Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW Wrestling Dontaku Results & Report! (5/1/22)
Will the Rainmaker still reign?
Wrestling Dontaku springs into action!
NJPW is in the PayPay Dome, and there are many prizes on the line! Will Kazuchika Okada still be IWGP World Heavyweight Champion? Or will Tetsuya Naito make things tranquilo?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Six Man Tag: Suzuki-Gun VS BUSHI, Shingo Takagi & Shiro Koshinaka; Suzuki-Gun wins.
- Hiromu Takahashi VS YOH; Hiromu wins.
- Tanga Loa VS Yujiro Takahashi; Loa wins.
- IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: Ryusuke Taguchi & Master Wato VS DOUKI & Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Taguchi & Wato win and retain the titles.
- IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships Tornado Triple Threat: The United Empire VS Hirooki Goto & YOSHI-HASHI VS Bad Luck Fale & Chase Owens; Fale & Chase win and become new IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions.
- NEVER Openweight Championship: EVIL w/ Dick Togo VS Tama Tonga w/ Jado; Tama wins and becomes the new NEVER Openweight Champion.
- IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: El Desperado VS Taiji Ishimori; Ishimori wins and becomes the new IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion.
- Vacated IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship: Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Tomohiro Ishii; Tanahashi wins and becomes the new IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion.
- IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Kazuchika Okada VS Tetsuya Naito; Okada wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: Ryusuke Taguchi & Master Wato VS DOUKI & Yoshinobu Kanemaru!
Six or Nine continues to be number one in the Junior Tag Division, but Suzuki-Gun is looking to take over! Will Japones del Mal and the Heel Master join El Desperado as champions? Or will the Funky Weapon and Way of the Grandmaster keep the 69…th reign going?
The introductions are made, Taguchi shows off his underwear mask, and the belts are raised. The teams sort out, and we start with Wato and Douki to open the golden streak in PayPay!
Douki rushes Wato but Wato dodges, and then they both try roundhouses. Each man dodges, so the forearms start flying! They go back and forth, fans rally up, and Wato gets the edge. Wato runs, but Douki hurdles and drops. Wato leaps over, keeps moving, and he RANAS Douki down! Fans fire up as Wato dropkicks! Kanemaru gets in to go after Wato but Taguchi goes after Kanemaru. Kanemaru rakes Taguchi’s eyes, he and Douki double whip but Taguchi DOUBLE HIP ATTACKS! Six or Nine double whip Douki, double drop toehold and roll to double basement dropkick! Taguchi goes out to set Douki up and Wato builds speed. But Kanemaru trips Wato!
Taguchi throws Douki into railing but Kanemaru whips Wato into railing on the other side! Kanemaru then hits a DDT to the floor! Taguchi runs and triangle jump PLANCHAS! Fans fire up with Taguchi but Douki DIVES! Direct hit at the ramp! Wato gets in and he FLIES onto Douki! Fans fire up with Wato now! Wato gets Douki up as the fans rally. Wato puts Douki in, aims from the apron, but Kanemaru trips him up again! Kanemaru sends Wato back into railing, then hops over to GUILLOTINE LEG DROP! Wato goes down, Douki is after Taguchi. Douki whips Taguchi into railing while Kanemaru puts Wato in.
Douki stomps Wato, bumps him off buckles, and tags Kanemaru in. Kanemaru throws elbows, Douki scuffs Wato, then Kanemaru CLUBS Wato down. Tag back to Douki, Suzuki-Gun mugs Wato and Douki digs his boots in. The ref counts, Douki stops at 4, and Douki drags Wato up. Douki slaps Wato around but Wato throws forearms. Douki slaps Wato more, Wato throws more forearms, but Douki rakes eyes! Douki runs, into a tilt-o-whirl BACKBREAKER! But Kanemaru BOOTS Taguchi off the apron! Kanemaru whips Wato but Wato stops himself to CALF KICK! Fans fire up and Wato crawls, hot tag to Taguchi!
Taguchi sees his targets, HIP ATTACK at the ropes for Douki, then for Kanemaru, and back again! Baseball slide and APRON HIP for Douki! Fans rally and Taguchi aims, SPRINGBOARD HIP! Cover, TWO! Taguchi powers up in the corner and fans rally behind him. “ORYA!” but Kanemaru baseball slides Taguchi down! Kanemaru whips Taguchi to dropkick the legs out! Douki hurries to tag Kanemaru in, and they coordinate. SHIN BREAKER and DROPKICK! Kanemaru gets that bad leg and steps through for a FIGURE FOUR! Taguchi endures and fans rally up as he reaches out. Kanemaru drags Taguchi away while putting on the pressure!
Taguchi pries at the leglock, reaches out again, and he uses his head to keep Kanemaru’s leg away. Kanemaru powers through but Taguchi gets the ROPEBREAK! Kanemaru lets Taguchi go but brings him up. Douki goes up top, Kanemaru gives Taguchi BRITISH FALL and Douki hits DOUBLE STOMPS! Kanemaru goes up, MOONSAULT! Cover, Wato breaks it! Fans fire up, Douki stomps Wato and throws him out. Kanemaru gets Taguchi back up, but Taguchi blocks the suplex! Kanemaru tries again, Taguchi slips out but the leg jams! Kanemaru kicks that leg, trips Taguchi, but Taguchi kicks the leg lock away!
Taguchi gets up, Kanemaru grabs for the bad leg again, but Taguchi ENZIGURIS! Kanemaru wobbles, into Wato’s FLYING UPPERCUT! Fans rally as Six or Nine regroup. They get Kanemaru set up in the wheelbarrow, but Douki gets in to intercept Wato! Kanemaru turns wheelbarrow into victory roll, Wato manages to break it! Fans fire up while all four men are down. Wato gets up to stomp Douki, he and Taguchi double whip. But Douki springboards to DOUBLE TRUST FALL! Douki takes out Six AND Nine! Douki then distracts the ref and Kanemaru gets his whiskey! He takes a big chug, brings Taguchi’s tights down, but Taguchi stops the whiskey spray!
Taguchi turns Kanemaru around, HIP ATTACK and the whiskey hits DOUKI in the face!! Taguchi then rolls Kanemaru up, T-BAG CLUTCH! Six or Nine win!!
Winners: Ryusuke Taguchi & Master Wato, by pinfall (still IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions)
Kanemaru wants to complain about Taguchi’s cheeky cover, but Taguchi at least had something on under those tights. Wait is that an eyepatch? A shoutout to Rocky Romero that may not have been needed. But will Taguchi and Wato continue to win by the literal seats of their pants?
IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships Tornado Triple Threat: The United Empire VS Hirooki Goto & YOSHI-HASHI VS Bad Luck Fale & Chase Owens!
Great-O-Khan and Jeff Cobb conquered Chaos at Hyper Battle, but their first defense is already a massive one! Will #BISHAMON take these titles back? Will Bullet Club add more gold to their collection? Or will the Dominator and Hawaiian Hulk continue to dominate for the glory of the United Empire?
The introductions are made, but the Rogue General throws the first punch! It’s now a Triple Threat BRAWL as Bullet Club goes after Cobb and Bishamon go after Khan! Truly no Champion’s Advantage here! Bullet Club stomp Cobb out of the ring then go after him at the railing while Goto & Hashi keep Khan in the ring. The ref rings the bell to get this on record, and Bishamon stomp away on Khan. They double whip Khan corner to corner, Goto whips Hashi in to back elbow. Hashi whips Khan to Goto’s forearm, then they coordinate, GOTO BUSTER! Bullet Club gets in, Chase hits Goto and Fale is after Hashi!
Fale sends Hashi out, he and Chase mug Goto. They double whip Goto to ropes, body shot to knee lift and LARIAT! Chase covers, TWO! Fans rally while Chase and Fale hurry. Chase waistlocks Goto and Fale runs, but the Empire trip Fale and drag him out! Goto fights free, but Chase rakes his eyes! The Empire RAMS Fale into railing, Chase runs the ropes, but Hashi gets in and Bishamon runs Chase over together! They coordinate for the hip toss senton! Then Bishamon hammers Chase down! Fans fire up with Bishamon but Khan gets in to Mongolian Chop Goto down! Khan BOOTS Hashi, but Goto gets up, only to run into HITSUJIGOROSHI!
Goto endures, fans rally up, Cobb gets in to help Khan give Goto MARINE! Cover, Hashi breaks it! Cobb CLUBS Hashi, Khan stomps Goto. The Empire bring Hashi up but Hashi ROCKS Khan. Cobb ducks Hashi’s chop and RAMS him into a corner. Khan runs in to clothesline, then Cobb adds a back elbow! cobb feeds Hashi to Khan’s snap suplex, then Cobb GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! Fans rally while the Empire double whip Hashi. Hashi gives Khan a BLOCKBUSTER! Then a SPIN MULE KICK to Cobb! Chase gets in to SHOTGUN Cobb while Fale drags Khan out! Chase then CLUBS Hashi down.
Chase headlock punches Hashi and Fale gets in. Bullet Club double whips Hashi to a corner, then Chase runs in to forearm smash. Fale runs in to SPLASH! And then scoop SLAM onto Chase’s knees! Cover, TWO! Fale goes out to keep Khan down while Chase brings Hashi up, C-TRIGGER! Chase roars and brings Hashi up, tuck, but Hashi fights the lift. Goto rushes in to fire forearms on Chase! Goto ROCKS Chase in the corner, whips him corner to corner, then runs in to MURAMASA! And BULLDOG! Fans fire up and Goto intercepts Khan, to snap suplex him onto Chase! Khan writhes, Goto and Hashi regroup.
Hashi runs in at Khan to clothesline! Feed to Goto’s kick and clinch, Hashi runs, GOTO GOTO HUNTER! But Chase runs in, Hashi gets around to feed him to Goto’s fireman’s carry. FIERCE FLASH into the dragon sleeper and leg lift. But Fale grabs Goto and Hashi with choke grips! But they break free, and double drop toehold Fale onto Chase! Then Hashi piles on! And Goto, too! DOUBLE STACK, TWO!! Fale manages to save this for Bullet Club, but Bishamon goes after him. They CLUB Fale, double whip, but Fale blocks! Fale double whips them into Cobb’s DOUBLE LARIATS! And fans fire up as the biggest “monsters” meet!
Cobb disrespects the Too Sweet, but Fale pie faces Cobb. The forearms start flying, fans rally as they go back and forth, and Cobb gets the edge! Cobb runs, but Fale runs him over! Fans fire up as Cobb SCOOPS AND SLAMS Fale!! But then Hashi dropkicks Cobb’s legs out! Khan gets in, he and Hashi collide with DOUBLE LARIATS! Khan roars and runs, ducks and dodges, to RUNNING NECKBREAKER! But Hashi gets back up! Hashi LARIATS Khan down! Fans fire up again and Hashi catches his breath. Khan crawls after Hashi, but Hashi roars! Hashi drags Khan up, full nelson to pump handle but Khan fights it.
Hashi feeds Khan to Goto’s fireman’s carry, FIERCE FLASH! Hashi WRECKS Fale with a dropkick then regroups with Goto. They get Khan in position, SHOUTO!! Cover, but Chase breaks it with a BLINDSIDE C-TRIGGER! Goto hurries after Chase but Chase throws a forearm. Goto hits back with a forearm so Chase hits Goto again. They go back and forth now, forearm for forearm, and the fans rally up. Chase gets the edge, Goto snarls and roars! Goto fires off forearms and Chase staggers! Goto eggs Chase on, Chase fires off a strike fest! Chase runs, but Goto follows. Chase dodges, and FLIES out onto Hashi and Khan!
Cobb whips Goto! TOUR OF- NO! Goto slips out, shoves, and fireman’s carries! USHIGOROSHI! Fans fire up and Goto hurries to get Cobb back up! Dragon sleeper and- NO! Cobb spins around to suplex! Goto slips out, but Cobb DECKS him! Cobb then YANKS Goto up into a TOUR OF THE ISLANDS!! Cover, Fale breaks it! Fale choke grips Cobb, but Cobb breaks free, dodges and DROPKICKS Fale! Fale manages to stay up but Cobb runs in, only to get put on the apron. C-TRIGGER and LARIAT, down goes Cobb! Bullet Club get Goto for the GRENADE! And then ROCKET LAUNCHER ELBOW!! Cover, Bullet Club wins!!
Winners: Bad Luck Fale & Chase Owens, by pinfall (NEW IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions)
Chaos AND the United Empire just got conquered! Bullet Club has even more gold in the treasury! Is this only the beginning of Bullet Club taking over all of NJPW? Or will the Empire strike back?
NJPW reveals the blocks for the Best of the Super Juniors 29!
First, an obvious choice, going in A Block, it’s Hiromu Takahashi! He’s won three of the last four, going back to back in 2020 and 2021. Will the Ticking Timebomb make it a threepeat? A Block also has Ryusuke Taguchi, YOH, Yoshinobu Kanemaru, Taiji Ishimori, Sho, Alex Zayne, Francesco Akira, LADOJO’s Clark Connors, and even Impact’s Ace Austin! B Block has Master Wato, Robbie Eagles, Bushi, Douki, El Desperado, El Phantasmo, TJP, AEW’s Wheeler Yuta, GLEAT’s El Lindaman and even CMLL’s Titan! From May 15th to June 3rd, these round robins will take place and the two best will battle to be the Best of the Super Juniors! Wo will #SoarToGlory?
NEVER Openweight Championship: EVIL w/ Dick Togo VS Tama Tonga w/ Jado!
The King of Darkness is the King of NEVER, for now. Will Darkness Fall on the Good Bad Guy? Or will Tama’s revenge be more than Too Sweet?
Tama doesn’t wait, he goes after Evil on the ramp! They brawl, the ref reprimands but they’re not stopping! Fans rally up as Tama gets the edge. Tama CLUBS then HEADBUTTS Evil, then drags him to ringside. Fans applaud, Tama headlock punches Evil, then drags him along a bit more. Tama bumps Evil off the apron, then brings him around to bump him off more apron. Tama puts Evil in and the bell rings, but Evil kicks low. Evil runs, Tama hurdles and hurdles and DOUBLE CHOPS! Fans fire up with Tama but Evil bails out. Tama goes out after Evil, throws down fists, then reels Evil in.
Dick protests but Tama tells him to back up. Jado storms over but the ref wants them both to stay back. But Evil gets Tama for a FISHERMAN BUSTER to the floor! Then Dick sucker punches Jado! Evil drags Tama around the way, to RAM into the timekeeper’s area! Abe-san goes tumbling again! Evil gets the mic and CHOKES Tama with the cord! Evil wants Tama to say he quits but Tama refuses! The ref reprimands, Evil stops, and fans rally up as Tama sputters and catches his breath. Evil drags Tama up to put him in and kick around. Tama throws body shots, but Evil rakes Tama’s eyes! Evil whips, Tama reverses but Evil avoids the dropkick!
