Connect with us

Coverage

Mitchell’s NJPW Best of the Super Juniors Results & Report! (5/28/22)

BOSJ, round seven!

Published

on

NJPW BOSJ 29

Who gets lucky? And whose luck runs out?

NJPW enters the Best of the Super Junior’s home stretch now! Will Ace Austin still lead A Block? Will B Block’s traffic jam clear up?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Best of the Super Juniors 29 A Block: Yoshinobu Kanemaru VS Francesco Akira; Akira wins.
  • Best of the Super Juniors 29 A Block: Clark Connors VS Taiji Ishimori; Ishimori wins.
  • Best of the Super Juniors 29 B Block: Titan VS BUSHI; Titan wins.
  • Best of the Super Juniors 29 A Block: Ryusuke Taguchi VS YOH; Taguchi wins.
  • Best of the Super Juniors 29 A Block: Ace Austin VS SHO; Sho wins.
  • Best of the Super Juniors 29 B Block: Master Wato VS Wheeler Yuta; Yuta wins.
  • Best of the Super Juniors 29 B Block: TJP VS El Phantasmo; ELP wins.
  • Best of the Super Juniors 29 B Block: Robbie Eagles VS EL LINDAMAN; Eagles wins.
  • Best of the Super Juniors 29 A Block: Hiromu Takahashi VS Alex Zayne; Hiromu wins.
  • Best of the Super Juniors 29 B Block: El Desperado VS DOUKI; Desperado wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Here are the current standings in A Block!

Ace Austin: 5-1, 10 points
Taiji Ishimori: 4-2, 8 points
Alex Zayne: 4-2, 8 points
YOH: 3-3, 6 points
SHO: 3-3, 6 points
Hiromu Takahashi: 3-3, 6 points
Clark Connors: 3-3, 6 points
Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 2-4, 4 points
Francesco Akira: 2-4, 4 points
Ryusuke Taguchi: 1-5, 2 points

 

Here are the current standings for B Block!

El Desperado: 4-2, 8 points
El Phantasmo: 4-2, 8 points
El Lindaman: 4-2, 8 points
Robbie Eagles: 3-3, 6 points
Wheeler Yuta: 3-3, 6 points
TJP: 3-3, 6 points
Douki: 3-3, 6 points
Bushi: 3-3, 6 points
Master Wato: 2-4, 4 points
Titan: 1-5, 2 points

 

Best of the Super Juniors 29 A Block: Yoshinobu Kanemaru VS Francesco Akira!

Two men on the backend meet, but the Heel Master fell to the Wild Rhino while Bruciare burned Direct Drive. Will Kanemaru wash Akira out with whiskey? Or will Kanemaru get himself a taste of Fireball?

As soon as Kanemaru throws off his shirt, he rushes Akira! Kanemaru kicks, CLUBS and CLUBS and CLUBS Akira, then stomps him down! The bell rings, Kanemaru stomps Akira to the corner, then whips him to ropes. Akira dodges, tilt-o-whirls and headscissors! Fans fire up and Akira goes to the corner to TRIANGLE JUMP DROPKICK Kanemaru down! Fans fire up with “A! KI-RA! A! KI-RA!” and Akira builds speed. Kanemaru gets back in and dropkicks the legs out! Fans rally, Kanemaru gets Akira’s leg and SMASHES it on the mat! Kanemaru gets Akira up and gets the leg for a SHINBREAKER!

Akira writhes and fans applaud as Kanemaru storms up on him. Kanemaru stands on Akira’s leg at the ropes but the ref reprimands and counts. Kanemaru lets off at 4, and he laughs at Akira as he brings him up. Akira hits back with a forearm but Kanemaru kicks his leg out! Kanemaru YANKS the leg, then drags Akira around to drop an elbow on the knee. And another! And then the toehold! Akira endures, fans rally, but Kanemaru cranks the hold. Akira reaches out, drags Kanemaru along, and gets the ROPEBREAK! Fans applaud and Kanemaru lets off, but he drags Akira away to stomp the leg! Kanemaru then brings Akira up, but Akira throws a right!

Akira hobbles on the one leg, CHOPS, but Kanemaru kicks the leg out! Kanemaru whips, then dropkicks the leg again! Cover, TWO! Fans rally, Kanemaru drags Akira by his bad leg again, and SMASHES the knee into the mat! Akira writhes and grits his teeth, and he manages to make it to ropes. Kanemaru kicks the leg again, stalks Akira to a corner, but Akira throws body shots. Kanemaru digs his boot into knee, Akira grabs at Kanemaru’s hair but Kanemaru rakes Akira’s eyes! Kanemaru then puts Akira’s bad leg on the ropes and pulls! The ref reprimands and counts, Akira throws forearms, but Kanemaru dropkicks the leg!

Fans rally as Akira gets his leg free, but Kanemaru goes outside and drags Akira into the corner. Kanemaru SLAMS the bad leg on the apron! Then Kanemaru ties the legs up against the post! Akira grabs at Kanemaru’s hair, the ref counts, and Kanemaru lets go. Akira crawls away from the corner but Kanemaru stomps the leg. Akira eggs Kanemaru on? Kanemaru keeps stomping, then he dropkicks the leg again! Kanemaru drags Akira around and digs his knees into the knee! Kanemaru has another toehold but Akira kicks with his free leg! Akira gets free, scrambles and kicks again, but Kanemaru catches the good leg to stomp the bad leg!

Kanemaru drags Akira up, reels him in, but Akira fights the shinbreaker with elbows! Kanemaru lets go but he kicks the leg, then tries again. Akira sunset flips through, TWO! Kanemaru kicks low, runs, but Akira manages to follow, wheelbarrow, and victory roll, STOMP 182! Both men are down and fans rally up! Akira gets up, hobbles and is in the corner. But he manages to run corner to corner to clothesline! Akira tries keep moving but the bad leg won’t let him. Akira reels Kanemaru in but Kanemaru blocks the suplex. Kanemaru CLUBS the bad leg, then suplexes Akira. Akira fights that, and manages a GOURD BUSTER!

Fans fire up as Akira gets back up and BUZZSAWS Kanemaru down! Cover, TWO! Fans rally for “A! KI-RA!” as Akira brings Kanemaru back up. SPEED- NO, Kanemaru slips out! But Akira ducks the enziguri! Akira waistlocks but Kanemaru switches. Akira elbows back and runs, but into another dropkick to his leg! Akira clutches the knee, Kanemaru steps through, but Akira kicks him away. Kanemaru comes back to basement dropkick Akira in the head! Then he gets the leg for a HALF CRAB! Akira endures, crawls and reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Kanemaru hurries to get Akira up, scoop and BRITISH FALL! Cover, TWO!

Kanemaru is annoyed but he goes to the corner. Akira manages to get up and ROCK Kanemaru first! Akira climbs up on the good leg, but Kanemaru rakes his eyes! Kanemaru leaps, into a DROPKICK! Fans fire up, Akira gets Kanemaru up, chicken wings and pop-up, HIGH ANGLE GERMAN! Bridging cover, TWO! The bad leg may have held that bridge back, but fans fire up for “A! KI-RA!” But Kanemaru ducks the Fireball to crucifix pin! TWO, and Kanemaru trips Akira to a jackknife! TWO! Kanemaru shoots into somersault clutch, TWO! ROUNDHOUSE from Akira! Fans fire up and Akira hurries to get Kanemaru back up!

Akira reels Kanemaru in, SPEEDFIRE! Cover, TWO! Kanemaru survives and fans fire up as Akira goes to the corner. Kanemaru sits up, Akira runs in, FIREBALL!! Cover, Akira wins!

Winner: Francesco Akira, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Kanemaru earns 0)

The Fireball was too strong for Kanemaru, and now this loss is a hard pill to swallow! Will Akira be able to light it up these last few rounds?

 

Best of the Super Juniors 29 A Block: Clark Connors VS Taiji Ishimori!

Speaking of the Wild Rhino, he’s looking to continue his stampede, but he’s run across the Bone Soldier! Will Connors stay strong outside of Korakuen Hall? Or will THE IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion get back up from being trumped by Ace Austin?

The bell rings and fans applaud as the two stare down. Taiji claims Connors is a Heavyweight, he’s so muscular. Nope, still a Junior Heavyweight. Taiji doesn’t believe him but the fans rally behind Connors as he flexes. Taiji kicks low, whips, but Connors reverses and runs Taiji over! Fans applaud and Connors brings Taiji up to headlock. Taiji throws body shots, powers out, but Connors runs him over again! Connors stalks Taiji to the corner, brings him up and TOSSES him! Taiji gets to the corner but Connors is on him again. Connors climbs up and rains down fists! Fans clap along, Connors throws hands from both sides, then tops it off at 10!

Taiji flounders, Connors aims, AX HANDLE! Down goes Taiji and fans applaud. Connors trophy lifts Taiji, carries Taiji around, but Taiji fights by raking Connors’ eyes! Taiji throws Connors out, goes out after him and ROCKS him with a right hand! Then another! Then Taiji drags Connors up by his hair and POSTS him! Taiji drags Connors around, has the legs, CATAPULT into the post! Fans rally and the ref reprimands, but Taiji goes to undo the blue corner’s buckle pad. The Bullet Club Special is in play! Connors snarls and the ring count starts, and Connors gets in at 5 of 20. Taiji heads over, wrenches the arm and hits an ELBOW BREAKER!

Another ELBOW BREAKER, then another, and Taiji hammerlocks the arm. Taiji RAMS the bad arm into the bare buckles! The ref reprimands and fans rally up as Taiji looms over Connors. Taiji brings Connors up from the ropes to throw more haymakers. He knocks Connors down, then gets the bad arm for a top wristlock. Taiji wrangles Connors to the mat and isolates the arm to STOMP it! Fans rally while Connors writhes, and Taiji grabs at the arm again. Taiji gets a cobra clutch now but Connors throws body shots. Connors is free, but Taiji rakes the eyes! Taiji runs, Connors drops and goes the other way, to POUNCE!

Fans fire up while Connors and Taiji go to corners. Connors runs corner to corner to back elbow! Then he whips Taiji to the other corner and RAMS in! Connors picks Taiji up for a RUNNING BACK DROP! Cover, TWO! Fans rally and Connors aims from the corner. Connors aims, runs in, but Taiji sends the spear into the POST! Taiji reels Connors in, hammerlocks and half nelsons, scoop to the SHOULDER BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Connors is still in this and fans rally up. Taiji aims now, he runs in, tilt-o-whirl, but no Mystico! Connors whips, Taiji BOOTS, Connors SPEARS into a takedown! Taiji has the arm, BONE LOCK! But Connors scrambles, ROPEBREAK!

Fans rally and Taiji lets off cleanly, but he grows frustrated. Taiji brings Connors up, gut wrenches, but Connors slips off to waistlock. Taiji throws elbows but Connors still holds on! DEADLIFT GERMAN! Fans fire up, Connors takes aim and he runs in, SPEAR!! Cover, TWO!! Taiji survives and Connors can’t believe it! Fans fire up and Connors gets Taiji back up. TROPHY- NO, Taiji slips free! BLOODY- NO, Connors slips free now! Taiji swings, misses, keeps moving, but he runs into a POWERSLAM! Fans fire up with Connors and he roars! Connors drags Taiji back up, reels him back in, TROPHY- NO, Taiji drags Connors down! BONE LOCK!!

Connors endures, fans rally, and Connors crawls forward! Taiji rolls him away, BONE LOCK, but Connors gets to his feet! Taiji trips him and gets the BONE LOCK in deep! Connors taps, Taiji wins!

Winner: Taiji Ishimori, by submission (gains 2 points; Connors earns 0)

The stampede is over, the Bone Soldier is reborn! But he can’t take the top of the block without some help, will Ace Austin be the one to fold tonight?

 

Best of the Super Juniors 29 B Block: Titan VS BUSHI!

The CMLL World Welterweight Champion is stuck behind all of B Block, but he hasn’t given up the fight! Will the Immortal still have life enough to win this deep into the tournament? Or will the Black Mask not have his run spoiled just yet?

Titan stands on a corner and shows off the Mexico flag, and Bushi attacks! Bushi CLUBS and drags Titan down, stomps him, and the bell rings. Bushi uses the flag to choke Titan! The ref counts, Bushi lets go and Titan gets out of the ring. Bushi pursues and CLUBS Titan again. Bushi goes after Titan’s mask! The ref reprimands and stops Bushi, but Bushi puts Titan in the ring. Titan uses that to build speed and DIVE! Direct hit and down goes Bushi! Fans fire up with Titan as he finally gets his jacket off. Titan KICKS Bushi in the side, then drags him up to put in the ring. Titan drags Bushi up, Bow ‘n’ Arrow lift to the AIR RAID CRASH! Cover, TWO!

Titan drags Bushi up, wrenches and CHOPS him on the ropes, then whips. Bushi reverses and dropkicks the legs out! Fans fire up while both men are down and Titan clutches the knee. Bushi takes off his shirt to use that to choke Titan! The ref reprimands and counts, Bushi lets off and he brings Titan up. Bushi puts Titan up top backwards, then climbs up, to go after the mask! The ref reprimands and counts, but Bushi only lets go with one hand. The ref reprimands, Bushi keeps trying, and the mask almost comes off! Titan gets it back on but Bushi CLUBS him down! Titan is in the Tree of Woe, Bushi stomps him!

Titan falls out of the Tree, and Bushi brings Titan up by his mask to snapmare and wrap on a headscissor. Titan endures, fans rally up, and Titan reaches out to get the ROPEBREAK! Bushi holds on, thrashes around, but lets off at 4. Fans rally while Bushi taunts Titan. Bushi drags Titan back in, stomps him, and he drags Titan up to hang out to dry! Bushi CLUBS Titan, goes to the corner and jumps, but Titan avoids the dropkick! Titan goes Matrix on the apron to avoid the haymaker, then he GAMANGIRIS Bushi away! Titan then springboards to missile dropkick! Fans fire up, Bushi bails out, and Titan builds speed! Titan FLIES! Direct hit and fans fire up again!

Fans rally up and Titan brings Bushi up. Titan puts Bushi in, aims from a corner, and runs in, SUPERKICK! But Titan doesn’t cover, he brings Bushi back up in a dragon sleeper, inverted suplex, BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Bushi is still in this but fans rally again. Fans rally, Titan gets Bushi back up, but Bushi CHOPS! Titan CHOPS back! Bushi CHOPS again, but Titan CHOPS back! Bushi CHOPS, Titan fires off palm strikes! Titan back hands, ROUNDHOUSES and SOBATS! Titan fires up, runs, but Bushi ROCKS him with a right! Bushi runs, into a SUPERKICK! Titan runs, into a back drop! But he kips up to PELE!

