Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW G1 Climax 32 Results & Report! (7/24/22)
Redemption is up for grabs!
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Will the Ace be made to tranquilo?
NJPW’s biggest G1 Climax continues, with a critical main event! Hiroshi Tanahashi and Tetsuya Naito both need a win, but who loses to shockingly go 0-2?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Six Man Tag: Chaos VS The House of Torture; Chaos wins.
- Royce Isaacs & Tom Lawlor VS Chase Owens & KENTA; Chase & Kenta win.
- Shingo Takagi & BUSHI VS Bad Dude Tito & JONAH; Tito & Jonah win.
- Six Man Tag: Suzuki-Gun VS The United Empire; The United Empire wins.
- Six Man Tag: Kazuchika Okada, Tama Tonga & Jado VS Bullet Club; Okada, Tonga & Jado win.
- G1 Climax, D Block: El Phantasmo VS Yujiro Takahashi; ELP wins.
- G1 Climax, B Block: SANADA VS Taichi; Sanada wins.
- G1 Climax, A Block: Jeff Cobb VS Bad Luck Fale; Cobb wins.
- G1 Climax, C Block: Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Tetsuya Naito; Tanahashi wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
G1 Climax, D Block: El Phantasmo VS Yujiro Takahashi w/ Pieter!
The Headbanga lost to Will Ospreay while the Tokyo Pimp had the Murder Machine help him cheat Tama Tonga. Both are Bullet Club, but the House of Torture’s been a bit on the fringe lately. Will ELP redeem himself for Bullet Club Prime? Or will the House cheat even their allies to win the G1?
ELP says hi to Pieter, Yujiro brings her over to say she can be in ELP’s corner for tonight. But that’s only if ELP lies down and lets Yujiro win. Wow, to think the Tokyo Pimp would live up to his name… ELP considers the offer, and says it’s all cool! They Too Sweet, Pieter is surprised, and ELP asks for a good luck kiss. Pieter gives him the kiss and fans applaud. The bell rings and ELP shakes hands with Yujiro. ELP lies down, and fans are pretty surprised. Yujiro slowly relaxes into the pin, TWO as ELP gets the ghost pin! TWO, and Yujiro is upset by the double cross! Yujiro shoves ELP, ELP shoves Yujiro then rolls him up, TWO!
Yujiro swings but ELP gets around to back slide, TWO! Yujiro is surprised he escaped, and ELP throws up the Too Sweet, to poke Yujiro in the eye! Clearly, the deal is off, Pieter goes back to Yujiro’s corner as ELP throws forearms. Yujiro goes to a corner, ELP CHOPS, then whips corner to corner. Yujiro runs into buckles chest first, and ELP CLAWS his back! ELP hoists Yujiro up top, brings him into the Tree of Woe and stomps a mudhole! Fans rally, ELP goes corner to corner to basement dropkick! Fans rally, “E L P!” “YU-JI-RO!” as ELP goes corner to corner again. ELP somersaults and basement dropkicks!
Yujiro falls out of the Tree and ELP pushes him out of the ring. ELP goes out to bring Yujiro up and CHOP! ELP forearms, CHOPS then forearms again. ELP brings Yujiro around and bumps him off the apron. ELP then goes up to BOOT Yujiro, and he ASAI MOONSAULTS! Direct hit at the ramp and fans fire up! Pieter is worried for Yujiro as ELP puts Yujiro in the ring. ELP climbs up the ropes to SWANTON! Cover, TWO! Yujiro is still in this but ELP says he’ll finish this. He reels Yujiro in, but Yujiro BITES the hand! Yujiro CLUBS the arm, but ELP ducks the haymaker to mule kick, front kick and ENZIGURI!
