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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Will Eddy Thorpe continue to game the system?
Eddy Thorpe cried wolf, but he still got his shot at the NXT Championship. Will Trick Williams make Eddy regret tricking everyone into feeling sorry for him?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Axiom w/ Nathan Frazer VS Oba Femi; Oba wins.
- Sol Ruca & Zaria VS Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson; Lash & Jakara win.
- Jaida Parker w/ OTM VS Wren Sinclair w/ No Quarter Catch Crew; Jaida wins.
- NXT Tag Team Championships: Nathan Frazer & Axiom VS Gallus; Frazer & Axiom win and retain the titles.
- NXT Championship: Trick Williams VS Eddy Thorpe; Double Pinfall Draw, Trick retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
Axiom w/ Nathan Frazer VS Oba Femi!
The Undeniable Truth oddly thought he could teach The Ruler a lesson for brutalizing Nathan Frazer and the rest of the Men’s Iron Survivor Challenge field, which is why he asked for this match. The irony is that Frazer asked for the NXT Tag Team Championship match we’ll be seeing later tonight! Will Axiom even survive the start of the show to join Frazer in that defense? Or will Oba be unstoppable on his way to New Year’s Evil?
The bell rings and Axiom stares Oba down. They feel things out, Axiom kicks at Oba, but Oba shrugs that off. The fans sing, “Oba’s gonna kill~ you!” Oba grabs at Axiom, Axiom kicks and scurries away, but Oba keeps after him. Axiom slips around to waistlock but Oba throws Axiom right off! Oba storms up on Axiom, knuckle locks with him, and powers Axiom into the corner. The ref counts, Oba lets off, and Axiom resets. The fans rally, the two circle, and Axiom kicks! And KICKS! Oba blocks a kick and he RAMS Axiom into a corner! The ref counts, Oba lets off slowly, but then Axiom CHOPS! Axiom dodges and CHOPS again!
Axiom eggs Oba on, the two circle again, and they knuckle lock. Oba blocks a kick, he trips Axiom, but Axiom kicks free. Axiom goes to ropes, Oba runs up, and Axiom holds the ropes down! But Oba stops from being dumped out! Oba stomps Axiom, then whips him to ropes. Axiom ducks ‘n’ dodges, goes up, but Oba CHOPS him on the back! Axiom flops to the outside while fans fire up and NXT goes to break.
NXT returns and Oba throws hands with Axiom. Oba CLUBS Axiom, then CLUBS him down! Axiom crawls but Oba CLUBS him again! Oba brings Axiom up, but Axiom blocks the shot! Axiom fights up, but Oba knees low! Axiom goes to a corner, Oba runs up, and Axiom BOOTS Oba away! Axiom tries again but Oba blocks, and Oba CHOPS! Oba puts Axiom up top, but Axiom fires hands! Axiom kicks Oba away, adjusts position, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Oba stumbles and falls back, but he gets to his feet. Axiom KICKS Oba’s leg again and again, then runs, to KICK it again! Axiom keeps moving, but Oba LARIATS Axiom inside-out! Cover, TWO!
Oba is annoyed but the fans rally up. Oba drags Axiom to his feet, just to YANK the bad arm! Oba YANKS the arm again, then CHOPS Axiom off his feet! Frazer is wincing as Axiom sits up in a daze. Oba brings Axiom up, wrenches, but Axiom SLAPS him! Oba swings, but into an ARMBAR- NO, Oba stays up! Oba deadlifts Axiom, puts him in a corner, and CHOPS again and again and again! Axiom flops down, the fans are torn, but Oba smiles all the same. Oba dares Axiom to get up, and Axiom stands to CHOP! And KICK! But Oba CHOPS Axiom down! Axiom rises, the fans rally, and Axiom fires fast hands!
Axiom KICKS but Oba CHOPS him down again! Axiom gets up and he roars! Axiom fires more shots, then dodges Oba’s to DROPKICK! Oba staggers, Axiom runs, and Axiom dropkicks the legs out! The fans fire up and Axiom runs up to BUZZSAW! Oba flops over, Axiom covers, ONE!! Oba is seething as he rises, but Axiom BUZZSAWS, SUPERKICKS, and covers, TWO! Oba rolls to get Axiom right up! But Axiom RANAS in return! Cover, TWO!! Oba escapes but Axiom CALF KICKS Oba down! The fans fire up as Axiom rolls to ropes. Axiom rises, goes to the apron and then up the corner. Axiom aims again, MISSILE DROPKICK!
Axiom kips up and the fans fire up! Axiom aims from a corner, runs up, GOLDEN- SHOTPUT!! Oba turns things right around, and he storms right up on Axiom! FALL FROM GRACE!! Cover, Oba wins!
Winner: Oba Femi, by pinfall
A valiant effort from Axiom, but the Iron Survivor is rolling on towards his golden opportunity. Will Oba do the same to whoever is NXT Champion come New Year’s Evil? Will Fraxiom be able to make it out of Lowell, Massachusetts still the NXT Tag Team Champions?
Backstage interview with Eddy Thorpe.
Sarah Schreiber is with the Alpha Wolf and says Eddy shocked the world when he admitted to staging an attack to take himself out of the Iron Survivor Challenge, only to get an NXT Championship match tonight against Trick Williams. What does he have to say for himself? Eddy says he is BRILLIANT. For all the know-it-alls out there, Eddy fooled everyone! And they want to say, “Eddy, how could you do that?!” Save it. If it was anyone else, they’d be called a mastermind or a genius. But Eddy does it, he’s a cheater?
Ava Raine storms in and she tells Eddy that he can spin it however he wants, but we all know Eddy took a shortcut. Unfortunately, the contract is signed, it is binding, and this match is happening. Eddy says it must hurt to take the blame for something you didn’t do. Do you know how many times Eddy was told, “Work smarter, not harder.” That’s all he did. Eddy would’ve gotten screwed in the Iron Survivor anyways. So call him whatever you want, but by the end of the night, you will call him the NEW NXT Champion! Eddy heads out, will he get what he wants? Or only what he deserves?
Karmen Petrovic talked with Dion Lennox.
She isn’t sure what to do about Ashante THEE Adonis. Dion says they’re friends, yeah? So as friends, he will say that her match with Nikkita Lyons, that was Adonis genuinely trying to help. He literally brought her flowers before the match and… Maybe she should apologize. Karmen says that’s true. She doesn’t know what it is, but she just gets so defensive around him. She will go apologize. She thanks him and they hug it out, but then Adonis walks over. Adonis misunderstands now and both Karmen and Dion defend it isn’t what it looks like. Adonis says why does he even try! Was that “just a hug?” Should he go hug all the other girls?
Robert Stone and Stevie Turner both see this, and they both get an idea, so they both head out. Adonis says the crazy thing is, he cut Nikkita off. But he might just text her now. And don’t even try to explain, Dion. Adonis storms off, Dion realizes he is stuck in the middle of this drama, and he has had it! He will just go back to reading books and minding his own business. But just how will this love story of Adonis and Karmen sort out?
Sol Ruca & Zaria VS Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson!
Speaking of the Iron Survivor Challenge, two women who were in it but didn’t win it are having to face a couple haters who think they would’ve done better. Will Ruca and the Agent of Change snatch some souls? Or will the Meta Girls make them slam on the brakes?
NXT returns and the Meta Girls make their entrance. The teams sort out and Jakara starts against Sol, and SHOTGUNS her right down! Jakara rains down fists, then brings Sol up. Jakara ROCKS Sol, whips her, then runs in, but Sol catches her! Sol spins around with Miss Jackson before the FACEBUSTER! Sol stands on Jakara, and she uses her to surf! Then she hops off to SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO! Sol brings Jakara up and around, but Jakara fires body shots! Jakara backs Sol down, tags Lash, and they whip to drop toehold and ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Lash clamps onto Sol with a waistlock and she thrashes her around!
Lash SLAMS Sol, brings her back up, but Sol switches. They go to ropes, Lash bucks the O’Conner but Sol kips up to ROCK Lash! Lash goes to a corner, Sol runs up, but Lash dumps her to the apron! Sol slingshots back in to CODE BREAKER! Lash staggers, Sol runs up again, but Lash picks Sol up! Lash TOSSES Sol, but Sol is closer to her corner! The fans fire up as Sol tags in Zaria! Lash and Zaria stare down and circle. Lash pushes first, then they tie up. Zaria whips Lash away but Lash RAMS her! Zaria comes back to RAM Lash! Lash rebounds to RAM Zaria, but Zaria dodges the boot! Zaria fireman’s carries, but Lash fights free!
Lash clamps onto Zaria’s neck, CHOKE- NO, Zaria slips free and kicks low! Zaria reels Lash in, but Lash fights the suplex! Zaria fires hands, but Lash still fights! Lash wrenches and scoops, and the fans fire up as Lash spins and SLAMS! Lash runs, but Zaria avoids the splash! Tag to Sol, and Zaria sends her in, Sol RANAS Lash out! Jakara runs up, Sol SUPERKICKS her! Sol goes up a corner while Zaria fireman’s carries Jakara! Sol & Zaria work together for Sol to STAND on Jakara, HIGH TIDE CROSSBODY onto Lash! The fans go nuts, but then Zaria adds on by THROWING Jakara onto Lash! Sol & Zaria stand tall while NXT goes to break!
NXT returns again and Lash has SOl up with both hands! The fans fire up as Lash then lets Sol down, but Sol dodges the lariat to sunset flip! Lash waves and leans back, then stands back up! Lash drags Sol up and throws her to the corner! Sol dodges Lash to roll her, TWO! Lash ROCKS Sol and Sol flops against ropes! Lash brings Sol around, tags Jakara, and the Meta Girls mug Sol! Jakara CHOPS Sol, then Lash feeds her to Jakara’s underhooks! BUTTERFLY SUPLEX! Jakara swaggers, taunts Zaria, then handspring ELBOW DROPS! Cover, TWO! Jakara is annoyed but she clamps onto Sol with a straitjacket stretch!
