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Mitchell’s NJPW Wrestling Dontaku Results & Report! (5/1/22)

Will the Rainmaker still reign?

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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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Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (3/28/25)

SmackDown in the UK!

Published

on

London calling to the champion crowns!

SmackDown brings gold to London as LA Knight defends his WWE US Championship and The Street Profits defend their tag team titles! Will the landscape change this close to WrestleMania?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • WWE Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits VS Pretty Deadly; The Profits win and retain the titles.
  • Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS The Secret Her-vice w/ Chelsea Green; The Secret Her-vice wins.
  • WWE United States Championship: LA Knight VS Braun Strowman; Braun wins, by disqualification, and Knight retains the title.
  • Charlotte Flair VS Mia Yim w/ B-Fab; Charlotte wins.
  • Randy Orton VS Drew McIntyre; McIntyre wins.
  • Jimmy Uso VS The Miz; Jimmy wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Cody Rhodes is here!

We follow The American Nightmare as walks to gorilla, then through the curtain, and London sings along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro, says hello to fans along the ramp, and then we get the second “WHOA~ OH~!” and pyro. Cody goes to the ring, grabs a mic, then kneels down to kiss the WWE logo on the mat. The fans continue to sing along all the way to the end, “I AM MY KINGDOM!” The fans then cheer, and Cody holds up the belt to fire them up even more! The fans now sing for “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” and he soaks it in. The fans cheer again as Cody smiles, and he finally says, “So, London~! Whaddya wanna talk about?”

The fans chant “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” Cody hears that dueling, and he smiles again. The song of “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” returns, then they cheer. Cody says, “At WrestleMania 41, I will be facing John Cena…” The fans boo, but Cody says, “I will be facing John Cena as he goes to break the record and win 17. But that is WrestleMania 41. In just a few nights, I will be standing face to face with John Cena in this very same city, in this very same arena.” The fans cheer that, but then here comes Randy Orton! Now the fans sing along with Voices as The Viper heads to the ring. Orton also high-fives fans before he joins Cody.

Orton grabs a mic, paces while the fans keep singing on their own, and then the fans cheer. Orton says he’s not really the sentimental type, but for Cody and for London, screw it. The fans chant “R K O! R K O!” and Orton tells Cody, “Look at you. Look at who you are now, the man you are now. Look at where he came from.” The fans cheer and sing “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” and Orton says he remembers a Cody in his early 20s, just breaking into the business. Cody was busting his ass harder than anyone else. He wasn’t exactly happy, and in fact, he was frustrated. But Cody was man enough, smart enough, to know he needed to grow, and that he couldn’t grow in the WWE.

Cody wasn’t exactly treated fairly in the WWE, so Cody left the WWE! That took some big ass balls to do what he did! Cody changed the business singlehandedly, and everyone in the back knows it. And Orton appreciates Cody for it. But then Cody came back, as they all knew one day he would. And the industry has been changed forever since the day Cody came back to the WWE. Cody is a bit teary eyed as Orton says Cody’s still the same guy, he just did what he set out to do, and he grew. Orton teases he would sing along with the fans, but the fans might leave. The fans again sing “CODY! CODY RHODES~!”

Orton asks if they remember when Cody Rhodes faced Seth Rollins in Hell in a Cell. The fans cheer because they do. Orton says that was impressive, and even impossible, as he started with a partially torn pec and then ended with a fully torn pec! His body changed all kinds of shades of purple that Orton’s never seen on a human body. The pain he must have been in. Cody persevered not just for himself. Maybe not even at all for Cody. It was not even for his family legacy; it was for each and every single fan out there! Then Cody went on to WrestleMania, beat Roman Reigns and finished the story!

But there’s always another story, isn’t there? And Cody’s right in the middle of one. Cody is in charge of his legacy, and it is a privilege for Orton to watch Cody take control of it. Ticket sales have been up, there’s more intrigue around the world, and listen to the people! It is 99.9% all because of Cody! The fans cheer that, and of course they sing. Orton says what he’s trying to say is a long-winded version of he respects Cody, loves him, and is very, very proud of him. The fans cheer that! Orton then says, “But… But now it is time for WrestleMania.” They both look to the sign, and Orton says he can guarantee Cody that Orton will kick Kevin Owens so hard in the head…!

Orton can just feel it already! He forgets how many days are left, but he can’t wait to remove Kevin’s head from his shoulders. And Orton knows Cody will enter champion, exit champion, but not before he beats the holy hell outta Cena all up and down the Vegas strip! But after all the smoke clears and the dust settles, just like Orton wants Number 17, there will come a time when Orton will want Number 15. But Orton won’t kick Cody in the balls like a coward. Orton will look Cody in the eye because he respects Cody, is proud of Cody, and sees him as an equal. Orton will look Cody in the eye and tell him that he’s coming for the title.

The fans cheer but wait! Drew McIntyre is here! The fans cheer the Scottish Terminator as he steps out on stage, mic in hand, and has a wry smile on his face as he looks at the ring. Drew waves as the fans now sing, “OH~ Drew McIntyre~!” Drew says, “Isn’t this wonderful? A couple of nepo babies having a love fest in the middle of the ring> It makes me absolutely sick. What’d you just say, Randy? if Cody gets through Cena at WrestleMania, you’re coming for that title? What exactly have you done since that big comeback to justify that title match? Aside be Randy Orton. The only big moment I can remember is you being on the shelf for months and months and months.

“People like to make jokes about it, but more people talk about my five-minute-45-second title reign than your entire comeback so far! So get to the back of the line, sunshine! As for you, Cody, you should’ve listened to me. But you shunned me. You attacked me. Everybody should’ve listened to me about John Cena, but they didn’t. And the next night, he kicked you right in the twig ‘n’ berries, proving me right as usual. And the main event of WrestleMania should be Cody Rhodes VS The UK’s only ever world champion, Drew McIntyre!” Fans do like that idea. But sadly, it’s not, because of that guyliner wearing Temu Undertaker, Damian Priest!

Drew wants to talk about what is happening. And what’s gonna happen! Drew steps up to the ring while fans sing for him again. Drew says it will not be Randy that takes the title from Cody, should he get through Cena; it’ll be McIntyre. The fans cheer, but Orton says they were trying to have a moment. Can Drew just cut the crap already? Drew says okay, sure. He’ll tell the truth, because that’s all he ever does. The truth is, Kevin might have a point! If those Voices are talking to Orton again, then they know Drew very, very well. And he’s thinking, “My God, Randy looks great! Absolutely jacked! On the outside.

On the inside, that back is hanging by a thread. And if Orton provokes McIntyre, McIntyre will break him. And as for Cody- Cody kicks Drew and UPPERCUTS him! The fans fire up, and Orton R- NO, Drew gets away! The fans boo, but the battlelines are drawn! Even if Cody makes it out of the frying pan that is Las Vegas, it’ll be into the fire that is these contenders waiting in line! Will the American Nightmare be ready for whoever comes for the crown?

 

WWE Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits VS Pretty Deadly!

Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins are finally golden again, but it’s time to put the titles on the line already! And while they’re ready for the grind, they’re up against the hometown heroes! Will the Profits still be up in the O2? Or will Kit Wilson & Elton Prince say #YESBOY to a new reign of their own?

The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really wants the smoke!