Evil whips Tama into the BARE CORNER! The Bullet Club Special is served, and then Evil CLOBBERS Tama! Cover, TWO! Fans applaud but Evil is annoyed. Evil looms over Tama, brings him up, scoops and SLAMS him, then covers. ONE! Another cover, ONE! Another cover, ONE!! Evil is furious, he didn’t even get a two-count! Evil stalks Tama, slaps him around at the ropes and eggs Tama on. Evil scuffs Tama, stands on Tama’s head, but the ref reprimands. Evil steps away while fans rally for Tama. Evil drags Tama up, reels him in, but Tama blocks the suplex! Evil keeps trying but Tama throws body shots.
Tama tries but Evil blocks! Evil tries again but Tama blocks! Tama suplexes again and gets Evil up and over! Fans fire up while both men are down. The fans rally and Tama gets to ropes. Tama gets up and he fires haymakers on Evil. Evil swings but Tama ducks to dropkick, dropkick and dropkick! Fans fire up with Tama more but Dick gets on the apron. Tama YANKS Dick into the ring! Dick freaks out and wants mercy but Tama says, “YOU!” Tama throws hands and Dick bails out! Tama runs at Evil in a corner, STINGER SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Tama drags Evil up, dragon sleepers, but Evil slips out to suplex!
Tama fights free, gets Evil again, TONGAN TWIST! Tama gets to a corner and climbs up top. Fans rally but Evil uses the ref as a shield! Then Evil rushes in. Tama jumps over, comes back, but Evil fireman’s carries! Tama slips off, waistlocks, but Evil switches and shoves Tama. Evil goes to the corner to LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Fans fire up and Evil is furious! Fans rally and Jado coaches Tama but Evil slashes his throat. Evil drags Tama up, spins Tama around, but Tama fights the STO! Evil rakes Tama’s eyes! The ref reprimands, Dick is creeping, but Jado points him out! The ref still focuses more on Jado!
Evil shoves Tama at Dick but Tama DECKS Dick first! Evil runs in but Tama dodges, and Evil DECKS Dick! Tama then fireman’s carries Evil for a ROLLING DEATH VALLEY! Tama goes up top and SUPREME FLOW! Cover, TWO!! Evil survives but Tama throws off the vest! Fans fire up with Tama as he powers up. Evil rises, Tama rushes in, but no Gun Stun! Evil shoves Tama at the ref, but Tama blocks the low blow! Tama DECKS Evil, then gets the legs! But Evil rakes eyes again! The ref reprimands but Evil shoves him away. Evil then shoves Tama at ropes and Dick CHAIRSHOTS him! Evil gets Tama for DARKNESS FALLS! Cover, TWO!!
Both men are down and fans fire up again! Evil gets back up, gets the legs, but Tama fights the Sharpshooter! Evil keeps trying, but he can’t get Tama to turn over! Tama grabs Evil and throws hands! Evil lets Tama free, but then throws body shots. Evil whips Tama into bare buckles again! But Tama roars and LARIATS on the return! Fans fire up again and Tama drags Evil around. Tama steps through, for the SHARPSHOOTER!! Jado sees Dick making a move and keeps him out! But Dick RAMS Jado into railing! Dick rings the bell!? Tama lets go, thinking he’s won, but the ref asks what’s going on!
Abe-san explains, that was all Dick! The ref explains to Tama, and then Evil shoves Tama into the ref! The ref falls out of the ring, Dick gets Tama with the SPOILER CHOKER! Fans are thunderous for Tama as he pries the choker away! Tama throws Dick away but Evil mule kicks! Evil and Dick get Tama for MAGIC KILLER!! Dick points to Evil as he climbs up, and Dick drags Tama up. They want to copy the Super Bomb?! But Jado SMACKS Evil with a kendo stick! Tama suplexes Dick away! Evil hobbles, into a kendo HEADSHOT! Both Tama and Evil are down and fans rally up again. The ref returns and Jado gets the fans pumped up more!
Tama stands on one end, Evil stands on the other. Tama rushes in, GUN- NO! Evil still denies it, but Tama denies him the STO! Tama kicks low, underhooks, but Evil fights free to wrench, shove, and go to the corner again! Tama dodges the lariat to GUN- NO!?! Evil stops it and shoves him to the bare corner! Tama stops himself, so Evil shoves the ref that way! Tama goes up and over the ref, and then GUN STUN!!! Cover, Tama wins!!!
Winner: Tama Tonga, by pinfall (NEW NEVER Openweight Champion)
Revenge has been served! The Good Bad Guy takes this title away from Bullet Club! But wait! Gedo CLOBBERS Jado! Then he goes after Tama! And Luke Gallows is here!! And Karl Anderson!! The Blacksmith and the Good Brothers are beating up Jado and Tama! The Good Brothers give Jado MAGIC KILLER!! The Machine Gun then rains down fists on Tama, and CHOKES him! Gallows drags Jado back up to throw him out of the ring! Anderson drags Tama back up, slaps him around, then feeds him to Gallows. But here comes LOA! The Silverback is in and he DECKS Anderson, fires off on Gallows, then hits Anderson again!
But then Gallows YAKUZA KICKS! Loa staggers, into the GALLOWS POWERBOMB! Anderson snatches up the NEVER Openweight belt! Is the Machine Gun making his challenge known? But they’re still not done with Tama! “You wanted this, Tama? You wanted this?!” GUN STUN on the belt!! Another Bullet Club OG is back, and he’s done with the trash talking! Will he shoot down the Good Bad Guy and make NJPW Too Sweet 4 Life?
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: El Desperado VS Taiji Ishimori!
The Rogue Luchador has been wanting to check off some names on his title match wish list, but the Bone Soldier won’t let him skip over his name. Will Taiji Ishimori make everyone remember the name by putting his name on the belt? Or will Desperado check Taiji off the list and move on to another?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who rides into BOSJ 29 with the target on their back!
Fans rally as the two circle. They tie up, Taiji waistlocks but Desperado switches. Taiji wrenches free to a wristlock but Desperado brings Taiji to a knee. Desperado wrenches back to a wristlock, but Taiji rolls, kips up and cartwheels to wrench back. Taiji YANKS the arm and Desperado staggers to a corner. Taiji whips corner to corner, Desperado reverses but Taiji slips out to the apron. Desperado rushes over, Taiji slides under, slips back out and shoulders back in. Taiji springboards, Desperado gets under, but Taiji dodges to rake the eyes! The ref reprimands as Taiji headlocks, but Desperado powers out to reel Taiji into his own headlock.
Taiji powers out but Desperado pulls hair! The ref reprimands, Desperado throws Taiji down by his hair! Taiji tumbles out, fans applaud while Desperado argues with the ref. Desperado goes out and stomps Taiji. Desperado then whips Taiji, but Taiji reverses. Desperado stops from hitting railing, Taiji runs in but Desperado dodges. Taiji stops from running into railing, Desperado runs in but Taiji pops him up to TKO off the railing! Fans applaud and Taiji growls while the ref checks on Desperado. Taiji brings out the Bullet Club Special for himself now, throwing the blue buckle pad away.
The ref starts a ring count on Desperado, and it climbs as he crawls. Fans rally, we’re already at 7 of 20, and Desperado makes his way back to ringside. Desperado gets in at 10 of 20, but bails back out for another breather. Taiji storms over and drags Desperado up. Taiji CLUBS Desperado on the back, wrenches an arm, then RAMS Desperado’s shoulder into the bare buckles! Desperado writhes, clutches his arm, but Taiji grabs at him. Desperado kicks at him but Taiji stomps Desperado down. Taiji keeps on the bad arm, then he whips Desperado, just to YANK and WRING the arm out!
Desperado writhes more and fans rally up. Taiji drags Desperado up into a seated cobra clutch. Fans rally as Desperado endures. Desperado gets up, throws body shots, but Taiji ripcords, RAMS shoulders, then hits a headscissor takedown into a TRIANGLE HOLD! Desperado endures, reaches out, but Taiji has the bad arm as a partial straitjacket within the triangle! Fans rally, Desperado gets the ROPEBREAK with a foot. Taiji lets go and Desperado gets to a corner. Fans rally up again but Taiji looms over Desperado. Desperado chops but they’re rather weak. Taiji CLUBS Desperado on the bad arm!
Taiji scoops Desperado and aims for the bare corner! But Desperado slips off and sends Taiji into bare buckles! Desperado runs in, but Taiji boots. Desperado catches it, puts it in the ropes, and he kicks the other leg. Desperado then gets the leg for a DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! Taiji flops and flounders, and Desperado gets the legs for an INDIAN DEATHLOCK! Taiji endures, reaches out, but Desperado puts pressure on the knees. Taiji sits up to throw haymakers! Desperado “falls” back and that adds more pressure! Taiji still endures, Desperado sits up and puts even more pressure on! Taiji still reaches out, and he drags himself to the ROPEBREAK!
Desperado lets Taiji go, drags Taiji up and hits a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Desperado hurries to dig his knee into Taiji’s bad leg! Desperado then gets up to make sure his leg is moving. Desperado reels Taiji in but Taiji wrenches out to ELBOW BREAKER! Taiji wrenches the arm again, hammerlocks it and he POSTS Desperado! The ref reprimands but Taiji drags Desperado back in. Taiji hammerlocks and scoops for a SHOULDER BREAKER! But it’s double-edged with that bad leg! Fans rally up while Taiji goes to the apron. Taiji drags himself while smacking his bad leg into moving.
Taiji climbs the corner, leaps, but Desperado moves! Taiji bails out of the 450 but his leg jams, and he turns around into a SPEAR! But Desperado’s bad shoulder bothers him! Fans rally up as Desperado drags himself up with the ropes. Desperado brings Taiji around, hooks him up, GUITARRA- NO, Taiji slips out to gut wrench! CIPHER UTAKI! But again, double-edged because of the damage to his legs! Taiji crawls to a cover, TWO! Both men are down but fans rally. Taiji drags himself to a corner, takes aim at Desperado, and then runs in to tilt-o-whirl! But Desperado holds off the takedown, GUITARRA DEL ANGEL! Cover, TWO!
Fans rally up as Desperado stands at the ropes. Desperado hobbles over and brings Taiji back up. Taiji fires off fast hands, but Desperado ROCKS him with an elbow! Taiji JUMP KNEES! Desperado goes down, Taiji fires up! Taiji gets Desperado up, but Desperado fights the suplex! Desperado gets free, LOCO MONO!! Taiji goes down but so does Desperado! Fans rally back up and Desperado rises. Desperado fires himself up and goes back to Taiji. Desperado brings Taiji in, underhooks, but Taiji fights off Pinche for a tilt-o-whirl TAKEDOWN! And into the YES LOCK! Fans rally as Desperado endures, crawls for ropes and reaches out!
Taiji rolls Desperado away and brings him in, BLOODY- NO! Desperado fights free, wrenches, reels Taiji in, PINCHE- RANA from Taiji! But Desperado rolls through to high stack! TWO, into STRETCH MUFFLER! Taiji endures, even as Desperado cranks and thrashes the leg! Taiji powers through to get the omoplata! Taiji hammers Desperado but Desperado powers him back into STRETCH MUFFLER!! Taiji reaches, Desperado hits him in the ribs and gets the arm! NUMERO DOS! Taiji reaches out with his free arm, only for Desperado to roll him away! NUMERO DOS PLUS!! Fans are thunderous as Taiji endures!
Taiji fights to get one arm free, and then he sits up!? Taiji gets Desperado in an IRON OCTOPUS! Desperado endures, Taiji pulls on the bad arm, but Desperado steps back and powers up, BASTARD DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!?! Taiji survives being crunched and fans are thunderous! Desperado roars, gets up in the corner, then storms over to Taiji. Desperado underhooks, PINCHE LOCO!! And then roll through, into another PINCHE- TAKEDOWN!? Taiji has the BONE LOCK!! Taiji cranks on the crossface and the bad shoulder! Desperado endures, fans are thunderous again, but Taiji rolls Desperado away from ropes!
Desperado keeps fighting but Taiji cranks way back! Desperado TAPS! Taiji wins!!
Winner: Taiji Ishimori, by submission (NEW IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion)
Bullet Club takes another one! The Bone Soldier shoots down the Rogue Luchador and now has pole position going into BOSJ 29! Will Taiji make sure everyone knows he is THE Best of the Super Juniors? Or can Desperado win his way back to the title through the tournament?
Vacated IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship: Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Tomohiro Ishii!
The Ace was meant to face the Commonwealth Kingpin, but cards are subject to change with COVID still out there. Instead, the Stone Pitbull gets a chance to add this title to his achievements! Will Ishii be bringing this belt with him on his world tour? Or will the Once in a Century Talent hold this gold once again?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and one way or another, we’ll have a new champion crowned in Fukuoka!
Fans rally and the two tie up. They’re in a deadlock, but Ishii manages to push Tanahashi to ropes. The ref calls the ropebreak, and Ishii lets off, to slap Tanahashi in the head! Ishii eggs Tanahashi on, fans rally up, and they tie up again. They end up on ropes and Tanahashi turns things around on Ishii, to give back that slap! Then he fires off fast hands and heavy forearms. Tanahashi whips corner to corner, Ishii reverses and runs in, but into an elbow! Tanahashi goes up to CROSSBODY! Tanahashi plays some air guitar, but Ishii kicks him down! Ishii eggs Tanahashi on again and slaps him around.
Tanahashi gets in Ishii’s face to throw forearms. Ishii hits back, fans rally up, and the forearms fly back and forth! Ishii hits harder but Tanahashi keeps throwing shots! The forearms build up speed, fans rally harder, and neither man is backing down! Ishii ROCKS Tanahashi, eggs him on, and then ROCKS him again. Tanahashi staggers, still throws a shot, but then Ishii DECKS him! Fans fire up as Ishii backs off to steady himself. Ishii drags Tanahashi up and suplexes high and hard! Cover, TWO! Tanahashi barely gets out of that, but Ishii keeps on him. Ishii brings Tanahashi up to CHOP!