The fans rally up while Sol endures, and Sol fights up. Jakara kicks the legs out to then trap them, and Jakara bends Sol back against the knees! Sol endures, gets her feet free, and she rolls back to have a cover! TWO as Jakara lets go, and then Jakara fires hands! Jakara whips Sol but Sol BLASTS Lash! Sol goes up and over Jakara but Jakara waistlocks. Sol switches, O’Conner Rolls, TWO! Sol hurries but Jakara has her foot! Sol hops up, ENZIGIRI but Jakara ducks! Jakara talks smack on Zaria, but Sol wrenches Jakara for a ROUNDHOUSE! Jakara staggers, Sol crawls, hot tag to Zaria!
The fans fire up as Zaria LARIATS Jakara! And BOOTS her! And then waistlocks for a GERMAN SUPLEX! Jakara flounders around while the fans fire up, and Zaria runs to SPEAR! Cover, Lash breaks it! The fans boo but Lash and Zaria stare down. The ref stops them from fighting, but Jakara CHOP BLOCKS Zaria! Lash tags in, and she hauls Zaria up. But Zaria fights the suplex to try a suplex! Lash fights that, and the fans rally as Lash and Zaria fight for control! Zaria powers through and she suplexes Lash up and over! Tag to Sol, SPRINGBOARD SPLASH! cover, Jakara breaks it and DROPKICKS Zaria at the same time!
But Sol gets Jakara with an X-FACTRO! Lash DECKS Sol! Zaria runs in but Lash dodges! Zaria stops short of hitting Sol! They both understand, and Sol pushes Zaria aside to take the BOOT! Zaria fireman’s carries, but Jakara saves Lash! Lash LARIATS Zaria up and out! Lash opens the way for Jakara to DIVE! Down goes Zaria! Lash brings Sol around, bow ‘n’ arrow rack, LASH EXTENSION!! Cover, META GIRLS WIN!
Winners: Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson
The tag team comes through against two big singles stars, and you can bet The Meta Four’s ego is only going to grow. Will the Bougie Bully & Miss Jackson find their way back to some championship opportunities?
NXT shares footage from after last week’s show.
After their loss to Hank ‘n’ Tank, Tyriek Igwe & Tyson Dupont regrouped backstage. Tyriek is getting sick of losing. Tyson says they’ll get ’em next time. What Tyson wants to know is, what was that about? What was what about? They lost! Yeah, but Tyriek blew off Hank ‘n’ Tank. So!? Tyriek doesn’t care about them! He is tired of being buddy buddy when that’s gotten them nowhere! They want to make it to the top! Or did Tyson forget that? Tyson didn’t forget. Tyriek says it is about checks ‘n’ championships, wins ‘n’ losses. Tyson says yeah, he gets that, but there’s a way to do that without coming off disrespectful or like a sore loser.
Tyson says they need to change the mindset. Wes Lee is hearing all this, and he asks, “Does he, though?” Wes doesn’t see what’s wrong with Tyriek’s thinking. Maybe it’s Tyson who needs to reevaluate. Wes says this place is cutthroat, and friends are overrated. Keep that same energy, it’ll take you places you wanna go. Wes and Tyriek fist bump, but who is in the wrong about how to deal with losses?
Jaida Parker w/ OTM VS Wren Sinclair w/ No Quarter Catch Crew!
Miss Parker may have lost in the Underground, but she’s taking it out on the woman who won that Last Chance Fatal 4 instead of her. Will Wren pay for simply being in the right place at the right time?
NXT returns and Wren makes her entrance. The bell rings, Wren tries to reason with Jaida, but Jaida pushes her! And pushes her again! Wren goes for a leg, Jaida CLUBS her down! Jaida whips Wren to a corner, runs up, but Wren ELBOWS her away! Wren BOOTS Jaida, then rams her into the ropes. Jaida uses the ropes to HOTSHOT Wren away, then she throws Wren into ropes! Jaida CHOPS away on Wren, then goes side to side, for the TEARDROP! Jaida is high stepping already, then she brings Wren up. Jaida suplexes for the FALCON ARROW! Cover, ONE!! Wren shows some grit but Jaida is right on her.
Jaida whips Wren, then Jaida RAMS her! Jaida backs off, runs in again, but Wren dodges! Wren waistlocks but Jaida fights the lift. Wren shifts to a full nelson! Jaida endures as Wren thrashes, and Jaida powers her way to switch the full nelson onto Wren! The fans are torn but Jaida spins Wren around to snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Jaida clamps onto Wren with chicken wings, and the fans rally as Jaida shifts to a motorcycle stretch. Jaida steps over and sits on Wren! Wren endures being folded up, and the fans rally as Wren fights up! Wren grabs Jaida’s leg, but Jada CLUBS her down! Jaida brings Wren up and thrashes her around with a facelock!
Wren endures, wrenches out, and she ROCKS Jaida! Jaida ROCKS Wren! The forearms go back and forth, then Jaida CHOPS! Jaida SLAPS Wren, talks trash, but NQCC says fight back! Wren CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS again! Wren LARIATS! And CLOBBERS Jaida, and then BASEMENT BULLDOGS her! Wren tells Jaida to get up, and she RAMS into her! Wren underhooks for a BUTTERFLY PLEX! Jaida writhes and flops out of the ring. OTM and NQCC jaw at each other, but Jaida trips Wren! It busts off for the boys and the fans fire up! OTM and NQCC brawl up the ramp and to the back!
Jaida fireman’s carries, Wren slips free and RAMS Jaida into the apron! Wren puts Jaida in, Jaida runs up, HIP- NO! ROLL-UP! TWO!! Jaida staggers up, but Wren has the GUILLOTINE FACELOCK!! Jaida powers out before the body scissors are on, BACK ELBOW! And then HIPNOTIC! Cover, Jaida wins!
Winner: Jaida Parker, by pinfall
Miss Parker gets her win back, but she still has to keep fighting if she wants to be a contender. How long must Jaida wait to get what she wants?
Tatum Paxley, Gigi Dolin & Shotzi Blackheart talk.
Tatum says they’re outcasts. Gigi says they’re loners. Shotzi says they’re badasses! Shotzi sees so much of herself in these two, especially because people stamp labels on them the moment they meet them. Tatum says Gigi & Shotzi saved her! They were the two friends she didn’t know she needed most. And now, Tatum doesn’t have to play alone anymore! Gigi says yes, but first, they take care of Fatal Influence. Jacy Jayne was Gigi’s best friend, until she wasn’t. And as much as Gigi despises Jacy, she knows everything about her. Jacy is stronger when she has someone by her side. Right now, that’s the champion, Fallon Henley, and her “new bestie,” Jazmyn Nyx.
Shotzi laughs at the irony, and Gigi says no one loves Jacy more than Jacy. Tatum says just like Fatal Influence did to her dolls, she’s gonna rip their heads off! Shotzi says “Dolls out, balls out!” And they won’t even see it coming. Except…
The Fatal Influence finishes watching this.
Jacy Jayne mockingly says, “Aw, how cute. The freaks of NXT all found each other. Too bad they don’t have what we have.” Fallon and Jazmyn agree. Those three don’t have the Influence’s style, aura, or unity as a team. Not to mention the Women’s North American Championship. But then in step Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn! The wicked witches say, “New name, same old Jacy Jayne.” And look, she managed to round up Fallon, and she even added a new little friend. Fallon asks what they’re even doing here. Jacy says they just seem to attract the freaks. Alba tells her to watch what she says. But what Isla thinks is there’s a lack of unity in Fatal Influence.
Jazmyn says she doesn’t know what Isla’s talking about. Well, when Alba & Isla look at Tatum, Gigi & Shotzi, that’s harmony. But these three? It is giving… turmoil. Jazmyn is confused, Jacy sarcastically laughs and says the witches see nothing. Fatal Influence leaves the “freaks” behind, but Isla & Alba say it’s so cute to see someone in denial. Will Fatal Influence fall apart under their own arrogance? Or can they last long enough to survive this nightmare before Christmas?
NXT Tag Team Championships: Nathan Frazer & Axiom VS Gallus!
Much like the Jersey Island Rocket pulled double duty at Deadline, the Undeniable Truth must now power through and fight to keep the titles. But can the best team in NXT today survive when neither of them is 100%? Or are Mark Coffey & Wolfgang about to put the Gallus Boys back on top?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see how much Fraxiom has left in the tank!
The teams sort out, Axiom starts against Mark but Frazer is worried already. Frazer tags in, he ties up with Mark, and Mark puts Frazer in a corner. The ref counts, Mark backs off, but then Frazer avoids the cheap shot! Frazer CHOPS, whips, but Mark reverses. Frazer goes up and over and handsprings away! The fans fire up, Mark runs up, but Frazer rolls him up! TWO, and Frazer arm-drags Mark to a wristlock! Mark fights up, Frazer wrenches, and Frazer ELBOW BREAKERS! Frazer reaches out but now Axiom is hesitant. That hesitation costs them as Mark RAMS Frazer! Mark whips and ELBOWS Frazer!