The teams sort out and Kit starts with Dawkins. They tie up, Dawkins headlocks, but Kit powers up and out. Dawkins runs Kit over, the fans fire up, and Dawkins fires hands on Kit in the corner! The fans rally for Pretty Deadly, Dawkins whips Kit to a corner, but Elton takes that bump! Kit CLOBBERS Dawkins, then tags Elton! Atomic drop into DROPKICK! Ford runs up, but into a DOUBLE HIP TOSS! Dawkins whips, Elton reverses, and then Elton hurdles so Kit can DDT! The fans fire up with Pretty Deadly while the Profits bail out. Pretty Deadly has control while SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Elton is right on Dawkins as he gets in, and UPPERCUTS him to the corner. Elton clinches Dawkins for another UPPERCUT! Tag to Kit, and Elton RAMS into Dawkins so Kit can UPPERCUT! Dawkins flops over, Kit drags him up to wrench the arm. Kit whips, Dawkins reverses, but Kit grabs ropes. Kit ELBOWS Dawkins, DECKS Ford, but Dawkins CLOBBERS Kit! The ref reprimands but Dawkins RAMS Kit into the corner again and again! The ref counts, Dawkins fires fast hands, then he tags in Ford. Ford says, “SUCK IT!” then he KICKS Kit! Ford scuffs Kit, then drags him to a cover, TWO!

Ford keeps Kit down with a facelock, but Kit endures the grind. Kit fights up, fires body shots, but Ford whips him away. Kit sunset flips! Ford rolls through, and PENALTY KICKS! Ford mocks Elton with the Scott Hall fingers, and the ref has to keep Elton back. Ford drags Kit up, tags Dawkins, and the Profits mug Kit. Dawkins CLUBS Kit down, then stalks him. Dawkins stays between Kit and Elton, then whips Kit into the Profits’ corner. CYCLONE- NO, Kit dodges! Ford tags in, he keeps Kit from Elton now, but Kit slips out of the suplex! Kit fakes high to go low, hot tag to Elton! Elton rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT!

Elton kicks and whips Ford to a corner, then UPPERCUTS! Elton whips the other way, UPPERCUTS again, and then does it again! Elton adds to the hattrick with a lift, Ford says a quick prayer before the SUPLEX! Ford flounders, gets to his feet, but Elton dodges to springboard and FLYING UPPERCUT! Cover, TWO! Ford stays in this, but Elton stays on him. SmackDown returns to single picture and fans rally for Pretty Deadly as Elton gives Ford a back suplex. Ford lands out, waistlocks, but Elton switches and shoves Ford. Ford CLOBBERS Elton in return! Ford is also dazed but he covers, ONE!

Kit reaches out, Elton and Ford both crawl, hot tags to Kit and Dawkins! The fans fire up as Dawkins wrenches Kit, underhooks and SILENCER! Dawkins Electric Chair Lifts Kit, Ford climbs, but Kit slips free! Kit shoves Dawkins into Ford! Ford falls to the floor, but Dawkins ENZIGIRIS Kit! Elton tags in, and Kit LARIATS Dawkins! Pretty Deadly combine for DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Dawkins survives and the Profits are a bit unsure of what to do next. Dawkins crawls to a corner, Elton runs up, but Dawkins dodges! Elton hits buckles and Dawkins TOSSES Kit, then Dawkins hits a SKY HIGH on Elton!

Dawkins hurries to tag Ford and Ford climbs up! But Kit pushes Elton out of the way! Kit takes FROM THE HEAVESN, and Elton ghost pins Ford! TWO!! Ford escapes, and he ROCKS Elton! Elton UPPERCUTS Ford! Dawkins sneaks a tag, Ford SUPERKICKS! POUNCE SAIDO COMBO!! Cover, KIT BREAKS IT! The fans fire up while all four men are down! The teams go to opposite ends, then they all stand up in the corners. They all roar, all run in, and Kit SPEARS Ford while Elton FLYING UPPERCUTS Dawkins!! London is thunderous, and Kit hurries to tag in! Pretty Deadly gets Dawkins up, for SPILT MILK!! Cover, FORD BREAKS IT!

The fans are shocked, as is Elton, but Ford saves this for his team! “This is Awesome!” as Ford runs up and Elton TOSSES him out! Now DRY MARTI- NO! Dawkins doesn’t accept the second serving, and he DUMPS Kit out! Kit skins the cat while Dawkins DECKS Elton! Dawkins catches Kit to an Electric Chair! Ford rises, DOOMSDAY BLOCKBUSTER!! Cover, Profits win!

Winners: The Street Profits, by pinfall (still WWE Tag Team Champions)

Pretty Deadly put up a heroic fight, but the hometown heroes could not capture the gold. Dawkins & Ford hold onto the gold, will this be the strongest the Profits have ever been?

 

Kayden & Katana talk with Zelina Vega.

Carter & Chance know La Muneca got screwed over by The Green Administration. Chelsea thinks she’s untouchable, but someone’s gonna stop them eventually. Well, speaking of, Alba Fyre leads the way in as she & Piper Niven “scope the perimeter.” There’s one small threat. They frisk the “miniscule” threat, but nothing they haven’t dealt with before. Chelsea struts in and says, “The Eagle has landed~!” Zelina says she is so glad the “Bootleg Men in Black” have crashed the party. Now, yeah, they all know she’s small. But clearly this small “threat” is a big threat to Chelsea’s title reign. Otherwise, it wouldn’t have taken all three of them to beat her.

KC Squared agree with that. How about tonight, we see what happens when the odds are even? Chelsea says that’s fine, because Agents P & A are ready. The Secret Her-vice has been given their next mission, but will they be able to crash the party? Or will the party crash them?

Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS The Secret Her-vice!

SmackDown returns and The Green Administration makes their entrance. The teams sort out, Alba starts against Katana, and the two tie up. Alba KNEES low, CLUBS Katana down, then fireman’s carries. Katana fights free, tags Kayden, and they KICK, double whip, and then trip Alba up for the basement DROPKICK! Katana adds a slingshot SENTON, Kayden covers, TWO! Kayden tags Katana, they double whip Alba to a corner, then Kayden runs in. Alba DUMPS Kayden out, ROCKS Katana, and she tags Piper! Katana arm-drags Alba out, then goes out to run up. Kayden gives her a boost, Katana CROSSBODIES Alba down!

The fans fire up, but Piper goes up and out?! CANNONBALL and down goes KC Squared! Piper salutes Chelsea and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns, Kayden rallies on Alba while the fans rally up. Kayden fires up, runs in and whips, but Alba reverses. Kayden wheelbarrows, victory rolls, then SUPERKICKS! Kayden fires up again but the fans are torn. Kayden runs in at Alba to BOOT WASH her against the ropes! Chelsea protests, Kayden kicks at her, then Kayden springboards for a LEG DROP! Cover, TWO! Alba survives, Kayden whips, but Alba KICKS back! Tag to Piper, but Kayden jackknife bridges Alba! The ref explains bout the tag, Piper runs up, but Kayden moves! The SENTON hits Alba! Piper panics, Kayden tags Katana!

Katana goes up onto Kayden’s shoulders, VICTORY ROLL LAUNCHER, but Piper catches Katana! Katana fires hands, BOOTS, and then hurries to go up again. Kayden ROCKS Piper, and fireman’s carries?! SAMOAN DROP! Kayden then gives Katana the boost, for the KEG STAND SPLASH!! Cover, ALBA BREAKS IT! Kayden runs up on Alba to BOOT her out! Katana gives Kayden the boost now, SUPER CROSSBODY onto Alba! Kayden hurries to tag back in, and she brings Piper up. Piper swings, Kayden dodges and SUPERKICKS! Katana goes up, Piper staggers over that way, but Chelsea distracts the ref!

The fans are torn as Alba grabs Katana. Katana kicks Alba down, chases Chelsea off, but Piper sends Kayden into her! Piper scoops to PIPER DRIVER!! Cover, Secret Her-vice wins!

