Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (4/25/22)
20 YEARS of the Viper!
Raw celebrates Randy Orton’s newest milestone!
April 25th, 2002, Randy Orton made his WWE debut, and the rest is history! How will Raw and Matt Riddle celebrate the Viper reaching 20 YEARS?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Raw Women’s Championship: Bianca Belair VS Sonya Deville; changed to…
- Raw Women’s Championship No Holds Barred: Bianca Belair VS Sonya Deville w/ Carmella & Zelina Vega; Belair wins and retains the title.
- Veer Mahaan VS ???; Mahaan wins.
- Arm-Wrestling Contest: Omos w/ MVP VS Bobby Lashley; Lashley wins.
- Mixed Tag Match: Dana Brooke & Reggie VS Tamina & Akira Tozawa; Tamina & Tozawa win.
- Finn Balor VS Damian Priest; Priest wins.
- Mustafa Ali VS The Miz; Ali wins.
- 8 Man Tag: Seth Rollins, Kevin Owens & The Usos VS Cody Rhodes, Ezekiel & RKBRO; Cody, Ezekiel & RKBRO win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Matt Riddle is in the ring!
The University of Tennessee has the Bro in the ring and all the superstars of Raw around ringside. Seth Rollins, however, is sitting by the announce desk. Riddle says what’s up, and welcomes us to Monday Night Raw! Tonight is special, because this is the 20th Anniversary of one of the greatest to ever do it. Let’s take a look back at the debut of Randy Orton! A good match against Hardcore Holly, and even more importantly, a win! Then from there, it was Evolution, the Legend Killer, Intercontinental Champion, the youngest World Heavyweight Champion ever, the Apex Predator, and now RKBRO!
Tennessee applauds and chants for “Randy! Randy!” and Riddle says there’s only one thing left to do. Give it up for Riddle’s friend, the Viper himself, RANDYYY! ORRRTOOON! The man of the hour makes his way out, and he gets nods and fist bumps of respect from the superstars at ringside. Fans cheer as Orton gets in the ring with Riddle, and then he gets a mic. “So I appreciate you, man. This is pretty cool.” And Knoxville is where Orton was born. Wikipedia was right on this one. SO it’s great that they’re able to do this here. His journey has had ups, downs, twists and turns, but he hopes no one is sick of him, because he ain’t going anywhere!
Those 20 years flew by in a flash. He made a to of relationships, had a lot of killer matches with some real badass men. John Cena, Triple H, the Undertaker, Shawn Michaels, Mick Foley especially. It was because of Mick Foley that Orton became the Legend Killer, and that Orton is even here now. Same for HHH, Ric Flair and a lot of others. But there is one thing that’s different these days. Orton is having more fun right now than he’s ever had in his entire career, all thanks to Riddle! Much love. And they hug! Fans cheer for “R K BRO! R K BRO!” and Orton says he’s gotta let us all know something.
We’ve all had our twists and turns, too, but they’ve always supported him. If it wasn’t for the fans, there would be none of this. He thanks all of them, as well. Fans chant, “Thank You, Randy!” “Randy! Randy!” and Riddle says he has a surprise! This man wanted to come out, says Orton’s a mentor to him. This is a second generation star who looks up to Orton as a locker room leader, and even says they were friends. So then, Knoxville, here is the AMERICAN NIGHTMARE, CODY RHODES! Cody makes his way out and Orton can’t help but smile. They hug it out, but now Rollins has to speak up.
“Awwwwwwww… Well, isn’t this cute? Don’t trust him, Randy~. Don’t trust Cody Rhodes. No no no. He’s not out here to show you love. He’s out here to try to steal your spotlight, just like he tried to steal MY spotlight at WrestleMania!” Rollins wants to let Mr. Nightmare in on a secret: not everything is about YOU! Rollins laughs and says tonight is specifically about Randy Orton, baby! Rollins picked out his finest suit for the occasion. What a career, 20 years in the past. Call a spade a spade, Orton’s best years are behind him. Orton is the past, but he’s not the present or the future. And neither is Cody!
Rollins says the next generation won’t be inspired by a Nightmare, a Bro or a Viper, but by a Visionary, a revolutionary, by Seth FREAKIN’ Rollins! HAHAHAHA! But Ezekiel speaks up now? Ezekiel says as one of those newer stars, now would be a great time to congratulate Orton and introduce himself. He’s Ezekiel, Elias’ brother. He shakes Orton’s hand and Ezekiel says he’ll never forget him and Elias watching Orton dominate! But then Kevin Owens barges out from the crowd to call Ezekiel a LIAR! Kevin can’t stay back and let someone lie to Orton! Ezekiel looks like and talks like Elias BECAUSE IT IS!
Is Orton gonna let someone lie to him on tonight of all nights? This is how you pay tribute? Ezekiel disgusts Kevin! Kevin says Ezekiel passed the lie detector test but he’ll figure this out! Kevin’s the only sane one around here! Riddle wants Kevin to calm down, but here come the USOS! Jimmy & Jey are back again, and Jimmy says, “20. Years. 20 years, Uce. Two decades your boy, the Viper, been doing this thing in the WWE.” Jey says they were 15 watching Orton! Does Jey have a favorite Orton moment? Yes he does! The Usos get in the ring with everyone, and Jey says check it. They were watching Orton when they were down here, but now they’re fighting him while they’re up here!
What’s Jey’s favorite moment? When the Usos beat them at Backlash and unify the tag titles to solidify THEIR legacy as the best damn team in the world! RKBRO are the twos, #WeTheOnes! Fans boo and Adam Pearce has everyone wait right there. Before the celebration is tarnished, he will make this clear. All of them will be in competition tonight in the biggest match he can make! In commemoration of the 20th anniversary, it’ll be an EIGHT MAN TAG! Rollins, Kevin & The Usos VS Cody, Ezekiel & RKBRO! Fans love that! But as the teams argue, Kevin DECKS Ezekiel! So Orton RKOS Kevin!!
Rollins and the Usos back off, but they’ll have to stand their ground in tonight’s massive main event! Will these combustible elements blow the roof off the University of Tennessee?
Bianca Belair talks with Kane- Er, Glenn Jacobs, backstage.
The Knoxville native gets some encouragement and congratulations from the Knoxville County Mayor. Will Bianca make Tennessee the proudEST ever as she retains the title in her hometown?
Raw Women’s Championship: Bianca Belair VS Sonya Deville!
The EST is a fighting champion, but she ended up getting suckered into this by the power hungry and power abusing “Cruella” Deville. Sonya is blurring the lines of competitor and management again, but will Bianca make her pay for it? Or will Sonya end up trading in her jacket for a title belt?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if the hometown hero can stay the champion!
The two tie up at the bell, Bianca headlocks but Sonya powers out, only for Bianca to run Sonya over! Fans cheer as Sonya bails out and Bianca blows a kiss. Sonya gets on the apron, Bianca goes after her, but Sonya uses that to trip her up! Sonya drags Bianca out to bump her off the apron, and then whip. Bianca reverses and Sonya goes flying over the table! Bianca gets back in the ring and the count is climbing! Sonya drags herself up at 9, but she can’t get past the desk! Bianca wins!!
Winner: Bianca Belair, by count-out (still Raw Women’s Champion)
But Sonya stops the announce from saying it! She claims there’s a wet spot, this is not a fair match! She wants to restart this, and she wants NO count-outs! Well there Sonya goes again. She uses her authority to bend things in her favor, but Bianca just shrugs it off. The bell rings again, Bianca rushes out to fire off on Sonya! Sonya brawls with Bianca, they go around, and Bianca reels Sonya in, only for Sonya to RAM her into the apron! And RAM her into the barriers! “Tennessee sucks!” But Bianca RAMS Sonya, then scoops! Sonya slips out and pulls the hair! Bianca uses that to whip Sonya OVER barriers!
Sonya flounder sin the timekeeper area, Bianca staggers that way, but Sonya uses a CHAIR! She SMACKS Bianca down, the bell rings again!
Winner: Bianca Belair, by disqualification (still Raw Women’s Champion)
And again, Sonya says no! Bianca cheated first using a foreign object: her hair. The chair just levels the playing field. Now it’s NO HOLDS BARRED!! The bell rings again, and now Sonya is waving to someone? Out come Carmella and Zelina Vega! The former WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions are at least on the same page now that they’re against Bianca. What will happen as Sonya keeps stacking the deck? We’ll find out, after the break.
Raw returns and Sonya is mugging Bianca with Mella’s help! Fans boo as Sonya talks trash to Bianca’s face, then runs, into a BOOT! Bianca ELBOWS Mella, then SPINEBUSTERS Sonya! Bianca rains down fists on Sonya but Vega helps out! Vega hops onto Bianca’s back, but Bianca stays up. Sonya kicks Bianca down, she and Vega double whip to put Bianca in a corner. Vega whips Sonya in so she can RAM Bianca. Mella returns, Sonya whips Vega in, but Bianca tosses Vega out and DECKS her! Bianca tosses Mella, too, then dodges Sonya! Sonya hits buckles, Bianca ROCKS Sonya! Bianca gets in, chicken wings, but Sonya victory rolls to send Bianca into buckles!
Fans boo but Sonya gets a chair! Sonya puts the chair down and reels Bianca in. FULL METAL DDT!! Cover, TWO!?! Bianca survives and Sonya can’t believe it! Bianca really is the toughEST! Bianca calls to Vega, she helps wedge a chair into a corner. Sonya whips Bianca in, but Bianca turns it around! Sonya CRASHES into chair! Bianca DECKS Vega, handspring kicks Mella away, then torture racks Sonya! KISS OF DEATH!! Cover, Bianca wins!!
Winner: Bianca Belair, by pinfall (still Raw Women’s Champion)
And this is for real now! Bianca overcame the unfairEST match Sonya could make, and she keeps that gold around her waist! Is there no stopping her now?
Mella and Vega argue backstage.
Sonya barges in and tells them both to shut up! They both failed to get her the title, so now they don’t get an opportunity. Then she’s going back on her word! Vega can’t believe Sonya is doing this to them when she promised! Sonya SLAPS Vega! And she tells Mella not to slap her back. She’s still their boss. Mella blames Vega but Sonya SLAPS Mella, too! Is the tyrant going to cause a revolt on Raw?
Edge and Damian Priest speak.
The Iconoclast says, “We look down on everyone, sitting atop our mountain of omnipotence. And if anyone comes close, we just kick them in the face down to the bottom of the mountain. People like AJ Styles, or Finn Balor. Tonight, Finn’s stay of execution ends. Damian deals with his unfinished business. Now, we’re better than everyone, but we haven’t shown that. We’ve let things like caring about what you think affect us. The kind of people who would cheer for a lousy program like the Tennessee Volunteers. Or the type of people who will fold themselves into their Pintos, shamble down to the polls, and support the current mayor of Knox County.”
The WWE Universe is such a fascinating cross section of society. People mock Edge for wearing suits and using big words and the purple lights, saying those belong to the Undertaker and this is blasphemy. People don’t like it when the truth slaps them upside their ugly faces. Edge and Priest are better than your favorites! Chew on that. You may not like the flavor since it’s not a cheeseburger or bag o’ chips, but you need to choke it down because it’s true. And speaking of favorites, where’s AJ Styles? Jury duty excuse? Or just mending the left arm they went after, the one Edge separated the first time in the Royal Rumble, the night Edge started his miraculous comeback.
Styles, Edge is speaking to you now. Edge thought back and realized Styles didn’t hit the Phenomenal Forearm. Styles probably thinks if he had, he would’ve won. But at WrestleMania Backlash, Edge will show it won’t. Edge says Styles can’t hit that move with one arm. Don’t let the lemmings push you into a situation you can’t handle, AJ. Stay home, hug your kids with your one good arm. As for Finn, they’ll see him later. Priest tells Finn that his guilt has been determined, and Priest shall be the punishment. Judgement day has arrived! But will Finn be able to beat the rap?
Veer Mahaan VS ???
First, he dominated Dominik Mysterio. Then he broke Jeff Brooks. Who will the Lion of India hunt down and maul this week?
Raw returns and Sam Smothers is the opponent. The bell rings and Veer BOOTS Sam down, then drags him up to whip. Sam hits buckles then Veer SPLASHES him! Sam staggers into the MILLION DOLLAR LARIAT! Veer growls and stalks Sam, to hip drop and CERVICAL CLUTCH!! Sam taps, Veer wins!!
Winner: Veer Mahaan, by submission
An even faster victory for Veer, but there’s still no mercy! He POSTS Sam, then goes outside after him! The ref already calls for reinforcements but Veer clamps o the CERVICAL CLUTCH again! Veer thrashes Sam around, but lets go as the refs tell him to stop. Fans boo but Veer revels in this moment. Sam stirs, and Veer drags him up to SPINEBUSTER on the announce desk! Then Veer jumps up onto the desk, to clamp on the CERVICAL CLUTCH!! Sam can only gurgle and sputter! The refs tell Veer to stop but he holds on until he is satisfied. Will all of Raw soon #FearVeer?
Backstage interview with Bobby Lashley.
He is warming up, but perhaps for more than just tonight’s Arm-Wrestling Contest. Well Lashley is confident that he is still stronger than Omos. But if it goes past this, he has to be ready. He doesn’t trust Omos or that backstabber, MVP. Sarah wishes him luck, but will he need far more than that against The Colossus?
Arm-Wrestling Contest: Omos w/ MVP VS Bobby Lashley!
Raw returns and Omos and MVP are already in the ring. MVP has the mic to say, “Aw man, I’ve looked forward to this day. The day where Bobby Lashley is destroyed by his own ego. The ego that made him forget who made him All Mighty.” MVP tells the fans to shut up with the “What?” as he continues to say Lashley’s ego made him think he could go to WrestleMania without MVP, and to accept a challenge from an athlete superior to Lashley in every single way. Lashley’s muscles, athleticism and strength make him unstoppable for the average superstar. But this isn’t average, this is COLOSSAL!
Here’s a way even Tennessee can understand. And if you have a friend who can read, they can read the definitions of these words to you. Anyway, Omos will wrap his colossal hand, wrap it around Lashley’s puny digits, crush them, then rip the hand off at the wrist! But enough talk, here comes Lashley! He steps into the ring and they square up to the podium. Fans cheer for Lashley but MVP wants Omos to teach Lashley some humility. They lock up, the ref makes sure the grip is good. Ready, GO! These titans are in a deadlock and MVP taunts Lashley if he has second thoughts. Omos is gonna beat him! Oh yeah!
Lashley’s arm is at 45 degrees, but MVP is just egging him on and pissing him off! Lashley powers up to tilt things back his way! Omos holds on, keeps his hand off the pad, but MVP keeps talking trash, saying Lashley is nothing without him! Lashley powers through and WINS!
Winner: Bobby Lashley
MVP takes aim with his cane but Lashley is ready! So Omos CLOBBERS Lashley instead! And SMACKS him off the podium! And again! And again! Omos smothers Lashley into the podium then SMACKS him off it again! The podium is pushed aside, Omos drags Lashley up and throws knees! Omos CLOBBERS Lashley again! MVP grins as he and Omos stand over Lashley. But MVP also has Omos keep from dragging Lashley up. Instead, MVP wants Omos to use the podium! Lashley ain’t so might now, is he? Omos SMASHES Lashley with the podium again and again! Then he smothers Lashley with it again!
The refs tell Omos to stop but MVP says one more! Omos listens to MVP and he SMASHES Lashley again! “And there is your All Mighty.” MVP has Omos TOSS the podium out of the ring, and MVP raises Omos’ hand in victory. Lashley manages to sit up, will he be able to recover from such brutality?
R-Truth heads to the ring!
And he’s the special guest referee! Maybe R stands for “Renaissance.” That said, he’s going to keep the peace during this upcoming rematch!
Mixed Tag Match: Dana Brooke & Reggie VS Tamina & Akira Tozawa!
Raw returns and shares what set up this match. The committed couples were arguing about the debacle during their ceremony last week, and “therapist” Truth had them calm down. This was a group couples counseling session. Truth not only marries couples, he keeps them together. He is certified in therapeutic, scientific togetherness training. And y’know what, if he has to, he’d tear them all apart to keep it together. They’ve got 99 problems but love ain’t one. Tozawa says he has a lot of love. This sparks another argument but Truth shouts them down again. They have to put the T R U back in trust.
Management says as an exercise in team work, we have this Mixed Tag Match. And ain’t no one gonna pin Dana for the 24/7 title, the rules will be suspended for the duration. And furthermore, he’s keeping an eye on them as the referee. Yep, he’s certified! Don’t hate. So back to present, the couples have made their entrances, and the gentlemen start! Will this work out to keep them all together? Or will it only tear them all apart?
The bell rings, Tozawa and Reggie tie up. Tozawa whips and hip tosses, but Reggie kangaroo kicks and arm-drags! Reggie holds on, Dana tags in, but that allows Tamina in. Tamina runs in but Dana dodges, only for Tamina to scoop! Dana slips out, kicks low and whips Tamina. Tamina blocks, whips Dana, then reels her in and dips her. Tamina says if Tozawa has a lot of love, then so does she! Truth say sno, that ain’t PG! Tozawa tags in, Reggie gets in and dodges to then TWISTING CROSSBODY! And then, SOMERSAULT- NO! Tozawa avoids the seated senton, he sobats, spin kicks, slides under and SCREW HIGH KICKS!
