZSJ powers out but Okada runs him over with a shoulder! Fans applaud, and Okada brings ZSJ back up. Okada ROCKS ZSJ with a forearm, then CLUBS him with an elbow.
Okada turns ZSJ, for a NECKBREAKER! Cover, ONE!! Fans applaud but Okada clamps onto ZSJ with a chinlock. ZSJ endures, pries at the fingers, and fans rally as Okada cranks harder on the hold. ZSJ reaches out, ROPEBREAK with a foot. Red Shoes counts, Okada lets off at 3. Okada then drags ZSJ up to scoop and SLAM! Okada goes to the apron, slingshot but ZSJ avoids the senton! ZSJ catches the haymaker for an armlock! ZSJ uses that to drag Okada up and out, to then clamp on an ARMBAR on the apron! Red Shoes reprimands as ZSJ drags Okada to the floor! Okada can only endure as ZSJ turns him over for a DISARMER!
Okada endures, so ZSJ STOMPS the arm, and fans are all fired up with him! ZSJ goes back into the ring and Red Shoes starts the count. Okada sits up at 9 of 20, gets to his feet at 14, and wants ZSJ to stay back. Red Shoes has ZSJ stay back as Okada rolls into the ring, but then ZSJ rushes right in to knee Okada in the side! ZSJ grabs at the arm but Okada is in the ropes! Red Shoes reprimands but ZSJ twists and tortures the arm to then STOMP it again! Fans applaud the technical savagery and ZSJ gets Okada for a short arm scissor. Okada fights up, ZSJ uses his feet to block Okada’s eyes but Okada still gets a stack cover, TWO!
ZSJ lets Okada free and KICKS him in the bad arm! Fans rally, ZSJ stands on Okada’s shoulder and bad arm, then digs his heels and toes into the muscles. Okada endures but ZSJ turns him over to get a DOUBLE WRISTLOCK! Okada endures more, even as ZSJ adds the headscissors for a Tesco Meal Deal! Okada reaches out with his foot and gets the ROPEBREAK! ZSJ shifts his grip but still has to let go. Fans rally up again, “O-KA-DA!” “Z S J!” as ZSJ kicks at Okada. ZSJ toys with “big boy” Okada, but Okada gets up to throw forearms. ZSJ eggs Okada on, Okada throws another forearm, but ZSJ wrenches to an ELBOW BREAKER!
ZSJ runs, but into a FLAPJACK! Both men are down and fans rally up! Okada stands, he fires off forearms then whips, but ZSJ reverses. Okada blows through the boot to CLOBBER ZSJ with an elbow! ZSJ goes to a corner but Okada is on him with a whip corner to corner. Okada runs in to back elbow, then he kicks low to DDT! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up, “Z S J! “O-KA-DA!” Okada traps ZSJ’s left arm and leg together and puts the other arm in a top wristlock! ZSJ endures, eggs Okada on, and Okada wrenches on the hold more! Okada lets off to then omoplata, and he turns ZSJ over to grind the other arm!
ZSJ moves around and fans rally, Okada flips ZSJ to a cover! TWO, but Okada keeps cool. ZSJ blocks the Alabama lift, steps over and has a standing armlock! ARM TWIST! Both men are down and fans continue to rally. ZSJ sits up to kick at Okada again and again. Okada is just annoyed, but ZSJ keeps kicking. Okada gets up, ZSJ kicks him more, then fires a EuroUpper! Okada ROCKS ZSJ with a forearm, so ZSJ throws a forearm back. Okada forearms again, ZSJ brushes it off and forearms again. The two get in each other’s face, Okada fires several forearms but ZSJ EuroUppers the bad arm!
Okada staggers away, clutching the elbow. Fans fire up, ZSJ runs in but Okada pops him up to the Alabama! But ZSJ grabs the arm to turn Air Raid into IRON OCTOPUS! Okada starts to fade but he powers back up! He powers through to give ZSJ the REVERSE NECKBREAKER! Fans are fired up and they rally again as both men are down. ZSJ and Okada slowly get up, and Okada shakes out the bad arm to gut wrench. ZSJ blocks that, shifts around and has a cobra twist! But Okada switches it back onto ZSJ! ZSJ switches back, and he has the cobra twist locked in! Okada endures, pries free, and hiop tosses ZSJ down!
Okada gets the arm for the MONEY CLIP! But ZSJ slips out and around to put Okada in a straitjacket stretch! Okada endures, arm-drags free and has the MONEY CLIP! ZSJ fights up and arm-drags free, then hooks Okada up into the IRON OCTOPUS! Okada endures, pops free, gut wrenches, but ZSJ slips out! Okada hooks ZSJ up to IRON OCTOPUS! Fans cheer the exchange, but ZSJ crab walks to the ROPEBREAK! Okada lets go quickly and fans continue to rally. Okada drags ZSJ up, scoops and SLAMS him in the drop zone, then goes up top. MACHO ELBOW! But it was the bad arm, so it slows Okada down a bit.
Okada still strikes the Rainmaker Pose! Fans fire up, Okada reels ZSJ in, but ZSJ elbows free. Okada runs in but ZSJ dodges the shotgun! ZSJ leaps on for the GUILLOTINE! But Okada powers out with a back drop! ZSJ gets up in a huff, but Okada blocks the boot and spins ZSJ! ZSJ avoids the discus to runs, and he fakes out Okada’s dropkick! ZSJ leaps with a seated senton, that becomes a TRIANGLE HOLD! Fans fire up while Okada endures! ZSJ squeezes tight and Okada turns red! But he still tries for a stack cover. ZSJ keeps his shoulders up, so Okada deadlift POWERBOMBS! But ZSJ holds on!
Okada stands to stomp away on ZSJ! ZSJ lets go, but he basement dropkicks Okada down! Fans fire up while both men are down again. ZSJ crawls over, gets Okada’s arm and isolates it to STOMP it again! ZSJ then runs, but into Okada’s DROPKICK! Okada roars and fans fire up as he stands ZSJ up! Ripcord, but ZSJ leaps to FLYING ARMBAR! Fans fire up again, ZSJ shifts right into a TRIANGLE HOLD! Then to an omoplata, and he hooks the other arm! CLARKY CAT!! And with a crossface add-on! Okada endures, fans are thunderous, but ZSJ changes it up to JIM BREAKS ARMBAR!!
Okada still endures, ZSJ thrashes him around, but Okada kicks his way to the ROPEBREAK! ZSJ lets go in frustration, and Okada flops out of the ring. Fans rally hard as ever for “O-KA-DA!” “Z S J!” The ring count starts while Okada is still down, but then ZSJ goes out to fetch Okada. ZSJ apologizes to Red Shoes, but he tells Okada to get up. ZSJ KICKS Okada, and Okada sits up. ZSJ KICKS him again and fans rally up. ZSJ eggs Okada on then KICKS him again! Okada sits up but ZSJ gets a running start! Okada blocks the Penalty Kick! Okada stands, and ZSJ SLAPS him! And SLAPS him again!
Okada reels ZSJ in for a gut wrench! TOMBSTONE to the floor!! Fans fire up while both men are down again! Red Shoes starts the count again, it goes to 10 of 20 before either sits up. Okada is up at 12, and he drags ZSJ up at 15. Okada puts ZSJ in at 17 and fans cheer the sportsmanship. Fans rally up again, “O-KA-DA!” “Z S J!” as Okada climbs. ZSJ stands, turns around and Okada hits a BIG missile dropkick! ZSJ tumbles to ropes and Okada scowls. Okada drags him back up, gut wrenches, SPINNING TOMBSTONE! And then DISCUS LARIAT! Okada roars and fans fire up. Okada ripcords, but ZSJ scoops to ZACK DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!?!?
Fans are thunderous as Okada survives ZSJ’s best shot! Both men are down, they slowly stir, but the rallying continues. ZSJ calls to the champion, egging him on. Okada sits up, they go forehead to forehead but Okada drops. ZSJ drags him back up, and EuroUppers hard! Okada stays on his feet, and fans rally up again. Okada comes back to EuroUpper ZSJ. The bad arm can’t give that much and ZSJ is able to shake that off. ZSJ EuroUppers hard, and Okada staggers to a corner. Okada comes back as ZSJ eggs him on. Okada EuroUppers, but again that’s the bad arm. ZSJ EuroUppers hard again, and he starts telling Okada, “Koi yo! <Bring it on!>”
Okada gets up, and he EuroUppers hard! How’s that for bringing it? ZSJ EuroUppers, Okada EuroUppers, ZSJ EuroUppers again! Okada fires forearms but ZSJ PELES the good arm! Then EuroUppers again! And again! And again! Okada runs to SHOTGUN dropkick! ZSJ pops up to PENALTY KCIK! Cover, ONE?! ZSJ runs in, into a gut wrench! But he victory rolls, to EURO CLUTCH! TWO!! Okada escapes, but ZSJ PENALTY KICKS!! Cover, TWO!! But into the FUJIWARA ARMBAR!! ZSJ cranks way back as Okada endures and the fans fire up! Okada reaches out, ZSJ shifts to get that Fujiwara even deeper, with a behind the back grip! But Okada still gets the ROPEBREAK!
Fans rally even harder, “O-KA-DA!” “Z S J!” while both men are down and catching their breath. ZSJ continues to taunt the champion, and ZSJ drags Okada up with a facelock. ZSJ wants to scoop but Okada blocks! Okada CLUBS ZSJ again and again, but then ZSJ EuroUppers! Okada EuroUppers, but into a backslide! ZSJ then rolls through to jackknife, but Okada slips that into a prawn hold! TWO, and Okada scoops! ZSJ slips off, runs, but Okada doesn’t commit to the dropkick cuz ZSJ holds the ropes! ZSJ BOOTS Okada, runs, but then into the DROPKICK! Fans are thunderous and Okada roars!