Tanahashi wobbles, so Ishii CHOPS him to the corner. And CHOPS him again! And again! And again! Tanahashi hits back with forearms but Ishii just leans into them. Ishii uses that to corner Tanahashi and then CHOP and forearm, CHOP and forearm, repeat! Ishii whips, Tanahashi reverses but Ishii comes back to run Tanahashi over! Fans cheer and rally, “I-SHI-I!” “Let’s Go, Ace!” Ishii scuffs Tanahashi, drags him up and slaps him around. Tanahashi fires forearms but Ishii doesn’t budge. Ishii CHOPS, whips, but Tanahashi comes back with FLYING FOREARMS! Fans fire up and Tanahashi throws fast hands!
Tanahashi scoops and SLAMS Ishii, then goes up for the SUNSET SENTON! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up as Ishii goes to the corner. Tanahashi runs corner to corner, but blocks Ishii’s boot! DRAGON SCREW! Ishii staggers and falls, but Tanahashi goes after those legs! Ishii blocks the Texas Cloverleaf and SLAPS Tanahashi! Tanahashi lets Ishii go, then dropkicks Ishii’s leg. Tanahashi runs, but Ishii dropkicks Tanahashi’s legs in return! Ishii blocks a kick, to DRAGON SCREW Tanahashi! Fans cheer as both men are even. Ishii gets up as fans rally, and he hobbles over to Tanahashi. Ishii brings Tanahashi up and reels him in, SHIN BREAKER to BACK SUPLEX!
Ishii grabs Tanahashi’s legs now and steps through. Tanahashi fights the Sharpshooter with haymakers and Ishii lets go. Ishii KICKS Tanahashi but Tanahashi gets up in a rage! Tanahashi fires off forearms, then whips, only for Ishii to reverse. Ishii runs in to corner clothesline, but Tanahashi comes back with forearms! Tanahashi ROCKS Ishii, has him in the other corner, then throws more forearms. Ishii gets annoyed and just stares Tanahashi down. Tanahashi keeps throwing forearms but Ishii leans into them again! Ishii is backing down Tanahashi into the red corner! Then he DECKS Tanahashi! Fans fire up with Ishii!
Fans rally, “I-SHI-I!” “Let’s Go, Ace!” Ishii hauls Tanahashi up, puts him on the top rope, and then climbs up after him. Ishii brings Tanahashi up, but Tanahashi blocks the superplex! Tanahashi throws body shots, then forearms. Ishii hits back and they brawl up top! Ishii gets the edge but Tanahashi HEADBUTTS! Tanahashi then sunset flips, but Ishii holds on! Ishii throws down elbows and Tanahashi staggers away. Ishii turns around but Tanahashi blocks his boot! SUPER DRAGON SCREW! Ishii is down and Tanahashi fires up, fans rallying behind him again. Tanahashi gets the leg for a GROUND DRAGON SCREW! And then the other leg gets a GROUND DRAGON SCREW!
Tanahashi stands, gets both legs, ties them up and has the TEXAS CLOVERLEAF! Ishii endures, reaches out and crawls forward, to get the ROPEBREAK! Tanahashi lets go quickly while fans cheer. Tanahashi grabs at the legs again but Ishii holds onto ropes. Ishii kicks and kicks, but Tanahashi just gets that leg for a DRAGON SCREW! Tanahashi gets up and fans rally as he runs, but Ishii hits a POWERSLAM! Both men are down and fans fire up again with more “Let’s Go, Ace!” “I-SHI-I!” Ishii gets up, hobbles, but waits on Tanahashi. Tanahashi stands, Ishii runs but Tanahashi dodges! But then Ishii dodges!
Tanahashi blocks the lariat, then catches the other, but Ishii fights the full nelson. SHOTEI! Ishii just shakes his head?! SHOTEI again! Still nothing! SHOTEI the third! Still nothing! SHOTEI the fourth! Ishii uses that to spin around, but Tanahashi catches him to a full nelson! DRAGON SUPLEX!! But Ishii just gets up!? Ishii gets Tanahashi for a DRAGON SUPLEX! But Tanahashi just gets up?! Fans are thunderous, Ishii LARIATS! Tanahashi gets up, SLINGBLADE! Ishii gets up!? He wobbles around a bit and Tanahashi aims at him. They run at each other, SLINGBLADE hits first! Cover, TWO!
Fans are thunderous as Tanahashi gets back up. Tanahashi brings Ishii up, gets the full nelson again, but Ishii breaks it! Only to end up in a STRAITJACKET GERMAN! Bridging cover, TWO!! Tanahashi is frustrated but he refocuses and goes to the corner. Fans fire up as he climbs, but Ishii JUMPING HEADBUTTS Tanahashi down! Tanahashi is stuck on the top, Ishii is down on the mat, and fans fire up again. “I-SHI-I!” “Let’s Go, Ace!” Ishii drags himself up, then goes after Tanahashi. Ishii brings Tanahashi up to the very top, for a SUPERPLEX!! Cover, TWO!! The fans are thunderous again as Tanahashi survives!
Ishii sits Tanahashi up, then runs to SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Ishii roars and fires up, and fans fire up with him! Ishii brings Tanahashi back up, reels him in, suplex but Tanahashi fights it to a TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! But Tanahashi holds on, for another TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! And again, but Ishii suplexes! Tanahashi slips out, to full nelson and DRAGON SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Ishii narrowly escapes but Tanahashi is fired up! Tanahashi goes to the corner and gets right up, HIGH FLY FLOW to Ishii’s back! And then Tanahashi goes right back up! Fans are thunderous as he HIGH FLY FLOWS but FLOPS!!
Ishii hurries to get Tanahashi hooked up, LA MAGISTROL! TWO!?!? Tanahashi escapes by nanoseconds! Fans are thunderous again while both men are down! Tanahashi gets up while Ishii crawls to a corner. Tanahashi runs in for a SPLASH! Tanahashi keeps moving, but Ishii gets around and whips, only for Tanahashi to reverses. Tanahashi then dodges to body block, but Ishii doesn’t budge! Tanahashi fires point blank lariats but Ishii stays up to ENZIGURI! Fans fire up with Ishii while Tanahashi flops down! Ishii waits on Tanahashi to rise, and then runs to LARIAT! Cover, ONE?!? Tanahashi is in a daze but he is still in this!
Ishii just resets, runs again, and LARIATS! But he’s not done there! Ishii drags Tanahashi up, reels him in, suplex for the BRAINBUSTER!! Cover, TWO?!?!? WHAT?!? No one can believe it but everyone is thunderous for The Ace! Ishii hurries to get Tanahashi back up and suplex again. But Tanahashi fights free, then REVERSE SLINGBLADES! Fans rally hard as ever while both men are down again! Both men slowly rise, and they head for each other. Ishii headbutts! And headbutts! And headbutts! He ducks the Shotei to ROCK Tanahashi, and LARIAT! Tanahashi SHOTEIS, Ishii HEADBUTTS, Tanahashi HEADBUTTS!
Fans are thunderous again as Tanahashi wobbles. But he fires up and runs, to SLING- ISHII SLINGBLADES?!? Ishii hurries to suplex, but Tanahashi slips out! They fight for suplex control, fans fire up, and Ishii gets Tanahashi up, only for him to dragon sleeper! Ishii slips around, but Tanahashi BRAINBUSTERS!! Fans are thunderous again as Tanahashi gets back up. He runs, to SLINGBLADE! Cover, ONE?!?! Ishii wobbles and flops but he’s still in this! But Tanahashi is up top, to HIGH FLY ATTACK! Tanahashi fires up and hurries back up, to HIGH FLY FLOW!! Cover, Tanahashi wins!!
Winner: Hiroshi Tanahashi, by pinfall (NEW IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion)
The Stone Pitbull gave his all, but it was still not enough to trump The Ace! Tanahashi is golden again, and he gets the mic to speak. “Ishii-san. Thank you so much!” He even bows on all four to show respect and fans cheer. Tanahashi knows Ishii getting this match was last minute, but how about they go again down the line? Fans also like the sound of that. Tanahashi then wants Sanada to know, “As I said I would, I took this belt back!” But wait! Chase Owens gets in the ring. He snatches the mic from Tanahashi to “congratulate” him on once again being IWGP US Heavyweight Champion.
But let’s take a little trip down memory lane. The G1 Climax last year, what happened? Tanahashi was US Champion and Chase beat him! Chase pinned The Ace, 1-2-3! But he never got his title shot! But y’know what? Chase is now IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champion so he doesn’t care about the US title. “But that guy might.” Who is this getting in the ring with the ski mask?! Tanahashi turns around and this guy DECKS Tanahashi! But with a very familiar haymaker! And then he gets Tanahashi up to hook the arms, PULP FRICTION!?! JUICE ROBINSON!?! The Juice is now part of Bullet Club?! And he drags Tanahashi back up to a torture rack, for a BURNING HAMMER!!
Juice grabs the US title and holds it up over Tanahashi! The Juice has changed flavors, now he’s just Too Sweet! But will he once again be US Champion after taking on Tanahashi?
IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Kazuchika Okada VS Tetsuya Naito!
The Rainmaker’s promise to be world champion and New Japan Cup champion did not come to pass, because the Uncontrollable Charisma eliminated him from the tournament! Will Okada redeem himself from that loss? Or will Naito stop the reign and make NJPW tranquilo?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, not that Naito looks at it, and then Naito takes his time with his entrance attire. Okada is patient, Naito finishes up with the tearaway pants, and fans applaud. The bell rings, and we’ll see who is truly on top of NJPW!
Okada and Naito stare down as fans rally, “O-KA-DA!” “NA-I-TO!” They slowly start to circle, approach but then step back. Then they approach, then they back up. Okada is letting Naito have his fun, and then they tie up. They’re in a deadlock, but Okada has leverage to push Naito back step by step. Okada puts Naito on ropes, Red Shoes calls the break, but Okada lets off. Okada fakes the chop to pat Naito’s shoulders. Naito kicks low and fires forearms! Then Naito kicks Okada in the face. Okada grins, to then kick and give back all those forearms! Okada CLUBS Naito, but Naito gets up and they get face to face.
Naito throws a forearm, Okada gives it back, repeat. Fans rally as the two pick up speed! They go forearm for forearm and egg each other on! The forearms fly some more, and they slow down but hit harder! Naito gets the edge with heavy forearms, then he whips Okada to ropes. Okada ducks and dodges to CLOBBER Naito with a back elbow! Naito gets to a corner but Okada is on him. Okada whips corner to corner, runs in and back elbows! Naito staggers, Okada kicks low to DDT! Naito writhes but Okada covers him, TWO! Fans applaud while Okada paces. Okada brings Naito back up to ROCK him with a forearm.
Naito staggers but Okada brings him around to CLUB him down. Okada turns Naito, for a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO, Okada keeps on Naito with a chinlock. Naito hurries to move forward, Okada grinds him down, but Naito still gets the ropebreak. Okada lets go quickly and brings Naito back up. Okada snapmares Naito to then run and basement dropkick! Naito flounders away but Okada keeps after him. Okada brings Naito up again, but Naito gets away to go outside the ring. Okada follows and CLUBS Naito on the back. Okada puts Naito in, but Naito rolls all the way to bail out the other side.
Okada pursues again and he CLUBS Naito down. Okada puts Naito in again, but Naito rolls out the side. Okada still pursues, and CLUBS Naito again. Okada ROCKS Naito with a forearm, then whips. Naito reverses and it’s Okada who crashes into the railing! Okada hurries after Naito but Naito kicks him and whips him into more railing! Naito kicks low, turns Okada and hits a NECKBREAKER to the floor! Red Shoes checks on Okada but he’s okay to continue. Naito gets in the ring, fans rally up, “O-KA-DA!” “NA-I-TO!” and Red Shoes starts the ring count. The count goes to 10 of 20 before Okada sits up.
Okada stands at 13 and gets in at 14, but Naito stomps away on him! Naito drags Okada up, whips him to ropes, then hip tosses him for a basement dropkick! Then another NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up while Naito scuffs Okada and kicks him to the apron. Naito then stomps Okada on the apron. Red Shoes reprimands so Naito stops and brings Okada up along the ropes. Okada fires forearms back, but Naito HOTSHOTS Okada! Naito then hurries to get on the apron and brings Okada up. APRON NECKBREAKER! Okada flops to the floor and fans fire up. Naito puts Okada in the ring, has him in a corner, and hoists him up top.
Naito gets Okada in a crucifix for a DRAPING NECKBREAKER! Fans fire up again while Okada writhes. Naito covers, TWO! Naito drags Okada up, snapmares him and wraps on the leg hook full nelson! Okada endures and moves around, but Naito puts more pressure on! Fans rally as Okada keeps fighting, and Okada gets a ROPEBREAK! But Naito pulls Okada away and thrashes him around! Red Shoes reprimands and Naito stops thrashing, but claims he needs help undoing the hold. Naito gives one last thrash before he lets Okada go. Naito scuffs Okada’s face, fans rally up, and Okada throws body shots and forearms!
Okada throws more forearms but Naito hits low then CLUBS away on the neck! Naito brings Okada in but Okada fights the dragon sleeper. Okada gets free but Naito kicks low. Naito whips, Okada reverses but Naito reverses back to TORNADO- NO! Okada fights the DDT, but Naito dodges the lariat, only for Okada to BOOT him! Fans fire up while both men are down! Okada snarls as he gets up, and he runs at Naito to CLOBBER him! And again! Naito dodges the boot but runs into the FLAPJACK! Fans fire up again and Okada stalks Naito. Naito gets up, Okada Alabama lifts, REVERSE NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!
Okada keeps on Naito, wrenches his arm and puts on the MONEY CLIP! Naito endures, powers Okada to a corner and gets free. Naito throws a back elbow, then gets space, only for Okada to dodge the kick. Okada runs into BOOTS, Naito goes up, but Okada DROPKICKS Naito to the floor! Naito tumbles but Okada’s also down and fans fire up again. A ring count starts on Naito, and it’s already 8 of 20 but Okada goes out to fetch Naito. Okada drags Naito up, whips him and Naito hits railing! Okada runs in to BOOT Naito over the railing! Fans fire up and clap with Okada as he gets space. Okada runs back in to FLY over the railing! Direct hit and down goes Naito!
Fans are thunderous as Okada gets back up. Red Shoes checks on Naito and he’s okay to continue. Red Shoes wants Okada to get back to the ring but Okada took a lot out of himself with that crossbody. The ring count starts on him and Naito, and Okada gets up at 5 of 20 to fetch Naito at 10. Okada brings Naito along at 12, they return to ringside at 14 and Okada puts Naito in at 15. Fans applaud this continuing in the ring, and Okada climbs up the corner. Naito stands up and Okada missile dropkicks him down! Okada then drags Naito into the MONEY CLIP! Naito endures, kicks, but Okada drags him away from ropes!