Tozawa drags Reggie to a drop zone, goes up top, and “I LOVE YOU!” SUPER SENTON!! Cover, Tozawa and Tamina win!
Winners: Akira Tozawa & Tamina, by pinfall
Tozawa and Tamina hug, and then Tamina looks at Dana. Tamina throws Dana down, Tozawa covers, but Truth throws Tozawa into Tamina! Dana wants the title! Truth offers her an escape, but then rolls her up! And he counts it himself! TWO!! Dana escapes again and asks what the heck! She trusted him! Truth says he was testing her! Dana runs, leaving Reggie behind. Is the title too important to everyone to leave room for love?
Becky Lynch is here!
But despite the great sunglasses and outfit, Big Time Becks is feeling pretty low since she’s not Raw Women’s Champion. What will The Man have to say about not bringing the belt back home at WrestleMania? We’ll hear about it, after the break.
Raw returns and Becky has the mic. Fans are torn but she says, “Three years. It’s been three years since I’ve walked out on Raw without my championship. Three years and nobody was able to beat me for that title, and I’ll be honest with you, I haven’t wanted to show my face on Raw because I don’t know who Becky Lynch is without that title. I’ve grown so accustomed to looking in the mirror and seeing a champion that after WrestleMania, I didn’t recognize myself anymore. I’ve hit rock bottom. That’s it. I’ve hit rock bottom, that’s all I have to say, so…” Becky takes a breath and supports herself with hands on knees.
But wait, wait. If Becky hit the bottom, then there’s nowhere else to go but up! This isn’t the end! No no no! This is just the beginning of a legendary comeback! Becky laughs a bit like Rollins as she says no one can do a comeback better than her! She can’t stay down and wallowing with the shlubs of the Earth! She’s an arrow being pulled back so she can shoot into heights unknown! PEWWWW~! And all of you, you get to witness and be inspired by her rise! Her returning to the top, her prize, her precious! She’ll overcome Tennessee’s hometown girl and Becky will be champion again! She’ll be champion forever! No one can stop her! Not Bianca, not Sonya, not Liv, not Dana, not-
ASUKA!?! Fans go nuts seeing the Empress of Tomorrow return! And she goes right to the ring, where Becky looks like she’s seeing a ghost! Asuka takes off the mask to smile and dance around. Asuka gets herself a mic and says in Japanese that she’s happy to be back! Fans are happy to have her back, too! Asuka then tells Becky, “I will stop you! Because no one is ready for ASUKA!” Becky smirks, Asuka boops her on the nose, and that upsets Becky. Becky swings, misses, and barely dodges a back hand! Asuka’s put Becky on notice, will the Big Time Comeback be over before it even begins?
The Street Profits speak.
Angelo Dawkins is fired up as usual, and Montez Ford says 20 years of Viper, chef’s kiss. That’s a lot of RKO. Dawkins’ neck hurts just thinking about it. But real talk, much respect to Orton. Bottles poppin’, show ain’t stoppin’, even Mayor Glenn Jacobs spotted. And of course, Bianca Belair successfully defended her Raw Women’s Championship in her hometown! You go, girl! Sonya making excuses like Ben Simmons in Game 4. But that ain’t all, fam! RKBRO uniting with The American Nightmare and Ezekiel, who we keep confusing for his brother, Elias. And they’re against the Usos, Seth Freakin’ Owens & Kevin Owens.
Who Dawks got? Oh, his money’s on ZEKE! Ford isn’t sure so. Usos might have to do their Tribal Chief proud and make someone ACKNOWLEDGE THEM. But straight from Pearce, no matter who wins here or at Backlash, Profits got next for those tag titles! They’re coming for THE Unified WWE Tag Team Championships because the Profits are up, and #WeWantTheSmoke!
Finn Balor VS Damian Priest w/ Edge!
The Prince knows the Archer of Infamy all too well between their battles on NXT and Raw. But this Priest has a new Edge to him. Will Damian cut Balor down once and for all? Or will Finn make things Too Sweet on behalf of AJ Styles?
Raw returns and Edge and Priest makes their entrance. Edge sits upon the obsidian throne from his mountain of omnipotence, and he sends his envoy of punishment to the ring. The bell rings, the two circle, and tie up. Balor waistlocks, headlocks, but Priest powers out. Priest runs Balor over, but Balor hurries to get up. Priest is on him and tosses him to a corner! Priest ROCKS Balor, fires off stomps and uppercuts, but lets off as the ref counts. Priest then HEADBUTTS Balor, wrenches and whips corner to corner, and Balor hits buckles hard! Priest runs in but misses the back elbow, and Balor fires off shots!
Priest shoves Balor but Balor clotheslines Priest out of the ring! Edge looks upset but Priest drags Balor out. Balor fires back, body shots and haymakers, but Priest CLUBS Balor down. Priest Canadian racks Priest, APRON RAZOR’S EDGE! Edge is amused and Priest stands tall as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Priest grinds Balor down in a seated cravat. Balor fights up as fans rally, but Priest knees him low. Priest whips Balor to a corner, runs in, but Balor BOOTS him! Balor runs in to forearm, but Priest stays up! Balor whips, Priest reverses but Balor ducks and dodges to forearm again! Balor trips Priest to DOUBLE STOMP him! Edge is annoyed again as Balor runs and CHOPS Priest in a corner! Balor whips, Priest reverses and scoops but Balor slips out to ELBOW DROP DDT! Cover, TWO! Priest and Balor slowly get up, Balor KICKS Priest in the side. Balor throws body shots, wrenches, but Priest ROCKS him!
Priest KNEES, KICKS and KICKS, but Balor SLINGBLADES outta nowhere! Balor aims from a corner, runs in, but Priest choke grips! But Balor turns coke slam into victory roll, TWO! Priest runs in at the corner, Balor dodges and goes to the apron! GAMANGIRI and Priest goes down! Fans fire up and Balor climbs, but Edge stands up! Balor is distracted, Priest choke grips and drags Balor down! SOUTH OF HEAVEN CHOKE SLAM!! Edge is pleased again, and Priest drags Balor up. Priest reels Balor in, for a COMPLETE SHOT! Cover, Priest wins!
Winner: Damian Priest, by pinfall
Judgement Day came for Balor and dealt out the punishment. Priest returns to his mentor and kneels before him. Edge says he may rise, and Priest raises his hand in victory. Will they continue to deal out pain and punishment against even the Phenomenal One?
The Miz heads to the ring!
And he’s ready to host a championship edition of MizTV as his guest will be the NEW WWE United States Champion, (Austin) Theory! Will the University of Tennessee be able to handle all this hot air? We’ll see, after the break.
Raw returns and Miz welcomes us to the Most Must-See WWE Talk Show, and what a night it’s been! They’re celebrating the 20th anniversary of Randy Orton! A living legend whose career might stack up to Miz’s one day. But not only that, tonight’s guest is a true star in the making, who might remind you of someone in this very ring. Miz welcomes (Austin) Theory! Theory makes his entrance, and then takes a selfie with Miz. Miz admits, it’s like looking in a mirror. They take their seats and Miz says when he was a younger man, he had to earn “The.” But Theory will get there. So, “The Theory?”
No no, Vince McMahon has made it clear to him, it’s #JustTheory. Well then, Just Theory, it has been awhile since someone has brought credibility back to the US Championship. In fact, it has felt like 12 years since, wink wink nudge nudge. Miz was champion then, wasn’t he? CORRECT! And for the second time! He escalated the title to a level he knows Theory will uphold. Well thanks, Miz. The Miz. Now, how does it feel to be the new champion? Honestly, feels like he’s on another level. Miz is someone Theory grew up watching. Like, an inspiration! Guys, stop with the “What?” already.
But Miz overcame the odds and became a TWO-TIME Grand Slam Champion! A WrestleMania main eventer! Miz did! And y’know what else? Theory wants to live up to those standards, and continue to prove why he is Vince’s best investment ever. Fans boo but Miz applauds. Show respect to the guest, please! They boo more. Theory says he’ll take the US Championship to heights it’s never been to before! And sure, he’s the youngest US Champion in history, but he’ll be remembered as THE US Champion! Bet all your money on that, because he can do this all day.
Miz does want to give him some advice, though. When you become champion, everyone around you becomes jealous. “Nothing infuriates people more than when handsome, young trendsetters like us succeed at every turn.” The locker room is full of parasites, and previous champions handed out title matches like glow sticks at Coachella. Everyone needs to EARN the right to face Theory in the ring! No one comes out and just demands a title match! Theory is THE US- Wait, someone is interrupting Miz! It’s MUSTAFA ALI! The Beacon is back on Raw! And he joins these two in the ring, holding a mic of his own.
Ali soaks in the moment as fans chant, “Welcome Back!” But then Miz keeps him form speaking. This guy still works here? Ali pushes the hand aside, but then Theory says, “Aren’t you the guy who took his ball and went home?” Miz laughs but says he knows what this is! It’s Mufasa, younger brother of Mustafa. Get it? Yeah, Theory gets it. Oh, Miz, that joke was not funny at all. Honestly, why is Miz out here cracking jokes? If Ali wants a laugh, he can just watch Miz wrestle. Theory has Miz keep cool but Ali says to get to business. He is back on Monday Night Raw!
Ali was back there talking with Pearce, discussing matters, but when Ali heard the NEW US Champion was going to be on MizTV, Ali just had to come out here! Cuz he’s kinda hoping Theory is going to announce he’s holding an Open Challenge for the title. And Ali is also kinda hoping that he’s the one to answer it. What’s Theory think about that? Theory VS Ali, US Championship, TONIGHT! Fans want it, but Miz says not to listen to that. Theory says he’ll think about it. NO. Well, Ali isn’t surprised. Theory is Mr. McMahon’s protégé, right? So he has no spine, all biceps and no balls. Is he afraid? Theory’s out here running his mouth but running away like his name’s The Miz!
Theory says Ali is talking to a former champion! A trailblazer! A future Hall of Famer! Miz doesn’t run away! Miz knows Ali is using his name to get himself some notoriety. There is nothing Miz would love more than to embarrass Ali right here and now, but he must’ve forgotten how thinks work around here. Miz doesn’t have some magic wand that makes matches. Theory says he does! He texted Vince, Miz VS Ali is happening now! He… What? Yeah, it’s what Miz wanted, right? Well, yes, thank you… But then Miz explains to Ali. After this match, Ali will wish he got those walking papers.
Ali SLAPS Miz! Ali dares Miz to bring it, and then Ali exits so the MizTV set can be set aside. Will the Hollywood A-Lister be blinded by the Beacon taking his spotlight?
Orton and Glenn Jacobs talk backstage.
These two know each other well. They seem to be reminiscing on old times and having a good laugh.
Mustafa Ali VS The Miz!
Raw returns and the match begins! Ali and Miz circle, feel things out, knuckle lock, but then Ali wrenches and wristlocks. Miz rolls, cartwheels and wrenches back to a wristlock. Miz says, “How ’bout that?” Ali rolls, handsprings, wrenches, but Miz ROCKS him with a right! Miz headlocks, Ali endures the grind and powers out, then spins Miz around for his own headlock! Miz powers out, Ali ends up in a corner but he goes up and over and handsprings! Miz didn’t even know where he went! Ali says “AWESOME~” to mock Miz, then he CHOPS and ROCKS Miz. Miz shoves and BOOTS Ali down!
Miz snarls, stomps Ali, then stomps him to ropes. Miz chokes Ali, smothers him, claws his face, then lets off to run and STRADDLE ATTACK! Cover, TWO! Miz stalks Ali, hip drops him, then claws his face again. The ref reprimands, Miz shifts to a chinlock. Ali endures, fans rally up, and Ali fights up. Ali throws body shots, CHOPS, then CHOPS again. Ali whips, Miz reverses and kitchen sink knees! Miz runs to basement BOOT! Cover, TWO! Miz is annoyed as Ali goes to a corner. Miz storms over, drags Ali up and CHOPS him back. Miz stands Ali up to CHOP him again. Ali staggers but Miz follows him.
Miz and the ref argue, Ali dodges the chop to CHOP and CHOP and CHOP! Ali whips, Miz reverses and Ali hits buckles hard! Miz is seething while Ali is writhing. Miz rains down left hands and then digs his forearm into Ali’s face! The ref counts, Miz lets off and taunts Ali. Miz stomps Ali, KICKS him, but Ali manages to sit up. Miz KICKS him again, then KICKS him again! And again, and again! And again! And again! Ali still sits up, fans boo but Miz soaks it all up. Miz runs in, Ali ducks the buzzsaw to WHEEL KICK back! Fans fire up while both men are down, and Ali rallies the fans.
Ali blocks Miz’s punches to give punches, then he whips. Miz reverses but Ali ducks and dodges to DROPKICK! Ali CHOPS Miz in the corner again, whips, but Miz reverses. Ali slides, slips out, Miz hits buckles and Ali somersaults in for a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Ali is surprised but he focuses and gets Miz up. Miz blocks the suplex, suplexes back but Ali slips out. Miz elbows but Ali waistlocks. Miz bucks the O’Conner roll, kicks low, BASEMENT DDT! Cover, TWO! Miz is frustrated and shouts as Ali gets to a corner. Miz goes to a corner, runs in, but Ali puts him on the apron. Miz ROCKS Ali, climbs, but Ali ROCKS him back!
Ali goes up top to join Miz, but Miz shoves him away! Ali lands on his feet but Miz dropkicks the legs out! Miz has the leg, steps through, but Ali rolls him up! High stack, Ali wins!!
Winner: Mustafa Ali, by pinfall
Miz is shocked! The TWO-TIME Grand Slam Champion just lost! Ali’s return is off to a great start, but then TOMMASO CIAMPA attacks?! The Psycho Killer looms over the Beacon, just what brought this on?
Backstage interview with Rhea Ripley.
One week after viciously attacking Liv Morgan, will she tell us why? “You wanna know why, Sarah? Because I finally opened up my eyes. When I first came here, I became the Raw Women’s Champion, on my own. And since then, I’ve been tossed into the Tag Division, surrounded by tag partners that do nothing but bring me down to their level and make me weak. So I’m done.” She’s done with disappointments like- LIV ATTACKS! They brawl, referees hurry in to stop it, but easier said than done! Will Rhea and Liv tear each other apart on sight from here on out?
Kevin Owens argues with Chad Gable backstage.
They’re of course arguing about the lie detector test. Kevin refuses to pay what he owes until he gets definitive results. But then Rollins walks over to say hey to his best bud. But Gable has him SHOOOOSH! This is an A+ and B conversation, so Rollins can just see himself out. Did he just say Kevin is a B? Get outta here! He’s still not paying! And what does Rollins want? Duh, the tag match. They gotta game plan. Oh really? You think Kevin just magically forgot about last week? What does Kevin mean? Uh, he was fighting his heart out for Rollins against Cody, and Rollins goes and insults him!
Rollins laughs that off but Kevin isn’t. Maybe Kevin should but Rollins in a lie detector test to see if he means what he says! Cuz Rollins has not been as good a friend to Kevin as he is to Rollins! This is not a competition, Kevin. Well if it was, Kevin would win! But the Usos have these two calm down. They need to fall in line behind the Bloodline. Ain’t no more games, Uce. They need the W, they need to win! And the Usos are gonna make sure these two don’t lose it for them. Tonight ain’t just about Orton’s 20th anniversary. After Backlash, Usos are gonna show RKBRO and everyone why you don’t mess with the Usos. So we all better be on the same damn page.
Otherwise, The Tribal Chief gon’ be real mad. And you don’t want to be on his bad side. Rollins laughs that off and asks Kevin if he can believe those guys. Raw is THEIR show. Now- Kevin shrugs Rollins off and heads out after the Usos. FINE! Rollins will just do this on his own! But will that only ensure their team falls apart?
MVP and Omos talk backstage.
MVP tells Omos that the world is his now. It’s in the palm of his hand. Kevin Patrick walks over to ask about Omos brutalizing Lashley after Lashley won the arm-wrestling contest. MVP has KP hold it right there. Is he daft? Did Lashley look like a winner after all that? The arm-wrestling contest wasn’t about brawn, it was about brains. And without MVP, Lashley can’t see that. Lashley just isn’t mighty without MVP. And this is just a preview of things to come, because Omos is challenge Lashley to a rematch at Backlash. Omos grabs the mic and says, “After I’m done with him, there isn’t gonna be much left of the All Mighty.”
8 Man Tag: Seth Rollins, Kevin Owens & The Usos VS Cody Rhodes, Ezekiel & RKBRO!
The Architect wants after the American Nightmare, the Prizefighter wants after the Drifter’s little brother, and the SmackDown Tag Team Champions want after the Raw Tag Team Champions. Luckily, the feeling is mutual! Will Cody, Zeke, Riddle and Orton be able to cap the celebration off with a victory?
Raw returns and Ezekiel, brother of Elias, makes his entrance, followed by RKBRO. Then the Usos lead the way out for their team, followed by Kevin, and Rollins. Ezekiel attacks Kevin in retaliation for earlier, and now it’s just a brawl! Cody brawls with Jimmy, Riddle has Jey, and Orton is after Rollins! Then Zeke throws KO out, the Usos and Rollins are also thrown out with them, and fans fire up as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns again and Ezekiel throws Jimmy with a headlock takeover! Jimmy fights up, powers out, but Ezekiel runs him over! Ezekiel runs, things speed up, Ezekiel whips Jimmy to BOOT him! Then backslide, ONE! Zeke rolls, wrenches, reels Jimmy in, and suplexes to hold Jimmy up! Fans count, Ezekiel puts a twist on it for the SLAM! Cover, TWO! Ezekiel wrenches Jimmy, knuckle locks, and straight arm levers to lift Jimmy up again! Then tag to Riddle, Zeke wrenches and Riddle KICKS Jimmy! Riddle snapmares Jimmy, tags Orton in, and they coordinate, ASSISTED FLOATING BRO! Orton stomps away, picking Jimmy apart!