Fans fire up and Titan aims from the corner! Bushi stands, Titan runs in, but Bushi spins him around for a DDT! Fans fire up again while both men are down, then rallies up as they stir. They crawl to each other, and Bushi throws a forearm! Titan throws it back, and they brawl as they stand up! Fans rally, Bushi gets the edge and runs, but into a clothesline at the ropes! Titan runs, Bushi DROPKICKS Titan at the ropes! Bushi roars, gets Titan up, FISHERMAN SCREW! Cover, TWO! Titan is still in this but fans rally again. Titan and Bushi go to opposite corners, Bushi runs in, CODE- NO! Titan throws Bushi around into a fireman’s carry!

But Bushi slips off! Titan switches, Bushi throws elbows. Titan fires off more palm strikes and some swift kicks! SOBAT, but Bushi ENZIGURIS! Fans fire up as both men are down again! Bushi gets Titan up, runs, but Titan goes to ropes to TORNADO DDT! Titan hurries to get Bushi up and reel him in! Canadian Rack, SPINNING BUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Bushi survives and Titan goes to the apron! Titan throws off his armbands, fires up, and the fans fire up with him! SPRINGBOARD DOUBLE STOMPS!! Cover, TITAN WINS!

Winner: Titan, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Bushi earns 0)

In a battle of masks, Titan is victorious! Has the Immortal killed Bushi’s chances? Will he be able to do the same to as he closes out his run?

 

Best of the Super Juniors 29 A Block: Ryusuke Taguchi VS YOH!

The Funky Weapon hasn’t had the best of luck in this tournament, but he can still be a spoiler? Or will Direct Drive get back in gear in the homestretch?

The bell rings and fans rally up as the two slowly circle. Taguchi pats his sides along with the “TA-GU-CHI!” “Y O H!” Yoh and Taguchi feel out the grapple, Taguchi gets a leg but Yoh holds it off and floats to a waistlock. Taguchi drop toeholds and floats to a facelock but Yoh slips out to get the arm. Taguchi trips Yoh to have a toehold, Yoh uses his free leg to go for an armbar but Taguchi rolls Yoh up. TWO, and fans cheer as the two separate. Yoh and Taguchi reset, tie up, and Taguchi headlocks. Taguchi grinds Yoh down, but Yoh pulls hair. The ref reprimands, and Taguchi fires point-blank hip attacks on Yoh!

Taguchi runs, but Yoh drops, sidesteps, but Taguchi holds ropes to stop himself. Yoh avoids Taguchi with a handspring! Yoh swings but Taguchi manages to go Matrix! Taguchi kicks low, runs and manages a SCISSOR KICK! Fans applaud Taguchi busting out some new stuff, and Taguchi stands Yoh up for a big wind-up and leg sweep! Taguchi stomps to rally the fans and he runs, but Yoh drop toeholds and basement dropkicks the butt! Fans cheer and Taguchi holds his hips. Taguchi sits up and Yoh brings him up as fans rally. Yoh CLUBS Taguchi, turns him, NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!

Yoh keeps cool, he stomps Taguchi around, then brings him up. Taguchi throws body shots, CHOPS, then kicks low. Taguchi whips, Yoh reverses but Yoh dodges the hip attack! Taguchi crashes, Yoh covers, TWO! Taguchi gets up but clutches his butt. Yoh cravats to snapmare, and he has the arms for a motorcycle stretch! Taguchi endures, fights up, and fans rally as he tries to turn it on Yoh. Yoh keeps Taguchi back, but Taguchi fights through! Taguchi turns it around, but Yoh turns it right back! Taguchi gives hip bumps! Yoh lets him go, but he comes back to kick. Taguchi blocks to DRAGON SCREW! Fans rally while Yoh clutches his leg.

Taguchi brings Yoh up, whips him to the corner, then handsprings to HIP ATTACK?! And BULLDOG! Cover, TWO! Fans fire up as Taguchi calls upon the powers of Strong Style! “ORYA~!” BUM- ROLL-UP! TWO, but Yoh goes for the KNEEBAR! Taguchi kicks around, gets Yoh’s leg, OH MY GARFUNKLE! Yoh fights up, gets Taguchi’s leg back, KNEEBAR! Taguchi endures, grabs at Yoh’s arms and fans rally up as they struggle! Taguchi crawls for ropes but Yoh drags him away! Taguchi enziguris but Yoh ducks it! Yoh waistlocks, drags Taguchi up and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Yoh holds on, GERMAN SUPLEX!

Yoh still holds on, but Taguchi fights the hat trick with elbows! Taguchi runs, HIP- ATOMIC DROP! Yoh O’Conner Rolls, but into a body scissor clutch! TWO!! Yoh gets a cradle, TWO! Taguchi hurries up, Yoh sunset flips but Taguchi brings down the tights, VOLT GREEN! Cover, TWO! Yoh sunset flips, TWO! Taguchi sits again, TWO! Yoh sunset, TWO! Taguchi, TWO! Yoh, TWO!!! Fans fire up, Taguchi dodges Yoh, but Yoh sidesteps a la Taguchi! Taguchi whips, he gives the side steps, to a RANA! Cover, Taguchi wins!!

Winner: Ryusuke Taguchi, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Yoh earns 0)

Yoh can’t believe he got caught! Is he stalling out in the homestretch? As for Taguchi, can he continue to shock us all in these final rounds?

 

Best of the Super Juniors 29 A Block: Ace Austin VS SHO!

The Impact X-Division Champion leads the block at 5-1 after defeating Taiji Ishimori! But can he keep the momentum going? Or will the Murder Machine rob The Inevitable like he has his other opponents?

Sho promises he’ll behave as Austin makes his entrance. But when Austin springs out his magic cane, Sho snatches it and uses it to BOP Austin! The ref reprimands and takes the stick, then rings the bell. Sho storms up to stomp Austin, drags him up then throws him out. Sho goes out and gets a chair! The ref reprimands, but Sho headlocks Austin and brings him to the big opening in the corner of the arena. Austin throws body shots then forearms! Then some kicks! Sho falls and crawls but Austin brings him up. Sho shoves Austin away, Austin comes back but Sho rakes his eyes! Sho whips, Austin reverses but Sho reverses back and Austin hits the wall!

Sho laughs as he goes back to ringside and the ref checks Austin. Fans rally, but Sho picks up the chair and comes back! The ref tells Sho no but Sho shoves him away. But Austin kicks Sho back! Now Austin gets the chair! But the ref stops Austin and Sho runs away! Sho hurries to grab the trophy! He holds it up and Austin hesitates. They can’t damage the trophy so Austin stands down. Sho tells Austin to put the chair down but Austin tells Sho to put the trophy down. They agree to put their items down at the same time. Fans rally, the trophy and chair are carefully set down on the floor, but then Sho goes for the chair!

Austin stands on the chair to stop him, and then DECKS Sho with a forearm! Fans cheer, Austin holds up the trophy! Austin places the trophy back on the table, then he goes back for Sho. But Sho uses the chair! Sho JAMS then SMACKS Austin! The ref missed it all making sure the trophy was secure! Sho drags Austin up in a facelock and uses that to bring Austin along. Sho brings Austin to the other wall, and throws him into a garage door! Austin writhes but Sho stands on his head! The ref reprimands, Sho steps off at 4, and finally goes back to ringside. Sho makes sure the ref comes with him, and then the ring count starts.

Austin gets up at 4 of 20, fans rally and he hurries back towards the ring. He’s halfway at 10 of 20, hustles up, and gets in at 15 of 20, then skins the cat out of the ring to avoid Sho’s cheap shot! Austin drags Sho back out, and bumps him off the apron! Sho staggers into Austin’s dropkick! Austin kips up on the apron, handsprings to dodge and PENALTY KICKS Sho down! Fans fire up and Austin slingshots in to build speed! FALL TO GLORY! Direct hit and fans fire up! Austin offers a little kid a high-five, but they say no thank you. Well that’s okay, Austin goes back to Sho. Austin puts Sho in, steps in, but Sho avoids the kick!

But Austin still A-LIST LARIATS in the corner! And fires off point blank shots over and over! Fans rally, Austin shoves Sho and Austin steps in, FLYING CHUCK! Fans fire up, and Austin stomps to tune the band. But Sho uses the ref as a shield! Austin shoves the ref aside, blocks Sho’s sucker punch to knee low, knee lift, and then RIPCORD SLAM! Austin fires up, HOUSE OF CARDS! Fans fire up as Austin aims from the corner, and he runs in, THE- NO, Sho tosses Austin at the ref!! Then LOW BLOWS! Sho goes to his corner, gets his wrench, and then aims at Austin! WRENCH SHOT!! But the ref is still out! Sho shouts at him to do his job!

Sho tells someone to get another ref, and here comes one! Cover, TWO!! Austin still lives and fans fire up! Sho drags Austin up, wrenches and SNAKEBITE! Austin endures, fans fire up, but he’s fading! The ref checks, Austin is OUT! Sho wins!!

Winner: Sho, by submission (gains 2 points; Austin earns 0)

Another match, another cheat to win! Sho takes Austin’s ace card, and he stomps it! Is this joker going to take over the block now that he’s dealt with Ace?

 

Best of the Super Juniors 29 B Block: Master Wato VS Wheeler Yuta!

The Way of the Grandmaster defeated one singles champion already in Titan, and now he faces another in the ROH Pure Champion! Will Wato prove he’s more than just one half of Six or Nine? Or will the Decoder figure him out and get back up in the block?

The bell rings and fans rally as the two stare down. They circle, tie up, and Yuta wrenches to a hammerlock. Then he spins Wato to a cravat. Wato reaches out and spins Yuta into a cravat of his own. Wato snapmares to chinlock but Yuta fights to get the hammerlock. Wato fights up, reaches back, throws some elbows, then gets around to hammerlock then headlock. Yuta pries at the hold but Wato wrenches him to a wristlock. Yuta rolls, handsprings, and arm-drags Wato away! Fans rally up and Yuta kicks low. Yuta whips but Wato reverses, then runs in at the corner. Yuta goes up and over, scoops, but Wato slips out.

Wato waistlocks, Yuta switches and shoves him to ropes. Yuta drops, hurdles, but Wato leaps and keeps moving to RANA! Yuta flounders but runs back in, into an elbow, uppercuts and SOBATS! Fans fire up with Wato and he waits on Yuta to get up. Fans rally and Wato KICKS at Yuta’s leg, then KICKS his chest! And then he KICKS Yuta down! Yuta goes to a corner, elbows Wato away, then goes up. Wato swings but Yuta catches the arm to twist it! ARMBREAKER DDT! Fans fire up while Wato writhes, and Yuta springboards to stomp Wato! Cover, TWO! Yuta drags Wato, KICKS the arm, then wrenches to an ELBOW BREAKER!

Yuta wrings Wato out to drop a knee on the arm! Yuta then isolates the arm to STOMP it! Yuta eggs Wato, KICKS him, and fans rally up. Yuta facelocks but Wato throws body shots, then forearms! Wato whips, Yuta holds ropes and that jams Wato’s arm! Yuta gets the arm, wrenches, but Wato powers out to CALF KICK Yuta down! Fans fire up and Wato waits on Yuta. Wato starts rallying with forearms and a BOOT! Wato whips then dropkicks Yuta out! Fans fire up, Wato builds speed and FLIES! Direct hit but a rather rough landing for Wato, too! Wato gets up as the fans rally, and he drags Yuta up and into the ring.

Wato aims from a corner, springboards in, FLYING UPPERCUT! Cover, TWO! Fans rally more and Wato brings Yuta up. Wato waistlocks but Yuta resists the lift. Yuta switches, waistlocks, but Wato throws elbows! Yuta still holds on, Wato fights more, pries the hold, breaks free and slides under! Wato waistlocks but Yuta wrenches the bad arm! Yuta wrangles Wato down but Wato rolls and wrenches! He hooks Yuta up, MOUSE TRAP DRIVER! Cover, TWO! Fans rally and Wato fires up! Wato drags Yuta up, reels him in to scoop, but Yuta slips out! Atomic drop, ENZIGURI! Both men are down and fans fire up again!

Yuta gets Wato’s arms, CATTLE MUTILATION, but Wato slips out! Crucifix pin, TWO! Yuta ducks the roundhouse, wheelbarrows but Wato stops that to HIGH ANGLE GERMAN! Bridging cover, TWO!! Yuta escapes but Wato hurries up top! R P P FLOPS as Yuta moves! Yuta grits his teeth and fans rally up again! Yuta gets Wato up, wrench and PAIN SABER! Cover, TWO!! Wato survives but Yuta rains down HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! Then, SEATBELT CLUTCH! Cover, Yuta wins!!

Winner: Wheeler Yuta, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Wato earns 0)

The Way of the Grandmaster hits another bump in the road! Will he just have to settle for being a spoiler? As for Yuta, will he be able to formulate a plan for an outside shot at the top?

 

Best of the Super Juniors 29 B Block: TJP VS El Phantasmo!

The United Empire’s Public Enemy Number One takes on the Bullet Club’s Headbanga with a top spot in the block on the line! Will it be TJP > ELP or ELP > TJP in the seventh?

The bell rings and fans rally up as the two circle. TJP encourages the fans and they get louder. ELP ranks the sides. Three sides, good. One side, bad. The two circle, tie up, and TJP wrenches to a wristlock then hammerlock. ELP drop toeholds, facelocks, but TJP slips out and facelocks back. ELP rolls but TJP gator rolls to get the facelock back. ELP slips out to get the arm and pushes TJP down. TJP pushes up and goes around the other way. TJP rolls, spins, gets a leg and trips ELP to then get the arms, ghost pin, TWO! Fans applaud as the two stand off. ELP and TJP knuckle lock, but TJP kicks one and cartwheels to wrangle ELP down.

TJP has the top wristlock but ELP rolls to get up. TJP wrenches, ELP rolls and trips TJP. ELP gets a Bow ‘n’ Arrow but TJP pops right out to cover, ONE! TJP handsprings up and fans cheer the exchange. Fans rally, “T J P!” “E L P!” as they tie up again. ELP wrenches, ELBOW BREAKER, then wristlock. TJP rolls, spins, cartwheels, and drags ELP into the TWISTING HEADSCISSOR. TJP throws up the United Empire hands, but ELP headscissors. TJP moves around, headstands, but ELP spikes him into the mat! ELP squeezes tight and digs his elbows into TJP’s back. TJP powers to another handstand, but ELP spikes him again!