Okada drags ZSJ up, reels him in, ripcord, but ZSJ gets around to hop on for a SLEEPER! Fans rally as Okada endures, but he’s starting to fade! Okada fights up, throws ZSJ off, but ZSJ BOOTS Okada! ZSJ EuroUppers, but into Okada’s backslide! ZSJ rolls off, ducks the Rainmaker, TORNADO DDT! Scoop and- NO! Okada slips off to scoop, LANDSLIDE!! Okada hurries to ripcord and RAINMAKER!! Cover, Okada wins!!
Winner: Kazuchika Okada, by pinfall (still IWGP World Heavyweight Champion)
The Submission Master may have won the cup, but he could not stop the rain! Will ZSJ have to wait until he wins the cup again before he becomes world champion and the face of Strong Style?
As for Okada, Red Shoes helps him with the belt, and then he gets the mic. The fans clap, “O-KA-DA!” while he catches his breath, and then he says, “Thank you so much for your hot, hot, hot support today! Zack, we fought for this belt four years ago. Let’s not wait another four years. Let’s keep on fighting. Zack, you’re the best!” Fans applaud that, then Okada says, “I couldn’t win the New Japan Cup, but I was able to beat the victor today. As for the next challenger, I can decide now, can’t I?” Fans also applaud that! Okada says he wants NAITO! Naito beat Okada in the Cup, so Okada has to “right that wrong.” Okada knows he “can’t be tranquilo,” so he wants Naito to show up already!
Fans applaud, “O-KA-DA!” “NA-I-TO!” and Okada looks around. “He left.” Fans can’t help but laugh. Well, even if Naito went home, Okada’s mind is made up! He has to get his payback! But wait, Naito IS here! He just did it on his own time. Fans rally again, “NA-I-TO!” “O-KA-DA!” as Naito joins Okada in the ring. Okada says Naito made him panic. “I beat you in a title match, but you got me back. That mean’s we’re 1-1. Let’s settle this.” Fans applaud that idea, too. Naito gets a mic of his own as fans rally again.
“I would never have guessed that Okada would call me out. I was about to head home. We fought in Sapporo in February, Osaka-Jo Hall in March. This will be our third singles match this year.” Does Okada like facing Naito that much? Naito admits he loves locking up with Okada, too. “You pick the time and place for our third singles match of the year, please.” Naito then drops his mic, leaving to of course head home. Okada says the perfect place is on May 1st, in Fukuoka, “ya bastard!”
Okada says Naito likes to lockup with him, and Okada is in love with Naito’s Destino! “If you think you can give it to me, give it a try!” Okada then says, “How’s that sound? May 1st? This will be our third this year. Perhaps some of you have had your fill. But NJPW fans have large appetites. So look forward to our match on May 1st!” Fans cheer, they do like the sound of that.
Okada then notes, “Today’s April 9th. Let me tell you a personal story. 19 years ago, on April 8th, a 15-year-old Okada entered this business. Today, I kicked off my 20th year with a title defense! We all have our struggles in life. Together, we’re still dealing with COVID. But seeing so many of you here at the venue, wrestling for you is amazing.” Fans applaud that, too. “I know there are still things that make us anxious, but hopefully, NJPW can bring you energy! We’ll work hard to help you blow away your fears. So keep supporting us! This 50th Anniversary year rolls on. I’ll keep bringing the excitement, and I’ll keep making it rain in NJPW!”
My Thoughts:
What a way to end the week of Hyper Battle events! I did skip the first two matches, and I feel only a little bad on not giving JadoAce a chance. Jado, Tanahashi, Tama and Loa finally get that win over Bullet Club, Jado tapping Gedo out with his crossface. And another great detail was that Jado & GoD were joining Tanahashi in the main unit, sort of loosely affiliated part of NJPW where they just wear the NJPW logo shirts. The Face turns are complete, and we did see Tama again later. I should’ve figured Evil would find a way to retain the NEVER Openweight Championship. As great as the match was, Hiromu is apparently still not at a level for such a singles title. But I bet JadoAce/GoD will take those NEVER titles from House of Torture as we roll through the Spring.
We got a really great Junior Heavyweight Tag title match, and it makes sense Taguchi & Wato retain. Their reign has really only just begun, there’s probably a team they’re waiting on, and that’ll probably be really good stuff. Taiji moving on after the singles title was a bit of a surprised, but it seems there’s any number of ways they’re going to delay Desperado VS Kanemaru. Francesco Akira moving over to NJPW from AJPW and joining United Empire was a great surprise, and I think Francesco is the first Italian wrestler in the company. He’s going to have a great showing in the BOSJ 29 for May, who knows if he comes out the winner.
Sanada showing up was also a nice surprise, and sadly it was for the reason I feared but expected: he has to vacate the title. He only just got his first singles title and now it’s gone, but we got great stuff out of Ospreay and Tanahashi as they both stepped up. Commonwealth Kingpin VS Once in a Century Talent, that is going to be a great match and could go either way. And after an awesome IWGP Heavyweight Tag title match, Khan & Cobb winning was a great move. Khan and Cobb have been doing great work in and out of the ring, and NJPW acknowledging Khan legitimately saving a young woman just to make it contrast with his Heel persona is really clever stuff. The United Empire could end up dripping in gold before the summer.
Yano VS Taichi was a great KOPW match with the sumo rules, and another great choice for Taichi to win. Taichi vowing to step KOPW up to another level is pretty cool, and him calling Takagi out was quite the surprise. I suppose this is like if the WWE took their 24/7 Championship and put it on hard hitters like Sheamus or Drew McIntyre. Takagi and Taichi can choose whatever stipulations they want, we know it’ll turn into a slugfest either way, and I can’t wait. Okada VS ZSJ was also awesome stuff, ZSJ continued to show he belongs near the top, but he’s not at the top just yet. Okada winning to call out Naito makes sense, and they had a good interaction. They also have great matches, so having another is only going to be good stuff, I also can’t wait.
My Score: 9/10
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IF YA SMELLALALALALALA~…!
As Cody Rhodes teams with Damian Priest & Braun Strowman against Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline, FINALLY, The Rock has come back to SmackDown!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso; Jimmy wins.
- The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & LA Knight; Miz & Melo win.
- Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae w/ Nia Jax; Tiff wins.
- Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez; No Contest.
- WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly; Pretty Deadly wins, by disqualification, and DIY retain the titles.
- Six Man Tag: Cody Rhodes, Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga; changed to…
- Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga; Priest & Braun win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes talks with Nick Aldis backstage.
They shake hands, but the SmackDown General Manager tells the WWE Champion there’s been a change: Cody’s out of the Six Man Tag match. What? Why would Aldis do that? It is out of Aldis’s hands. Wait, Solo Sikoa shows up to do what he did, but they can’t do the Six Man Tag that they advertised? How is this out of Aldis’s hands? Who do they need to talk to so they can do the match? Aldis says there’s no one either of them can call, if you smell what’s cooking. This is coming from The Final Boss, and The Final Boss wants to see Cody in the ring tonight. What business could The Great One have with The American Nightmare?
Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso!
The Scottish Terminator rubbed it in Big Jim’s face that only one of them is going to Elimination Chamber in Toronto, which Big Jim was able to brush off. But McIntyre harping on how only one Uso is going to WrestleMania was a step too far. These two look to have it out, but is Jimmy just playing into McIntyre’s hands? Or will McIntyre get embarrassed by “the other Uso” this close to that big time match?
Speaking of, Jimmy has a message for Drew as he heads to gorilla. “Everybody know you’re going to Elimination Chamber, right? But Big Jimmy got a question for the Big Easy: Will Drew go onto the Elimination Chamber and win that? Will Drew go onto WrestleMania and win that? Ey, Drew, I think we got an answer for you, Uce. The answer is…” “NO YEET!” Jimmy makes his entrance, the bell rings, and the fans rally behind Jimmy. Jimmy and Drew jaw, and then Drew raises his hands, to say UP YOURS! But Jimmy ROCKS and CHOPS away! Drew puts Jimmy in a corner, Jimmy dodges to CHOP!
Jimmy climbs and he rains down fists! The fans count, Drew dumps Jimmy tot eh apron at 5, but Jimmy GAMANGIRIS! Jimmy goes up, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Jimmy hurries to CHOP, then he whips. Drew reverses to send Jimmy to the corner. Jimmy BOOTS back, goes up, and leaps, but into a clinch! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders to a corner, Drew runs up to SPLASH and OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders again, the ref has Drew hold on, and Jimmy bails out. Drew storms out to get Jimmy and he whips Jimmy HARD into barrier! The fans boo but Drew looms over Jimmy.
The ring count starts, Drew mockingly calls him “Jey,” then puts Jimmy in the ring. Drew says NO MANIA for Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, ROCKS him, then runs up, only for Jimmy to put him on the apron! Drew blocks a superkick, but not the DRAGON WHIP! Drew drops, Jimmy DIVES! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! Jimmy grins, goes back to the apron, and then aims. But Drew stops the Penalty Kick to THROW Jimmy down! Drew then has Jimmy in the Reverse Alabama Lift! REVERSE ALABAMA SLAM onto the steel steps! Drew stands on the desk to say “NO YEET!” while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Drew revels in the heat from New Orleans, then he leaves Jimmy behind. The ref checks Jimmy, he’s able to continue, so a ring count starts. Drew paces while Jimmy stirs. Jimmy drags himself up using the desk, then lunges in at 9! Drew is annoyed but he rains down fists! Drew stomps Jimmy, then eggs him on. Jimmy rises as the fans rally, but Drew is right on him in the corner. Drew winds up, but Jimmy counter punches! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! And whips, only for Drew to reverses. Jimmy goes up, but Drew KICKS him out of the air! Drew then hauls Jimmy up, snap suplex! Cover, TWO!