Tag to Wolfgang but Frazer fires hands! But Mark hooks Frazer, backslide, and Wolfgang drops a KNEE on Frazer’s face! Frazer has that face brace but it doesn’t do much in the way of protection! Wolfgang stomps away on Frazer, then has him in the ropes. The ref counts as Wolfgang thrashes Frazer, and then we get a glimpse of Luca Crusifino & Stacks watching backstage. Wolfgang YANKS Frazer up but Frazer lands on his feet! Frazer PELES Wolfgang, then DROPKICKS Mark! Hot tag to Axiom! The champs rally on Wolfgang with forearm after forearm! then a BASEMENT DDT! Mark runs up but into a SOBAT, KICK, and tilt-o-whirl RANA!
Mark tumbles out, Frazer regroups with Axiom, and they get moving! Frazer DIVES and down goes Mark! Axiom DIVES but Joe Coffey takes the hit for Wolfgang! Frazer DIVES to hit Mark again! Axiom gets moving, but his body gives out! Axiom flounders back up, Wolfgang runs in with a RAMPAGE SPEAR! Wolfgang runs up on Frazer, Frazer gets back, but Mark is there to APRON BACK SUPLEX! The fans boo but Joe Coffey is all fire dup while NXT goes to break.
NXT returns and Mark whips Axiom to the Gallus corner. Mark throws a body shot, but then Axiom fires forearm sin return! Axiom reaches out for Frazer but Mark whips him away. Axiom goes up, but Mark kicks the legs out! Axiom falls in a heap, Mark stomps him, then Mark tags Wolfgang. Gallus mugs Axiom, then CATAPULTS him into the BACKDROP! Axiom goes flying, Wolfgang hurries to cover, TWO! Wolfgang stays between Axiom and Frazer, then he kneels on Axiom while throwing down hands! The fans rally for Axiom but Wolfgang tortures the bad arm. Axiom fights up but Wolfgang whips him to the corner,
Tag to Mark and Mark ROCKS Axiom. Mark whips Wolfgang in but Axiom dodges! Wolfgang hits buckles, Axiom leaps over Mark, hot tag to Frazer! Frazer springboards to AX HANDLE Mark! Frazer BLASTS Wolfgang, then CHOPS Mark! Frazer whips, Mark reverses but Frazer ducks ‘n’ dodges to CLOBBER Mark! Frazer dodges again, QUEBRADA DDT! Wolfgang is back but Frazer TOSSES him back out! RUNNING SHOOTING STAR onto Mark! Cover, TWO! Joe is relieved but Frazer hurries to a corner. Frazer drags himself up to springboard, but Mark moves! Frazer handsprings through, comes back, SLINGBLADE!
Frazer goes right up top this time, FROG SPLASH! Cover, Wolfgang breaks it! The fans rally up while Frazer brings Mark up. Mark wrenches out, ROCKS Frazer, and tags Wolfgang! Wolfgang scoops Frazer, ENZIGIRI POWERSLAM COMBO! Cover, TWO!! Frazer survives but Wolfgang tags Mark. Mark tags Wolfgang back in, and they haul Frazer up. HALF NELSON BACKBREAKER from Mark, and Wolfgang adds the HOWLING SWANTON! Cover, AXIOM BREAKS IT! The fans fire up again and Joe is beside himself! The fans cheer for “NXT! NXT!” but Wolfgang fireman’s carries Frazer. Mark runs, into a GOLDEN RATIO!
Frazer fights to sunset flip Wolfgang, TWO!! Wolfgang is free but Frazer jumps on for a SLEEPER! Wolfgang stays on his feet, Axiom takes aim! Wolfgang ducks in time, GOLDEN RATIO hits Frazer!! Axiom panics, Wolfgang drags him into a CATAPULT, DESTROYER for Mark!! Wolfgang KNEES Axiom out of the ring! Frazer hops on, POISON-RANA!! The fans are thunderous as all four men are down, and Joe has no idea what to make of this! Joe shouts to Wolfie to get up, but Frazer has him first. Wolfgang and Frazer fire hands, but then Wolfgang blocks a kick! But not the DRAGON WHIP! Frazer runs up, but Wolfgang FLAPJACKS him off buckles!
Wolfgang LARIATS Frazer down, then goes up the corner! Wolfgang reaches the top, but Frazer is right after him! Axiom tags in! Wolfgang shoves Frazer away, but Frazer backflips through! GAMANGIRI! Axiom goes up now, and he brings Wolfgang to the very top! SUPER SPANISH FLY!! Frazer tags back in before both men climb! Axiom aims, to SWANTON onto the Coffey Brothers! Frazer PHOENIX SPLASHES!! Cover, FRAXIOM WINS!!
Winners: Nathan Frazer & Axiom, by pinfall (still NXT Tag Team Champions)
At less than 100% total, against the THREE members of Gallus, Nathan Frazer & Axiom survive another title defense! But how can these two keep going when the rest of the NXT Tag Division is closing in?
Je’Von Evans talks with Hank ‘n’ Tank.
The Young OG tells the Blue Collar Belly Boys that they got a huge win over Tyriek & Tyson last week. Hank says same for Je’Von over Wes. Je’Von says hear him out. For 2025, Hank ‘n’ Tank: NXT Tag Team Champions! They love the sound of that! But they’re just trying to keep up with Je’Von. Well, thinking about it, Je’Von debuted in April, got respect from the Mad Dragon, won a battle royal, and his first PLE match was Heatwave in the main event. He took on Randy Orton, got to wrestle in the ECW Arena, met X-Pac, and… ALMOST won Iron Survivor. Yeah, that is a great year! Je’Von is on fire!
But then Ethan Page, disheveled and depressed, pushes right past them all. They’re not sure what to make of All Ego’s zero energy, but what is Ethan to do if he’s still going to be NXT?
Lexis King trains with Charlie Dempsey.
The Drama King says he’s ready to earn that Heritage Cup match. Dempsey says okay, and he brings out a deck of cards. King asks why, are they gonna play poker? No, this is called a Deck of Cards Workout. They keep going until there are no cards left. Just try and keep up. Five of clubs, that means you double it, ten reverse Hindu pushups. Ready? They get to work, go through the deck, and we get a montage of the pushups, the jumping squats, the mace swings, the walking neck bridge, and repeat. Dempsey is actually impressed. King says no shortcuts, no cheating, just old fashioned hard work.
Dempsey says he’ll keep the promise. They’re gonna have that Heritage Cup Championship match. They shake on it, but will the real work begin when the bell rings?
Ethan Page walks out to the ring.
He has a mic and is already apologizing as he interrupts the show. He just needs to get this off his chest. Ethan says everyone has every right to boo him, which they’re doing. Honestly, this is the same energy he’s been getting at home the last couple weeks, he deserves it. Ethan doesn’t think anyone understands the journey he’s been through to get to NXT. They don’t know the promises he made to his family. He promised his daughter that he would “win the big one.” And he did. He did it in NXT, he became NXT Champion. Not only did he become champion, he did it in record time. Faster than Kevin Owens, Finn Balor, Sami Zayn. Ethan made history!
Ethan went through 18 YEARS of Hell to keep that promise, and he did it. The fans do applaud that. Ethan says he did it for her, for his son, for his wife, and fine, if the fans wanna boo, if the fans wanna cheer, that’s fine, they paid for their ticket. But right now, Ethan just wants to talk to his wife. Ethan says, “Without you, Viviana, there is no Ethan Page. I wouldn’t be standing in this ring. These lights would not be on me. These cameras would not be on me. These people would not be having the time of their lives what-ing me without you! Let them do what they want, I got to live my dream because of you.
“And that’s the part that rips me apart. I did it. But now every time I lose, you lose. My daughter loses, my son loses, the people that blindly supported me, they lose! When I come home and my daughter looks through my gear bag, and she’s looking for that NXT Championship and she’s empty handed… When I’m on the road and my wife sends me videos of my son crying because I can’t win… And the worst part is when I come home and I see the look in my wife’s eyes of disappointment. That’s the part that’s eating me alive. I don’t know if I love this anymore. And to be honest with everybody… I’ve just lost my smile.”
Lowell boos Ethan using that line in particular, but Ethan says they can mock him for being emotional. But this job- Je’Von makes his way out here? Je’Von says he just wanted to come out here and apologize for what he’s said back there. Je’Von saw how Ethan was, and it doesn’t feel good hearing about other people’s accomplishments. Because see, that’s all we’ve heard from Ethan since he got here. All Ego did this, All Ego did that. He walked in here all cocky. But Ethan, that isn’t really you, is it? Je’Von knows the real Ethan Page. Hear him out, really. Je’Von saw the real Ethan at Heatwave. It wasn’t what he did in the match, it’s what he did after.
Ethan won the NXT Championship, and he looked at his wife and kids and said, “I love you.” Je’Von wants to be real with Ethan. Not everyone can do that. The joy Ethan had when he saw his family after that, saw his wife and kids, the SMILE that he had wasn’t just some regular smile. That was a proud dad smile. That was a proud husband smile. That was a smile from someone that has been busting his ass for 18 LONG YEARS to get where they deserve to be. That smile came from Ethan. The fans cheer that! Je’Von says Ethan deserves to be here. The FANS know Ethan deserves to be here! The fans cheer that, too!
From now on, drop All Ego, let’s see the real Ethan Page! The proud dad, the proud husband, the REAL Ethan. And if no one else will say it, Je’Von will say it: he’s proud of Ethan. NXT is proud of Ethan! Look at him, man. They’re all proud of Ethan, and Je’Von means that from the heart. The fans cheer and Ethan isn’t sure what to say. Ethan thanks Je’Von, and says yeah, Je’Von is right. That made it all so clear to Ethan. Ethan shouldn’t be so worried about losing his smile. He should worry about taking Je’Von’s! ETHAN DECKS JE’VON!! The fans boo as Ethan rains down fists on Je’Von! Ethan storms out of the ring, grabs a chair, and storms back in!