Fans rally, TJP uses his leg to hook ELP’s legs and pop free, but ELP shoves TJP back down! TJP hops and hops and handstands to get free, and he drags ELP into an inverted motorcycle stretch! ELP handstands and even clicks his heels, but TJP spikes him in return! Fans applaud and TJP drags ELP up to whip corner to corner. ELP reverses, handsprings, but into BOOTS! TJP runs, but ELP sends TJP at the corner. TJP headstands in the corner whip ELP struts, fans applaud both! ELP still struts, but then notices what TJP’s doing. ELP storms over, but into a headscissors! Fans rally up behind TJP as he builds speed!

ELP moves, but TJP Spider-Mans then decides to strut on the apron. ELP sees that and is annoyed but the fans rally as TJP even does the drop steps. ELP swipes but TJP jumps over and kicks low. TJP then uses the apron to TORNADO- NO, ELP blocks to snap suplex to the floor! The ref checks and they’re both okay to continue. Fans rally up, ELP flexes and French kisses his biceps… ELP puts TJP in, gets the arm and wrenches, then suplexes again. ELP stalls and then SLAMS at 10! Cover, TWO! ELP throws a knee, then fireman’s carries to GUT BUSTER DROP! Cover, TWO! Fans rally but ELP keeps his cool.

ELP brings TJP up, reels him in, but TJP blocks the lift. TJP wrenches, knuckle locks, and kicks away. TJP goes up the corner but so does ELP! ELP CHOPS TJP down, then jumps and jumps and hops across the way to do more jumping around. Then he struts and fans rally again. TJP kicks the ropes and ELP falls into a HOTSHOT! And then TJP TRIANGLE JUMP DROPKICKS ELP away from the apron! Fans rally, TJP brings ELP up and into the ring. TJP then goes up the corner, for a MAMBA- NO, he has to roll through as ELP dodges. ELP runs back in but TJP goes up and over in the corner, then TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO!

Fans rally again and TJP drags ELP up. TJP dragon sleepers and inverted suplexes, but ELP slips out! ELP straitjackets but TJP slips out of the torture rack to IRON OCTOPUS! Fans rally and ELP endures. ELP pops free, TJP sunset flips but ELP rolls through to get TJP up! TJP fights the tuck, jackknife bridges, TWO! Fans fire up again, ELP CHOPS! TJP SOBATS! ELP ENZIGURIS! Both men are down and fans fire up again. ELP snarls and he gets to ropes. ELP tunes up the band and takes aim, but TJP blocks the kick! TJP then dodges the clothesline to springboard FLYING FOREARM! Fans fire up and TJP goes back up top.

ELP trips TJP up! TJP is slumped over the corner, ELP tucks his arms in from there! ELP brings TJP out but TJP kicks free and tilt-o-whirls, IRON OCTOPUS! ELP fights that but TJP trips him, and has the leglock! PINOY STRETCH!! ELIP scrambles, TJP drags him from ropes, but ELP kicks him away. ELP swings but into the dragon sleeper, only to victory roll! TWO, TJP has it, TWO! TJP gets ELP in a backslide, TWO! The arms stay hooked as they stand up, but TJP drops to sunset flip. ELP rolls out and brings TJP in to tuck the arms! C R II!! Cover, ELP wins!

Winner: El Phantasmo, by pinfall (gains 2 points; TJP earns 0)

The Headbanga didn’t need any tricks for this one! Will he be able to pull away from the pack now? As for TJP, is it too late for him to take the block?

 

Best of the Super Juniors 29 B Block: Robbie Eagles VS EL LINDAMAN!

Another top spot in the block is on the line! The Sniper of the Sky and the G-Rex Champion are coming off huge wins, but only one can win again! Who will have the GLEATer run in this tournament?

The bell rings and Lindaman fires up already! Eagles copies Lindaman, and fans rally up more. Eagles encourages them to get even more into it, and they oblige. Lindaman and Eagles tie up, Lindaman waistlocks and wrangles Eagles down then floats around to facelock. Eagles fights up, wrenches out, wristlocks, but Lindaman rolls and trips Eagles to have a standing toehold. Lindaman then brings Eagles up and headlocks. Eagles powers up but can’t power out as Lindaman holds on tight. Eagles throws body shots, powers out this time, but Lindaman runs him over! Fans rally and things speed up. Eagles hurdles, but Lindaman blocks the hip toss!

Lindaman body shots, goes to hip toss, but Eagles counters that to drag Lindaman down. Eagles handsprings then basement dropkicks! Fans fire up and Eagles smirks while he follows Lindaman towards a corner. Eagles knuckle locks and wrenches the wrist, then knuckle locks the other hand. Fans rally while Eagles goes up and around, but Lindaman blocks the arm-drag! Lindaman kicks and whips Eagles to a corner, but runs into a boot! Eagles runs in, but Lindaman lifts him for an AIR RAID CRASH! Lindaman fires up, but then he wobbles. Lindaman steadies himself, fans rally up and he runs corner to corner, to back elbow!

Lindaman puts Eagles in the ropes, DRAPING NECKBREAKER! Cover, ONE! Another, ONE! Another, ONE! A fourth, ONE! Lindaman is annoyed but he drags Eagles into a chinlock. He digs his knee into Eagles but Eagles endures. Fans rally, Lindaman brings Eagles up but Eagles swings on him! Lindaman dodges, kicks out the legs then basement dropkicks the back! Lindaman gets the fans rallying up and he eggs Eagles on. Eagles throws body shots, Lindaman still eggs him on! Eagles JABS the abs so Lindaman CLUBS him down. Lindaman brings Eagles up but Eagles blocks the suplex! Lindman still tries and fans rally up.

Lindaman gets Eagles up, throws him down but Eagles lands on his knees, so Lindaman KICKS him! Lindaman runs, but Eagles ducks and dodges to RANA! Fans fire up, Eagles eggs Lindaman up and Lindaman rushes in, WHEEL KICK! Both men are down again but fans rally back up. Eagles kips up and the fans fire up with him! Eagles KICKS and KICKS and KICKS, but Lindaman eggs him on! Eagles runs, LEG LARIAT! Fans fire up, Eagles goes to a corner and Lindaman goes to the other. Eagles runs corner to corner, DOUBLE KNEES! He rolls back, runs back in, but Lindaman dodges and Meteora hits buckles!

Lindaman waistlocks, Eagles kicks free and whips but Lindaman reverses. Eagles blocks so Lindaman drop sayanagis and DDTs! Fans fire up while both men are down again. Fans rally again as Eagles and Lindaman get up. Lindaman throws forearm after forearm, but Eagles gives those all back! Lindaman snarls and he gives another forearm, then another. Eagles CHOPS, ROCKS, and KICKS! Lindaman ROLLING ELBOWS! Eagles drops to a knee, fans fire up and Lindaman runs, but into a BOOT! Eagles runs but Lindaman elbows him! Lindaman whips, Eagles reverses but Lindaman holds ropes. Eagles runs into a BOOT, but he comes back to tiger feint the legs!

Fans fire up, Lindaman is down and Eagles takes aim! Eagles springboards, but Lindaman catches him to a fireman’s carry! Eagles fights free and waistlocks. Lindaman elbows, switches, CLUBS and GERMAN SUPLEXES, but Eagles lands on his feet! SOBAT, cravat, ASAI DDT! Cover, TWO! Eagles drags Lindaman to a drop zone, stomps him down, then goes up top! 450 but he has to roll through as Lindaman dodges! Eagles comes back, into a CORNER EXPLODER! Fans fire up again while both men are down! Eagles sits up and shakes his head while Lindaman fires up. Lindaman hobbles over and brings Eagles up. KUMAGOROSHI!

Lindaman then drags Eagles into a wheelbarrow cover, TWO, but Lindaman lifts Eagles up! Eagles throws elbows, but into chicken wings! Eagles fights free, Lindaman reels him in, but Eagles victory rolls, to get the legs! Lindaman kicks Eagles away, but Eagles gets around, SCHOOLBOY BRIDGE! TWO, RON MIL- NO! Lindaman drags Eagles into a cradle! TWO! ROUNDHOUSE! SUPERKICK! But Lindaman ducks the Pele to deadlift waistlock! Eagles switches, Lindaman switches, repeat and repeat until Lindaman elbows free. But Eagles blocks the kick, CHOPS and hook-up, TURBO BACKPACK! Cover, TWO!! But Eagles has the leg! RON MILLER SPECIAL!!!

Lindaman reaches out, Eagles puts on the pressure, Lindaman taps!! EAGLES WINS!

Winner: Robbie Eagles, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Lindaman earns 0)

The Sniper shoots down another champion! Is Eagles going to prove he IS Best of the Super Juniors? Or can Lindaman still finish strong with heart?

 

Best of the Super Juniors 29 A Block: Hiromu Takahashi VS Alex Zayne!

The Ticking Timebomb is running out of time if he wants to get his threepeat. But with a bad leg holding him back, is there just no way? Or will he be able to handle The Sauce’s heat and take back a top spot?

The bell rings and Hiromu rushes in! Zayne gets around to waistlock but avoids the back elbow. Hiromu avoids the forearm, waistlocks but then avoids Zayne’s back elbow. Zayne avoids the superkick but Hiromu avoids the Eddy Gordo! Fans fire up as Zayne handsprings and Hiromu backs down. Fans rally up, “HI-RO-MU!” “AL-EX ZAYNE!” as Hiromu copies Zayne playing with his hair. Zayne smirks, but then says it’s time to get the sauce! He runs to run Hiromu over, and he flexes. Things speed up, Zayne springboards but Hiromu catches the knee drop to a roll-up! TWO, Hiromu runs but Zayne trips him while sliding out!

Zayne brings Hiromu to the apron and spins him around to KNEE him in the face! Fans fire up and Zayne runs in to APRON SOMERSAULT SCISSOR KICK! Fans rally as Zayne gets Hiromu in the ring, slingshot senton! And then RUNNING MARIPOSA! Cover, TWO! Zayne keeps cool and fans rally more as he brings Hiromu up. Zayne CLUBS Hiromu, then gets the bad leg. Hiromu wants mercy but Zayne KICKS the leg! And again! Then Zayne drops an elbow on the leg and has the toehold. Hiromu grabs the ropes, the ref counts and Zayne lets off. Fans rally, Zayne brings Hiromu up to DECK with a forearm!

Zayne kicks and digs his heel into Hiromu’s bad leg, then grinds the knee! Hiromu clutches the leg but he gets up to CHOP! Zayne snarls and fans rally up as Hiromu CHOPS again! Zayne dodges the next chop and he CHOPS Hiromu back! Hiromu falls, Zayne says that was finger licking good. Zayne clamps on a chinlock and he grinds Hiromu. Hiromu fights up, throws elbows and gets free, only for Zayne to follow him as he runs! Zayne catches Hiromu for a SLEEPER! Fans rally up as Hiromu endures and fights back up. Hiromu throws body shots, is free again, but Zayne ROCKS him with a forearm. Zayne runs, but Hiromu follows and RANAS!

Fans rally as Zayne goes to a corner and Hiromu goes to the opposite. Zayne runs in but Hiromu dodges and clotheslines! Snapmare and basement dropkick! Zayne bails out, Hiromu goes to the apron, FLYING JOHN WOO! Fans fire up and Hiromu works on getting his bad leg moving. Fans rally, “HI-RO-MU!” “AL-EX ZAYNE!” Hiromu puts Zayne in, runs from the corner, SHOTGUN into the other corner! Cover, ROPEBREAK! Hiromu is frustrated for not realizing how close they were, but fans rally up. Hiromu brings Zayne up, reels him in, but Zayne blocks the suplex! Zayne wrenches, scoops, BAJA-

NO, Hiromu rolls through the blast! But Zayne ducks the Penalty Kick and rolls Hiromu up! Hiromu rolls through but Zayne EDDY GORDO KICKS! Fans fire up while Hiromu and Zayne go to opposite corners again. Zayne runs in to back elbow! Zayne puts Hiromu up top, CHOPS him, then climbs up after him. Hiromu fires body shots and shoves Zayne away, but Zayne backflips, lands on his feet and rolls back! Zayne runs back in, DRAGON RANA! Cover, TWO! Zayne is frustrated but the fans fire up! Zayne brings Hiromu up, throws boxing elbows, but Hiromu avoids the leg sweep! Zayne runs in but Hiromu dumps him to the apron, and SUPERKICKS!

Hiromu builds speed as fans fire up, SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB!! Fans fire up more while both men are down! The ref checks, both men are okay to continue, so the fans rally up and the ring count begins. Hiromu stirs at 7 of 20, pushes himself up at 10, and drags Zayne up at 13 to put in at 15! Fans rally and Hiromu builds speed, but Zayne spins Hiromu, only for Hiromu to spin and leap! Zayne holds off D and brings Hiromu up for a FALLING BOMB! Cover, TWO! Zayne is beside himself and the fans rally back up. Zayne drags Hiromu for the cobra clutch, pump handle, TACO- NO! Hiromu slips out! Hiromu dodges the back elbow to wheelbarrow COMPLETE SHOT!

Fans fire up again while both men are down. Zayne and Hiromu stir, and Hiromu grits his teeth and roars as he fires himself back up! Hiromu stands, runs, HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER! Cover, TWO!! Zayne survives and fans fire up again! Hiromu shakes his head and gets back to his feet. Hiromu hauls Zayne up, suplexes, but Zayne fights free to wrench. Hiromu SUPERKICKS! And then VICTORY ROYAL! Hiromu roars and fans fire up more as he gets Zayne up in a dragon sleeper. Zayne powers free to scoop! BAJA BLAST!! But Zayne is unable to follow up! Fans are thunderous as Hiromu drags himself to a corner.

Zayne kips up! Zayne fires up, BACK ELBOW! Hiromu SUPERKICKS! Hiromu runs, but into the pop-up KNEE! Zayne hurries to get Hiromu wrapped up, TACO DR- RANA!! Into D!!! Hiromu squeezes tight, Zayne is fading! Zayne powers up with a second wind, and he deadlifts! Hiromu slips free and spins around, HIROMU-CHAN STUNNER! Back into D!!! Zayne is caught, he taps! Hiromu wins!!

Winner: Hiromu Takahashi, by submission (gains 2 points; Zayne earns 0)

There is still life inside Hiromu! But has he won himself more time to pull off the threepeat? Or will Zayne eat up his last two opponents with fervor?

 

Best of the Super Juniors 29 B Block: El Desperado VS DOUKI!

Suzuki-Gun VS Suzuki-Gun is tonight’s main event! And once again, a top spot is on the line! Will the Rogue Luchador continue his comeback? Or will Japones Del Mal show everyone just how powerful he’s become?