Winner: The Secret Her-vice, by pinfall

The Women’s US Champion helps her team, and now they all mug Kayden & Katana! But here comes Zelina! Vega runs down the ramp, CLOBBERS Alba, and then she gets in the ring! Zelina tilt-o-whirl DDTS Piper! And she KNEES Alba off the apron! But Chelsea CLOBBERS Zelina! Chelsea fires up, the UK is oddly with her, and she chicken wings Zeina. But Zelina fights free to fire forearms and body shots! And a BACK ELBOW! Zelina reels Chelsea in, CODE- SUPERKICK from Alba! SENTON from Piper! The Green Administration is just too much for Zelina to fight against alone! But can she, Kayden & Katana find a way to turn things around?

 

WWE United States Championship: LA Knight VS Braun Strowman!

Did the Mega Star just get this title back from Shinsuke Nakamura? YEAH! Did he help the Monster of All Monsters fight off Solo Sikoa’s rouge bloodline? YEAH! And now, does he have to defend this title against the monster he just helped? YEAH!! But will Knight still reign this close to WrestleMania? Or will Braun #GetTheseHands back on a championship?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and it’s time for Knight’s biggest challenge, YEAH!

The bell rings and the fans rally up as the two circle. The two tie up, and Braun SHOVES Knight away. Knight comes back, Braun SHOVES him down again! Knight gets up, gets around, and he headlocks. Braun powers up to back suplex, but Knight lands out! Knight tries but Braun’s too big to suplex! Braun ELBOWS Knight, storms up on him, but Knight fires haymakers! Knight whips, Braun reverses, but Knight KICKS back! Knight runs, but Braun HIP TOSSES! Cover, TWO! Knight stays in this, but Braun brings him up. Braun puts Knight in a corner, CHOPS, then runs, for a SPLASH! Knight sputters along ropes, Braun keeps moving, but Knight DUMPS him out!

The fans fire up as Knight then WRECKS Braun with a dropkick! Knight keeps moving, and he WRECKS Braun again! The fans fire up with Knight, but then Braun BOOTS Knight down! The fans are torn but Braun stands tall as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Braun puts Knight back in the ring. The fans cheer as Knight KICKS Braun! Knight tries again, but Braun’s still too big to back suplex! Braun CLUBS Knight, then runs in at the corner. Knight BOOTS Braun, goes up, and FLYING BULLDOGS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Knight and Braun rise back up, and Knight dodges a shot to JAB! Then he dodges to JAB! JAB! JAB! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” But Braun KNEES low! Braun scoops, Knight slips free, and Knight RAMS Braun into buckles! Then the BACK SUPLEX! The fans fire up and Knight rises again! Knight spells it out, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO!

Braun has plenty left in the tank but the fans rally for Knight. Knight stands Braun up to kick low, but Braun THROWS Knight away! Knight rises, and Braun LARIATS Knight up and out! The fans fire up as Braun rips the shirt! Braun gets on the track, and he runs in, STROWMAN EXPRESS MEETS JACOB FATU!! The Samoan Werewolf strikes Braun down!

Winner: Braun Strowman, by disqualification; LA Knight retains the title

The fans boo as Jacob now goes after Knight! He just ruined what was becoming a great match, but Jacob fires HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT on Braun! SAMOAN DROP onto the desk!! The desk doesn’t budge, but Braun might’ve been broken in half! The UK fires up for Fatu as he puts Braun in the ring! Jacob fires more HEADBUTTS, then HEADBUTTS away on Braun in the corner! The fans sing “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE, FATU~, FATU~!” Jacob runs corner to corner, but Knight kicks him first! Knight fires haymakers, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Jacob denies the BFT to POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! And then HIP ATTACK for Braun anyway!

Jacob keeps going, HIP ATTACK for Braun again! Jacob throws off his jacket, glares at Braun, and he runs in for a third HIP ATTACK! Braun flounders into the drop zone, so Jacob goes up, up, BEST MOONSAULT EVER! Direct hit on Braun, but the fans want that “ONE MORE TIME!” Jacob obliges, BEST MOONSAULT EVER! The Samoan Werewolf just tore up #OneBigSOB and LA Knight, will there be no stopping him from taking the United States Championship?

 

Backstage interview with Jimmy Uso.

Jackie Redmond is with #BigJim, and she says that while she knew WWE was going global this month, she did not know they’d get the slap heard ’round the world! Jimmy says he’d do it again, and he’ll slap Gunther as many times as he needs! Jimmy knows Jey is up in his own head, doubt is creeping on him. But just because Jey’s 0-3 against Gunther doesn’t mean Gunther’s unbeatable! The Ring General CAN be got! Jimmy’s going to Raw this Monday, he will bust Gunther’s ass, Jey will go to Mania and bust Gunther’s ass to become the WWE World Heavyweight Champion. And then they leave Las Vegas just like this: YEET!

Jimmy heads out, but then The Miz & Carmelo Hayes walk by. Miz is mocking Jimmy’s words, and he asks excuse me. Miz says it’s just funny that suddenly, Jimmy is a tough guy, even though for most of his career, he’s been “The Other Uso.” Doesn’t Jimmy get it? Jimmy and Jey are career sidekicks while Gunther is a main character. Gunther is the lead, neither Jimmy nor Jey can beat him. And here’s another thing: The Usos are just blips on the trailer that was Roman Reigns’ Bloodline. Melo says Jimmy & Jey are stuck outside the club, they can’t even get in.

Miz says as a former WWE Champion, a former WrestleMania main eventer, Jimmy will never know what it is to carry this industry. And after this year’s WrestleMania, neither will Jey. Oh, and by the way, if Jimmy ever slapped Miz like that, Jimmy would still be on the ground. Jimmy feints the slap and Miz freaks out. Jimmy says it may be him and Gunther on Monday, but he’ll holler at Aldis real quick so it can be Jimmy VS Miz here tonight. Yeah, YEET! Jimmy heads out, Melo says he thought Miz was gonna do something about the slap. Will Miz have to do something about running his mouth before he gets his teeth kicked in?

 

Solo Sikoa & Tama Tonga find Jacob Fatu backstage.

Solo asks Jacob what the Hell he was doing out there. Jacob goes out there alone without saying a thing to them? Jacob says he ain’t gotta say nothing to nobody! Matter fact, didn’t Solo not tap in with him last week? Tama says, “But Jacob,” only for Jacob to say, “But nothing, Tama!” Solo wants Jacob to lower his tone, but Jacob says okay. Let him be very clear with them. When it comes to Braun Strowman, Jacob WILL be the last man standing. Y’all better get in where you fit in, cuz that US title? Oh, Jacob’s bringing it home to the family. And he will do it with them, or without them! Yadada mean? Fatu heads out, is the Samoan Werewolf no longer following Solo?

 

Naomi speaks.

“I mean… How did we even get here? I don’t know. One thing that I do know is that I’ve always been the woman to do the right thing. I’ve always been the woman to do the right thing. So Bianca, what makes you think that my attack on Jade was anything different from me doing the right thing? When I sit here and I think about all that I’ve sacrificed, all that I’ve given, and that’s what really breaks my heart. Because through all of that, I’m made to be the bad one in this situation. I just don’t understand, how does Jade come in outta nowhere and take my place with you? I want you to ask yourself this, Bianca. Who inspired you? Hmm?

“Who’s inspired women over the last decade? Who’s always had your back from day one of you being here? Me. Not Jade. Hmm. But you know what? What I’ve learned through all of this: You teach people how to treat you. And I’m done with being treated as a third wheel. I’m done being pushed to the side, I’m done with being too nice, I’m done with being undervalued, underutilized, underappreciated! So moving forward, hmm… Moving forward, here’s my message to you, Jade. If you continue to be in my way, I strongly advise you to proceed with caution.” The Glow shows her dark side, but will the storm be moved?