Fans fire up and ELP goes to a corner. ELP goes right up top, blows a kiss to Pieter, but Yujiro trips ELP up! ELP tumbles to the floor and Yujiro goes out after him. Yujiro hits PIMP JUICE to the floor! The ref checks on both men while fans rally up. Yujiro drags himself into the ring to leave ELP to the ring count. ELP flounders up and around, staggers at 8 of 20 but can’t get to the ring. He falls, gets back up at 16 but he tumbles into No Man’s Land! He’s all turned around! He slides in at 19.9!! Fans fire up but Yujiro is annoyed. Yujiro rains down hands on ELP, the ref reprimands over closed fists, and Yujiro lets off.
Yujiro brings ELP up as fans rally. Yujiro stands ELP against the ropes to then BOOT him! ELP flops down and Yujiro drags him to a cover, TWO! ELP is somehow still in this, but Yujiro clamps onto him with a chinlock. Fans rally as ELP endures, and ELP fights up. ELP Throws body shots, gets free, but Yujiro CLAWS ELP! Yujiro runs but ELP dodges. Yujiro dodges but ELP DROPKICKS him down! Fans fire up again as ELP and Yujiro stir on the mat. Yujiro rolls away to ropes, but ELP kips up! Fans rally and ELP rallies on Yujiro! Atomic drop and then a scoop SLAM! ELP then goes up the corner to FALLING ELBOW DROP!
Fans fire up as ELP tunes up the band. Yujiro stirs, but he blocks Sudden Death! Yujiro spins ELP around for a REVERSE DDT! Both men are down and fans rally up again. Yujiro drags ELP up, kicks low, throws forearms, then CHOPS! Yujiro whips ELP to ropes but ELP reverses. Yujiro holds ropes and FLAPJACK HOTSHOTS ELP! ELP sputters and staggers, into the FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, TWO!! ELP survives and fans rally up again. ELP checks his neck while getting to a corner. Yujiro storms over to bring ELP up. Yujiro whips corner to corner, but ELP goes up and over to roll and dodge and springboard CROSSBODY, to a LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO!
Fans fire up as both men are down again. ELP stands up and drags Yujiro up. ELP reels Yujiro in, BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Yujiro survives and ELP scowls. ELP brings Yujiro in, lifts him up and hits a SIT-OUT POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Yujiro barely survives that one but ELP just drags him back up. Straitjacket and torture rack, for the UFO SWINGING NECKBREAKER! The Unidentified Flying Opponent lands, cover, TWO!! With a low blow!! The Tokyo Pimp perhaps skirts the rules there, and ELP hobbles away to a corner. Yujiro staggers up and around, runs in and BOOTS ELP! Yujiro then reels ELP in, INCOLLE SLAM! Cover, TWO!!
ELP survives the Intercollegiate Slam, but Yujiro gets him back up to fireman’s carry. MIAMI SHINE!! Cover, TWO!?! ELP survives and Yujiro is shocked! Fans rally up and Yujiro drags ELP up. ELP throws body shots, but Yujiro still gives him PIMP JUICE! Cover, ?!??! ELP still has life and Yujiro is beside himself! Fans fire up as Yujiro argues with the ref, but the count is the count. Yujiro roars and drags ELP back up. BIG- No, ELP flops down! Is ELP done? He shakes his head, he won’t let this end here. Yujiro drags ELP back up then, for BIG- NO, ELP slips out, ducks under, SUDDEN DEATH!! And it was sudden!
Fans rally, ELP fires up, and he gets to a corner! ELP tunes up, the fans clap along, but wait! Sho is here! ELP rushes at Sho but Sho slides the wrench to Yujiro! The ref reprimands Sho for showing up, but ELP gives Sho PURPLE NURPLES! ELP lets Sho go, but turns around, WRENCH- NO! ELP ducks the wrench attack, and he LOW BLOWS Yujiro in return! ELP has the wrench now, but he SMACKS it in his hand then falls over! ELP using some Latino Heat to frame Yujiro! The ref asks what’s going on and Yujiro is speechless! Yujiro drops the wrench, ELP DICK PUNCHES Yujiro down! SUDDEN DEATH!! And then a DIVE onto Sho!!