The bell rings and fans rally as the two stare down. Desperado takes a few moments to stretch out his neck before he steps to Douki. Desperado and Douki talk, and Douki throws the first forearm! Desperado gives it back, but Douki gives another. Desperado gives another, and it’s a forearm brawl! Fans rally up as they go faster and faster, but Desperado then CHOPS! Douki staggers back and fans fire up. Douki comes back to CHOP back! Fans applaud, and Desperado ROCKS Douki with a forearm! Desperado eggs Douki on so Douki throws another forearm! Fans rally again as they go back and forth.

Desperado gets the edge, eggs Douki in, so Douki HELL STABS! Desperado mule kicks, uppercuts, but Douki dodges the clothesline to run and LARIAT! Douki gets Desperado up, turns him, NECKBREAKER! Desperado bails out but Douki is in pursuit! Douki brings Desperado up to POST him! Fans rally up and Douki grabs at Desperado. Desperado pushes Douki away but Douki stomps him down. Douki drags Desperado up, puts him in the ring, and fans rally up. Douki brings Desperado up, elbows him in the neck, and Desperado grits his teeth as he goes to ropes. Douki brings Desperado around to elbow him again!

Fans applaud as Douki brings Desperado up again for a cravat. Desperado endures the neck wrench, reaches out for ropes, but Douki keeps him away. Douki snapmares, clamps on a chinlock and digs his knee into Desperado, but Desperado endures. Fans rally, Douki pulls back more, but Desperado reaches out. Douki drags him away from ropes and shifts to a seated cobra twist! Desperado endures more, pushes but Douki makes it a cover, TWO! Douki hurries to headscissor squeeze! Desperado endures and fans rally up, but Douki pushes up to put on the pressure! Desperado kicks around, reaches out, ROPEBREAK!

Red Shoes counts, Douki lets go at 4. Desperado gets to the corner, Douki is on him but Desperado CHOPS. Douki taunts Desperado, Desperado CHOPS, but Douki SLAPS Desperado! Fans fire up and Douki SLAPS Desperado more. Douki eggs Desperado on, so Desperado gets up. Douki SLAPS him again! Desperado talks some trash back, then he ROCKS Douki with forearm after forearm! Douki rakes eyes! Red Shoes reprimands and fans fire up. Desperado holds ropes to block the whip but Douki knees low. Douki whips but Desperado reverses to rake Douki’s eyes! They’re even, but Desperado whips and Douki reverses to a NECKBREAKER!

Fans rally as Desperado bails. Douki goes out after him, brings him around, and scoops. Desperado fights that, CLUBS Douki, then brings Douki around to scoop. Douki slips out, kicks low and DDTs Desperado to the floor! Fans fire up and Douki wants Desperado to get up. Fans rally, Douki builds speed but Desperado slides in! Douki stops his dive but Desperado dropkicks the legs out! Douki falls to the floor, and now Desperado builds speed! Desperado DIVES! Somersault top and down goes Douki! Desperado takes a seat in an open chair by the fans before he flops back down. Fans rally up and the ring count begins.

Desperado gets up at 4 of 20, walks over to Douki at 9 and scoops him to SLAM him down on the floor! Desperado gets in at 13, Douki is still down past 15! Fans rally up, Douki hears 18, springs up and in at 19.9! Desperado walks back over and he stands on Douki’s head. Red Shoes reprimands so Desperado scrapes Douki as he steps away. Desperado brings Douki up for a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Desperado keeps cool and works on his bad arm while fans rally up. Desperado drags Douki up but Douki throws body shots and forearms! Desperado knees low, whips Douki to a corner, then runs in, but he blocks the boot!

Desperado puts the leg on the ropes, KICKS it, then gets the other leg for a DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! Douki falls and clutches his leg while the fans fire back up. Desperado gets the leg, steps through and has the BUTTERFLY DEATHLOCK! Douki endures as Desperado pulls on the leg. Douki CHOPS and CHOPS, but Desperado DECKS him! Desperado taunts Douki while putting more pressure on the hold! Douki endures, crawls back and fans rally up. Desperado dares Douki to keep trying, and Douki reaches out, only for Desperado to lean back and put on more pressure! Douki endures as Desperado digs his boot in!

Douki reaches, Desperado sits up, and Douki gets the ROPEBREAK! Desperado lets off to stomp the leg! Desperado drags Douki back up, taunts his pain, then kicks the bad leg. Douki fights the shinbreaker, throws elbows, and fights free. Desperado keeps Douki from running but Douki breaks free to kick, kick, but Desperado ducks the enziguri! Desperado keeps the bad leg, rolls, STRETCH MUFFLER! Douki scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Fans cheer and Desperado lets off in frustration. Desperado scuffs Douki, and he eggs Douki on. Douki grabs at Desperado but Desperado kick him away.

Fans rally up and Douki stands to throw a forearm! Desperado eggs him on, Douki throws more forearms, but Desperado gut wrenches! Douki slips out but his leg jams! Douki backs away to a corner, Desperado runs in, but into boots! Douki goes up and missile dropkicks! Fans fire up while both men are down, and Desperado clutches his bad shoulder. Fans rally, Douki gets his bad leg moving, and he runs in to clothesline! Douki snapmares and basement dropkicks from behind! Douki hurries to get Desperado up, BIG DDT! Cover, TWO! Desperado is stinging but fans rally as Douki gets up.

Douki drags Desperado up, scoops and swings, but Desperado slips out to waistlock! Douki elbows free, runs, but Desperado goes the other way, SPEAR into ITALIAN STRETCH #32! Douki was ready, but Desperado crawls backwards to the ROPEBREAK! Douki lets go and fans rally up again. Douki gets to the apron, he watches Desperado get up, slingshot for DAY- NO! Desperado turns that into a suplex! Desperado gets Douki up, gut wrenches, GUITARRA DEL ANGEL! Cover, TWO! Fans fire up as Douki survives, and Desperado is again clutching his bad shoulder. Fans rally up and Desperado grabs Douki’s legs.

Douki kicks at Desperado, but Desperado drops knees on the bad leg! Desperado goes for the leg but Douki kicks him away! Desperado stomps Douki back down, and fans rally up as Douki gets fired up! Douki throws a forearm, Desperado throws one back. Douki fires up and throws more forearms! Desperado ROCKS Douki with one! Desperado eggs Douki on, Douki fires even more forearms! Desperado DECKS Douki! Douki gets back up with more fire and fans fire up with him as he throws more shots! Desperado ROCKS Desperado, then DECKS him, then gets him up to DECK him again!

Desperado roars, tucks Douki in, but Douki sunset flips! TWO, ITALIAN STRETCH #32!! Desperado is caught, fans rally up, and Desperado fights towards ropes, but Douki rolls him away! ITALIAN STRETCH!! Desperado is fading! Fans fire up, Red Shoes checks on Desperado and Douki pulls tighter on the hold! But Desperado gets a second wind and gets back up! Desperado drags himself and Douki back, but he’s fading again! But he reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Douki lets go in frustration but fans fire up! Desperado bails out and Douki fires up! Fans rally, Douki builds speed, and DIVES for a TORNADO DDT! TO THE CONCRETE!!!

Desperado writhes and clutches his head and Red Shoes checks on him. Somehow, Desperado is able to continue and fans fire up again. Douki gets up, hobbles over, and he brings Desperado up and in. Fans fire up as Douki aims from the apron and roars! Douki slingshots, DAYBREAK!! Cover, TWO!!! Desperado survives, but Douki gets ITALIAN STRETCH #32!! Desperado endures and fans are thunderous! Desperado is fading again! Red Shoes checks on him, and Douki pulls even tighter! Desperado gets a third wind! He fights up again, moves around, but Douki rolls him away! ITALIAN- NO! GROUND DRAGON SCREW! STRETCH MUFFLER!! And NUMERO DOS PLUS!!

Douki endures and fans are thunderous! Douki gets an arm free, reaches out, but Desperado rolls Douki away! NUMBER DOS PLUS!!! EXTRA DEEP! Douki quits, Desperado wins!!

Winner: El Desperado, by submission (gains 2 points; Douki earns 0)

Somehow, someway, the Rogue Luchador survives to turn things around and he takes the victory! Does Douki still have a chance? Or did his luck just run out?

As for Desperado, he gets the mic to say, “I don’t do this kind of thing, but let me ask this cone. With a show of hands, who thought Douki could beat me? I won’t be mad.” Quite a few, actually. “Okay. Oi, you brat. Everyone, I’m going to bring up a PPV, go and buy it if you want. Why do you think Taichi and I chose you to partner with me against Honma and Kasai? HUH?! What? You think you can still play underdog because you lost? I never chose you thinking you’re an underdog. Look around! I’m ticked off that they thought you could beat me! It’s your own attitude that’s holding you back! Don’t underestimate yourself, punk!” Fans applaud that sort of backhanded encouragement.

Desperado tells Douki to get outta here now, he’s closing this out in style. “I’m not sure how many Super Juniors mains this was, but Id di lose one to Lind-chan. I’m so hyped up, I don’t even have time to be tired. For the past two weeks, my life has only been pro-wrestling. For a pro-wrestler, it doesn’t get any better. The man closing this show will be the man closing this tour. I will absolutely win. Got that?” Mic drop and another promise from the Rogue Luchador. Is his comeback all but certain? Or will he run into a spoiler in the last two rounds?

 

Here are the new standings in A Block!

Ace Austin: 5-2, 10 points
Taiji Ishimori: 5-2, 10 points
SHO: 4-3, 8 points
Hiromu Takahashi: 4-3, 8 points
Alex Zayne: 4-3, 8 points
YOH: 3-4, 6 points
Clark Connors: 3-4, 6 points
Francesco Akira: 3-4, 6 points
Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 2-5, 4 points
Ryusuke Taguchi: 2-5, 4 points

 

Here are the new standings for B Block!

El Desperado: 5-2, 10 points
El Phantasmo: 5-2, 10 points
Robbie Eagles: 4-3, 8 points
El Lindaman: 4-3, 8 points
Wheeler Yuta: 4-3, 8 points
TJP: 3-4, 6 points
Douki: 3-4, 6 points
Bushi: 3-4, 6 points
Master Wato: 2-5, 4 points
Titan: 2-5, 4 points


My Thoughts:

Another great event for NJPW and BOSJ, with a few more surprises. Titan finally gets another win, though I didn’t think Bushi was going to rush back up to the top. Same with Akira getting his win on Kanemaru, Yuta beating Wato,  and even Ishimori beating Connors. But great stuff with Taguchi getting a win over Yoh and Sho cheating Austin to get his win. Again, pretty sure these flip next round, Sho loses and Yoh wins, and then it all comes down to their showdown in the ninth.

Awesome stuff out of the other four matches, TJP VS ELP, Eagles VS Lindaman, Hiromu VS Zayne and Desperado VS Douki. It still feels like it is anyone’s game for the finals, but there was great story in Desperado VS Douki given they’re teammates in Suzuki-Gun, and with Douki’s story in his career. Desperado and the others want Douki to step out of their shadows and stand shoulder to shoulder with them, but they’re doing it in a tough love way like they did with Taka Michinoku’s return to in-ring action. There probably is going to come a day where Douki gets not just a win, but a huge win that leads him to a title, and that’s going to be really cool.

My Score: 8.8/10

About Chairshot Radio Network

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

 MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

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

WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling) 

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

FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)

SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast

SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast 

CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

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

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

Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5

Classic POD is WAR


Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!

All Shows On Demand


Powered by RedCircle


Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (2/21/25)

The Final Boss is back!

Published

on

IF YA SMELLALALALALALA~…!

As Cody Rhodes teams with Damian Priest & Braun Strowman against Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline, FINALLY, The Rock has come back to SmackDown!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso; Jimmy wins.
  • The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & LA Knight; Miz & Melo win.
  • Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae w/ Nia Jax; Tiff wins.
  • Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez; No Contest.
  • WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly; Pretty Deadly wins, by disqualification, and DIY retain the titles.
  • Six Man Tag: Cody Rhodes, Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga; changed to…
  • Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga; Priest & Braun win.

PLAY BY PLAY

Cody Rhodes talks with Nick Aldis backstage.

They shake hands, but the SmackDown General Manager tells the WWE Champion there’s been a change: Cody’s out of the Six Man Tag match. What? Why would Aldis do that? It is out of Aldis’s hands. Wait, Solo Sikoa shows up to do what he did, but they can’t do the Six Man Tag that they advertised? How is this out of Aldis’s hands? Who do they need to talk to so they can do the match? Aldis says there’s no one either of them can call, if you smell what’s cooking. This is coming from The Final Boss, and The Final Boss wants to see Cody in the ring tonight. What business could The Great One have with The American Nightmare?

 

Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso!

The Scottish Terminator rubbed it in Big Jim’s face that only one of them is going to Elimination Chamber in Toronto, which Big Jim was able to brush off. But McIntyre harping on how only one Uso is going to WrestleMania was a step too far. These two look to have it out, but is Jimmy just playing into McIntyre’s hands? Or will McIntyre get embarrassed by “the other Uso” this close to that big time match?

Speaking of, Jimmy has a message for Drew as he heads to gorilla. “Everybody know you’re going to Elimination Chamber, right? But Big Jimmy got a question for the Big Easy: Will Drew go onto the Elimination Chamber and win that? Will Drew go onto WrestleMania and win that? Ey, Drew, I think we got an answer for you, Uce. The answer is…” “NO YEET!” Jimmy makes his entrance, the bell rings, and the fans rally behind Jimmy. Jimmy and Drew jaw, and then Drew raises his hands, to say UP YOURS! But Jimmy ROCKS and CHOPS away! Drew puts Jimmy in a corner, Jimmy dodges to CHOP!

Jimmy climbs and he rains down fists! The fans count, Drew dumps Jimmy tot eh apron at 5, but Jimmy GAMANGIRIS! Jimmy goes up, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Jimmy hurries to CHOP, then he whips. Drew reverses to send Jimmy to the corner. Jimmy BOOTS back, goes up, and leaps, but into a clinch! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders to a corner, Drew runs up to SPLASH and OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders again, the ref has Drew hold on, and Jimmy bails out. Drew storms out to get Jimmy and he whips Jimmy HARD into barrier! The fans boo but Drew looms over Jimmy.