 

Nick Aldis meets with Jade Cargill.

Speaking of, the SmackDown General Manager understands things have been rather difficult for her as of late. Jade says she’s been trying to get her hands on Naomi for the past few weeks, now where is she? No one has seen her all day, so as far as anyone knows, Naomi’s not here. Well, when Jade catches Naomi, it’s on sight. Jade leaves, B-Fab & Michin are there. They let her know that what Naomi did to her was straight trash, totally uncalled for behavior. And after Jade gets her hands on Naomi, she’ll handle that business. Jade agrees. Mia says they’ve all got business to handle. Jade’s got Naomi, and Mia’s gonna get Charlotte for messing with her girl, B.

B-Fab says Naomi’s got what’s coming to her: no sympathy, no regrets. Jade, just do what you gotta do. Oh, she will. Jade also wishes Mia luck tonight. Mia & B-Fab head out, will the Head Baddie in Charge make the Queen bow down in London?

 

The darkness approaches.

“You are as I was. As I am, you will be.” The shadows are starting to take shape, but is SmackDown about to fade to black?

 

Charlotte Flair VS Mia Yim w/ B-Fab!

The Queen looks down on everyone, so it’s no surprise that everyone else wants to take her down. Charlotte may have checked off B-Fab, but will the HBIC be a much different story? Or will Charlotte only sharpen her edge before facing Tiffany Stratton at WrestleMania?

WAIT! NAOMI ATTACKS B-FAB & MICHIN! Naomi drags Mia up for a FACEBUSTER! Naomi rains down fists, the ref reprimands and the fans boo, but Naomi tells the ref to back off. Naomi then BOOTS B-Fab off the apron! Naomi goes out after B-Fab to THRWO her into barriers! Naomi SLAPS B-Fab, tells her to stay down, but B-Fab gets up. Naomi fires hands, then she SMACKS B-Fab off the desk! Naomi rains down fists, but here comes Jade! Jade hurries down the ramp, she runs around the way, but Naomi runs away! Jade makes sure B-Fab is okay, but refs have to help her to the back. And what of Mia? Will she even be able to compete?

Charlotte makes her entrance, not really caring about what Naomi just did to Mia. But that means she also crosses paths with Jade. The fans like the look of this stare down, but Jade and Charlotte both let the other slide. Charlotte gets her pyro, and it seems she’ll still get her match. Will Mia be little more than an appetizer now?

The bell rings, and Charlotte BOOTS Mia down! Cover, TWO! Mia stays in this and the fans rally up. Charlotte just struts around while SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns, Charlotte has Mia down with a chinlock, but the fans rally up. Mia fights up, fires body shots, and she then blocks a shot to ROCK Charlotte! Mia ROCKS Charlotte again and again, then reels her in for a TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up as Mia hurries to cover, TWO! Mia drags Charlotte up, wrenches, but Charlotte says no to Da Feet! BIG back suplex! Mia stagger sup, Charlotte whips her, but Mia reverses! Charlotte goes up and out, BOOTS her away, then slingshots in and rolls Mia! Mia rolls through and BUZZSAWS! Mia runs corner to corner, but Charlotte avoids the cannonball!

Charlotte YAKUZA KICKS Mia down, then fires herself up! The fans “WOO~!” as Charlotte has Mia in the drop zone,. Charlotte steps on her, goes up the corner, but Mia gets underneath her! SIT-OUT POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO! Charlotte survives and Mia is shocked! Mia nods as the fans rally back up, and she brings Charlotte up. But Charlotte ROCKS Mia! Mia SOBATS, PELES, and then runs to PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! Charlotte stays in this, Mia grows frustrated, but the fans continue to rally. Mia uses that energy to stay focused, and she stalks Charlotte to waistlock. But Charlotte ELBOWS her away!

Charlotte CHOPS, and CHOPS, and CHOSP! Charlotte winds up, and she CHOPS again! Mia sputters, but then she dodges the boot! Charlotte is caught, and Mia hits a SAIDO! Charlotte flounders to a corner, the fans rally behind Mia, and Mia runs up, CANNONBALL! Mia hurries to wrench and EAT- NO, Charlotte shoves Mia away! Charlotte gets under, back suplexes, but Mia lands out! EAT DA FEET!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Charlotte’s long legs help her survive by a literal foot! Mia is beside herself while Charlotte bails out. Mia storms after Charlotte, runs up, but Charlotte dodges! Mia’s kick hits steel steps!

Mia hobbles away, goes to the apron, but Charlotte CHOP BLOCKS the bad leg out! Charlotte grabs Mia’s leg, drops a KNEE on the knee, but fans chant, “We Want Tiffy!” Charlotte just steps through, FIGURE FOUR, into FIGURE EIGHT!! Mia taps, Charlotte wins!

Winner: Charlotte Flair, by submission

Charlotte got more of a fight out of Mia than expected, but she still won. Will The Queen be more than ready to reign again after WrestleMania?

 

Backstage interview with Tiffany Stratton.

Jackie Redmond is with the WWE Women’s Champion and says Charlotte certainly looks confident. Let’s be real, Charlotte came at Tiff pretty hard. It got a lot of people talking. Tiff says yes, people talk. And Charlotte sure loves to hear herself talk. Ten years into the business and Charlotte is still so insecure that she can’t let a “rookie” get a word out. But last week, Tiff did learn something: She learned that walking into WrestleMania, she isn’t the one with something to lose. Truth is, if Tiff loses, then she lost to the great Charlotte Flair, as just a 25-year-old rookie with one year into SmackDown.

But if Charlotte loses… Well, then she lost to an “undeserving, delusional, unoriginal, backflip doing, blonde-hair-having, little girl.” Did she get it all? And Tiff can’t wait to hear the look on Charlotte’s face when they hear the words, “And STILL!” Then maybe Charlotte will finally shut up for the sake of literally everyone! They say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, and Tiff will make damn sure what stays is Charlotte’s massive ego. Tiff is walking into and out of Mania as the WWE Women’s Champion. Tootles! Tiff heads out, will it still be #TiffyTime after WrestleMania?

 

Randy Orton VS Drew McIntyre!

The Viper told Cody how proud he was, but also how he wants the next shot after John Cena. The Scottish Terminator took offense to that, and basically said he is taking that shot instead. Will this match be an unofficial #1 contender’s match between these two former world champions?

SmackDown returns and McIntyre makes his entrance. The bell rings and the fans sing, “OH~, Drew McIntyre~!” and chant “R K O! R K O!” Drew and Orton circle, tie up, and they go around in a deadlock. Drew powers Orton to a corner, but Orton headlocks back. Drew powers up and out, then he runs Orton over! Orton hurries to ropes and Drew mockingly asks, “How’s the back feel, Randy?” Orton stands, he and Drew reset, and the fans duel some more. Drew calls for a knuckle lock, Orton accepts, but then Drew kicks low! Drew bumps Orton off buckles, then climbs up, but he panders for too long and Orton YANKS him down!

The fans fire up as Orton climbs now! Orton rains down fists, and the fans count to nine. Orton hops down, brings Drew around, and POSTS him for ten! Drew tumbles out of the ring, Orton goes out after him, and they’re by the desk! But Drew kicks Orton first and SMACKS him off the desk! Drew clears the desk, and he brings Orton up for the DESK- NO, Orton fights free! Orton turns things around, DESK BACK SUPLEX for Drew! The fans fire up while Orton leaves Drew behind, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Drew writhes on the floor, but Orton goes out to fetch him! Orton brings Drew around, UPPERCUTS him, then says one more time! DESK BACK SUPLEX! Drew writhes as that desk stays standing! Orton grins, refreshes the ring count, and then he storms up on Drew. Drew pokes Orton in the eye! Drew POSTS Orton now, then brings him around to RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP into barriers! Orton slumps down, and Drew also grits his teeth from that double-edged attack, but Drew fires up as he stands tall. Drew drags Orton up, puts him in the ring, then stalks Orton. Drew looms over Orton, and HIP DROPS him!