Fans fire up and ELP goes up top, THUNDER KISS 86!! Cover, ELP wins!
Winner: El Phantasmo, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Yujiro earns 0)
The House of Torture tried to stack the deck again, but The Headbanga got the better of them all! Will Tokyo Pimp learn to do this legitimately next time? As for ELP, he kisses Pieter’s hand and lets the lady leave first. ELP still gets Pieter’s favor for the night after all! Will ELP score on top of getting more points in the G1?
G1 Climax, B Block: SANADA VS Taichi w/ Miho Abe!
Cold Skull was cut down by the Switchblade while the Holy Emperor broke through the Stone Pitbull! Los Ingobernables de Japon promised to get through to the semifinals together, will Sanada keep pace with Takagi? Or will Taichi make sure one block isn’t tranquilo?
Taichi shows off the dancing pecs and fans applaud. The bell rings and fans rally for “SA-NA-DA!” “TA-I-CHI!” Taichi still shows off the dancing pecs, so Sanada responds with his own. Taichi has things calm down, and the two tie up. Taichi puts Sanada on the ropes, and he lets off with pats to the pecs. Sanada shows off the dancing pecs again, so Taichi kicks him low. Taichi runs, they ram shoulders, but neither budges. Sanada’s pecs move, though, and he runs the ropes. Taichi dodges and bails out, slowing things down. Taichi takes his time returning, but he avoids Sanada’s Plancha! Sanada lands on his feet while Taichi gets in the ring.
Fans applaud as Taichi shows off his dancing pecs again. Sanada smirks and keeps cool while Taichi flexes. Sanada slides back in but Taichi throws him right back out! Taichi goes out but Sanada slides back in, and Sanada gets on the corner to show off those pecs. Fans rally up and Sanada encourages them to get louder. Sanada flexes, Taichi gets back in, and Taichi CHOKES Sanada! The ref counts, Taichi lets off, to then CHOKE Sanada more. Taichi digs his boot in and dares him to make those pecs dance again. Taichi lets off as the ref reprimands, then he drags Sanada up. Taichi snapmares Sanada to KICK him in the back!
Taichi paces, then gives Sanada toying stomps and kicks. Sanada slowly gets up, Taichi kicks and pie faces him, so Sanada fires off forearms! Sanada runs, into the kitchen sink knee! Taichi drags Sanada up, reels him in, and has the cobra twist! Sanada endures, Taichi CLUBS away on the ribs, then pushes Sanada down by his head. Fans rally, Sanada fights and moves forward, ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Taichi lets off, and then Taichi whips Sanada into the corner for a clothesline. Taichi runs but Sanada elbows him down! STANDING MOONSAULT, but Sanada lands on his feet as Taichi moves! So Sanada BASEMENT DROPKICKS!
Fans fire up while both men are down. Sanada kips up and fans fire up with him! Sanada runs and rallies on Taichi with forearms and arm-drags! Then a BIG atomic drop! Sanada throws Taichi out, and he PLANCHAS! Direct hit and fans fire up as Taichi goes down! Sanada encourages the fans to get louder and they oblige. The pecs dance along and Sanada gets Taichi back up. The ring count starts and Sanada puts Taichi in at 5 of 20. Cover, TWO! Sanada keeps cool and fans rally up. Sanada drags Taichi up, fireman’s carries, but Taichi slips off to waistlock. Sanada switches, shoves Taichi to a corner and runs in, but Taichi dodges, GAMANGIRI!
Sanada flops down and Taichi sits to catch his breath. Fans rally up, Taichi stands back up and runs in. Sanada boots Taichi, but runs into a SOBAT! DANGER- NO, Sanada slips out of the saido to suplex Taichi, but Taichi fights that off to wrench and HOOK KICK! Sanada stays up to DROPKICK! But Taichi rebounds to AX BOMBER! Fans fire up as Taichi leans on the ropes. Miho and the fans rally up, and Taichi TAKES OFF THE PANTS! Taichi aims from the corner, Sanada rises, TENSHO- ROLLING SOBAT from Sanada! Sanada gets the dragon sleeper! Taichi endures, and CHOKES Sanada from below! Taichi gets out but so does Sanada!