The ring count starts, Drew mockingly calls him “Jey,” then puts Jimmy in the ring. Drew says NO MANIA for Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, ROCKS him, then runs up, only for Jimmy to put him on the apron! Drew blocks a superkick, but not the DRAGON WHIP! Drew drops, Jimmy DIVES! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! Jimmy grins, goes back to the apron, and then aims. But Drew stops the Penalty Kick to THROW Jimmy down! Drew then has Jimmy in the Reverse Alabama Lift! REVERSE ALABAMA SLAM onto the steel steps! Drew stands on the desk to say “NO YEET!” while SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Drew revels in the heat from New Orleans, then he leaves Jimmy behind. The ref checks Jimmy, he’s able to continue, so a ring count starts. Drew paces while Jimmy stirs. Jimmy drags himself up using the desk, then lunges in at 9! Drew is annoyed but he rains down fists! Drew stomps Jimmy, then eggs him on. Jimmy rises as the fans rally, but Drew is right on him in the corner. Drew winds up, but Jimmy counter punches! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! And whips, only for Drew to reverses. Jimmy goes up, but Drew KICKS him out of the air! Drew then hauls Jimmy up, snap suplex! Cover, TWO!

Drew says okay, Big Jim. He clamps onto Jimmy with a top wristlock and grinds the arm. Jimmy fights up, fireman’s carries, but Drew elbows free. Drew bumps Jimmy off buckles, then hauls him up to the top rope! Drew CLUBS Jimmy on the back, climbs up, then CLUBS Jimmy more. Jimmy fires elbows and Drew drops back. But Drew runs up to CLUB Jimmy again! SmackDown returns to single picture as Drew CLUBS away on Jimmy again! Jimmy keeps taunting “Jey,” then drags him up. Jimmy fights the back suplex! The fans rally, Jimmy fires hands and a HEADBUTT! Jimmy SMACKS Drew off the post!

Jimmy rises to USO IN THE WIND! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! A standing count starts while both men stir on the mat. They both stand at 5, and Drew swings! Jimmy counter punches, then fires more shots! Mule kick, UPPERCUT, but then Jimmy dodges Drew! SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Drew is tougher than that, but Jimmy hurries to a corner. Jimmy aims as Drew goes to the other corner, “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs, but Drew FLYING HEADBUTTS! The Glasgow Kiss stuns Jimmy, and Drew hits a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Jimmy shows his own toughness, and the fans rally behind him.

Drew paces, then he stalks Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, reels him in, but Jimmy fights the underhooks! Jimmy wrenches, UPPERCUTS, but Drew ROCKS Jimmy back! Jimmy UPPERCUTS, Drew HAYMAKERS! Drew whips, Jimmy reverses and Drew ends up on the apron! Drew ROCKS Jimmy first, then climbs the corner! FLYING- SUPERKICK! Jimmy runs to SPEAR! Cover, TWO!! Drew survives, Jimmy’s spear doesn’t hit quite like The Tribal Chief’s. Jimmy goes to the corner, climbs up, and the fans rally up. USO- NO, Jimmy rolls through as Drew moves! Drew dodges a lariat to NECKBREAKER!

Both men are down, the fans rally, and Drew kips up! Drew scowls as he aims at Jimmy. “THREE! TWO! ONE!” CLAY- SUPERKICK!! Jimmy hits first! GLASGOW KISS returns! Drew reels Jimmy in, “This is your WrestleMania! This is as close as you get!” Drew shouts Jimmy is nothing, then ROCKS him with forearm after forearm! GLASGOW KISS! Another Reverse Alabama, but Jimmy victory rolls it! JIMMY WINS!!!

Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall

Drew is furious, but his own ego caught him there! But then Drew CLOBBERS Jimmy! The fans boo Drew being a sore loser, but he puts Jimmy back in the ring! Drew rains down fists, then he DRIBBLES Jimmy off the mat! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Drew says that was Jimmy’s Mania Moment! Drew will win the Chamber, he will go to Mania, and he will win there! Jimmy means NOTHING to Drew! Drew puts Jimmy up against the post, then takes aim! The fans boo, but refs and producers rush out here! They swarm Drew to keep him from going after Jimmy again. Drew says fine, fine, then takes his leave.

Producers help Jimmy to his feet, but then Drew BLASTS through the refs! CLAYMORE for Jimmy!! The Scottish Terminator hits his target, then laughs as he actually leaves. Will McIntyre make this his Road to WrestleMania?

 

A car pulls into the parking lot.

And out steps Solo Sikoa. Solo heads inside, and he finds Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga waiting. Solo tells them that last week with Tama, that was an accident. Jacob says yeah, it’s all good, Uce. But keep it 100: If it wasn’t an accident, Solo wouldn’t be standing here right now. Well, good! Glad to see we’re all on the same page. Solo says he will be in the corner during the match for Jacob & Tama. Uh, no, Solo, no disrespect, but Jacob & Tama have been running things on SmackDown these past couple weeks. So tonight, it’s Jacob & Solo running the play? Yadada mean? Yeah, of course. And that right there, Jacob, is exactly why Solo loves him.

Solo says he’ll be back, he has to talk with Nick Aldis. Solo heads out, but will he really just step right back into place from before he lost the ula fala?

 

Carmelo Hayes is backstage.

R-Truth calls out to Melo, and says for the first time ever, Truth VS Melo! What’s Truth talking about? Duh, they have a match. No, Truth, Melo knows. But they had a match last week. Truth says he has never met Melo in his life, but they have a tag match tonight. What? No, they don’t. Who even made this match? Him. Truth, they are not going through this H1M who’s on first thing again. Melo is H1M. No, him made the match. The Miz!? Miz says he’s H1M. So now there’s two of you? No no no! Melo is H1M, this is The Miz! Yeah, #MeloDon’tMiz! NO! That’s not a thing! Tonight, they are. Who’s Truth’s partner?

Truth says he’s got a guy. A Louisiana legend! In fact, he just got here, so Truth’s gotta go. Laters. Miz says he has been workshopping this, and the fans love it. Think about it: Melo Don’t Miz! Melo Don’t Miz! And we are…! Melo shakes his head. Truth steps in and says Miz just wants Melo to say, “Awesome.” Miz offers a fist bump, Melo says no. Will Melo wish he had missed tonight’s show? Or will Miz actually help H1M get another win?

 

Zelina Vega speaks.

“My whole life, people have taken one look at me, and they try to define me. My size has never stopped me before. It never stopped me from becoming tag team champion. Or my personal favorite, the history-making first-time-ever Queen of the Ring. That’s me. Make no mistake about it, I’ve never had it easy. I had to scratch and claw to get anything around here. But this is a fresh start. Because I have something to prove. And my dreams are a lot bigger than your measuring stick. It ain’t over until Zelina Vega says it’s over.”

 

The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & ???

Miz makes his entrance but Melo kinda steps all over it. So he already missed his cue… But who did Truth find to team with him in the Big Easy? We’ll see, after the break.

SmackDown returns and Truth makes his entrance. “What’s up?” Well, more like who is his partner? He’ll tell us! His tag team partner is a local legend, born and bred right here in New Orleans! Ladies and gentlemen, welcome Louisiana Knight! Wait, he means L A Knight! Yes, Louisiana abbreviated is LA, but that’s not… Oh, Truth… Truth gives Knight a Po’ Boy and some Mardi Gras beads, so Knight embraces it. The teams sort out, and Truth calls out him! Does he mean Miz or Melo? Well, Melo says he is H1M, so that’s who starts. The fans cheer on Knight while Truth and Melo tie up. Melo KNEES low, whips, but Truth reverses.

Melo springboards, FADEAWAY JUMPER! Melo makes his free throw, but Truth drop toeholds! Truth headlocks, Melo powers up and out but Truth whips! Melo turns hip toss into lateral press, TWO! Truth has a ghost pin, TWO! Melo trips to cover, ONE! Truth trips to cover, ONE! Melo runs up, Truth does the splits, and then hits a BIG hip toss! The fans fire up, Truth counts, Melo gets up at TWO, but Truth was just goofing. The ref explains to Truth that he is the ref, not Truth! Melo is annoyed, he runs up on Truth, but Truth wrenches him around! Melo pulls hair but Knight tags in. The fans fire up as Knight fires hands!

Knight ROCKS Melo, whips Melo, but Melo reverses! SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Knight drags Melo up to tag Truth back in, and Truth ROCKS Melo! Melo staggers, but he refuses to tag! Truth arm-drags Melo, then grinds the arm. Melo insists he’s got this, then arm-drags free. Truth staggers up, he and Melo bump heads! Truth staggers around more, and he tags Miz?! Truth forgot The Awesome Truth isn’t a thing anymore! Again! Melo BLASTS Truth off the apron, the fans boo, but Miz tags himself in! Melo is annoyed, but Miz goes to fetch Truth while SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again, and Melo has Truth. Truth ROCKS Melo, but Melo holds onto the wristlock! Truth reaches for Knight, Knight reaches for Truth, but Melo holds on. Truth takes a swing, but into an O’Conner Roll! TWO and Melo BLASTS Knight! Truth rolls Melo up, TWO! Melo kicks low, calls his shot, but Truth suplexes for a STUNNER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Truth and Melo crawl, hot tags to Miz and Knight! The fans fire up as Knight rallies on Miz! “YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips, Miz reverses, but Knight lEAPING LARIATS! Knight TOSSES Melo in for good measure!

Knight stomps a mudhole into Melo, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” LARIAT for Miz! KNEE for Melo! Knight scoops and POWERSLAMS Miz! Knight keeps running, JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Knight stays on Miz as he brings Miz up. Knight ROCKS Miz, then ROCKS him again! Knight whips, Miz grabs the ropes. Miz KICKS, then takes a swing, but into a back suplex! Miz lands out, tag to Melo! Miz ELBOWS Knight, but Knight scoops! Miz tilt-o-whirls through, Melo SUPERKICKS Knight down! cover, TWO! Knight stays in this but Melo says he’s got this! Melo waits on Knight, then leaps, but NO 48!

Knight kicks low, but NO B F T! Tag to Truth! Knight ELBOWS Melo, Truth runs in! CENA SHOULDER TACKLES! Then the SPIN OUT BOMB! Truth says it’s time! “YOU CANT SEE ME~!” truth runs for the FIVE KNCUKLE SHUFFLE! Truth then fireman’s carries, but Melo slips free! Melo shoves, Truth dodges, and Truth hits the LIE DETECTOR! Truth then gets Melo in the S T R-TRUTH! But Miz CLOBBERS Truth! Knight ROCKS Miz, then LARIATS him up and out! Knight then goes out to THROW Miz into barriers! The fans fire up again, but NAKAMURA ATTACKS KNIGHT!

The fans boo, but the sinister samurai then POSTS Knight!! Nakamura slithers away while Melo keeps the ref’s attention! Truth sees Knight is down, Melo runs up, but Truth dodges! Miz tags in, full nelson, and a FIRST 48 FINALE COMBO?!? Cover, Miz & Melo win!!

Winners: The Miz & Carmelo Hayes, by pinfall

Well, what do you know? Nakamura aside, Miz and Melo made it work! Okay, they’re both trying to hog the spotlight, but is there a future for Melo Don’t Miz? Will Knight only have more of a reason to take that title off Nakamura now?

 

Charlotte Flair speaks.

“The GOAT… doesn’t have to call themselves The GOAT. Now, I have crafted a legacy that no one, I mean no one, can touch. And I’m back.” The Women’s Royal Rumble Winner chose Tiffany Stratton, but will The Queen take back her throne? Or will WWE always be on #TiffyTime? Speaking of…

 

Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae!

The WWE Women’s Champion may have gotten past Nia Jax, but now she knows Charlotte Flair is waiting for her at WrestleMania, and is going to be teaming with Trish Stratus in Toronto! Will she be in Tiffy Top Shape for that Tiffy Trishy dream match? Or will the Poison Pixie be quite the problem all on her own?

Before the match, Tiff grabs a mic while the fans cheer. Tiffy says, “I know, I know. You know it, you know it, and you know it. Ever since I won this title, everybody’s just been so obsessed with me. And last week, I had Nia Jax beat, until Candice LeRae decided to interfere and help her little meal ticket. And at Elimination Chamber, Trish Stratus and I make sure the Unstoppable Force comes to a definitive end!” The fans cheer that, but Tiff says enough about them. Let’s talk Charlotte Flair. The fans boo that name, but Tiff says Charlotte took her sweet old time, grabbed a chair, grabbed a mic, and she looked down on Tiff.

Charlotte chose Tiff as her WrestleMania opponent. In that moment, Tiff’s dream came true! And as she lied down there and looked up at Charlotte, she realized the rumors are true: No one loves to kick a girl when she’s down quite like Charlotte Flair. So at WrestleMania, Tiff isn’t coming for Charlotte’s legacy; that’s all Charlotte’s. Tiff is coming for the spot Charlotte desires the most: The number one spot as the top girl in the WWE! But here comes Nia & Candice to interrupt. Nia has a mic to tell Tiffy, “I Have to say, this is really cute. Like, it’s really cute that you actually think you were gonna beat me last week.”

Doesn’t Candice think that is cute? Candice says yes, it is so~ cute. And Tiff wouldn’t even be standing there if not for little Trish Stratus~. Exactly! And it’s even cuter that Tiff is out here talking about Charlotte when she wont’ even see WrestleMania! Because after Nia & Candide destroy Tiff at Elimination Chamber, Nia is coming back for her WWE Women’s Championship. Nia & Candice step up to the ring, and Nia says Tiff won’t even see the Grandest Stage of Them All. Tiff tells Nia to just give it up. This title isn’t even hers anymore. And once Tiff beats Candice tonight, Nia won’t have anyone to do her dirty work anymore!

Candice tells Tiffy that while they’re meant have a match right now, she and Nia are feeling impatient. Nia says they should just get rid of Tiff right now! But the ref steps in and says not gonna happen! Tiff VS Candice will, after the break.

SmackDown returns and Candice has Tiffy down with an armlock. Tiff fights up as the fans rally, but Candice wrenches to wristlock. Tiff spins through, goes to ropes, then up the corner to flip and arm-drag! The fans fire up as Tiff rallies on Candice! DROPKICK, and Tiff snarls! Tiff goes to the corner, and Charlotte makes her entrance? The Queen chooses to be fashionably late all so everyone looks at her, including Tiffy. Tiffy handsprings, but Candice dodges! Candice runs up to UPPERCUT, then she snapmares and NECK SNAPPERS! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Candice clamps onto Tiffy with a top wristlock.