Orton sputters, Drew says one more time, and he winds up for the HIP DROP! Drew paces around Orton, says maybe one more time, and he pretends he can’t hear the fans. Drew winds up again, but Orton flips over! Hip drop meets kneecaps! And then Orton pokes Drew in the eyes! The ref reprimands but Orton rises up. Drew sputters and flounders, Orton ROCKS him with a right! Drew ROCKS Orton back! Drew storms up, Orton kicks low, but Drew fires another haymaker! The haymakers go back and forth, Orton gets the edge, but Drew GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTTS! Cover, TWO! Drew clamps onto Orton with an armlock!

SmackDown returns to single picture and the fans rally up. Orton fights up, pries at the chinbar, and then throws right hands! Drew CHOPS Orton in return! The fans “WOO~” and Drew winds up. Drew ROCKS Orton again, eggs him on, then CHOPS again! Drew shoves Orton to a corner, CHOPS again, then dares Orton to fight! Drew whips corner to corner, but Orton comes back to LARIAT! And LARIAT! Drew swings, Orton dodges, SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up as Orton stalks Drew to the apron. Drew HOTSHOTS Orton first! Drew then runs in, but Orton puts him through the ropes!

The fans fire up as Orton has Drew for the DRAPING DDT! The fans fire up for Orton, and Orton hears those voices! Drew rises, but then Orton spots KEVIN OWENS! The Prizefighter is on the ramp, Orton glares at him, but then he turns around into a CLAYMORE!! Cover, DREW WINS!

Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall

Kevin’s mere presence costs Orton, and now Drew has a huge win propelling him down the Road to WrestleMania! As for Orton, Kevin drags him out of the ring, SMACKS him off the desk, and then climbs up to join him! The fans boo but Kevin and his hot pink sneakers have Orton in position, but Orton slips free and TRIPS Kevin up! Kevin hits the desk then the floor! Orton staggers around, the fans rally behind him, and Orton stalks Kevin to the corner of the barriers. Orton lines up the shot! Orton runs in, but Kevin jumps over barriers! Security is there to stop Orton from pursuing, so Kevin runs away into the night!

The fans boo, but The Viper was that close! Will Orton be able to strike Kevin down and completely take him out?

 

Fire, thunder, smoke…

The force of nature is drawing ever closer. And he’s ready to fly! REY FENIX arrives next Friday Night SmackDown!

 

Jimmy Uso VS The Miz!

#BigJim gave Gunther a piece of his mind and a mark on his cheek, but it seems not everyone got the message. Will the Hollywood A-lister soon star in the Uso Penitentiary? Or will he prove Jimmy is NOT ready for a world champion level opponent?

The bell rings and the two tie up. Jimmy powers Miz to a corner, Miz turns things around, and the ref counts. Miz takes a swing, Jimmy ducks it to CHOP! And CHOP! Miz shoves Jimmy back, then runs up, but Jimmy TACKLES Miz! Jimmy rains down fists, Miz shoves him away to go to ropes, but Jimmy storms back up. Miz ELBOWS Jimmy away, then runs back up, only for Jimmy to LARIAT him down! The fans fire up while Jimmy storms up on Miz. Jimmy CHOPS Miz, has him in a corner, then whips corner to corner. Miz reverses, Jimmy goes up and over, then UPPERCUTS! Miz staggers back to ropes, but Jimmy is right on him.

Jimmy whips, Miz reverses and kitchen sink knees! Then basement BOOTS! The fans fire up, Miz scowls, and Miz KNEES Jimmy in the back again and again. Miz stalks Jimmy to the ropes now, and he CHOKES Jimmy! The ref counts, Miz runs, and Miz STRADDLE ATTACKS! The fans boo, but Miz runs again. Jimmy ducks the boot, then dodges a lariat! Jimmy runs up to LARIAT Miz up and out! The fans fire up and Jimmy builds speed, but Miz runs away! Jimmy smirks as he goes out the side, and UPPERCUTS Miz over the barriers! Jimmy makes sure Gunther knows he’s coming to get him, but SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and both men are down. Miz and Jimmy crawl, and Jimmy pounds the mat. The fans rally, Jimmy rises and runs up to LARIAT! And LARIAT! And mule kick! Jimmy then UPPERCUTS Miz, dodges a lariat, then SAMOAN DROPS! The fans fire up, Jimmy goes to the corner, “UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs in, but Miz puts him on the apron! Jimmy UPPERCUTS again! Jimmy climbs, leaps, but Miz gets under! Miz then waistlocks, ripcords, and MOVIE MAKER! Fans boo that blatant parody, but Miz full nelsons! Jimmy drops, victory rolls, TWO! Miz has the cover, TWO! Miz hurries to BASEMENT DDT! Cover, TWO!

The fans rally up as Jimmy survives! Miz stalks Jimmy, the fans rally up more, and Miz fires a KICK! And then another KICK! The fans say “YES! YES! YES!” to the It Kicks, but then Miz winds up. Jimmy ducks the buzzsaw, Miz blocks the superkick, but the DRAGON WHIP connects! Miz rebounds to B-MOVIE KNEE!! Cover, TWO!! The parodies don’t get it done, but Miz still has his original work to fall back on. The fans rally for “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Miz runs in, A-LIST LARIAT! Miz shoves Jimmy down, then springboards, but into a SUPERKICK! Jimmy hurries up top, for the USO SPLASH!! Cover, Jimmy wins!

Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall

Miz may be a movie star, but Big Jim’s the one winning this main event! Jimmy then borrows Joe Tessitore’s headset to call out Gunther! He’s coming after dat ass on Monday! Gunther won’t be the ring general, he will be “Private Gunther,” and he will salute Big Jim! Uh, uh, YEET! Will Jimmy be the one making examples out of the World Heavyweight Champion? Or will everything come crashing down when Gunther gets his turn?

 

Drew McIntyre returns backstage.

And he says hey to Lewis Capaldi, the Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, and also a big fan of Drew’s. They’re ready to have a good night in the pub, but Jackie Redmond walks over to congratulate him on the win tonight. She was hoping to get some thoughts on that victory and what happened with Orton and Kevin. Drew says it’s alright, this is what happens. He doesn’t care about anybody else’s business, but no one gets away with screwing him over. And when no one meddles in his business, he wins! Drew called out Priest, where is he? Priest doesn’t have the balls! So time to get mad in the pubs, everyone’s invited!

Drew turns the corner, but PRIEST IS THERE! Priest ROCKS Drew, SMACKS him off the door, then throws him into road cases! Priest ROCKS Drew, SMACKS him off the trunk of a car, and then again! Or since it’s London, “the boot.” The driver complains, but Priest BODY SLAMS that guy through a table! Drew comes back to KNEE Priest low, SMACK him off the trunk, and then off the side! They go to the hood, or bonnet for UK. Drew drags Priest up, but Priest CLAWS Drew’s eyes! Priest then sends Drew SOUTH OF HEAVEN through the windshield! Priest tells security that he’s done for now. Any more jokes, Drew? Didn’t think so! RIP, jackass!

Priest leaves, the producers hurry to help Drew, and Drew’s got glass in his eye! Will that glass help Drew see why he shouldn’t piss off the Punisher?

 

CM Punk heads to gorilla.

He has a security detail with him, and he passes by Drew writhing in pain. Punk chuckles, then continues on. Will his contract signing with Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins be just as brutal? We find out, after the break.