Drew says okay, Big Jim. He clamps onto Jimmy with a top wristlock and grinds the arm. Jimmy fights up, fireman’s carries, but Drew elbows free. Drew bumps Jimmy off buckles, then hauls him up to the top rope! Drew CLUBS Jimmy on the back, climbs up, then CLUBS Jimmy more. Jimmy fires elbows and Drew drops back. But Drew runs up to CLUB Jimmy again! SmackDown returns to single picture as Drew CLUBS away on Jimmy again! Jimmy keeps taunting “Jey,” then drags him up. Jimmy fights the back suplex! The fans rally, Jimmy fires hands and a HEADBUTT! Jimmy SMACKS Drew off the post!
Jimmy rises to USO IN THE WIND! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! A standing count starts while both men stir on the mat. They both stand at 5, and Drew swings! Jimmy counter punches, then fires more shots! Mule kick, UPPERCUT, but then Jimmy dodges Drew! SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Drew is tougher than that, but Jimmy hurries to a corner. Jimmy aims as Drew goes to the other corner, “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs, but Drew FLYING HEADBUTTS! The Glasgow Kiss stuns Jimmy, and Drew hits a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Jimmy shows his own toughness, and the fans rally behind him.
Drew paces, then he stalks Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, reels him in, but Jimmy fights the underhooks! Jimmy wrenches, UPPERCUTS, but Drew ROCKS Jimmy back! Jimmy UPPERCUTS, Drew HAYMAKERS! Drew whips, Jimmy reverses and Drew ends up on the apron! Drew ROCKS Jimmy first, then climbs the corner! FLYING- SUPERKICK! Jimmy runs to SPEAR! Cover, TWO!! Drew survives, Jimmy’s spear doesn’t hit quite like The Tribal Chief’s. Jimmy goes to the corner, climbs up, and the fans rally up. USO- NO, Jimmy rolls through as Drew moves! Drew dodges a lariat to NECKBREAKER!
Both men are down, the fans rally, and Drew kips up! Drew scowls as he aims at Jimmy. “THREE! TWO! ONE!” CLAY- SUPERKICK!! Jimmy hits first! GLASGOW KISS returns! Drew reels Jimmy in, “This is your WrestleMania! This is as close as you get!” Drew shouts Jimmy is nothing, then ROCKS him with forearm after forearm! GLASGOW KISS! Another Reverse Alabama, but Jimmy victory rolls it! JIMMY WINS!!!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Drew is furious, but his own ego caught him there! But then Drew CLOBBERS Jimmy! The fans boo Drew being a sore loser, but he puts Jimmy back in the ring! Drew rains down fists, then he DRIBBLES Jimmy off the mat! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Drew says that was Jimmy’s Mania Moment! Drew will win the Chamber, he will go to Mania, and he will win there! Jimmy means NOTHING to Drew! Drew puts Jimmy up against the post, then takes aim! The fans boo, but refs and producers rush out here! They swarm Drew to keep him from going after Jimmy again. Drew says fine, fine, then takes his leave.
Producers help Jimmy to his feet, but then Drew BLASTS through the refs! CLAYMORE for Jimmy!! The Scottish Terminator hits his target, then laughs as he actually leaves. Will McIntyre make this his Road to WrestleMania?
A car pulls into the parking lot.
And out steps Solo Sikoa. Solo heads inside, and he finds Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga waiting. Solo tells them that last week with Tama, that was an accident. Jacob says yeah, it’s all good, Uce. But keep it 100: If it wasn’t an accident, Solo wouldn’t be standing here right now. Well, good! Glad to see we’re all on the same page. Solo says he will be in the corner during the match for Jacob & Tama. Uh, no, Solo, no disrespect, but Jacob & Tama have been running things on SmackDown these past couple weeks. So tonight, it’s Jacob & Solo running the play? Yadada mean? Yeah, of course. And that right there, Jacob, is exactly why Solo loves him.
Solo says he’ll be back, he has to talk with Nick Aldis. Solo heads out, but will he really just step right back into place from before he lost the ula fala?
Carmelo Hayes is backstage.
R-Truth calls out to Melo, and says for the first time ever, Truth VS Melo! What’s Truth talking about? Duh, they have a match. No, Truth, Melo knows. But they had a match last week. Truth says he has never met Melo in his life, but they have a tag match tonight. What? No, they don’t. Who even made this match? Him. Truth, they are not going through this H1M who’s on first thing again. Melo is H1M. No, him made the match. The Miz!? Miz says he’s H1M. So now there’s two of you? No no no! Melo is H1M, this is The Miz! Yeah, #MeloDon’tMiz! NO! That’s not a thing! Tonight, they are. Who’s Truth’s partner?
Truth says he’s got a guy. A Louisiana legend! In fact, he just got here, so Truth’s gotta go. Laters. Miz says he has been workshopping this, and the fans love it. Think about it: Melo Don’t Miz! Melo Don’t Miz! And we are…! Melo shakes his head. Truth steps in and says Miz just wants Melo to say, “Awesome.” Miz offers a fist bump, Melo says no. Will Melo wish he had missed tonight’s show? Or will Miz actually help H1M get another win?
Zelina Vega speaks.
“My whole life, people have taken one look at me, and they try to define me. My size has never stopped me before. It never stopped me from becoming tag team champion. Or my personal favorite, the history-making first-time-ever Queen of the Ring. That’s me. Make no mistake about it, I’ve never had it easy. I had to scratch and claw to get anything around here. But this is a fresh start. Because I have something to prove. And my dreams are a lot bigger than your measuring stick. It ain’t over until Zelina Vega says it’s over.”
The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & ???
Miz makes his entrance but Melo kinda steps all over it. So he already missed his cue… But who did Truth find to team with him in the Big Easy? We’ll see, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Truth makes his entrance. “What’s up?” Well, more like who is his partner? He’ll tell us! His tag team partner is a local legend, born and bred right here in New Orleans! Ladies and gentlemen, welcome Louisiana Knight! Wait, he means L A Knight! Yes, Louisiana abbreviated is LA, but that’s not… Oh, Truth… Truth gives Knight a Po’ Boy and some Mardi Gras beads, so Knight embraces it. The teams sort out, and Truth calls out him! Does he mean Miz or Melo? Well, Melo says he is H1M, so that’s who starts. The fans cheer on Knight while Truth and Melo tie up. Melo KNEES low, whips, but Truth reverses.
Melo springboards, FADEAWAY JUMPER! Melo makes his free throw, but Truth drop toeholds! Truth headlocks, Melo powers up and out but Truth whips! Melo turns hip toss into lateral press, TWO! Truth has a ghost pin, TWO! Melo trips to cover, ONE! Truth trips to cover, ONE! Melo runs up, Truth does the splits, and then hits a BIG hip toss! The fans fire up, Truth counts, Melo gets up at TWO, but Truth was just goofing. The ref explains to Truth that he is the ref, not Truth! Melo is annoyed, he runs up on Truth, but Truth wrenches him around! Melo pulls hair but Knight tags in. The fans fire up as Knight fires hands!
Knight ROCKS Melo, whips Melo, but Melo reverses! SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Knight drags Melo up to tag Truth back in, and Truth ROCKS Melo! Melo staggers, but he refuses to tag! Truth arm-drags Melo, then grinds the arm. Melo insists he’s got this, then arm-drags free. Truth staggers up, he and Melo bump heads! Truth staggers around more, and he tags Miz?! Truth forgot The Awesome Truth isn’t a thing anymore! Again! Melo BLASTS Truth off the apron, the fans boo, but Miz tags himself in! Melo is annoyed, but Miz goes to fetch Truth while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again, and Melo has Truth. Truth ROCKS Melo, but Melo holds onto the wristlock! Truth reaches for Knight, Knight reaches for Truth, but Melo holds on. Truth takes a swing, but into an O’Conner Roll! TWO and Melo BLASTS Knight! Truth rolls Melo up, TWO! Melo kicks low, calls his shot, but Truth suplexes for a STUNNER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Truth and Melo crawl, hot tags to Miz and Knight! The fans fire up as Knight rallies on Miz! “YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips, Miz reverses, but Knight lEAPING LARIATS! Knight TOSSES Melo in for good measure!
Knight stomps a mudhole into Melo, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” LARIAT for Miz! KNEE for Melo! Knight scoops and POWERSLAMS Miz! Knight keeps running, JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Knight stays on Miz as he brings Miz up. Knight ROCKS Miz, then ROCKS him again! Knight whips, Miz grabs the ropes. Miz KICKS, then takes a swing, but into a back suplex! Miz lands out, tag to Melo! Miz ELBOWS Knight, but Knight scoops! Miz tilt-o-whirls through, Melo SUPERKICKS Knight down! cover, TWO! Knight stays in this but Melo says he’s got this! Melo waits on Knight, then leaps, but NO 48!
Knight kicks low, but NO B F T! Tag to Truth! Knight ELBOWS Melo, Truth runs in! CENA SHOULDER TACKLES! Then the SPIN OUT BOMB! Truth says it’s time! “YOU CANT SEE ME~!” truth runs for the FIVE KNCUKLE SHUFFLE! Truth then fireman’s carries, but Melo slips free! Melo shoves, Truth dodges, and Truth hits the LIE DETECTOR! Truth then gets Melo in the S T R-TRUTH! But Miz CLOBBERS Truth! Knight ROCKS Miz, then LARIATS him up and out! Knight then goes out to THROW Miz into barriers! The fans fire up again, but NAKAMURA ATTACKS KNIGHT!