Orton scrapes laces on Jimmy’s face, then he tags Cody in. Legacy reunited as they mug Jimmy. Cody stomps a mudhole into Jimmy, Rollins protests that the ref isn’t doing his job. Cody suplexes to TOSS Jimmy, but Rollins gets in just to distract Cody. Jimmy whips, Cody reverses, kicks and Rhodes Uppercut! Jey tags in, Cody throws Jimmy out but Jey SAMOAN DROPS Cody! Cover, ONE!! Jey ROCKS Cody with haymakers and Rollins say sot keep going. Jey keeps Cody from getting away but fans rally up. Cody throws counter punches and kicks but Jey DECKS Cody with an uppercut! Tag to Jimmy and the Usos split the wishbone!
Jimmy keeps Cody from his corner and puts him on ropes. Fans boo, the ref counts, Jimmy lets off but Kevin gets a shot in! Tag to Jey, the Usos mug Cody, then Jimmy holds Cody in so Jey can forearm smash! Rollins wants in, so Jey tags him. Rollins swaggers around while Cody gets to a corner. Rollins runs in, but hits buckles as Cody moves! Rollins hits buckles, but he crawls after Cody! Rollins gets up, to DECK Orton! But he turns around and collides with Cody! Hot tag to Ezekiel! Zeke rallies on Rollins, whips him but Rollins kicks back! Zeke JUMP KNEES and SPINEBUSTERS! High stack, TWO!
Fans fire up with Zeke and he shouts, “Who wants to hear Zeke speak?!” Kevin says no one! But Ezekiel trophy lifts Rollins! Rollins slips off, shoves Zeke away, Riddle tags in! Riddle spins Rollins around to PELE! Then Riddle kips up to BROSPLODER! Fans fire up with Riddle and he BROTONS onto knees! Riddle gets to a corner, Rollins runs in but into an elbow! Riddle goes up top but the Usos trip him up! Orton protests but the ref is busy with him and Zeke! Rollins goes up, drags Riddle up, INVERTED SUPERPLEX! Both men are down and fans fire up again as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns once again and Rollins grinds Riddle down with a chinlock. Fans rally, Riddle fights up and throws body shots but Rollins knees and whips him away. Riddle elbows Rollins again, goes back up, and FLOATING BRO ATTACK! Both men are down, they crawl for their corners, hot tag to Jimmy! Jimmy CLUBS Riddle down, covers, TWO! Jimmy clamps on a chinlock and he thrashes Riddle around. Riddle endures again and fans rally more. Riddle fights up again, throws more body shots, but Rollins barks at him. Riddle swipes at Rollins, but Jimmy CLOBBERS him! Jimmy drags Riddle over by a leg, tag to Jey.
Jimmy anchors Riddle and Jey stomps Riddle down. Jey then stays between Riddle and the team, brings Riddle up, and hits a BACKBREAKER! Tag back to Jimmy and the Usos hear fans rally for Riddle. The Usos double whip Riddle to their corner hard, and Riddle falls to the mat. Jimmy then DECKS Ezekiel, DECKS Cody, and swipes at Orton. But Riddle is fighting back against Jey, Rollins and Kevin! Jimmy turns around into a BOOT! Riddle crawls for his corner, Rollins runs in but is sent back out! Jimmy hurries to waistlock and back suplex, but Riddle lands on his feet! Ripcord, FINAL FLASH! Both men are down and fans fire up again!
Riddle and Jimmy crawl, hot tag to Jey, and Rollins trips Orton! Jey runs in to HIP ATTACK Riddle! Jey tags Kevin, then Jey drags Riddle into position for the SWANTON BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Riddle survives but Kevin tags Jey back in. Jey looms over Riddle, drags him back up, but Riddle CHOPS and CHOPS and fires off forearms! Jey wobbles, but he blocks a roundhouse! Riddle blocks the kick, but gets the DRAGON WHIP! But he staggers into a hot tag to Orton! The Viper rallies and fans go wild! POWERSLAM! Jimmy gets in, POWERSLAM! Orton is all fired up, he DECKS Kevin and DECKS Rollins!
Orton has Jey on the apron and then drags him in through ropes. But Jey drops to drag Orton out! Jey goes for the desk but Orton blocks that, to SMACK Jey instead! And then ANNOUNCE DESK BACK SUPLEX! Orton avoids Rollins’ flying knee, ANNOUNCE DESK BACK SUPLEX! Kevin rushes in, Orton pokes him in the eyes! Kevin shouts in pain, but he gets an ANNOUNCE DESK BACK SUPLEX! Orton gets a hat trick, Riddle points out Jey to him. Jey flounders, Orton drags him in through the ropes! DRAPING DDT! Fans are thunderous as Orton hears the voices! Jey staggers up, but Rollins CLOBBERS Orton!
Cody gets in, dodges Rollins to give him a DISASTER KICK! Then RKO for Rollins! Kevin SUPERKICKS Cody, but Orton denies a stunner! Orton gives Kevin to Ezekiel’s haymaker! RKO for Kevin! Jimmy SUPERKICKS Ezekiel! Jimmy aims for Orton but he blocks, Riddle FINAL FLASH KNEES! Riddle then pops Jimmy up for an RKO! Jey is up top, he leaps in but into an RKO!! All four get one, Orton covers, Orton’s team wins!
Winners: Cody Rhodes, Ezekiel & RKBRO, by pinfall
There was no running from it, the RKO hit all of Orton’s opponents tonight! RKBRO look unstoppable, will they commemorate Orton’s 20th year by becoming THE Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions?
My Thoughts:
This was a good Raw, though still lacking a bit. I will say, it was great to see Asuka back. I don’t know why they waited so long for her return, but at least it works to coincide with Becky having her crisis of confidence. Becky and Asuka never did get that feud in 2020 because COVID 19 showed up, but we are also looking at a different Becky than back then. Either way, their match (or maybe matches) will be awesome, and you can be sure the winner goes right for the title. Speaking of, that Raw Women’s Championship match played out how I figured. Sonya would abuse her authority yet still fail, I just wish she didn’t bring Mella and Vega into it. But at the same time, Sonya slapping them like the tyrant she is, I really hope we get a match where if Sonya loses, she’s no longer management.
Another great return out of Mustafa Ali, and he has a very good part of MizTV with Theory and Miz. Theory being dense about making Miz eat his words is still good character stuff out of Miz. I hope Theory keeps that part of his character for a long time, it’s one of the things that still makes him bearable as a Heel. Miz VS Ali was a great match and it was good for Ali to win. Quite the surprise for Ciampa to go after him, but they could have a real great match next week for the Backlash go-home or even Backlash kickoff show. Then maybe if Ali wins, that earns him the US Championship match with Theory.
Edge and Priest having a thing with Balor is logical given the Bullet Club connection between Styles and Balor that WWE still hasn’t ever really said but have always alluded to. Naturally, Edge helps Priest beat Finn. While Edge VS Styles is the plan for Backlash, I wouldn’t mind a tag match of “Judgement Day” (that’s apparently the faction name) VS Styles & Balor. If Styles and Balor get into the tag division and win those undisputed titles, that’d be really cool. Rhea had a good promo and brawl with Liv, that will probably be a go-home match. Veer destroys another rando, but still no Rey, so maybe the go-home has Rey confront Veer to set up a Backlash match?
Good promo out of Street Profits to establish they’re up next, which was a given anyway. We got a pretty good arm-wrestling segment out of Lashley and Omos. Probably the best arm-wrestling match in WWE with Lashley getting stronger with his anger, but then of course we get a beatdown that gives us the Backlash match. Lashley managed to win at Mania so pretty sure Omos wins here with MVP’s help. I really liked what we got out of the 24/7 Championship story tonight, with Truth becoming a jack-of-all-trades. And of course him being special guest ref also led to him trying to count his own pin. Can’t wait to see where this goes next.
And of course, great stuff for Orton and his 20th anniversary. Great video package, though using Voices by Motionless in White is A) financially cheap, they already used that song back in NXT 1.0 and B) not really fitting other than playing a name pun off Orton’s theme, Voices by Rev Theory. But either way, that Orton celebration segment was of course going to set up a match for tonight, and that 8 Man was a really good one. Elias being Ezekiel now, his moveset is a good hybrid of Elias and some old school wrestlers like Ultimate Warrior. And that ending sequence was exactly what it should’ve been with Orton hitting all the Heels with RKOs and getting the win.
Chances are, something happens on SmackDown to give momentum back to the Usos to keep things even going towards Backlash. I still can’t be sure of their chances, but I would love if RKBRO got to be the unified champions to add that to Orton’s career since it’s his 20th year. Plus, Roman is already unified world champion, there needs to be conflict and struggle for the Bloodline somewhere and that can be the Usos not living up to his expectations.
My Score: 8.2/10
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Is Orange Cassidy coldblooded? Or just in control?
Before their AEW World Championship match at Full Gear, Jon Moxley puts Wheeler Yuta in Orange Cassidy’s way! Will Cassidy destroy The Decoder before going for The Maniac?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- 8 Man Tag: Will Ospreay, Mark Davis, Ricochet & “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs VS The Don Callis Family; The Don Callis Family wins.
- Kris Statlander VS Hikaru Shida; Kris wins.
- 2v1 Handicap: Bobby Lashley w/ The Hurt Syndicate VS Joe Keys & Cheeseburger; Lashley wins.
- Darby Allin VS Claudio Castagnoli; Claudio wins.
- Orange Cassidy VS Wheeler Yuta w/ The Death Riders; Cassidy wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
8 Man Tag: Will Ospreay, Mark Davis, Ricochet & “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs VS The Don Callis Family!
This All-Star 8 Man is going to make for a massive match! The Aerial Assassin, Dunk Zilla, The One & Only and the man the family foolishly forgot are now teamed together against Konosuke Takeshita, Kyle Fletcher, Brian Cage & Lance Archer! Will Ospreay lead this team to victory ahead of the grudge matches at Full Gear? Or will Callis’ Alpha, Aussie Arrow, Machine & Murderhawk Monster make sure #EverybodyDies?
Well forget sorting out, Ospreay leads his team in attacking the Callis Family right on the ramp! The fans fire up as Hobbs is after Archer, Davis is after Cage, and of course Ricochet is after Konosuke while Ospreay is after Kyle! Hobbs smacks Archer off railing, Kyle CLUBS Ospreay on the back, but Ospreay kicks low. Ospreay sends Kyle into railing, rips the tearaway pants right off him, and then LASHES him with them! Davis sends Cage into railing while Ospreay uses those pants to SLING Kyle into more railing! Davis CLUBS away on Cage, Ospreay blows snot on Kyle’s pants, and Davis sends Cage into more railing.
Kyle turns things around to send Ospreay into railing! Konosuke helps Cage against Davis but Hobbs still throws hands on Archer. Kyle CLUBS Ospreay, CLUBS Ricochet, but Konosuke puts Davis in the ring. The bell rings and this is finally a match. Konosuke headlocks Davis but Davis fires body shots. Davis powers up and out, but Konosuke RAMS him! The fans fire up as Davis stays up. Davis runs to RAM Konosuke! Konosuke stays up and the fans rally. Konosuke runs to RAM Davis, but Davis runs. Konosuke bypasses, leaps, but Davis catches him for a TOSS! And a SENTON! The fans fire up with Davis, and Ricochet reaches out.
Davis tags Ricochet in , then holds the way open, for Ricochet to FOSBURY FLOP onto Konosuke! But Cage CLOBBERS Davis! Cage then RAMS Ricochet into the apron, POSTS him, but Ospreay PENALTY KICKS Cage! The fans fire up as Ospreay goes up, but Kyle UPPERCUTS him! The fans boo as Kyle goes up, CLUBS away on Ospreay, and Ospreay falls to the floor. But now Hobbs is up! Kyle says wait! Then he fires hands! Hobbs just CHOPS Kyle! Hobbs climbs up to get Kyle, but Archer CLUBS Hobbs! Archer drags Hobbs down, throws hands, then puts Hobbs in between steps and post! Hobbs fights back, but Cage sends Ospreay into the steps!
The fans boo as Hobbs’ leg is crushed between steps and post! Archer puts Ricochet in the ring while a medic checks Hobbs. Archer brings Ricochet up but Ricochet slips free to fire off fast strikes! Hobbs is being helped to the back and Ospreay is concerned that this is now 4v3. Ricochet still fires strikes on Archer, but Archer grabs Ricochet by the neck! CHOKE- NO, Ricochet RANAS Archer first! Archer tumbles, stands up, and Ricochet springboards, but Archer CLOBBERS Him out of the sky! Archer BLASTS Davis, then catches Ospreay out of the air! Archer TOSSES Ospreay away and fans boo. But Ricochet springboards back in!
Archer catches Ricochet, and he CHOKE SLAMS Ricochet out onto Ospreay and Davis! The fans boo as the Don Callis Family is in control, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Cage & Kyle flex to soak up the heat, then Archer goes out after Ospreay and the rest. Konosuke fetches Ricochet into the ring, waistlocks, and then brings him away from the corner. Archer beats up on Ospreay while Konosuke fires knees into Ricochet. Ricochet tumbles to ropes but Konosuke is on him. Davis fires hands on Archer, then sends him into railing! Davis fires more hands, but Konosuke CHOKES Ricochet at the ropes! The ref counts, Konosuke steps off and tags Kyle. Kyle stays between Ricochet and his corner. Kyle taunts Ricochet, stomps him around, then whips him to ropes. Kyle ELBOWS Ricochet down, then stalks him to a corner.
Kyle stomps away on Ricochet while Archer intimidates commentary. Kyle shouts at the camera while the ref counts, and Kyle steps off of Ricochet’s neck. Kyle bumps Ricochet off buckles, tags Cage, and Cage stands Ricochet up. Cage CHOPS Ricochet, then whips him to ropes for an ELBOW! Cage flexes while he taunts Ospreay & Davis. Cage drags Ricochet up but Ricochet RAMS him! And RAMS him! And fires forearms! Cage ROCKS Ricochet, then runs, but into a tiger wall kick and ENZIGIRI! Konosuke tags in and storms after Ricochet. Konosuke stomps Ricochet, then rains down fists! The ref reprimands while Dynamite returns to single picture.
Konosuke argues with the ref while Ospreay rallies the fans. Konosuke stays between Ricochet and his team, but Ricochet SLAPS Konosuke! Konosuke ROCKS Ricochet for it! Ricochet fires forearms and an UPPERCUT! Konosuke keeps Ricochet from his corner, reels Ricochet in, but Ricochet victory rolls! TWO, and Ricochet ducks a chop to handspring BACK ELBOW! The fans fire up while both men are down! Ricochet and Konosuke crawl, hot tags to Kyle and Ospreay! The fans fire up as these two fire fists and forearms! Kyle kicks and whips but Ospreay ducks ‘n’ dodges to CLOBBER Kyle!
Ospreay whips, Kyle reverses, Ospreay handsprings to NEURALIZER KICK! Kyle staggers, Konosuke tags back in! Ospreay dodges Konosuke to BLAST Cage & Archer! Ospreay fires fists on Konosuke, but Konosuke CLAWS Ospreay’s face! Konosuke runs, but Davis intercepts with a fireman’s carry! AUSSIE DENTAL PLAN! Or maybe in this case, just a United Empire Dental Plan! But in any case, Davis scoops Konosuke, for the LAWN DART CUTTER! Cover, TWO!! Konosuke survives but the fans fire up. Ospreay & Davis bring Konosuke up, double pump handle, but the #MurderMachines make the save!
Archer puts Davis in a corner, Cage ducks Ospreay’s haymaker to waistlock. Archer runs up, BOOT GERMAN SUPLEX COMBO! Davis fires hands on Archer but Cage waistlocks, ripcords, and ROCKS Davis! Then fireman’s carry into the ASSISTED NECKBREAKER! The fans boo but the Murder Machines DOUBLE RIPCORD Ospreay up for Konosuke’s BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay survives and shocks everyone! Archer argues with the ref but the count was fair. Konosuke tags Kyle while fans rally up behind Ospreay. Kyle smirks as he stalks Ospreay. Kyle BOOTS Ricochet off the apron for good measure!
Kyle tells Ospreay that this is how he wants it, right? All about Ospreay! Kyle stomps away on Ospreay in the corner, then digs his boots in! The ref counts but wait! Here comes Hobbs! Hobbs hobbles but Kyle hurries to send Ospreay to the Callis corner. Tag to Konosuke and then Kyle slides out. Kyle runs up on Hobbs, but Hobbs CLOBBERS him! The fans fire up as Hobbs makes his way to the corner. Ospreay fights free of the corner but Konosuke holds him back! Ospreay fires forearms, reaches out, repeat! The fans rally as hard as they can, but Konosuke reels Ospreay in! Konosuke hits a back suplex, but Ospreay lands out!