The fans boo while Ethan scares off refs! Ethan puts the chair around Je’Von’s head!! Ethan says if Je’Von wants the real Ethan, here it is! Ethan STOMPS the chair!! Je’Von is immediately spitting up blood!! The fans boo, but Ethan took everyone’s kindness and threw it away in the trash! Will All Ego do whatever he has to in order to take over NXT?
Backstage interview with Trick Williams.
Sarah Schreiber is with the NXT Champion and says that moments before his main event match, he is really charged up. Trick says first thing’s first, nothing but well wishes and prayers for Je’Von after what Ethan just did to him. But to Eddy Thorpe, we saw how he lied his way into this match. Eddy gets what he wants, but so does Trick. The first time Trick won this title, he was happy just to win it. This time is different. He’ll prove all the doubters wrong and prove himself right by showing he IS the man around here! Tonight, we are in Lowell, Massachusetts, the home of hard work and getting the job done.
So while Trick may not have a Boston accent, he has the fighting spirit of Mickey Rourke! But Oba Femi walks over to say good luck. Whoever wins faces Oba next. And for what it is worth, Oba hopes it is Trick that wins. Because in three weeks, New Year’s Evil in LA, Oba will take this title from someone. And he hopes it is Trick. Trick tells Oba that he’s also looking forward to it. The Ruler awaits, will Trick whoop Eddy as an example of what happens when you doubt him?
Stephanie Vaquer speaks.
“Cora, you think I’m just another threat that you can get rid of. But you don’t know me. I didn’t become the best luchadora in the world overnight. La Primera (the first/the best) worked tirelessly to get here after years of hard work. But Cora arrived here first. She signed in 2021 and became the representation of the new era of NXT. Meanwhile, I went out into the world to face great challenges that made me stronger. Now, I am here. I got where I wanted. I found my way. And I will be everything Cora wants to be. Next week, Cora, I will take you to Hell.” Vaquer and Cora battle on Christmas Eve, will it be not so merry and bright for the Generation of Jade?
BREAKING NEWS for Christmas Eve NXT!
With Fraxiom once again surviving, that means we need new challengers! It will be OTM, NQCC, Hank ‘n’ Tank AND The D’Angelo Family in a Christmas Chaos Fatal 4 Way #1 Contenders match! Who wins themselves some golden tickets for Christmas?
NXT Championship: Trick Williams VS Eddy Thorpe!
As it has been said, everyone got tricked by the fake whodunnit mystery. Trick wants to shut up the doubters, but will he also dole out some justice? Or will the Alpha Wolf weasel his way to success yet again?
NXT returns once again and the fans fire up as Trick makes his entrance. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and with as much NXT history that’s been made here, time to make a little more!
The bell rings and the fans rally up. Eddy runs up, Trick dodge and headlocks. Tricky hits a takeover but Eddy fights around. Trick denies the headscissor but Eddy fights up. Eddy throws body shots, whips, but Trick comes back to whip Eddy. Trick then redirects and CLOBBERS Eddy! And CLOBBERS him away! Trick whips, Eddy grabs ropes and he bails out! The fans boo but Trick goes to the ropes. Eddy trips Trick, but Trick BOOTS Eddy into the desk! Trick CLUBS Eddy, CHOPS him against railing, then CHOPS him again! The fans fire up while Eddy sputters. Trick puts Eddy in, runs up, ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Eddy hurdles!
Eddy CROSSBODIES Trick down, then runs up to kitchen sink knee! Eddy KICKS Trick in a corner, then bumps him off buckles. Eddy KICKS, whips, but Trick reverses. POP-UP HAYMAKER! Eddy staggers up, into the LEG LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Eddy stays in this but Trick stays on him, DROPKICK! Eddy flounders to ropes, Trick runs up, but Eddy ducks! Leg lariat turns into a bad landing on Trick’s willy! Eddy SHOVES Trick to the floor, the fans boo, and NXT goes to break.
NXT returns once more and Eddy hurries to kick Trick down. Eddy snapmares Trick, KICKS him in the back, then covers, TWO! Trick stays in this but Eddy snarls. Eddy drags Trick up, cravats for a neck wrench, but Trick endures. The fans rally as Trick fights up, only for Eddy to wrangle him back down. Trick fights up again, turns, but Eddy fires knees! Trick still powers out! Eddy knees low to suplex and BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Trick stays in this but he clutches that bad neck. Eddy frowns and he sits Trick up for another cravat. The fans rally, Trick fights up again, and Trick fires body shots. Trick ROCKS Eddy, then whips.
Eddy reverses, drops down, then hurdles. CROSS- FACEBUSTER! Trick turns things around in midair and both men are down! The fans rally up while Trick and Eddy stir. Eddy goes to ropes, Trick rises and he ROCKS Eddy! And he ROCKS Eddy again! Eddy staggers up but into a wrench, body shot, UPPERCUT, and then Trick runs to LEAPING LARIAT! The fans fire up as Trick then FLAPJACKS Eddy! Trick kips up and the fans fire up! Trick storms up on Eddy, has the arm, and cartwheels to ripcord BOOKEND! Cover, TWO! Eddy survives but Trick brushes that off. Trick aims at Eddy as Eddy rises and the fans rally up.
Trick fireman’s carries, Eddy slips free, and Eddy KICKS, KICKS, and SOBATS! Eddy GERMAN SUPLEXES Trick away, and the fans boo as Eddy storms back up. Eddy runs to TOMAHAWK ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Trick is still in this and Eddy grows frustrated. They go forehead to forehead as they rise up, and the fans rally up as they start throwing hands! The forearms go back and forth, faster and faster, and Trick gets the edge! Eddy wobbles, but he SOBATS! Eddy runs, but into Trick’s BOOT! Eddy PELES! Both men stagger, and Trick uses an EDDY GORDO KICK! Eddy Thorpe wobbles, into the turn, but he slips through!
Eddy uses a BACK2BACKBREAKER! Trick writhes but Eddy hauls him up! Trick RAMS Eddy into the corner! Trick swings, but Eddy ducks under! Eddy brings Trick out but Trick fights the German Suplex! Trick switches, fireman’s carries, and hits a DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! The hair comes down and Trick brings Eddy up! Whip and pop-up, but Eddy catches Trick! Facelock, IMPALER DDT but the ref gets taken out by the swing! The fans fire up, Eddy covers, there’s no one to count! The fans count, Eddy would’ve had this three times over! Eddy shouts at the ref to get up, another ref hurries out here! Trick rolls Eddy, TWO!!!
Eddy escapes in time, he shoots around to GERMAN SUPLEX! Trick ends up in a corner, BOOT from Eddy! Eddy keeps moving, ANOTHER BOOT! Eddy keeps moving, but into a TRICK SHOT!! Trick falls on Eddy, but Eddy’s got an arm on Trick! Both refs count a cover, THREE! But who wins?! Each ref saw one guy pinning the other, so who really had this fall? Ava comes out here to try and reason this out, each ref has a guy they’re saying won! Is it Trick? Eddy? Both? Neither? What a conundrum for Christmas! But as NXT goes off the air, social media catches Ava declaring this is a DRAW, Trick RETAINS the title!
Double Pinfall Draw; Trick is still NXT Champion
Lowell cheers but Eddy is pissed! A double pinfall draw and there’s no overtime for Eddy!? HBK hurries out here to try and cool Eddy off, but Eddy SHOVES HBK! Trick storms over and SMACKS Eddy! They fight into the ring, Trick dodges Eddy and hits the TRICK KICK! Eddy flops back out of the ring, has justice been served?
My Thoughts:
A great NXT here, but there was a lot that indicated they’re going to tape the Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve episodes. Which is great, really, because the superstars deserve to have the holidays off so they can be with family or even just take it easy for a couple weeks. We got great hype packages throughout the show, especially at the beginning to remind us of NXT’s history in Lowell, Massachusetts. There was also a great one to remind us of the great lineage behind the NXT Women’s Championship, perhaps as foreshadowing for Giulia taking the title from Roxanne Perez for New Year’s Evil.
Good promo from Vaquer to call out Cora, they’ll have a very fun match. Good promos from Tatum’s trio and the Fatal Influence, and adding Alba & Isla to it is great stuff. That is long term story telling right there, with how Alba & Isla knew Tatum had her twisted side back when Tatum was trying to be buddies with Ivy Nile and Diamond Mine. That’s how long ago it was. That said, we’ll get a great Six Woman Tag, and at the very least, Gigi VS Fallon for the Women’s North American Championship. Maybe they even escalate things to another Six Woman Ladder Match, but they might be holding onto that idea for Stand & Deliver: Las Vegas in April.
Very good promo from Tyriek, Tyson and Wes. I hope Ty & Ty stick together, but then that would require Tyson pulling the same move as Johnny Gargano and join his Heel partner in being a Heel. But at the same time, we almost got nothing from Ty & Ty on TV so we need to see them more. And then brilliant stuff with Ethan Page and Je’Von Evans. The seed was planted having Je’Von excitedly push past Ethan as everyone was arriving, and then Je’Von getting hyped with Hank ‘n’ Tank was a great way to bring Ethan back around. Plus, what’s not to like about HBK handing down “I lost my smile” to Ethan here. Je’Von did great in his part after that, and then they did a great job with the fake blood from Je’Von’s mouth.
Another good promo from the Karmen-Adonis romcom, and I like that Dion just wants out of it. Lexis King and Charlie Dempsey doing their workout was good, but it also seemed like fanservice for the ladies. Their Heritage Cup match should be some great stuff, but at this point, shouldn’t Lexis win? Why go through the trouble of reforming him and giving him this second chance if Dempsey retains? Very good match from Jaida and Wren, but a lot of it was of course so we’d get OTM VS NQCC. Though, they stepped it up and made it a Fatal 4 Way so that match is going to be awesome.