Fans rally as Naito flails and Okada squeezes tight! Naito gets a second wind to scramble forward, and he gets a ROPEBREAK! Okada lets go quickly, and both men catch their breath on the mat. Okada drags Naito back up, scoops and SLAMS him, then goes to the corner. Fans rally as Okada climbs up top, MACHO ELBOW! And of course, the Rainmaker Pose! Fans fire up as Okada stalks Naito. Okada drags Naito up, but Naito fights the wristlock! Okada CLUBS Naito in the back, ripcords, but Naito gets around to ripcord and SPINEBUSTER! Fans fire up while both men are down again.
Fans rally, “NA-I-TO!” “OK-A-DA!” and Naito gets Okada’s wrist first. Naito throws back elbow after back elbow on Okada, then whips him to a corner. Naito runs in to JUMP KICK! Leg sweep and COMBINACION CABRON! Naito poses and fans fire up again. Naito brings Okada up, hammerlock and half nelson, but Okada fights with clubbing elbows. Okada is free and he uppercuts Naito! Okada whips, but Naito FLYING FOREARMS! Naito hurries to get Okada back in the hammerlock and half nelson, for GLORIA! Cover, TWO! Okada is still in this but gets caught into the KOJI KLUTCH!
Okada endures, fans rally, and Naito squeezes tight! Okada reaches out, moves around, but Naito thrashes him! Okada’s fading and Red Shoes checks him! The hand drops once, but Okada gets a second wind to get the ROPEBREAK! Naito reluctantly lets go, but he still has a smile on his face. Naito gets up and fans rally as he puts Okada on the top rope. Naito then climbs up and fires off clubbing forearms! Then he stands on the very top, only for Okada to make that a SUPER SIT-OUT POWERBOMB!! Both men are down and fans are thunderous! Okada sits up in a daze, crawls over to Naito, and gets the wrist.
Okada drags Naito up, but Naito ducks the lariat! Naito waistlocks but Okada throws elbows! Okada whips, Naito holds ropes and denies the dropkick, rolling jackknife! TWO!! Okada escapes, Naito tilt-o-whirls, but no Destino! Short arm LARIAT! Okada keeps the wrist control and he brings Naito back up for another short arm LARIAT! Okada brings Naito back up, ripcords, but Naito throws a back elbow! Okada SHOTGUNS back! Naito tumbles to ropes and Okada drags him back up. Okada gut wrenches but Naito fights free. Naito swings, Okada blocks and spins, but Naito spins through to LIGHTNING SPIRAL!
Fans fire up again while both men are down. Naito slowly sits up first, and he gets Okada’s wrist. Naito brings Okada up, and throws a heavy back elbow! Okada drops but Naito grins and brings him up, for another back elbow! And another, and another! And another, and another, and another! Okada staggers to a corner but Naito just throws more back elbows! Naito then hops up, reels Okada in, ESPARANZA! Fans fire up while Okada is down and dazed! Naito encourages the fans to get louder and they do, and he runs in, into an uppercut! But Naito blocks that to back elbow and ENZIGURI! Then CORRIENDO SHIKI DESTINO!! Cover, TWO!?!
Fans are thunderous as Okada survives! Naito hurries to get Okada back up, and he wrenches to tilt-o-whirl, into a SPINNING TOMBSTONE!! Okada then DISCUS LARIATS! Okada fires up and fans fire up with him! Okada gets Naito back up, ripcords, RAIN- NO! GLORIA CRADLE! TWO!! Okada escapes and runs in, but Naito gets around to GERMAN SUPLEX! Okada roars as he gets back up! Into the ROLLING KICK! But Okada DROPKICKS right back! Fans are thunderous again and Okada gets Naito back up! Gut wrench, LANDSLIDE! And then, ripcord for RAIN- NO!! Naito get around to DESTINO!!! Fans are electric, Naito covers, TWO!?!?
Okada survives and shocks everyone! Both men are down but the fans are electric again! Naito roars and he brings Okada up! Naito scoops and SLAMS Okada, then he goes to the corner! Naito climbs up, STARDUST FLOPS!! Okada avoids disaster and the fans are thunderous again! Naito sits up in a daze, Okada slowly rises, and the fans rally up hard as ever. Okada gets Naito for the ripcord, but Naito drops! It’s all he could do to avoid the lariat! Naito turns around, that wily look in his eye. Okada storms over but into a forearm! Naito staggers, but Okada forearms back! Naito forearms again, but so does Okada.
Naito throws a forearm, so Okada throws another. Fans rally as they start to pick up speed! They stop and Naito slaps Okada around. Okada EuroUppers! Naito forearms, Okada forearms, repeat, and the fans are back at it! Naito gets the edge, Okada drops to his knees! Naito brings Okada up, scoops, but Okada fights it! Okada CLUBS Naito, gut wrenches, but Naito fights that! Fans rally as the two struggle for control, and Naito CLUBS away on Okada’s back. Okada EuroUppers again! Naito runs in, into a GERMAN SUPLEX! Okada holds on, brings Naito back up, ripcord, but Naito SLAPS Okada! Both men stay up while fans fire up again.
Naito grins and brings Okada around, but Okada SLAPS back! Naito shakes that off, they both start throwing SLAP after SLAP! Naito gets the edge with some major paint brush SLAPS, and Okada drops! Naito wrenches, tilt-o-whirls, but no Destino! Ripcord ENZIGURI!? Then a cobra twist pump-handle POWERSLAM! And then, RAINMAKER!! Cover, Okada wins!
Winner: Kazuchika Okada, by pinfall (still IWGP World Heavyweight Champion)
Okada busted out some new moves and that was all the difference! Are we to believe this isn’t even the Rainmaker’s final form? He gets the belt and the mic to say, “Naito-san. That was our third round, and it was fun as hell. Gracias.” Naito tips his cap for the Spanish, but still adds a “cabron” before exiting. Okada also thanks Naito for the “injection of fighting spirit.” Okada then thanks the fans in the PayPay Dome for their own “hot support” tonight. Okada remembers that five years ago, he said pro-wrestlers were “supermen.” Did the fans enjoy NJPW’s supermen tonight? Fans applaud because they sure did.
Okada notes that this was NJPW’s first show in Fukuoka PayPay Dome in 21 YEARS. He hopes they’ll do it again soon. “There are still seats to fill up out there. NJPW will continue delivering the goods to make sure we pack this place next time!” Fans applaud, and then Okada notes it’s Golden Week in Japan. Restrictions are letting up, little by little. He thanks the fans for doing their part to keep everyone healthy. It’s thanks to them that Japan is moving forward like this. “We’ll again fight in front of cheers, and in turn, give you all strength. We’re almost there! Please, lend us your support!” Fans cheer that hope.
Okada says that’s all for Wrestling Dontaku! And he’ll continue to make it rain! Mic drop and pyro for the world champion, will Okada bring plenty of rain this Spring? Wait, something is going on while Okada celebrates. Is that… THE SWITCHBLADE?! Jay White is back in Japan!? Okada waits on White, and he finally appears, Gedo right behind him. White and Gedo go to the ring, and of course White gets the mic. But Okada snatches it from White, because he knows what this is about. Okada holds up the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship and White says yeah, he wants to see it. But then Gedo blindsides Okada!
White fires off forearm after forearm then he stomps Okada down! But Okada fires right back! Gedo goes after Okada but gets DECKED! Only for White to hit BLADERUNNER! White helps Gedo up, and Gedo holds the belt while White gets the mic. He won’t let the fans applaud, he’s talking! “Did you forget? Did. You. Forget. Let me remind you. Let me remind ALL of you! Exactly. Who. I. Am! I am Switchblade Jade White, the number one wrestler in all of pro-wrestling! The Last Rock ‘n’ Rolla! I am the man that single-handedly sold out Madison Square Garden! I’m King Switch, baby!” NJPW’s first Grand Slam Champion ever! The REAL belt collector!
And of course, he is the leader of Bullet Club! Bullet Club joins him, and White says he is the “Catalyst of pro-wrestling,” and the next IWGP World Heavyweight Champion! Okada, once again, you will Breath with the Switchblade! This is STILL White’s Era! White hands the mic to Karl Anderson while Gedo gives White the world title. Anderson says that was “sugoi,” (awesome) “kakui,” (cool) and “sashiburi” (long time no see). Happy Birthday, Bullet Club! Anderson then leads them in singing the birthday song to the faction, and White pours out the beers meant for Okada all over him!
Look at Bullet Club! Stronger than ever! New member, “Rock Hard” Juice! The legend, Gedo! The NEW IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion, Taiji Ishimori! The NEW IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions, Chase & Fale! And of course, the return of Doc Gallows & Karl Anderson! But most importantly, in the lineage of Prince Devitt, to AJ Styles, to even Kenny Omega, THIS here is the best wrestler in the world, the man who sold out MSG, and the future IWGP World Heavyweight Champion: The Switchblade, Jay White! Bullet Club birthday, only one way to say it: It’s just, too, SWEEEET~! Bullet Club all throws it up, but will they soon own the entire wrestling world?
My Thoughts:
What a night for NJPW! I did have to skip the non-title matches, but I skimmed them and they’re still really good stuff. Hiromu winning sets him up big in the BOSJ in a couple weeks, but I bet Yoh will have a great run. The field for BOSJ 29 looks really good, and great to see that in honor of the crossover event, Forbidden Door, we’re getting some crossover with NJPW’s partners, AEW, Impact and CMLL. When it comes to who wins BOSJ, keep your eyes on Francesca Akira since he made his presence known when Desperado and Taiji set up tonight’s match. That match was great stuff, and it was quite a surprise that Taiji won, but he could still take the trophy this year and call out Akira.
The Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships was a really good match, and another clever way to win from Taguchi. I figured Six or Nine would retain, the Junior Tag Division will be on pause for BOSJ 29, but many of the results from that can give us the next challengers. The Heavyweight Tag Team Championships being a Tornado Triple Threat was great stuff, and what a surprise that Bullet Club won. Not quite foreshadowing how tonight ended, but the NEVER Openweight Championship definitely did. Tama winning was great stuff, and then to think the Good Brothers would come back. Tama VS Anderson, two BC OG, battle of the Gun Stun, that’s gonna be awesome.
Tanahashi VS Ishii was awesome, too, but I had a feeling Tanahashi would win. Before the surprise, I figured Tanahashi was holding onto this belt so when Ospreay clears COVID, we’d get Ace VS Kingpin at some event down the line. Instead, Juice not only returns to NJPW prime, he goes Heel and joins Bullet Club! Tanahashi VS Juice is going to be great stuff, could go either way since Juice has Bullet Club backing him, and I wouldn’t mind seeing United Empire VS Bullet Club in full with Ospreay VS Juice, Khan & Cobb VS Fale & Chase, and maybe even TJP or Akira going after Taiji and the Junior Heavyweight title.
Okada VS Naito was also awesome stuff, but Okada was the natural choice to have the belt with Jay White coming back. There’s a lot of history there for Okada and White, and it was Bullet Club’s night to shine. I do want to point out that no one from the House of Torture was present. Though at the same time, Yujiro lost to Loa, Evil lost to Tama, they probably felt more like sulking than joining Bullet Club prime. I’d still love to see them find a way to do Bullet Club Civil War: Team Switchblade VS House of Torture since we’re getting returns and new members, thereby pushing House of Torture out of the spotlight. But for now, I wonder if Okada, Tanahashi and Tama would team up to take on White, Juice and Anderson in a title story Six Man Tag…
My Score: 9/10
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DING DONG, Hello, Tiffany!
Tiffanny Stratton just won the WWE Women’s Championship but she’s already defending it against Bayley! Will the Role Model be back on top?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Bianca Belair & Naomi VS Nia Jax & Candice LeRae; Bianca & Naomi win.
- Jimmy Uso VS Carmelo Hayes; Jimmy wins, by disqualification.
- Motor City Machine Guns VS Los Garza w/ Legado Del Fantasma; MCMG wins.
- Piper Niven w/ Chelsea Green VS B-Fab w/ Mia Yim; Piper wins.
- Rey Mysterio VS Kevin Owens; Kevin wins.
- WWE Women’s Championship: Tiffany Stratton VS Bayley; Tiff wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
Rey Mysterio is here!
San Diego fires up for the hometown hero as he makes his entrance! The King of Lucha high-fives fans along the ramp, and hugs his wife and daughter, before stepping in the ring. Rey grabs himself a mic, the fans chant “619! 619!” and he smiles. Rey tells San Diego, “Bien venidos, welcome to Friday Night SmackDown! This is the home of the 6! 1! 9!” The fans cheer, and Rey says no cap, it feels great to be back home in front of his people, his Raza, his city, and his familia. Rey requested to be here tonight because he couldn’t think of a better place to reminisce as he gets ready to do the impossible once again.
Rey officially declares for the 2025 Royal Rumble! The arena is shaking hearing that! Rey wants to look back: 2006, he entered the Rumble at #2, outlasted 28 other superstars, and became the Royal Rumble winner! And it didn’t end there. he went on to main event WrestleMania, and he became the WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION! Now, Rey won’t lie, he will be realistic. The competition is heavy this year: Drew McIntyre, who fans boo. CM Punk, who fans cheer; Seth Rollins, who fans are torn on; Roman Reigns, who fans cheer; John Cena, who fans also cheer. It will be tough, but let’s remember back to when he won.
It was 2006, and Rey did it for a friend we all know very well. The fans chant for “EDDIE! EDDIE!” But wait! Kevin Owens makes his way out here! The Prizefighter, still holding onto the winged eagle title belt, showing off his new shirt: The Canadian Dream, Son of a Security System Technician. Kevin has a mic, too, and while fans boo, he tells Rey, “Lemme start off by saying I’m very sorry for coming out here and interrupting you. I mean it, okay? But I had to come out here. Because I heard you just now talking about how you were gonna win the Royal Rumble.
“And Rey, I mean this from the bottom of my heart. It’s never been a secret. There’s a lot of people in this industry that I respect quite a bit, but very few I respect as much as I respect you. In fact, I’ll even go so far as saying there’s nobody in this industry that I respect as much as I respect you.” The fans do cheer that, and Kevin says he has had an incredible career, he’s accomplished things he’s dreamed of since he was a kid. He has main evented WrestleMania with Steve Austin. He won the tag team titles with his then best friend, Sami Zayn. He won countless other tiles, and now he gets to stand here with THIS title!