 

Nick Aldis is in the ring.

The SmackDown General Manager welcomes us back, and says it is his honor and privilege to be here in the O2 in London. Now, we all know why he and this table is here, and why additional security is here tonight. Tonight, we are here to sign a contract for a Triple Threat. Perhaps the biggest Triple Threat in the history of WrestleMania: Seth Rollins VS CM Punk VS Roman Reigns! The fans cheer all those names, and here comes the OTC! London puts the ones up, and Paul Heyman accompanies THE Tribal Chief out on stage. Roman raises his finger to the sky for the pyro, then security follows him to the ring.

SmackDown goes picture in picture as Roman’s entrance continues, and he raises his finger to the sky for the second round of pyro. Roman steps into the ring, SmackDown returns to single picture, and Heyman hands him a mic. The fans sing, “ROMAN! ROMAN REIGNS~!” Roman nods, the fans cheer, and now they chant, “O T C! O T C!” Roman tells London, “ACKNOWLEDGE ME!” The fans cheer again, and again chant, “O T C! O T C!” Roman smiles, but he sees the chairs are not to his liking. Heyman makes sure to put one at the head of the table. Heyman also dusts the chair off while Roman enjoys the singing of, “ROMAN! ROMAN REIGNS~!”

Roman takes a seat and says that was beautiful. The way they sing to their Tribal Chief, it’s just beautiful. The singing continues, and Heyman even joins in! Roman smiles, and he says that is what he’s talking about. That’s the OTC for you, baby! The biggest star on the planet! The OTC came here for two reasons. One: to be acknowledged; check! And two: to sign this contract. Roman does just that, and he says he’s checked both boxes. That means- “BURN IT DOWN!” Seth Rollins interrupts! The fans now sing, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” Rollins struts out in his red wine paisley suit and conducts the O2 Choir all the way into the ring.

The fans cheer while Roman frowns, but Rollins takes the seat to Roman’s left. Rollins offers Heyman a chance to sing to this song, but Heyman frowns. Rollins chuckles, and he says the fans do have beautiful singing voices. He doesn’t know why Roman is in such a hurry to leave, though! This is their building! There’s a lot of history here! 12 years ago, they landed on the roof of this place in a helicopter! They came down those stairs over there, “ready to burn down the old guard!” They put the Undertaker down through the desk, and they were going to remake this company in their image!

Now don’t get him wrong, Rollins knows a lot has happened since then. They fought against each other, with each other, a little bit of love and a whole lot of hate. But Rollins dare says, as the fans continue to sing “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~,” that Rollins and Roman accomplished their mission. The fans start to chant for CM Punk, but Rollins tunes them out. Roman says, “We? We? You keep saying we. Our mission? We died a long time ago. It’s only been ME. You been here, but I done all the work! I’ve made this place what it is today! I took us to the level that we are here today! I made this place better than we found it!

“I’m the one that made us desirable to Netflix! I’m the one that took us into billion-dollar deals! Tell me, what have you done?” Rollins shouts, “I’ll tell you what I’ve done! YOU, YOU, YOU, it’s that mindset that keeps me having to screw you! You understand that? And your biggest mistake is not understanding the danger that’s right in front of us! The danger that’s right in front of you! You let the biggest snake in the world, CM Punk, into the garden! And you could’ve cut his head off at WarGames! But instead, you shook his hand. You could’ve let me finish him inside the cage at The Garden, but you didn’t. And now, I am left to do what I always do: Clean up your mess, again.”

Rollins drops his mic, picks up the pen, and signs his part. And now, here comes CM PUNK! The fans fire up and sing along with Cult of Personality, then join in on saying, “IT’S CLOBBERIN’ TIME~!” Punk goes to the ring, but as he grabs a mic, he goes up a corner, just like he did last Friday. “I have come here to chew bubblegum and sign a contract. And I’m all outta bubblegum.” The fans cheer the Rowdy Roddy Piper reference, and Punk hops down to take his seat on Roman’s right. Punk looks over said contract, but Roman asks if Punk needs a highlighter or something. What’s he doing? Just go to page four, clause five.

Punk does as Roman says, but Roman says Punk needs to hurry, this is precious TV time. Punk reads the segment, Roman tells Heyman to just smarten Punk up. Heyman tells Punk he knows what Punk is looking for. It is in there. They’re closing the show at WrestleMania. The fans go wild hearing that! Heyman tells Punk that he gets to live his dream of dreams. CM Punk will be a WrestleMania main eventer! The fans cheer and while Roman smiles, Rollins is furious. Roman says, “One man’s dream is another man’s favor! CHECK!” Wait, this was the favor? Rollins says no! This is not something to laugh at, and Punk does not get to tear up!

Punk is NOT deserving! He does NOT deserve this! The fans boo but Rollins continues to throw a fit! Main eventing WrestleMania is SACRED, the most important thing in the world to Rollins! More than anything! Except the fact that Punk NEVER gets to main event! This is all Roman’s fault! This is all Heyman’s fault! Rollins THROWS his mic down, paces angrily, but Punk picks up the mic. The fans cheer Punk on again, and Punk stands to thank London, to thank Chicago, to thank Louisville, Kentucky, and to thank ALL the fans. As corny as it sounds, he thanks the WWE Universe who stood by him and chanted his name for TEN LONG YEARS!

Roman says hold on, hold on. Punk shouldn’t be thanking the fans! He should be thanking the Tribal Chief! It is because of Roman that Punk gets this honor! So please, take this moment, close the show with that acknowledgement! Do this the right way. The credits are already rolling as Punk kneels before Roman!? Punk smiles, and he thanks “My Tribal Chief, the holder of the ula fala, the Head of the Table, the… Big Dog? Thank you for allowing a kid from Chicago to be graced by your presence. Thank you, My Tribal Chief, for allowing me to stand in your ring. And thank you so much. Thank you, Roman Reigns, so very much.

“But because of you, I will see you in the main event of WrestleMania.” And again, Rollins is agonizing over this. Punk finishes putting his signature on the contract, and London tells him, “You Deserve It!” Punk thanks Roman again, and then says, “But that’s not the favor that I’m owed.” WHAT?! Roman looks at Heyman and Heyman can’t look him in the eye! If getting this Triple Threat made into the main event isn’t the gift of the Wise Man, then what is?!


My Thoughts:

A good SmackDown, but they pulled off quite the paradox. They made it feel like they were struggling to fill three hours, yet they also filled the show to the point where that contract signing segment was almost bleeding over the three hour mark. Ironically, part of the problem was just how excited the London crowd was for this. The superstars still wanted to enjoy the chants and songs, but that’s time SmackDown doesn’t have to spare. It made the opening promo from Cody, Orton and Drew take longer, and it kinda did the same to the contract signing at the end. Even so, we still got a very good promo, and good stuff to set up Orton VS McIntyre.

Orton VS McIntyre was a great match, but of course Kevin costs Orton. McIntyre gets his win, Kevin and Orton have a bit of a brawl, but of course Kevin ends up on the losing end and runs off. McIntyre’s trash talk also comes back to bite him as Priest gets the better of him in their brawl. Here’s hoping Drew didn’t actually get glass in his eye, but that being the thing in kayfabe can be some good stuff. I can imagine McIntyre with an eyepatch, and he takes it off at the opportune time to get the better of Priest in their match. Also what a fitting choice for Punk to be passing by Drew suffering because of real glass.

Very good title matches tonight, but of course the status quo was kept. Pretty Deadly gets to look great here in London, but the Profits only just got the belts, they’re not going to be transitional champions like that. And Knight VS Braun was really good stuff, but honestly, Jacob Fatu going after them both should’ve been a given. Jacob also had a great promo with Solo & Tama to start adding to that divide between Jacob and Solo. I would hope Solo doesn’t screw Jacob out of the US Championship, but it feels like he will as Solo won’t stand for Jacob defying his authority, even though Solo’s been trying to make Jacob the champion all along.