Ospreay dodges Konosuke, hot tag to Hobbs! The Powerhouse powers up to rally on Konosuke! The fans fire up as Hobbs TOSSES Kyle, but the Murder Machines attack! They reel Hobbs in, but Hobbs fights the double suplex! The fans fire up but the Murder Machines double whip. Hobbs DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up as Hobbs has targets in all corners! SPLASH for Konosuke! SPLASH for Cage! SPLASH for Kyle! SPLASH for Archer! The fans are thunderous and Hobbs brings the straps down. Archer kicks low, then runs, but Hobbs dodges, to SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up again, and Hobbs tags Davis!
Davis runs up to BOOT Konosuke, BOOT him again, but Konosuke just fires up! Ospreay CANNONBALLS onto Kyle while Konosuke fires hands! Konosuke spins, but Davis DECKS him! Davis roars, stands Konosuke up, but Konosuke backdrops back! POWER- NO, Davis stops the knee to ENZIGIRI! Davis gut wrenches Konosuke, for a PILEDRIVER!! Cover, KYLE BREAKS IT! The fans boo but now Aussie Open is face to face! Kyle pie faces Davis, talks trash, but Davis glares at him. Kyle SLAPS Davis, so Davis TACKLES Kyle! Davis throws hands, Kyle gets up, and Davis runs up! Kyle dodges and Konosuke DECKS Davis!
Ricochet springboards, FLYING LARIAT on Konosuke! But Cage POP-UP POWERBOMBS Ricochet! Hobbs SPINEBUSTERS Cage! Archer CHOKE SLAMS Hobbs! Ospreay hits the PIP PIP CHEERIO FOREARM on Archer! Ospreay dares Kyle to man up and fight him! Kyle snarls, gets in, and they fire forearms again! Kyle swings, Ospreay catches him, but Kyle breaks the full nelson with an elbow! Ospreay HOOK KICKS Kyle! Ospreay runs, Kyle dodges, but then Ospreay slips through the lariat! Kyle slips through the bomb, hoists Ospreay up, but Ospreay slips free! Kyle ducks the hook kick to SUPERKICK! Kyle runs, into the SPANISH FLY!!
The fans are thunderous as Ospreay takes aim from a corner! Kyle rises, so does Davis, and Ospreay runs up, Kyle uses Davis as a shield from the HIDDEN BLADE!! Ospreay freaks out, Kyle SUPERKICKS Ospreay out of the ring! Then Kyle DIVES onto Ospreay! Konosuke brings down his kneepad, aims at Davis, POWER DRIVE KNEE!!! Cover, Don Callis Family wins!!
Winners: The Don Callis Family, by pinfall
The Alpha stands tall over Davis as friendly fire takes out Ospreay’s team. But what happens when things divide into 1v1 matches? Will Konosuke still be International Champion after he and Ricochet go #OuttaThisWorld? Will Kyle prove that he IS The Protostar after tearing down Will Ospreay?
Jon Moxley & The Death Riders speak.
“Despite recent discoveries that Orange Cassidy is a snake, coldblooded, uncaring, unmoving, a serpent lurking in the darkest corners of the battlefield, my objective remains the same, my job on Saturday night remains the same. You may be this borderline sociopath, you may be a great guy just like everybody thinks. I don’t care if you’re a great guy. I don’t care what kind of person you are. When the bell rings on Saturday night, and the AEW World Championship hangs in the balance, you are a threat to my people. And I will destroy you.
“There’s so much more going on behind Orange Cassidy’s eyes than any of us could’ve imagined. You may make it to Full Gear with your mind in tact, but your body… For that matter, Darby Allin’s body… Still up for grabs.” Claudio jumps in, speaking in German about what he’ll do to Darby. Then in English, he says, “Tonight, I’m gonna end you.” Moxley pats Claudio on the shoulder. Will The Maniac’s top henchmen do his dirty work for him when they dismantle Cassidy & Darby? Or will it just be fuel on the fire for Freshly Squeezed & The Relentless One? Speaking of…
Darby Allin speaks.
“Claudio, I’m gonna keep this really short. Let’s not forget you’re the one who put the chair around Bryan’s neck and pulled the trigger on his career. Every single one of you Death Riders will have your day. And Claudio, today’s your day.” Will Moxley’s men be dealt with in brutal fashion before he suffers the same?
The Hurt Syndicate arrive.
Renee Paquette waits in the parking lot as an SUV pulls up, and she welcomes Montel Vontavious Porter, Shelton Benjamin & Bobby Lashley to the show. She heard MVP has a surprise in store, what’s he got planned? MVP says yes, there is a special treat for the AEW audience, and that is this announcement: The All Mighty Bobby Lashley will be in action here tonight on Dynamite in Reading, Pennsylvania, prior to his PPV debut on Saturday! Renee asks if MVP is at all concerned to put Lashley in a match- OH NO, Swerve attacks!! Swerve knocks Lashley over, then laughs as he gets away!
Shelton helps Lashley up but that ambush might’ve been with Swerve’s own silver chain. Will Lashley elect not to compete tonight after all? Or is he about to make an example out of whatever poor soul is put in front of him?
Adam Cole is here!
Reading fires up as the Panama City Playboy makes his way to the ring. They join in with the “BOOM!” and “ADAM COLE, BAYBAY!” Cole grabs a mic to ask, “Who’s ready for Storytime with Adam Cole, Baybay?” Reading sure is ready! Cole wishes so so badly that he could get his hands on MJF this Saturday, but he’s not. MJF did everything in his power to make sure he and Cole didn’t fight on Saturday, and he succeeded. But do you know who else succeeded last week? Roderick Strong did! The fans cheer as Cole says he and Roddy have the exact same goal: Give MJF the ass whooping of a lifetime! And that is exactly what happens at Full Gear!
The fans cheer, and wait, Kyle O’Reilly makes his way out here. The longtime friend of Cole & Roddy makes his way out here, and already has a mic. Kyle isn’t sure if Cole remembers, but 14 years ago, right here in Reading, PA, Cole and Kyle had their second match ever against each other. They’ve come a long way. Being associated with Cole has given Kyle some incredible highs, and some serious lows. And through those lows, Kyle knows Cole better than anyone. Which makes Kyle the only one willing to tell Cole the truth. The truth is, this crusade against MJF has got to end before someone gets hurt.
This obsession, Cole needs to wash his hands of it. His ankle has already been reconstructed, what’s next? Cole has friends willing to take a bullet for him, Kyle included, but Cole has got to stop having his friends fight his battles. Roddy barely makes it out alive last week, and now he wants to fight MJF! He wants to END MJF, all because of Cole. Kyle just doesn’t have a good feeling about any of this. Cole asks Kyle what he’s trying to say here. Kyle doesn’t think Roddy can handle MJF? Kyle asks Cole if he really thinks MJF isn’t already three steps ahead. MJF hasn’t been here for weeks but he’s pulling all the strings.
Cole should know that dealing with MJF is like playing with fire, and Kyle doesn’t wanna see his friends get burned. Cole needs to realize why so many of his friends are willing to go to war for him, and it’s because he is a great leader, an elite pro-wrestler, and a great friend, who doesn’t wanna see his friends get hurt. At least, so Kyle thinks. But Cole has to face facts: MJF is more of an evil bastard than Cole will ever be, and that is a good thing. Kyle drops his mic and walks away. Cole drops his mic, and has a lot to think about. Does Kyle have a point? Can Cole just let Roddy handle MJF and then move on?
Orange Cassidy speaks.
“A little later tonight, I’m gonna make an example out of you, Wheeler Yuta. And I’m gonna show everybody exactly what I’m gonna do this Saturday to you, Jon Moxley. And that’s walk down to that ring and beat you, alone.” But The Conglomeration steps in. Mark Briscoe has Rocky Romero & Tomohiro Ishii with him as he asks Cassidy, “What sense does that make, man?” Moxley said himself, there’s five Death Riders, one Cassidy. Conglomeration has his back, they are here for him. Cassidy says no, no one else needs to get hurt. Get hurt? What’s Cassidy talking about? The Conglomeration are ready to scrap!
PLEASE!! Cassidy is asking them… They don’t have to believe him or even understand him. But just promises him they’ll stay back here. If Cassidy insists, then so be it. Cassidy says there you have it, Jon. Five of you, one of him. Do what you’re gonna do. Because at Full Gear, Moxley’s gonna need all the help he can get. Cassidy is himself wanting the best for his friends, but will that work out for the betterment of AEW? Or is he just playing into Moxley’s hands?
Kris Statlander VS Hikaru Shida!
The #BornAgainKristen bodied the bullies that are Mercedes Mone & Kamille the last time she saw them, but she still needs to tune up for Full Gear. However, taking on the THREE-TIME AEW Women’s World Champion might be more than just a workout. Win, lose or draw, will the Shining Samurai get Kris ready for The CEO?
The bell rings, Kris and Shida shake hands and the fans applaud. The two circle, tie up, and Kris wrenches to a wristlock. Shida handsprings and wrenches back, then hammerlocks. Kris reaches back, hits a headlock takeover, but Shida headscissors. Kris kips free and the fans cheer while the two reset. Shida and Kris circle again while the fans fire up. The two tie up, Shida wrenches and hammerlocks, then CLUBS Kris on the back. Shida CLUBS Kris again, then waistlocks. Kris fights the lift with elbows, then switches. Kris SLAMS Shida, then flips her over. Shida kips up to arm-drag Kris! Kris ends up in a corner, and Shida runs up to KNEE her!
Shida climbs up and the fans cheer as she rains down fists! But Kris stops Shida at 5 and carries her out of the corner! Shida slips free, Kris blocks a lariat to SWEEP the leg! STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Shida is tough and she goes to ropes, but Kris whips her to a corner. Kris runs up but into a RANA! Kris cartwheels through! Then she CLOBBERS Shida! The fans fire up while Kris flexes. Kris drags Shida into a motorcycle stretch but Shida endures. The fans rally up and Shida fights to her feet. Shida arm-drags Kris down, and wraps her in a straitjacket stretch! Kris fights up with a bridge, but Shida hops on!
The fans rally while Kris RAMS Shida into a corner! Shida holds onto the straitjacket and pulls! The ref counts, Shida lets go at 4, and then MISSILE DROPKICKS! Kris tumbles and the fans duel as Shida fires up! Shida goes outside, drags Kris to the apron, and CLUBS her! Shida runs to KNEE LIFT! Kris flops to the floor and fans cheer while Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Shida brings Kris up again, and whips her into railing hard! Kris writhes, Shida drags her up, and then Shida whips Kris into more railing! Kris writhes again and Shida refreshes the ring count. Shida sits Kris in a corner to rain down fists! The fans fire up but the ref reprimands, so Shida stops. Shida brings Kris around, pushes her into the ring, and then stalks her. Shida stomps Kris around, brings her up, and snap suplexes! Kris writhes but Shida brings her up again. Shida then snap suplexes Kris into a corner! Shida drags Kris to a cover, TWO! Kris stays in this but Shida stays on her with a chinlock stretch!
Kris endures being bent back, and she reaches out with her free arm. Shida pulls back more but Kris rises up! Shida is again a backpack, but then she slips down. Kris fires body shots, slips around and lifts for a BIG back suplex! Kris huffs ‘n’ puffs as she rises up, but then Shida dodges the sliding forearm! Ghost pin! TWO, and Kris has a cradle! TWO! Shida ROCKS Kris, but Kris PELES! Shida staggers, but she comes back to ENZIGIRI! Both women are down and the fans fire up! The ref checks both women and they’re okay to continue, so a standing count begins. Shida and Kris stir at about 4 of 10, then rise up at 6.
Kris grabs Shida, but Shida fires a forearm! Dynamite returns to single picture as the shots go back and forth. Shida fires a flurry, then whips Kris to ropes. Kris ducks ‘n’ dodges, then dodges a knee! SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up with Kris as she whips Shida to a corner. Kris runs up to UPPERCUT, then she goes side to side for a KNEE LIFT! Shida ends up in ropes but Kris reels her in. Fisherman BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Shida survives and the fans fire up again! Kris hoists Shida up, gut wrenches, but Shida slips free! DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Shida eggs Kris on, then dodges her to fire forearms! Kris just shakes her head!
Shida fires more shots, but Kris fireman’s carries! But Shida slips free, straitjacket roll-up! TWO!! KNEE STRIKE! And then short arm LARIAT! Shida takes aim, but she starts to doubt the Katana! Shida runs up but Kris dodges the boot to then scoop and INVERTED SLAM! Then Kris aims, DISCUS- NO, Shida backslides her! TWO!! Shida reels Kris in, suplexes, FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO?!? Kris survives and Shida is shocked! Shida brings Kris up but Kris fires body shots and forearms! Shida ROCKS Kris, but Kris wrenches to kick! Kris runs, but into the JUMP KNEE! Shida hurries to suplex, but Kris turns it around!
Shida slips out of Kris’ suplex to slip around, GERMAN SUPLEX! Shida roars, aims, KATA- NO, Kris gut wrenches! Tuck and STATURDAY NIGHT FEVER!! Cover, Kris wins!!
Winner: Kris Statlander, by pinfall
Shida gave Kris a powerful match, but clearly Shida has to iron out her own crisis of confidence. Kris still shows Shida respect by helping her up. But wait, here comes Mercedes Mone & Kamille! The fans boo The CEO & Brickhouse but Mone has a mic. “Readiiiiing~! Say hello to your C E O!” The fans boo instead. Mone asks Kamille if she wants to hear a fun fact about Pennsylvania. The 76ers have had yet another terrible season! Embarrassing~! But shoutouts to Mone’s Celtics for another incredible victory. The fans boo Boston but Mone says another person with an incredible win was Kris Statlander. Mone is rarely impressed by her competition.
Does anyone else want to hear another fun fact? “NO!!” Well, Mone has held the TBS Championship longer than Kris! So at Full Gear, Mone will NOT lose, because she is The CEO, the greatest TBS Champion of all time! And she will NEVER lose this title! Fans tell The CEO to STFU, but Mone tells Kamille go get the job done! She is so pissed off! GO! NOW! Kamille walks up the steps past Mone, but with only one good arm! Mone says hurry up, but Kamille looks at both Shida and Kris. Kamille takes as swing, but Kris blocks to ROCK her! Shida QUESTION MARK KICKS Kamille! Then Kris & Shida TOSS The Brickhouse!
Shida goes out after Kamille, but then Mone goes after Kris! Mone goes for the backstabber, but Kris holds onto ropes! Mone is almost stuck up there, but Kris pops her around! STATURDAY NIGHT FEVER!! The fans fire up as Kris stands tall over The CEO! Will Kris once again become the Face of TBS? Or will Mone find a way to win even without her insurance policy?
The Hurt Syndicate has a cameraman with them.
MVP says hold on, he and Shelton have found Swerve. They go after the man in the big fur jacket, but that’s not Swerve! Swerve gave his jacket to the guy, but MVP & Shelton still beat this guy up for helping Swerve. MVP says they’ll find Swerve later, Lashley has his match up next. And it’ll be a 2-on-1 Handicap?! The All Mighty really IS mad, what poor duo is about to be destroyed?
AEW hears from Jay White and Hangman Adam Page.
“Hangman. You and I are on that same path to that same destination, trying to grasp at that same prize. 2024 still has some time left for The Switchblade to share the spotlight with Hangman once more!” But the Blackhat Cowboy asks White if he knows “Who the hell I am?! I am the Hangman! I am THE man! They named this whole godforsaken PPV after ME!” White says when he makes Hangman TAP, it will be a public declaration! But Hangman says White can’t make him tap, even if his life depended on it! These two vicious gunslingers will write one more chapter in their storied rivalry, but who comes out riding off into the sunset?
2v1 Handicap: Bobby Lashley w/ The Hurt Syndicate VS Joe Keys & Cheeseburger!
The All Mighty thought he’d have an easy night getting in a little warm-up, but The Realest quickly reminded him why he’s the most dangerous man in AEW! Lashley’s now doubling down to make a point, will there be nothing left of Keys & Cheese after tonight?
The bell rings and while the fans rally for Cheeseburger, he and Keys each argue the other should start. Lashley runs up and TOSSES Burger across the ring! Keys runs away, Lashley runs to RAM into Burger! Lashley brings Burger up, Keys runs in, but Lashley catches him for a COMPLETE SHOT DDT COMBO! Lashley drags Keys up and TOSSES him out! Lashley then turns to look at Burger in the corner. The fans rally for Burger, but Lashley CLOBBERS him! The fans boo but MVP & Shelton high-five Lashley. Lashley drags Burger up to gut wrench, Canadian Rack, and DOMINATOR! Keys runs in to break the cover!
The fans cheer Keys as he fires hands, but Lashley just gets angrier! Keys short arm LARIATS, but Lashley stays up! Keys runs, into a MILE HIGH SPINEBUSTER! Lashley storms around, then aims at Keys. Keys staggers into the SPEAR! Lashley isn’t done there, and he clamps on the HURT LOCK! Keys can’t open that lock, he is OUT! Lashley wins!
Winner: Bobby Lashley, by submission
MVP & Shelton join Lashley in the ring to celebrate, but then “Whose House?” “SWERVE’S HOUSE!” The fans fire up, and here comes Prince Nana with a chair! Nana eggs the Hurt Syndicate on so Shelton storms out after Nana. MVP watches the rest of ringside for Swerve, but Swerve slides out from under the ring! The fans fire up as Swerve slips in to CHAIN PUNCH Lashley!! MVP gets on the apron but Swerve DECKS MVP with a chain punch! And then Shelton eats a chain punch! The fans are thunderous as Swerve aims, and hits a HOUSE CALL on Lashley! Swerve hurries to the top rope, and he gives Lashley a KILL STOMP!!