The fans boo, but the sinister samurai then POSTS Knight!! Nakamura slithers away while Melo keeps the ref’s attention! Truth sees Knight is down, Melo runs up, but Truth dodges! Miz tags in, full nelson, and a FIRST 48 FINALE COMBO?!? Cover, Miz & Melo win!!
Winners: The Miz & Carmelo Hayes, by pinfall
Well, what do you know? Nakamura aside, Miz and Melo made it work! Okay, they’re both trying to hog the spotlight, but is there a future for Melo Don’t Miz? Will Knight only have more of a reason to take that title off Nakamura now?
Charlotte Flair speaks.
“The GOAT… doesn’t have to call themselves The GOAT. Now, I have crafted a legacy that no one, I mean no one, can touch. And I’m back.” The Women’s Royal Rumble Winner chose Tiffany Stratton, but will The Queen take back her throne? Or will WWE always be on #TiffyTime? Speaking of…
Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae!
The WWE Women’s Champion may have gotten past Nia Jax, but now she knows Charlotte Flair is waiting for her at WrestleMania, and is going to be teaming with Trish Stratus in Toronto! Will she be in Tiffy Top Shape for that Tiffy Trishy dream match? Or will the Poison Pixie be quite the problem all on her own?
Before the match, Tiff grabs a mic while the fans cheer. Tiffy says, “I know, I know. You know it, you know it, and you know it. Ever since I won this title, everybody’s just been so obsessed with me. And last week, I had Nia Jax beat, until Candice LeRae decided to interfere and help her little meal ticket. And at Elimination Chamber, Trish Stratus and I make sure the Unstoppable Force comes to a definitive end!” The fans cheer that, but Tiff says enough about them. Let’s talk Charlotte Flair. The fans boo that name, but Tiff says Charlotte took her sweet old time, grabbed a chair, grabbed a mic, and she looked down on Tiff.
Charlotte chose Tiff as her WrestleMania opponent. In that moment, Tiff’s dream came true! And as she lied down there and looked up at Charlotte, she realized the rumors are true: No one loves to kick a girl when she’s down quite like Charlotte Flair. So at WrestleMania, Tiff isn’t coming for Charlotte’s legacy; that’s all Charlotte’s. Tiff is coming for the spot Charlotte desires the most: The number one spot as the top girl in the WWE! But here comes Nia & Candice to interrupt. Nia has a mic to tell Tiffy, “I Have to say, this is really cute. Like, it’s really cute that you actually think you were gonna beat me last week.”
Doesn’t Candice think that is cute? Candice says yes, it is so~ cute. And Tiff wouldn’t even be standing there if not for little Trish Stratus~. Exactly! And it’s even cuter that Tiff is out here talking about Charlotte when she wont’ even see WrestleMania! Because after Nia & Candide destroy Tiff at Elimination Chamber, Nia is coming back for her WWE Women’s Championship. Nia & Candice step up to the ring, and Nia says Tiff won’t even see the Grandest Stage of Them All. Tiff tells Nia to just give it up. This title isn’t even hers anymore. And once Tiff beats Candice tonight, Nia won’t have anyone to do her dirty work anymore!
Candice tells Tiffy that while they’re meant have a match right now, she and Nia are feeling impatient. Nia says they should just get rid of Tiff right now! But the ref steps in and says not gonna happen! Tiff VS Candice will, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Candice has Tiffy down with an armlock. Tiff fights up as the fans rally, but Candice wrenches to wristlock. Tiff spins through, goes to ropes, then up the corner to flip and arm-drag! The fans fire up as Tiff rallies on Candice! DROPKICK, and Tiff snarls! Tiff goes to the corner, and Charlotte makes her entrance? The Queen chooses to be fashionably late all so everyone looks at her, including Tiffy. Tiffy handsprings, but Candice dodges! Candice runs up to UPPERCUT, then she snapmares and NECK SNAPPERS! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Candice clamps onto Tiffy with a top wristlock.
The fans “WOO~” as Charlotte now chooses to join commentary. Tiff fights up, has the ROPEBREAK, but Candice CLUBS away on her! Candice backs off, runs up, but Tiff drop toeholds her to ropes! Tiff runs, HIP ATTACKS, and Candice flops back! Cover, TWO! Tiff stays on Candice with a whip, but Candice reverses. Candice CLOBBERS Tiff, covers, TWO! Charlotte corrects Tiffy’s words earlier: Charlotte isn’t the “top girl,” she is THE woman in WWE. Candice HIP DROPS Tiff but the fans rally up. Candice scuffs Tiff, then grinds an arm to drop a knee on the elbow! And another knee drop! Tiff endures and the fans rally up.
Candice keeps on that arm, thrashes it around, but Tiff fights up. Tiff fires body shots, then shoves Candice to Alabama Lift her! Candice sunset flips, Tiff rolls through, TIFFY STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Tiff is frustrated and Candice bails out. Tiff goes to the apron, goes up the corner, and ARIHARA MOONSAULTS! Direct hit on Candice and Nia, and Tiff almost stuck the landing! The fans fire up with Tiff and she goes into the ring. Tiff points to the WrestleMania sign, and then at Charlotte, but SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Tiff waits on Candice, Candice slides in, and Tiff stomps her down! Candice bails out, Nia is there to coach her, but Tiff lets the ring count start. Candice gets on the apron, Tiff kicks her, but Candice RAMS Tiff! Candice CLUBS Tiff, has her in the ropes, and hits a NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT! Candice climbs, aims, and leaps to MISSILE DROPKICK Tiff down! Cover, TWO! Candice is frustrated but this is why Tiff’s a champ. The fans rally, but Candice stomps Tiff! Candice scowls at the fans, stalks Tiff, then brings her up. Tiff fires body shots, then she rolls Candice up! TWO, and Candice CLOBBERS Tiff! Cover, TWO, into a ghost pin! TWO!
Candice escapes to hit a CODE BREAKER! Both women are down, but Candice scowls again as she crawls over to Tiff. Candice rains down fists, Nia tells fans to shut up, and Candice steps on Tiff’s face. Candice huffs ‘n’ puffs, pushes Tiff around, then scuffs her. Tiff rolls Candice up again, TWO! Candice DECKS Tiff! Cover, TWO! Charlotte is stoic on commentary as Candice drags Tiff up and puts her in a corner. Candice fires hands, then backs off. Candice runs up to ROCK Tiff again! Candice then runs, but Tiff dodges! SmackDown returns to single picture, and Tiff rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT! The fans fire up, Tiff handsprings, BACK ELBOW!
Tiff then reels Candice in for a SKY HIGH! High stack, TWO! The fans rally for Tiff, Nia coaches Candice, but Charlotte still seems nonplussed. Tiff and Candice rise, and Candice runs up. Candice puts Tiff on the apron, but Tiff ROCKS her! Tiff bumps Candice off buckles, then goes up, but Candice ROCKS her back! Candice climbs up, and she fires hands on Tiff! Tiff fights the suplex! Tiff DECKS Candice, then adjusts position, to SANTON- FLOP! Candice ghost pins, TWO!! Tiff escapes, but Candice hits the step-up SENTON! And then a LIONSAUL FLOP! Tiff hurries to fireman’s carry, ROLLING SENTON! And then PRETTIEST MOON- NO, Nia drags Candice out of the ring!
The fans boo, Nia tells them to shut up, but Tiff is on the apron! Nia swings, Tiff cartwheels over, and then she DROPKICKS Nia! Tiff Alabama Lifts Candice, to ALABAMA SLAM her into barriers! Tiff stares down Charlotte, tells her just wait for Mania, then she puts Candice in the ring. Tiff goes to the corner, PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, Tiff wins!
Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall
Charlotte gives moderate applause, but Nia CLOBBERS Tiff from behind! The fans boo, but Nia just drags Tiff to a corner. Nia goes up, but wait! Trish is here!! The fans fire up for the legend as she rushes into the ring! Trish avoids a haymaker to CHICK KICK! Then THESZ PRESS for Candice! And then a SPINEBUSTER! Trish helps Tiff to her feet, but Nia grabs them both! Trish fires fast hands on Nia! Candice CHOP BLOCKS Trish! Tiff is still dazed, Nia HEADBUTTS her back down! Nia & Candice mug Trish, and then Nia HEADBUTTS Trish! Trish & Tiff are side by side, and Nia drags them into the drop zone! A-NIA-LATOR!!
The fans boo but there’s nothing can be done! Nia grins as she helps Candice away, will these two trash Trish & Tiff in Toronto? Charlotte steps into the ring, stands over Tiff, and points to the WrestleMania sign. Will The Irresistible Force & Poison Pixie unwittingly do the dirty work of The Queen of Flair?
Cody talks with Damian Priest backstage.
Priest asks why Cody’s boy, The Rock, is here tonight. Cody says given the time of year, his guess is as good as anyone’s. But tonight will surely be eventful. Cody congratulates Priest on entering the Elimination Chamber. Priest says what’s wild is, last year, they both walked out as champions. What sucks is that this year, only one of them can. Now, Priest is man enough and he respects Cody to say that after Chamber, he’s coming for that title. Cody says he wouldn’t have it any other way. Cody heads out, but what business does The Rock have tonight?