Taichi choke grips again, but Sanada fights! Taichi pushes Sanada to a corner, runs in but into BOOTS! Sanada goes up, leaps, but into NODO OTOSHI, the Choke Throw! Cover, TWO!! Sanada survives but Taichi drags him up. Fans rally and Taichi vows to end this! Alabama Lift, but Sanada slips off to fire off forearms! ROLLING- ENZIGURI from Taichi! But Sanada’s right back up! Sanada runs to ROLLING ELBOW! But Taichi’s back up, only to swing into chicken wings! TIGER SUPLEX! Bridging cover, ONE?!? Sanada swings, into the SAIDO!! Cover, ONE!?!? Both men stagger about then drop, and fans are thunderous!
Miho pounds the mat to rally for Taichi as he and Sanada stir. Both men slowly rise, Taichi roars and crawls to center. Taichi wants Sanada to stand up, and Sanada drags himself up in a corner. Taichi runs in, but into an elbow! Sanada goes up but Taichi CLUBS him! Taichi CLUBS Sanada more, then climbs up to join him! Taichi drags Sanada up to clamp on the choke grip! SUPER NODO- NO, Sanada backflips through! Sanada waistlocks, O’Conner Roll and deep, TWO!!! Taichi escapes but then Sanada fireman’s carries, T K O!! Cover, TWO!! Taichi survives but Sanada points to the camera and slashes his through. He’ll finish this now!
Sanada drags Taichi up while fans rally, dragon sleeper! SKULL END!! The body scissors are in, Taichi is caught and Miho is worried! Taichi flails, reaches out, but he’s fading! Sanada cranks back, Taichi grabs at Sanada’s hair but it doesn’t do enough! The ref checks, Taichi is fading, and Sanada lets him go to go up top! ROUNDING BODY PRESS onto knees! Taichi hurries to hook Sanada up, GEDO- NO, Sanada makes it a JAPANESE BRIDGE, but Taichi blocks it! And CLAWS Sanada’s eyes! Taichi turns Sanada over, GEDO CLUTCH! TWO!!! Sanada escapes and Taichi is shocked! Fans are thunderous as both men stand!
Taichi DECKS Sanada with the elbow! The ref checks on Sanada, knowing about that bad orbital bone. Taichi gets up, fires up, and fans fire up with him! Taichi drags Sanada up, reels him in, but Sanada blocks the lift! Taichi gives Kowata Kicks, some real sauce on the last one! BLINDSIDE AX BOMBER, then a GAMANGIRI! The bad eye!! Taichi fires up, throws off his armbands and reels Sanada in! But Sanada fights the Alabama to gut wrench! But Taichi slips off the Canadian Rack! Sanada and Taichi clinch, Taichi gets the SUMO THROW! Then he sets up, YOKOZUNA- NO, Sanada ducks, O’Conner BRIDGE!! Cover, SANADA WINS!!
Winner: Sanada, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Taichi earns 0)
The Holy Emperor can’t believe it! He gets caught off-guard by a technical move and is now 1-1 in the G1! Will Taichi still have time to catch up with the top of the block? As for Sanada, he keeps pace with Takagi, will LIJ all redeem themselves in this round?
G1 Climax, A Block: Jeff Cobb VS Bad Luck Fale!
The Imperial Unit could not conquer the Rainmaker while the Rogue General was able to give the Murderhawk Monster the slip. But now, it’s a battle of behemoths! Which massive monster survives this colossal collision to head for the Climax?