The fans are thunderous as Swerve stands over Lashley! MVP & Shelton get up and get in, but Swerve escapes, chain draped on his neck! Will AEW then, now and forever be whose house? “SWERVE’S HOUSE!”
Backstage interview with Mariah May & Mina Shirakawa.
Renee is now with the AEW Women’s World Champion and her best friend, the Rev-Pro Undisputed British Women’s Champion. They are planning their Championship Champagne Celebration for Full Gear, BUT Friday Night Rampage will feature the two of them teaming up for the first time in just over a year. Mariah says no champion deserves a celebration more than her. Her rise to the top was meteoric, and her reign will be historic. She takes ish and makes it shine, any time and any show, against anyone. In Mariah’s division, you hold this title, or you die.
Mina says yes, Mariah has been working so hard. She came back to tell her she is so very proud. And Mina will give Mariah a celebration she’ll never forget! Mariah says the “H Cup Angel” (Mina) and the “Woman from Hell” (Mariah herself) are going to make Rampage into Glampage. Everyone wants Mina, but Mina wants Mariah. And then… They’ll dance! These two shimmy and shake their way out, will they finally be toasting their victories at Full Gear?
Darby Allin VS Claudio Castagnoli w/ The Death Riders!
The Relentless One told The Swiss Superman that revenge was coming, and here is Darby’s chance! Will Darby avenge Bryan Danielson? Or will he just be the next to fall?
The bell rings and Darby stares Claudio down. Darby takes some deep breaths then circles with Claudio. Darby slips around to waistlock but Claudio flings him off, only for Darby to roll to his feet. They circle again, and the fans rally behind Darby. Darby and Claudio feel things out, tie up, and Darby headlocks. Claudio lifts Darby but Darby thrashes the hold. Claudio throws Darby off, runs up, but Darby uses that to get around and springboard arm-drag! The fans fire up while Claudio bails out, and Darby taunts Claudio with some drop steps. Claudio snarls, but then Darby fakes him out with a slingshot!
Claudio is annoyed and takes a swing but Darby slingshots up and over! Darby taunts Claudio again while the fans rally up. Claudio cools off before he storms up the steel steps. Claudio pops Darby up but Darby keeps from hitting buckles! Darby ELBOWS Claudio away, goes up, then leaps, but Claudio catches him! Claudio SLAMS Darby down, flips him back to his feet, but Darby slips around to waistlock. O’Conner Roll, TWO! Darby springboards to SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Claudio bails out but the fans fire up. Darby goes up a corner, and he SUPER COFFIN SPLASHES into a waistlock! Claudio swings and THROWS Darby away!
Darby staggers to his feet but Claudio runs up, to POUNCE Darby into railing! Darby writhes against the railing, but Claudio runs up to UPPERCUT Darby up and over! Fans freak out as Darby hits the floor! Claudio leaves Darby behind while the ring count climbs, but Darby drags himself up at 7. Claudio goes back out after Darby to suplex! Claudio holds Darby up while he marches up the steps! The fans fire up for this feat of strength and balance, and then Claudio TOSSES Darby back into the ring! Darby writhes again while Claudio steps back in. Claudio stalks Darby, talks some trash, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Claudio looms over Darby, then deadlift gut wrenches for a GUTBUSTER! And then another GUTBUSTER! And then another GUTBUSTER! Darby writhes while Claudio stands over him again. Claudio watches Darby crawl towards a corner and stalks him. Claudio drags Darby up, brings him around, and ROCKS Darby with a forearm! Darby pushes Claudio, then CHOPS! Claudio DECKS Darby! Darby tumbles out of the ring! The ref wants Claudio to stay back while Darby drags himself up. Darby is back in before the count starts, but then Claudio DOUBLE STOMPS him! Claudio kicks Darby around, then clamps on with a neck wrench!
Darby endures, fights up, but Claudio powers him down. Darby BITES Claudio’s hand! The ref reprimands but Darby fires off forearms on Claudio. Claudio HIP TOSSES Darby up and out of the ring! Darby hits the floor and flounders around while the ref reprimands Claudio. Claudio again waits on Darby, and then he DOUBLE STOMPS Darby the moment he’s in! The ref counts as Claudio stands on Darby at the ropes. Claudio steps off at 4, brings him around, and clamps on an armlock and chinbar. Darby endures, fights around, and manages to fireman’s carry Claudio! But Claudio rains down elbows! HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL even!
Claudio clamps on with a double wristlock and he grinds Darby down. Darby still endures and the fans rally up again. Darby fights around and Dynamite returns to single picture. Darby fires body shots but Claudio knees low! Claudio then HIP TOSSES Darby into a corner! Darby tumbles out of the ring but Claudio pursues! Claudio SWINGS Darby into railing! Then Claudio fireman’s carries, to TOSS Darby back in the ring! Claudio storms in while Darby flounders away. Darby flops back out of the ring but Claudio pursues him again. Darby trips Claudio up and traps him in the apron skirt! Darby then fires forearms, and BITES Claudio’s ear!
The fans fire up but Claudio shoves Darby away. Darby slides into the ring then DIVES onto Claudio! And then runs to DIVE again! Down goes Claudio and the fans fire up! Darby crawls over to bring Claudio up and into the ring. The fans fire up as Darby climbs up a corner, though slowly given all the damage to his back. That lets Claudio trip Darby up! Darby is stuck up top, and Claudio climbs up after him. Claudio gut wrenches for a SUPER GUT WRENCH PLEX!! Cover, TWO!! Darby survives and Claudio can’t believe it! The fans fire up but Claudio calls for the swing! Claudio grabs the legs, but Darby twists to a victory roll! TWO!!
Claudio escapes and runs up, but Darby ducks ‘n’ dodges, roll and- WHOA, Claudio has to fight to stay up, and then he deadlifts Darby! Darby pops through to CODE RED!! Cover, TWO!! Claudio survives and the fans fire up again! “This is Awesome!” as Darby and Claudio crawl for ropes. Claudio runs up to UPPERCUT! And UPPERCUT again and again and again! The ref backs Claudio off, but then Claudio fires off body shots! Darby flops over but Claudio has the legs. Claudio FLIPS Darby up and over the ropes, but Darby lands on the apron! Claudio BOOTS Darby down! The ref wants Claudio to hold on but Claudio goes out after Darby.
Claudio drags Darby by his legs, then SWINGS him around! Into steel steps!! The fans lose their minds, the ref reprimands Claudio, but Claudio doesn’t care. The fans tell Claudio he is sick, but Claudio TOSSES Darby over the announce desk!! Schiavone, Excalibur & Matt Menard narrowly avoid becoming collateral damage! But Claudio clears the desk and brings Darby up. Claudio puts Darby on the desk, then stands over him. The ref reprimands but Claudio just ignores him. Claudio drags Darby up, and gorilla presses him! SUPER DUPER TOSS onto the timekeeper’s table!! The fans lose their minds as Darby is down but that table’s somehow still standing!
The ref checks on Darby but Claudio storms right over! The ref tells Claudio to stop so they go to the ring. Claudio lets the ring count start, and yet Darby somehow stirs at 4 of 10! The fans rally as hard as they can and Darby crawls his way over! Darby is still far away at 7! But then he powers up and LEAPS in at 9!! But Claudio LARIATS Darby inside-out!! Cover, Claudio wins!
Winner: Claudio Castagnoli, by pinfall
Darby truly is relentless, with durability like no other, but it just wasn’t enough against the strength and brutality of Claudio! Will no one stop The Death Riders from running roughshod over AEW?
Backstage interview with Private Party.
Renee is with Marq Quen & Isiah Kassidy and brings up that at Full Gear, the AEW World Tag Team Championships are on the line in a Fatal 4 Way. Private Party takes on The Acclaimed, The Outrunners and The Kings of the Black Throne. In such a match, the champs do NOT have to be pinned or submitted to lose their titles, so what is their strategy? Brother Zay says they obviously can’t tell her that, the other teams are watching. But it seems like the odds are against them. Fortunately, the odds have been against them their whole lives, their whole careers, just like against The Young Bucks.
But look what happened: Private Party defied the odds, beat The Bucks, and are your AEW World Tag Team Champions. That is the same thing that happens on Saturday. They leave Newark, New Jersey still your tag team champions. Because there ain’t no party like a Private Party, that’s a flex. Oh, speaking of! It’s AJ & Big Justice! They’re fired up to be here, but Justice wants to know what that face Zay made was last week. Oh, right, this one, with the chin scratching. And AJ says they’ve got a BIG announcement coming up after this! Maybe some double chunk chocolate cookies? BOOM!!
A green Porsche Taycan pulls up to the middle of nowhere.
And out steps MJF. The Wolf of Wrestling tells the hobo to “go get it” as he throws spare change off to the side like birdseed. MVP then sits back and tells Roderick Strong, “You’ve been through so much. The kid who grew up trailer park trash with two abusive alcoholic parents. For crying out loud! Your own mother shot your father right in front of you. That’s traumatizing. And as you know, Roddy, trauma is the result of an overwhelming sense of danger, powerlessness and fear. However, healing is a result of feeling safe, empowered and supported. That’s why you’d do anything for Cole. He makes you feel all those positive things that you lacked.
“It’s why I was no different than you. It’s why I trusted him. Unfortunately, the difference between you and I: Cole for me was a mirage of what I wanted him to be. A fraud, a liar. And whilst Cole is a fraud, I do actually believe deep down, in his narcissistic, sociopathic, frail, feeble frame, is a man who cares about Roderick Strong. This is precisely why upon further contemplation, I am happy you won, Roddy. Because I want Adam Cole to watch a person he cares about suffer! And because of your White trash upbringing, you aren’t intelligent enough to realize that you don’t have a prayer. And I’m sending you back to where you belong. To your grimy little trailer park.
“And after the match, you’ll be in so much physical anguish, you’ll wish your mother hadn’t shot your father, but instead shot you.” As if this scumbag couldn’t stoop any lower, he brings up Roddy’s past to hurt him. But will Roddy make sure MJF’s future is the one full of pain and suffering?
Backstage interview with AJ & Big Justice.
Renee is with the Costco Tiktok sensations and says that in the Full Gear Zero Hour, we will see #BigBoomAJ take on QT Marshall in a match 20 YEARS in the making. AJ says it may have been 20 years in the making for QT, this all started for AJ when QT threw the double chunk chocolate cookies down! Renee says AJ has not been in the ring in those 20 years, is he concerned about how his body will hold up? AJ isn’t worried about that, because he just has one strategy, and that’s the strategy they use each and every day. That strategy is to bring the BOOM~! But hey, there’s another special announcement.
Because when AJ rings QT’s bell, and he Power-Booms QT right in the middle of that ring, there is only one guy they want ringing the bell: Big Justice’s best friend, THE RIZZLER! Time to bring the BOOM~! Will QT be sleeping on the mat for The Rizzler? Will he be skibidi? Fanum Tax? Why are those even words?
Tony Schiavone is on stage.
And he welcomes out The Undisputed Kingdom! The fans cheer as Roderick Strong makes his way out, accompanied by Matt Taven & Mike Bennett. Schiavone brings up Roddy VS MJF at Full Gear, and we just heard all that disgusting stuff MJF had to say. Roddy’s response is that to be honest, he has not slept a wink since last week. IT is finally happening! Roddy feels like a kid on Christmas morning. He finally gets his hands on “MAAAAAX~!” The fans echo that, and Roddy says if MJF was here tonight, and not hiding out there, Roddy would ask him: Is Roddy supposed to be ashamed of his childhood?
Is Roddy supposed to be ashamed of his parents? You don’t think Roddy’s heard that stuff before? His whole LIFE, that is what people brought up! His mom’s an addict, his dad’s an addict, mom shot dad. Good job, Max, you made Roddy feel like he was in elementary school again. And people may look at Roddy’s past and feel sorry for him, but Roddy asks us not to. Because looking at MJF, Roddy feels sorry for him. Understand this, Max. With Roddy’s life, he learned that to get the most out of life, you have to earn it. If you wanna break the cycle, you have to earn it. And that is what Roddy’s done ever since he was a kid!
And now looking at MJF, he’s been spoon-fed everything. And when something doesn’t go his way or something happens and he doesn’t like it, MJF throws a temper tantrum like a baby until that changes. So Roddy wants MJF to do something for him: Look in the mirror and think about all the things that MJF has done to people. The manipulating, the backstabbing, the using. MJF needs to realize, when the bell rings at Full Gear, MJF will pay for all those sins. With every chop, with every punch, with every elbow, with every backbreaker! And when it is all over, Roddy walks to his hotel room for the best night of sleep in his life because he earned it.
Especially because Roddy will know he has broken MJF’s back, and left him humbled! Roddy is all fired up, and the fans are with him! Will MJF finally get what’s coming to him? Or will he give Roddy nightmares for the rest of his life?
AEW shares footage taken from last Saturday night.
First, a recap video of Daniel Garcia thwarting Jack Perry’s attempts to abduct and torture Matthew Menard, as well as the joyride they took in the Scapegoat bus, with Perry as the hood ornament. And now, they have Perry strapped into a chair, the bus headlights as the only source of light. Menard is behind the camera as he asks Perry how he’s feeling. How’d that work out for him, huh? Garcia splashes Perry with water to wake him up, and says “Let’s have a conversation. I’m all ears.” Perry chuckles and says Garcia thinks he’s so much better than him. Look at where they are! Garcia shouts back that he doesn’t wanna be here!
Garcia just wants to wrestle, but AEW is full of savages! Perry tried to take Daddy Magic’s life! And those in power just sit back and watch, pretending that nothing’s going on. So what do they do? Gotta take the power back, right? Perry counters with, “Everybody’s got a code. Everybody cares about right and wrong until it costs them something. Until they have to SACRIFICE!” Garcia gets in Perry’s face, grabs him by the mouth, and says Perry’s always going on about sacrifice but Perry has no idea what Garcia’s had to go through! Perry has NO idea what Garcia’s had to sacrifice to be here!
Garcia knows where Perry wants him to go, but Garcia promises that he’s never gonna go there. Perry smirks, then SPITS in Garcia’s face. Garcia wipes that off his face and says bet. Garcia’s got something for Perry, so just wait right there. Garcia goes to the bus while Perry mockingly asks what he’s gonna do. Menard tells shut up, Jack! Life must be so hard for him! What’s Jack got to be sad about?! Garcia comes back and he has a crowbar! Perry dares him to go ahead. Garcia raises the bar, but he SMASHES up the bus! Garcia throws the crowbar away and Perry laughs. Is that it? Garcia tells Menard they’ll get out of here. What? Where’s Garcia going?
Perry says yeah, walk away. Menard tells Perry that Garcia’s gonna whoop his ass! Just wait! Menard leaves, Perry shouts into the night, but will The Face of TNT soon be the one sacrificed for the greater good?
Renee Paquette presides over the ROH World Championship contract signing.
She welcomes us backstage to the signing for this match, which will happen next week, Dynamite: Thanksgiving Eve, in Chicago. The challenger, Tomohiro Ishii, is on her left, and the champion, Chris Jericho, is on her right. Jericho, as champion, you have the honors to sign first. Jericho smiles and waves as he says, “Hi, guys.” But Renee, you should know better. A champion of Jericho’s caliber does not just sign a contract thrust at his face randomly. He has a whole legal team that needs to approve this contract. Renee says it was sent to said legal team last week. Oh, really? What about today? The now! Jericho lives in the now!
Jericho says he’ll get this checked by his legal eagles one more time. But for now, wait here. Choto matte kudesai. Jericho steps around the corner and then down the hall. He smiles at his own picture on the wall. What a good looking guy. But wait, Ishii has followed Jericho to the hall. Jericho is a bit worried as he keeps moving. Jericho tries to block Ishii’s path but a trash can isn’t enough. Jericho tells staffers that Ishii wants to talk to them. They step in the way but Ishii pushes them aside. Jericho moves faster, pushes more people in the way, but Ishii pushes them aside. Was that RJ City?
Jericho goes up some stairs but Ishii follows. Ishii’s even gaining ground! Jericho goes through a doorway and ends up in the concourse! Fans cheer as Jericho and Ishii keep up their cat ‘n’ mouse game. Jericho decides to go into the stands! Ishii follows, and they head down the bleachers towards ringside! Jericho hurries over railing but so does Ishii. They go into the ring, and now Jericho tells Ishii to stop following him! Jericho wants a mic, a mic is brought, and Jericho says hey, listen, Ishii. Jericho would sign this contract, but he doesn’t have a pen. Ishii has a pen! Oh. Ishii clicks it for Jericho, and pushes it into him.
Jericho takes the pen, looks at the contract again, and still hesitates. Jericho signs his part, and then hands things over to Ishii. But then BRYAN KEITH & BIG BILL ATTACK! It was all a massive set-up! Bad Apple & Redwood beat down Stone Pitbull, and then sit him up! Jericho has the pen ready, but here comes The Conglomeration! Mark Briscoe & Rocky Romero rush in, and Mark TACKLES Jericho! Rocky fires off on Bill while Mark CHOKES Jericho! Keith saves Jericho from Mark but Mark fires hands on Keith! The fans fire up, but then Bill SKYSCRAPER- NO, Mark UPPERCUTS Bill first! Rocky adds on!