The fans boo but Kevin says this is the title that as a kid, he saw all his idols win. This is the title he dreamed of winning, and now he stands here as the TRUE, RIGHTFUL WWE Champion! The fans boo again but Kevin says there is one thing left for him to accomplish so that he can truly feel his career is complete. And that is to step into the ring and have a 1v1 match with the legendary Rey Mysterio. The fans like that idea, and Kevin says face to face, man to man, he hopes Rey wins the Rumble! Kevin will root for Rey with everything he has! Rey can and will beat “all those other idiots.”
But just promise Kevin one thing. After Rey wins the Rumble, promise that Kevin is the champion he picks for WrestleMania so that Kevin can have his dream match. Rey takes a moment, and he tells Kevin that we all know Rey loves competition. But… Kevin’s not the champion. The fans cheer that! Rey means that with all due respect, but Cody Rhodes is the champion. But, but, here’s this. If Rey wins the Rumble, and if Kevin wins the title, then yes, Rey will gladly face him for the title. Kevin takes a moment, and repeats, “I’m not the champion? I AM THE CHAMPION! This is my title! I earned it! I deserve it!”
The fans boo but Kevin says Cody has Rey brainwashed, too! Does Rey have bleached blonde hair under that mask? Is it seeping into his brain? Rey wants Kevin to calm down. What’s going on? Drew McIntyre, now Kevin, he’s acting so delusional! It’s reminding him of Dominik. Oh…! Kevin swings on Rey! Rey dodges to fire hands in return! They brawl, Kevin shoves Rey but Rey dropkicks the legs! Kevin is on the ropes, but he bails out before the 619! The fans boo but Kevin is the one offended. Will Kevin be able to let this go so he can focus on Cody?
Bianca Belair meets up with Naomi backstage.
Bianca asks if Naomi finished with Nick Aldis. She did. Any updates? No! No lead on Jade’s attacker. Nothing? Wow. But that’s okay, they’ll keep pushing forward. They will handle Nia & Candice, but Bianca just wants to make sure they’re good after the mishap last week. It wasn’t on Bianca, that was Candice. Naomi knows that. Plus, they have to focus. It may not be Tiffany, but they can at least get some lick back on Candice & Nia. And they still have their gold! Bianca says that’s true. Ready to go? Naomi says maybe Bianca should wrap her up. That way, last week won’t happen again. Bianca agrees, and she hurries to wrap the braid into a bun.
Now they’re good. The StrongEST Glow heads out, will they be able to get past the Irresistible Force & Poison Pixie? Or will they soon be owing some golden tickets to the Queen of the Ring and her new sidekick?
Nick Aldis talks with Rey Mysterio.
After what we saw with Kevin, and since they are in San Diego, we have to have Rey on the card. Rey VS KO happens 1v1! Rey thanks Aldis and promises to handle business. And then Cody Rhodes walks in! The American Nightmare tells Rey he saw what happened while he was going through his physical. Cody says he would’ve been out there to help, but Rey says it’s nota big deal. It is handled, Rey VS Kevin is happening. Cody just needs to heal up. Rey can handle his problems, and will leave something for Cody at the Royal Rumble. Rey fist bumps and heads out. Aldis tells Cody that Rey has a point, Cody needs to be careful.
That said, what’d the doctors have to say? Cody says he has a clean bill of health, fully cleared, and Aldis can read the report himself. Aldis says he trusts Cody, he just doesn’t know if that’s good news. There is a lot of time between now and the Rumble, and even more so to WrestleMania. But with that in mind, Aldis has an addendum to the ladder match. Cody needs to sign it, as does Kevin, because they cannot have what happened at Saturday Night’s Main Event happen ever again. Cody asks if Kevin’s signed it yet. Kevin was Aldis’ next stop. Then Cody will sign it once Kevin has. Cody heads out, will Aldis be able to get what he wants out of this?
Bianca Belair & Naomi VS Nia Jax & Candice LeRae!
SmackDown returns as Bianca & Naomi make their entrances. The teams sort out and Nia steps to Bianca, only to CLOBBER Naomi! Candice joins in to mug Bianca, but the fans boo. The ref reprimands, Candice backs off, and Nia soaks up the heat. Naomi throws Bianca down, talks more trash, then HEADBUTTS Bianca down. Nia drags Bianca up, tags Candice, but Bianca fights back. Nia CLUBS Bianca, Candice wrenches, but Bianca runs Candice over! And runs her over again! Bianca suplexes, holds Candice up, then SLAMS her down! The fans fire up as Bianca kips up, and she runs up to RAM Candice!
Bianca then climbs to rain down fists! The fans count along, Bianca goes all the way to TEN! Nia storms in, but Bianca flips up and over! Nia runs into Candice, then turns around into Bianca’s DROPKICK! Bianca runs up but Candice BOOTS her! Candice goes up, but Bianca ROCKS her! Bianca military presses Candice, and she THRWOS her out onto Nia! Nia & Candice fall, the fans fire up, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Bianca flexes, then waits on Nia & Candice. Bianca’s braid has unrolled so Bianca swings it to rally the fans. Bianca then goes out to fetch Candice, shoves her into the ring, but Nia anchors Bianca’s feet! Candice DROPKICKS Candice down! Cover, TWO! Candice CLUBS away on Bianca, then scuffs her. Candice stalks Bianca to a corner, KNEES her down, then steps on her to DOUBLE STOMP! Tag to Nia, and Nia stalks Bianca. Nia makes Bianca smile with fishhooks, then HIP DROPS her down! Nia swings the braid around to mock Bianca, and even intimidate the ref. Bianca gets her braid free to SMACK away on Nia!
Bianca LASHES Nia more, backing her down, then she runs. Bianca SHOTGUNS Nia, Nia rebounds, but Bianca avoids the elbow drop! Cover, ONE!! Nia CLOBBERS Bianca at the ropes! Nia argues with the ref, taunts Naomi, then soaks up the heat. Tag to Candice and Candice kicks Bianca around. Candice SMACKS Bianca off the apron, pushes her in, then CLOBBERS her! Cover, TWO! Candice CLOBBERS Bianca again, then digs her knee in for a half Bow ‘n’ Arrow stretch! Bianca endures, fights around, reaches back, and she pulls Candice’s hair! Bianca and Candice fire forearms, but Candice DECKS Bianca! Cover, TWO!
Candice is frustrated but she KNEES Bianca in the side. Candice stomps Bianca more, KNEES her down, then has her on the ropes. The ref counts but Candice bends Bianca back! Candice lets go at 4, SmackDown returns to single picture,. and Candice brings Bianca up. Bianca rolls Candice up, TWO! Candice ENZIGIRIS Bianca down! Candice hurries to a corner and goes up, to then CROSSBODY! But Bianca rolls through! The fans fire up as Bianca lifts, but Candice slips free! Candice pulls the braid! Bianca uses that to reel Candice in for an ELBOW! But Candice grabs the braid to throw Bianca down! Both women are down and the fans fire up!
Bianca and Candice crawl, Candice goes to Bianca! STEP-UP- NO! Bianca avoids the senton! But Nia YANKS Naomi down from the outside! The fans boo but Nia sends Naomi into barriers! Candice stands Bianca up, but Bianca rolls her again! TWO, and Candice SUPERKICKS Bianca down! Candice hurries to the corner, tag to Nia. Nia storms up on Bianca, mockingly reaching out to Naomi, and then CLUBS Bianca! Nia whips, LARIATS, and SAMOAN DROPS! Bianca sputters and goes to the corner, but Nia runs up! Bianca BOOTS Nia first! Bianca ELBOWS Candice, dodges Nia, then RAMS into her! Candice grabs the braid!
Bianca whips Candice into the POST! Bianca climbs, but Nia ROCKS her! Nia climbs up after Bianca, fireman’s carries, but Bianca CLUBS away! Bianca is safe, she shoves Nia away, then CROSSBODIES! Both women are down and the fans fire up! Naomi returns! Bianca crawls, hot tag to Naomi! The fans fire up as Naomi ROUNDHOUSES Nia away, then slingshots for the FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Nia still has a lot left in the tank but Naomi HAMMERS away on her! Nia shoves Naomi away, runs up, but Naomi dodges! Nia POSTS herself, falls back, and Naomi goes up! SPLIT-LEG MOONSAULT! Cover, Candice breaks it!
Naomi ENZIGIRIS Candice for it! Tag to Bianca and the tag champs go after Nia. Nia fights back, SAMOAN DROP for Naomi! The fans boo but Nia looms over Bianca. Nia runs, Candice sneaks a tag, and Bianca dodges! Bianca SPEARS Nia! Bianca runs, handsprings, but Candice DROPKICKS her down! STEP-UP SENTON! Nia rises, she adds a SENTON of her own! Candice covers, TWO!! Bianca survives and the fans fire up! Candice can’t believe it, but San Diego declares, “This is Awesome!” Candice storms around, snarls, then runs up at Bianca. Bianca ALLEY-OOPS her onto buckles! Then SPINEBUSTERS her down!
Bianca runs, handsprings, and MOONSAULTS! But Nia runs up! Bianca dodges, LEG DROP hits Candice!! Nia panics, runs up on Bianca, but Bianca tosses her out! LARIAT and down goes Bianca! Naomi tags for the BUBBA BOMB! Gedo clutch, Naomi & Bianca win!
Winners: Bianca Belair & Naomi, by pinfall
The tag champs find a way to survive, but now they’ll have to meet NXT’s Meta Four on January 28th! NXT goes on the road to Atlanta, Georgia, will Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson be bringing the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships home as souvenirs? Or will they only feel the StrongEST Glow?
Pregame interview with Bayley.
Byron Saxton walked through an empty Pechanga Arena with The Role Model before the show, and noted how last week, Bayley won the Fatal 4 Way #1 Contender’s match. Now, we’re in San Diego, with a sold out crowd as Bayley challenges Tiffany Stratton for the title. What does this match mean to her? Well, sold out here in her home state, that is what dreams are made of. We all dream about being in the main event and fighting for a championship. This is a huge night for her. Thinking on her career, this time last year, she won the 2024 Royal Rumble and earned a guaranteed championship opportunity.
Bayley would challenge former friend, Iyo Sky, someone she respects so much in this business. That felt like the peak of Bayley’s career, where she was going to do something different and change the world. To be honest, she isn’t sure she fulfilled her potential during that reign. Yes, she defended the title, took it all over the world, but she always felt she was just winning by the skin of her teeth. She’s a perfectionist, she loves wrestling so much. And so, that reign was certainly cut short when Tiffany helped Nia take that title from Bayley. Tonight is a big night for her.
Then how does tonight feel different from past opportunities in regaining the title? Well, we’ve seen what Tiffany has done this past year, and she just showed she’s willing to turn on her friends to get to the “Tiffy Top,” as she puts it. Part of Bayley respects her, but the other part wants to beat Tiffy that much more. Tonight, it’s personal. Byron wishes Bayley luck and they shake hands. Will this be a big first defense for Tiffy? Or will it be a big comeback for the former Grand Slam Champion?
Mia Yim talks with B-Fab backstage.
Michin just knows she would’ve had Chelsea Green if not for Piper Niven. They always gotta use numbers! B-Fab knows how they do. That US Championship should’ve been Mia’s! B-Fab tells Mia to keep her head up, because she’ll get another shot to take down sleazy- Piper Niven walks in being all Secret Service. Piper says the room is clear, no threats to the champion. Chelsea walks in, thanks “Spicy Service,” and says B-Fab and “Mimi” should stand up and properly congratulate her as the only woman to successfully defend this title. B-Fab says Chelsea please. We all know that if it wasn’t for Piper the Mall Cop, Chelsea would not be champion.
Piper steps up and tells B-Fab that if she takes another step closer, it’ll be her last. If that’s how Piper wants to play it, then how about this? B-Fab will talk with Aldis, then she and Piper can handle their problem tonight. Then after Piper, Chelsea better watch her back. Mia says that is a threat. Mia follows B-Fab, Chelsea tells Piper to neutralize B-Fab. Piper agrees. But just how will this shake out when Piper’s the one in action?
Jimmy Uso heads to gorilla.
“San Diego! The goal tonight is to make sure Carmelo stays missing. Hey, ya boi got something to prove! Hey, I’m proud of The Yeet Man. My brother got his own title match coming up, and it’s time to go get mine. But it starts tonight with Carmelo. Hey yo, Uce, between me and you, Big Jim is Him!” Jimmy heads out to the ring, will he prove he’s just as worthy of golden opportunities?
Jimmy Uso VS Carmelo Hayes!
SmackDown returns as Melo makes his entrance. Melo has a mic to tell Big Jim that he wants to get this straight. Roman’s in the Rumble, Jey’s got a world title match, and what’s Jimmy got? It just seems like Jimmy is living in the shadow of his brother who is living in the shadow of Roman Reigns. But for some reason, Jimmy’s taking shots at H1M? Then here’s a serious question: How can Jimmy take shots when he’s sitting on the bench? Do Melo a favor: Lace up those shoes real tight, Unc, because you’re about to see that Melo Don’t Miss. But then Jimmy TOSSES Melo into the ring! Jimmy borrows those sunglasses, then he fires haymakers!
The fans fire up as Jimmy pops, locks ‘n’ ROCKS Melo! Jimmy whips, but Melo avoids the superkick! Melo bails out, the fans boo, and Jimmy grins. Jimmy hurries after Melo but Melo HOTSHOTS Jimmy down! Melo storms in to CLOBBER Jimmy, and he stomps away at the ropes! The ref counts, teh fans boo, but Melo lets off at 4. Melo soaks up the heat, then he CHOPS Jimmy against ropes. Melo stalks Jimmy, CHOPS Jimmy in a corner, then brings him around for haymakers. Melo whips, Jimmy reverses, QUICK DRAW! Melo is in a corner, and the fans join Jimmy in chanting, “UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs, but Melo dodges the hip attack!
Melo comes back, but Jimmy puts him on the apron. Jimmy UPPERCUTS Melo, Melo sputters, and Jimmy goes out to join him. Jimmy suplexes Melo onto the apron! Melo writhes, Jimmy refreshes the count, and then Jimmy builds speed! Jimmy DIVES, and Melo is sent into the desk! The fans fire up for Jimmy while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and Melo KICKS and CLUBS and stomps away on Jimmy in a corner! The ref counts, Melo lets off, and the fans boo. Melo drags Jimmy up, CLUBS him on the back, then hoists him to the top rope. The fans rally for Jimmy but Melo climbs up. Melo soaks up the heat, brings Jimmy up, but Jimmy fights the suplex! The fans fire up as Jimmy fires elbows! Melo hits back with shoulders! Jimmy and Melo go back and forth, then Jimmy fires elbow after elbow! Melo falls back, Jimmy WHISPERS IN THE WIND, but Melo dodges! Then FADE AWAY DDT! Cover, TWO! Jimmy survives and Melo grows frustrated.