Very good tag match from Zaria & Sol VS Lash & Jakara, and while I was surprised Meta Four won, I shouldn’t be. NXT logically let the established team that’s been doing stuff together for much longer beat the two singles stars who haven’t. Axiom VS Oba was great, but of course Oba won. Oba has his momentum going into New Year’s Evil, and that result put the pressure on Axiom & Frazer for their title match. Great sell from Axiom, I believe he “fell over” during the team entrance. And of course great match with Gallus, but I was legit surprised Fraxiom won. I feel like that hurts Gallus a bit, but with that Fatal 4, maybe the winner of that match finally takes the titles off Fraxiom.
And of course, more great stuff with the NXT Championship but also the story of Eddy Thorpe. Good promo from Eddy, and a good promo from Trick with Oba. Great match, and what a brilliant way to finish with the double pinfall. Those only watching TV ended up with a cliffhanger, but it was good to have this addressed tonight and then posted on social media. Eddy is about to get himself put up against Oba in one last tune-up after he shoved HBK like that. Trick VS Oba is going to be great, though, and I feel like Oba wins so Trick can move on to RawDown.
My Score: 8.9/10
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Will Finn & JD (not) survive The War Raiders?
The Judgment Day survived Erik & Ivar last time, but now Finn & JD must defend the World Tag Team Championships without any help! Will the Prince lose everything tonight?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- WWE Intercontinental Championship: Bron Breakker VS Ludwig Kaiser; Bron wins and retains the title.
- WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship Tournament Opening Round Triple Threat: Raquel Rodriguez VS Kayden Carter VS Zoey Stark; Zoey wins and advances to the next round.
- WWE World Tag Team Championships: Finn Balor & JD McDonagh VS The War Raiders; The War Raiders win and become the new WWE World Tag Team Champions.
PLAY BY PLAY
CM Punk is here!
Boston, Massachusetts fires up as the Best in the World makes his way out, and he says, “IT’S CLOBBERIN’ TIME!” Punk high-fives fans on the ramp and in the front row as he makes his way to the ring. Punk grabs a mic while the fans chant his name, but he says careful, some people might get mad when you chant his name. “Not to call attention to people that don’t matter, but somebody that might get mad is the brave guy in the New York jersey over here.” The fans boo that man, but Punk says it takes balls to show up in Boston wearing a New York anything. But we’re getting ahead of ourselves!
“Is it great to be alive on a Monday night in Boston or what?” The fans cheer that! Punk says he has to be honest, though, he’s feeling a little low. He is in a bit of a bad mood. Two weeks ago, in this ring, face to face, Punk told Seth Rollins, after Rollins said he spends a lot of time thinking of Punk, that Punk told Rollins he doesn’t think of Rollins at all! But over the course of the past two weeks, his mind did wander back to Rollins, and that put Punk in a bad mood. Because Rollins is right: Whatever this is between them, as much as Punk wants to sidestep it, put it in the past, even completely avoid it, it’s only a matter of time before they lock up in this ring.
Punk is also upset because something he very much enjoy doing, which is coming to this ring, mic in hand, and talking to his people, will always be overshadowed by the fact that every time he does it, he knows at some point… “That stupid music is going to hit.” Fans sing “WHOA~ OH~ OHH!” and Punk says yeah, that’s the one. And Rollins is gonna tiptoe on out here in those stupid clogs like the Purple Pie Man from Porcupine Peak, laughing and looking like Liberace. And no, for the sensitive types, that’s not an insult. Punk happens to think Liberace is cool as Hell. What he’s saying, Seth, if you wanna interrupt him before he says it…
Rollins may wear Elton John’s sunglasses, that doesn’t make Rollins Elton John. And just because Rollins grew up idolizing Punk, putting on a pair of wrestling boots does not make you CM Punk! The fans chant for Punk and Punk says Rollins came out here, with a straight face, and told us all Punk “ghosted” him. And that’s true. But Punk isn’t going to litigate the past. HE looks to the future. And “lil’ bro” Rollins isn’t that future, but it seems they’re on a collision course. Rollins wants to paint a picture that Punk is bad. Fine, Punk will be the bad guy. Boston, show of hands: Have you ever been “the bad guy” in your life?
C’mon, now. Boston Bad Boys? Bean Town? Where are ya? Punk owns being the bad guy, but that’s because there’s no such thing as a bad student, just bad teachers. Rollins is CM Punk’s failure. That 16-year-old kid that wanted training, Punk will do it all over again. So if Rollins wants to interrupt, Punk will give Rollins that free lesson he wanted. But hold on, ladies and gentlemen. If Rollins wants to give Punk some shoes to fill, he will fill them. The bad news is, the last guy who did that was Drew McIntyre. Ask yourself the question: Are you tougher than Drew McIntyre? You might think you are, but Boston knows that you’re not!
And one think Punk knows beyond the shadow of a doubt: There’s not enough staples to put Rollins back together after Punk’s done with him. Oh, that doesn’t piss him off enough? Well, here’s something that will. It is the same thing that’s pissed Rollins off the 7 YEARS Punk was gone from here. It is hearing that during Rollins’ time, the world chant Punk’s name! The fans loudly chant “C M PUNK!” but then Rollins joins in! Where is he, though? Punk looks, a spotlight finds him, and Rollins is up in the bleachers! Rollins gets the fans to keep going while he goes step by step.
Rollins says, “Life is about perspective! And I thought, maybe if I came out here, I saw you the way these people see you, it might give me a new perspective. It might make me feel differently about who you are. So if you don’t mind, lemme take a good, hard look here.” Rollins squints as he looks at the ring. No, even from way out here, Punk’s still an a-hole. The fans go nuts hearing that and Punk says while he’s overjoyed Rollins didn’t come out here with that stupid song, this is the first time where Rollins is coming from the right spot. He belongs in the audience with the rest of the fans!
Oh, Punk thinks this embarrasses Rollins? It doesn’t embarrass him to be with the people. Rollins is a fan, he will always be a fan of WWE, even when Punk abandoned WWE and hoped it would die without him. Rollins put WWE on his back and made it stronger than it ever was! If anyone’s embarrassed, it is Punk! Because this “Fan” has more WrestleMania main events than Punk ever will! And that is FACT, Phil! Punk storms out of the ring, and he meets Rollins at the barrier! They brawl and the fans fire up! Rollins RAMS Punk, Punk turns things around, but producers rush out here, along with security and refs!
Boston wants to “LET THEM FIGHT! LET THEM FIGHT!” Punk LEAPS off barriers to get at Rollins! They scrap on the ground, Adam Pearce gets them separate, and the fans boo. But Rollins breaks free to LEAP off the steps! They brawl more, Punk and Rollins are fuming, but then they go into the ring! They throw hands fast ‘n’ furious, and the fans love it! Refs and producers hurry in there but Boston still wants to “LET THEM FIGHT!” Punk is dragged out of the ring, Rollins is kept inside, but Punk grabs a chair! Rollins gets out, Punk drops the chair, Rollins picks up the chair, and producers continue to herd Punk away.
The fans boo but we all know this is inevitable. Wait, Rollins leaps over barriers to cut Punk off at the pass! The fans are thunderous as the fists fly again! Pearce only has so many refs and producers to stop this, and it takes them and the security to get these two to finally stop. Punk has Boston on his side, but will we see this go down in the near future?
Judgment Day is in the clubhouse.
Finn Balor still seethes over his Saturday Night’s Main Event loss, but Liv Morgan says she listened to Finn, and she did win! But why didn’t it work for Finn himself? Finn is just wondering where they all were on Saturday when he was left 2v1! Aren’t they a team? Liv says the group believed in him, they didn’t he needed the help. Plus, JD was focusing on the War Raiders, as he was asked. And well, Liv isn’t trying to tell Finn what to do, but Finn should try doing the same. The rest of the group is banned from ringside tonight, after all. But hey, don’t worry, Finn & JD have everything under control just like always, right?
And just like Raquel has her Triple Threat under control tonight. Because when we listen to Finn, we win. So, so much luck to Finn & JD! They’re gonna kill it! Finn thanks Liv for that, and Liv says she has something special for Dom & Raquel, let’s go get it. They head out, and Finn is back to seething. Will The Prince and his Irish Ace be able to survive with their gold? Or will it be lil’ sis Liv that holds all the power in the clubhouse?
Seth Rollins storms around backstage.
But Adam Pearce tells him to stop walking away from him. What was that out there?! What does Pearce mean, what was that? Pearce should listen to ROLLINS for once! He wants this fight! He wants the world to see this is the biggest fight they can put on! Pearce knows what to do, so he needs to make it happen stat! Pearce says if the two of them would stop trying to pull each other’s eyes out for ten minutes, maybe he could! Just give it a rest so Pearce can do his job! Yeah, do your job, Pearce! DO YOUR JOB! Pearce laves, but McIntyre steps in.
McIntyre says Rollins once told him, when it comes to Roman Reigns and The Bloodline, he just needed to “get over it.” Not so easy when it’s staring you in the face, is it? Did Rollins hear what Roman had to say last Friday? Once Roman vanquishes Solo Sikoa, the world will have no choice but to once again acknowledge him. Roman is the same person. Everyone is fooled except Rollins and McIntyre. And they both know that everyone enabling Roman needs to be taken out. That includes Jey, Sami, Jimmy, and ends with Roman. Rollins laughs and says yeah, McIntyre thinks they have this common cause and that makes them friends.