The fans “WOO~” as Charlotte now chooses to join commentary. Tiff fights up, has the ROPEBREAK, but Candice CLUBS away on her! Candice backs off, runs up, but Tiff drop toeholds her to ropes! Tiff runs, HIP ATTACKS, and Candice flops back! Cover, TWO! Tiff stays on Candice with a whip, but Candice reverses. Candice CLOBBERS Tiff, covers, TWO! Charlotte corrects Tiffy’s words earlier: Charlotte isn’t the “top girl,” she is THE woman in WWE. Candice HIP DROPS Tiff but the fans rally up. Candice scuffs Tiff, then grinds an arm to drop a knee on the elbow! And another knee drop! Tiff endures and the fans rally up.

Candice keeps on that arm, thrashes it around, but Tiff fights up. Tiff fires body shots, then shoves Candice to Alabama Lift her! Candice sunset flips, Tiff rolls through, TIFFY STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Tiff is frustrated and Candice bails out. Tiff goes to the apron, goes up the corner, and ARIHARA MOONSAULTS! Direct hit on Candice and Nia, and Tiff almost stuck the landing! The fans fire up with Tiff and she goes into the ring. Tiff points to the WrestleMania sign, and then at Charlotte, but SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Tiff waits on Candice, Candice slides in, and Tiff stomps her down! Candice bails out, Nia is there to coach her, but Tiff lets the ring count start. Candice gets on the apron, Tiff kicks her, but Candice RAMS Tiff! Candice CLUBS Tiff, has her in the ropes, and hits a NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT! Candice climbs, aims, and leaps to MISSILE DROPKICK Tiff down! Cover, TWO! Candice is frustrated but this is why Tiff’s a champ. The fans rally, but Candice stomps Tiff! Candice scowls at the fans, stalks Tiff, then brings her up. Tiff fires body shots, then she rolls Candice up! TWO, and Candice CLOBBERS Tiff! Cover, TWO, into a ghost pin! TWO!

Candice escapes to hit a CODE BREAKER! Both women are down, but Candice scowls again as she crawls over to Tiff. Candice rains down fists, Nia tells fans to shut up, and Candice steps on Tiff’s face. Candice huffs ‘n’ puffs, pushes Tiff around, then scuffs her. Tiff rolls Candice up again, TWO! Candice DECKS Tiff! Cover, TWO! Charlotte is stoic on commentary as Candice drags Tiff up and puts her in a corner. Candice fires hands, then backs off. Candice runs up to ROCK Tiff again! Candice then runs, but Tiff dodges! SmackDown returns to single picture, and Tiff rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT! The fans fire up, Tiff handsprings, BACK ELBOW!

Tiff then reels Candice in for a SKY HIGH! High stack, TWO! The fans rally for Tiff, Nia coaches Candice, but Charlotte still seems nonplussed. Tiff and Candice rise, and Candice runs up. Candice puts Tiff on the apron, but Tiff ROCKS her! Tiff bumps Candice off buckles, then goes up, but Candice ROCKS her back! Candice climbs up, and she fires hands on Tiff! Tiff fights the suplex! Tiff DECKS Candice, then adjusts position, to SANTON- FLOP! Candice ghost pins, TWO!! Tiff escapes, but Candice hits the step-up SENTON! And then a LIONSAUL FLOP! Tiff hurries to fireman’s carry, ROLLING SENTON! And then PRETTIEST MOON- NO, Nia drags Candice out of the ring!

The fans boo, Nia tells them to shut up, but Tiff is on the apron! Nia swings, Tiff cartwheels over, and then she DROPKICKS Nia! Tiff Alabama Lifts Candice, to ALABAMA SLAM her into barriers! Tiff stares down Charlotte, tells her just wait for Mania, then she puts Candice in the ring. Tiff goes to the corner, PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, Tiff wins!

Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall

Charlotte gives moderate applause, but Nia CLOBBERS Tiff from behind! The fans boo, but Nia just drags Tiff to a corner. Nia goes up, but wait! Trish is here!! The fans fire up for the legend as she rushes into the ring! Trish avoids a haymaker to CHICK KICK! Then THESZ PRESS for Candice! And then a SPINEBUSTER! Trish helps Tiff to her feet, but Nia grabs them both! Trish fires fast hands on Nia! Candice CHOP BLOCKS Trish! Tiff is still dazed, Nia HEADBUTTS her back down! Nia & Candice mug Trish, and then Nia HEADBUTTS Trish! Trish & Tiff are side by side, and Nia drags them into the drop zone! A-NIA-LATOR!!

The fans boo but there’s nothing can be done! Nia grins as she helps Candice away, will these two trash Trish & Tiff in Toronto? Charlotte steps into the ring, stands over Tiff, and points to the WrestleMania sign. Will The Irresistible Force & Poison Pixie unwittingly do the dirty work of The Queen of Flair?

 

Cody talks with Damian Priest backstage.

Priest asks why Cody’s boy, The Rock, is here tonight. Cody says given the time of year, his guess is as good as anyone’s. But tonight will surely be eventful. Cody congratulates Priest on entering the Elimination Chamber. Priest says what’s wild is, last year, they both walked out as champions. What sucks is that this year, only one of them can. Now, Priest is man enough and he respects Cody to say that after Chamber, he’s coming for that title. Cody says he wouldn’t have it any other way. Cody heads out, but what business does The Rock have tonight?

Braun Strowman steps in, and he tells Priest that congrats on winning, and good luck in the Chamber. But let’s be honest, Braun had Jacob dead to rights last week. If not for Solo Sikoa, things would look a lot different next week. Priest chuckles and says take it easy, he’s sounding like Drew with the excuses. But it is what it is, Priest just beat Braun to the punch. But that was last week. Tonight, Solo and Jacob, two of the baddest men in the business. Priest & Braun handling business? Oh, they’re handling business. The only business Braun cares about is getting his hands on those two. Priest says Braun definitely will.

Braun heads out, will the Monster of All Monsters and the Archer of Infamy make sure Solo & Jacob #GetTheseHands? Or will the rogues run roughshod all over SmackDown once again?

 

Backstage interview with Naomi & Bianca Belair.

Byron Saxton is with the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions and brings up last week’s SmackDown, the security footage led us to believe Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez were the ones behind Jade Cargill’s attack. Now, hold on, Saxton. They don’t think, Naomi knows they were. Fair enough. But this Monday, they can get their revenge when they defend the tag titles against Liv & Raquel. How ready are they for this match? Bianca says so ready! They have been waiting for months for an update. Jade has been recovering, she hasn’t been able to call or text, so the GlowEST took matters into their own hands to get revenge.

Bianca & Naomi will handle Liv & Raquel, then move on to Elimination Chamber, where one of them is gonna win to face Rhea at WrestleMania. Not only will you #FeelTheGlowEST on Monday, but Liv feels it tonight! #Let’sGLOW! The champs head out, but will they clear their Road to WrestleMania of any other distractions?

 

Alexa Bliss speaks.

“When I was away, there was a lot of… change that happened in me. But when I look around, I see this place is still the same. The names and faces may be different, but the desperation and insecurity remains the same. You’ll see Toronto when I turn the Elimination Chamber into something of a playground of my own. I know the Chamber. I love the Chamber. I’ve won the Chamber. And for the other five women, it’s gonna be a Hell like they’ve never experienced before. Need I remind you, this is my division, and I am in charge.” Bliss smiles and says, “See you soon.” The film comes off the reel, but will things get twisted in Toronto?

 

Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez!

The Big Easy is all about having fun, and they’re fired up for Naomi’s entrance. But wait! Liv & Raquel don’t wait, they attack Bianca & Naomi while the lights are still down! They mug Naomi, but Bianca drags Liv out of the ring! Then Bianca storms in to fire off on Raquel! The fans fire up, but Liv returns to CHOP BLOCK Bianca! Raquel hauls Bianca up for a TEJANA BOMB!! Naomi runs up, fires more hands, but Liv brings Naomi around. Naomi fires hands on her, but Raquel throws her down! Liv runs up, OBLIVION!

Liv & Raquel stand tall, the refs rush out here, but clearly the singles match isn’t happening. Will we be getting something even meaner and nastier between these four on Monday?

 

The Rock arrives!

His truck pulls into the parking lot, but we’ll see him in the ring, after the break!

 

SmackDown returns and…

Aldis is chewing out Liv & Raquel for the attack. He doesn’t know what they get away with on Raw, but they can’t pull that crap here. Now get the hell out of his building. Liv & Raquel just laugh that off, but then Chelsea Green & Piper Niven walk in. Chelsea says have no fear, Chelsea & Piper are here to sub in for Bianca and Naomi at Elimination Chamber. Aldis sighs, and says they’re not missing the Chamber. What? But Chelsea had an outfit picked out! This is a travesty to not have the greatest Canadian export since maple syrup on a Canadian PLE! Does he know who she is? The first-ever, longest reigning, tallest, shortest, prettiest, richest, tannest, sparkliest, oldest, youngest Women’s US Champion! Piper asks what this is aboot, eh?

Aldis says this is them testing his patience. They need to pack their gear and whatever else they want, because they’ll be in action next week on SmackDown in Toronto. And oh, it’ll be a good one. Wait, they need more details! At least an e-calendar notification? Aldis is leaving Chelsea in the dark on what’s coming, will she absolutely hate it?

 

The Rock heads to the ring!

Wait, what is this New Orleans related remix? The Final Boss steps out on stage, he shows those goosebumps, then continues down the ramp, shaking hands with fans. The Rock hits his signature pose on the corner, but then takes the long way around to pick up a fan’s phone for them before going back into the ring. The fans all cheer for “ROCKY! ROCKY!” and he grabs himself a mic. He waits as the fans continue to chant his name, and then he says, “Ahh, you feel it, don’t you? You feel it. The Rock has got chills up and down his body because you know, on a Friday night, for the Final Boss to get inside his bird and fly all the way here, you know that I’m dropping some ish on you tonight!”

The fans fire up and The Rock smiles. Rock says, “Let’s get this show on the road.” The fans anticipate what’s coming but he says hold on, he’ll do it. “FINALLY! The Rock has come back…” “TO NEW ORLEANS~!” Rock smiles, and he adds, FINALLY, WrestleMania is coming back to New Orleans!! The fans are thunderous to hear that! WrestleMania 30, WrestleMania 34, and now WrestleMania 42!? Yes, next year, 2026, LIVE from the Superdome! One of the greatest cities on Earth in New Orleans, Louisiana! The pyro goes off to commemorate the occasion, and the logo is already on the tron! Rock smiles at that, then he smiles at the WrestleMania 41 Vegas logo.

The fans are losing their minds, as we now know April 11th and 12th, 2026, the Big Easy has the Grandest Stage of Them All. Rock says you damn right holy ish! Oh when the saints go marching in…! Oh how I’d love… Wait, no, this ain’t singalong with The Final Boss! Sit there, shut up, and let The Final Boss sing the song! The fans are torn, but Rock says he sings! Oh how I’d love, to be in that number~! Oh when the saints go marching in~! Okay, that’s good enough. You got him, that was a great duet. The Rock is singing with the largest collection of STD’d trailer trash he has ever seen! The fans can’t believe Rock would do that to them!

Rock says now, dropping this news wasn’t the only gift he was going to drop on us. The Final Boss came here to call somebody out. The Rock will call out a man who he respects, who he admires, and who we all admire. That man is our WWE Champion, the one and only, Cody Rhodes. The fans cheer as The American Nightmare makes his entrance! They sing along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” and we get Cody’s pyro before he goes to the ring. Cody gets his second “WHOA~ OH~!” and round of pyro, then he steps inside to join The Rock. The fans cheer Cody on, so he holds up the title and the fans cheer even more.

Cody grabs a mic, but Rock says, “That feels good, doesn’t it? I mean, that’s gotta feel amazing, right? They love you, man.” Cody tells NOLA, “I love you, too.” Rock says this is crazy. Pretty much no one knows this, but since after WrestleMania last year, they’ve actually become good friends. No, it’s true, they have. Last time they were together was the Raw Netflix debut. Rock gave Cody his flowers, told Cody he has carried the company like the incredible champion that he is, so thank you, Cody. Rock meant it, and that night, they went to the back, drank tequila for two hours and had a great ol’ time.

They chopped it up, had a blast, but Rock wants to call Cody out here for something important. Here’s the thing… The fans get a bit rowdy as they wait, and Rock says Cody is a great champion. A great WWE Champion. Cody knows that. Again, they’ve become good friends, so over the months, they’ve texted. Even their moms became good friends! Look! Mama Johnson & Mama Rhodes together after WrestleMania 40! It is a pleasure becoming Cody’s friend. But Rock wanted this face to face to tell him a few things. One: Cody has been a great champion, but he needs to understand. Yes, The Rock, The Final Boss, is on the Board of TKO. And TKO owns WWE.

The Rock is the Director of the Board of TKO. Don’t boo that! The Rock’s good friend, Ari Emanuel, who owns everything Endeavor, The Rock joked with Ari, “Can you believe that you own The WWE?” Ari says he doesn’t own the WWE, The Rock does. Rock said no, no, he doesn’t know if he owns the WWE. But The Rock knows he is the most powerful… Cody, you are a great champion. But Rock wants Cody to be something more. Rock wants Cody to be something more than just our champion. Rock wants Cody to be his champion. The fans don’t like where that’s going.

Cody says he did not expect them to become friends, nor their moms to become friends, nor the tequila. Cody didn’t have that on his bingo card. But becoming The Rock’s champion? The Rock of all people should know, Cody is the people’s champion. The fans cheer Cody more, and Rock says yes! Cody is their champion! Of course! The Rock is also The People’s Champion, he loves that about Cody. This is their universe, they were both born into this business. But Rock means something even bigger than just this. Rock knows Cody’s goal is to bring as much joy and happiness to everyone around the world, as many as possible.

The fans cheer, and Rock says that’s Cody. Cody is that guy, and everyone knows it. Cody is on social media, Instagram, millions of followers. Millions, and millions! The Rock has half a BILLION. That’s not a flex. But The Rock is the most followed American man in the world, that’s what he wants for Cody. Rock wants Cody to be even higher. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, he will open doors to possibilities Cody never even imagined. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, every dream he has ever had can come true. Every dream of Brandi’s, of their daughter’s. Think about how Rock brought them to the premiere of Moana 2, in Hawaii.

Thank you, by the way, for making that cross a BILLION dollars, fans, Rock loves you. Rock has met the Rhodes family, they’re amazing. But imagine it: Cody’s daughter’s children, their dreams, long after Rock and Cody are gone, all those dreams can come true. Rock just needs Cody to be his champion. The fans say don’t do it! Rock tells Cody to just think about it, though. Rock is a very lucky man, he has it all. Cody also has it all. They’re very fortunate. They’re Mama’s Boys, they’re Girl Dads, they’re lucky men. Fans say don’t do it, Rock tells them to shut up or he’ll slap the syphilis off their face! Rock is trying to have a moment here, shut your mouths!

