Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW Best of the Super Juniors Results & Report! (5/29/22)
BOSJ, round eight!
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Will round eight seal someone’s fate?
NJPW Best of the Super Juniors 29 is so close to the end, we can almost taste it! But who will taste sweet victory? And who is served bitter defeat?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Best of the Super Juniors 29 B Block: Master Wato VS EL LINDAMAN; Wato wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 29 B Block: Titan VS DOUKI; Titan wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 29 A Block: YOH VS Alex Zayne; Yoh wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 29 B Block: BUSHI VS TJP; TJP wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 29 A Block: Clark Connors VS Hiromu Takahashi; Hiromu wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 29 A Block: Ryusuke Taguchi VS Ace Austin; Austin wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 29 B Block: Wheeler Yuta VS El Phantasmo; ELP wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 29 A Block: Yoshinobu Kanemaru VS SHO; Kanemaru wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 29 A Block: Francesco Akira VS Taiji Ishimori; wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 29 B Block: Robbie Eagles VS El Desperado; Eagles wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Here are the current 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 [ELIMINATED]
Ryusuke Taguchi: 2-5, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
Here are the current 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 [ELIMINATED]
Titan: 2-5, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
Best of the Super Juniors 29 B Block: Master Wato VS EL LINDAMAN!
The Way of the Grandmaster may not have a way into the finals, but he can spoil another’s chances! Will he do that to the G-Rex Champion? Or will this be a GLEAT rebound for Lindaman?
The bell rings and fans rally up for “LIN-DA-MAN! LIN-DA-MAN!” Lindaman fires up and he circles with Wato. They tie up, Wato trips Lindaman then things speed up. Lindaman hurdles, Wato leaps, but things keep moving. Wato hurdles, back elbows, uppercuts, but Lindaman catches the jump! Wato fights free, suplexes, but Lindaman slips out and rolls back to a corner. Wato runs in but is put on the apron. Wato ENZIGURIS then springboards, FLYING UPPERCUT! Fans fire up with Wato and he stomps Lindaman down. Fans rally up, Wato kicks Lindaman to ropes. Wato backs off as the ref reprimands, and he blocks Lindaman’s boot!
Wato ROCKS Lindaman, runs but is thrown out! Lindaman fires up, fans fire up with him, and he FLIES! Direct hit and down goes Wato! Fans fire up for “LIN-DA-MAN!” and the ring count begins. Lindaman steadies himself, catches his breath and makes sure his neck is good. Lindaman brings Wato up at 13 of 20 to put in at 15. Cover, TWO! Lindaman looms over Wato, fans rally up and Lindaman whips corner to corner. Lindaman runs in to back elbow! Leg sweep and Lindaman digs his boot in. The ref counts, Lindaman counts along and lets off at 4. Wato pushes Lindaman and throws forearms!
Lindaman hits Wato back and they go back and forth. Fans rally as they forearms fly faster and faster! Lindaman gets the edge, ROCKS Wato, then dodges him to kick the legs out and basement dropkick from behind! Fans fire up and Lindaman runs, but Wato scoops him to a BACKBREAKER! Fans rally and Wato gets to ropes. Wato waits for Lindaman to stand, then knocks him down! Wato BOOTS, whips, and dropkicks Lindaman back down! Fans rally, Wato hurries to a corner and climbs up! Lindaman stands, he gets under the jump and comes back to uppercut! And ROLLING ELBOW! But Wato ROUNDHOUSES!
Wato runs, but Lindaman reels him in to SAIDO! Fans fire up while both men are down! Lindaman grits his teeth as he gets up and fans fire up with him! Lindaman brings Wato up to wrench into the KUMA- NO! Wato fights that but Lindaman throws elbows. Lindaman rams Wato into buckles, then victory rolls, TWO! Wato has it now, TWO! Lindaman again, TWO! Both men get up, Wato tilt-o-whirls into a roll-up and jackknife! TWO! Lindaman sunsets, TWO! Fans fire up, Wato SOBATS, KICKS and SUPER- NO! Lindaman blocks and throws the foot down, but Wato SUPERKICKS again! Fans fire up as Wato reels Lindaman in, but Lindaman makes it a press! TWO!
Lindaman shoots in, waistlocks, but Wato fights the German! Lindaman fights the victory roll! Lindman lifts but Wato throws elbows! Fans rally, Wato wrenches out and reels Lindaman in, MOUSE TRAP DRIVER! TWO!! Lindaman escapes but Wato hurries to scoop, TTD!! Wato hurries up top and R P P!! Cover, Wato wins!!
Winner: Master Wato, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Lindaman earns 0)
The G-Rex falls again! Is his run done? Or can he pull out one last win in the ninth?
Best of the Super Juniors 29 B Block: Titan VS DOUKI!
The Immortal is out of the running, but he still has life to fight. Will he ruin Japones Del Mal’s chances in the block? Or will Douki finally stop being the underdog?
Titan hops off the corner, and Douki attacks! Douki stomps Titan, the bell rings, and Douki whips Titan to ropes. Titan reverses but Douki stops himself. Douki puts Titan on the apron but titan ROCKS Douki, then springboards to FLYING RANA! Douki bails out the other side, Titan builds speed, but Douki gets away. So Titan jumps up and over, only for Douki to trip him off the apron! Fans fire up and Douki gets back in the ring. The ref checks on Titan and fans rally up. The ring count starts, Titan sits up at 3 of 20, and Douki builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit and fans fire up! Douki gets Titan up as the ring count starts again.
Douki POSTS Titan, then stalks him around the way. Douki puts Titan in at 9, and then drags him up to whip. Douki elbows Titan down, covers, TWO! Fans rally and Douki wraps Titan up in a seated cobra twist! Titan endures but Douki grinds the hold. Douki makes it a cobra cradle, ONE! Douki stomps Titan, drags him back up, and fans rally more. Douki hooks Titan up but Titan resists the Gory Especial! Douki spins Titan around to knee low, then run. Titan goes Matrix to dodge, and then CALF KICKS! And SHOTGUN dropkicks! Titan builds speed now but stops as Douki gets away. Titan mule kicks Douki from the apron! TOP ROPE QUEBRADA! Direct hit!
Fans fire up again and Titan brings Douki up. Titan puts Douki in the ring, wrenches and fireman’s carries, DEATH VALLEY BOMB! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up and Titan brings Douki up to KICK, wrench and fireman’s carry! But Douki slips off, boots Titan to a corner, then runs in, to block Titan’s boot! Douki gets under Titan to get the Gory Especial! Titan fights free to arm-drag Douki away! SOBAT! Titan runs, but into a takedown! ITALIAN STRETCH #32! Titan scrambles, ROPEBREAK! Douki lets go at 4 and fans rally again. Douki drags Titan up, goes to the apron, and slingshots, but Titan blocks Daybreak!
Titan hangs Douki out to dry, then swings. Douki dodges, throws Titan down by his mask, but Titan kips up to PELE! Titan runs side to side to LARIAT Douki on the apron! Titan climbs up, APRON DOUBLE STOMPS!! Titan tumbles down but he may have just crushed Douki! Cover, TWO!! Douki survives and fans fire up! Titan hurries to the corner and goes back up. DIVING SPLASH into the ITALIAN STRETCH! Douki pulls way back, but Titan moves around! Douki rolls Titan away from ropes, ITALIAN STRETCH! Titan endures and Douki pulls harder as the fans rally. Titan keeps reaching, keeps crawling back, ROPEBREAK!
Fans fire up while Douki lets go in frustration. Fans rally, “DO-U-KI!” “TI-TA-NN!” Douki puts Titan in a drop zone, hurries up top, and DIVING STOMPS, but Titan moves! Titan ROCKS Douki with a right, but Douki ENZIGURIS! Douki runs, but Titan follows, TORNADO DDT!! Fans fire up again and off come the armbands! Titan hauls Douki up, reels him in, Canadian Rack and the SPINNING- NO! Douki slips off to Gory Especial, DOTON NO JUTSU! Backslide cover, TWO!! Titan survives and fans are thunderous! Douki gets up, fires up, wheelbarrows Titan, but Titan arm-drags free! And SUPERKICKS!
Douki flounders into the corner and Titan aims again. Fans fire up as Titan winds up and runs corner to corner, into a HELL STAB! Douki goes up the corner, but Titan leaps up after him! BULLDOG to the post!! Titan hurries to the apron and fans fire up, SPRINGBOARD DOUBLE STOMPS!! Cover, Titan wins!!
Winner: Titan, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Douki earns 0)
The CMLL World Welterweight Champion manages another victory! Will Douki still have to keep working towards that day when he’s the favorite?
Best of the Super Juniors 29 A Block: YOH VS Alex Zayne!
The Direct Drive is struggling to maintain his momentum, and his return to the finals is in jeopardy! Will Yoh be able to handle the heat? Or will The Sauce keep things spicy in the block?
The bell rings and fans rally up. Yoh and Zayne slowly circle, then approach. They tie up, Yoh wrenches and wristlocks. Zayne endures, rolls, handsprings and wrenches back to wristlock. Fans applaud the exchange, Zayne bites a finger! He just gets a taste as Yoh rolls, kips up and wrenches back. Yoh wrenches again, moves to a hammerlock, but Zayne reaches back to headlock. Zayne spins around to grind the hold, fans rally but Yoh throws body shots. Yoh powers out, Zayne runs him over, and fans fire up. Things speed up, Yoh avoids the knee drop and keeps things moving. Drop toehold and basement dropkick!
Fans rally and Zayne gets to a corner. Yoh storms over to bring Zayne up. Yoh CLUBS Zayne, throws a forearm, and has Zayne in the corner. Yoh CHOPS, fans rally more, and Yoh whips Zayne corner to corner. Zayne reverses, runs in, and back elbows! Zayne goes to the corner, sweeps the legs, then steps in to roll and run in, BIG CANNONBALL! Cover, TWO! Fans fire up and Zayne looms over Yoh. Zayne brings Yoh up, wrenches, snapmares, and KICKS Yoh’s back! Yoh writhes but Zayne brings him back up. Zayne suplexes but Yoh slips free! Yoh dropkicks a leg out! Fans fire up as Zayne goes to ropes and Yoh gets away to the apron.
Zayne runs in but Yoh ROCKS him! Zane ROCKS Yoh back! Zayne stands Yoh up to suplex, but Yoh blocks! Yoh throws body shots, fans rally up, and Yoh blocks Zayne’s boot to DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! Yoh then drags Zayne to the apron, APRON DRAGON SCREW! Fans fire up and Yoh gets back in the ring. Zayne stands up, Yoh PLANCHAS! Direct hit and down goes Zayne! Fans fire up with Yoh, and a ring count starts. Yoh takes a moment to steady himself and catch his breath. Yoh brings Zayne up at 10 of 20, and swing him around to put him in at 12. Yoh climbs up the corner to missile dropkick!
Yoh hurries to get Zayne up, suplex for the FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO! Fans fire up but Yoh’s a bit frustrated. Yoh drags Zayne up into a waistlock. GERMAN SUPLEX, but Zayne lands on his feet! Zayne fires off boxing elbows! Then the leg sweep, and Zayne runs to SOMERSAULT- Yoh dodges the scissor kick! GROUND DRAGON SCREW! Then SPINNING TOEHOLD! Then another SPINNING TOEHOLD! Yoh keeps on the leg but Zayne rolls him! EDDY GORDO! Fans fire up while Yoh gets to a corner. Zayne runs in to back elbow! Zayne then hoists Yoh up, CHOPS him, runs and DRAGON RANA! Cover, TWO!
Fans fire up and rally again, “AL-EX ZAYNE!” “Y O H!” Zayne looms over Yoh, drags him up, and he wraps Yoh up. Yoh fights off the Taco to fire off boxing elbows of his own! Yoh then kicks low, roars, but runs into a BOOT! Zayne’s bad leg slows him down but the fans are rallying up. Zayne drags Yoh up and wrenches to scoop, but Yoh turns Baja Blast into a takedown! KNEEBAR! Zayne endures, fans rally again, but Yoh twists the leg! Zayne drags himself forward, but Yoh drags him back. Yoh reels Zayne into a full nelson, Zayne breaks that, but Yoh waistlocks to GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!!
Fans fire up again as Zayne survives! Yoh roars in frustration and he drags Zayne up. Yoh underhooks but Zayne fights free! Yoh tries to put the hooks back in but Zayne has the wrists! HEADBUTT! And then another HEADBUTT! And a third HEADBUTT! POP-UP KNEE! “ITADAKIMASU~!” Zayne gets Yoh up, wraps him up, TACO- NO! Yoh lands out, spins Zayne around, but Zayne back drops free! Fans fire up, Zayne runs in, SUPERKICK! Yoh swings, but Zayne spins him, but Yoh catches the lariat to a DRAGON SUPLEX! Bridging cover, YOH WINS!
Winner: Yoh, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Zayne earns 0)
Direct Drive is still alive in the BOSJ! But can he keep it going until the last? As for Zayne, can he spice things back up? Or has the heat died down?
Best of the Super Juniors 29 B Block: BUSHI VS TJP!
The Black Mask and Public Enemy are both on the bubble, but someone’s bubble’s gotta burst! Who pops the other to stay afloat in the block?
TJP rushes Bushi while he’s on the corner! Bushi jumps over but TJP kicks him low. TJP whips, the bell rings, Bushi kicks TJP away. Bushi runs in, spins and arm-drags TJP out! Bushi then builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit and down goes TJP! Fans fire up with Bushi, he did that while still wearing his suit! Bushi finally gets his tie undone, then he stomps TJP. Bushi throws off the button shirt, stomps TJP, then takes off the tearaway pants. Bushi stomps TJP more, drags him up and into the ring. Fans fire up, Bushi turns TJP for a NECKBREAKER! Cover, ONE, but Bushi keeps cool. Fans rally, Bushi takes off his T-shirt and CHOKES TJP!