Rollins already took Roman out of power back at WrestleMania. And y’know who was by his side when they did that? Jey and Sami! They’re Rollins’ friends. McIntyre is not Rollins’ friend. Common interests don’t make friendships, friendships are made from respect. Rollins respects Sami, he respects Jey, but McIntyre…? Well, jury’s out there. So if he doesn’t mind, Rollins is going to do something that McIntyre couldn’t, and that’s end CM Punk. Rollins leaves, but will the Scottish Terminator only add him to the hit list?
WWE Intercontinental Championship: Bron Breakker VS Ludwig Kaiser!
While Survivor Series saw these two put on a banger with Sheamus, it is time for these two second-generation superstars to settle their score. Will Boston be barking with the Badass? Or will the Impeccable German follow in Der Ring General’s footsteps?
Raw returns and Bron makes his entrance. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is truly championship material!
The bell rings and Kaiser runs up, but Braon RAMS him into a corner! Bron RAMS into Kaiser again and again but lets off as the ref counts. Bron then whips corner to corner, and Kaiser stumbles forward, into an OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Bron storms up on Kaiser but Kaiser fires hands! Kaiser storms up but Bron fires body shots! Bron wrenches and smothers Kaiser in a corner, the ref counts, and Bron steps off. Bron whips corner to corner but Kaiser reverses. Kaiser runs up, blocks a boot, “NEIN!” SLAP! Bron just scowls, and he TACKLES Kaiser! Bron rains down fists, then he doesn’t get why people slap him!
Bron whips, Kaiser reverses but Bron ducks ‘n’ dodges and LARIATS! The fans bark it up for Bron already while Kaiser bails out. Bron lets Kaiser think about what he’s done while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Kaiser has Bron in a double wristlock. Bron powers up and out but Kaiser KICKS back! Bron LARIATS Kaiser! The fans fire up while Kaiser goes to a corner. Bron storms up on Kaiser, the fans fire up, and Bron rains down fists! Boston counts along all the way to nine, then Bron winds up, for TEN! The fans cheer while Kaiser staggers. Bron dodges Kaiser, catches him and POWERSLAMS! Cover, TWO! Bron stays cool while he stalks Kaiser to ropes. Kaiser KICKS Bron from below! Kaiser goes back for the arm, but Bron scoops! Bron SLAMS Kaiser, then shakes out the bad arm.
Bron storms back up on Kaiser, but Kaiser CLAWS Bron’s eyes! The ref reprimands but Kaiser then puts Bron on ropes. Kaiser lets off at 4, but KICKS the ropes to jam up that arm! The fans boo but Kaiser’s homed in on a target. Kaiser stands Bron up, reels him in, but Bron suplexes first! Kaiser flops out of the ring, only for Bron to go to the apron! Bron aims, leaps, FLYING LARIAT onto and over the desk! Boston barks it up for Bron but that might’ve been double-edged for Bron. Both men rise up, and Bron brings Kaiser around to the ring. Bron puts Kaiser in the ring, checks his left arm, and rolls inside.
The fans rally up as Bron storms over to Kaiser, and Bron hoists Kaiser up top. Bron then climbs up after Kaiser, but Kaiser CLAWS eyes! Kaiser wrenches and WRINGS the bad arm out! Bron writhes, Kaiser pushes Bron around, and Kaiser stomps away on the arm! The ref counts as Bron is in the ropes, but Kaiser stops at 4. Kaiser drags Bron into SHANKLY GATES! And he uses the ropes for leverage! The ref counts, Kaiser stops at 4 again, and Bron writhes on the mat. Kaiser soaks up the heat while he paces around. Bron rises up but Kaiser KICKS the bad arm! Kaiser stomps away again, but the ref counts.
Kaiser brings Bron up, traps the bad arm, and TWEAKS it! The fans rally for Bron, but Kaiser has the bad arm again. Kaiser wraps it around ropes and pulls! The ref counts, Kaiser lets off, and then Kaiser runs to DROPKICK the arm! Bron falls in a heap and Boston boos Kaiser while Raw goes back to break.
Raw returns again and Kaiser has the double wristlock, but Bron powers him to ropes! The ref counts, Kaiser lets go and Bron fires haymakers! The ref counts and Bron stops, but mostly from his arm hurting. Kaiser hammerlocks to HOTSHOT the arm! Bron drops to his knees, Kaiser runs up to DOUBLE STOMP the arm! Kaiser then grabs the arm, KICKS it, and hauls Bron up again. Kaiser fires knees but Bron fires haymakers! Bron gets the edge, and he ROCKS Kaiser! Kaiser shoves Bron but Bron comes back, into an ARMBAR DDT! Kaiser covers, TWO! Bron survives but Bron has the top wristlock!
Bron endures as Kaiser leans on the hold. The fans rally and Bron fights up. Bron rises, the fans bark, and Bron fires more hands! Kaiser CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! Kaiser runs, but into a JUMP KNEE! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Bron rises slowly and the barking gives him the strength to fire more shots! Bron ducks ‘n’ dodges and FLYING ELBOWS! Kaiser falls, Bron rises, and Kaiser goes to a corner. The fans fire up as Bron storms over to hoist Kaiser up again. Bron climbs, but Kaiser fires body shots! Kaiser CHOPS away on the bad arm! Bron drops back, but he gets right up! The legs still work! SUPER STEINER! Cover, TWO!
Kaiser stays in this and Bron grits his teeth. Bron rises, goes to a corner, and he vows to end this! The fans fire up, Bron runs up, but Kaiser fireman’s carries! KAISER ROLL! Cover, TWO! Kaiser has Bron in the SHANKLY GATES!! Bron endures but the fans rally up! Bron fights up with his legs again, and he manages to RAM Kaiser to a corner! Bron is free, he gets moving, but Kaiser dodges! Bron hits buckles shoulder first! Bron falls to the apron and Kaiser kicks him to the floor. Bron is near the steps, and Kaiser grins. Kaiser goes out the side, builds speed, and fans boo as Kaiser runs in, but where’d Bron go!?
Bron is doing a lap! FLYING SHOULDER outta nowhere!! The fans are barking as loud as they can for Bron! Bron puts Kaiser in the ring, then starts running! Kaiser UPPERCUTS, runs, but into a fireman’s carry! GUT BUSTER DROP! The fans fire up as Bron brings down straps! Bron runs, runs and SPEARS!! Cover, Bron wins!!
Winner: Bron Breakker, by pinfall (still WWE Intercontinental Champion)
Boston is all fired up as Bron proves he truly has that dog in him! Bron toughs it out, takes a bite out of Kaiser, and moves on with the title. Will anyone ever end this badass reign?
The New Day arrives backstage.
They still don’t get why everyone hates them. And then they cross paths with Rey Mysterio. Oh, wow, he’s not gonna let them into the locker room? Rey says it isn’t just him. It is everyone else in there. Whoa, hold up. It is bad enough the fans are treating them like this, but Rey’s doing it, too? Ten YEARS of sharing a locker room, and no one has their back? Rey’s supposed to be a locker room leader, he should do something! Rey says he doesn’t know what to tell them, other than that they crossed a line with Big E. And Rey thinks it is best for New Day’s own good to find somewhere else to change.
Woods says wow. That’s fine. They didn’t wanna share a locker room with the others anyway. New Day rolls on, what will it take for them to get the message?
WWE shares footage from just after Saturday Night’s Main Event.
Kevin Owens brought about the controversy in his loss to Cody Rhodes when he wiped out two refs and brought in a chair. But even so, the Prizefighter was a sore loser, and he attacked Cody from behind! Then, even knowing the damage he’s done with that move to Randy Orton, he used a PACKAGE PILEDRIVER on Cody! The medical team got Cody on a backboard, but Kevin would STAND on Cody’s body, holding up the title belt like he’d won it. Cody was taken away to an ambulance, and social media had Triple H confronting Kevin, resulting in shoving and harsh words. What is the fate of the Undisputed Championship after Saturday night?
The War Raiders speak.
Erik says, “Tonight, we go to war with The Judgment Day. And for us, it’s more than just the tag titles on the line.” Ivar says, “When we first laced up our boots, the last thing on our minds was, ‘What could go wrong when the bell rings?'” Now, they know all too well. Erik tells us, “No one can describe the unbearable guilt when the strength hasn’t returned to your arms, and you can’t pick up your son.” Ivar says, “No one will tell you what it’s like to sit in a hospital bed and wonder if the nerve pain in your arms and your legs will go away.”
What happened to them should have ended their careers, but it didn’t! Ivar has walked out of the hospital TWICE. Erik held his newborn son. The Judgment Day tried to end them. They cheated the Raiders out of their glory once. But the Raiders are stronger than ever. Every match could be their last, but their moment HAS to be now! Erik’s sons have to know that all the pain and the damage was worth it. The only way to prove that is by bringing home the World Tag Team Championships. Erik & Ivar are ready, will nothing stop them now?
Backstage interview with Adam Pearce.
Cathy Kelley is with the Raw General Manager and says the Raw Netflix debut is highly anticipated already! There have been some rumblings of other matches set for that night, can Pearce give us any confirmation? Pearce says we’re in luck. One of the biggest nights in WWE history has just gotten bigger. After negotiating with representatives of both men, which were exasperated by tonight’s events, it is official! Raw’s Netflix debut in Los Angeles will have CM PUNK VS SETH ROLLINS! Cathy agrees, that big night just got bigger! The Best in the World and The Visionary finally have it out, but who will win on the biggest night in WWE history?
Liv Morgan, Dominik Mysterio & Raquel Rodriguez head to the ring!
The WWE Women’s World Champion has her “Daddy” Dom and her Big Mami Cool with her, and she is still the champion after overcoming Iyo Sky 1v1. Liv nuzzles noses with Dom before they get mics to speak. The fans boo as Dom is about to speak, but Liv pets him on the head to calm him down. The fans just boo louder. Dom tells everyone to please put your hands together to welcome the GREATEST Women’s World Champion of all time! Liv says the fans didn’t hear what Dom said, so she gets her megaphone! “I AM THE GREATEST WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPION OF ALLLL~ TIIIIME~!”