The one thing that Rock has never had, that he wants more than anything, is a brother. And that is what Cody can be. Last year, WrestleMania, Rock’s goal was to face his cousin, Roman Reigns, for the title. Cody knows, the fans know. Rock talked with his friend, HHH. He talked with Nick Khan, who is his friend. They are also Cody’s friends. Rock knew it wasn’t in the plans, but they talked about moving Cody aside to make what was best for business: Rock VS Roman, WrestleMania 40! What’d Cody do? Cody pitched a b*tch fit! Cody told The Rock he ain’t doing it, and he stood up to The Rock. And y’know what else? Cody SLAPPED Rock!

No one does that and gets away with it. But that is why Cody is special. That is why Cody should be Rock’s Champion. And that is why Rock will take Cody from where he is to a level so far above. Rock will make sure every dream, every desire, for generations to come, it all comes true. Rock’s dad, Cody’s dad, Soul Man & American Dream, they are looking down right now. They were friends, Cody and Rock are friends, Cody should be Rock’s Champion. He doesn’t need to answer Rock tonight. He can think about it, talk with his wife and daughter, as will The Rock. Then Cody can think about it. Meet Rock in Toronto on March 1st to give him the answer.

Fans still say don’t do it, but Rock says it is okay. Before he leaves, this has been an amazing night, this is a hot crowd, thank you all very much. But before he leaves, Rock wants us to know this: The one thing Rock wants more than anything in this world… is that. Wait, the title? Cody’s title? The fans’ title? This is all this is about? No no no no! Brother… Rock doesn’t want the title. He wants Cody’s soul. The fans duel, “NO! NO! NO!” “SELL YOUR SOUL!” Rock pats Cody on the cheek and says see you in Toronto. The Rock leaves, giving Cody a lot to think about. Rock does give one last glance back at Cody, then smirks.

What will The American Nightmare choose: His integrity? Or his aspirations?

 

WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly!

Did Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano got these titles thanks to Kit Wilson & Elton Prince? #YESBOY! Did they survive a couple title defenses thanks to Kit & Elton? #YESBOY! But when Pretty Deadly needed DIY, was DIY there for them? #NOBOY! So now, Kit & Elton are looking to give Ciampa & Gargano their comeuppance! Will we finally get another #SidePlateCheck? Or will Ciampa & Gargano remember for themselves, that if you wanna be champions, you gotta do it yourself?

But as DIY make their entrance, they have mics, and Johnny Wrestling tells NOLA, “Give it up one time for your TWO-TIME WWE Tag Team Champions…! The BTTITW (Best Tag Team In The World), D I Y~!” The fans boo instead. Ciampa says there is no denying that tonight has been electrifying. Gargano says this is a hot crowd. But please, if we could be somber for a second. Guys, this is serious. Two weeks ago, Pretty Deadly embarrassed DIY, and now reluctantly, DIY will return that favor by crushing their hopes and dreams of ever becoming WWE Tag Team Champions. So please, let us all rise to our feet… Yes, you in the LSU jersey, stand up.

Ciampa thanks Wade Barrett, and asks for everyone to remove their hands and bow their heads for a moment of silence for Pretty Deadly, beginning… now. The fans boo instead! And then Pretty Deadly make their entrance! The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really needed who in this broken relationship!

But then DIY jumps Pretty Deadly! The ref reprimands, DIY whip but Pretty Deadly reverses! DOUBLE DORPKICKS! Then DOUBLE LARIATS send DIY up and out! The disco ball hasn’t even stopped spinning! The fans cheer while DIY throw a fit! They regroup, cool down, and go back to the ring. Gargano distracts Elton, Ciampa CLOBBERS him, and the bell rings. But Elton fires hands on Ciampa! Elton whips, Ciampa reverses and he pulls hair! The ref reprimands, Ciampa throws Elton to the apron and KNEES him down! Tag to Gargano and he aims, SUPERKICK! Elton goes down in a heap, DIY cheers themselves on, and SmackDown goes to break!

SmackDown returns, Gargano tags in, and DIY hits the BACK SUPLEX BOMBO COMBO! Cover, TWO! Elton stays in this but Gargano tags Ciampa back in. Gargano sends Ciampa in, but Elton ELBOWS him away! Gargano runs in, but Elton puts him on the apron! Gargano goes after Kit, but Kit blocks the kick! Kit BOOTS Gargano down, but then Ciampa BOOTS Kit! Elton dodges Ciampa to come back, DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! Elton and Ciampa are down, sputtering and writhing, and the fans rally up. Elton crawls, Kit rises, hot tags to Kit and Gargano! Kit rallies on DIY with big forearms! Kit whips, Gargano reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS!

Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa in a corner, then LARIATS! Kit runs to LARIAT Gargano! Kit pushes Gargano down, kicks him and hits a TWIST- NO, Gargano slips through to ROCK Kit! Kit yoyos, DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up, Kit tags Elton! They get Gargano up, but Gargano BOOTS Elton! Gargano ELBOWS Kit away, then runs up on Elton! Elton dodges, then gives Kit the boost, DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Gargano survives but Ciampa is in! Elton fireman’s carries Ciampa, but Ciampa slips free! Ciampa whips, Elton reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa! Elton shows off his strength with the GOTCH LIFT PLEX!

Tag to Kit, but IN COME THE PROFITS! Ford SHOVES Kit down, Dawkins mugs him!!

Winners: Pretty Deadly, by disqualification; DIY retain the titles

Not again! Just like they did Motor City Machine Guns, The Profits make sure no one else takes these titles off DIY! URENAGE from Ford to Elton! Dawkins keeps hammering away on Kit, and then Ford POSTS Elton! Dawkins fireman’s carries Kit, to POST him, too! Looking like the All Mighty with that one! Gargano fires forearms in return, but ends up int he POUNCE GERMAN SUPLEX! Then Ciampa runs up into a FLAPJACK! Ford goes up top, then flies in FROM THE HEAVENS!! Direct hit on Ciampa! But wait! MCMG rushes out here, wanting their payback! The Profits brawl with MCMG, but Ford TOSSES Shelley to the apron!

Ford runs up, Shelley goes to kick, but Ford blocks it! Ford LARIATS Shelley down, Dawkins hits Sabin with THE BIG ENDING! The fans are torn as Dawkins whips Sabin, Profits get him for the REVELATION!! And if there’s been any revelation, it is that Ford & Dawkins don’t just want the smoke, they want to burn down the tag division to get it! Will nothing stop them once they’re back in action?

 

Kevin Owens speaks.

“You got what you wanted, huh? You got your match. You couldn’t, uh… You couldn’t just take the punishment that you deserved, that I’d already given you, and let it go. No, you… You wanted me and you to go again. You wanted to fight me, you want to hurt me, you want to end my career, which would hurt my family, by the way. Which is truly despicable. But what about your family, Sami? Huh? Have you thought of them? What about your family, huh?” Kevin reveals he is right outside the Zayn home! Kevin peers inside to watch Sami, his wife, and his son!

Kevin asks Sami via the video if Sami knows what he’s about to put them through, when they have to watch Kevin end Sami’s career. And what happens then, eh? When Sami can’t provide for them, and everything they have, like this nice house, the shelter, the security, the peace they have, when it’s all gone? And why? What for? Because Sami’s too proud? Because Sami’s selfish? Sami IS selfish. Because Sami is making Kevin do this to Sami’s family. Kevin will never forgive Sami for that. He’ll see Sami in Toronto. “But remember… You asked for this. It’s all your fault.” As if Kevin’s delusions aren’t already grand, will he continue to blame everyone else but himself?

 

Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga!

Elimination Chamber is on the horizon, and the Road to WrestleMania makes for strange bedfellows. Priest, Braun and Jacob were fighting each other just last week, but Solo’s return really threw things for a loop. Can Priest & Braun give Solo and the Samoan Werewolf their punishment? Or will everything (not) be fine in Solo’s Bloodline?

SmackDown returns as #OneBigSOB makes his entrance. As Solo, Jacob & Tama head to gorilla, we hear from Solo. “Tonight, we handle business. And it starts with Braun Strowman & Damian-” Jacob interrupts with, “Man, c’mon, DP! C’mon, Braun! I thought we did this! So tonight, we about to even up the score. If you ain’t know, I’m all gas, no brakes with it! See, since we touched the scene, we been dropping bodies like bread crumbs! Yadada mean!? FA-TUUU~! Hit my music!” The rogues enter to Jacob’s theme, is this alone proof he’s the new alpha? Or will the match be the last nail in that coffin?

The teams sort out, but Jacob stares down both Priest and Braun. NOLA seems to acknowledge Jacob, but Solo convinces him to stand down. Solo starts against Priest, the bell rings, and the two tie up. They go around, Priest powers Solo back, but Solo powers Priest back. They break, stare down, and Solo talks some trash. Solo shoves Priest, Priest shoves back. They circle again, tie up, and Priest puts Solo in a corner. The ref counts, Priest lets off at 4, but Solo stomps Priest’s foot! Solo throws hands, then a HEADBUTT! Priest staggers, but then he ROCKS Solo! And ROCKS him! And HEADBUTTS! That was a mistake!

Solo shakes his head to HEADBUTT Priest! Priest goes to a corner, Solo throws haymakers and body shots on repeat! The ref counts, Solo lets off and says see? Solo and Jacob as one! But Priest THROWS Solo to the corner to fire off haymakers of his own! Priest ROCKS Solo, the fans fire up, and Priest whips., Solo reverses to UPPERCUT! Solo talks smack but Priest ROCKS him again! Tag to Braun and the fans fire up! Braun stares Jacob down, tells him to shove it, then runs up to SPLASH Solo! Braun stares Jacob down again, goes back for Solo, and hits another LARIAT! Braun scoops, Solo slips free, but Braun runs up!

Solo ELBOWS Braun away, tags to Jacob, and Jacob runs in, but Braun dodges! Braun CROSSBODIES! Jacob is right up, but Braun BOOTS him right back down! Solo runs in but Braun TOSSES him! Priest hurries after Solo, Braun CLOBBERS Jacob! LEAPING LARIAT for Solo! Braun then gets on the track, STROWMAN EXPRESS SMACKS a chair out of Tama’s hand! The Good Bad Guy thought he was being sneaky! But then Jacob CROSSBODIES Braun into the timekeeper’s aera! The fans go wild as Jacob rises up, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Jacob hauls Braun up, drags him around the way, HEADBUTTS him, then brings him over to SMACK off the desk! Braun staggers, but he ROCKS Jacob in return! And THROWS Jacob into steel steps! Braun drags Jacob up, puts him in the ring, but Jacob SUPERKICKS Braun! Braun falls into the corner, Jacob HIP ATTACKS! Jacob’s all geeked up, then he tags in Solo. Solo soaks up some heat while Jacob HIP ATTACKS Braun again! Solo puts Braun on ropes to CHOKE him! The ref counts, Solo stops at 4, but Jacob gets a HEADBUTT in! Braun flounders, Solo taunts him and eggs him on, but Braun CHOPS him!

Solo HEADBUTTS Braun right down! Solo rains down fists, then lets off so he can put Braun on the ropes. Solo CHOKES Braun again, stops as the ref counts 4, and Jacob gets another cheap shot in! Solo tags Jacob in, then he HEADBUTTS Braun again and again! Jacob runs to BODY CHECK Braun! Jacob fires up, Braun flounders to ropes, but Jacob rains down fists! Tag to Solo, he soaks up heat from NOLA, then he stomps away on Braun! The ref counts, Solo lets off, then he keeps Braun from Priest by anchoring a leg. Tag to Jacob and Jacob climbs up, FROG SPLASH! Jacob roars while Braun writhes!

Jacob looms over Braun but he glares at Priest. Priest gets heated, but Jacob fires hands on Braun as SmackDown returns to single picture. Braun stands, but Jacob HEADBUTTS him again! Jacob runs for another BODY CHECK! And then a SENTON! Cover, TWO! Braun stays in this and he goes to a corner. Jacob snarls, tags Solo in, and the fans boo. Solo runs corner to corner to HIP ATTACK Braun! Solo grins as he copies Jacob’s geeking out. Tag back to Jacob and fans cheer! Jacob aims, runs, and HIP ATTACKS! Jacob keeps going, but Braun BOOTS from below!! The fans fire up while both men stagger to their feet.

Braun SPINEBUSTERS Jacob! Both monsters are down, the fans rally up, and they crawl, hot tags to Solo and Priest! Priest fires hands on Solo, then whips. Solo reverses but Priest SHOUDLER TACKLES Solo! Priest runs to BACK ELBOW! Jacob is back, but Priest dodges to WHEEL KICK! Priest then waits on Solo, but Solo catches Priest! Priest elbows free, but Solo SUPERKICKS! But Priest JUMPING ROUNDHOUSES! Solo comes back, Priest ROCKS him first! Solo swings, but into the FLATLINER! Cover, TWO! Solo survives but Priest puts him in a corner. Priest whips corner to corner, then runs, only for Solo to put him on th eapron!

Solo takes as swing, Priest dodges and ROUNDHOUSES! Priest then knuckle locks with Solo, goes up top, and he tightrope walks for some OLD SCHOOL! The fans fire up and Priest powers up the arm! Priest runs, but Solo ducks the Comebacker! Priest fights the fireman’s carry to BELL CLAP, ROUNDHOUSE, and then he reels Solo in! But Tama is on the apron! Priest DECKS Tama, but Jacob HOTSHOTS Priest! Solo hits the URENAGE! Cover, TWO!! Priest survives and Solo is stunned! Solo snarls, looks to his taped-up thumb, then he drags Priest up. The fans boo but Solo taunts the fans now. SAMOAN- NO! Priest grabs Solo!

But Jacob runs in! Priest ROCKS Jacob, ELBOWS Solo, then he dodges, so Jacob’s SUPERKICK hits Solo! An accident just like last week’s shot to Tama, but Jacob doesn’t seem as upset by it. Priest TOSSES Jacob, then CLOBBERS Solo! STROWMAN EXPRESS CLOBBERS Jacob & Tama!! Priest brings down the straps, the fans are thunderous, and Priest grabs Solo by the neck! SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Cover, Priest & Braun win!

Winners: Damian Priest & Braun Strowman, by pinfall

Just as Solo thought it’d be like before, he and Jacob were not on the same page! Priest is rolling towards Elimination Chamber, will this be just what he needs to go back to WrestleMania?