The ref reprimands but TJP arm-drags Bushi away. TJP trips Bushi, traps an arm and uses Bushi’s shirt to lasso the other! TJP YANKS the arm back! Bushi writhes and fans fire up! TJP throws Bushi’s shirt away, stands on the bad arm and stomps it! TJP drags Bushi up, brings him over to EuroUpper at ropes, then hammerlocks before the scoop SLAM! TJP then goes to the apron to slingshot senton back in! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up, “T J P!” “BU-SHI-I!” TJP whips, Bushi reverses but TJP goes Spider-Man! TJP slides under, sunset flips, but steps through to have the INDIAN DEATHLOCK! Bushi endures and fans rally with TJP! SNAP LOCK ELBOW!
TJP gets up, another SNAP LOCK ELBOW! And then the bridge for the MUTA LOCK! Bushi endures, reaches out, moves around, but TJP lets the faceolock go to focus on the legs. Bushi still endures, and he fights his way to the ROPEBREAK! Fans cheer and TJP lets the hold go. Fans rally up and TJP conducts the clapping. TJP drags Bushi up, hammerlocks and RAMS Bushi into the corner. TJP wraps the bad arm around ropes to pull! The ref counts, TJP lets go, but he gives Bushi some scrapes across the face. Fans rally up and TJP runs side to side, BOOT WASH! TJP drags Bushi up to bump off buckles, then whip corner to corner.
TJP runs in but Bushi BOOTS him! Bushi runs to RANA TJP down! Fans fire back up and Bushi drags TJP up. Bushi fires off forearms, has TJP in a corner, then whips corner to corner. TJP reverses but runs into a back elbow. Bushi goes up to missile dropkick! BUSHIROONI! Fans fire up while Bushi catches his breath in the corner. Bushi stomps TJP, drags him up, and catches the haymaker into a spin and DDT! Cover, TWO! Fans rally, Bushi drags TJP up, but TJP fights the Fisherman to wrench and dragon sleeper. Bushi drops to victory roll, TWO! Bushi kicks low, runs, but TJP SOBATS! TJP runs, but into a DROPKICK!
Bushi runs, but TJP goes the other way, SPRINGBOARD FLYING FOREARM! Fans fire up while both men are down again! Both men crawl after each other as the fans rally. TJP blocks the forearm to give a forearm! Then TJP gives another forearm, and another! TJP fires off more, then dodges Bushi to SUPERKICK! But Bushi ENZIGURIS! TJP ends up in a corner and Bushi runs in, but TJP goes up and over! TJP reels Bushi in, TORNADO DDT! TJP keeps going, dragon sleeper for SUDDEN IMPACT! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up more and TJP gets the leg! Bushi resists the crossface and crawls forward, but TJP grabs his arms!
Fans rally as Bushi and TJP struggle, Bushi gets the ROPEBREAK! TJP lets him go, fans rally up again, and TJP brings Bushi up to fireman’s carry. DETONATION KICK! TJP goes to the corner and to the top, SWANTON- NO, TJP has to roll through as Bushi dodges. Bushi kicks, TJP ducks the enziguri but Bushi HEEL KICKS! Fans rally again and Bushi runs in. He blocks TJP’s boot, puts it on the ropes and dropkicks it! Then DRAPING BACKSTABBER! Bushi gets TJP back up, FISHERMAN SCREW! Cover, TWO! TJP is still in this but Bushi fires up and goes to the corner! Bushi goes up, calls his shot, M- DROPKICK!
TJP goes to a corner! TJP goes up top, MAMBA SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!! But into PINOY STRETCH!! Fans fire up and Bushi endures, but TJP thrashes him around! Bushi taps, TJP wins!
Winner: TJP, by submission (gains 2 points; Bushi earns 0)
Bushi’s bubble just burst! Will TJP take this momentum to finish strong for the United Empire? Or will his run only last one round more?
Best of the Super Juniors 29 A Block: Clark Connors VS Hiromu Takahashi!
The Wild Rhino is also on the bubble, but the Ticking Timebomb isn’t out of the woods just yet. Is the stampede about to end for Connors? Or can he put a major dent into Hiromu’s plans for the threepeat?
Even before the bell, fans rally up, “HI-RO-MU!” “CON-NOR-SU!” The bell rings and they rush each other! Connors runs Hiromu over, then runs again. Things speed up, Connors runs Hiromu over again! Hiromu gets up and gets in Connors’ face. Connors CHOPS, Hiromu CHOPS and fans fire up already as the CHOPS go back and forth! Connors CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Hiromu’s chest stinging, Connors runs, but into a CHOP! Connors shakes his head. Connors runs, Hiromu avoids the chop block, but he gets run over again! Fans rally, Connors covers, ONE! Connors drags Hiromu back up to EuroUpper!
Connors whips, CLOBBERS Hiromu, then covers, TWO! Fans rally up, Connors gets Hiromu up in a half nelson, but Hiromu sits down so Connors gest a half nelson top wristlock. Hiromu gets the ropebreak and Connors lets off. Connors stomps Hiromu, whips him to ropes, but Hiromu avoids the powerslam! Hiromu BOOTS, then HANGING HEADSCISSORS! Connors endures, the ref counts, Hiromu lets off at 4. Hiromu POSTS Connors! Fans rally up again and Hiromu drags Connors up again. Hiromu scoops to SLAM Connors down! Connors writhes, clutching the bad arm. Hiromu argues with the ref, then brings Connors up.
The ring count starts but Hiromu snap suplexes Connors to the floor! Connors writhes and Hiromu drags Connors up again. Hiromu puts Connors in, covers, TWO! Another cover, TWO! Another, TWO!! Connors escapes and fans fire up! Hiromu brings Connors up in the corner to CHOP! And CHOP! Hiromu whips corner to corner then clotheslines! Snapmare and basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! Hiromu hurries after Connors’ bad arm! Connors resists the double wristlock and fans rally up. Connors fights up but Hiromu wrangles him into a CAMEL CLUTCH! Hiromu digs an elbow into the bad arm but Connors endures!
Fans rally, Connors fights and claws his way forward with one arm, to get the ROPEBREAK! Hiromu lets off and fans rally up again. Hiromu eggs Connors on and Connors CHOPS! Hiromu laughs that off but Connors CHOPS again! And CHOPS again! But Hiromu avoids the leg sweep to CHOP, and CHOP again! Fans rally, Hiromu brings Connors up to whip, but Connors reverses. Things speed up, Connors POUNCES Hiromu to the ropes! Hiromu flounders to a corner, Connors runs in and back elbows! Then Connors whips corner to corner to RAM Hiromu! Connors carries Hiromu for the WILD RIDE! Cover, TWO!
Connors aims from a corner, runs in, but Hiromu blocks the spear! Only for Connors to back drop him away! Fans fire up and he reels Hiromu in, but Hiromu slips free! Hiromu facelocks but Connors gets free, only to run into a back elbow! Hiromu runs, into an elbow from Connors! Connors runs, into a POP-UP POWERBOMB! High stack, TWO!! Fans fire up while both men are down! Hiromu gets up first and drags Connors into the facelock. But Connors knees free of the suplex! Hiromu uppercuts then ROCKS Connors with a right! But Connors blocks the superkick to HEADBUTT! Fans fire up as both men wobble!
Connors powers up, runs, but into a HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER! Cover, TWO! Hiromu roars and fans fire up again. Hiromu drags Connors up, fireman’s carries, but Connors fights free. Connors waistlocks but Hiromu fights free. Hiromu dodges the haymaker to wheelbarrow, but Connors stops the Complete Shot to WHEELBARROW GERMAN! Fans fire up and Connors gets to a corner! Connors aims as Hiromu slowly rises. SPEAR into D!! Connors endures, fans rally up, and Hiromu squeezes tight! Connors deadlifts Hiromu to BUCKLE BOMB him! Fans rally more while both men are down again.
Connors clutches his bad shoulder but he undoes some of the tape. Fans rally, Hiromu roars but so does Connors! DOUBLE LARIATS! They both stay up, Connors dodges to SPEAR!! High stack, TWO!?! Hiromu survives and Connors can’t believe it! But the shoulder tape comes off and Connors hauls Hiromu up! Whip and POWERSLAM! And then he gets Hiromu up for TROPHY- RANA! And into D!! Connors is caught and fans fire up again! Connors powers up, deadlifts, but Hiromu slips around to HIROMU-CHAN STUNNER! Then D!!! Connors is fading fast already, he TAPS! Hiromu wins!!
Winner: Hiromu Takahashi, by submission (gains 2 points; Connors earns 0)
The Wild Rhino has been brought down! But with time running out, does Hiromu still have a chance at his threepeat? Or will he be disarmed in the final round?
Best of the Super Juniors 29 A Block: Ryusuke Taguchi VS Ace Austin!
The Funky Weapon knows he’s out of the running, but there is still pride on the line for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion. Will Taguchi be able to hold off the Inevitable? Or will the Ace trump this half of Six or Nine?
The bell rings and fans rally up, “TA-GU-CHI!” “ACE AU-STIN!” Austin says he’s got big strong legs and butt, and dares Taguchi to give them a try. Taguchi walks over, HIP ATTACK to the leg, but Taguchi’s the one who hobbles away! Taguchi already faced Connors’ buns of steel, does Austin have thighs of iron? Fans fire up but Taguchi wants a timeout? Fans rally up as Taguchi walks off the pain in his butt. They tie up, Taguchi waistlocks, but Austin wrenches to an ELBOW BREAKER, then a wristlock. Taguchi rolls, wrenches back, but Austin slips through to waistlock. Austin brings Taguchi down, then floats to a facelock.
Taguchi slips out and facelocks back. Taguchi then floats to a back mount, and he half nelsons to the ARMBAR! ROPEBREAK, and Taguchi lets Austin go. Fans rally up as the two reset. Taguchi and Austin knuckle lock, Austin headlocks, but Taguchi pulls hair to power out. Things speed up, Taguchi keeps Austin moving with the dropdowns and sidesteps! Austin slows up to LEG DROP, but Taguchi moves! Fans fire up while Austin clutches his butt now. Taguchi gives him point blank hip attacks! Taguchi runs, but Austin somersaults to drop toehold, then EDDY GORDO! Austin runs, handsprings over Taguchi, but Taguchi dodges!
Austin ducks and the hip attack crashes and burns! Austin gives him a point blank hip attack! Fans fire up, Austin brings Taguchi up and whips, but Taguchi reverses to HIP ATTACK! Fans fire up more and Austin gets to ropes. Taguchi storms over and he gives Austin some RED UNDIES STINKFACE! The ref reprimands, Taguchi lets off, and then he runs, but into an arm-drag! DISARMER! Austin brings out his ace! But instead of going after Taguchi’s hand, Austin PAPER CUTS his butt! Fans fire up and Austin goes to kiss his card, but ugh, the smell. Austin tosses the ace while Taguchi writhes.
Austin drops knees on Taguchi’s butt, then puts the tights back up! Austin drags Taguchi up to CHOP to the corner. Austin stomps a mudhole in, then goes side to side to dropkick! Cover, TWO! Fans fire up and Austin stomps Taguchi around. Austin knees Taguchi in the side, then wraps on a body scissors! Taguchi endures the squeeze from those iron thighs and fans rally up! Taguchi throws elbows but Austin grabs that arm. Taguchi kicks and crawls but Austin squeezes tighter! Taguchi still fights, and gets the ROPEBREAK! Austin lets go quickly, and fans rally up again. Austin drags Taguchi up but Taguchi throws body shots!
Austin clamps onto Taguchi with a facelock but Taguchi throws more body shots! Taguchi whips corner to corner, runs in but Austin dodges! Austin comes back to A_LIST LARIAT! And he fires off point-blank lariats! Fans rally as Austin hits again and again, all the way to 10! Austin shoves Taguchi down, then steps back in, but into a HIP ATTACK! Fans rally while both men are down! Austin gets himself to the apron but Taguchi runs in. Austin shoulders back, springboards, but Taguchi shoves him down! Taguchi TRIANGLE JUMP PLANCHAS! Fans fire up and Taguchi gets Austin back up.
Taguchi puts Austin in, then sits on Austin at the ropes! Taguchi runs and HIP ATTACKS at the ropes! Then again! And then slide for the APRON HIP! Fans fire up, Taguchi takes aim and springboards, MISSILE HIP! Cover, TWO! Fans fire up again and Taguchi calls upon the powers of Strong Style! “ORYA~!” BUM- ROLL UP, to O’CONNER BRIDGE! TWO!! Taguchi escapes, but into a cravat, knee and snapmare! Austin wraps on a headscissor squeeze! Fans rally as Taguchi endures and kicks around! But Taguchi is fading from those iron thighs! The ref checks, Taguchi gets a second wind and keeps kicking! ROPEBREAK!
Austin lets go in frustration and Taguchi staggers at ringside. Austin builds speed, but Taguchi moves! Taguchi sweeps but Austin handsprings and PENALTY KICKS! Fans fire up and Austin calls his shot! He slingshots, builds speed, FALL TO GLORY! Direct hit and fans fire up again! Austin puts Taguchi in and steps in, FLYING CHUCK! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up and Austin aims, he runs in but Taguchi HIP ATTACKS into an atomic drop! Austin shows off the iron thighs, and then storms in, but into a BOOT! Taguchi runs, he fakes Austin out, then he HIP ATTACKS! Taguchi gets Austin up, chicken wings, but Austin victory rolls! TWO!!
Austin knees, knee lifts, and RIPCORD SLAMS! Then HOUSE OF CARDS! Fans fire up and Austin aims from the corner again. Taguchi flounders up, into THE FOLD- NO, Taguchi drops in time! Austin BOOTS Taguchi, goes up, flying sunset, but Taguchi goes to sit! Austin tries to hold him off, but the tights come back down! T-BAG CLUTCH! Taguchi wins!!
Winner: Ryusuke Taguchi, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Austin earns 0)
The Funky Weapon wins another one by the seat of his pants! Has Austin just busted? Or is there a chance to cash-in in the ninth?
Best of the Super Juniors 29 B Block: Wheeler Yuta VS El Phantasmo!