The fans fire up as The Conglomeration pinballs Bill, and then Ishii CLOBBERS him! Bill tumbles out, but Rocky DIVES! Bill is sent into railing! Keith stands up, into a kick and underhooks! JAY DRILLER! Jericho stands up, Ishii has him, and hits a BRAINBUSTER!! Conglomeration stands tall over The Learning Tree and his Branches, and now Ishii signs his part! The match is now official, and Ishii is looking to take a bite out of Jericho! Will The Conglomeration have the ROH World Championship to be thankful for this year?
Backstage interview with Jamie Hayter.
Renee is with the former AEW Women’s World Champion and notes that last time, we were going to hear from her, only for her to be interrupted by Julia Hart. What is Hayter’s reaction to that? Well, yeah, she isn’t angry, but she is baffled why Julia chose to interrupt Hayter. They’ve never really spoken or interacted, or even wrestled each other. Hayter is just curious as to why Julia felt it was okay to do that. Granted, Julia can do whatever she wants, Hayter moves to the beat of her own drum just as much as Julia. But… if Julia wants to have a chat-
Uh oh, something is happening to the video! Brody King’s message echoes, “It’s time to come home.” Julia Hart walks through the woods. Brody says The House is her foundation. She has seen her rebirth. Now it is time to rebuild. She has woken up stronger, more determined, and more dangerous than ever. Julia aims her arrow to shoot down a target: her past self. Her obstacles are just bull’s eyes. She is the Princess of the Black Throne, and the Keeper of Secrets. She is Julia Hart, and her heart grows harder. She hits her mark, but will she find Hayter Hits Hard?
Orange Cassidy VS Wheeler Yuta!
Freshly Squeezed has been accused of being coldblooded and uncaring, but he got pretty heated as he told The Conglomeration to keep themselves safe tonight. He goes 1v1 with The Decoder, a young man who was once Cassidy’s student, and who left him behind to join the then Blackpool Combat Club. If anyone is uncaring, it is Yuta with how he would then follow Jon Moxley’s lead in the destruction of Bryan Danielson and Chuck Taylor. Who will be the more ferocious fighter tonight, this close to Full Gear?
The bell rings and Yuta SHOTGUNS Cassidy! Yuta follows Cassidy to a corner to CHOP, then ROCK, then CHOP again! Yuta whips corner to corner but Cassidy goes up and out. Cassidy bumps Yuta off buckles, climbs up top, but has to leap over. Yuta comes back but Cassidy catches him to a backslide! TWO, but Cassidy reels Yuta in for a cradle! TWO! Yuta pulls on an ear! But Cassidy arm-drags and wrangles Yuta into the SEATBELT! TWO!! Yuta escapes and the fans fire up as these two stand off. Yuta huffs ‘n’ puffs, but Cassidy shows he wants a grapple. They feel things out, knuckle lock, but Cassidy blocks a kick!
Cassidy reels Yuta in for a headlock, but Yuta powers up and out. Cassidy ducks ‘n’ rolls, tilt-o-whirls, but Yuta suplexes! Into STUN DOG MILLIONAIRE! Yuta tumbles out and fans fire up! Cassidy builds speed to DIVE! Down goes Yuta and the fans fire up again! Cassidy brings Yuta up, whips, but Yuta reverses to reel Cassidy in! Cassidy fights the suplex, but then Yuta fights a suplex. Yuta suplexes, to RAILING BRAINBUSTER!! Cassidy writhes and fans are stunned! Yuta stomps Cassidy, then leaves him behind for the ring count. Cassidy crawls into the ring, Yuta exposes a crossbar, and then he GRINDS Cassidy’s face into the steel!
The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but Yuta steps off at 4. Cassidy seethes as he rises up, but Yuta has him at the corner. Cassidy kicks Yuta’s legs out and Yuta falls onto a turnbuckle! Yuta falls back, Cassidy climbs, but Yuta grabs Cassidy first! Yuta drags Cassidy down but Cassidy fires hands. Yuta squeezes the facelock tight, then hits an APRON DDT! The fans boo Yuta while Cassidy writhes, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.
Cassidy clutches his neck while Yuta waits in the ring. A ring count starts and Yuta eggs Cassidy on. Cassidy reaches up as the count reaches 5 of 10, but he doesn’t sit up until 6. Cassidy hobbles up, stumbles and falls, but springs back to life! He slides in at 9! Only for Yuta to be right on him! Yuta reels Cassidy in, but Cassidy turns that into BEACH BREAK! Cover, TWO!! Yuta survives but Cassidy is too sore to be frustrated. They both sit up, and Yuta crawls his way over to a corner. Cassidy rises, checks his neck, then runs up, but into an ELBOW! Yuta goes up, but Cassidy JUMP FOREARMS! Cassidy positions Yuta just right before he climbs the corner.
Yuta resists but Cassidy still brings Yuta up. Yuta continues to fight the suplex, throws body shots, then shoves Cassidy down. Cassidy rolls back to his feet, runs back up the corner, but Yuta again fights the suplex! Cassidy fires hands, but Yuta fires back! They brawl up top, Cassidy HEADBUTTS Yuta! But Yuta HEADBUTTS back! They both wobble, but then Cassidy BITES Yuta! The ref reprimands, but Cassidy CLAWS Yuta’s back! This is very Moxley of him to do! And then Cassidy hits the SUPERPLEX! Both men are down and the ref checks. They’re both okay to continue, so a standing count begins!
Cassidy sits up, spots Yuta, and heads that way. Yuta sits up, they fire forearms as they stand! Dynamite returns to single picture as these shots go back and forth. The fans fire up for Cassidy but boo Yuta as the shots go faster and faster! Yuta BITES Cassidy’s forehead! Yuta spits then runs, but Cassidy dodges! BODY BLOW! SUPERKICK! Yuta sits down, Cassidy runs, PENALTY KICK! Cassidy slashes his throat, hauls Yuta up, BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Yuta survives but Cassidy seethes. Cassidy rains down fists on Yuta! The ref reprimands about closed fists and hair pulling, but Cassidy doesn’t stop until the ref counts 4.
Cassidy stands, and he throws off the elbow pad! Cassidy aims at Yuta, runs up, but Yuta ducks the punch! GERMAN SUPLEX! Yuta runs to CHOP in the corner! And then a wrench and PAIN THRILLER! The fans boo while Yuta seethes and stands over Cassidy. Yuta sits Cassidy up, for HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! But Cassidy blocks one! And bends fingers, to then SNAP them! The fans fire up as Cassidy SNAPS finger after finger! Yuta swings, Cassidy BOOTS him, then serves up SOLE FOOD! Scoop and MICHINOKU DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Cassidy is busting out all his best friends’ best moves, but he hasn’t gotten it done!
Cassidy aims, loads up, and ORANGE- NO, Yuta ducks! Orange fights the suplex, switches to O’Conner Roll! TWO, Yuta dodges Cassidy, scoops him, and CROSS LEG TOMBSTONE!! Cover, TWO?!? Cassidy survives and Yuta is furious! The fans are thunderous, but Yuta rains down HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! Cassidy grits his teeth but he’s almost a ragdoll! Yuta lets off to then hook the arms, CATTLE MUTILATION!! Cassidy endures as Yuta thrashes him around! Cassidy powers up as the fans rally, and he kicks around to the ROPEBREAK!! Yuta holds on, the ref counts, and Yuta finally lets go at 4!
The ref reprimands Yuta, but Yuta pushes past the ref to go outside the ring. Yuta grabs a chair! Yuta storms into the ring while the fans boo, and the ref says don’t do it! Cassidy dodges the chair shot! Victory roll, CASSIDY WINS!!
Winner: Orange Cassidy, by pinfall
Yuta is in disbelief! Cassidy beat him with a technical move! Yuta snarls but the ref keeps him back. Cassidy did what he promised in beating Yuta, but then he stares his former student down. Is Cassidy going to offer a handshake? WAIT, PAC ATTACKS! The Bastard BOOTS Cassidy down so we’ll never know what Cassidy was going to do! The fans boo more but Pac & Yuta stand on Cassidy. The rest of the Death Riders appear, and Marina Shafir has duct tape! The AEW World Trios Champions stomp away on Cassidy, like vultures picking the bones. Moxley steps into the ring while Marina hands the tape over to Pac.
Claudio puts Cassidy’s hands in his pockets, and then Pac tapes them in! Cassidy is physically bound, and Moxley paces around. Cassidy is pushed around by all the Death Riders, then Moxley DECKS him! Claudio hauls Cassidy back up, the Death Riders keep bullying him, and then Moxley SLAPS Cassidy down! But the bullying continues as they stand Cassidy up. Cassidy “kicks” Moxley! Defiant to the end! But Moxley DECKS him again! Moxley paces around more, then stomps Cassidy right on the face! Moxley leads The Death Riders away, and The Conglomeration finally comes out here.
Mark has scissors to cut Cassidy loose, and the fans boo as The Death Riders still retreat. Cassidy tries to stand up, but he has to use ropes to do it. Even so, Cassidy stands on his own two feet. Moxley eggs on the fans while Cassidy puts his sunglasses on. And then hands up, and then into the pockets! Try as they might, The Death Riders could not break the Freshly Squeezed fighting spirit! Will Cassidy finally become AEW World Champion? Or will Moxley find a way to break Cassidy at Full Gear?
My Thoughts:
A great go-home Dynamite here, though it felt like it contracted Go Home Syndrome. A lot of recap and other promos, but good promos all the same. Good follow-up from last week with Hayter and Hart, that will probably really get going after Full Gear. Good promo from Mariah & Mina to hype up their celebration segment for Full Gear, and with Toni Storm’s announcement of her retirement, you can bet Toni is anything but retired! Toni Storm most assuredly will return very soon, maybe even to ruin the celebration and spark another feud. I still want us to get to Mariah VS Mina but maybe Storm moves things back so that Mariah VS Mina happens in 2025.
Good promo from Private Party to also have AJ & Big Justice show up. The promos didn’t really add much to any of the matches, though. I’m very sure AJ does hit the BOOM on QT to win, and then Private Party finds a way to survive the Fatal 4. Great stuff with Perry, Garcia and Menard, that was another very action movie kind of promo, maybe even like that grittier Batman movie. But with Garcia not sinking to the same lows as Perry, that will be why Garcia loses. Honestly, why not just have Perry blatantly get himself disqualified? What great heat for Perry while keeping Garcia strong in not becoming TNT Champion.
Great promos in this MJF story. I appreciate Cole throwing his support behind Roddy was good, as well as Kyle O’Reilly wanting Cole to just leave it at this. MJF of course insults Roddy over his past while also trashing Cole at the same time, but great response from Roddy. Also I’m not a car guy so it took me a little too long to Google out what car MJF was driving. Anyway, given all these promos, I am very confident MJF wins at Full Gear and then Cole still wants after MJF, only for Kyle to have to fight Cole to make him stop. Then we’ll maybe get Cole VS MJF at Worlds End, or even some time in 2025.
Very good stuff with The Hurt Syndicate, even with them getting jumped by Swerve. Poor Cheeseburger, that’s one fan favorite that got fed to Bobby Lashley. But Swerve getting the better of the Hurt Syndicate again and again tonight, all the more reason Lashley wins at Full Gear. Very good promo vignette from White and Hangman to hype up their grudge match, which still feels it could go either way since they’re tied on the year. And Jericho and Ishii had perhaps simultaneously the most clever and most ridiculous contract signing segment ever. And of course Jericho worked out some sort of trap, only for it to go badly for him and his team. But with that, that means Ishii is losing next week, as I figured he would.
Awesome opening match with the 8 Man, and I liked that they had Hobbs do the “fighting through the pain” angle in the match. Also, great bit with Kyle Fletcher sending Davis into harm’s way so that the Callis Family can get the better of Ospreay’s team. I thought the Faces were going to win here, but the math now says Ospreay finds a way to beat Kyle, and maybe Ricochet takes the International Championship from Konosuke Takeshita. The Continental Classic is coming, and they could easily use that round robin to get Konosuke back to a feud with Kazuchika Okada and they battle for the Continental Championship at Worlds End like we should’ve gotten at WrestleDream.
Awesome match from Kris VS Shida, and I appreciate the crisis of confidence for Shida. Kris gets a great win to go into Full Gear, and then Kris and Shida get the better of Mone & Kamille, so all the more reason Mone finds a way to survive. As for Kamille, I feel like she should ditch Mone for being treated like crap by Mone, and maybe we can get a feud of Mone VS Kamille going into 2025. And of course, plenty of promos from Death Riders and “Team AEW” members. Moxley just kinda went on and on about stuff he’s already said in reference to Cassidy, but I did like Claudio going bilingual in talking trash on Darby.
Awesome matches from those stories, of course. Darby really got thrown around but he continues to show that toughness. Claudio getting the win mostly keeps Darby back so that Darby can build towards a world title match at Worlds End. Cassidy VS Yuta was great stuff, too, with great back and forth of Cassidy wanting to end it quick, having to grit it out with Yuta, and then Cassidy still finding a way to end it with a quick pin. And they did a good job muddying the math. Cassidy wins the match, but the Death Riders beat him down, only for Cassidy to literally stand tall at the end of the show. I still don’t see him taking the world title from Moxley, though, with Darby still in the wings, but this could end up Cassidy’s best match yet.
My Score: 8.9/10
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Will this be the mightiest Tag League yet?
It’s time for NJPW World Tag League 2024, and this year already looks mighty good as IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, Zack Sabre Jr, is in the A Block! Will he and Ryohei Oiwa make everyone #JustTapOut?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kickoff – Shoma Kato VS Masatora Yasuda; Kato wins.
- Six Man Tag: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Jado & Katsuya Murashima VS Taiji Ishimori & The Filip Brothers; Taiji & The Filip Brothers win.
- Six Man Tag: Toru Yano, Boltin Oleg & Tiger Mask VS The House of Torture; The House of Torture wins.
- Six Man Tag: Taichi, Douki & Taka Michinoku VS The United Empire; Taichi, Douki & Taka win.
- Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS TMDK; TMDK wins.
- World Tag League 2024 A Block: Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma VS Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman; Cobb & Callum win.
- World Tag League 2024 A Block: Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji VS Alex Zayne & Ryusuke Taguchi; Takagi & Tsuji win.
- World Tag League 2024 A Block: Bishamon VS KENTA & Chase Owens; Bishamon wins.
- World Tag League 2024 A Block: Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa VS Gabe Kidd & SANADA; ZSJ & Oiwa win.
PLAY BY PLAY
World Tag League 2024 A Block: Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma VS Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman!
The Roughneck is bringing Everyone’s Kokeshi along for the ride, but this league might already be too much to handle. Can Honma help Shota bring about his Paradigm Shift? Or will they just get conquered by the United Empire?
The teams sort out and Shota starts against The Imperial Unit. The bell rings and Shota runs up to RAM Cobb! And RAM! And RAM! Cobb stays up so Shota kicks low. Shota runs to RAM Cobb, but Cobb rebounds to CLOBBER Shota! The fans cheer while Cobb stalks Shota. Cobb brings Shota up to whip him to a corner. Shota comes back to RAM Cobb! Cobb stays up, so Shota clinches! Cobb fights free with elbows, but Shota dodges a lariat to RAM Cobb! Cobb falls over! The fans fire up with Shota, and he brings Cobb up again. Callum runs in so Shota shoves Cobb aside to catch Callum. Shota shoves Callum at Honma for a shoulder tackle!
The fans fire up as Shota keeps moving and he SOMERSAULT SENTONS Callum! Shota then sets up so he and Honma can tabletop Cobb! Cobb sits up into Shota’s SHOTGUN! The fans fire up and Shota tags Honma. The fans rally behind Honma as he CLUBS Cobb. Honma reels Cobb in, but Cobb suplexes first! Cobb SLAMS Honma down, then calls for Callum. Callum rises but Cobb says hold on. The “Cobby Cat” mocks Honma by bopping himself on the head. Cobb then runs to FALLING KOKESHIÂ FLOP! Honma winds up and runs, but Callum is in the way! Cobb runs up, Honma dodges the lariat but Callum tags in.
Cobb dodges Honma, then shoves him at Callum. They pinball Honma around, and Callum BOOTS Honma while Cobb BLASTS Shota! Then Callum & Cobb coordinate to HIGH LOW with a shoulder tackle and leg sweep! The fans cheer and Cobb says You Can’t See Him! Callum stomps Honma, then KICKS him in the back. Honma gets mad but Callum scuffs him again and again. Honma rises, CHOPS, and CHOPS again! Callum CHOPS and pretends that hurt his hand. Callum CLUBS Honma down but the fans rally up. Honma rises to CHOP! And CHOP! And CHOP! Callum kicks low, reels him in, but Honma fights the suplex!
Honma catches Callum’s lariat to spin and DDT! The fans fire up while both men are down! Callum and Honma crawl, but Honma hot tags Shota! Shota rallies on Callum with big elbows! Shota whips, Callum reverses, but SHota ducks ‘n’ dodges to CLOBBER Callum! Cobb runs up, but Shota arm-drags him, then dropkicks the legs out! Cobb bails, Shota fires up, and the fans rally again. Shota whips Callum corner to corner, runs up on him, and UPPERCUTS! Shota reels Callum in for a FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect but Shota doesn’t let that slow him down!