The bell rings and fans rally up as the two circle. They tie up, are in a deadlock, and then break. They circle again, tie up again, and are in another deadlock so they break. Cobb and Fale go again but Fale knees low! Fale slaps Cobb, Cobb ROCKS Fale with forearms! Fale throws heavy body shots and ROCKS Cobb in return with a forearm! Fans fire up as Fale runs in, but Cobb dodges the splash! Fale bounces off buckles, and Cobb clotheslines him up and out! Fale staggers back against the railing and fans rally. Cobb goes to the apron but Fale sweeps his legs! And then CLOBBERS Cobb off the apron!
Fale takes a moment, the ring count starts and Fale gets in. Cobb is still down at 7 of 20, sits up at 10, and slides in at 11. Fale stomps him down, stands on Cobb’s back at the ropes, but steps away as Red Shoes counts. Cobb sits up and winces while fans rally up. Fale brings Cobb up, Cobb throws body shots and haymakers, but Fale throws shots right back! Fale CLUBS Cobb on the back and stalks him to a corner. Fale CLUBS Cobb with both hands and Cobb is grimacing from the pain! Fale talks trash on Cobb but Cobb throws forearms to back him down! Fale CLUBS Cobb again, then again and again and again!
Cobb falls over and Fale drags him to center. Fale stands on Cobb’s back, then stands on him to surf! Fans fire up and Fale hops off to cover, TWO! Fans rally up while Fale stomps Cobb’s back. Cobb crawls, Fale taunts him, but Cobb throws more body shots. Fale throws hard shots, whips Cobb to ropes, but Cobb LARIATS! Fale wobbles but Cobb LARIATS again! Fale is still on his feet but Cobb runs, into a throat chop! Fale runs, into a DROPKICK! Fale staggers around, Cobb fireman’s carries, but his back holds him back! Fale slips off to CLUB Cobb again! Cobb falls down and Fale runs the ropes, to drop a BIG elbow! Cover, TWO!
Fans rally as Cobb is still in this. Fale runs to SPLASH down! Cover, TWO! Cobb is still in this and Fale is frustrated. Fale waits on Cobb to get up, he’s armed and ready, and he choke grips Cobb! Cobb breaks free to ROCK Fale with a forearm! Cobb whips but Fale blocks! Fale whips Cobb into a corner and SPLASHES him! Cobb staggers, Fale reels him in and calls for it. Fale gets Cobb into the crucifix lift, but Cobb slips off! SUPERKICK! Fale staggers, Cobb reels him in, and SUPLEXES FALE!! Cobb fires up and the fans fire up with him! Fale staggers up, into a TOUR OF THE ISLANDS!!! Cover, Cobb wins!!
Winner: Jeff Cobb, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Fale earns 0)
That was an extra large Tour, and Cobb conquers the literally biggest monster in this block! Will the Imperial Unit pave the way to the semifinals from here on out?
G1 Climax, C Block: Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Tetsuya Naito!
Rather shockingly, The Ace was trumped by the Ultimate Weapon, and the Uncontrollable Charisma could not make the Fierce Warrior tranquilo. Only one can get their first win of this G1, who takes hold of redemption with their own two hands?
Tanahashi shows off the muscles and fans cheer. Naito finishes taking off his entrance attire and fans applaud. The bell rings, fans rally up, “Let’s Go, Ace!” “NA-I-TO!” as the two stare down. They circle, approach, tie up, and Naito gets around but Tanahashi switches. Naito wrenches, Tanahashi wrenches back, but Naito drop toeholds and headlocks. Tanahashi slips out to facelock, but Naito rolls to get to his feet. Tanahashi has the arm and double wristlocks to drag Naito down. Naito endures, reaches out, and he fights up to trip Tanahashi. Naito gets Tanahashi’s legs, turns him around and snapmares him to a chinlock.
Tanahashi slips out, facelocks, floats to a chinlock and fans applaud this exchange but it’s still going! Naito rolls Tanahashi, Tanahashi rolls Naito, Naito headscissors, Tanahashi kips free! The two stand off and fans cheer this exchange as it completes. Naito and Tanahashi reset and tie up. They’re in a deadlock, Tanahashi powers Naito back slowly, and Naito is on the ropes. Naito turns it around on Tanahashi, then pats Tanahashi on the shoulders. Tanahashi turns things around but Naito turns them back. They end up in the corner, Tanahashi pats Naito’s shoulders but Naito pulls Tanahashi’s hair!