The ROH Pure Champion has been able to beat some of the other champions in this block, but The Headbanga has beaten champions, too. Will ELP beat another champion and be flush with golden tickets? Or will the Decoder have him figured out just like that?
Yuta rushes in to go after ELP! Yuta stomps away in the corner, the bell rings, and fans fire up as he hauls ELP up. Yuta whips corner to corner, ELP reverses and runs in, but Yuta goes up and over. Yuta scoops, ELP slips out and waistlocks, but Yuta switches. Yuta shoves and dropkicks ELP out of the ring! Fans fire up, Yuta builds speed and DIVES! Direct hit at the ramp! Yuta finally takes off his jacket and he brings ELP back up. Yuta CHOPS ELP and ELP staggers away. Yuta CLUBS ELP then bumps him off the apron. ELP flops down and Yuta looms over him. Yuta brings ELP up but ELP rakes eyes!
The ref reprimands but ELP reels Yuta in to suplex. Yuta slips out and has a SLEEPER! Yuta sits ELP down and rains down HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! Fans fire up but Yuta lets off to get the arms. Yuta drags ELP up in chicken wings but ELP stomps Yuta’s foot! ELP ROCKS Yuta with a forearm, then CHOPS him! ELP ROCKS and CHOPS Yuta more, then whips. Yuta slides through the corner, only for ELP to BOOT him! ELP boasts and fans rally up. ELP drags Yuta up, calls out Moxley, and ELP has the underhooks for a BUTTERFLY DDT to the floor! Not quite Paradigm Shift, but ELP wants the count out.
The ref starts the count and fans rally. Yuta stirs, crawls around, but staggers up at 12. He falls over at 13, staggers back up at 16, but falls again at 17! He gets in at 19.9, and ELP is upset! ELP rains down fists over and over on Yuta, then drags Yuta up by his ear. ELP puts Yuta in the corner, whips him corner to corner hard, and Yuta bounces off buckles. Cover, TWO! ELP drags Yuta up, scoops him and hits a BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Fans fire up, ELP suplexes, and SLAMS him down! Cover, TWO! Fans rally and ELP brings Yuta back up. ELP mocks the Liger pose and gets Yuta up but Yuta fights the bomb!
Yuta is on the corner, he fakes ELP out then goes up to CROSSBODY! Direct hit and fans fire up! Yuta atomic drops and ENZIGURIS! Fans fire up with Yuta and he hurries to get ELP’s arms! CATTLE MUTILATION, but ELP rolls to be on top of Yuta for a cover! TWO!! Fans fire up, Yuta kicks low and whips ELP to a corner. ELP goes up and over with a flip, then ducks and dodges to springboard CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! ELP somersaults, but Yuta moves, LIONSAULT FLOPS! Yuta gets the arms, SEATBELT CLUTCH, TWO!! Fans fire up, Yuta dodges ELP and waistlocks. ELP throws elbows then breaks the waistlock.
ELP ROCKS Yuta, but Yuta snarls. Yuta ROCKS ELP back, and ELP throws off his armbands! ELP hushes the crowd, so we can hear him ROCK Yuta. Fans rally up, Yuta snarls again and he ROCKS ELP. ELP throws another shot but Yuta gives it back, and fans rally as they go back and forth, faster and faster! ELP SLAPS Yuta, but Yuta SLAPS ELP! Yuta wrenches and reels ELP in, PAIN SABER! Cover, TWO!! Yuta hurries to get the arms, CATTLE MUTILATION!! ELP endures, flails, fans rally and ELP scoots around. ELP reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Yuta lets go quickly but is still frustrated. Fans rally as Yuta gets back up.
Yuta drags ELP up by his hair, reels him in and underhooks the arms. ELP resists so Yuta CLUBS him, then CLAWS him! Yuta underhooks and lifts, but ELP slips up and over! ELP hooks Yuta up to backslide, but Yuta rolls through! ELP hooks the arms but Yuta slips out and dodges, to BUSAIKU KNEE! Shoutout to the American Dragon! Fans fire up with Yuta and he drags ELP up. Yuta scoops to a gut wrench, and he tucks the legs! CROSS LEG TOMBSTONE!! Cover, TWO?!? ELP survives but Yuta hurries with HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! Fans fire up, Yuta hooks ELP up, SEAT- NO, ELP slips away and clips the ref! SUDDEN DEATH!! Cover, TWO!?!?
ELP can’t believe it! Yuta defies Sudden Death and fans are thunderous! ELP gets Yuta up, SUDDEN DEATH again! Then he hooks Yuta up, C R II!!! Cover, ELP wins!!
Winner: El Phantasmo, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Yuta earns 0)
The Headbanga snatches the golden ticket! Will ELP have his choice of titles regardless of the BOSJ? Or will he want them all?
Best of the Super Juniors 29 A Block: Yoshinobu Kanemaru VS SHO!
It’s a battle of tricksters here this close to the end! Will the Heel Master be able to pull a fast one on the Murder Machine? Or will Sho show he’s become a master heel in his own right?
Sho is already expecting something sneaky as he makes his entrance, but he makes it to the ring safely. So then Sho decides to get the jump on Kanemaru! He hides in the neutral entryway, but Kanemaru was waiting! They brawl backstage! The ref hurries to see what’s going on, and Kanemaru is choking Sho with his own shirt! Fans cheer as Kanemaru drags Sho down the ramp and to ringside. The ref reprimands, but Kanemaru POSTS Sho! Kanemaru then gets a chair and SMACKS Sho’s leg! The ref tries to stop this but Kanemaru shoves him away and SMACKS the leg again! Fans fire up while Sho writhes!
Kanemaru stomps the leg and fans rally for “HEEL MAS-TER! HEEL MAS-TER!” as he puts Sho in the ring. The ref rings the bell and Kanemaru stomps the leg more. Kanemaru drags Sho up to put in a corner and whip corner to corner. Sho hobbles and stumbles, so Kanemaru dropkicks the leg out! Kanemaru gets the leg, steps through, FIGURE FOUR! Sho fights it off but Kanemaru puts on the pressure! The fans rally as Sho endures the hold! Sho drags himself back and reaches out, but Kanemaru just puts on more pressure! Sho grabs at the ref, and flings him at Kanemaru! The hold is broken but fans rally up!
Sho crawls for his corner but Kanemaru anchors his foot. Kanemaru drags Sho back, turns him over and steps back through, but Sho kicks him away. Sho gets his wrench, but Kanemaru gets his whiskey! Sho dodges the bottle shot to JAM Kanemaru with the wrench! The whiskey is spat out, Sho aims agian but Kanemaru BOOTS the wrench away! Sho scrambles to find it, Kanemaru stands on it to keep Sho from picking it up! Kanemaru stomps Sho’s hand and he gets the wrench for himself! Fans fire up and Kanemaru takes aim, but Sho blocks the wrench attack! So LOW BLOW! Scoop and SLAM, then Kanemaru goes up! MOONSAULT!! Cover, the ref is back, TWO!!
Kanemaru drags Sho up fast, suplex for TOUCH OUT!! Cover, Kanemaru wins!!
Winner: Yoshinobu Kanemaru, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Sho earns 0)
As fast as a whiskey shot, Kanemaru puts Sho away! Speaking of which, Kanemaru takes a swig and SPITS it on Sho! And he holds up the NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championship! Is Suzuki-Gun going to aim for the House of Torture? Has Kanemaru just tanked Sho’s shot at the finals? Or can the Murder Machine pull off another trick in the final round?
Best of the Super Juniors 29 A Block: Francesco Akira VS Taiji Ishimori!
Bruciare made his first appearance in NJPW interrupting the Bone Soldier and the then champion, El Desperado. Taiji has the title now, will he show Akira what happens for stealing his thunder? Or will Akira burn up the champion’s chances of going to the finals?
Akira gets in Taiji’s face as soon as the introductions are over, but the ref has them back off. Fans already rally with “A! KI-RA!” while the jackets are put aside. The bell rings and Akira rushes in to BOOT Taiji, then fire off forearm after forearm! Taiji shoves Akira way but Akira’s right back for more! Taiji shoves him again, then rakes they eyes! The ref reprimands, Taiji lets off and whips, but Akira reverses. Taiji handsprings Akira gets around to merry-go-round headscissor! Taiji bails out, Akira runs and slides, but Taiji dodges! Taiji kicks and sends Akira at the apron but Taiji swings around to kick Taiji down!
Fans rally again with “A! KI-RA!” as Akira ASAI MOONSAULTS! Direct hit and fans fire up with Akira! Akira says if this is the champion, he’s not good enough. Akira CLUBS Taiji, the ref wants this back in the ring and Akira says hold on. Akira CLUBS Taiji again, then brings Taiji around. Taiji elbows the neckbreaker away, but Akira CHOPS! Fans fire up, Akira runs in but Taiji scoop and LAWN DARTS him into the post! Fans rally, Taiji undoes the blue buckle pad, the Bullet Club Special! Taiji hides that from the ref as Akira gets back in. Taiji storms up on Akira to CLUB him down. Fans rally for Akira but Taiji wrenches and hammerlocks, to RAM Akira into bare steel!
Fans rally as Akira gets up but Taiji CLUBS him. Akira throws a forearm but Taiji gives it back. Taiji cravats and has the neck wrench, but Akira endures. Taiji snapmares for the NECK TWIST! Cover, TWO! Fans rally, Taiji stalks Akira to ropes. Taiji brings Akira up, CHOPS him, then CHOPS him in the corner. Fans applaud those, and Taiji CHOPS Akira again! Akira comes back with forearms! Fans fire up, Akira CLUBS Taiji down, then Akira whips Taiji. Taiji Spider-Mans through the ropes, slips around Akira, shoulders in then springboards, but into a DROPKICK! Fans fire up again while Taiji writhes to a corner.
Fans rally as Akira goes to the opposite corner. Akira runs corner to corner and clotheslines! Then again for an uppercut! Taiji staggers, Akira fires up and fans fire up with him. Akira suplexes but Taiji slips out to waistlock and shoves. Akira then follows to wheelbarrow, STOMP 182!! Cover, TWO! Akira is beside himself but fans rally up. Akira drags Taiji up, reels him in, SPEED- NO, Taiji slips out, wrenches and ELBOW BREAKER! Taiji POSTS Akira, but fans still rally “A! KI-RA!” Taiji drags Akira out with a hammerlock, half nelson, scoop and SHOULDER BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Fans rally but Taiji grits his teeth.
Taiji crawls to a corner, aims at Akira as he stands up, but Akira elbows him! Taiji ROCKS Akira, whips, but Akira reverse. Taiji handsprings, into a GERMAN SUPLEX! Fans fire up and Akira runs, but Taiji dodges and comes back, DESTROYER! But Akira rebounds to DOUBLE KNEE!! Fans are thunderous while both men are down! Akira goes to the corner, he runs in at Taiji, SHOTGUN! Taiji ends up in the other corner and fans fire up! Akira gets Taiji up to the top rope, and he CHOPS! Akira climbs up, throws forearms, then stands on the very top! SUPER SPANISH FLY!! Cover, TWO!! Taiji survives and shocks Akira!
Fans are thunderous as Akira gets up and drags Taiji up. Akira vows to end this, he aims, but Taiji ducks the Fireball! MYSTICO! BONE LOCK!!! Akira endures, reaches, crawls, but Taiji cranks back! Akira still reaches out with a leg, for the ROPEBREAK! Fans rally for “A! KI-RA!” as hard as they can. Taiji gets up with the ropes, he takes aim and BANG. He brings Akira up, but Akira fights free, dodges and SUPERKICKS! POISON-RANA!! Taiji flops, Akira hurries back over! Akira stands Taiji up, SPEEDFIRE!! Cover, TWO!! Taiji survives and fans are thunderous again! Akira goes back to the corner, and he aims as Taiji sits up. FIRE- LARIAT!!
Taiji roars and he gets Akira up. CIPHER UTAKI! Cover, TWO!! Taiji is furious but he brings Akira back up. BLOODY CROSS!! Cover, Taiji wins!
Winner: Taiji Ishimori, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Akira earns 0)
The Fireball has been extinguished! And for the Bone Soldier, he’s been reborn in this block! He leads it now at 6-2, but will he still have control in the end?
Best of the Super Juniors 29 B Block: Robbie Eagles VS El Desperado!
The Sniper of the Skies is on a win streak, having beat El Phantasmo and El Lindaman these last two rounds. Will Eagles complete El Barrido (The Sweep)? Or will the Rogue Luchador once again outdraw him when it counts?
The bell brings and fans rally up, “EA-GEL-SU!” and he encourages them to get louder. The fans get louder and Desperado mockingly applauds. Eagles and Desperado circle, they tie up, and Desperado wrenches to a wristlock. Eagles spins and wrenches to wristlock, but Desperado spins and reaches back to headlock. Desperado grinds the hold, but shifts to a wrench and hammerlock. Eagles reaches around, sits down and rolls to then wristlock. Desperado goes to ropes and steps through, to then lace Eagles’ arm around the ropes! Red Shoes reprimands, Eagles tells him to let go, Desperado kicks the ropes as he does.
Eagles taunts Desperado and the two reset. They tie up, Desperado puts Eagles on ropes, but lets off. Eagles blocks the whip, and again, but Desperado rakes the eyes! Red Shoes reprimands, Desperado whips but Eagles reverses to go around, but Desperado blocks the arm-drag! Desperado brings Eagles up, and rakes his eyes again! Desperado runs, but Eagles arm-drags, only for Desperado to reverse that with his own! Eagles comes back, dodges and springboards to FLYING ARM-DRAG! Desperado bails out, fans rally up and Eagles builds speed, but he fakes Desperado out. Desperado mockingly applauds, then rushes up, only for Eagles to dropkick him down!