Braun Strowman steps in, and he tells Priest that congrats on winning, and good luck in the Chamber. But let’s be honest, Braun had Jacob dead to rights last week. If not for Solo Sikoa, things would look a lot different next week. Priest chuckles and says take it easy, he’s sounding like Drew with the excuses. But it is what it is, Priest just beat Braun to the punch. But that was last week. Tonight, Solo and Jacob, two of the baddest men in the business. Priest & Braun handling business? Oh, they’re handling business. The only business Braun cares about is getting his hands on those two. Priest says Braun definitely will.
Braun heads out, will the Monster of All Monsters and the Archer of Infamy make sure Solo & Jacob #GetTheseHands? Or will the rogues run roughshod all over SmackDown once again?
Backstage interview with Naomi & Bianca Belair.
Byron Saxton is with the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions and brings up last week’s SmackDown, the security footage led us to believe Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez were the ones behind Jade Cargill’s attack. Now, hold on, Saxton. They don’t think, Naomi knows they were. Fair enough. But this Monday, they can get their revenge when they defend the tag titles against Liv & Raquel. How ready are they for this match? Bianca says so ready! They have been waiting for months for an update. Jade has been recovering, she hasn’t been able to call or text, so the GlowEST took matters into their own hands to get revenge.
Bianca & Naomi will handle Liv & Raquel, then move on to Elimination Chamber, where one of them is gonna win to face Rhea at WrestleMania. Not only will you #FeelTheGlowEST on Monday, but Liv feels it tonight! #Let’sGLOW! The champs head out, but will they clear their Road to WrestleMania of any other distractions?
Alexa Bliss speaks.
“When I was away, there was a lot of… change that happened in me. But when I look around, I see this place is still the same. The names and faces may be different, but the desperation and insecurity remains the same. You’ll see Toronto when I turn the Elimination Chamber into something of a playground of my own. I know the Chamber. I love the Chamber. I’ve won the Chamber. And for the other five women, it’s gonna be a Hell like they’ve never experienced before. Need I remind you, this is my division, and I am in charge.” Bliss smiles and says, “See you soon.” The film comes off the reel, but will things get twisted in Toronto?
Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez!
The Big Easy is all about having fun, and they’re fired up for Naomi’s entrance. But wait! Liv & Raquel don’t wait, they attack Bianca & Naomi while the lights are still down! They mug Naomi, but Bianca drags Liv out of the ring! Then Bianca storms in to fire off on Raquel! The fans fire up, but Liv returns to CHOP BLOCK Bianca! Raquel hauls Bianca up for a TEJANA BOMB!! Naomi runs up, fires more hands, but Liv brings Naomi around. Naomi fires hands on her, but Raquel throws her down! Liv runs up, OBLIVION!
Liv & Raquel stand tall, the refs rush out here, but clearly the singles match isn’t happening. Will we be getting something even meaner and nastier between these four on Monday?
The Rock arrives!
His truck pulls into the parking lot, but we’ll see him in the ring, after the break!
SmackDown returns and…
Aldis is chewing out Liv & Raquel for the attack. He doesn’t know what they get away with on Raw, but they can’t pull that crap here. Now get the hell out of his building. Liv & Raquel just laugh that off, but then Chelsea Green & Piper Niven walk in. Chelsea says have no fear, Chelsea & Piper are here to sub in for Bianca and Naomi at Elimination Chamber. Aldis sighs, and says they’re not missing the Chamber. What? But Chelsea had an outfit picked out! This is a travesty to not have the greatest Canadian export since maple syrup on a Canadian PLE! Does he know who she is? The first-ever, longest reigning, tallest, shortest, prettiest, richest, tannest, sparkliest, oldest, youngest Women’s US Champion! Piper asks what this is aboot, eh?
Aldis says this is them testing his patience. They need to pack their gear and whatever else they want, because they’ll be in action next week on SmackDown in Toronto. And oh, it’ll be a good one. Wait, they need more details! At least an e-calendar notification? Aldis is leaving Chelsea in the dark on what’s coming, will she absolutely hate it?
The Rock heads to the ring!
Wait, what is this New Orleans related remix? The Final Boss steps out on stage, he shows those goosebumps, then continues down the ramp, shaking hands with fans. The Rock hits his signature pose on the corner, but then takes the long way around to pick up a fan’s phone for them before going back into the ring. The fans all cheer for “ROCKY! ROCKY!” and he grabs himself a mic. He waits as the fans continue to chant his name, and then he says, “Ahh, you feel it, don’t you? You feel it. The Rock has got chills up and down his body because you know, on a Friday night, for the Final Boss to get inside his bird and fly all the way here, you know that I’m dropping some ish on you tonight!”
The fans fire up and The Rock smiles. Rock says, “Let’s get this show on the road.” The fans anticipate what’s coming but he says hold on, he’ll do it. “FINALLY! The Rock has come back…” “TO NEW ORLEANS~!” Rock smiles, and he adds, FINALLY, WrestleMania is coming back to New Orleans!! The fans are thunderous to hear that! WrestleMania 30, WrestleMania 34, and now WrestleMania 42!? Yes, next year, 2026, LIVE from the Superdome! One of the greatest cities on Earth in New Orleans, Louisiana! The pyro goes off to commemorate the occasion, and the logo is already on the tron! Rock smiles at that, then he smiles at the WrestleMania 41 Vegas logo.
The fans are losing their minds, as we now know April 11th and 12th, 2026, the Big Easy has the Grandest Stage of Them All. Rock says you damn right holy ish! Oh when the saints go marching in…! Oh how I’d love… Wait, no, this ain’t singalong with The Final Boss! Sit there, shut up, and let The Final Boss sing the song! The fans are torn, but Rock says he sings! Oh how I’d love, to be in that number~! Oh when the saints go marching in~! Okay, that’s good enough. You got him, that was a great duet. The Rock is singing with the largest collection of STD’d trailer trash he has ever seen! The fans can’t believe Rock would do that to them!
Rock says now, dropping this news wasn’t the only gift he was going to drop on us. The Final Boss came here to call somebody out. The Rock will call out a man who he respects, who he admires, and who we all admire. That man is our WWE Champion, the one and only, Cody Rhodes. The fans cheer as The American Nightmare makes his entrance! They sing along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” and we get Cody’s pyro before he goes to the ring. Cody gets his second “WHOA~ OH~!” and round of pyro, then he steps inside to join The Rock. The fans cheer Cody on, so he holds up the title and the fans cheer even more.
Cody grabs a mic, but Rock says, “That feels good, doesn’t it? I mean, that’s gotta feel amazing, right? They love you, man.” Cody tells NOLA, “I love you, too.” Rock says this is crazy. Pretty much no one knows this, but since after WrestleMania last year, they’ve actually become good friends. No, it’s true, they have. Last time they were together was the Raw Netflix debut. Rock gave Cody his flowers, told Cody he has carried the company like the incredible champion that he is, so thank you, Cody. Rock meant it, and that night, they went to the back, drank tequila for two hours and had a great ol’ time.
They chopped it up, had a blast, but Rock wants to call Cody out here for something important. Here’s the thing… The fans get a bit rowdy as they wait, and Rock says Cody is a great champion. A great WWE Champion. Cody knows that. Again, they’ve become good friends, so over the months, they’ve texted. Even their moms became good friends! Look! Mama Johnson & Mama Rhodes together after WrestleMania 40! It is a pleasure becoming Cody’s friend. But Rock wanted this face to face to tell him a few things. One: Cody has been a great champion, but he needs to understand. Yes, The Rock, The Final Boss, is on the Board of TKO. And TKO owns WWE.
The Rock is the Director of the Board of TKO. Don’t boo that! The Rock’s good friend, Ari Emanuel, who owns everything Endeavor, The Rock joked with Ari, “Can you believe that you own The WWE?” Ari says he doesn’t own the WWE, The Rock does. Rock said no, no, he doesn’t know if he owns the WWE. But The Rock knows he is the most powerful… Cody, you are a great champion. But Rock wants Cody to be something more. Rock wants Cody to be something more than just our champion. Rock wants Cody to be his champion. The fans don’t like where that’s going.
Cody says he did not expect them to become friends, nor their moms to become friends, nor the tequila. Cody didn’t have that on his bingo card. But becoming The Rock’s champion? The Rock of all people should know, Cody is the people’s champion. The fans cheer Cody more, and Rock says yes! Cody is their champion! Of course! The Rock is also The People’s Champion, he loves that about Cody. This is their universe, they were both born into this business. But Rock means something even bigger than just this. Rock knows Cody’s goal is to bring as much joy and happiness to everyone around the world, as many as possible.
The fans cheer, and Rock says that’s Cody. Cody is that guy, and everyone knows it. Cody is on social media, Instagram, millions of followers. Millions, and millions! The Rock has half a BILLION. That’s not a flex. But The Rock is the most followed American man in the world, that’s what he wants for Cody. Rock wants Cody to be even higher. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, he will open doors to possibilities Cody never even imagined. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, every dream he has ever had can come true. Every dream of Brandi’s, of their daughter’s. Think about how Rock brought them to the premiere of Moana 2, in Hawaii.
Thank you, by the way, for making that cross a BILLION dollars, fans, Rock loves you. Rock has met the Rhodes family, they’re amazing. But imagine it: Cody’s daughter’s children, their dreams, long after Rock and Cody are gone, all those dreams can come true. Rock just needs Cody to be his champion. The fans say don’t do it! Rock tells Cody to just think about it, though. Rock is a very lucky man, he has it all. Cody also has it all. They’re very fortunate. They’re Mama’s Boys, they’re Girl Dads, they’re lucky men. Fans say don’t do it, Rock tells them to shut up or he’ll slap the syphilis off their face! Rock is trying to have a moment here, shut your mouths!