Red Shoes reprimands Naito but Tanahashi fires off fast hands! Fans fire up as Tanahashi keeps throwing forearms! Red Shoes reprimands, Tanahashi lets off, but Naito kicks low and whips Tanahashi to a corner. Tanahashi elbows back, goes up and CROSSBODIES! Direct hit, and then Tanahashi mocks Tranquilo! Fans rally up, “Let’s Go, Ace!” “NA-I-TO!” Tanahashi whips Naito to ropes, but Naito holds ropes to stop himself. Naito BOOTS Tanahashi, then rakes the eyes! Naito throws Tanahashi out but Tanahashi skins the cat! Naito stops that to push Tanahashi back out and dropkick him down! Fans fire up while Naito goes out after Tanahashi.
Naito whips Tanahashi hard into railing, and Tanahashi drops to the floor! Red Shoes reprimands, Naito wrenches and whips Tanahashi hard into railing! Commentary takes a bit of that but stays standing as the ring count starts again. Naito stands Tanahashi up for a BACKBREAKER, and then the LEG LOCK NELSON! The ring count is 15 of 20! Naito lets go at 18, gets Tanahashi in at 19, and fans applaud that Naito wants to end this in the ring. Naito snapmares, then puts the LEG LOCK NELSON back on! Tanahashi endures, fans rally up, but Naito thrashes him around. Tanahashi moves around, reaches out, and gets the ROPEBREAK!
Red Shoes reprimands and counts, Naito lets go at 4. Fans rally harder, “Let’s Go, Ace!” “NA-I-TO!” Naito drags Tanahashi up but Tanahashi fires body shots. Naito CLUBS away on Tanahashi, turns him around and hits a NECKBREAKER! Then he stands Tanahashi up to whip into a corner. Naito hoists Tanahashi up top, brings him out along the ropes, DRAPING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Naito isn’t upset while the fans rally up more. Naito kicks Tanahashi around, stands on Tanahashi’s face and poses. Fans applaud and Naito scuffs Tanahashi’s face. Tanahashi sits up but Naito kicks him again and again.
Naito stomps Tanahashi back down, digs a knee into his back and pulls on the ponytail! Red Shoes reprimands, Naito lets go, and fans rally again. Naito gives more toying kicks but Tanahashi snarls. Tanahashi eggs Naito on but Naito kicks and kicks. SHOTEI from Tanahashi! Naito staggers away, Tanahashi runs in at the corner, but he blocks Naito’s boot! DRAGON SCREW! Naito clutches his leg while fans fire up again. Tanahashi drags Naito up, and he fires off forearm after forearm! Tanahashi scoops and SLAMS Naito into a drop zone, then he goes up the corner. To FLYING STOMP the bad leg!! Tanahashi faked Naito out and Naito clutches his knee!
Fans are stunned silent at The Ace’s savagery, but then they rally up again. Tanahashi gets the legs, ties them up, but Naito fires off haymakers! Naito kicks but Tanahashi gets the leg for a GROUND DRAGON SCREW! Tanahashi fires up and fans rally behind him, “HA! HA! HA!” Tanahashi waits on Naito to get up, and Tanahashi runs, but into an atomic drop! Naito shoves Tanahashi away, runs in and JUMP KICKS! Leg sweep, COMBINACION CABRON! Naito poses again and fans fire up! Naito manages to stand, he drags Tanahashi back up and reels him into the corner. ESPERANZA! Fans fire up but Naito goes back to the corner to watch Tanahashi rise.