My Thoughts:

A great SmackDown here, but with some interesting moves after the sudden change in plans with The Rock showing up. Naomi and Bianca had a good promo to hype up what was meant to be a full match of Naomi VS Liv, but word had already come out before the show that things were being cut for time. But at the very least, they did the right thing of making it a brawl that adds heat to the tag title match on Monday. Also, hilarious how Chelsea & Piper thought the beatdown on Bianca & Naomi was so bad that they would need to be pulled from the Chamber. I also can’t wait to see what happens on Toronto SmackDown.

As for The Rock, I do appreciate he used his authority to kayfabe change more things, all so he could have his promo with Cody. I also appreciate Rock blending his different roles and even different sides, both Heel and Face, to A) bring the news of WM42 being in NOLA, and B) recreate the Corporate Champion/People’s Champion story from the Attitude Era. That was some wild stuff he was saying to Cody. I’m sure quite a few people will try and talk with Cody next week in the go-home. Heels will say do it because they’d love to have what Rock can give, Faces will say not because Cody’s better than that. But naturally, Cody is not going to become The Rock’s Champion, causing Rock to turn on him and really up things going into WrestleMania 41 and perhaps even beyond.

Good stuff in the Elimination Chamber related stories. Jimmy VS McIntyre was great stuff to open, and how fitting that McIntyre loses to Jimmy after talking all that trash about Jimmy and Jey being the same. Jey got McIntyre with something quick, Jimmy got McIntyre with something quick, McIntyre’s ego is obviously his weakness. And at the same time, McIntyre of course destroys Jimmy after because that’s his other personality trait. Priest had good promos with Cody and Braun, and we got great stuff from Solo’s Bloodline. Naturally, we got a miscommunication spot to help finish, we’re really close to Solo VS Jacob, I can feel it. Priest & Braun get the win, mostly because Priest isn’t winning in the Chamber when you’ve got Punk and Cena in there.

Very good stuff with Tiffy Time, from the promos leading into the match to Charlotte being ringside just to watch. Nia & Candice of course get the better of Tiff & Trish, because Tiff & Trish are definitely winning the tag match in Toronto. Charlotte just seems to enjoy trolling Tiff with her presence, so Charlotte probably shows up in Toronto to then confront Tiff after the match. I expect the seven weeks after Elimination Chamber to really heat up, as will Charlotte’s involvement, where she’ll get more active verbally and physically. Also, hell, Rock should go full Corporation and have Charlotte be his Corporate Women’s Champion because of how established she is.

Hilarious stuff from Truth tonight, as always. Truth and Melo having their “who’s on first” again was good stuff, and of course Miz gets in on this story, too. Truth & Knight VS “Melo Don’t Miz” was really fun, but yeah, should’ve figured Nakamura would get involved, too. Melo & Miz making it work could also be really fun, and while Knight VS Nakamura is a rehash, I really hope they find a way to up things. It feels like we’re getting the same with the tag titles as Profits “ruined” that great tag match from DIY and Pretty Deadly, then brawled with MCMG to still come out on top. Last year had a ladder tag title match, so why not do one for these titles this year?

Speaking of escalating, Kevin filming a promo outside Sami’s house was some really well done stuff, as expected of someone as good as Kevin and in such a story as him and Sami. Their match should main event, it needs time to breathe, as it could be just as, if not more violent, than the Chamber matches. What a powerful closing moment we could have if it’s a bloody Kevin and Sami, and one of them is standing over the other, triumphant yet mournful because it was their best friend in the world that they just brutalized.

My Score: 8.9/10

About Chairshot Radio Network

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

 MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

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

WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling) 

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

FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)

SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast

SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast 

CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

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

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

Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5

Classic POD is WAR


Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!

All Shows On Demand


Powered by RedCircle


Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Continue Reading

Coverage

Andrew’s TNA LIVE! iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 2.20.2025

So the first live episode got fairly positive praise from everyone; will this continue the trend?

Published

on

Filming at Full Sail seems to have set the stage nicely this week! Going into a Live episode we got Moose and The Hardy Boyz on NXT, as well as Jordynne Grace’s involvement with Steph and Giulia giving a little shine to TNA happenings since she’s newly WWE.

This episode should be interesting, we finally see Lei Ying Lee (fka Xia Li) back in action, Rascalz take on Tyson and Tyriek, Tessa should be seeing some action as well…so generally interesting happenings for the second Live iMPACT! of 2025. Let’s see how this one goes down!

Ratings:

  • Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin: Rascalz win via Meteora/Swanton Combo – ***
  • Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary: Lei wins via Thunderstruck – **
  • NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC: Dango wins via The System help – ** 3/4
  • Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore: Masha wins via Requiem – N/A
  • Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons: Elijah wins via Tombstone Piledriver – *** 1/4

Results:

Oh yeah, and another Hendry concert is…cut off by a commercial, LOLTNA. First Hendry is cut off by AXSTV’s new Anime Hour bumper, and now Primo and Epico are showing up in TNA. I definitely didn’t have this on my BINGO card. The crowd starts chanting “Where’s Carlito”, which they do acknowledge and play off of well. Oh they’re using their shoot names of Orlando and Eddie now…but before they attack the lights go out and we get another guitar strum! ELIAH/ELIAS/EZEKIEL/EBENERZER/EMERY/EL VAGABUNDO – shows up to back up Hendry. Okay I can apologize away the redundant concert since it played into an Elijah debut. The crowd is immediately popping and chanting “This is Awesome” 10 minutes into the show. 

Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin

Treehouse bros take it to the bigger men quickly, a few fast dives, a little MCMG style tandem strikes, Tyson fires and tries to take them out but they Low Bridge him. Tyriek comes in and they try similar things but Tyriek manhandles them both and throws them out of the ring, Trey is the first one back up and Tyriek and Tyson take his damn head off with his Corkscrew Running Euro Upper. Trey finally manages to flip out of the manhandle, tags in Wentz and Wentz goes for the hot and spicy cleaning house spot. Corner to Corner Knee Lifts for both big men, a Rolling Snapmare, into a Superkick for Tyson and Standing Shoot Star on Tyriek but only for two because Wes feints like he’s going to interfere.

Tyson and Tyriek pull off a tandem Assisted Backdrop Driver, but Wentz breaks it up, Tyson gets knocked out, Wentz hits the Tornillo, Wes tries to interfere again after Trey gets perched on the corner buckle but Ace runs around and trips Wes at the last second causing him to faceplant on the apron, Trey hits the Meteora, Wentz hits a Swanton from the other side of the ring and Trey gets the pinfall victory.

It was fast paced, all gas no brakes, but it didn’t overstay its welcome, so it was pretty fun all things considered.

After the match Wes grabs a mic, complains a little but challenges them to a 6 man match as Sacrifice. So we’re THAT’S where we’re getting the expected 3v3. 

Fir$t Cla$$ comes out with an entourage of hot chicks and probably influencers or something. The “First Class Penthouse” , Gabby AF, Mafiosa Valentina, and Carolina are apparently known in their own way. Gabby I know was the awful one who did something for Impact a last year and sucked, but she’s part of the Busted Open Network I believe so that’s why she’s around. Two of them look like Noelle Foley and Frank the Clown…oh they actually are. Look at that. I do love KC Navarro as the Hype Man, they have this whole set up of AJ being mad that they haven’t gotten more Tag Title shots, so TNA placated him with his own Piper’s Pit and he’s *pregnant pause* totally happy with that. He says he loved Piper and hated Hogan before it was cool.

This is actually quality content and AJ is cutting a nice promo in this segment. They introduce their first guest, the greatest performer in TNA history, many whole say he’s Phenomenal with a whole lot of style….it’s A-J-Francis. 

Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary

Things were slow until Rosemary took her into a corner quickly, hit the Upside Down, and we get a lot of Lei trying to avoid Rosemary’s offense. Rosemary goes for a Spear in the corner and Lei forward rolls, starts connecting with a bunch of right hands, backs Rosemary into the corner, goes for 10 Count Punches, pulls her out, Airplane Spin TKO for only a two count. Rosemary tries As Above So Below, Lei shrugs it off, Rosemary tries to go after Lei anyway and eats Thunderstruck! Lei Ying Lee wins!

After the match Rosemary catches Lei on the ramp and hits the Green mist in the eyes. Match was far too short and so many of Lei’s set up moves look better than her finish. We’ve seen Kofi Kingston do it for years so it’s not bad, just the current Knockouts Division are awful and don’t take the move well. 

Eric Young and the jabronis come out, EY cuts a very basic power crazed psycho kind of promo, gets the “What” chants from the crowds. EY is trying to recruit Maclin even though Maclin made his line in the sand last week. EY tries to spin it as maybe he took out Josh FOR Maclin instead of in spite of his trust. This really doesn’t seem interesting at all, but that’s probably because I hate the two Jabronis EY is with. 

NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC

I really don’t have any interest in Slater. He’s got no personality beyond “flippy guy with a British accent”. 

Dango immediately powders, grabs a chair and goes to swing on him but misses. So Leon is making JDC look dumb by dodging the post chop, using the chair to shield himself from a punch by JDC, and then clapping Dango’s fingers between the chair. So typical System match, look inept for the first few minutes, then take advantage of something to take over. Oh look, Leon takes too long setting up the table, Dango gets in a few pot shots, tries to whip him into the table but Leon leaps over it, and then leaps back over to clobber Dango. Dango is still trying to recover so Leon hits his over the corner post con hilo, and the crowd appreciates it but I’m not interested. Leon panders to the crowd after the big spot and then eats an X-Plex into the chair from Dango.

JDC throws Leon back in, goes for a pinfall that’s only a two and we cut to a commercial. Coming out of the commercial JDC is in control with a Kendo Stick until he isn’t, Leon counters and takes the keno stick, brutalizes Dango a few times then comes off the ropes with the kendo shot for 2. Leon goes for another table, and again, at least the crowd is receptive to this match. Leon sets it up, looks for something off the apron but Dango stops him first until he eats a dropkick to fall onto the table, Leon hits the Swanton 450 through the table on the outside. Does it look cool? Sure. Do I care about dumbass moves? Nope.

Oh thankfully the rest of The System comes out to stop the pinfall, Shield Bomb Leon through the first table, and roll him back in for Dango to win.

The Hardy Boyz come out to try and make the save, but the numbers are against them, so Oba Femi’s music hits! Oba cleans house but doesn’t get his hands on Moose, so they’re at least building the eventual clash between Moose and Oba. 

The crowd starts a “Tessa, we comin for you” chant before she even starts talking. Tessa is actually playing off the crowd well, Santino’s music hits and Tessa thinks he’ll help her out with the crowd and Santino calls bullshit basically. Santino says if Tessa doesn’t wrestle next week, she’s fired and Masha’s music hits. Masha decides to step in for Tessa’s enhancement talent match. 

Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore

Jobber tries to attack Masha early but Masha stops her, rocks her and Requiem ends the match.

Masha stares down Tessa, and then Cora Jade attacks from behind and hits Jaded. 

Ryan Nemeth comes out to his Abyss music remix. What will Mokuba say today? “MYYYY BIIIGG BBRROOOOTTHHHEEEEER” he repeats at least 4 times and it’s hilariously cringe. He announces that Nic will return at Sacrifice, he literally just came out to give a PSA. 

Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons

Hendry starts with Eddie, after a brief tie up it seems like Hendry reads the room and points at Elijah and the crowd wants him in. So Joe tags in Elijah, a little back and forth, Shoulder Tackle from Elijah, Rope Walk with Elijah lays out Eddie and a tag to Joe allows for a quick tandem knockdown, but Eddie powders as the Walking and Talking Duo hold the ring going into the final commercial break.

We come back and Hendry is bouncing Orlando off the ropes as he return a strike, but Orlando is obviously losing, eats a Euro Upper, and then gets walked around in the Stalling Suplex for posterity. Eddie tries a sneak attack but gets caught and Sack of Shit, into Kip Up, turn and then Orlando with the ambush! A few quick short cuts and an Irish Whip/Dropkick combo gives the Colons a near fall. Hendry does get locomotion variation cradles, but eats a Dropkick to stop the attempt at momentum. Orlando stays on Joe, but Joe finally starts to fire up as the crowd starts to get behind him. Euro Uppers make some space, but a Snapmare says no.

Eddie gets tagged in and a quick Leg Sweep into a Front Chancery keeps Eddie in control. As Joe tries to get back up, Eddie turns it into a Guillotine, but finally the Suplex counter connects for Hendry! Simultaneous tags! Elijah bulls over Orlando, catches a Leap Frogging Orlando with the Manhattan Drop as Orlando retreats to a corner, Stinger Splash into Spinebuster for two.  Elijah tries to keep up the attacks but Orlando finds a few ways to make space, launches himself from the middle rope and eats the Jumping Knee! Eddie breaks up the pinfall, Hendry takes Eddie out and Elijah hits the Tombstone Piledriver for the win!

Overall Score: 6/10

Well there were more live hiccups than the first episode, and this felt both more epic and less epic at the same time. Elijah and the Colons debuting was a nice way to kick things off, Oba Femi showing up for the save was fantastic. There were a few decent matches, but also a lot of really short and rushed matches. Tessa played off the crowd well, but Masha really is useless on the mic. Lei Ying Lee needs to framed stronger, her matches have done nothing to show off her ability. It just proves that the Knockouts don’t know how to sell a kick to the head because they all take it in the shoulder and fall in corny ways.

Viva La Sam could be something fun if the next 3 weeks are just hand cam footage of him being like “I’m Sami Callihan and I’m gonna kick Mance Warner’s ass”, Elegance Clique getting the rematch with a stipulation is nice to see and while I like Fir$t Cla$$, that segment went a little long for a cornball swerve payoff. It’s one thing to placate the Influencer squad especially when we’ve seen Logan Paul and Ishowspeed do so well in WWE…but these are like Z Tier Influencers that no one cares about. These kind of dorks stream on Kick because they aren’t relevant enough for Twitch, not because they chose Kick over it.

So yeah, the low lights were pretty low, and the highs were a little fleeting, but at least they were pretty fun. Not a bad show, just clunky with noticeable issues and Masha shouldn’t be allowed to speak English anymore. She’s such a charisma vacuum when she’s not rambling in Russian.

About Chairshot Radio Network

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

 MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

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

WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling) 

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

FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)

SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast

SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast 

CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

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

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

Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5

Classic POD is WAR


Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!

All Shows On Demand


Powered by RedCircle


Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Continue Reading

Sports

Entertainment

Sports Entertainment

Buy A Chairshot T-Shirt!

Chairshot Radio Network

Trending

WP Twitter Auto Publish Powered By : XYZScripts.com