Eagles builds speed and slides, but Desperado ducks. Desperado kicks low and brings Eagles over, but Eagles avoids hitting the post by running up it! Eagles then arm-drags Desperado down! Fans rally and Desperado clutches his leg. Eagles barely kicks Desperado’s leg and Desperado freaks out. Eagles gets Desperado up to CHOP him! Fans rally while Desperado staggers around. Eagles brings Desperado up to CHOP! Eagles brings Desperado around to put in the ring, then steps in, but Desperado dropkicks Eagles’ leg! Then he gets the leg for a GROUND DRAGON SCREW! Fans rally while Eagles writhes.
Desperado gets up, brings Eagles around and puts the leg on ropes for a HIP DROP! Red Shoes reprimands but Desperado drags Eagles to the apron, then the corner! Desperado SLAMS the leg into the post! Desperado ties up the legs for a TEXAS CLOVERLEAF around the post! Red Shoes reprimands, Desperado lets off, and fans rally up again. Desperado gets in, stomps Eagles’ leg, then SMASHES the knee on the mat! Cover, ONE! Desperado is annoyed as fans rally. Desperado slaps Eagles around, but Eagles throws a body shot! Eagles gets up and throws forearms, but Desperado kicks the bad leg! Desperado then ties Eagles up in the BUTTERFLY DEATHLOCK!
Desperado mocks Eagles, “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE! OI OI OI!” and puts pressure to the beat. Eagles throws a forearm but Desperado eggs him on. Eagles “DECKS” Desperado but that just puts pressure on the hold! Desperado keeps on the pressure even while lounging, but Eagles reaches out to the ROPEBREAK! Fans rally up, Desperado lets off and “Oops!” drops on the leg. Fans rally but Desperado brings Eagles up to suplex. Eagles blocks, Desperado kicks the bad leg. Desperado gut wrenches, but Eagles slips out, ROLLING CHOP BLOCK! BLINDSIDE LARIAT! Desperado bails out, fans rally up, and Eagles manages to run and DIVE!
Direct hit at the ramp but Eagles may have hurt his leg more with the somersault tope’s landing! Red Shoes wants them to get to the ring and fans rally up. Eagles hobbles over and brings Desperado up and into the ring. Eagles fires himself up and fans rally behind him. BASEMENT CUTTER! Cover, TWO! Desperado checks his chin now while fans rally. Eagles encourages them to get louder and faster, and then he KICKS Desperado. And KICKS! And KICKS! Desperado stays up, Eagles runs, LEG- NO, Desperado blocks the leg lariat and CLUBS the leg. Desperado whips, Eagles reverses, WHEEL KICK!
Fans fire up while both men are down. They go to opposite corners, Eagles runs in, DOUBLE KNEES! Eagles rolls back while Desperado sits, METEORA! Then another METEORA! Cover, TWO! Fans still rally, Eagles tries to get his bad leg moving. Eagles brings Desperado up and cravats, but Desperado fights off the Shiranui. Eagles throws down elbows, then cravats, but Desperado turns Shiranui into atomic drop! Eagles hobbles, but he still ROUNDHOUSES, SUPERKICKS, and PELE- NO, midair DRAGON SCREW! Desperado keeps on the leg with a GROUND DRAGON SCREW! Fans fire up and Desperado hurries to the STRETCH MUFFLER!!
Eagles endures, scrambles, and gets the ROPEBREAK! Desperado thrashes but lets off as Red Shoes counts. Fans rally as Eagles bails out, and Desperado builds speed to DIVE into a GAMANGIRI! Desperado flops to the floor and Eagles tumbles back down, but fans fire up! Eagles gets in the ring, then goes to the apron. Desperado sits up in a daze, Eagles aims and leaps, missile dropkick to the legs! Both men are down, clutching their knees while Red Shoes checks on them. Fans rally up as both men stir. The ring count starts, Eagles and Desperado slowly rise. They’re both still down at 12 of 20, then 15! Eagles gets in at 16, Desperado hurries in at 19!
Eagles gets Desperado’s leg to stomp away and KICK it! Desperado fights off the step through but Eagles hits a SPINNING TOEHOLD! Then RON MILLER SPECIAL!! Desperado endures, reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Eagles lets go and drags Desperado away. Fans rally, Eagles rolls Desperado to his feet but Desperado fights the backpack. Desperado ROCKS Eagles but Eagles ROCKS Desperado! Desperado ROCKS Eagles again, Eagles ROCKS Desperado back. Desperado rebounds and ROCKS Eagles, Eagles rebounds and ROCKS Desperado. Desperado and Eagles go back and forth, faster and faster, and fans rally up!
Desperado KICKS the bad leg, but then Eagles KICKS Desperado’s bad leg! Eagles blocks the boot, but Desperado rakes eyes! Eagles fights the gut wrench but Desperado fights the cravat. Desperado shoves Eagles, SPINE- NO, Eagles spins through to ASAI DDT!! Fans fire up and Eagles drags Desperado to a cover, TWO! Eagles gets to a corner and manages to climb up with one good leg. 450, but he has to land as Desperado dodges! The leg jams, Desperado CHOP BLOCKS it! STRETCH MUFFLER! NUMERO DOS!! Eagles endures, reaches out, fans rally more, and Eagles flails his way over to the ROPEBREAK!!
Desperado lets go in frustration, and he shouts about his own bad leg. Fans rally up again and Desperado drags Eagles back up. Desperado underhooks, but Eagles blocks the lift! Desperado throws knees, underhooks again, PINCH- RANA! But Desperado rolls through to stack! TWO, into STRETCH MUFFLER! NUMERO DOS PLUS!! Eagles endures and fights to get one arm free! Fans rally as he reaches, but Desperado wants that arm again! Eagles sits up out of the muffler to reel Desperado in. But Desperado Alabama Lifts! He tucks the legs, BASTARD DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!!! Eagles survives and fans are thunderous!
Desperado writhes, clutching his own bad leg. Fans rally as hard as ever, Desperado gets up and roars! Desperado hobbles over to Eagles, gets him up and underhooks the arms, PINCHE- NO! Eagles fights that off to lift Desperado! But that’s too much for the bad leg! Desperado ROCKS Eagles! Eagles ROUNDHOUSES! And SUPERKICKS! Desperado ROCKS Eagles again! SCREW HIGH KICK from Eagles!! Both men are down and fans are thunderous! Eagles shakes out the cobwebs and gets back up. Desperado goes to ropes, Eagles runs in, 619!! Then Eagles goes to a corner, but the bad leg keeps him from climbing.
Eagles gest his bad leg moving, and he SPRINGBOARD 450s onto Desperado’s legs!! Then RON MILLER SPECIAL!! Desperado crawls, reaches out, but Eagles drags him away! Desperado taps, Eagles wins!!
Winner: Robbie Eagles, by submission (gains 2 points; Desperado earns 0)
Eagles takes out every El and has another W! Is Desperado’s comeback going to be denied? Or can he salvage it in the final round?
As for Eagles, he gets the mic and asks Desperado to wait. In Japanese, Eagles tells “Desperado-san: Until we meet again.” Fans applaud, hoping to see this showdown again someday, too. Fans then clap for “EA-GEL-SU!” but he gets them going on “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE! OI OI OI!” And again he says that he can’t wait until the fans can all shout “Oi Oi Oi” again. “Soon, huh? I hope soon. Everybody, you want to make noise, too? You want to make noise, too? Yeah? You wanna cheer? You wanna shout? You wanna scream?” Fans applaud because yes, they do.
Eagles continues to say, “I did exactly as I said I would. That’s three for three. I’ve got one more to go to punch my ticket. So I’m gonna do everything I can to make it so I’m center of this ring, holding the Best of the Super Junior trophy in the Budokan.” Fans rally for “EA-GEL-SU!” as loud as they can, and Eagles repeats what he said in Korakuen Hall, that he thanks us all for supporting and believing in him. Eagles thinks of saying the next thing in Japanese but realizes his Japanese is still lacking. He starts again, “This is my time!” The Sniper of the Skies has just one last target left, can he hit it to go to the finals?
Here are the new standings in A Block!
Taiji Ishimori: 6-2, 12 points
Ace Austin: 5-3, 10 points
Hiromu Takahashi: 5-3, 10 points
SHO: 4-4, 8 points [ELIMINATED]
YOH: 4-4, 8 points [ELIMINATED]
Alex Zayne: 4-4, 8 points [ELIMINATED]
Clark Connors: 3-5, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
Francesco Akira: 3-5, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 3-5, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
Ryusuke Taguchi: 3-5, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
Here are the new standings for B Block!
El Phantasmo: 6-2, 12 points
Robbie Eagles: 5-3, 10 points
El Desperado: 5-3, 10 points
El Lindaman: 4-4, 8 points [ELIMINATED]
Wheeler Yuta: 4-4, 8 points [ELIMINATED]
TJP: 4-4, 8 points [ELIMINATED]
Bushi: 3-5, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
Master Wato: 3-5, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
Titan: 3-5, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
Douki: 3-5, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
My Thoughts:
A great event for NJPW BOSJ and it seems each block is down to just three entrants each. With both halves of the Cutest Tag Team at 6-2, a lot of people get cut out of the running. I was right about Sho and Yoh swapping results, but it wasn’t enough to keep them both in the running. Sho VS Yoh will still be great stuff but it’ll just be for pride at this point. Eagles and Austin also have parallel positions: If they win to get to 6-3 while Taiji and ELP lose to drop to 6-3, tiebreakers go to Eagles and Austin and they’re the finalists. But if ELP and/or Taiji win, they take the block.
But the key is that Hiromu VS Taiji and Desperado VS ELP are the final showdowns. If Hiromu/Desperado win over Taiji/ELP, AND Austin/Eagles lose, we’ll see Hiromu have his fourth finals appearance and Desperado is within reach of his comeback. This is coming down to the and I love it.
My Score: 8.9/10
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IF YA SMELLALALALALALA~…!
As Cody Rhodes teams with Damian Priest & Braun Strowman against Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline, FINALLY, The Rock has come back to SmackDown!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso; Jimmy wins.
- The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & LA Knight; Miz & Melo win.
- Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae w/ Nia Jax; Tiff wins.
- Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez; No Contest.
- WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly; Pretty Deadly wins, by disqualification, and DIY retain the titles.
- Six Man Tag: Cody Rhodes, Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga; changed to…
- Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga; Priest & Braun win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes talks with Nick Aldis backstage.
They shake hands, but the SmackDown General Manager tells the WWE Champion there’s been a change: Cody’s out of the Six Man Tag match. What? Why would Aldis do that? It is out of Aldis’s hands. Wait, Solo Sikoa shows up to do what he did, but they can’t do the Six Man Tag that they advertised? How is this out of Aldis’s hands? Who do they need to talk to so they can do the match? Aldis says there’s no one either of them can call, if you smell what’s cooking. This is coming from The Final Boss, and The Final Boss wants to see Cody in the ring tonight. What business could The Great One have with The American Nightmare?
Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso!
The Scottish Terminator rubbed it in Big Jim’s face that only one of them is going to Elimination Chamber in Toronto, which Big Jim was able to brush off. But McIntyre harping on how only one Uso is going to WrestleMania was a step too far. These two look to have it out, but is Jimmy just playing into McIntyre’s hands? Or will McIntyre get embarrassed by “the other Uso” this close to that big time match?
Speaking of, Jimmy has a message for Drew as he heads to gorilla. “Everybody know you’re going to Elimination Chamber, right? But Big Jimmy got a question for the Big Easy: Will Drew go onto the Elimination Chamber and win that? Will Drew go onto WrestleMania and win that? Ey, Drew, I think we got an answer for you, Uce. The answer is…” “NO YEET!” Jimmy makes his entrance, the bell rings, and the fans rally behind Jimmy. Jimmy and Drew jaw, and then Drew raises his hands, to say UP YOURS! But Jimmy ROCKS and CHOPS away! Drew puts Jimmy in a corner, Jimmy dodges to CHOP!
Jimmy climbs and he rains down fists! The fans count, Drew dumps Jimmy tot eh apron at 5, but Jimmy GAMANGIRIS! Jimmy goes up, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Jimmy hurries to CHOP, then he whips. Drew reverses to send Jimmy to the corner. Jimmy BOOTS back, goes up, and leaps, but into a clinch! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders to a corner, Drew runs up to SPLASH and OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders again, the ref has Drew hold on, and Jimmy bails out. Drew storms out to get Jimmy and he whips Jimmy HARD into barrier! The fans boo but Drew looms over Jimmy.
The ring count starts, Drew mockingly calls him “Jey,” then puts Jimmy in the ring. Drew says NO MANIA for Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, ROCKS him, then runs up, only for Jimmy to put him on the apron! Drew blocks a superkick, but not the DRAGON WHIP! Drew drops, Jimmy DIVES! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! Jimmy grins, goes back to the apron, and then aims. But Drew stops the Penalty Kick to THROW Jimmy down! Drew then has Jimmy in the Reverse Alabama Lift! REVERSE ALABAMA SLAM onto the steel steps! Drew stands on the desk to say “NO YEET!” while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Drew revels in the heat from New Orleans, then he leaves Jimmy behind. The ref checks Jimmy, he’s able to continue, so a ring count starts. Drew paces while Jimmy stirs. Jimmy drags himself up using the desk, then lunges in at 9! Drew is annoyed but he rains down fists! Drew stomps Jimmy, then eggs him on. Jimmy rises as the fans rally, but Drew is right on him in the corner. Drew winds up, but Jimmy counter punches! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! And whips, only for Drew to reverses. Jimmy goes up, but Drew KICKS him out of the air! Drew then hauls Jimmy up, snap suplex! Cover, TWO!
Drew says okay, Big Jim. He clamps onto Jimmy with a top wristlock and grinds the arm. Jimmy fights up, fireman’s carries, but Drew elbows free. Drew bumps Jimmy off buckles, then hauls him up to the top rope! Drew CLUBS Jimmy on the back, climbs up, then CLUBS Jimmy more. Jimmy fires elbows and Drew drops back. But Drew runs up to CLUB Jimmy again! SmackDown returns to single picture as Drew CLUBS away on Jimmy again! Jimmy keeps taunting “Jey,” then drags him up. Jimmy fights the back suplex! The fans rally, Jimmy fires hands and a HEADBUTT! Jimmy SMACKS Drew off the post!