The fans rally up while Melo gets his confidence back. Melo adjusts the kneepads, but he hears the fans rally for Jimmy. Melo brings Jimmy up, but Jimmy suplexes! Melo fights that to suplex, but Jimmy fights! Melo wrenches, dodges, and DOUBLE LARIATS hit hard! A double cover, TWO!! Both men are still in this, but they rise slowly. The fans rally behind Jimmy, he UPPERCUTS Melo! Melo blocks a kick but not the DRAGON WHIP! Jimmy then fireman’s carries, but Melo slips free! Jimmy UPPERCUTS Melo, Melo tilt-o-whirls, LA MYSTICA! Cover, TWO! Jimmy survives and the fans rally up again!
Melo thinks on what he has to do, but the fans rally up more as Jimmy rises. Melo storms up, CHOPS Jimmy, then whips. Jimmy reverses to POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO!! Melo survives and Jimmy is beside himself! The fans rally up for Jimmy as he climbs up, USO- FIRST 48! Cover, TWO!! Jimmy survives and Melo can’t believe it! “This is Awesome!” as Melo hurries to a corner and climbs. Melo wants Jimmy to stand, and he takes aim, for- NO, Jimmy avoids the three pointer! SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO?!? Melo survives again and shocks Jimmy! Melo flounders away, checking his jaw.
Jimmy goes corner to corner, HIP ATTACK! Then SAMOAN- NO, Melo manages the crucifix takedown! TWO! SUPERKICK from Melo! Melo runs, Jimmy SPEARS!! Jimmy hurries to a corner, but JACOB FATU has appeared! Jimmy tells Jacob not to even try, but it’s TAMA TONGA who shoves Jimmy off the corner! The fans boo as Tama & Jacob attack!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by disqualification
The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but Jacob hits a HIP ATTACK on Jimmy! Jacob then drags Jimmy up, and feeds him to Tama’s VENOM DDT! Jacob adds more stomps, and Melo says thanks for the assist. But then Jacob CLOBBERS Melo! Tama puts Jimmy back in a corner, Jaco hits another HIP ATTACK! And here comes Solo Sikoa! He may not be THE Tribal Chief, but clearly Solo still has authority over the rogues. We hear from the would-be Head of the Table, after the break.
SmackDown returns and…
San Diego is booing hard as Solo has the mic. Solo decides not to speak, which the fans cheer. Solo then goes out of the ring, takes off his fancy red jacket, and slings it over his shoulder. Solo leaves, and even his followers seem confused. Is Solo giving up after losing everything? Or is this just more arrogance? Jacob grabs the mic and says, “So this is what it comes to, huh? This is it? I’m tired of the disrespect! I’m tired of the hate! Oh no! You know that I’m tired of the envy! But check this out: envy me all you want, because even on a bad day, y’all still can’t touch me! I don’t give a damn if you cheer us, I don’t give a damn if you boo us.
“But one thing I will not let you do is try to act like I ain’t ever got mine! What, y’all thought I was crazy? Y’all thought I was off the hinges? HUH? Y’all thought I was losing it? The crazy thing about this situation… is that I’m just getting started!” The Samoan Werewolf is all fire dup, but here comes LA KNIGHT! The fans fire up, Jacob & Tama wait, but Knight comes in from the crowd! Knight CLOBBERS Jacob, CLOBBERS Tama, then he stomps away on Jacob! Tama runs up, but Knight tackles him! Knight throws down hands, Jacob is up, but Knight fires hands on him! Tama traps Knight’s legs, and Jacob CLOBBERS Knight!
The fans boo as Tama & Jacob beat Knight down, but BRAUN is here! The fans fire up as the Monster of All Monsters returns! Tama PLANCHAS, but Braun catches him, and TOSSES him! Then Braun stares down Jacob. The fans are going nuts seeing this, and Braun rips his shirt off! But then Tama has Jacob retreat! The Mega Star stands alongside #OneBigSOB, will they get their payback on Tama & Jacob soon enough?
Los Garza gets ready backstage.
Santos Escobar tells Angel y Berto that last week, they exposed Pretty Deadly for the pretty little liars they are. And everything they said, Angel & Berto made them choke on every word. That is what Santos expects. Lopez reminds them that just one win doesn’t make them champions yet. Agreed. Tonight, Motor City Machine Guns, men with reputations and who were former champions, Los Garza will take their momentum away. Why? Because remember: There was no red carpet rolled out for them, and no one is just handing them respect. So if they want respect, they have to take it! Take it from their hands, from their throats, from their pride!
Legado puts all hands in, and say “Familia!” La Madrina accompanies Los Garza, will they take that title opportunity for their own? Or will MCMG be on fire as they go back after DIY?
Motor City Machine Guns VS Los Garza w/ Legado Del Fantasma!
SmackDown returns and Los Garza makes their entrance. The teams sort out and Shelley starts against Angel. They tie up, Shelley headlocks, and holds on as Angel powers up. Shelley grinds the headlock, Angel powers up and out, then he reels Shelley in. Shelley ducks the elbow, Angel drops down then hurdles over, then Angel rolls off Shelley’s back. Shelley trips, covers, ONE! Angelo knocks Shelley down, covers, ONE! Angel kneels and offers a handshake! Shelley is wary, but he accepts. Only for Angel to SLAP him! Angel CHOPS Shelley against ropes, then headlocks. Tag to Berto, Angelo holds Shelley out on the ropes, LEAP FROG ATTACK!
Angel KNEES Shelley down, Berto SOMERSAULT MOONSAULTS! Cover, ONE! Angel shouts for respect, the fans are torn, but Berto CLUBS Shelley. Shelley CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! Shelley tags Sabin, whips Berto, and MCMG DOUBLE BACKDROP! Angel runs up, but into double kicks! Atomic drop, dropkick, DREAM SEQUENCE! MCMG snapmare Berto, Sabin covers, ONE! Sabin clamps on a chinlock and he grinds Berto down. Berto endures, fights up, and he powers up. Angel tags in but Sabin ducks ‘n’ dodges. Sabin tilt-o-whirls, but Berto keeps it going so Angel can KNEE Sabin down!
Berto drags Sabin to the apron, and Angel TAKES OFF THE PANTS! He SMACKS Shelley, then runs to KNEE ENZIGIRI COMBO on Sabin! Los Garza is in control while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Sabin fights out of a cobra twist! But Angel blocks his kick, spins him around, Gory Especial! Tag to Berto, SLINGSHOT NECKBREAKER GORY BOMB COMBO! Cover, TWO!! Sabin survives but Berto seethes. Berto goes to the far corner, runs up, but Sabin dodges! Sabin elbows Berto, Berto traps Sabin, and Angel runs in. Sabin slips away, Angel RAMS into Berto! The fans rally up, Angel grabs legs, but Sabin ENZIGIRIS free! Sabin crawls, the fans rally up, and Sabin hot tags Shelley! Shelley fires hands on Berto, then whips, but Berto reverses. Shelley CLOBBERS Berto!
Shelley BLASTS Angel for good measure! BOOT to Berto, then a tilt-o-whirl RANA! Berto ends up in a corner, Shelley runs in, but he blocks a boot! Sabin tags in, Shelley hands the foot off, DRAGON SCREW! Berto is stuck in ropes, Shelley DRAPING DRAGON SCREWS the other leg! Sabin hops up, MCMG coordinate, DROPKICK to one leg, KNEE DROP on the other! Berto falls, Sabin covers, TWO! Berto survives but Sabin brings him up. Sabin has one of the legs, tag to Shelley, and they hand off the leg to ENZIGIRI and trip! Shelley steps through for a FIGURE FOUR! The fans “WOO~!” while Berto endures!
Sabin intercepts Angel, trips him up, and he has a FIGURE FOUR! The fans fire up as Los Garza endure the same hold! Lopez panics, but Berto crawls, ROPEBREAK! MCMG lets go at 4, and Angel crawls away. Shelley stomps away on Berto’s legs, then steps through again. Lopez distracts, Berto BOOTS free! Roll up, deadlift and SIT-OUT POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO! Shelley survives but Berto tags Angel in. Los Garza brings Shelley up, Sabin runs in, but Berto LARIATS Sabin down! Angel fires knees into Shelley, Berto hoists Sabin up to add him on! Berto runs, FLYING CHUCK into the POWERBOMB POWERSLAM COMBO! Cover, TWO?!?
Los Garza can’t believe it, but this is why MCMG are a highly decorated tag team! “This is Awesome!” as Angel stalks Shelley to ropes. Angel KICKS Shelley in the chest! Tag to Berto, they double military press! But Sabin saves Shelley, then runs up. Angel catches Sabin to a full nelson but he BOOTS Berto away. Sabin then arm-drags free, kicks Angel, and he kicks off Berto to TORNADO DDT Angel! Los Garza bail out, Shelley opens the way! Sabin DIVES and he takes Los Garza down! Sabin sends Berto in, Shelley runs up, LARIAT in the corner! Tag to Sabin, but wait! Pretty Deadly is here, and they’re distracting the ref!
Sabin has Berto while Shelley climbs! Elton keeps the ref’s attention so that Kit can DECK Shelley! Berto rolls Sabin up and Kit shouts to the ref! Elton is arguing with the ref too much now! Berto gives up on the pin, tells the ref to pay attention to the match, and Sabin BLASTS Kit! Shelley tags in, Berto runs up, but into the BOOT ENZIGIRI COMBO! And reset, SKULL ‘N’ BONES!! Cover, MCMG wins!
Winners: Motor City Machine Guns, by pinfall
Pretty Deadly tried to screw Shelley & Sabin out of this one, but they were too dramatic about it! Will nothing stop MCMG from taking those tag titles off of Gargano & Ciampa?
Aldis finds Kevin backstage.
Kevin says, “Can’t you see I’m taping my wrists, Nick?” Aldis does, but this shouldn’t take long. He needs to show Kevin the addendum to the title match contract. Kevin doesn’t like the sound of that. And wait, Cody didn’t sign it. Well, Cody isn’t going to sign it until Kevin signs it. Then guess what? Kevin’s not signing it until Cody signs it. And Kevin doesn’t even trust Aldis anyway, he needs to read this addendum first. And he isn’t doing that until after his match so stop trying to distract him! Kevin storms off, and Aldis says that went well. Will Aldis be able to find a way around this stalemate between champion and challenger?
Piper Niven w/ Chelsea Green VS B-Fab w/ Mia Yim!
The Hot Mess is having her “Spicy Secret Service” fight her battles for her again, and that means a fight with one Briana Brandy. Will B-Fab be fab when she drops Piper like she drops the beat? Or will B be mad when P takes the W?
SmackDown returns as “B-Fabulous” makes her way to the ring. The bell rings and the two circle. Chelsea talks smack, B-Fab gives it back, but then B-Fab dodges Piper! HEEL KICK in the corner! B-Fab talks smack on Piper, whips, but Piper blocks! B-Fab still tries, but Piper wrenches. B-Fab wrenches and DANGEROUS HOOK KICKS! B-Fab turns Piper, then spins her for a FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Piper goes to a corner, B-Fab runs up, but Piper picks her up! URENAGE! Chelsea wants to make sure everyone saw that, then Piper runs. B-Fab avoids the senton! Chelsea panics, B-Fab runs up, and she floats around to a DDT! Cover, TWO!
B-Fab waits on Piper as Piper flounders to ropes. B-Fab then runs up, and she BOOTS Piper out of the ring! Chelsea is freaking out again, but Piper gets back up. B-Fab BOOTS Piper off the apron! B-Fab goes out after Piper, puts her in the ring, but then she steps to Chelsea. Chelsea backs away, talks more smack anyway, so B-Fab LARIATS Chelsea! The fans fire up, B-Fab slides in, but Piper SENTONS! Piper shoves B-Fab to ropes, pops her up, and then pops her into the PIPER DRIVER! Cover, Piper wins!
Winner: Piper Niven, by pinfall
Even after talking it out with Mia, the number game still gets the better of B-Fab. But then Chelsea beats down B-Fab just because she can! SO here comes Mia! The fans fire up as Chelsea runs! Mia dodges Piper to SMACK her with the kendo stick! Mia swings again, Piper blocks, and she SLAPS Mia! Piper takes aim, but Mia YAKUZA KICKS her first! Mia grabs the kendo stick, and she warns both Piper & Chelsea that payback is still coming. Mia helps B-Fab to her feet, will they be united against the #RedWhite&Green?
WWE mourns the loss of Bob Uecker.
Mr. Baseball also had his love of the WWE, being part of memorable moments in those early days, such as calling Hogan VS Andre at WrestleMania 3.
Backstage interview with Tiffany Stratton.
Byron says we saw Tiff make history two weeks ago, but she stops him there. She didn’t make history, she made “Tiffstory.” Uh, sure… She made Tiffstory when she cashed in on Nia Jax and became the WWE Women’s Champion. But now it gets real as she defends that title against Bayley, who is extremely driven to win. What’re Tiff’s comments? Tiff heard that, and Bayley is right, she had a ton of big moments. Bayley’s had a career of big moments, really. But guess what? So has Tiff. Tiff’s been on SmackDown for less than a year, became the youngest Miss Money in the Bank, and now is the WWE Women’s Champion.
And unlike Bayley, Tiff doesn’t need to recreate moments, because Tiff IS the Moment. Sorry, Bayley, but you’ll just have to sit back and watch your little dream die, because right now… It’s Tiffy Time. Tootles. Tiff heads out, confident as ever, but will that confidence all fall apart going up against a woman that paved the way?
Rey Mysterio VS Kevin Owens!
The King of Lucha just wanted to enjoy his homecoming, and The Prizefighter had to interrupt it. Rey tried to explain that officially, Kevin isn’t the champion, and Kevin blew up on him! So now, in an ironic twist, Kevin is getting his dream match with Rey here in Rey’s hometown! Will Kevin make his dream of defeating Rey Mysterio come true? Or will the 619 make it all a nightmare?
The bell rings and obviously the fans rally behind Rey. Kevin is annoyed by that but Rey says he asked for this. They tie up, Kevin powers Rey to a corner, but the ref counts. Kevin lets off slowly, and then says, “This is MY show!” The fans boo more but Kevin and Rey reset. They tie up, Kevin waistlocks and SLAMS Rey down. Kevin flips Rey over, but Rey arm-drags Kevin! Kevin gets upset and the fans boo him more. Kevin and Rey go again, and the chants of “619! 619!” are loud as ever. The two tie up, Kevin kicks low! Kevin CLUBS Rey, wrenches an arm to the wristlock, but Rey uses ropes to flip through! Rey KCIKS a leg, then fires forearms!