The one thing that Rock has never had, that he wants more than anything, is a brother. And that is what Cody can be. Last year, WrestleMania, Rock’s goal was to face his cousin, Roman Reigns, for the title. Cody knows, the fans know. Rock talked with his friend, HHH. He talked with Nick Khan, who is his friend. They are also Cody’s friends. Rock knew it wasn’t in the plans, but they talked about moving Cody aside to make what was best for business: Rock VS Roman, WrestleMania 40! What’d Cody do? Cody pitched a b*tch fit! Cody told The Rock he ain’t doing it, and he stood up to The Rock. And y’know what else? Cody SLAPPED Rock!
No one does that and gets away with it. But that is why Cody is special. That is why Cody should be Rock’s Champion. And that is why Rock will take Cody from where he is to a level so far above. Rock will make sure every dream, every desire, for generations to come, it all comes true. Rock’s dad, Cody’s dad, Soul Man & American Dream, they are looking down right now. They were friends, Cody and Rock are friends, Cody should be Rock’s Champion. He doesn’t need to answer Rock tonight. He can think about it, talk with his wife and daughter, as will The Rock. Then Cody can think about it. Meet Rock in Toronto on March 1st to give him the answer.
Fans still say don’t do it, but Rock says it is okay. Before he leaves, this has been an amazing night, this is a hot crowd, thank you all very much. But before he leaves, Rock wants us to know this: The one thing Rock wants more than anything in this world… is that. Wait, the title? Cody’s title? The fans’ title? This is all this is about? No no no no! Brother… Rock doesn’t want the title. He wants Cody’s soul. The fans duel, “NO! NO! NO!” “SELL YOUR SOUL!” Rock pats Cody on the cheek and says see you in Toronto. The Rock leaves, giving Cody a lot to think about. Rock does give one last glance back at Cody, then smirks.
What will The American Nightmare choose: His integrity? Or his aspirations?
WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly!
Did Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano got these titles thanks to Kit Wilson & Elton Prince? #YESBOY! Did they survive a couple title defenses thanks to Kit & Elton? #YESBOY! But when Pretty Deadly needed DIY, was DIY there for them? #NOBOY! So now, Kit & Elton are looking to give Ciampa & Gargano their comeuppance! Will we finally get another #SidePlateCheck? Or will Ciampa & Gargano remember for themselves, that if you wanna be champions, you gotta do it yourself?
But as DIY make their entrance, they have mics, and Johnny Wrestling tells NOLA, “Give it up one time for your TWO-TIME WWE Tag Team Champions…! The BTTITW (Best Tag Team In The World), D I Y~!” The fans boo instead. Ciampa says there is no denying that tonight has been electrifying. Gargano says this is a hot crowd. But please, if we could be somber for a second. Guys, this is serious. Two weeks ago, Pretty Deadly embarrassed DIY, and now reluctantly, DIY will return that favor by crushing their hopes and dreams of ever becoming WWE Tag Team Champions. So please, let us all rise to our feet… Yes, you in the LSU jersey, stand up.
Ciampa thanks Wade Barrett, and asks for everyone to remove their hands and bow their heads for a moment of silence for Pretty Deadly, beginning… now. The fans boo instead! And then Pretty Deadly make their entrance! The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really needed who in this broken relationship!
But then DIY jumps Pretty Deadly! The ref reprimands, DIY whip but Pretty Deadly reverses! DOUBLE DORPKICKS! Then DOUBLE LARIATS send DIY up and out! The disco ball hasn’t even stopped spinning! The fans cheer while DIY throw a fit! They regroup, cool down, and go back to the ring. Gargano distracts Elton, Ciampa CLOBBERS him, and the bell rings. But Elton fires hands on Ciampa! Elton whips, Ciampa reverses and he pulls hair! The ref reprimands, Ciampa throws Elton to the apron and KNEES him down! Tag to Gargano and he aims, SUPERKICK! Elton goes down in a heap, DIY cheers themselves on, and SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns, Gargano tags in, and DIY hits the BACK SUPLEX BOMBO COMBO! Cover, TWO! Elton stays in this but Gargano tags Ciampa back in. Gargano sends Ciampa in, but Elton ELBOWS him away! Gargano runs in, but Elton puts him on the apron! Gargano goes after Kit, but Kit blocks the kick! Kit BOOTS Gargano down, but then Ciampa BOOTS Kit! Elton dodges Ciampa to come back, DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! Elton and Ciampa are down, sputtering and writhing, and the fans rally up. Elton crawls, Kit rises, hot tags to Kit and Gargano! Kit rallies on DIY with big forearms! Kit whips, Gargano reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS!
Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa in a corner, then LARIATS! Kit runs to LARIAT Gargano! Kit pushes Gargano down, kicks him and hits a TWIST- NO, Gargano slips through to ROCK Kit! Kit yoyos, DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up, Kit tags Elton! They get Gargano up, but Gargano BOOTS Elton! Gargano ELBOWS Kit away, then runs up on Elton! Elton dodges, then gives Kit the boost, DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Gargano survives but Ciampa is in! Elton fireman’s carries Ciampa, but Ciampa slips free! Ciampa whips, Elton reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa! Elton shows off his strength with the GOTCH LIFT PLEX!
Tag to Kit, but IN COME THE PROFITS! Ford SHOVES Kit down, Dawkins mugs him!!
Winners: Pretty Deadly, by disqualification; DIY retain the titles
Not again! Just like they did Motor City Machine Guns, The Profits make sure no one else takes these titles off DIY! URENAGE from Ford to Elton! Dawkins keeps hammering away on Kit, and then Ford POSTS Elton! Dawkins fireman’s carries Kit, to POST him, too! Looking like the All Mighty with that one! Gargano fires forearms in return, but ends up int he POUNCE GERMAN SUPLEX! Then Ciampa runs up into a FLAPJACK! Ford goes up top, then flies in FROM THE HEAVENS!! Direct hit on Ciampa! But wait! MCMG rushes out here, wanting their payback! The Profits brawl with MCMG, but Ford TOSSES Shelley to the apron!
Ford runs up, Shelley goes to kick, but Ford blocks it! Ford LARIATS Shelley down, Dawkins hits Sabin with THE BIG ENDING! The fans are torn as Dawkins whips Sabin, Profits get him for the REVELATION!! And if there’s been any revelation, it is that Ford & Dawkins don’t just want the smoke, they want to burn down the tag division to get it! Will nothing stop them once they’re back in action?
Kevin Owens speaks.
“You got what you wanted, huh? You got your match. You couldn’t, uh… You couldn’t just take the punishment that you deserved, that I’d already given you, and let it go. No, you… You wanted me and you to go again. You wanted to fight me, you want to hurt me, you want to end my career, which would hurt my family, by the way. Which is truly despicable. But what about your family, Sami? Huh? Have you thought of them? What about your family, huh?” Kevin reveals he is right outside the Zayn home! Kevin peers inside to watch Sami, his wife, and his son!
Kevin asks Sami via the video if Sami knows what he’s about to put them through, when they have to watch Kevin end Sami’s career. And what happens then, eh? When Sami can’t provide for them, and everything they have, like this nice house, the shelter, the security, the peace they have, when it’s all gone? And why? What for? Because Sami’s too proud? Because Sami’s selfish? Sami IS selfish. Because Sami is making Kevin do this to Sami’s family. Kevin will never forgive Sami for that. He’ll see Sami in Toronto. “But remember… You asked for this. It’s all your fault.” As if Kevin’s delusions aren’t already grand, will he continue to blame everyone else but himself?
Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga!
Elimination Chamber is on the horizon, and the Road to WrestleMania makes for strange bedfellows. Priest, Braun and Jacob were fighting each other just last week, but Solo’s return really threw things for a loop. Can Priest & Braun give Solo and the Samoan Werewolf their punishment? Or will everything (not) be fine in Solo’s Bloodline?
SmackDown returns as #OneBigSOB makes his entrance. As Solo, Jacob & Tama head to gorilla, we hear from Solo. “Tonight, we handle business. And it starts with Braun Strowman & Damian-” Jacob interrupts with, “Man, c’mon, DP! C’mon, Braun! I thought we did this! So tonight, we about to even up the score. If you ain’t know, I’m all gas, no brakes with it! See, since we touched the scene, we been dropping bodies like bread crumbs! Yadada mean!? FA-TUUU~! Hit my music!” The rogues enter to Jacob’s theme, is this alone proof he’s the new alpha? Or will the match be the last nail in that coffin?
The teams sort out, but Jacob stares down both Priest and Braun. NOLA seems to acknowledge Jacob, but Solo convinces him to stand down. Solo starts against Priest, the bell rings, and the two tie up. They go around, Priest powers Solo back, but Solo powers Priest back. They break, stare down, and Solo talks some trash. Solo shoves Priest, Priest shoves back. They circle again, tie up, and Priest puts Solo in a corner. The ref counts, Priest lets off at 4, but Solo stomps Priest’s foot! Solo throws hands, then a HEADBUTT! Priest staggers, but then he ROCKS Solo! And ROCKS him! And HEADBUTTS! That was a mistake!
Solo shakes his head to HEADBUTT Priest! Priest goes to a corner, Solo throws haymakers and body shots on repeat! The ref counts, Solo lets off and says see? Solo and Jacob as one! But Priest THROWS Solo to the corner to fire off haymakers of his own! Priest ROCKS Solo, the fans fire up, and Priest whips., Solo reverses to UPPERCUT! Solo talks smack but Priest ROCKS him again! Tag to Braun and the fans fire up! Braun stares Jacob down, tells him to shove it, then runs up to SPLASH Solo! Braun stares Jacob down again, goes back for Solo, and hits another LARIAT! Braun scoops, Solo slips free, but Braun runs up!