Very good stuff from Jimmy Uso tonight, from his promo with #MeloDon’tMiz and then a great match with Miz. Their match ended up the de facto main event match, so that’s also great for both guys. Great win for Jimmy, but that’s likely because Jimmy is losing big time to Gunther on Monday. And it might just be me, but it feels like only now is the Jey VS Gunther build really moving, largely in part because Jimmy got involved. Jimmy’s promo after his match is something along the lines of what Jey should be saying. But I suppose as brothers, Jimmy is the one who knows Jey best and knows what Jey needs to be motivated again. And seeing Jimmy get beat up by Gunther will definitely motivate Jey…

Good final vignettes for Rey Fenix and Aleister Black. I’m a little surprised they confirmed Rey Fenix is showing up next week, and that they confirmed who Rey Fenix even is. I believe commentary confirmed Rey Fenix is Penta’s real brother, even namedropped “Lucha Brothers,” but all that is still surprising considering Fenix is going to start on SmackDown. Aleister’s vignette (at least I am fairly confident it’s his) was giving us glimpses of his silhouette, but I think there was usage of AI in the snake imagery. It was fine they did it for El Grande Americano because that is all trolling, but they really should try and do things the old fashioned way of photoshop and stock imagery.

Very good stuff in the Women’s Division tonight, though the WWE Women’s Championship portion was the weaker. Naomi’s got a great Heel persona going, her promo was great, and her going after B-Fab & Michin over them supporting Jade was a great detail. Jade runs Naomi off, helps B-Fab, but there was no helping Michin in being fed to Charlotte. Tiffany had a decent promo, and it does fit how Charlotte kept her from speaking so she finally gets things out here. It didn’t really add that much, though, but they already gave us a great brawl so not sure what more they can give.

KC Squared VS The Secret Her-vice was a very good match, but of course Chelsea made sure her team won. A Six Woman Tag of Zelina & KC Squared VS The Green Administration is certainly coming, to help give us Zelina VS Chelsea for the Women’s US Championship.

My Score: 8.7/10

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Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 3.27.2025

Bad news out of the TNA management side, but this is a taped episode from El Paso! So we won’t see any of the fallout just yet!

Published

on

Now we all heard the news about the TNA change in hierarchy, and I…have no positive outlook on that. Delirious sucked at booking and creative in the dying days of ROH before it got bought as a B show. Dreamer having even more control is concerning because his ideas the last two years haven’t been much better.

Gail leaving makes more sense to me. Be it firing or a “you can’t quit, you’re fired” kind of situation, the Knockouts division is the worst it’s been in a long time and Gail was close with Scott D’Amore. So I don’t think Gail parting ways is as big of a problem since TNA has slowly been bleeding out with the Scott faithful.

Granted, I think the next few shows were already taped before the firing so things shouldn’t be completely unwatchable for at least a week or two. So let’s see where we’re going.

Ratings:

  • Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley vs Elegance Clique w/Personal Concierge: Ash wins via Rarefied Air – ** 1/4
  • Fir$t Cla$$ & Frankie Kazarian vs Laredo Kid, Octagon Jr & Chavo Guerrero Jr: Chavo wins via Gory Bomb into Frog Splash – *** 1/4
  • Jacy Jayne vs Masha Slamovich: Masha wins via Russian Death Device – ***
  • Eric Young w/two losers vs Ace Austin: Eric wins via Piledriver – ** 1/2
  • Seto & Mokuba – I mean – Nic Nemeth w/Ryan Nemeth vs Leon Slater: Nic wins via Danger Zone – *** 1/4

 

Results:

Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley vs Elegance Clique w/Personal Concierge

Ash and Gigi start off, Gigi with a little Rascalz after her first takedown. So both her and Wentz are making it obvious something’s going on between them, and I’m not mad at it. Good for my man Wentz.

Tatum and Gigi get some quick tandem offense in, Ash does manage to scurry off to a tag and Heather gets bent into a Pretzel. Some kind of Inverted Tarantula from Tatum, Gigi tags in, Bronco Buster on Heather followed by Kawada Kicks. Heather sells against the ropes, Gigi goes for a Hesitation Dropkick, but Concierge pulls her away so Gigi crashes and burns. Ref is distracted, Ash gets in some cheap shots and then the Elegant duo starts working over Gigi. A few quick tags, but once Heather comes in, Gigi fights out of the corner, gets the hot tag to Tatum. Tatum stacks up both Elegance members, Corner Stacked Crossbody, Butterfly Suplex and an Elbow Drop with some some flare. Tatum goes to the top rope, Heather pulls Gigi off the apron, Concierge shoves Tatum off the turnbuckle and Ash hits Rarefied Air for the win.

Post match the Elegance Clique wants to make their wish with the cake, they light the candles and Tatum and Gigi recover enough to do what we all expected last week, the cake in the face spot. Some…suggestive licking from both of our Hot Topic Hotties, so…no complaints here. 

Fir$t Cla$$ & Frankie Kazarian vs Laredo Kid, Octagon Jr & Chavo Guerrero Jr

Chavo and Kaz start since he’s King Petty, a quick rope run turns into a Headscissor from Chavo. Kaz recovers, they lock up, Kaz hits the Knee Lift during the lock up to tag out to KC. KC pulls off some athletic dodges, gloats a bit so Chavo waits, measures and nails a gorgeous Dropkick. Laredo comes in on fire, quick high spots that send KC bouncing around like HBK against Hulk. KC powders after sells the Satellite Takedown, AJ checks on him and we go to commercial.

Back from commercial, Octagon is lighting up KC’s chest with overhand chops, he perches, Sunset Headscissor Flip from corner to corner, KC tries to Back Drop him but Octagon does a headstand, kicks KC away and lays him out with a high spot. AJ gets on the apron to stop Octagon from running the ropes, the referee has a stroke or something because he stops paying attention and AJ pulls Octagon out of the ring and chucks him. KC with the Tope con Hilo and tag (tag ropes haven’t mattered since the 80s we all know this). So AJ is getting taunted by the crowd in Spanish, but he’s manhandling Octagon since it looks like a Child fighting their parent. AJ knocks off Chavo and Laredo, Laredo pops up and tries to get involved but he’s caught on the shoulders, Octagon goes for the Crossbody but gets caught and AJ pulls off “World’s Strongest Wasteland” but Chavo breaks up the pinfall. AJ throws Octagon into the corner, Tennessee Whiskey, and tag out to KC. KC hits a few moves, but starts to lose the momentum until he connects with a Super Kick. Simultaneous rope run into the Dueling Crossbodies, so we get the timely tag outs from both sides. Kaz and Laredo come in, Laredo lands like two moves before Kaz hits a Sole Butt, Lariat and eats his lunch. KC and Kaz try to double team Laredo but he fights out and the crowd is chanting for Chavo.

Chavo tags in, and he’s rocking KC, Saito Suplex, Low Bridge to AJ, Reverse the Whip so Chavo goes to the corner and perches, KC feeds, Chavo Backflips to safety, rolls through and lays out KC. Chavo is feeling himself, 3 Amigos start on KC but only 2, Kaz comes in and Chavo switches to Kaz for the Amigos, only 2 again before AJ breaks it up. AJ goes for the disrespect, but Chavo counters and hits the 3 Amigos on the biggest Culero. Aztec Warriors dive to stop AJ and Kaz, KC tries a Dirty Victory Roll but Chavo kicks out. GORY BOMB into FROG SPLASH!