Kevin headlocks, Rey powers up and out, then he drops down. Kevin CLOBBERS Rey! Rey tumbles out to the floor and the fans boo more, but Kevin just waits on Rey. The ref starts the ring count, and Rey stands at 3 of 10. Rey takes his time to return, and he’s back in at 6. The fans tell Kevin off in Espanol, and Kevin wants to know what that means. Rey says Kevin knows what it means. The two reset, feel things out, and knuckle lock. Rey avoids the leg hook to then lift Kevin, jump up, and sunset flip! ONE, but Rey dodges a lariat to waistlock. Kevin switches, Rey fires elbows, and then Rey runs. Rey ducks ‘n’ doges, tilt-o-whirls and RANAS!
The fans fire up as Kevin tumbles! Rey ROCKS Kevin at the ropes, whips him, but Kevin reverses. Rey tilt-o-whirls again, but Kevin blocks to SLAM Rey down! And then SENTON! The fans boo but Kevin huffs ‘n’ puffs. Kevin drags Rey up, whips Rey to a corner hard, and Rey staggers back. Rey falls over, the fans tell Kevin off more, but Kevin stays cool. Kevin whips Rey hard to another corner, runs up, but into a BOT! Rey ELBOWS Kevin, goes up, jumps back, and is on Kevin’s shoulders Electric Chair style. Rey throws down hands, then he RAN- NO, Kevin stops Rey from throwing him over! Kevin KNEES Rey down!
The fans boo but Kevin storms out after Rey. Kevin stands Rey up, and he ROCKS Rey in front of the fans! Kevin fires more forearms, the fans rally for Rey, but Kevin puts Rey on the apron. Rey fires forearms and a KICK in return! The fans rally for Rey as he gets up to FLYING RANA! Kevin hits barriers and the fans fire up! Rey gets in the ring, throws off his shirt, and the fans fire up as Rey builds speed! Rey SLIDES and SPLASHES! Both men are down from that hard impact, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Kevin has Rey down with a chinlock. Rey fights up and the fans rally, but Kevin throws Rey down by his mask! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Kevin mocks the 619 chant, and says “SUCK IT!” Kevin stalks Rey to the corner, brings him around, and whips him corner to corner. Rey hits buckles and staggers back, into a back suplex! Rey lands out, dodges Kevin, and Kevin POSTS himself! The fans fire up as Rey goes to the apron. Kevin staggers around, Rey goes up the corner, and Rey FLYING SEATED SENTONS! The fans fire up as Rey keeps moving, and he wheelbarrows to BULLDOG! Cover, TWO!
Kevin stays in this but Rey stays cool. Rey runs, tilt-o-whirls and RANAS Kevin onto ropes! The fans fire up as Rey dials it up! But Kevin SUPERKICKS! Kevin whips Rey to POP-UP, but Rey slips free! Tilt-o-whirl DDT! Cover, TWO!! Kevin survives and both men are down, catching their breath. Kevin goes to a corner, Rey fires shots, then Rey hoists Kevin up! Rey climbs, but Kevin fires body shots! Kevin HEADBUTTS Rey down! Kevin adjusts, and he gives some Latino Heat before he FROG SPLASHES!! Cover, TWO!! Rey knows that move too well, even if Kevin’s a bit bulkier than Eddie ever was.
The fans cheer for “EDDIE! EDDIE!” while Kevin stalks Rey. Kevin stands Rey up against ropes, then he fires forearm after forearm! The ref counts, the fans boo, but Kevin brings Rey to the corner. Kevin puts Rey up top, climbs up to join him, but Rey fights the suplex! Rey fires body shots, then climbs up and over, SUPER SUNSET BOMB! Kevin stagger sup, into a CODE RED!! Cover, TWO!! Rey can’t believe his shoutout to Amazing Red didn’t get it done, but the fans know “This is Awesome!” Rey stalks Kevin, whips him, but Kevin reverses. Rey springboards but Kevin gets under the crossbody! STUNNER!! Cover, TWO?!?
The fans fire up as Rey survives and Kevin is the one stunned! Kevin drags Rey to the drop zone, and he goes up the corner. Kevin aims to SWANTON but onto knees! Rey also knows that move! Rey hurries to dial it up, 619!! Kevin flounders away, and Rey climbs a corner! Kevin stagger sup, bumps the ref, and the ref hits the ropes! That trips Rey, and Kevin whips Rey for the POP-UP POWERBOMB!! Cover, Kevin wins!!
Winner: Kevin Owens, by pinfall
To think Kevin steals one away from the living legend! “The Canadian Dream” then decides to show some respect, and he helps Rey to his feet. Kevin shakes Rey’s hand, but then kicks him low! And tucks Rey in! But here comes Cody!! The fans fire up as Cody and Kevin brawl! Cody gets the better of Kevin, stomps away on him, but refs and producers rush out here! San Diego wants to “LET THEM FIGHT! LET THEM FIGHT!” but Kevin bails out of the ring, winged eagle title in hand. Cody slips free to go around thew ay, and Cody TACKLES Kevin against the desk! The fans fire up as they brawl behind the desk and almost knock Wade & Joe over!
Kevin slips away again as producers pull Cody back! Security rushes out here to also stop this! Cody stands in the ring, Kevin stands on top of a road case. February 1st is still on the horizon, will Cody and Kevin be able to wait these next two weeks?
SmackDown returns and…
Cody and Aldis are in Aldis’ office. Aldis says he tried very, very hard to be patient with Cody and Kevin, but enough is enough. They are out of control! And they won’t even follow simple instructions, like signing a contract! So Aldis has no choice. Next week, Saturday Night’s Main Event, Cody and Kevin must relinquish their respective championship belts so that they can be suspended above the ring at the Royal Rumble. Then they will sign the amended contract in the middle of that ring. And since Kevin doesn’t trust Aldis, and Aldis doesn’t know what Cody’s thinking anymore, Aldis made a call.
Someone else is going to moderate the contract signing. And how perfect for San Antonio than to get their favorite son. Yes, Cody, it’ll be the Showstopper, the Headliner, the Main Event, the Heartbreak Kid, SHAWN MICHAELS! HBK is going to be on Saturday Night’s Main Event, but will he be able to maintain order between American Nightmare and Canadian Dream?
BREAKING NEWS for Saturday Night’s Main Event!
As if San Diego didn’t explode seeing it earlier, San Antonio might erupt as we see Braun Strowman VS Jacob Fatu! Will the Monster of All Monsters be able to slay the Samoan Werewolf? Or will Jacob tear down #OneBigSOB?
Pretty Deadly regroups backstage.
Kit & Elton are confronted by DIY, and Tommaso Ciampa asks what the Hell was that out there! They practically handed the win to MCMG! Elton says admittedly, that didn’t go as planned. But Kit wants Ciampa to see the bright side. Who’s beaten MCMG? DIY! Ciampa says, “Do they think we’re scared of them? We’re not scared of anyone! This isn’t even about them!” Ciampa tells Pretty Deadly to look in the mirror. Just a couple long-haired Englishmen happy to be here, right? Ciampa hates people like that. They are a joke, and everyone is laughing at them! If Pretty Deadly wants a shot at the tag titles, “become nightmares.”
Gargano says that’s tough love. Ciampa is just saying that stuff because DIY believes in Pretty Deadly. But they do need to get their acts together. Pretty Deadly has to make life easier for DIY so DIY can make live better for Pretty Deadly. Chin up, see you next week. Gargano heads out, but Apollo Crews walks in. He pats Pretty Deadly on the shoulders, they shrug him off, but he says he was trying to tell them before. They keep letting DIY string them along, and look where it’s gotten them: Nowhere! Pretty Deadly don’t wanna hear it, Apollo wishes best of luck to them, but then Gargano comes back to attack Apollo!
Johnny Wrestling HAMMERS away on Crews, and says to keep DIY’s name out of his mouth! Gargano throws Apollo down again, then storms off. Will Apollo have to watch what he says?
A Queen is on her way back.
The FOURTEEN-TIME Women’s Champion is almost ready. Will the WWE be ready for a renewed Charlotte Flair?
WWE Women’s Championship: Tiffany Stratton VS Bayley!
We heard from both sides of this match, and oh look! Roxanne Perez is in the crowd. Bayley’s made a full lap through the WWE this week, from Raw to NXT to SmackDown. Will Bayley make this a homerun? Or will the clock keep ticking on #TiffyTime?
SmackDown returns and Tiffany makes her entrance. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and it’s time to have some gold in the Golden State!
The bell rings, Tiff and Bayley circle, then they tie up. They go around, Bayley puts Tiff in a corner, and she lets off cleanly. The fans rally and duel, the two tie up again, and Tiff puts Bayley in the corner. The ref counts, Tiff lets off at 4, and she ties up with Bayley. Tiff hits a headlock and takeover, but Bayley headscissors. Tiff kips free, headlocks, but Bayley powers out. Bayley waistlocks, Tiff switches, but Bayley bucks the O’Conner. Tiff trips Bayley, covers, ONE! Bayley trips Tiff and covers, ONE! The two back off and the fans cheer. Bayley and Tiff tie up, Bayley snapmares, and runs to ELBOW Tiff in the back!
Bayley keeps moving, but Tiff CLOBBERS her! Tiff says it’s her time, but Bayley avoids the handspring! Tiff sticks the landing, then swaggers. Tiff even goes Matrix to dodge! But then Bayley clinches! Tiff fights the suplex, throws Bayley to a corner, then runs up, Bayley ELBOWS Tiff, goes up, leaps, and arm-drags! Bayley keeps moving, SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, ONE!! Tiff gets free, and she SLAPS Bayley! Bayley gets mad, and she LARIATS up and out! Bayley dares Tiff to slap her now! The fans rally behind Bayley while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and Tiff has Bayley in a chinlock. Bayley fights up, the fans duel again, and Bayley JAWBREAKERS free! Tiff runs up but Bayley TOSSES her through ropes! HOTSHOT! Tiff flops back, Bayley goes to the apron, and Bayley runs to DAREDEVIL DROPKICK! Tiff staggers away, Bayley pursues, and she DAREDEVIL- NO, Tiff ducks the dropkick! Tiff kicks Bayley, pushes her through the corner, then YANKS her into the post! The fans are torn but Tiff whips Bayley hard into barriers! Tiff mocks the Bayley fans, puts Bayley in the ring, then covers, TWO! Bayley toughs it out, just as a Grand Slam Champion would.
Tiff stalks Bayley, then runs up to DOUBLE STOMP the bad arm! Cover, TWO! Tiff is annoyed, she stomps Bayley and isolates the arm. Tiff YANKS the arm back! Bayley writhes, but Tiff grabs the arm to WRING it out! Tiff covers, TWO! Tiff brings Bayley up, whips, but Bayley reverses. Bayley runs up, but Tiff puts her on the apron! Tiff ROCKS Bayley, then runs up, but Bayley jumps the sweep! But then Tiff blocks the kick! Tiff throws Bayley down! The fans rally up, Tiff grabs the leg to THROW Bayley down again! Cover, TWO! Tiff is annoyed, but she watches Bayley bail out. Tiff taunts Bayley to get back in.
The fans rally, Tiff kicks Bayley to the floor, and then Tiff again dares Bayley to get in. The ref has Tiff back off, so Tiff goes out the side. Tiff runs in around the way, but Bayley CLOBBERS her first! The ring count is climbing, Bayley eggs Tiff on. Tiff staggers up, into a FLAPJACK onto the apron! Bayley pushes Tiff in to cover, TWO! Bayley stays focused, and she drags Tiff up. Tiff ROCKS Bayley! Bayley ROCKS Tiff! Tiff kicks, Bayley blocks and KNEES back! Tiff rebounds to LARIAT! Bayley’s on the ropes, but she avoids Tiff’s hip attack! Bayley BOOTS Tiff to the outside! Bayley builds speed and DIVES, into a forearm!
Tiff puts the apron skirt over Bayley, and says, “You think you deserve a title?!” Tiff leaves Bayley dangling, and then HIP ATTACKS her against the apron! Bayley flops to the floor, Tiff leaves her behind, and the ring count climbs! The count is 5 of 10, Bayley staggers up to the apron, but Tiff HIP ATTACKS her back down! Tiff then aims to PLANCHA! But Bayley catches Tiff! BAYLEY2BELLY to the floor! The fans fire up and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
The ref checks both women, and they’re both conscious, so the match continues. Bayley drags herself up with the apron skirt, but the count is reaching 5 of 10. Tiff also stands, and both women roll in at 8! Tiff and Bayley slowly catch their breath as a standing count now begins. Bayley drags herself up with the ropes, and she heads for Tiff. Tiff rises, and she swings! Bayley blocks to counter punch! And counter punch again! And again! Tiff runs up, but Bayley LARIATS! And LARIATS! And then slips under to SAIDO!
Bayley fires up and she brings Tiff around to put through ropes! Bayley runs side to side for a KNEE LIFT! Cover, TWO! Tiff survives and Bayley snarls. Bayley drags Tiff up, whips her to a corner, then runs up to ROCK her with a forearm! Bayley puts Tiff sideways in the ropes, then goes up, STOCK DROP! Shoutout to The Boss! Or is it CEO? Cover, TWO! Bayley stays cool, and she brings Tiff back up. Bayley whips Tiff but Tiff reverses. Bayley goes up but Tiff catches her! ROLLING SENTON! Then TIFFY STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Bayley survives, but Tiff puts her in the drop zone! Tiff goes up, but Bayley ROCKS her first!
Bayley climbs up as SmackDown returns to single picture. Bayley reels Tiff in, brings her up, and SUPERPLEXES! Both women are down but the fans fire up again! Bayley crawls to a cover, TWO! Tiff stays in this, the fans rally up more, and Bayley climbs a corner. Tiff hurries to ROCK Bayley! Tiff HOTSHOTS Bayley’s bad arm! Bayley falls from the apron, tumbles into the desk, but Tiff hurries to fetch her. Tiff goes up the corner again, for a TIFFY SWANTON! Then she reels Bayley in, for a TIFFY BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Bayley survives but Tiff clamps on a FUJIWARA ARMBAR! The fans rally and duel as Bayley endures!