Solo ELBOWS Braun away, tags to Jacob, and Jacob runs in, but Braun dodges! Braun CROSSBODIES! Jacob is right up, but Braun BOOTS him right back down! Solo runs in but Braun TOSSES him! Priest hurries after Solo, Braun CLOBBERS Jacob! LEAPING LARIAT for Solo! Braun then gets on the track, STROWMAN EXPRESS SMACKS a chair out of Tama’s hand! The Good Bad Guy thought he was being sneaky! But then Jacob CROSSBODIES Braun into the timekeeper’s aera! The fans go wild as Jacob rises up, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Jacob hauls Braun up, drags him around the way, HEADBUTTS him, then brings him over to SMACK off the desk! Braun staggers, but he ROCKS Jacob in return! And THROWS Jacob into steel steps! Braun drags Jacob up, puts him in the ring, but Jacob SUPERKICKS Braun! Braun falls into the corner, Jacob HIP ATTACKS! Jacob’s all geeked up, then he tags in Solo. Solo soaks up some heat while Jacob HIP ATTACKS Braun again! Solo puts Braun on ropes to CHOKE him! The ref counts, Solo stops at 4, but Jacob gets a HEADBUTT in! Braun flounders, Solo taunts him and eggs him on, but Braun CHOPS him!
Solo HEADBUTTS Braun right down! Solo rains down fists, then lets off so he can put Braun on the ropes. Solo CHOKES Braun again, stops as the ref counts 4, and Jacob gets another cheap shot in! Solo tags Jacob in, then he HEADBUTTS Braun again and again! Jacob runs to BODY CHECK Braun! Jacob fires up, Braun flounders to ropes, but Jacob rains down fists! Tag to Solo, he soaks up heat from NOLA, then he stomps away on Braun! The ref counts, Solo lets off, then he keeps Braun from Priest by anchoring a leg. Tag to Jacob and Jacob climbs up, FROG SPLASH! Jacob roars while Braun writhes!
Jacob looms over Braun but he glares at Priest. Priest gets heated, but Jacob fires hands on Braun as SmackDown returns to single picture. Braun stands, but Jacob HEADBUTTS him again! Jacob runs for another BODY CHECK! And then a SENTON! Cover, TWO! Braun stays in this and he goes to a corner. Jacob snarls, tags Solo in, and the fans boo. Solo runs corner to corner to HIP ATTACK Braun! Solo grins as he copies Jacob’s geeking out. Tag back to Jacob and fans cheer! Jacob aims, runs, and HIP ATTACKS! Jacob keeps going, but Braun BOOTS from below!! The fans fire up while both men stagger to their feet.
Braun SPINEBUSTERS Jacob! Both monsters are down, the fans rally up, and they crawl, hot tags to Solo and Priest! Priest fires hands on Solo, then whips. Solo reverses but Priest SHOUDLER TACKLES Solo! Priest runs to BACK ELBOW! Jacob is back, but Priest dodges to WHEEL KICK! Priest then waits on Solo, but Solo catches Priest! Priest elbows free, but Solo SUPERKICKS! But Priest JUMPING ROUNDHOUSES! Solo comes back, Priest ROCKS him first! Solo swings, but into the FLATLINER! Cover, TWO! Solo survives but Priest puts him in a corner. Priest whips corner to corner, then runs, only for Solo to put him on th eapron!
Solo takes as swing, Priest dodges and ROUNDHOUSES! Priest then knuckle locks with Solo, goes up top, and he tightrope walks for some OLD SCHOOL! The fans fire up and Priest powers up the arm! Priest runs, but Solo ducks the Comebacker! Priest fights the fireman’s carry to BELL CLAP, ROUNDHOUSE, and then he reels Solo in! But Tama is on the apron! Priest DECKS Tama, but Jacob HOTSHOTS Priest! Solo hits the URENAGE! Cover, TWO!! Priest survives and Solo is stunned! Solo snarls, looks to his taped-up thumb, then he drags Priest up. The fans boo but Solo taunts the fans now. SAMOAN- NO! Priest grabs Solo!
But Jacob runs in! Priest ROCKS Jacob, ELBOWS Solo, then he dodges, so Jacob’s SUPERKICK hits Solo! An accident just like last week’s shot to Tama, but Jacob doesn’t seem as upset by it. Priest TOSSES Jacob, then CLOBBERS Solo! STROWMAN EXPRESS CLOBBERS Jacob & Tama!! Priest brings down the straps, the fans are thunderous, and Priest grabs Solo by the neck! SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Cover, Priest & Braun win!
Winners: Damian Priest & Braun Strowman, by pinfall
Just as Solo thought it’d be like before, he and Jacob were not on the same page! Priest is rolling towards Elimination Chamber, will this be just what he needs to go back to WrestleMania?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown here, but with some interesting moves after the sudden change in plans with The Rock showing up. Naomi and Bianca had a good promo to hype up what was meant to be a full match of Naomi VS Liv, but word had already come out before the show that things were being cut for time. But at the very least, they did the right thing of making it a brawl that adds heat to the tag title match on Monday. Also, hilarious how Chelsea & Piper thought the beatdown on Bianca & Naomi was so bad that they would need to be pulled from the Chamber. I also can’t wait to see what happens on Toronto SmackDown.
As for The Rock, I do appreciate he used his authority to kayfabe change more things, all so he could have his promo with Cody. I also appreciate Rock blending his different roles and even different sides, both Heel and Face, to A) bring the news of WM42 being in NOLA, and B) recreate the Corporate Champion/People’s Champion story from the Attitude Era. That was some wild stuff he was saying to Cody. I’m sure quite a few people will try and talk with Cody next week in the go-home. Heels will say do it because they’d love to have what Rock can give, Faces will say not because Cody’s better than that. But naturally, Cody is not going to become The Rock’s Champion, causing Rock to turn on him and really up things going into WrestleMania 41 and perhaps even beyond.
Good stuff in the Elimination Chamber related stories. Jimmy VS McIntyre was great stuff to open, and how fitting that McIntyre loses to Jimmy after talking all that trash about Jimmy and Jey being the same. Jey got McIntyre with something quick, Jimmy got McIntyre with something quick, McIntyre’s ego is obviously his weakness. And at the same time, McIntyre of course destroys Jimmy after because that’s his other personality trait. Priest had good promos with Cody and Braun, and we got great stuff from Solo’s Bloodline. Naturally, we got a miscommunication spot to help finish, we’re really close to Solo VS Jacob, I can feel it. Priest & Braun get the win, mostly because Priest isn’t winning in the Chamber when you’ve got Punk and Cena in there.
Very good stuff with Tiffy Time, from the promos leading into the match to Charlotte being ringside just to watch. Nia & Candice of course get the better of Tiff & Trish, because Tiff & Trish are definitely winning the tag match in Toronto. Charlotte just seems to enjoy trolling Tiff with her presence, so Charlotte probably shows up in Toronto to then confront Tiff after the match. I expect the seven weeks after Elimination Chamber to really heat up, as will Charlotte’s involvement, where she’ll get more active verbally and physically. Also, hell, Rock should go full Corporation and have Charlotte be his Corporate Women’s Champion because of how established she is.
Hilarious stuff from Truth tonight, as always. Truth and Melo having their “who’s on first” again was good stuff, and of course Miz gets in on this story, too. Truth & Knight VS “Melo Don’t Miz” was really fun, but yeah, should’ve figured Nakamura would get involved, too. Melo & Miz making it work could also be really fun, and while Knight VS Nakamura is a rehash, I really hope they find a way to up things. It feels like we’re getting the same with the tag titles as Profits “ruined” that great tag match from DIY and Pretty Deadly, then brawled with MCMG to still come out on top. Last year had a ladder tag title match, so why not do one for these titles this year?
Speaking of escalating, Kevin filming a promo outside Sami’s house was some really well done stuff, as expected of someone as good as Kevin and in such a story as him and Sami. Their match should main event, it needs time to breathe, as it could be just as, if not more violent, than the Chamber matches. What a powerful closing moment we could have if it’s a bloody Kevin and Sami, and one of them is standing over the other, triumphant yet mournful because it was their best friend in the world that they just brutalized.
My Score: 8.9/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Coverage
Andrew’s TNA LIVE! iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 2.20.2025
So the first live episode got fairly positive praise from everyone; will this continue the trend?
Filming at Full Sail seems to have set the stage nicely this week! Going into a Live episode we got Moose and The Hardy Boyz on NXT, as well as Jordynne Grace’s involvement with Steph and Giulia giving a little shine to TNA happenings since she’s newly WWE.
This episode should be interesting, we finally see Lei Ying Lee (fka Xia Li) back in action, Rascalz take on Tyson and Tyriek, Tessa should be seeing some action as well…so generally interesting happenings for the second Live iMPACT! of 2025. Let’s see how this one goes down!