Jimmy rises to USO IN THE WIND! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! A standing count starts while both men stir on the mat. They both stand at 5, and Drew swings! Jimmy counter punches, then fires more shots! Mule kick, UPPERCUT, but then Jimmy dodges Drew! SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Drew is tougher than that, but Jimmy hurries to a corner. Jimmy aims as Drew goes to the other corner, “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs, but Drew FLYING HEADBUTTS! The Glasgow Kiss stuns Jimmy, and Drew hits a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Jimmy shows his own toughness, and the fans rally behind him.
Drew paces, then he stalks Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, reels him in, but Jimmy fights the underhooks! Jimmy wrenches, UPPERCUTS, but Drew ROCKS Jimmy back! Jimmy UPPERCUTS, Drew HAYMAKERS! Drew whips, Jimmy reverses and Drew ends up on the apron! Drew ROCKS Jimmy first, then climbs the corner! FLYING- SUPERKICK! Jimmy runs to SPEAR! Cover, TWO!! Drew survives, Jimmy’s spear doesn’t hit quite like The Tribal Chief’s. Jimmy goes to the corner, climbs up, and the fans rally up. USO- NO, Jimmy rolls through as Drew moves! Drew dodges a lariat to NECKBREAKER!
Both men are down, the fans rally, and Drew kips up! Drew scowls as he aims at Jimmy. “THREE! TWO! ONE!” CLAY- SUPERKICK!! Jimmy hits first! GLASGOW KISS returns! Drew reels Jimmy in, “This is your WrestleMania! This is as close as you get!” Drew shouts Jimmy is nothing, then ROCKS him with forearm after forearm! GLASGOW KISS! Another Reverse Alabama, but Jimmy victory rolls it! JIMMY WINS!!!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Drew is furious, but his own ego caught him there! But then Drew CLOBBERS Jimmy! The fans boo Drew being a sore loser, but he puts Jimmy back in the ring! Drew rains down fists, then he DRIBBLES Jimmy off the mat! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Drew says that was Jimmy’s Mania Moment! Drew will win the Chamber, he will go to Mania, and he will win there! Jimmy means NOTHING to Drew! Drew puts Jimmy up against the post, then takes aim! The fans boo, but refs and producers rush out here! They swarm Drew to keep him from going after Jimmy again. Drew says fine, fine, then takes his leave.
Producers help Jimmy to his feet, but then Drew BLASTS through the refs! CLAYMORE for Jimmy!! The Scottish Terminator hits his target, then laughs as he actually leaves. Will McIntyre make this his Road to WrestleMania?
A car pulls into the parking lot.
And out steps Solo Sikoa. Solo heads inside, and he finds Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga waiting. Solo tells them that last week with Tama, that was an accident. Jacob says yeah, it’s all good, Uce. But keep it 100: If it wasn’t an accident, Solo wouldn’t be standing here right now. Well, good! Glad to see we’re all on the same page. Solo says he will be in the corner during the match for Jacob & Tama. Uh, no, Solo, no disrespect, but Jacob & Tama have been running things on SmackDown these past couple weeks. So tonight, it’s Jacob & Solo running the play? Yadada mean? Yeah, of course. And that right there, Jacob, is exactly why Solo loves him.
Solo says he’ll be back, he has to talk with Nick Aldis. Solo heads out, but will he really just step right back into place from before he lost the ula fala?
Carmelo Hayes is backstage.
R-Truth calls out to Melo, and says for the first time ever, Truth VS Melo! What’s Truth talking about? Duh, they have a match. No, Truth, Melo knows. But they had a match last week. Truth says he has never met Melo in his life, but they have a tag match tonight. What? No, they don’t. Who even made this match? Him. Truth, they are not going through this H1M who’s on first thing again. Melo is H1M. No, him made the match. The Miz!? Miz says he’s H1M. So now there’s two of you? No no no! Melo is H1M, this is The Miz! Yeah, #MeloDon’tMiz! NO! That’s not a thing! Tonight, they are. Who’s Truth’s partner?
Truth says he’s got a guy. A Louisiana legend! In fact, he just got here, so Truth’s gotta go. Laters. Miz says he has been workshopping this, and the fans love it. Think about it: Melo Don’t Miz! Melo Don’t Miz! And we are…! Melo shakes his head. Truth steps in and says Miz just wants Melo to say, “Awesome.” Miz offers a fist bump, Melo says no. Will Melo wish he had missed tonight’s show? Or will Miz actually help H1M get another win?
Zelina Vega speaks.
“My whole life, people have taken one look at me, and they try to define me. My size has never stopped me before. It never stopped me from becoming tag team champion. Or my personal favorite, the history-making first-time-ever Queen of the Ring. That’s me. Make no mistake about it, I’ve never had it easy. I had to scratch and claw to get anything around here. But this is a fresh start. Because I have something to prove. And my dreams are a lot bigger than your measuring stick. It ain’t over until Zelina Vega says it’s over.”
The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & ???
Miz makes his entrance but Melo kinda steps all over it. So he already missed his cue… But who did Truth find to team with him in the Big Easy? We’ll see, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Truth makes his entrance. “What’s up?” Well, more like who is his partner? He’ll tell us! His tag team partner is a local legend, born and bred right here in New Orleans! Ladies and gentlemen, welcome Louisiana Knight! Wait, he means L A Knight! Yes, Louisiana abbreviated is LA, but that’s not… Oh, Truth… Truth gives Knight a Po’ Boy and some Mardi Gras beads, so Knight embraces it. The teams sort out, and Truth calls out him! Does he mean Miz or Melo? Well, Melo says he is H1M, so that’s who starts. The fans cheer on Knight while Truth and Melo tie up. Melo KNEES low, whips, but Truth reverses.
Melo springboards, FADEAWAY JUMPER! Melo makes his free throw, but Truth drop toeholds! Truth headlocks, Melo powers up and out but Truth whips! Melo turns hip toss into lateral press, TWO! Truth has a ghost pin, TWO! Melo trips to cover, ONE! Truth trips to cover, ONE! Melo runs up, Truth does the splits, and then hits a BIG hip toss! The fans fire up, Truth counts, Melo gets up at TWO, but Truth was just goofing. The ref explains to Truth that he is the ref, not Truth! Melo is annoyed, he runs up on Truth, but Truth wrenches him around! Melo pulls hair but Knight tags in. The fans fire up as Knight fires hands!
Knight ROCKS Melo, whips Melo, but Melo reverses! SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Knight drags Melo up to tag Truth back in, and Truth ROCKS Melo! Melo staggers, but he refuses to tag! Truth arm-drags Melo, then grinds the arm. Melo insists he’s got this, then arm-drags free. Truth staggers up, he and Melo bump heads! Truth staggers around more, and he tags Miz?! Truth forgot The Awesome Truth isn’t a thing anymore! Again! Melo BLASTS Truth off the apron, the fans boo, but Miz tags himself in! Melo is annoyed, but Miz goes to fetch Truth while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again, and Melo has Truth. Truth ROCKS Melo, but Melo holds onto the wristlock! Truth reaches for Knight, Knight reaches for Truth, but Melo holds on. Truth takes a swing, but into an O’Conner Roll! TWO and Melo BLASTS Knight! Truth rolls Melo up, TWO! Melo kicks low, calls his shot, but Truth suplexes for a STUNNER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Truth and Melo crawl, hot tags to Miz and Knight! The fans fire up as Knight rallies on Miz! “YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips, Miz reverses, but Knight lEAPING LARIATS! Knight TOSSES Melo in for good measure!
Knight stomps a mudhole into Melo, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” LARIAT for Miz! KNEE for Melo! Knight scoops and POWERSLAMS Miz! Knight keeps running, JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Knight stays on Miz as he brings Miz up. Knight ROCKS Miz, then ROCKS him again! Knight whips, Miz grabs the ropes. Miz KICKS, then takes a swing, but into a back suplex! Miz lands out, tag to Melo! Miz ELBOWS Knight, but Knight scoops! Miz tilt-o-whirls through, Melo SUPERKICKS Knight down! cover, TWO! Knight stays in this but Melo says he’s got this! Melo waits on Knight, then leaps, but NO 48!
Knight kicks low, but NO B F T! Tag to Truth! Knight ELBOWS Melo, Truth runs in! CENA SHOULDER TACKLES! Then the SPIN OUT BOMB! Truth says it’s time! “YOU CANT SEE ME~!” truth runs for the FIVE KNCUKLE SHUFFLE! Truth then fireman’s carries, but Melo slips free! Melo shoves, Truth dodges, and Truth hits the LIE DETECTOR! Truth then gets Melo in the S T R-TRUTH! But Miz CLOBBERS Truth! Knight ROCKS Miz, then LARIATS him up and out! Knight then goes out to THROW Miz into barriers! The fans fire up again, but NAKAMURA ATTACKS KNIGHT!
The fans boo, but the sinister samurai then POSTS Knight!! Nakamura slithers away while Melo keeps the ref’s attention! Truth sees Knight is down, Melo runs up, but Truth dodges! Miz tags in, full nelson, and a FIRST 48 FINALE COMBO?!? Cover, Miz & Melo win!!
Winners: The Miz & Carmelo Hayes, by pinfall
Well, what do you know? Nakamura aside, Miz and Melo made it work! Okay, they’re both trying to hog the spotlight, but is there a future for Melo Don’t Miz? Will Knight only have more of a reason to take that title off Nakamura now?
Charlotte Flair speaks.
“The GOAT… doesn’t have to call themselves The GOAT. Now, I have crafted a legacy that no one, I mean no one, can touch. And I’m back.” The Women’s Royal Rumble Winner chose Tiffany Stratton, but will The Queen take back her throne? Or will WWE always be on #TiffyTime? Speaking of…
Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae!
The WWE Women’s Champion may have gotten past Nia Jax, but now she knows Charlotte Flair is waiting for her at WrestleMania, and is going to be teaming with Trish Stratus in Toronto! Will she be in Tiffy Top Shape for that Tiffy Trishy dream match? Or will the Poison Pixie be quite the problem all on her own?
Before the match, Tiff grabs a mic while the fans cheer. Tiffy says, “I know, I know. You know it, you know it, and you know it. Ever since I won this title, everybody’s just been so obsessed with me. And last week, I had Nia Jax beat, until Candice LeRae decided to interfere and help her little meal ticket. And at Elimination Chamber, Trish Stratus and I make sure the Unstoppable Force comes to a definitive end!” The fans cheer that, but Tiff says enough about them. Let’s talk Charlotte Flair. The fans boo that name, but Tiff says Charlotte took her sweet old time, grabbed a chair, grabbed a mic, and she looked down on Tiff.
Charlotte chose Tiff as her WrestleMania opponent. In that moment, Tiff’s dream came true! And as she lied down there and looked up at Charlotte, she realized the rumors are true: No one loves to kick a girl when she’s down quite like Charlotte Flair. So at WrestleMania, Tiff isn’t coming for Charlotte’s legacy; that’s all Charlotte’s. Tiff is coming for the spot Charlotte desires the most: The number one spot as the top girl in the WWE! But here comes Nia & Candice to interrupt. Nia has a mic to tell Tiffy, “I Have to say, this is really cute. Like, it’s really cute that you actually think you were gonna beat me last week.”
Doesn’t Candice think that is cute? Candice says yes, it is so~ cute. And Tiff wouldn’t even be standing there if not for little Trish Stratus~. Exactly! And it’s even cuter that Tiff is out here talking about Charlotte when she wont’ even see WrestleMania! Because after Nia & Candide destroy Tiff at Elimination Chamber, Nia is coming back for her WWE Women’s Championship. Nia & Candice step up to the ring, and Nia says Tiff won’t even see the Grandest Stage of Them All. Tiff tells Nia to just give it up. This title isn’t even hers anymore. And once Tiff beats Candice tonight, Nia won’t have anyone to do her dirty work anymore!
Candice tells Tiffy that while they’re meant have a match right now, she and Nia are feeling impatient. Nia says they should just get rid of Tiff right now! But the ref steps in and says not gonna happen! Tiff VS Candice will, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Candice has Tiffy down with an armlock. Tiff fights up as the fans rally, but Candice wrenches to wristlock. Tiff spins through, goes to ropes, then up the corner to flip and arm-drag! The fans fire up as Tiff rallies on Candice! DROPKICK, and Tiff snarls! Tiff goes to the corner, and Charlotte makes her entrance? The Queen chooses to be fashionably late all so everyone looks at her, including Tiffy. Tiffy handsprings, but Candice dodges! Candice runs up to UPPERCUT, then she snapmares and NECK SNAPPERS! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Candice clamps onto Tiffy with a top wristlock.
The fans “WOO~” as Charlotte now chooses to join commentary. Tiff fights up, has the ROPEBREAK, but Candice CLUBS away on her! Candice backs off, runs up, but Tiff drop toeholds her to ropes! Tiff runs, HIP ATTACKS, and Candice flops back! Cover, TWO! Tiff stays on Candice with a whip, but Candice reverses. Candice CLOBBERS Tiff, covers, TWO! Charlotte corrects Tiffy’s words earlier: Charlotte isn’t the “top girl,” she is THE woman in WWE. Candice HIP DROPS Tiff but the fans rally up. Candice scuffs Tiff, then grinds an arm to drop a knee on the elbow! And another knee drop! Tiff endures and the fans rally up.