Liv laughs but the fans boo more. Liv thanks Dom becuase without a shadow of a doubt, 2024 was the Year of Monday Night Morgan! Liv says be mad, because it’s just getting started. “There are a lot of historic changes happening in the WWE next year, and there is no one better, hotter, more iconic, and more dominant to lead this company to the future than me.” So if you think this year was something, just wait for- RHEA RIPLEY IS HERE! The fans fire up as Mami tells Liv that she’ll wanna stick around to hear what Rhea has to say. Liv says guess what? Nobody in this arena cares what-
Rhea tells Liv to shut the hell up!! This has gone on long enough. So it is time they settle this once and for all. The fans like the sound of that. Adam Pearce just made it official! Rhea is the #1 Contender to the Women’s World Championship! The fans fire up and Rhea tells Liv that she sees into the future. The only thing Liv can get excited about is the end of her title reign. Because Rhea will be the NEW Women’s World Champion! And all Liv will be left with his her “little chicken tender SLUT!” Dom catching strays, but when and where will Rhea look to rip that title away from Liv once and for all?
Backstage interview with Seth Rollins.
Jackie Redmond catches up with Rollins and brings up Pearce making it official. Rollins gets what he wants when it is him and CM Punk in Los Angel- SAMI IS GOING AFTER MCINTYRE! Sami wants payback for the sneak attacks and the loss at Saturday Night’s Main Event! The producers and refs rush in to stop this, but McIntyre vows to put Sami in a box! The hands keep flying, but clearly this won’t end without one more fight! When and where will we see Scottish Terminator and Honorary Uce settle the score?
Miz meets with The Final Testament.
The Hollywood A-Lister tells Paul Ellering & The Authors of Pain that he can’t say this enough, he has been so proud to team with them. Ellering is terrifying, Akam & Rezar are big and powerful, they don’t need Miz anymore. They don’t need anybody! Karrion Kross walks over and asks what they’re talking about. Just that they’re done with the Wyatts. They can all move on after beating the Wyatts. Miz and the Final Testament can go their separate ways. Kross tells Miz to stop right there. What the Wyatts did to Ellering and to Scarlett, this whole thing isn’t over until Kross says it’s over. Miz wants to speak but Kross stops him again.
Kross says they’ve just been reactionary to The Wyatts. Now, it is time to take the first strike. Remember the guy who kidnapped and tortured Miz? D-Dexter Lumis…? Yes. Miz is going to face him next week on Monday Night Raw. Miz isn’t gonna do that. Oh yes he is. Ellering says the way he sees it, Ellering has saved Miz twice. Miz owes them. Kross says Miz can just go to Pearce and get the match made. But as a reminder: Miz has won 22 championships in the WWE. Miz can do this. Rezar pats Miz on the back, and Miz says he’ll go talk to Pearce. Miz heads out, and Rezar asks if Kross really thinks Miz can take Lumis.
Kross says honestly, he doesn’t know. But they’re going to test The Wyatts. And Miz will learn a very valuable lesson: When you make a deal with the devil, you don’t run out on him. Kross leaves, and that last part may have been pointed at Ellering & AOP, too. Will Kross keep control of everything? Or is he the one messing with forces beyond his comprehension?
WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship Tournament Opening Round Triple Threat: Raquel Rodriguez VS Kayden Carter VS Zoey Stark!
While Liv still has her world title, Big Mami Cool is hoping to join her as the inaugural Women’s Intercontinental Championship. But will she make it through the Pinay Party Girl and the Sin City Superstar? Or will one of them be the David to Raquel’s Goliath?
Raw returns and Kayden makes her entrance. The bell rings and Kayden runs up on Zoey! Raquel THROWS Kayden aside to then TOSS Zoey! Zoey and Kayden end up in a corner, Raquel runs up to SPLASH them both! Raquel fireman’s carries but Kayden slips fere! Kayden KICKS, KICKS, but Raquel CLOBBERS her! Cover, Zoey breaks it! Zoey fires hands on Raquel, the fans are torn, but Zoey runs up at Kayden Kayden dodges to then go up, and MONKEY FLIP! Zoey lands out! Zoey SYUPERKICKS Kayden, then slips around Raquel to DDT! Raquel flounders, Zoey runs up on Kayden, but Kayden KCIKS!
Kayden knuckle locks and CHOPS Zoey, to then go up, up and jump around to FLYING RANA Raquel! But Zoey fireman’s carries, ROLLING DEATH VALLEY! Basement SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO! Kayden survives but Zoey brushes that off. Zoey follows Kayden to the apron, but Raquel is there, too! Kayden ducks and the SUPERKICK hits Raquel! Kayden ROCKS Zoey, but Raquel roars! Kayden ducks again and the BOOT hits Zoey! Kayden BLASTS Raquel off the apron! The fans fire up as Kayden builds speed to TORNILLO TOPE! Direct and down go both Raquel and Zoey! Kayden is all fired up with Boston while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Kayden runs to DROPKICK SPLASH COMBO! But then she has to move, and Raquel’s ELBOW DROP hits Zoey! Basement SUPERKICK for Raquel! Kayden drags Raquel around by her legs, steps through, and ties Raquel up, but here comes Zoey! Kayden RAMS Zoey, reels her in, and she combines FISHERMAN SCREW with NAVARRO DEATH ROLL!! Raquel endures, Kayden pushes on the legs, but Raquel drags herself to the apron. Kayden lets Raquel go and focuses on Zoey. The fans rally up as Kayden runs, BOOT WASH! Kayden kicks Zoey and then IMPLODER LEG DROPS! Cover, Raquel drags Kayden out!
The fans boo but Raquel hobbles and brings Kayden up. Raquel scoops and aims, but Kayden slips free! Raquel runs into the apron! Zoey springboards to SUPER CROSSBODY! Down go Kayden and Raquel! Zoey puts Raquel in the ring, the fans rally up, and Zoey runs up. Raquel swings, Zoey dodges, but then Raquel POUNCES Zoey out of the ring! But Kayden O’Conner Rolls Raquel! ONEE, but Kayden springboards to BASEMENT DROPKICK! High stack, TWO! Raquel flounders to ropes while Kayden grows frustrated. Kayden runs up to SPLASH in a corner! Kayden climbs, but Raquel gets up and under!
The fans rally as Kayden fights with fists! Zoey returns and springs up behind Kayden! SUPER GERMAN SUPLEX for Kayden! A little double-edged but Zoey rises up. Zoey then runs up on Raquel, dodges a lariat, but the SOUTHPAW hits! Raquel covers, TWO!! Zoey survives and Raquel is furious! Raquel stalks Zoey to the apron, drags her up by the hair, but Kayden goes to roll Raquel! Raquel picks Kayden up! FALL AWAY SLAM! Then the VADER ELBOW! But Raquel isn’t done! TEJANA- MISSILE DROPKICK from Zoey! SUPERKICK on Kayden! Z 360!! Cover, ZOEY WINS!!
Winner: Zoey Stark, by pinfall (advances to the semifinals)
Raquel is furious but she just got sniped by PFC’s sharpshooter! Will Zoey do the same to #CobraKai in the next round? Or will Dakota Kai make sure Damage CTRL takes control of the Women’s Intercontinental Championship?
The Alpha Academy is backstage.
And the “Alpha Babes” are showing off the new merchandise. Maxxine Dupri asks what R-Truth thought of their True Classics commercial. Truth says it was outstanding! They influenced the influencers! Squats, lunges, scorpion, Truth changed his workout cuz of them! If that son of a Butch had just taken their advice, Truth wouldn’t have beaten them so easy. But speaking of, Dunne storms in! Truth needs to keep that name out of his mouth! Dunne keeps hearing it because of him! Truth didn’t tell anyone to say anything! Yes, he did! It all came from Truth! And if Dunne has to hear it one more time, Truth gets his face broken!
Truth says #ButchPlease! Otis steps in between them, and Dunne says this is the last warning. Truth and Dunne go their separate ways, and then American Made walks by. Chad Gable says, “Look at this clown show.” They’re happy with what they’ve done to Gable’s academy?! They RUINED it! Gable made them into stars they could’ve never been, helped them flourish, and they make it a joke! Gable saw that commercial, it was pathetic! Maxxine’s pathetic, Tozawa’s pathetic, and Otis is the worst of them all! When Gable first met Otis, Otis was an insignificant little- Otis tells Gable to SHUT UP!
Gable is taken aback, but he says he was right. Time to kill the past. And he starts with… Tozawa! Gable leads his new team away, but will he regret treating the Stamina Monster as the weakest link?
Backstage interview with The New Day.
Jackie Redmond is with Kofi & Woods as they clearly are still looking for a place to call a locker room. But that’s besides the point. Last week, the Raw media team tried to interview them and it didn’t go well. Woods says yeah, yeah, sure. But it was biased journalism! If someone would give them a fair chance to tell their story- OH NO, another disturbance?! PFC just put Kairi Sane’s arm in a road case and SLAMMED the lid on it!! They run away, DMG CTRL hurries over, and the Pirate Princess might have just been taken out of the tournament without a match! Will Adam Pearce be able to get a replacement for Kairi in time for the final Triple Threat?
WWE World Tag Team Championships: Finn Balor & JD McDonagh VS The War Raiders!
With all the cheating, scheming, yet also complaining, The Prince has made his bed and is going to have to lie in it! But will he be bringing the Irish Ace down with him? Or will they be able to survive the war without the rest of Judgment Day watching their backs?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see which team is truly the best!