No matter where @ManceWarner and @stephdelander go, @TheSamiCallihan WILL FIND THEM!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/mXz9U7m9PL
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Ratings:
- Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin: Rascalz win via Meteora/Swanton Combo – ***
- Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary: Lei wins via Thunderstruck – **
- NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC: Dango wins via The System help – ** 3/4
- Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore: Masha wins via Requiem – N/A
- Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons: Elijah wins via Tombstone Piledriver – *** 1/4
Results:
Oh yeah, and another Hendry concert is…cut off by a commercial, LOLTNA. First Hendry is cut off by AXSTV’s new Anime Hour bumper, and now Primo and Epico are showing up in TNA. I definitely didn’t have this on my BINGO card. The crowd starts chanting “Where’s Carlito”, which they do acknowledge and play off of well. Oh they’re using their shoot names of Orlando and Eddie now…but before they attack the lights go out and we get another guitar strum! ELIAH/ELIAS/EZEKIEL/EBENERZER/EMERY/EL VAGABUNDO – shows up to back up Hendry. Okay I can apologize away the redundant concert since it played into an Elijah debut. The crowd is immediately popping and chanting “This is Awesome” 10 minutes into the show.
Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin
Treehouse bros take it to the bigger men quickly, a few fast dives, a little MCMG style tandem strikes, Tyson fires and tries to take them out but they Low Bridge him. Tyriek comes in and they try similar things but Tyriek manhandles them both and throws them out of the ring, Trey is the first one back up and Tyriek and Tyson take his damn head off with his Corkscrew Running Euro Upper. Trey finally manages to flip out of the manhandle, tags in Wentz and Wentz goes for the hot and spicy cleaning house spot. Corner to Corner Knee Lifts for both big men, a Rolling Snapmare, into a Superkick for Tyson and Standing Shoot Star on Tyriek but only for two because Wes feints like he’s going to interfere.
Tyson and Tyriek pull off a tandem Assisted Backdrop Driver, but Wentz breaks it up, Tyson gets knocked out, Wentz hits the Tornillo, Wes tries to interfere again after Trey gets perched on the corner buckle but Ace runs around and trips Wes at the last second causing him to faceplant on the apron, Trey hits the Meteora, Wentz hits a Swanton from the other side of the ring and Trey gets the pinfall victory.
It was fast paced, all gas no brakes, but it didn’t overstay its welcome, so it was pretty fun all things considered.
After the match Wes grabs a mic, complains a little but challenges them to a 6 man match as Sacrifice. So we’re THAT’S where we’re getting the expected 3v3.
Fir$t Cla$$ comes out with an entourage of hot chicks and probably influencers or something. The “First Class Penthouse” , Gabby AF, Mafiosa Valentina, and Carolina are apparently known in their own way. Gabby I know was the awful one who did something for Impact a last year and sucked, but she’s part of the Busted Open Network I believe so that’s why she’s around. Two of them look like Noelle Foley and Frank the Clown…oh they actually are. Look at that. I do love KC Navarro as the Hype Man, they have this whole set up of AJ being mad that they haven’t gotten more Tag Title shots, so TNA placated him with his own Piper’s Pit and he’s *pregnant pause* totally happy with that. He says he loved Piper and hated Hogan before it was cool.
This is actually quality content and AJ is cutting a nice promo in this segment. They introduce their first guest, the greatest performer in TNA history, many whole say he’s Phenomenal with a whole lot of style….it’s A-J-Francis.
.@AJFrancis410 is GOING OFF!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/kGehtp9iTE
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary
Things were slow until Rosemary took her into a corner quickly, hit the Upside Down, and we get a lot of Lei trying to avoid Rosemary’s offense. Rosemary goes for a Spear in the corner and Lei forward rolls, starts connecting with a bunch of right hands, backs Rosemary into the corner, goes for 10 Count Punches, pulls her out, Airplane Spin TKO for only a two count. Rosemary tries As Above So Below, Lei shrugs it off, Rosemary tries to go after Lei anyway and eats Thunderstruck! Lei Ying Lee wins!
After the match Rosemary catches Lei on the ramp and hits the Green mist in the eyes. Match was far too short and so many of Lei’s set up moves look better than her finish. We’ve seen Kofi Kingston do it for years so it’s not bad, just the current Knockouts Division are awful and don’t take the move well.
Eric Young and the jabronis come out, EY cuts a very basic power crazed psycho kind of promo, gets the “What” chants from the crowds. EY is trying to recruit Maclin even though Maclin made his line in the sand last week. EY tries to spin it as maybe he took out Josh FOR Maclin instead of in spite of his trust. This really doesn’t seem interesting at all, but that’s probably because I hate the two Jabronis EY is with.
NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC
I really don’t have any interest in Slater. He’s got no personality beyond “flippy guy with a British accent”.
Dango immediately powders, grabs a chair and goes to swing on him but misses. So Leon is making JDC look dumb by dodging the post chop, using the chair to shield himself from a punch by JDC, and then clapping Dango’s fingers between the chair. So typical System match, look inept for the first few minutes, then take advantage of something to take over. Oh look, Leon takes too long setting up the table, Dango gets in a few pot shots, tries to whip him into the table but Leon leaps over it, and then leaps back over to clobber Dango. Dango is still trying to recover so Leon hits his over the corner post con hilo, and the crowd appreciates it but I’m not interested. Leon panders to the crowd after the big spot and then eats an X-Plex into the chair from Dango.
JDC throws Leon back in, goes for a pinfall that’s only a two and we cut to a commercial. Coming out of the commercial JDC is in control with a Kendo Stick until he isn’t, Leon counters and takes the keno stick, brutalizes Dango a few times then comes off the ropes with the kendo shot for 2. Leon goes for another table, and again, at least the crowd is receptive to this match. Leon sets it up, looks for something off the apron but Dango stops him first until he eats a dropkick to fall onto the table, Leon hits the Swanton 450 through the table on the outside. Does it look cool? Sure. Do I care about dumbass moves? Nope.
Oh thankfully the rest of The System comes out to stop the pinfall, Shield Bomb Leon through the first table, and roll him back in for Dango to win.
The Hardy Boyz come out to try and make the save, but the numbers are against them, so Oba Femi’s music hits! Oba cleans house but doesn’t get his hands on Moose, so they’re at least building the eventual clash between Moose and Oba.
The crowd starts a “Tessa, we comin for you” chant before she even starts talking. Tessa is actually playing off the crowd well, Santino’s music hits and Tessa thinks he’ll help her out with the crowd and Santino calls bullshit basically. Santino says if Tessa doesn’t wrestle next week, she’s fired and Masha’s music hits. Masha decides to step in for Tessa’s enhancement talent match.
Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore
Jobber tries to attack Masha early but Masha stops her, rocks her and Requiem ends the match.
Masha stares down Tessa, and then Cora Jade attacks from behind and hits Jaded.
Ryan Nemeth comes out to his Abyss music remix. What will Mokuba say today? “MYYYY BIIIGG BBRROOOOTTHHHEEEEER” he repeats at least 4 times and it’s hilariously cringe. He announces that Nic will return at Sacrifice, he literally just came out to give a PSA.
Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons
Hendry starts with Eddie, after a brief tie up it seems like Hendry reads the room and points at Elijah and the crowd wants him in. So Joe tags in Elijah, a little back and forth, Shoulder Tackle from Elijah, Rope Walk with Elijah lays out Eddie and a tag to Joe allows for a quick tandem knockdown, but Eddie powders as the Walking and Talking Duo hold the ring going into the final commercial break.
We come back and Hendry is bouncing Orlando off the ropes as he return a strike, but Orlando is obviously losing, eats a Euro Upper, and then gets walked around in the Stalling Suplex for posterity. Eddie tries a sneak attack but gets caught and Sack of Shit, into Kip Up, turn and then Orlando with the ambush! A few quick short cuts and an Irish Whip/Dropkick combo gives the Colons a near fall. Hendry does get locomotion variation cradles, but eats a Dropkick to stop the attempt at momentum. Orlando stays on Joe, but Joe finally starts to fire up as the crowd starts to get behind him. Euro Uppers make some space, but a Snapmare says no.
Eddie gets tagged in and a quick Leg Sweep into a Front Chancery keeps Eddie in control. As Joe tries to get back up, Eddie turns it into a Guillotine, but finally the Suplex counter connects for Hendry! Simultaneous tags! Elijah bulls over Orlando, catches a Leap Frogging Orlando with the Manhattan Drop as Orlando retreats to a corner, Stinger Splash into Spinebuster for two. Elijah tries to keep up the attacks but Orlando finds a few ways to make space, launches himself from the middle rope and eats the Jumping Knee! Eddie breaks up the pinfall, Hendry takes Eddie out and Elijah hits the Tombstone Piledriver for the win!
Overall Score: 6/10
Well there were more live hiccups than the first episode, and this felt both more epic and less epic at the same time. Elijah and the Colons debuting was a nice way to kick things off, Oba Femi showing up for the save was fantastic. There were a few decent matches, but also a lot of really short and rushed matches. Tessa played off the crowd well, but Masha really is useless on the mic. Lei Ying Lee needs to framed stronger, her matches have done nothing to show off her ability. It just proves that the Knockouts don’t know how to sell a kick to the head because they all take it in the shoulder and fall in corny ways.
Viva La Sam could be something fun if the next 3 weeks are just hand cam footage of him being like “I’m Sami Callihan and I’m gonna kick Mance Warner’s ass”, Elegance Clique getting the rematch with a stipulation is nice to see and while I like Fir$t Cla$$, that segment went a little long for a cornball swerve payoff. It’s one thing to placate the Influencer squad especially when we’ve seen Logan Paul and Ishowspeed do so well in WWE…but these are like Z Tier Influencers that no one cares about. These kind of dorks stream on Kick because they aren’t relevant enough for Twitch, not because they chose Kick over it.
So yeah, the low lights were pretty low, and the highs were a little fleeting, but at least they were pretty fun. Not a bad show, just clunky with noticeable issues and Masha shouldn’t be allowed to speak English anymore. She’s such a charisma vacuum when she’s not rambling in Russian.
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
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