Chavo looked fantastic and he’s the one in the best shape in the ring. I wouldn’t be mad at more Chavito. 

Jacy Jayne vs Masha Slamovich

I expect very little from this match.

Collar and Elbow, gator rolling for the first 30 seconds or so, then Jacy goes to some Hair Pull takedowns and does a little taunt before Masha pops back up and hits a Lariat into a Dive. Jacy sells it like she’s really hurt, even the ref tries to hold Masha back a little before Masha gets annoyed and just grabs her, Masha throws her in, looks for a Dive and Jacy sees it and powders. Masha tries to go back to the well for the Dive again but Jacy hits the Uppercut and then an Apron Run PK to drop Masha. Forearms rain down into a Foot Choke as Jacy continues to arrogantly play to the crowd. Another Foot Choke into a Cannonball, and near fall.

Masha gets space with a Sole Butt, tries to snap off Requiem but Jacy fights off, fights through a Sunset Flip another effective PK keeps Masha on her ass. Jacy looks for a kinda half-assed Camel Clutch as Masha is fighting up, but Jacy runs her into the corner, gets distracted mouthing off to the crowd, so Masha recovers, 5 Hole Up Kick sends Jacy into the corner, Yakuza Kick into Capo Kick for two. Requiem attempt again, but Jacy pushes off, a little back and forth, Masha tries a Backslide but Jacy gets away and hits a V-Trigger but only a 2 count. Jacy looks for the Discus Punch but Masha ducks it, they strike back and forth, but some dodges from both leave the exchange more even. Jacy with the Front Kick to the face sends Masha to the outside. Jacy wants another PK, but Masha blocks, Electric Chair Apron Snake Eyes. Masha throws her in, a PK into a near all. Requiem attempt 3, and thwarted from Jacy with a Superkick into a Neckbreaker. Senton misses from Jacy, Buzzsaw Kick, into Spinning Back Kick and Russian Death Device for the win.

Better than I expected, and Tessa attacks as soon as the bell rings. Xia Brookside and Lei Ying Li make the save after Tessa grabs the belt. 

Eric Young w/two losers vs Ace Austin

Ace and Eric tie up, World of Sport start but as soon as Ace starts to get away EY punches him in the face. Eric looks at the camera and says “This is what trust looks like”, turns his back on Ace, when Ace looks to attack, the loser duo cut him off. EY takes advantage of the weird situation, but Ace with some Up and Over quick spots, into an Inside Cradle and La Magistral. EY kicks out of the quick flash attempts, but eats a Dropkick, and Ace goes all Speed Kils on him with fast strikes and then a face buster for another near fall. Strike spot very early in the match, Ace gets the best of it, goes for a Tear Drop Suplex but EY sits on it to block, Headlocks to keep him close and then a snap Lariat into beatdown bully tactics. EY takes the referee’s attention and one of the nerds punch Ace in the face.

Eric tries to lean on Ace, but Ace fires, a few strikes, Click Click Boom, the Miz Seated Lariats in the corner, Mochizuki Triangle Kick connects! Only a 2 count, but Ace seems to be in control. Ace puts EY on the ropes, a few strikes to keep him rocked, wants a Superplex, but EY blocks, bites the face and Macho Elbow gets a very close two count. EY tries the Piledriver but Ace turns it into a Jacknife Cradle,Spinning Heel Kick, calls for The Fold, but the losers hop on the apron to distract, Ace attacks them. Ace tries to time out the Triangle Kick again, but Eric dodges, throws Ace head first through the buckles. As Ace stumbles out of the corner, Piledriver, and it’s over.

Oh look it’s the “we’ll hear from Joe Hendry” segment. Again, I’ve loved this gimmick since Day 1, even didn’t hate his What Culture Pro stuff, but there is such a thing as milking a cow too much. 

Elijah interrupts the whole “Who’s next” speech. When Elijah comes out he says he’s not the challenger and he believes in Joe. The crowd wants Elijah to turn on Hendry. Elijah pauses for a moment, and starts proving his friendship with stating his favorite color and a little “You Got a Friend in Me”. The crowd is into singing along and waving their cameras like Lighters to a 30 year old song. THANKFULLY Kaz breaks up the hug fest. Now he gets the “Culero” chant. 

Kaz pulls out a Bass…what the hell is this Jam Session. Kaz has to warm up so he plays “La Cucaracha” on the bass. Kaz…is a national treasure. Hendry kicks Kaz out of the ring after his Heelish and playfully racially charged song choices. Kaz tries to sow dissension, but Joe and Elijah pinball Kaz between them. Kaz slips a power move and tries to shove Elijah into Joe but Elijah puts the brakes on, a small tense moment. But then Joe and Elijah play “Nah Nah Nah Nah, Hey Hey, Goodbye”…and that goes right into a commercial. Oddly…perfect.

Nic Nemeth w/Ryan Nemeth vs Leon Slater

Nic shoots the half immediately for a flash pinfall but Leon kicks out at one. Nic continues to keep things grounded with his amateur wrestling skills, and then does a little Dolph Ziggler show off. So Nic isn’t really taking this seriously, and Leon starts getting the best of things with an Arm Wringer, into drag, Shoulder Tackle and rope run as Nic tries to Leap Frog and Leon puts on the brakes and just shoves Nic on his ass. Nic gets annoyed, a few strikes, grinds his face along the ropes, but Leon keeps stringing some offense together, Back Handspring Elbow into his Corner con Hilo.

Ahh the classic formula of the commercial gives the heel the advantage, Twisting Suplex from Leon stops Nic’s offense momentum, right hand, Leon lifts Nic up for something, Nic slips it, kicks him in the gut, looks for the FameAsser, but Leon catches him into a Blue Thunder Bomb variation. Slater wants the Swanton 450, but Nic powders. Leon tries to adjust into a Dive, but Nic cuts him off, counter for counter and a FameAsser out of the counters for a two count. Nic starts the big brother tactics, bootwashes and arrogance, Slater fires, punches into a Yakuza Kick. Leon wants another Lethal Injection variant, but Nic catches him into a Rear Naked Choke. Slater tries to turn it into a pin so Nic breaks it. Leon wants a Leg Lariat but misses and gets unceremoniously dropped by Nic. Nic puts Leon up on the buckles, Superplex possibly but Slater counters, tries to collect himself for a move, but Nic falls into the ropes to crotch Leon, and finally hits the Superplex.

Twist of Slate from Leon, Swanton 450 but knees get up. Locomotion Cradles from both but they kick out, Ryan picks the ankle to trip up Leon just a touch and then Danger Zone ends the match.

Ryan starts the post match beatdown, but the Hardy’s music hits and they come down to the ring for the save. Matt challenges the Nemeths for Rebellion because they’re not medically cleared yet.

 

Overall Score: 6.5/10

Decent story motion, no match was offensive, and there was actually some solid match action for television standards. I don’t have a ton to complain about aside from the Knockouts Division is in a weird spot, and giving Hendry a lot of just talking and hollow payoff segments feels stupid. If we need to hear from him every week, give him a talk segment like Highlight Reel or something. Yes I know First Class just got The Penthouse, but if Hendry is going to talk more than wrestle, give him a talk segment for us to sink our teeth into.

There was the announcement that Xia, Lei Ying and Masha will face Tessa, Jacy and a mystery partner. So you gotta wonder if there’s going to be another NXT mercenary, a surprise return or if it’ll just be Rosemary since she’s got her issues with Xia. Also I just realized that Unbreakable is going to be on a Thursday, seemingly after iMPACT? I’m gonna have to see how they do it, because if there’s an Impact episode and 2-3 hour PLE…I do not want to be awake until 1am. People need to work, and I will be Unwakeable if things go that long.

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