Candice keeps on that arm, thrashes it around, but Tiff fights up. Tiff fires body shots, then shoves Candice to Alabama Lift her! Candice sunset flips, Tiff rolls through, TIFFY STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Tiff is frustrated and Candice bails out. Tiff goes to the apron, goes up the corner, and ARIHARA MOONSAULTS! Direct hit on Candice and Nia, and Tiff almost stuck the landing! The fans fire up with Tiff and she goes into the ring. Tiff points to the WrestleMania sign, and then at Charlotte, but SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Tiff waits on Candice, Candice slides in, and Tiff stomps her down! Candice bails out, Nia is there to coach her, but Tiff lets the ring count start. Candice gets on the apron, Tiff kicks her, but Candice RAMS Tiff! Candice CLUBS Tiff, has her in the ropes, and hits a NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT! Candice climbs, aims, and leaps to MISSILE DROPKICK Tiff down! Cover, TWO! Candice is frustrated but this is why Tiff’s a champ. The fans rally, but Candice stomps Tiff! Candice scowls at the fans, stalks Tiff, then brings her up. Tiff fires body shots, then she rolls Candice up! TWO, and Candice CLOBBERS Tiff! Cover, TWO, into a ghost pin! TWO!
Candice escapes to hit a CODE BREAKER! Both women are down, but Candice scowls again as she crawls over to Tiff. Candice rains down fists, Nia tells fans to shut up, and Candice steps on Tiff’s face. Candice huffs ‘n’ puffs, pushes Tiff around, then scuffs her. Tiff rolls Candice up again, TWO! Candice DECKS Tiff! Cover, TWO! Charlotte is stoic on commentary as Candice drags Tiff up and puts her in a corner. Candice fires hands, then backs off. Candice runs up to ROCK Tiff again! Candice then runs, but Tiff dodges! SmackDown returns to single picture, and Tiff rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT! The fans fire up, Tiff handsprings, BACK ELBOW!
Tiff then reels Candice in for a SKY HIGH! High stack, TWO! The fans rally for Tiff, Nia coaches Candice, but Charlotte still seems nonplussed. Tiff and Candice rise, and Candice runs up. Candice puts Tiff on the apron, but Tiff ROCKS her! Tiff bumps Candice off buckles, then goes up, but Candice ROCKS her back! Candice climbs up, and she fires hands on Tiff! Tiff fights the suplex! Tiff DECKS Candice, then adjusts position, to SANTON- FLOP! Candice ghost pins, TWO!! Tiff escapes, but Candice hits the step-up SENTON! And then a LIONSAUL FLOP! Tiff hurries to fireman’s carry, ROLLING SENTON! And then PRETTIEST MOON- NO, Nia drags Candice out of the ring!
The fans boo, Nia tells them to shut up, but Tiff is on the apron! Nia swings, Tiff cartwheels over, and then she DROPKICKS Nia! Tiff Alabama Lifts Candice, to ALABAMA SLAM her into barriers! Tiff stares down Charlotte, tells her just wait for Mania, then she puts Candice in the ring. Tiff goes to the corner, PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, Tiff wins!
Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall
Charlotte gives moderate applause, but Nia CLOBBERS Tiff from behind! The fans boo, but Nia just drags Tiff to a corner. Nia goes up, but wait! Trish is here!! The fans fire up for the legend as she rushes into the ring! Trish avoids a haymaker to CHICK KICK! Then THESZ PRESS for Candice! And then a SPINEBUSTER! Trish helps Tiff to her feet, but Nia grabs them both! Trish fires fast hands on Nia! Candice CHOP BLOCKS Trish! Tiff is still dazed, Nia HEADBUTTS her back down! Nia & Candice mug Trish, and then Nia HEADBUTTS Trish! Trish & Tiff are side by side, and Nia drags them into the drop zone! A-NIA-LATOR!!
The fans boo but there’s nothing can be done! Nia grins as she helps Candice away, will these two trash Trish & Tiff in Toronto? Charlotte steps into the ring, stands over Tiff, and points to the WrestleMania sign. Will The Irresistible Force & Poison Pixie unwittingly do the dirty work of The Queen of Flair?
Cody talks with Damian Priest backstage.
Priest asks why Cody’s boy, The Rock, is here tonight. Cody says given the time of year, his guess is as good as anyone’s. But tonight will surely be eventful. Cody congratulates Priest on entering the Elimination Chamber. Priest says what’s wild is, last year, they both walked out as champions. What sucks is that this year, only one of them can. Now, Priest is man enough and he respects Cody to say that after Chamber, he’s coming for that title. Cody says he wouldn’t have it any other way. Cody heads out, but what business does The Rock have tonight?
Braun Strowman steps in, and he tells Priest that congrats on winning, and good luck in the Chamber. But let’s be honest, Braun had Jacob dead to rights last week. If not for Solo Sikoa, things would look a lot different next week. Priest chuckles and says take it easy, he’s sounding like Drew with the excuses. But it is what it is, Priest just beat Braun to the punch. But that was last week. Tonight, Solo and Jacob, two of the baddest men in the business. Priest & Braun handling business? Oh, they’re handling business. The only business Braun cares about is getting his hands on those two. Priest says Braun definitely will.
Braun heads out, will the Monster of All Monsters and the Archer of Infamy make sure Solo & Jacob #GetTheseHands? Or will the rogues run roughshod all over SmackDown once again?
Backstage interview with Naomi & Bianca Belair.
Byron Saxton is with the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions and brings up last week’s SmackDown, the security footage led us to believe Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez were the ones behind Jade Cargill’s attack. Now, hold on, Saxton. They don’t think, Naomi knows they were. Fair enough. But this Monday, they can get their revenge when they defend the tag titles against Liv & Raquel. How ready are they for this match? Bianca says so ready! They have been waiting for months for an update. Jade has been recovering, she hasn’t been able to call or text, so the GlowEST took matters into their own hands to get revenge.
Bianca & Naomi will handle Liv & Raquel, then move on to Elimination Chamber, where one of them is gonna win to face Rhea at WrestleMania. Not only will you #FeelTheGlowEST on Monday, but Liv feels it tonight! #Let’sGLOW! The champs head out, but will they clear their Road to WrestleMania of any other distractions?
Alexa Bliss speaks.
“When I was away, there was a lot of… change that happened in me. But when I look around, I see this place is still the same. The names and faces may be different, but the desperation and insecurity remains the same. You’ll see Toronto when I turn the Elimination Chamber into something of a playground of my own. I know the Chamber. I love the Chamber. I’ve won the Chamber. And for the other five women, it’s gonna be a Hell like they’ve never experienced before. Need I remind you, this is my division, and I am in charge.” Bliss smiles and says, “See you soon.” The film comes off the reel, but will things get twisted in Toronto?
Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez!
The Big Easy is all about having fun, and they’re fired up for Naomi’s entrance. But wait! Liv & Raquel don’t wait, they attack Bianca & Naomi while the lights are still down! They mug Naomi, but Bianca drags Liv out of the ring! Then Bianca storms in to fire off on Raquel! The fans fire up, but Liv returns to CHOP BLOCK Bianca! Raquel hauls Bianca up for a TEJANA BOMB!! Naomi runs up, fires more hands, but Liv brings Naomi around. Naomi fires hands on her, but Raquel throws her down! Liv runs up, OBLIVION!
Liv & Raquel stand tall, the refs rush out here, but clearly the singles match isn’t happening. Will we be getting something even meaner and nastier between these four on Monday?
The Rock arrives!
His truck pulls into the parking lot, but we’ll see him in the ring, after the break!
SmackDown returns and…
Aldis is chewing out Liv & Raquel for the attack. He doesn’t know what they get away with on Raw, but they can’t pull that crap here. Now get the hell out of his building. Liv & Raquel just laugh that off, but then Chelsea Green & Piper Niven walk in. Chelsea says have no fear, Chelsea & Piper are here to sub in for Bianca and Naomi at Elimination Chamber. Aldis sighs, and says they’re not missing the Chamber. What? But Chelsea had an outfit picked out! This is a travesty to not have the greatest Canadian export since maple syrup on a Canadian PLE! Does he know who she is? The first-ever, longest reigning, tallest, shortest, prettiest, richest, tannest, sparkliest, oldest, youngest Women’s US Champion! Piper asks what this is aboot, eh?
Aldis says this is them testing his patience. They need to pack their gear and whatever else they want, because they’ll be in action next week on SmackDown in Toronto. And oh, it’ll be a good one. Wait, they need more details! At least an e-calendar notification? Aldis is leaving Chelsea in the dark on what’s coming, will she absolutely hate it?
The Rock heads to the ring!
Wait, what is this New Orleans related remix? The Final Boss steps out on stage, he shows those goosebumps, then continues down the ramp, shaking hands with fans. The Rock hits his signature pose on the corner, but then takes the long way around to pick up a fan’s phone for them before going back into the ring. The fans all cheer for “ROCKY! ROCKY!” and he grabs himself a mic. He waits as the fans continue to chant his name, and then he says, “Ahh, you feel it, don’t you? You feel it. The Rock has got chills up and down his body because you know, on a Friday night, for the Final Boss to get inside his bird and fly all the way here, you know that I’m dropping some ish on you tonight!”
The fans fire up and The Rock smiles. Rock says, “Let’s get this show on the road.” The fans anticipate what’s coming but he says hold on, he’ll do it. “FINALLY! The Rock has come back…” “TO NEW ORLEANS~!” Rock smiles, and he adds, FINALLY, WrestleMania is coming back to New Orleans!! The fans are thunderous to hear that! WrestleMania 30, WrestleMania 34, and now WrestleMania 42!? Yes, next year, 2026, LIVE from the Superdome! One of the greatest cities on Earth in New Orleans, Louisiana! The pyro goes off to commemorate the occasion, and the logo is already on the tron! Rock smiles at that, then he smiles at the WrestleMania 41 Vegas logo.
The fans are losing their minds, as we now know April 11th and 12th, 2026, the Big Easy has the Grandest Stage of Them All. Rock says you damn right holy ish! Oh when the saints go marching in…! Oh how I’d love… Wait, no, this ain’t singalong with The Final Boss! Sit there, shut up, and let The Final Boss sing the song! The fans are torn, but Rock says he sings! Oh how I’d love, to be in that number~! Oh when the saints go marching in~! Okay, that’s good enough. You got him, that was a great duet. The Rock is singing with the largest collection of STD’d trailer trash he has ever seen! The fans can’t believe Rock would do that to them!
Rock says now, dropping this news wasn’t the only gift he was going to drop on us. The Final Boss came here to call somebody out. The Rock will call out a man who he respects, who he admires, and who we all admire. That man is our WWE Champion, the one and only, Cody Rhodes. The fans cheer as The American Nightmare makes his entrance! They sing along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” and we get Cody’s pyro before he goes to the ring. Cody gets his second “WHOA~ OH~!” and round of pyro, then he steps inside to join The Rock. The fans cheer Cody on, so he holds up the title and the fans cheer even more.
Cody grabs a mic, but Rock says, “That feels good, doesn’t it? I mean, that’s gotta feel amazing, right? They love you, man.” Cody tells NOLA, “I love you, too.” Rock says this is crazy. Pretty much no one knows this, but since after WrestleMania last year, they’ve actually become good friends. No, it’s true, they have. Last time they were together was the Raw Netflix debut. Rock gave Cody his flowers, told Cody he has carried the company like the incredible champion that he is, so thank you, Cody. Rock meant it, and that night, they went to the back, drank tequila for two hours and had a great ol’ time.
They chopped it up, had a blast, but Rock wants to call Cody out here for something important. Here’s the thing… The fans get a bit rowdy as they wait, and Rock says Cody is a great champion. A great WWE Champion. Cody knows that. Again, they’ve become good friends, so over the months, they’ve texted. Even their moms became good friends! Look! Mama Johnson & Mama Rhodes together after WrestleMania 40! It is a pleasure becoming Cody’s friend. But Rock wanted this face to face to tell him a few things. One: Cody has been a great champion, but he needs to understand. Yes, The Rock, The Final Boss, is on the Board of TKO. And TKO owns WWE.
The Rock is the Director of the Board of TKO. Don’t boo that! The Rock’s good friend, Ari Emanuel, who owns everything Endeavor, The Rock joked with Ari, “Can you believe that you own The WWE?” Ari says he doesn’t own the WWE, The Rock does. Rock said no, no, he doesn’t know if he owns the WWE. But The Rock knows he is the most powerful… Cody, you are a great champion. But Rock wants Cody to be something more. Rock wants Cody to be something more than just our champion. Rock wants Cody to be his champion. The fans don’t like where that’s going.
Cody says he did not expect them to become friends, nor their moms to become friends, nor the tequila. Cody didn’t have that on his bingo card. But becoming The Rock’s champion? The Rock of all people should know, Cody is the people’s champion. The fans cheer Cody more, and Rock says yes! Cody is their champion! Of course! The Rock is also The People’s Champion, he loves that about Cody. This is their universe, they were both born into this business. But Rock means something even bigger than just this. Rock knows Cody’s goal is to bring as much joy and happiness to everyone around the world, as many as possible.
The fans cheer, and Rock says that’s Cody. Cody is that guy, and everyone knows it. Cody is on social media, Instagram, millions of followers. Millions, and millions! The Rock has half a BILLION. That’s not a flex. But The Rock is the most followed American man in the world, that’s what he wants for Cody. Rock wants Cody to be even higher. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, he will open doors to possibilities Cody never even imagined. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, every dream he has ever had can come true. Every dream of Brandi’s, of their daughter’s. Think about how Rock brought them to the premiere of Moana 2, in Hawaii.
Thank you, by the way, for making that cross a BILLION dollars, fans, Rock loves you. Rock has met the Rhodes family, they’re amazing. But imagine it: Cody’s daughter’s children, their dreams, long after Rock and Cody are gone, all those dreams can come true. Rock just needs Cody to be his champion. The fans say don’t do it! Rock tells Cody to just think about it, though. Rock is a very lucky man, he has it all. Cody also has it all. They’re very fortunate. They’re Mama’s Boys, they’re Girl Dads, they’re lucky men. Fans say don’t do it, Rock tells them to shut up or he’ll slap the syphilis off their face! Rock is trying to have a moment here, shut your mouths!
The one thing that Rock has never had, that he wants more than anything, is a brother. And that is what Cody can be. Last year, WrestleMania, Rock’s goal was to face his cousin, Roman Reigns, for the title. Cody knows, the fans know. Rock talked with his friend, HHH. He talked with Nick Khan, who is his friend. They are also Cody’s friends. Rock knew it wasn’t in the plans, but they talked about moving Cody aside to make what was best for business: Rock VS Roman, WrestleMania 40! What’d Cody do? Cody pitched a b*tch fit! Cody told The Rock he ain’t doing it, and he stood up to The Rock. And y’know what else? Cody SLAPPED Rock!