Bayley reaches out, rolls Tiff around to a cover, TWO!! Tiff lets go in time, and she wants the arm again! But Bayley THROWS Tiff out! Tiff staggers, but she grabs Bayley’s legs! Tiff drags Bayley out, CLUBS her, and then runs up! Cartwheel into the- NO, Bayley fights the lift! “This is Awesome!” as Bayley GOURD BUSTERS Tiff onto the desk! The fans fire up as Bayley then suplexes Tiff to the floor! It was almost a brainbuster! But now Roxie has to talk smack to Bayley. Bayley says watch and learn, kid! Bayley drags Tiff into the ring, goes up a corner, and MACHO ELBOWS! Cover, TWO!! Tiff survives, but ends up in a CROSSFACE!!
Bayley wants to make a statement, but Tiff SLAMS the bad arm off the mat! But Bayley gets up! BAYLEY- NO, Tiff arm-drags free, then SPINEBUSTERS! High stack, TWO!! Bayley survives and Tiff is growing frustrated. San Diego continues to rally but Tiff drags Bayley to a drop zone. Tiff stomps Bayley, then brings her up for a fireman’s carry. But Bayley fights free! Bayley clinches, BAYLEY2BELLY!! Cover, TWO!!! Tiff survives and Bayley is beside herself! Bayley drags Tiff up, reels her in, btu Tiff wrenches to ARM CODE BREAKER! Tiff hurries to the corner! PRETTIEST MOON- NO, Bayley trips Tiff up! And then she runs, SUNSET FLIP BUCKLE BOMB!
Bayley drags Tiff from the corner to cover, TWO!! Tiff stays in this but Bayley wants more! Fireman’s carry, SWINGING SIDE SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Tiff survives Bayley bringing out some classics, and then Tiff sends her into buckles! Tiff KICKS Bayley in the face, then backslides! TWO, and the arms stay hooked up! Bayley stands up, spins Tiff around, hooks her up, REOSE- NO, Tiff cartwheels through! ALABAMA SLAM! Tiff goes up! PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, TIFF WINS!
Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s Champion)
Bayley gave Tiffy Time an all-time first defense, and Tiff found a way to win! No cheating, no shortcuts, just Tiffy! Will no one stop her from making even more #Tiffstory?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown that made the best of the three hours. For one, it was only natural Rey Mysterio would be here for San Diego SmackDown, and it was good stuff to have him be part of the Cody VS Kevin story this week. Good promos all around, and then an awesome match between Kevin and Rey. Kevin continues to be a genius in the details, from his “Canadian Dream” shirt to then wearing a Rey Mysterio Hall of Fame shirt for the match, and with how he made the rope trip look like a mistake so that the ref can’t reprimand him. Great win for Kevin, great brawl with Cody, and HBK returning to main roster for the contract signing is going to be awesome.
Good promo from Bianca and Naomi before, and Naomi was maybe the smallest bit of passive aggressive towards Bianca over the braid. The tag match with Nia & Candice was great, and that was a great win for Naomi & Bianca. The way this is going, Jade Cargill is going to show herself again for that NXT episode in Atlanta to say it was Naomi, which then costs Bianca & Naomi the titles, making Lash & Jakara the new champs and finally getting those titles back in NXT. Then Bianca and Jade can feud with Naomi in trying to figure out #WhyNaomiWhy, and we can have “The Big 3” even end up in a Triple Threat.
Good promo from Jimmy VS Melo, very good match, mostly on Melo, but of course Tama & Jacob had to “ruin” things. But in a great twist, Solo Sikoa just silently quits on things, so Jacob takes it upon himself to take command. Surely once Tonga Loa is back, and then should they finally bring Hikuleo in, Jacob’s Bloodline can go wild, which compels Solo to make amends with at least his brothers, Jimmy & Jey. LA Knight & Braun Strowman getting in on things is great, too, and we’re going to get an awesome match between Braun and Jacob.
Very good promo from B-Fab & Mia with Chelsea & Piper, and very good match from B-Fab VS Piper, but of course Chelsea helps Piper win that. Mia coming for the save made sense, and that’s definitely a tag match in the making. Great match from MCMG VS Los Garza, but I should’ve figured Pretty Deadly would get involved. The twist was that it didn’t affect anything, MCMG still won. DIY being disappointed in Pretty Deadly, but then Gargano attacking Apollo, that’s some good stuff going forward. DIY VS MCMG is certainly the planned title match, but maybe Apollo finds a new teammate with Baron Corbin not in WWE.
Charlotte being on her way back is great, that vignette was really well done. This is good timing given the Royal Rumble is coming, but also because the title scenes could use some freshening up. Tiff and Bayley each had great promos tonight, and they had an awesome main event match. Roxie being in the crowd was a good detail, but she didn’t really cost Bayley, outside of maybe Bayley starting to split her focus at the end. But naturally, Tiffy won because she’s only just getting her reign going. Tiff could face just about anyone for WrestleMania, but I would think the next challenger is Nia Jax. Tiff needs to prove she can beat Nia straight up, and that’ll be an awesome match.
My Score: 8.9/10
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 1.16.25
The Go Home for Genesis this Sunday! Let’s see what happens!
So Genesis is Sunday, followed by next week’s Live Episode of iMPACT! Let’s see exactly how we get to Genesis and not to bury the lead, the fact the WWE/TNA partnership was extended for a few years is very big news for TNA. More visibility for a nostalgic brand and the younger NXT wrestlers get more opportunities with potential sprinkles of a big name here or there (yes I only really mean AJ Styles, but that’s what we all want to see one more time).
Let’s get to the show and see if it’s a Go Home worth anything.
After her shocking appearance on @WWENXT, @mashaslamovich steps into the confessional with @WeAreRosemary…
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/Dw7ITswj28 pic.twitter.com/YSTXfJZw6X
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) January 17, 2025
Ratings:
- Trent Seven vs Leon Slater: Slater wins via Swanton 450 – *
- Fir$t Cla$$ vs Maniac Marines (Eric Young & Steve Maclin): EY wins via Macho Elbow – ** 3/4
- Laredo Kid vs Jake Something: Jakes wins via Avalanche Something Bomb – **
- The Hardys vs Ohio Versus Frankenstein (Sami Callihan & PCO): Hardys win via Crouton Bomb – ***
Results:
Trent Seven vs Leon Slater
British on British violence! I just appreciate that Trent’s theme is a down tuned remix of Seven Nation Army.
A little back and forth until Slater hits a Reverse Gamengiri, Trent tries to climb back to the apron after the powder, eats a Shotgun Kick. Trent dodges the dive, and Suplexes Leon down the steps at Center Stage. I feel like Slater over sold the spot, but I suppose using your surroundings is always interesting. Leon slides in at 9.5, Trent gets a little cocky and Leon hits two Flash Cradles for near falls, as Trent is reeling from the quick pinfall attempts he eats another Shotgun Kick for a near fall. Trent sells to the corner, eats a Jumping Bootwash, Leon perches Trent, goes for possibly a Spanish Fly but Trent turns it into an Avalanche Flowsion for two!
Bop and Bang, 7 Star Lariat, Piledriver with flourish and…still a two. Birminghammer attempt but Slater flips out of it, Crucifix pinfall for two, Uppercut by Trent and Birminghammer is hit! But Slater…kicks…out? He sells a Suplex where he slides down steps like death, but eats huge signature and finishing moves and kicks out. The psychology in this match is non-existent. Trent does the Finger Break, Leon sells away, hits another Shotgun Kick and Trent powders. X Plex gets reversed into a DDT from Slater. Trent powders off the Ramp, Leon goes to the entrance way runs and jumps off the ramp, then hits the Swanton 450.
Completely stupid match with spots that make no sense. All sizzle no steak, so dumb my IQ dropped 5 points.
The Elegance Clique have a “Pre-Launch Championship Celebration”. Tom Hannifan hates it, the crowd hates it, and the Personal Concierge uncovers a cardboard cut out with a Knockouts Title around their waists…and they are size accurate. Heather is like a My Size Barbie. Ash gives a very cringey speech where she thanks everyone except Heather, the Concierge passes the mic to Heather, Spitfire interrupts of course, and at least Dani cuts the promo to start so it’s tolerable. Yeah this is painfully bad cringe, as much as I didn’t mind the Ash gimmick to start with, this is lame. The only thing saving the segment is the crowd is hot for the the Elegance Clique getting their stuff ruined. So it was lame, but the crowd was into it and Ash sold the destruction of cardboard cut outs like Spitfire just murdered her puppy.
.@PCOisNotHuman and @TheSamiCallihan take on The Hardys! If they win, they’ll secure their spot in the TNA World Tag Team Title match at #TNAGenesis!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/Dw7ITswQRG pic.twitter.com/fO9P2F5d9d
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) January 17, 2025
Well the first 40 minutes of this show are making me wish for a stroke instead of watching this. So hopefully it picks up somewhere.
Fir$t Cla$$ vs Maniac Marines (Eric Young & Steve Maclin)
KC flips out of two of EY’s Back Body Drops and does his “First Class” taunt, so EY just slaps him upside the head and tags in Maclin to start beating on Navarro. I do really like KC’s work. He’s like WWE Lio Rush, but likable and talented. Maclin is beating the hell out of KC though, Lariats him out, goes for the SCUD, but AJ low bridges so Maclin crashes to the outside, KC hits the Tope con Hilo with blind tag so AJ is now legal and they start working over Maclin in the corner. Tennessee Whiskey, and there does seem to be a few First Class fans in the crowd.
Navarro is back in for the 305, quick tags though to keep Maclin eating offense. Splash into Big Boot into Assisted Splash while AJ leans on Maclin literally. KC starts picking on kids in the crowd near Judd Normand, he shoves the actor, the actor shoves him back and AJ comes over to mad dog the actor. Maclin takes advantage of the distraction and drops AJ on the way back in with an Olympic Slam, tags in EY and EY comes out hot. KC tags in, EY levels KC and they start messing around in the corner, AJ tries to break it up but eats a Busaiku Knee from Maclin and then a SCUD. EY manages to throw KC off the turnbuckle and then hit the Macho Elbow for the win.
After the match Eddie, Lish and Brian Myers stand at the entrance way to send a message but not cause any real chaos.
Josh Alexander and his two bitch boys come out to cut a promo on Santana or something. I am about as interested in this as I am in Norwegian Dog Sledding. Josh trying to say Santana is too hurt to go at Genesis when we all know this was filmed the same time like a month ago. You really can’t do doofus attempts a story when you’re promoting the first live episode in nearly a decade or something for next week. At least the match should be good because this build is lame, the jabronis are useless, “Bald Ass Head” is the big insult…sheeeesh.
Laredo Kid vs Jake Something
Well…someone has to win this match, so there’s that.
Nothing special start until Jake comes off the ropes and runs over Laredo sending him flying over the ropes onto the ramp. Jake panders to the crowd, Laredo tries to get something going but Jake steps on his foot to stop any Lucha things, and mollywops him. Jake runs him corner to corner until Laredo moves, strings a few moves together, tries to fly and then gets knocked out of the sky with a Forearm. Only a two count for Jake, but Laredo is definitely doing his best impression of a pinata so far in the match. Laredo gets a desperation Satellite DDT, misses his big attempt, but Jake misses the Spear in the corner, La Magistral gets a 2, a few bad spots from Laredo where it looks like he missed a Satellite Facebuster and sloppy Essex or Canadian Destroyer. Laredo goes to the top, Jake bear paw slap, goes up top and Avalanche Something Bomb for the win.
The Hardys vs Ohio Versus Frankenstein (Sami Callihan & PCO)
Before the Hardys intro, the 23 thing flashes a few times again. So at least they didn’t forget that.
Sami starts with Jeff and gets in a few early shots and goads Jeff with Hardys taunts, then all four get in, throw hands and we go to commercial. We come back from commercial to Matt Delete Turnbuckling Sami, and then Poetry In Motion the classic way! A few quick tags, but Sami eventually knocks down Matt, tags in PCO, Matt’s moves aren’t very effective, Jeff throws himself in too and they get their asses beat by PCO. PCO tags in Sami, Sami slaps around Matt, drags his face across the ropes, tags PCO back in and uses PCO as a battering ram into Matt’s chest. PCO keeps Matt in their corner, tags back in Sami, some simple tandem work and a short 2 count for Sami. Sami calls PCO back in and they’re formulating a tag move, they try the Double Back Drop, but Matt turns it into a Double DDT instead.
Jeff tries to fight them both off, Sami grabs Jeff, PCO goes for the Lariat, malfunction at the junction, Whisper in the Wind mostly hits PCO so Jeff Splashes Sami. Twist of Hate, Twist of Fate, Swanton Bomb from Jeff and the Hardy Boys win!
Before the obligatory contract signing on the Go Home before a PPV, Jordynne walks over to the announce table with the contract for her match with Tessa. Says she’ll leave it with them so she can’t miss it, but hey, “if she doesn’t show up at Genesis it wouldn’t be the first time”. That’s funny.
Joe starts the promo saying he has to win, but its on him to take the title from Nic. There’s an intensity, so it’s not all cornball jokes and shenanigans. That’s kinda nice to start with. Nic takes the babyface angle of “you’re not wrong but I don’t think you’re ready yet kid”. Then he plays the JBL clip from Bound for Glory. Nic tries to use the video to clear his name because Ryan got attacked too. Joe is about to poke a hole in the defense but then Hollywood Abyss Mokuba shows up. “MY BROTHER SETO” Ryan interferes, Nic tries to stop the stupidity but Ryan plows through is about to eat a Standing Ovation but Nic Superkicks Joe to save Mokuba. Nic does stand there as the crowd chants “kick your brother”, but Nic doesn’t pull the trigger but you can tell he’s contemplating.
OH! Sexy Tessy shows up, signs the contract but Jordynne was waiting for her and leaves Tessa laying with a Grace Driver and solid intensity. Okay most of the show was kinda mid but the ending was pretty solid.
Overall Score: 6.25/10
As I said at the very end, most of this show was mid…or mediocre for the older crowd. Indie Spotfest Dumbassery to kick off the show, a few segments that made me question if I was tasting pennies, a decent match with First Class, the stalled push never relevant squad match between Jake and Laredo, and at least the main event match was fun.
The video packages always feel lackluster because the only people really watching TNA currently are hardcore fans. I never really see too many people pull the whole “whoa first TNA episode in 11 years and I decided on the random Go Home instead of the first live episode since 2015”. See, this is why logic matters in booking. WWE gets to have the mentality of “it could be someone’s first time watching it” every week because they the biggest show in town. The name alone will garner random views or transient lapsed fans if they get a whiff of something. However when it comes down to TNA, people are only surprised its still alive.
Even with many questionable hours it wasn’t terrible. It did fine…plus like I just said, there’s opportunity for more random eyes thanks to the WWE merger AND a live episode next week. So the Go Home format won’t change, but hopefully the exposure gives us more congruent storylines.
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