Shota waits on Callum, then runs, but Callum avoids Ignition to hook Shota! Shota fights the backslide so Callum whips him to a corner. Callum runs up but Shota dodges! Shota runs up but Callum goes up and over! Callum keeps moving, but Shota ROCKS him, UPPERCUTS him, and runs! Callum follows to ROCK Shota at the ropes! Callum runs, but then stops to fake out Shota’s dropkick! Shota sits up, but he ducks the Penalty Kick! Shota rolls Callum but Callum rolls through. Shota ROCKS Callum, then spins, but Callum dodges the rolling elbow! DREAMCAST KICK! Shota drops to his knees and the fans fire up!
Callum and Shota crawl, hot tag to Cobb! Cobb runs up to waistlock Shota for a deadlift! Shota fights with elbows, goes to run, but Cobb reels him in for a forearm to the back! Cobb runs, but Shota DROPKICKS him! The fans fire up again and Shota heads for his corner. Hot tag to Honma! The fans rally as Honma CHOPS Cobb, and CHOPS, and CHOPS! Honma puts Cobb in a corner, whips him corner to corner, then runs up. Honma ELBOWS Cobb and hits a BULLDOG! The fans fire up as Honma shows Cobb how it’s done! FALLING KOKESHI- NO! Now Honma FLOPS as Cobb moves! Callum runs up to SHOTGUN Shota off the apron!
The fans fire up as Cobb RAMS Honma into the corner! Callum runs up to forearm SMASH! Callum drops down and Cobb LEAPS over to ELBOW Honma! Callum comes back and Cobb pops him up to the apron! ENZIGIRI, then fireman’s carry! Callum climbs, DOUBLE STOMP ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT! PENALTY KICK and GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT! Cover, Shota breaks it! The fans fire up and Shota TOSSES Callum! Cobb kicks Shota, whips, but Shota reverses to TORNADO DDT! Shota shouts to Honma and the fans fire up again. Honma rises and he storms up on Cobb. Honma & Shota double whip corner to corner!
Honma runs up to LARIAT! Honma feeds Cobb to Shota’s UPPERCUT! Honma LARIATS, Shota clinches, EXPLODER!! The fans cheer and Honma runs, SLIDING KOKESHI! Shota keeps moving, IGNITION! Honma covers, Callum breaks it! Shota stomps Callum out of the ring and leaves the rest to Honma. Honma drags Cobb up, but Cobb fights the suplex! Cobb ROCKS Honma, whips him, but Honma grabs ropes! Honma BOOTS Cobb, and Shota joins in! DOUBLE RUNNING KOKESHI! And then they DOUBLE FALLING KOKESHI! Cover, TWO!! Cobb survives but Shota goes after Callum! CANNONBALL to the floor!
The fans fire up again as Honma climbs! FLYING- NO, Cobb catches Honma! SPINEBUSTER, and FALLING HAMMER! Cover, TWO!! Honma survives and the fans fire up again! But then Cobb reels Honma in, for a TOUR OF THE ISLAND!! Cover, United Empire wins!
Winners: Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Shota & Honma earn 0)
A powerful showing from “The Kokeshi Brothers,” but they could not bring down Callum & Cobb. With the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships already on Great-O-Khan & Henare, will The United Empire completely dominate the NJPW Heavyweight Tag Division?
World Tag League 2024 A Block: Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji VS Alex Zayne & ???
Los Ingobernables de Japon’s heavy formation is in this block, ready to rampage like twin dragons. If only The Sauce could’ve brought his own monster back. Who will be the substitute for Lance Archer? And can he help heat things up?
Zayne makes his entrance before anyone else, and asks to speak on the mic. A mic is given, and Zayne says, “Kon’nichiwa.” The fans applaud, and Zayne explains that when he was contacted this year for WTL, he was also informed that Lance Archer could not make it. Zayne knew he had to do one thing: find the most “delicious” tag partner he could find. And that man is… RYUSUKE TAGUCHI!? The fans can’t believe the Funky Weapon is joining Zayne in this tournament! And he wears a green version of Zayne’s gear! Are things about to get really spicy now?
The teams sort out, and Takagi is in disbelief. LIJ fist bumps and the fans applaud. Taguchi and Zayne bow, “Itadakimasu,” and Zayne starts against Yota. They circle, tie up, and Yota powers Zayne back. But Zayne powers Yota back! Yota powers up to power Zayne onto the ropes, but Zayne turns things around. The ref counts, Zayne lets off slowly with a pat on the shoulders, but Yota plays with Zayne’s hair. Zayne smirks and Yota grins as the two reset. They circle, tie up, and are in a deadlock. Yota headlocks, but Zayne powers up and out. Yota RAMS Zayne but neither man falls. Fans cheer as Yota grins and Zayne plays with his own hair.
Things speed up suddenly, and Zayne sidesteps. Yota bucks the O’Conner Roll, then gets around Zayne. Zayne ELBOWS Yota away to a corner. Zayne runs up to BACK ELBOW and go to the apron in one go! Then he slingshots to RANA! Yota has a rough tumble, but he stands back up. Zayne runs up again, dodges the lariat and waistlocks, only to bring Yota back and run. Yota sidesteps Zayne then drops down, only for Zayne to IMPLODER KNEE DROP! The fans fire up but Zayne keeps moving, STANDING MARIPOSA! The fans cheer more while Zayne grins at Takagi. Zayne brings Yota up, tags Taguchi, and they double whip.
“Funky Sauce” misdirects Yota to hit a BULLDOG then basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer and Taguchi stomps Yota. Taguchi brings Yota up, kicks low, then whips. Yota reverses but Taguchi RANAS! A little slippery, but then Zayne BLASTS Takagi off the apron! Funky Sauce takes aim, Taguchi PLANCHASÂ but flops as Yota moves! Zayne is on the apron but Takagi YANKS Zayne down! The fans rally but Takagi hauls Zayne up to whip him into railing! Yota drags Taguchi up and puts him in the ring. Takagi gets the fans fired up, then he stands Taguchi up. LIJ double whip Taguchi to then DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE!
The fans cheer and then Takagi SENTONS! Yota SPLASHES down! Cover, TWO! Taguchi stays in this but Yota tags Takagi. The fans rally and duel while Takagi stands Taguchi up. Takagi bumps Taguchi off buckles, RAMS into him again and again, then digs his shoulder in. The ref counts, Takagi steps back, and he snapmares Taguchi down. Tag to Yota and Yota drags Taguchi up. Yota snapmares Taguchi to ROCK him in the back! Taguchi falls back, Yota tags Takagi, and LIJ drags Taguchi up. They DOUBLE ATOMIC DROP! Taguchi hobbles in pain, falls to his knees, and Takagi BLASTS Zayne off the apron!
Takagi gets annoyed with this Funky Sauce, but Taguchi fires off CHOPS! Taguchi runs, but Takagi easily dodges the hip attack! Takagi then suplexes Taguchi high and hard! Cover, TWO! Taguchi survives and the fans fire up. Takagi hears the fans dueling as he stomps Taguchi. Takagi KNEES Taguchi against the ropes again and again, then whips, for another KNEE! Takagi runs, but into a SOMERSAULT HIP ATTACK! The fans fire up while both men are down! Taguchi and Takagi crawl, hot tag to Zayne! Zayne jumps in and DECKS Takagi, then he BLASTS Yota! Zayne swats a lariat to fire elbow after ELBOW!
Takagi blocks the superkick to CLUB the leg! Yota joins in, LIJ whips Zayne, but Zayne KICKS Takagi, mule kicks Yota, and runs, DOUBLE SOMERSAULT KICKS! The fans fire up and Zayne runs at Takagi. Takagi ELBOWS Zayne, BOOTS him, then goes up. Zayne returns to JUMPING STEINERS! The fans fire up while Zayne covers, TWO! Takagi stays in this but Zayne brings him right up. Zayne goes to scoop but Takagi fights it! Zayne CHOPS, scoops, and BAJA- NO, Takagi slips free! SLIDING- NO, Zayne dodges! Zayne mule kicks, runs, but into the ELBOW! JAB! YUKONÂ feint and DDT! Both men are down again and the fans fire back up!
Takagi pounds the mat, the fans rally behind him, and he crawls, hot tag to Yota! Yota fires up and the fans are with him. Yota brings Zayne around to whip, but Zayne stops himself. Zayne dodges Yota, Yota dodges Zayne, and both men kick low! Yota comes back to BOOT! The fans cheer and Yota brings Zayne up again. Yota fireman’s carries but Zayne fights free. Yota ROCKS Zayne first! Yota tries another fireman’s carry but Zayne sunset flips it! TWO, and both men stand! Zayne rolls Yota, BASEMENT ENZIGIRI! Zayne hurries to hot tag Taguchi! Taguchi HIP ATTACKS in a corner! Taguchi goes corner to corner, for another HIP ATTACK!
Taguchi keeps moving, but Yota runs up! Taguchi dropkicks Yota’s legs out! The fans fire up and Taguchi keeps going! Another dropkick to legs, then a LEG SWEEP! Taguchi rolls Yota into the OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Zayne BOOTS Takagi off the apron! Yota scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Taguchi lets go but he brings Yota back up. Taguchi traps Yota and Zayne runs in to ELBOW! Zayne then sets up and Taguchi runs, SHOTGUN IN MOTION! Taguchi then brings Yota out to GOURD BUSTER! The fans fire up as Zayne climbs! But Yota KICKS Taguchi away, then GAMANGIRIS Zayne off the corner!
Taguchi kicks Yota, runs, but into a scoop and BACKBREAKER! Takagi slides in, and he finds the camera, “TOKI GA KITA!” The fans fire up as the time has come, and they join in on a chant of “OI! OI! OI!” LIJ whips Taguchi to a corner, then Yota runs in to ELBOW! Takagi whips Yota back in to SPLASH! Takagi adds a LARIAT, then feeds Taguchi to a BOOT! BLINDSIDE LARIAT! SUPERKICK! Taguchi is down, Yota covers, TWO! Taguchi stays in this and the fans fire up. Takagi stands Taguchi up and throws him to Yota for a POWERBOMB! Cover, Zayne breaks it! Takagi drags Zayne up, LIJ mugs him, but he fights back with CHOPS!
The fans fire up but Yota spins Zayne around to facelock, and Takagi wheelbarrows. Yota helps Takagi swing Taguchi down, then up for a BOOSTED WHEELBARROW GERMAN!! The fans fire up and Takagi leaves it to Yota. Yota takes aim and the fans rally. Taguchi rises, Yota runs in, GENE- LEG DROP!? And then La Magistrol! TWO!! Yota escapes in time, but Taguchi spins him to a backslide! TWO!! Yota escapes again! But Taguchi ENZIGIRIS! Taguchi fires up and the fans are with him! But Takagi LARIATS! GENE TRIGGER! PUMPING BOMBER!! And now Yota loads up, for the GENE BLASTER!! Cover, LIJ wins!
Winners: Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Zayne & Taguchi earn 0)
The Funky Sauce was hot, but they’re the ones that got burned! Will they be able to spice things up in the second round? Will Takagi & Tsuji keep the tag league tranquilo?
World Tag League 2024 A Block: Bishamon VS KENTA & Chase Owens!
Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi once again clash with The Fang & The Jewel, both sides hungry for gold. Will it be Lights Out in the opening round? Or will someone just #Go2Sleep?
The teams sort out but then Bullet Club just attacks! Chase is after Goto and Kenta is after Hashi, and they put each man in corners. The bell rings to get this on record as Kenta TOSSES Hashi. Chase CHOKES Goto in the corner, then stands on him! The ref reprimands and Chase lets off to bring Goto up. Chase ROCKS Goto, whips him, and Kenta POSTS Hashi! Chase hits a big hip toss then covers, TWO! The fans rally up while Chase stomps Goto’s leg. Chase scrapes his sole off Goto’s face, and Kenta whips Hashi again. Hashi reverses and Kenta hits railing in front of English commentary! Chase ROCKS Goto, CHOPS him, then whips.
Goto grabs ropes to stop, then he BOOTS Chase! Hashi returns and Bishamon DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! Then ZENMAI! Kenta returns but Bishamon kicks him first. “Se no!” Bishamon BEATS Kenta like a drum! The fans cheer and Bishamon flexes. Goto then goes back to Chase to stomp and CLUB him down. Goto kicks Chase, Chase shoves Goto and ROCKS him with a forearm! Goto knees Chase low, runs, but Chase TOSSES Goto out! Goto hurries back up, he counter punches Chase, and then counter punches Kenta! Chase slips out to YANK Goto down and THROW him into railing! Kenta intercepts Hashi with a kick!
Kenta whips Hashi away into railing while Chase sends Goto into other railing! The ref reprimands but Chase brings Goto through the gate. Chase has fans move out of the way, but then brings Goto back to ringside. Chase grins as he trolls the fans and pushes Goto into the ring. Kenta CLUBS away on Hashi before leaving him behind. Chase pulls on Goto’s arms then TWEAKS Goto’s neck! Not a twist, but equally painful. Chase tags Kenta while the fans rally for “GO-TO-O! GO-TO-O!” Kenta pushes Goto into the corner, Goto hits Chase, but Kenta RAMS Goto! The ref reprimands and counts as Kenta RAMS Goto more!
Kenta sits Goto down, and digs his boot in! The ref counts, Kenta stops at 4, and he tags Chase back in. They stomp Goto more, then Chase headlocks for a sucker punch! Cover, TWO! Chase drags Goto up and he bumps Goto off Kenta’s boot. Tag to Kenta and Bullet Club double whips. They DOUBLE ELBOW Goto down then Kenta covers, TWO! Kenta covers again, TWO! Kenta argues with the ref but the count was fair. Kenta drops an elbow, drops another elbow, then covers, TWO! Kenta gets mad at Hashi for no reason, but the fans rally up for Goto. Kenta CLUBS Goto, but Goto fires CHOPS in return!
Kenta knees low, whips Goto to a corner, but Goto reverses. Goto runs up but into a BOOT! Kenta runs but Goto follows! Goto avoids Chase’s cheap shot to LARIAT Kenta! The fans fire up while Goto and Kenta are down! Goto crawls, hot tag to Hashi! The fans fire up as Hahsi BLASTS Chase! Kenta kicks Hashi low then whips him to a corner. Kenta runs up but Hashi CHOPS in return! And mule kicks! And turns Kenta for a NECKBREAKER! The fans fire up and Hashi watches Kenta. Hashi waits on Kenta to rise, then runs up to CHOP! Hashi hoists Kenta up to hang him out to dry! The fans fire up as Hashi runs, and he DROPKCISK Kenta down! Cover, TWO!
The fans cheer Hashi on as he brings Kenta up. Hashi reels Kenta in, lifts, but Kenta fights with fists! Kenta slips free of the bomb, then slips around Hashi to spin and- NO, Hashi suplexes first! But Kenta slips free again, and he spins Hashi around, to SPIKE DDT! Hashi is stood up on his head before falling over, and Kenta tags in Chase. Chase brings Hashi up and fireman’s carries. Hashi fights free of that, but Chase slips around to half nelson, lift, and SWINGING FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Hashi survives but Chase says time to end this! Chase takes aim, C- NO, Hashi dodges the trigger! Chase knees low, runs, but Hashi dropkicks the legs!
The fans fire up whiel both men are down! Chase clutches his leg while Hashi crawls. Hot tag to Goto! Goto runs at Chase to LARIAT in the corner! Goto whips corner to corner, runs up again, but Chase BOOTS him! But Goto comes back! Only for Chase to BUCKLE SHOT and STO, then SENTON! Kenta steps in and Bullet Club drags Goto up. But Goto fires forearms and CHOPS! Kenta SOBATS! Chase KICKS! Kenta ROUNDHOUSES! Goto sits up into the “I HATE YOU!” PENALTY KICK! Cover, but Hashi breaks it! Kenta TOSSES Hashi then goes out after him. Chase drags Goto up and reels him in.
Chase tucks the arms but Goto fights the lift! Goto wrenches out but Chase ROCKS him first! Chase runs, Goto follows, but Chase ENZIGIRIS! Goto stays up, but the C-TRIGGER hits! Cover, TWO!! Goto survives but Chase hurries up! C-TRIGGER POINT BLANK!! And then the tuck for the PACKAGE PILE- NO, Hashi hits a BLOCKBUSTER! The fans fire up, Kenta BOOTS Hashi! Goto fireman’s carries Kenta but Kenta slips free! Kenta shoves Goto into Hashi, then waistlocks Goto. Goto fights the lift, and then ducks, HIDDEN GAP SUPERKICK for Kenta! The fans fire up as Bishamon regroups.
Hashi drags Chase up, whips him to Goto, but Chase BOOTS Goto! Chase swings on Hashi but Hashi ducks the lariat. Hashi powers Chase to ropes, Goto BLINDSIDE LARIATS, and then Hashi rolls Chase. Goto drags Chase up, Hashi has the legs! Chase BOOTS Hashi away! Chase then slips around to dragon sleeper, to steal G T- NO, Goto drops down to victory roll! Chase stands up, into a SUPERKICK! Goto drags Chase around while Hashi BLASTS Kenta! Dragon sleeper and SHOTO!! Cover, Bishamon wins!!
Winners: Bishamon, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Kenta & Chase earn 0)
Another classic in this storied rivalry, worthy of the titles themselves! Will this first win be the win that leads the Fierce Warrior & Headhunter back to the titles? Can Kenta & Chase borrow a page from Bishamon and #GetBackUp in the next round?
World Tag League 2024 A Block: Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa VS Gabe Kidd & SANADA!