No one does that and gets away with it. But that is why Cody is special. That is why Cody should be Rock’s Champion. And that is why Rock will take Cody from where he is to a level so far above. Rock will make sure every dream, every desire, for generations to come, it all comes true. Rock’s dad, Cody’s dad, Soul Man & American Dream, they are looking down right now. They were friends, Cody and Rock are friends, Cody should be Rock’s Champion. He doesn’t need to answer Rock tonight. He can think about it, talk with his wife and daughter, as will The Rock. Then Cody can think about it. Meet Rock in Toronto on March 1st to give him the answer.
Fans still say don’t do it, but Rock says it is okay. Before he leaves, this has been an amazing night, this is a hot crowd, thank you all very much. But before he leaves, Rock wants us to know this: The one thing Rock wants more than anything in this world… is that. Wait, the title? Cody’s title? The fans’ title? This is all this is about? No no no no! Brother… Rock doesn’t want the title. He wants Cody’s soul. The fans duel, “NO! NO! NO!” “SELL YOUR SOUL!” Rock pats Cody on the cheek and says see you in Toronto. The Rock leaves, giving Cody a lot to think about. Rock does give one last glance back at Cody, then smirks.
What will The American Nightmare choose: His integrity? Or his aspirations?
WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly!
Did Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano got these titles thanks to Kit Wilson & Elton Prince? #YESBOY! Did they survive a couple title defenses thanks to Kit & Elton? #YESBOY! But when Pretty Deadly needed DIY, was DIY there for them? #NOBOY! So now, Kit & Elton are looking to give Ciampa & Gargano their comeuppance! Will we finally get another #SidePlateCheck? Or will Ciampa & Gargano remember for themselves, that if you wanna be champions, you gotta do it yourself?
But as DIY make their entrance, they have mics, and Johnny Wrestling tells NOLA, “Give it up one time for your TWO-TIME WWE Tag Team Champions…! The BTTITW (Best Tag Team In The World), D I Y~!” The fans boo instead. Ciampa says there is no denying that tonight has been electrifying. Gargano says this is a hot crowd. But please, if we could be somber for a second. Guys, this is serious. Two weeks ago, Pretty Deadly embarrassed DIY, and now reluctantly, DIY will return that favor by crushing their hopes and dreams of ever becoming WWE Tag Team Champions. So please, let us all rise to our feet… Yes, you in the LSU jersey, stand up.
Ciampa thanks Wade Barrett, and asks for everyone to remove their hands and bow their heads for a moment of silence for Pretty Deadly, beginning… now. The fans boo instead! And then Pretty Deadly make their entrance! The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really needed who in this broken relationship!
But then DIY jumps Pretty Deadly! The ref reprimands, DIY whip but Pretty Deadly reverses! DOUBLE DORPKICKS! Then DOUBLE LARIATS send DIY up and out! The disco ball hasn’t even stopped spinning! The fans cheer while DIY throw a fit! They regroup, cool down, and go back to the ring. Gargano distracts Elton, Ciampa CLOBBERS him, and the bell rings. But Elton fires hands on Ciampa! Elton whips, Ciampa reverses and he pulls hair! The ref reprimands, Ciampa throws Elton to the apron and KNEES him down! Tag to Gargano and he aims, SUPERKICK! Elton goes down in a heap, DIY cheers themselves on, and SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns, Gargano tags in, and DIY hits the BACK SUPLEX BOMBO COMBO! Cover, TWO! Elton stays in this but Gargano tags Ciampa back in. Gargano sends Ciampa in, but Elton ELBOWS him away! Gargano runs in, but Elton puts him on the apron! Gargano goes after Kit, but Kit blocks the kick! Kit BOOTS Gargano down, but then Ciampa BOOTS Kit! Elton dodges Ciampa to come back, DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! Elton and Ciampa are down, sputtering and writhing, and the fans rally up. Elton crawls, Kit rises, hot tags to Kit and Gargano! Kit rallies on DIY with big forearms! Kit whips, Gargano reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS!
Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa in a corner, then LARIATS! Kit runs to LARIAT Gargano! Kit pushes Gargano down, kicks him and hits a TWIST- NO, Gargano slips through to ROCK Kit! Kit yoyos, DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up, Kit tags Elton! They get Gargano up, but Gargano BOOTS Elton! Gargano ELBOWS Kit away, then runs up on Elton! Elton dodges, then gives Kit the boost, DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Gargano survives but Ciampa is in! Elton fireman’s carries Ciampa, but Ciampa slips free! Ciampa whips, Elton reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa! Elton shows off his strength with the GOTCH LIFT PLEX!
Tag to Kit, but IN COME THE PROFITS! Ford SHOVES Kit down, Dawkins mugs him!!
Winners: Pretty Deadly, by disqualification; DIY retain the titles
Not again! Just like they did Motor City Machine Guns, The Profits make sure no one else takes these titles off DIY! URENAGE from Ford to Elton! Dawkins keeps hammering away on Kit, and then Ford POSTS Elton! Dawkins fireman’s carries Kit, to POST him, too! Looking like the All Mighty with that one! Gargano fires forearms in return, but ends up int he POUNCE GERMAN SUPLEX! Then Ciampa runs up into a FLAPJACK! Ford goes up top, then flies in FROM THE HEAVENS!! Direct hit on Ciampa! But wait! MCMG rushes out here, wanting their payback! The Profits brawl with MCMG, but Ford TOSSES Shelley to the apron!
Ford runs up, Shelley goes to kick, but Ford blocks it! Ford LARIATS Shelley down, Dawkins hits Sabin with THE BIG ENDING! The fans are torn as Dawkins whips Sabin, Profits get him for the REVELATION!! And if there’s been any revelation, it is that Ford & Dawkins don’t just want the smoke, they want to burn down the tag division to get it! Will nothing stop them once they’re back in action?
Kevin Owens speaks.
“You got what you wanted, huh? You got your match. You couldn’t, uh… You couldn’t just take the punishment that you deserved, that I’d already given you, and let it go. No, you… You wanted me and you to go again. You wanted to fight me, you want to hurt me, you want to end my career, which would hurt my family, by the way. Which is truly despicable. But what about your family, Sami? Huh? Have you thought of them? What about your family, huh?” Kevin reveals he is right outside the Zayn home! Kevin peers inside to watch Sami, his wife, and his son!
Kevin asks Sami via the video if Sami knows what he’s about to put them through, when they have to watch Kevin end Sami’s career. And what happens then, eh? When Sami can’t provide for them, and everything they have, like this nice house, the shelter, the security, the peace they have, when it’s all gone? And why? What for? Because Sami’s too proud? Because Sami’s selfish? Sami IS selfish. Because Sami is making Kevin do this to Sami’s family. Kevin will never forgive Sami for that. He’ll see Sami in Toronto. “But remember… You asked for this. It’s all your fault.” As if Kevin’s delusions aren’t already grand, will he continue to blame everyone else but himself?
Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga!
Elimination Chamber is on the horizon, and the Road to WrestleMania makes for strange bedfellows. Priest, Braun and Jacob were fighting each other just last week, but Solo’s return really threw things for a loop. Can Priest & Braun give Solo and the Samoan Werewolf their punishment? Or will everything (not) be fine in Solo’s Bloodline?
SmackDown returns as #OneBigSOB makes his entrance. As Solo, Jacob & Tama head to gorilla, we hear from Solo. “Tonight, we handle business. And it starts with Braun Strowman & Damian-” Jacob interrupts with, “Man, c’mon, DP! C’mon, Braun! I thought we did this! So tonight, we about to even up the score. If you ain’t know, I’m all gas, no brakes with it! See, since we touched the scene, we been dropping bodies like bread crumbs! Yadada mean!? FA-TUUU~! Hit my music!” The rogues enter to Jacob’s theme, is this alone proof he’s the new alpha? Or will the match be the last nail in that coffin?
The teams sort out, but Jacob stares down both Priest and Braun. NOLA seems to acknowledge Jacob, but Solo convinces him to stand down. Solo starts against Priest, the bell rings, and the two tie up. They go around, Priest powers Solo back, but Solo powers Priest back. They break, stare down, and Solo talks some trash. Solo shoves Priest, Priest shoves back. They circle again, tie up, and Priest puts Solo in a corner. The ref counts, Priest lets off at 4, but Solo stomps Priest’s foot! Solo throws hands, then a HEADBUTT! Priest staggers, but then he ROCKS Solo! And ROCKS him! And HEADBUTTS! That was a mistake!
Solo shakes his head to HEADBUTT Priest! Priest goes to a corner, Solo throws haymakers and body shots on repeat! The ref counts, Solo lets off and says see? Solo and Jacob as one! But Priest THROWS Solo to the corner to fire off haymakers of his own! Priest ROCKS Solo, the fans fire up, and Priest whips., Solo reverses to UPPERCUT! Solo talks smack but Priest ROCKS him again! Tag to Braun and the fans fire up! Braun stares Jacob down, tells him to shove it, then runs up to SPLASH Solo! Braun stares Jacob down again, goes back for Solo, and hits another LARIAT! Braun scoops, Solo slips free, but Braun runs up!
Solo ELBOWS Braun away, tags to Jacob, and Jacob runs in, but Braun dodges! Braun CROSSBODIES! Jacob is right up, but Braun BOOTS him right back down! Solo runs in but Braun TOSSES him! Priest hurries after Solo, Braun CLOBBERS Jacob! LEAPING LARIAT for Solo! Braun then gets on the track, STROWMAN EXPRESS SMACKS a chair out of Tama’s hand! The Good Bad Guy thought he was being sneaky! But then Jacob CROSSBODIES Braun into the timekeeper’s aera! The fans go wild as Jacob rises up, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Jacob hauls Braun up, drags him around the way, HEADBUTTS him, then brings him over to SMACK off the desk! Braun staggers, but he ROCKS Jacob in return! And THROWS Jacob into steel steps! Braun drags Jacob up, puts him in the ring, but Jacob SUPERKICKS Braun! Braun falls into the corner, Jacob HIP ATTACKS! Jacob’s all geeked up, then he tags in Solo. Solo soaks up some heat while Jacob HIP ATTACKS Braun again! Solo puts Braun on ropes to CHOKE him! The ref counts, Solo stops at 4, but Jacob gets a HEADBUTT in! Braun flounders, Solo taunts him and eggs him on, but Braun CHOPS him!
Solo HEADBUTTS Braun right down! Solo rains down fists, then lets off so he can put Braun on the ropes. Solo CHOKES Braun again, stops as the ref counts 4, and Jacob gets another cheap shot in! Solo tags Jacob in, then he HEADBUTTS Braun again and again! Jacob runs to BODY CHECK Braun! Jacob fires up, Braun flounders to ropes, but Jacob rains down fists! Tag to Solo, he soaks up heat from NOLA, then he stomps away on Braun! The ref counts, Solo lets off, then he keeps Braun from Priest by anchoring a leg. Tag to Jacob and Jacob climbs up, FROG SPLASH! Jacob roars while Braun writhes!
Jacob looms over Braun but he glares at Priest. Priest gets heated, but Jacob fires hands on Braun as SmackDown returns to single picture. Braun stands, but Jacob HEADBUTTS him again! Jacob runs for another BODY CHECK! And then a SENTON! Cover, TWO! Braun stays in this and he goes to a corner. Jacob snarls, tags Solo in, and the fans boo. Solo runs corner to corner to HIP ATTACK Braun! Solo grins as he copies Jacob’s geeking out. Tag back to Jacob and fans cheer! Jacob aims, runs, and HIP ATTACKS! Jacob keeps going, but Braun BOOTS from below!! The fans fire up while both men stagger to their feet.
Braun SPINEBUSTERS Jacob! Both monsters are down, the fans rally up, and they crawl, hot tags to Solo and Priest! Priest fires hands on Solo, then whips. Solo reverses but Priest SHOUDLER TACKLES Solo! Priest runs to BACK ELBOW! Jacob is back, but Priest dodges to WHEEL KICK! Priest then waits on Solo, but Solo catches Priest! Priest elbows free, but Solo SUPERKICKS! But Priest JUMPING ROUNDHOUSES! Solo comes back, Priest ROCKS him first! Solo swings, but into the FLATLINER! Cover, TWO! Solo survives but Priest puts him in a corner. Priest whips corner to corner, then runs, only for Solo to put him on th eapron!
Solo takes as swing, Priest dodges and ROUNDHOUSES! Priest then knuckle locks with Solo, goes up top, and he tightrope walks for some OLD SCHOOL! The fans fire up and Priest powers up the arm! Priest runs, but Solo ducks the Comebacker! Priest fights the fireman’s carry to BELL CLAP, ROUNDHOUSE, and then he reels Solo in! But Tama is on the apron! Priest DECKS Tama, but Jacob HOTSHOTS Priest! Solo hits the URENAGE! Cover, TWO!! Priest survives and Solo is stunned! Solo snarls, looks to his taped-up thumb, then he drags Priest up. The fans boo but Solo taunts the fans now. SAMOAN- NO! Priest grabs Solo!
But Jacob runs in! Priest ROCKS Jacob, ELBOWS Solo, then he dodges, so Jacob’s SUPERKICK hits Solo! An accident just like last week’s shot to Tama, but Jacob doesn’t seem as upset by it. Priest TOSSES Jacob, then CLOBBERS Solo! STROWMAN EXPRESS CLOBBERS Jacob & Tama!! Priest brings down the straps, the fans are thunderous, and Priest grabs Solo by the neck! SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Cover, Priest & Braun win!