The teams sort out and Ivar starts against JD. They knuckle lock but JD kicks again and again. JD headlocks but Ivar powers up and out. JD leaps but he bounces off of Ivar! JD scrambles out of the ring, Finn coaches him up, but Ivar TOSSES Finn into the ring! JD returns, but Ivar scoops and SLAMS him! Ivar then scoops and SLAMS Finn onto JD! Tag to Erik, and Ivar scoops to SLAM JD again! Erik scoops Ivar to SLAM him onto JD! JD sputters and the fans fire up with the Raiders while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Erik brings JD up to whip him into Ivar’s knee! Ivar whips JD into Erik’s KNEE! JD flops over and the fans fire up! Ivar whips JD, JD grabs ropes and KICKS back! Tag to Finn, but Ivar scoops! Finn slips free, waistlocks, but I var elbows him away. Finn stumbles into the ref, distracting him from JD’s HOTSHOT! Ivar staggers, Finn dragon sleepers! FINAL CUT! Cover, TWO! Finn CHOKES Ivar on ropes but the ref counts. Finn stops at 4, flexes as he soaks up heat, and then he CHOKES Ivar again! The ref counts, Finn stops, but then he CHOKES Ivar on the bottom rope.
Finn lets off and “apologizes” this time, but JD GUILLOTINE LEG DROPS Ivar in the ropes! The fans boo but JD taunts them all. Finn stomps away on Ivar, then he CLUBS Ivar down. Finn throws hands, tags JD, and they double whip Ivar to ropes. Ivar breaks the line with bulk alone! Ivar then handsprings to DOUBLE BACK ELBOW! Boston goes wild and Ivar reaches out! JD anchors a foot, but Ivar still fights his way forward! Ivar drags JD along, then tags in Erik! Erik wrenches JD to clinch and EXPLODER! JD flounders up, Erik blocks a shot to DECK JD! Then Erik deadlifts JD for a BIG back suplex!
The fans fire up again but here comes Finn! Erik dodges and clinches to URENAGE! The fans fire up with Erik and he whips JD. JD reverses but Erik goes up and over and keeps moving. Erik CLOBBERS JD! Erik TOSSES JD right out of the ring and the fans fire up again! Erik takes aim, and he builds speed, only for Finn to trip him up! Erik drags Finn up by his neck! But JD KNEES Erik out of the ring! Tag to Finn, he and JD double whip Erik hard into steel steps! Finn drags Erik back up, brings him back around, and Judgment Day double whip Erik back into the steps! The steps go sliding away while Finn soaks up heat, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns once more and Finn stomps away on Erik at the ropes! The ref counts, Finn stops at 4, and he tags in JD. JD aims to slingshot ARABIAN PRESS! Cover, TWO! Erik is tougher than that, but JD drags him over. JD has the neck for a NECK TWIST! JD then runs to FALLING AX HANDLE! Erik writhes, his neck a major concern. JD goes up the corner, and he DIVING AX HANDLE FLOPS as Erik moves! The fans fire up as Erik crawls, but so does JD! Hot tags to Ivar and Finn! The War Beard rallies on Finn, hits a SIDEWALK SLAM, and a SPLASH! The fans fire up and Ivar runs corner to corner.
Finn dodges, comes back in, but into a SEATED SENTON! JD is back, Ivar cartwheels and clips JD! Then he HEEL KICKS! JD falls in a heap and Ivar has the fans fired up! “WAR! WAR! WAR!” Ivar aims at Finn in a corner, BRONCO BUSTER! Ivar then goes up the corner! The fans fire up but Finn trips Ivar first! Finn tags JD, JD hurries after Ivar, but Ivar’s too much to superplex! Ivar scoops JD for a SUPER POWERSLAM!! Cover, TWO!! JD survives but Ivar tags in Erik! The Raiders haul JD up, whip and pop-up, THOR’S HAMMER! Cover, FINN BREAKS IT! Ivar grabs Finn to TOSS him out!
The War Raiders regroup and Erik tags Ivar back in. Tag back to Erik and the fans rally up. Erik hauls JD up, feeds him to Ivar, another pop up! Ivar goes up the ropes, but Finn trips Ivar up! JD slips free of Erik to roll him up! TWO!! Erik escapes but JD HEADBUTTS! JD falls back but tags in Finn! Finn hauls Erik up, but Erik KICKS, KNEES, and ROCKS Finn! Finn rebounds, into a clinch! Full nelson and BACKBREAKER KNEE! Erik runs but into a SLINGBLADE! Finn aims, Erik rises, SHOTGUN into the corner! Tag to JD and then tag back to Finn! JD goes up to MOONSAULT! Finn goes up to COUP DE GRACE!! Cover, IVAR BREAKS IT!
Finn is shocked and furious, but JD goes after Ivar! JD TOSSES Ivar, and Finn wants a chair!? JD goes out and looks under the ring. JD brings out a chair! Time to use Champion’s Advantage! But the ref stops JD, so Finn goes out the side to get another chair! Wait, someone else is grabbing that chair! Finn looks over, it’s DAMIAN PRIEST! Judgment Day was banned from ringside, but Priest isn’t Judgment Day anymore! Priest YANKS Finn into the barriers! Finn is furious, but then Ivar CLOBBERS JD! Finn goes back to the ring, but Erik tags Ivar! Finn realizes too late what’s going on as Erik whips him to Ivar!
Ivar pops Finn up and Erik has him! Ivar springboards for WAR MACHINE!!! Cover, WAR RAIDERS WIN!!
Winners: The War Raiders, by pinfall (NEW WWE World Tag Team Champions)
Priest applauds as justice is served to Judgment Day! Erik & Ivar once again have championships, and the pyro goes off in celebration! Will nothing stop the raid now that it’s captured gold? What will become of The Judgment Day now that Finn & JD dropped the ball?
My Thoughts:
A great Raw here, though surprisingly with only three matches. Granted, there were big promos and set-up for the Netflix debut in three weeks. Punk VS Rollins was a given but that was a very good promo segment and very good brawl to set it up officially. The interaction of Rollins and McIntyre was also really good, especially with how it set up that later moment where Sami may have very well saved Rollins from a McIntyre ambush. McIntyre and Sami could easily have a rematch next week for the Raw Before Christmas, or even the last Raw of 2024, but I guess we’ll hear more on that later.
Great match from Bron VS Kaiser, with probably the most creative way to turn things around on Kaiser’s turn-the-corner dropkick. Bron also did a great job selling bad arm, and he of course wins here to keep his reign going. I feel like they need to do something big to determine his next challenger, which should be a match for either the last Raw of 2024 or the Netflix Raw. At the very least, give us a battle royal on the last Raw of 2024 so the winner can turn around and face Bron in LA. Speaking of LA, I feel like there has to be Nakamura VS LA Knight for the US Championship on that card just on the grounds of LA Knight being from LA.
Great stuff with New Day and how they got kicked out of the locker room, as well as them being used to set up PFC attacking Kairi Sane. Though, I’m not sure why PFC needed to take Kairi Sane out. Kairi’s Triple Threat is against Alba Fyre and Natalya. Dakota Kai is Zoey’s future opponent, but I suppose Dakota will have more heat behind fighting Zoey now, but this was some plot armor here. At the same time, I feel like they dropped Natty telling Sonya she was ready for a change, could they be circling back to Natty as PFC’s fourth member? Meanwhile, I think Iyo Sky could end up replacing Kairi in the match, and Iyo could go for the Intercontinental Championship to make up for not winning the Women’s World Championship.
Very good promo from Miz and Final Testament to not only keep the feud with The Wyatts going, but to also tease that Miz wanted AOP to strike out their own again. Kross counters that idea but saying everyone owes him for keeping them afloat, which in many ways is true, but Kross will have to be careful not to end up fighting The Wyatts and AOP at the same time. Miz VS Lumis will be good stuff, and it’ll surely set up a rematch of the 8 Man Tag, hopefully with a big stipulation that makes it really wild. And good stuff from R-Truth, Alpha Academy, Pete Dunne and American Made, that itself is a potential 8 Man Tag. Gable VS Tozawa next week should really lead to Gable VS Otis so those two can finally have it out in the ring.
We got great stuff out of Judgment Day on the side of that tournament, too. Good promo from the group with Liv being passive aggressive and sarcastically optimistic. Good promo from Liv with Dom & Raquel as well as Rhea, and Rhea ends up speaking for most fans saying this story has to end. Again, this is either a last Raw of 2024 or Netflix Raw debut level match, and I say again, if Tiffany Stratton is going to be in LA for NXT that week, why not have her cash in during the Netflix show? Get the world title to rub it in Candice LeRae’s face, and even tease Tiffany going after whoever is NXT Women’s Champion for a showdown of top champions.
And great main event for the tag titles. The War Raiders had a great promo to put their story in perspective. Their real-life injuries were definitely scary, and their comebacks have been great. And combined with Damian Priest screwing Finn over like Finn’s done to him, great win for the War Raiders here. Finn will probably implode and want after Priest for this, they can finally have it out, and maybe Judgment Day is torn apart because of it. Personally, there should be a “Loser Leaves Raw” stipulation. Even with the “Transfer Window” going on, it should get to where one of them has to go to SmackDown and start fresh.
My Score: 8.8/10
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AEW Coverage4 days ago
Mitchell’s AEW Rampage Results & Report! (12/13/24)
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Coverage4 days ago
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (12/13/24)
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Coverage4 days ago
Andrew’s TNA Final Resolution Results & Match Ratings: 12.13.24
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AEW Coverage6 days ago
Mitchell’s AEW Dynamite Results & Report! (12/11/24)