TMDK has a team in each block, doubling their chances of taking this league. But perhaps burying the lead is the fact that THE IWGP World Heavyweight Champion is joining in the fun! Will The Front Man & The Mullet rock this league right from the start? Or will the Mad Man and the turncoat Cold Skull get this tournament #WarReady?
The teams sort out but Oiwa gets in Gabe’s face. Gabe pushes Oiwa, they start, and they tie up at the bell. The fans rally as Oiwa and Gabe are in a deadlock. They go around at center, then Oiwa digs his heels in to push Gabe back. Gabe turns things around to put Oiwa on ropes, but Red Shoes calls the break. Gable lets off, to then CHOP! Gabe scoops and SLAMS Oiwa, then he goes for legs. Oiwa UPKICKS Gabe, then stands up to scoop and SLAM Gabe! Gabe UPKICKS back, both men get up and go face to face. Then they go forearm for forearm! The fans rally as Oiwa gets the edge, but Gabe CHOPS!
Gabe headlocks. Oiwa powers up and out, and they RAM shoulders! Gabe eggs OIwa on and he runs to RAM Gabe! They both run now, and they RAM shoulders again, and again, and again! Gabe CHOPS then runs, but Oiwa CLOBBERS Gabe! The fans fire up while Gabe bails out. Oiwa eggs Gabe on and Gabe snarls. Gabe shakes the railing in frustration, then he paces around the outside. Gabe cools off, slides in, but then tags Sanada. Sanada steps in slowly, so Oiwa tags in ZSJ. The two rivals circle and the afns rally behind “ZAKKU! ZAKKU!” ZSJ and Sanada feel things out, knuclke lock, and ZSJ rolls to wrench.
Sanada is already frustrated so he kicks ZSJ low! Sanada TOSSES ZSJ out and then Gabe goes after Oiwa! Gabe CHOPS away on Oiwa while Sanada sends ZSJ into railing! And then more railing! Gabe does the same to Oiwa, and Sanada storms up on ZSJ. Sanada CLAWS ZSJ’s back, a definite attitude change showing. Gabe Too Sweets with Taiji Ishimori on commentary while Sanada pushes ZSJ into the ring. Sanada whips ZSJ to a corner, but ZSJ goes up, under, around, and RAMS into Sanada! ZSJ snapmares, Sanada handsprings through, but ZSJ UPPERCUTS him down! Tag to Oiwa and he BLASTS Gabe!
Oiwa goes back to Sanada and stands him up. Oiwa wrenches an arm, YANKS it, then wrenches to YANK it again. Oiwa tags ZSJ and ZSJ brings Sanada around to wrench, step over, and wrangle into a mounted armbar! Sanada endures as ZSJ bends the fingers and isolates the arm, to STOMP it! The fans cheer, ZSJ tags Oiwa, and Oiwa CLUBS Sanada’s arm. Oiwa headlocks for a takeover, then isolates the arm in an short arm scissor! The fans rally while Sanada endures and kicks around. Sanada reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Red Shoes calls it, Oiwa lets Sanada go, but then Oiwa brings Sanada up.
Oiwa whips, Sanada reverses, and Gabe trips Oiwa up! Sanda BLASTS ZSJ while Oiwa drags Oiwa out of the ring! Now things spill out into the crowd! Gabe CHOPS Oiwa, then SMACKS him off empty chairs! Sanada BOWLS ZSJ into chairs! Not quite a strike, so Sanada JAMS ZSJ up with a chair! That picks up the spare, and we can hear Gabe’s CHOPS on Oiwa echo out. Gabe stomps Oiwa while Sanada CHOKES ZSJ with a chair! Red Shoes reprimands the War Dogs, but Gabe POSTS Oiwa! Gabe says War Dogs run this, but Red Shoes starts a ring count. Gabe flexes on Oiwa, then drags him up at 7 of 20.
Gabe puts Oiwa in at 10 and Sanada covers, TWO! Oiwa stays in this and the fans rally behind him. Sanada is annoyed but he brings Oiwa up. Sanada CLUBS Oiwa, then bumps him off Gabe’s boot. Oiwa sputters while Sanada tags Gabe in. Gabe drags Oiwa up, mockingly asks where Zack-senpai went, then he UPPERCUTS Oiwa down. Gabe TOSSES Oiwa out, and he BLASTS ZSJ off the apron! Sanada whips Oiwa into railing! Gabe lifts ZSJ bu tZSJ wrenches free to KIMURA! Gabe powers through, to BITE ZSJ on the forehead! Sanada sends Oiwa into more railing, Gabe sends ZSJ through railing and into chairs!
Sanada BOWLS Oiwa into chairs now, there is the strike! Sanada continues to show his new edge as he JAMS Oiwa up with a chair. Red Shoes reprimands so Sanada brings Oiwa back to ringside. Sanada puts Oiwa in for Gabe and Gabe pushes Oiwa to a cover. Red Shoes says no, all the shenanigans were not right. Gabe gets in Red Shoes’ face about that, but Red Shoes stands his ground. Gabe storms around while the fans rally behind Oiwa. Gabe drags Oiwa up, to CHOP! Oiwa wobbles but he rises up. Oiwa CHOPS, and CHOPS, and fires forearms! Gabe DECKS Oiwa with just one! The fans still rally for Oiwa but Gabe stands on Oiwa’s face!
Gabe soaks up the heat, scuffs Oiwa and stomps him around. Oiwa sits up, Gabe runs, but Oiwa reels him in! Gabe fights the waistlock, runs, but into a SNAP GERMAN! The fans fire up while both men are down! Oiwa and Gabe crawl, hot tags to ZSJ and Sanada! The fans fire up as ZSJ dodges Sanada, full nelsons, then spins him to a headlock. Sanada powers out but ZSJ catches him to a COBRA TWIST! Sanada powers out to HIP TOSS, but ZJS UP KICKS! Sanada avoids the Penalty Kick, blocks the boot, but ZSJ steps through the dragon screw to NECK TWIST! And basment DROPKICK! The fans fire up and we’ve only hit 10 minutes!
ZSJ drags Sanada up, UPPERCUTS him, then UPPERCUTS again! Sanada blocks the next to spin and suplex, but ZSJ says no to the Magic Screw! NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! Sanada escapes but ZSJ stays focused. ZSJ stands Sanada up to scoop, but Sanada slips free. ZSJ fights the waistlock, runs, but into a dropkick to the legs! Sanada then DROPKICKS ZSJ down! Sanada fireman’s carries but ZSJ slips free, to have the IRON OCTOPUS! The fans rally while Sanada endures, and Sanada powers out to have a leg! DROPPING DRAGON SCREW! ZSJ clutches the leg and Sanada takes aim! SHINING-
NO, ZSJ ducks, but Sanada catches him to a backslide! ZSJ rolls through to NECK TWIST! Tag to Oiwa and Oiwa BLASTS Gabe off the apron! Oiwa goes back to Sanada and brings him up. Oiwa whips Sanada to ropes, ELBOWS Him down, then ZSJ PENALTY KICKS Sanada! Oiwa deadlift GUT RWENCH PLEXES! Cover, Gabe breaks it! Gabe CHOPS away on ZSJ and Oiwa, but ZSJ blocks! Oiwa DOUBLE CHOPS! ZSJ UPPERCUTS! ZSJ & Oiwa DOUBLE DROPKICK Gabe down! The fans fire up with Oiwa and he clamps onto Sanada with a SLEEPER! Sanada endures and fights up, but Oiwa thrashes him around!
Sanada still fights to his feet, slips around the back, and shoves Oiwa to ropes. Gabe trips Oiwa up! Oiwa kicks at Gabe but Sanada kicks ropes to jam Oiwa up! Sanada suplexes Oiwa into the MAGIC SCREW! Both men are down but the fans rally up again. Sanada crawls over, tag to Gabe, and Gabe storms right up on Oiwa. Gabe UPPERCUTS Oiwa right down! Gabe then puts Oiwa in a corner to fire off forearm after forearm! Red Shoes reprimands and counts, but Gabe digs his boots in while talking trash. Gabe shoves Red Shoes aside so he can keep stomping away on Oiwa! The fans rally and Red Shoes backs Gabe off.
Gabe seethes but the fans continue to rally for Oiwa. Oiwa grits his teeth as he sits up, but Gabe ROCKS him with another shot! Oiwa still looks up defiantly at Gabe, so Gabe fires shots! Gabe says Oiwa’s not worthy of being his NJPW Strong Openweight Challenger. Gabe says Oiwa’s just some “weak ass kohai!” Gabe SPITS on Oiwa, but Oiwa gets in Gabe’s face! Gabe fires slapping strikes, blocks a shot, then SLAPS Oiwa again! Oiwa spins to DOUBLE CHOP Gsbe down! Sanada runs up and kicks low! Sanada whips, Oiwa reverses, but Sanada reverses back, RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! ZSJ PENALTY KICKS Sanada!
Gabe runs up, ZSJ BOOTS him first! Gabe runs back in, slips out of the scoop, and he scoops ZSJ for EMERALD FLOWSON!! But Oiwa spins Gabe! Gabe avoids The Grip, runs, but into a LARIAT!! Cover, TWO!! Oiwa is frustrated but the fans rally behind him. Oiwa hauls Gabe up, ANACONDA PLEX!! Cover, TWO!! Gabe survives again but Oiwa roars! Oiwa drags Gabe up, reels him in, but Gabe fights the gut wrench! Gabe CLUBS Oiwa on the back, then he gut wrenches! Oiwa fights back, wrenches out, and he blocks a lariat to spin. Gabe HAYMAKERS, and SAIDOS!! Gabe crawls his way to the cover, TWO!!
The fans are thunderous as Oiwa survives! Gabe snarls and he drags Oiwa up. Gabe says this is the end. But Oiwa fights the suplex! Oiwa suplexes, but Gabe fights it! Oiwa still tries, but Gabe slips out to waistlock. Sanada DROPKCIKS Oiwa, Gabe UPPERCUTS! Gabe & Sanada work together to DOUBLE SUPLEX! Gabe suplexes again, BRAINBUSTER!! Cover, ZSJ BREAKS IT! Sanada TOSSES ZSJ out and tells Gabe to finish this! ZSJ RAMS Sanada, they brawl outside, and Gabe slashes his throat. Gabe drags Oiwa up, reels him in, but Oia slips through the gut wrench to backslide! TWO, and Gabe UPPERCUTS!
Gabe runs, but ZSJ is back! He BOOTS Gabe but Gabe SLAPS ZSJ! ZSJ KICKS the haymaker away to then ROUNDHOUSE Gabe! Sanada’s in to dragon sleeper! ZSJ arm-drags free, but Sanada comes back to SHINING WIZARD! Sanada then drags ZSJ up, but ZSJ scoops first! ZACK DRIVER!! ZSJ and Sanada flop out of the ring, leaving Oiwa and Gabe to rise up. They run at each other, to DOUBLE LARIAT! neither man falls, they DOUBLE LARIAT again! Gabe UPPERCUTS! Oiwa PALM STRIKES! Gabe PALM STRIKES, CHOPS, JABS, rebounds, into a roll-up! Hig stack, TMDK WINS!!
Winners: Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa, by pinfall
Gabe is in shock! He gets right in Red Shoes’ face but Red Shoes says it was a fair count! Gabe then goes after Oiwa to CLOBBER him! The fans boo and Young Lions rush in, but Gabe eggs Oiwa on! So Oiwa obliges and they brawl among the fans! The Young Lions rush in to separate the two, but Gabe gets loose to CLOBBER Oiwa! They scrap, ZSJ joins in, and he pulls the two apart. Gabe kicks a chair in frustration, then goes into retreat. Wait, Oiwa chases Gabe to the ramp and beats him down! Young Lions again scramble in to stop this, but it just heads to the back! Sanada shrugs it off, will the #ColdWarDogs just have to try harder in the next round?
As for the winners, well, they’re no longer ringside so there won’t be any in-ring closing words. Backstage interviews begin, Gabe promises Oiwa will be put in the ground! Will the Mad Man show The Mullet what it takes to be NJPW Strong? As for ZSJ, he gathers himself, and tells NJPW Media that he doesn’t know where The Mullet went. Actually, no, he has an idea: The Mullet must be smashing the s*it outta Gabe. “Roy The Mullet” is the next NJPW Strong Openweight Champion! Oiwa will hit Gabe so hard, his legs will turn into trombones! As for ZSJ, there is something rare happening in this year’s WTL, isn’t it?
Yes, it’s that the IWGP World EFFIN’ Heavyweight Champion is involved, as this should be! The first time the world champion’s been in this tournament in roughly a decade! ZSJ said he was gonna be a different kind of world champion for NJPW, and that he promises to take NJPW back to the top! Now obviously, a conflict of interests, as this tournament is Shane Haste’s & Mikey Nicholls’ to win, but ZSJ won’t give the boys an easy ride. ZSJ is dreaming~ of an all TMDK World Tag League finals! Then who knows, maybe Zack & Roy get the job done.
But ZSJ knows the Tokyo Dome is coming soon. And Shota Umino wants to be ZSJ’s challenger. ZSJ says he will be keeping his eyes wide open for Shota. ZSJ says he’ll have a DOUBLE main event in the Tokyo Dome, it’s in the bag. What about you, Shota? The Front Man heads out, having put the pressure on his challenger, but will all of NJPW soon belong to TMDK?
Here are the A Block standings!
Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa: 1-0, 2 points
Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman: 1-0, 2 points
Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji: 1-0, 2 points
Bishamon: 1-0, 2 points
Gabe Kidd & Sanada: 0-1, 0 points
Kenta & Chase Owens: 0-1, 0 points
Alex Zayne & Ryusuke Taguchi: 0-1, 0 points
Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma: 0-1, 0 points
My Thoughts:
A great start to World Tag League 2024, with just A Block opening things tonight. I will say those tune-up matches were interesting. Even though David Finlay is the Global Champion, it’s Taiji Ishimori that has apparently become Bullet Club’s international ambassador. Taiji brought Robbie X into the group, now he teamed with The Filip Brothers, Tome & Stevie, who knows who else Bone Soldier will recruit. Taiji’s team beating Tanahashi’s team, House of Torture cheating and beating Tanahashi’s friends, this is all putting the pressure on The Ace, meaning The Ace will win out at WrestleKingdom 19.
Shota Umino teaming with Tomoaki Honma, I wonder if this is to hold Shota back somehow. He is apparently still heading for WrestleKingdom and a world title match with ZSJ, so it’s not like Shota needs to win WTL, but I guess NJPW just wants Shota to give the fans a good time alongside a fan favorite like Honma. Also, Callum & Cobb have a fun new shirt for their team-up. I figured Zayne would need to improvise now that #MonsterSauce is no longer happening, and Taguchi was a great surprise choice. But #FunkySauce making its debut against a team as strong as Takagi & Tsuji was a shame because of course LIJ was winning that. Maybe Zayne & Taguchi can pull off a spoiler victory later on, but I don’t see Funky Sauce going that strong.
Bishamon VS Kenta & Chase really was an awesome match, and it is so surprising how Chase has grown in just the past couple years. Great win for Goto & Hashi, though, as they’re clearly the solid utility choices in the tag division. And what an awesome main event, with Sanada bringing out the most Heel stuff he’s done perhaps ever. A bit jarring really, but that’s just kinda old fashioned Heel turns for ya. Great win for TMDK, though, and definitely an unorthodox way of closing by having Oiwa and Gabe brawl all over ringside and into the back.
While ZSJ says it is big for the world champ to be in this tournament, which I do agree with on some level, it also makes some of the A Block action seem secondary. Gabe and Oiwa having their grudge was kinda the main motivator behind this match, and then it’ll be similar when Shota & Honma VS ZSJ & Oiwa happens. There is the added drama of, “What if someone pins ZSJ? Will they get a world title match before WK19?” Maybe Shota solidifies his WK title match by being the one that pins ZSJ in their match, but it all just feels like more flash than substance. No one else is going to pin ZSJ, Oiwa probably takes whatever losses their team will take, so A Block’s story suffers for it.
My Score: 8.9/10
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Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu Results & Report! (10/31/24)
IT'S TIME!
Hockey Talk- Jet Setters [102924]
Hockey Talk looks at the red-hot start to the season of the Winnipeg Jets and discusses how the defending champion...
Mitchell’s AEW Dynamite Results & Report! (11/20/24)
Dynamite is Freshly Squeezed!
Greg DeMarco Show: Looks That Kill
Patrick O'Dowd went to Arizona and he and Greg had themselves an extended weekend with IZW Looks That Kill!
Mitchell’s NJPW World Tag League Results & Report! (11/19/24)
It's Tag Season again!
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (11/19/24)
There's a lot on the line tonight!
Classic POD is WAR: What Is Thank You Alex Trebek? (111220)
The Chairshot, brings you THE podcast that will absolutely have you questioning everything you thought you knew about professional wrestling,...
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (11/18/24)
It's a BIG night!
#TheOddity 018: That’s Alot Of Chalamets
Join Dave Wortz and PC Tunney for your weekly newsletter on the ridiculous and dumb of actual headlines from around...
Mitchell’s AEW Collision Results & Report! (11/16/24)
Championship or Bust!
Mindless Wrestling Podcast: Posthumously? Really??
Smash or Trash is back this week as the guys are talking beverages! Plus, some thoughts on the Mike Tyson/Jake...
Mitchell’s AEW Rampage Results & Report! (11/15/24)
Ricochet is on a Rampage!