Winners: Damian Priest & Braun Strowman, by pinfall
Just as Solo thought it’d be like before, he and Jacob were not on the same page! Priest is rolling towards Elimination Chamber, will this be just what he needs to go back to WrestleMania?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown here, but with some interesting moves after the sudden change in plans with The Rock showing up. Naomi and Bianca had a good promo to hype up what was meant to be a full match of Naomi VS Liv, but word had already come out before the show that things were being cut for time. But at the very least, they did the right thing of making it a brawl that adds heat to the tag title match on Monday. Also, hilarious how Chelsea & Piper thought the beatdown on Bianca & Naomi was so bad that they would need to be pulled from the Chamber. I also can’t wait to see what happens on Toronto SmackDown.
As for The Rock, I do appreciate he used his authority to kayfabe change more things, all so he could have his promo with Cody. I also appreciate Rock blending his different roles and even different sides, both Heel and Face, to A) bring the news of WM42 being in NOLA, and B) recreate the Corporate Champion/People’s Champion story from the Attitude Era. That was some wild stuff he was saying to Cody. I’m sure quite a few people will try and talk with Cody next week in the go-home. Heels will say do it because they’d love to have what Rock can give, Faces will say not because Cody’s better than that. But naturally, Cody is not going to become The Rock’s Champion, causing Rock to turn on him and really up things going into WrestleMania 41 and perhaps even beyond.
Good stuff in the Elimination Chamber related stories. Jimmy VS McIntyre was great stuff to open, and how fitting that McIntyre loses to Jimmy after talking all that trash about Jimmy and Jey being the same. Jey got McIntyre with something quick, Jimmy got McIntyre with something quick, McIntyre’s ego is obviously his weakness. And at the same time, McIntyre of course destroys Jimmy after because that’s his other personality trait. Priest had good promos with Cody and Braun, and we got great stuff from Solo’s Bloodline. Naturally, we got a miscommunication spot to help finish, we’re really close to Solo VS Jacob, I can feel it. Priest & Braun get the win, mostly because Priest isn’t winning in the Chamber when you’ve got Punk and Cena in there.
Very good stuff with Tiffy Time, from the promos leading into the match to Charlotte being ringside just to watch. Nia & Candice of course get the better of Tiff & Trish, because Tiff & Trish are definitely winning the tag match in Toronto. Charlotte just seems to enjoy trolling Tiff with her presence, so Charlotte probably shows up in Toronto to then confront Tiff after the match. I expect the seven weeks after Elimination Chamber to really heat up, as will Charlotte’s involvement, where she’ll get more active verbally and physically. Also, hell, Rock should go full Corporation and have Charlotte be his Corporate Women’s Champion because of how established she is.
Hilarious stuff from Truth tonight, as always. Truth and Melo having their “who’s on first” again was good stuff, and of course Miz gets in on this story, too. Truth & Knight VS “Melo Don’t Miz” was really fun, but yeah, should’ve figured Nakamura would get involved, too. Melo & Miz making it work could also be really fun, and while Knight VS Nakamura is a rehash, I really hope they find a way to up things. It feels like we’re getting the same with the tag titles as Profits “ruined” that great tag match from DIY and Pretty Deadly, then brawled with MCMG to still come out on top. Last year had a ladder tag title match, so why not do one for these titles this year?
Speaking of escalating, Kevin filming a promo outside Sami’s house was some really well done stuff, as expected of someone as good as Kevin and in such a story as him and Sami. Their match should main event, it needs time to breathe, as it could be just as, if not more violent, than the Chamber matches. What a powerful closing moment we could have if it’s a bloody Kevin and Sami, and one of them is standing over the other, triumphant yet mournful because it was their best friend in the world that they just brutalized.
My Score: 8.9/10
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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?
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Filming at Full Sail seems to have set the stage nicely this week! Going into a Live episode we got Moose and The Hardy Boyz on NXT, as well as Jordynne Grace’s involvement with Steph and Giulia giving a little shine to TNA happenings since she’s newly WWE.
This episode should be interesting, we finally see Lei Ying Lee (fka Xia Li) back in action, Rascalz take on Tyson and Tyriek, Tessa should be seeing some action as well…so generally interesting happenings for the second Live iMPACT! of 2025. Let’s see how this one goes down!
No matter where @ManceWarner and @stephdelander go, @TheSamiCallihan WILL FIND THEM!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/mXz9U7m9PL
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Ratings:
- Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin: Rascalz win via Meteora/Swanton Combo – ***
- Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary: Lei wins via Thunderstruck – **
- NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC: Dango wins via The System help – ** 3/4
- Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore: Masha wins via Requiem – N/A
- Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons: Elijah wins via Tombstone Piledriver – *** 1/4
Results:
Oh yeah, and another Hendry concert is…cut off by a commercial, LOLTNA. First Hendry is cut off by AXSTV’s new Anime Hour bumper, and now Primo and Epico are showing up in TNA. I definitely didn’t have this on my BINGO card. The crowd starts chanting “Where’s Carlito”, which they do acknowledge and play off of well. Oh they’re using their shoot names of Orlando and Eddie now…but before they attack the lights go out and we get another guitar strum! ELIAH/ELIAS/EZEKIEL/EBENERZER/EMERY/EL VAGABUNDO – shows up to back up Hendry. Okay I can apologize away the redundant concert since it played into an Elijah debut. The crowd is immediately popping and chanting “This is Awesome” 10 minutes into the show.
Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin
Treehouse bros take it to the bigger men quickly, a few fast dives, a little MCMG style tandem strikes, Tyson fires and tries to take them out but they Low Bridge him. Tyriek comes in and they try similar things but Tyriek manhandles them both and throws them out of the ring, Trey is the first one back up and Tyriek and Tyson take his damn head off with his Corkscrew Running Euro Upper. Trey finally manages to flip out of the manhandle, tags in Wentz and Wentz goes for the hot and spicy cleaning house spot. Corner to Corner Knee Lifts for both big men, a Rolling Snapmare, into a Superkick for Tyson and Standing Shoot Star on Tyriek but only for two because Wes feints like he’s going to interfere.
Tyson and Tyriek pull off a tandem Assisted Backdrop Driver, but Wentz breaks it up, Tyson gets knocked out, Wentz hits the Tornillo, Wes tries to interfere again after Trey gets perched on the corner buckle but Ace runs around and trips Wes at the last second causing him to faceplant on the apron, Trey hits the Meteora, Wentz hits a Swanton from the other side of the ring and Trey gets the pinfall victory.
It was fast paced, all gas no brakes, but it didn’t overstay its welcome, so it was pretty fun all things considered.
After the match Wes grabs a mic, complains a little but challenges them to a 6 man match as Sacrifice. So we’re THAT’S where we’re getting the expected 3v3.
Fir$t Cla$$ comes out with an entourage of hot chicks and probably influencers or something. The “First Class Penthouse” , Gabby AF, Mafiosa Valentina, and Carolina are apparently known in their own way. Gabby I know was the awful one who did something for Impact a last year and sucked, but she’s part of the Busted Open Network I believe so that’s why she’s around. Two of them look like Noelle Foley and Frank the Clown…oh they actually are. Look at that. I do love KC Navarro as the Hype Man, they have this whole set up of AJ being mad that they haven’t gotten more Tag Title shots, so TNA placated him with his own Piper’s Pit and he’s *pregnant pause* totally happy with that. He says he loved Piper and hated Hogan before it was cool.
This is actually quality content and AJ is cutting a nice promo in this segment. They introduce their first guest, the greatest performer in TNA history, many whole say he’s Phenomenal with a whole lot of style….it’s A-J-Francis.
.@AJFrancis410 is GOING OFF!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/kGehtp9iTE
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary
Things were slow until Rosemary took her into a corner quickly, hit the Upside Down, and we get a lot of Lei trying to avoid Rosemary’s offense. Rosemary goes for a Spear in the corner and Lei forward rolls, starts connecting with a bunch of right hands, backs Rosemary into the corner, goes for 10 Count Punches, pulls her out, Airplane Spin TKO for only a two count. Rosemary tries As Above So Below, Lei shrugs it off, Rosemary tries to go after Lei anyway and eats Thunderstruck! Lei Ying Lee wins!
After the match Rosemary catches Lei on the ramp and hits the Green mist in the eyes. Match was far too short and so many of Lei’s set up moves look better than her finish. We’ve seen Kofi Kingston do it for years so it’s not bad, just the current Knockouts Division are awful and don’t take the move well.
Eric Young and the jabronis come out, EY cuts a very basic power crazed psycho kind of promo, gets the “What” chants from the crowds. EY is trying to recruit Maclin even though Maclin made his line in the sand last week. EY tries to spin it as maybe he took out Josh FOR Maclin instead of in spite of his trust. This really doesn’t seem interesting at all, but that’s probably because I hate the two Jabronis EY is with.
NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC
I really don’t have any interest in Slater. He’s got no personality beyond “flippy guy with a British accent”.
Dango immediately powders, grabs a chair and goes to swing on him but misses. So Leon is making JDC look dumb by dodging the post chop, using the chair to shield himself from a punch by JDC, and then clapping Dango’s fingers between the chair. So typical System match, look inept for the first few minutes, then take advantage of something to take over. Oh look, Leon takes too long setting up the table, Dango gets in a few pot shots, tries to whip him into the table but Leon leaps over it, and then leaps back over to clobber Dango. Dango is still trying to recover so Leon hits his over the corner post con hilo, and the crowd appreciates it but I’m not interested. Leon panders to the crowd after the big spot and then eats an X-Plex into the chair from Dango.
JDC throws Leon back in, goes for a pinfall that’s only a two and we cut to a commercial. Coming out of the commercial JDC is in control with a Kendo Stick until he isn’t, Leon counters and takes the keno stick, brutalizes Dango a few times then comes off the ropes with the kendo shot for 2. Leon goes for another table, and again, at least the crowd is receptive to this match. Leon sets it up, looks for something off the apron but Dango stops him first until he eats a dropkick to fall onto the table, Leon hits the Swanton 450 through the table on the outside. Does it look cool? Sure. Do I care about dumbass moves? Nope.
Oh thankfully the rest of The System comes out to stop the pinfall, Shield Bomb Leon through the first table, and roll him back in for Dango to win.
The Hardy Boyz come out to try and make the save, but the numbers are against them, so Oba Femi’s music hits! Oba cleans house but doesn’t get his hands on Moose, so they’re at least building the eventual clash between Moose and Oba.
The crowd starts a “Tessa, we comin for you” chant before she even starts talking. Tessa is actually playing off the crowd well, Santino’s music hits and Tessa thinks he’ll help her out with the crowd and Santino calls bullshit basically. Santino says if Tessa doesn’t wrestle next week, she’s fired and Masha’s music hits. Masha decides to step in for Tessa’s enhancement talent match.
Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore
Jobber tries to attack Masha early but Masha stops her, rocks her and Requiem ends the match.
Masha stares down Tessa, and then Cora Jade attacks from behind and hits Jaded.
Ryan Nemeth comes out to his Abyss music remix. What will Mokuba say today? “MYYYY BIIIGG BBRROOOOTTHHHEEEEER” he repeats at least 4 times and it’s hilariously cringe. He announces that Nic will return at Sacrifice, he literally just came out to give a PSA.
Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons
Hendry starts with Eddie, after a brief tie up it seems like Hendry reads the room and points at Elijah and the crowd wants him in. So Joe tags in Elijah, a little back and forth, Shoulder Tackle from Elijah, Rope Walk with Elijah lays out Eddie and a tag to Joe allows for a quick tandem knockdown, but Eddie powders as the Walking and Talking Duo hold the ring going into the final commercial break.
We come back and Hendry is bouncing Orlando off the ropes as he return a strike, but Orlando is obviously losing, eats a Euro Upper, and then gets walked around in the Stalling Suplex for posterity. Eddie tries a sneak attack but gets caught and Sack of Shit, into Kip Up, turn and then Orlando with the ambush! A few quick short cuts and an Irish Whip/Dropkick combo gives the Colons a near fall. Hendry does get locomotion variation cradles, but eats a Dropkick to stop the attempt at momentum. Orlando stays on Joe, but Joe finally starts to fire up as the crowd starts to get behind him. Euro Uppers make some space, but a Snapmare says no.
Eddie gets tagged in and a quick Leg Sweep into a Front Chancery keeps Eddie in control. As Joe tries to get back up, Eddie turns it into a Guillotine, but finally the Suplex counter connects for Hendry! Simultaneous tags! Elijah bulls over Orlando, catches a Leap Frogging Orlando with the Manhattan Drop as Orlando retreats to a corner, Stinger Splash into Spinebuster for two. Elijah tries to keep up the attacks but Orlando finds a few ways to make space, launches himself from the middle rope and eats the Jumping Knee! Eddie breaks up the pinfall, Hendry takes Eddie out and Elijah hits the Tombstone Piledriver for the win!
Overall Score: 6/10
Well there were more live hiccups than the first episode, and this felt both more epic and less epic at the same time. Elijah and the Colons debuting was a nice way to kick things off, Oba Femi showing up for the save was fantastic. There were a few decent matches, but also a lot of really short and rushed matches. Tessa played off the crowd well, but Masha really is useless on the mic. Lei Ying Lee needs to framed stronger, her matches have done nothing to show off her ability. It just proves that the Knockouts don’t know how to sell a kick to the head because they all take it in the shoulder and fall in corny ways.
Viva La Sam could be something fun if the next 3 weeks are just hand cam footage of him being like “I’m Sami Callihan and I’m gonna kick Mance Warner’s ass”, Elegance Clique getting the rematch with a stipulation is nice to see and while I like Fir$t Cla$$, that segment went a little long for a cornball swerve payoff. It’s one thing to placate the Influencer squad especially when we’ve seen Logan Paul and Ishowspeed do so well in WWE…but these are like Z Tier Influencers that no one cares about. These kind of dorks stream on Kick because they aren’t relevant enough for Twitch, not because they chose Kick over it.
So yeah, the low lights were pretty low, and the highs were a little fleeting, but at least they were pretty fun. Not a bad show, just clunky with noticeable issues and Masha shouldn’t be allowed to speak English anymore. She’s such a charisma vacuum when she’s not rambling in Russian.
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