Naito runs in, but into an elbow! Naito catches it to hook Tanahashi, hammerlock and half nelson, GLORIA! Cover, TWO! Naito hurries to get Tanahashi tied up in PLUMA BLANCA! Tanahashi endures as fans rally up and Naito pulls tight! Tanahashi moves around, reaches out, crawls his way over, but Naito pulls on the hold! Tanahashi keeps fighting his way over, ROPEBREAK! Naito holds until Red Shoes reprimands, and Tanahashi sputters. The fans rally up again while Naito stands. Naito drags Tanahashi up, throws those heavy back elbows, and he slaps Tanahashi around as he drops to a knee.
Naito brings Tanahashi back up, throws more back elbows, then lets Tanahashi drop down again. Fans continue to rally, “Let’s Go, Ace!” “NA-I-TO!” and Naito stands Tanahashi back up for even more back elbows! Tanahashi staggers and flops into a corner, but Naito stands him back up. Naito puts Tanahashi on the top rope, climbs up after him, and SUPER STEINERS, but Tanahashi sunset flips through it! TWO!! Naito swings, but into Tanahashi’s GERMAN SUPLEX! Tanahashi runs, but into a SPINEBUSTER! Naito hurries to wrench, but Tanahashi gets the leg! DRAGON SCREW! Both men are down again and fans fire up!
Tanahashi grits his teeth as he forces himself to get up. Naito works to get feeling in his bad leg, but Tanahashi fires up! Tanahashi and Naito start throwing haymakers and forearms! Tanahashi eggs Naito on, Naito hits him, and the brawl goes back and forth! Fans rally up with each shot, and they go faster and faster! Tanahashi fires off body shots and forearms, but Naito hits back with forearms of his own! Tanahashi fires off another flurry, and fans fire up as both men wobble! Naito smirks but Tanahashi grins. Fans rally up as the forearms continue! Naito gets the edge, but Tanahashi comes back with fast hands!
Naito kicks but Tanahashi blocks! So Naito rakes the eyes! Naito throws more back elbows, then ENZIGURIS! Naito whips Tanahashi to ropes but Tanahashi reverses. Naito reverses back, Tanahashi gets in to clinch, and fans rally for the deadlock! Tanahashi gets Naito for TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Tanahashi drags Naito up, another TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! And then a third TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Fans fire up again as Tanahashi drags Naito up. Tanahashi whips, Naito reverses but Tanahashi reverses to SLINGBLADE! And another SLINGBLADE! And a third SLINGBLADE! Cover, TWO!! Tanahashi hurries up top as Naito stands, HIGH FLY ATTACK!
Fans fire up as Tanahashi goes back up, for HIGH FLY FLOW FLOP!! Running jackknife bridge, TWO!!! Tanahashi survives and fans are thunderous! Naito and Tanahashi stir, push up off the mat, and Tanahashi roars as he rises! Naito is in a corner, Tanahashi throws elbows, SHOTEI, but Naito SLAPS! And SLAPS! And whips! Tanahashi whips, but Naito FLYING FOREARMS! Naito hurries to get Tanahashi up, scoop for VALENTIA! Naito brings Tanahashi back up, wrenches, but Tanahashi cradles! TANAHASHI WINS!!
Winner: Hiroshi Tanahashi, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Naito earns 0)
The Ace snatches victory from the jaws of defeat and Naito is stunned! Naito is 0-2 in what very well could be his last G1! Will this guarantee that this is Naito’s last if he can’t return to the top this way? Or is there somehow a way we’ll see Naito in the finals?
As for Tanahashi, he tries to encourage Naito, but Naito just exits the ring. Tanahashi catches his breath and goes to leave. The fans clap, “Let’s Go, Ace!” so Tanahashi gives thumbs up and gets the mic! “Everyone, thank you for coming out here tonight! It’s thanks to everyone here coming out to support us that we wrestlers can perform to the best of our ability. Right here, in this summer G1! The first one in a few years, and you all came here for it.” Tanahashi knows everyone is wondering how he can make it through. He asks them how they, the wrestlers, can help the fans enjoy wrestling even more.
Tanahashi has his answer. After searching for it long and hard, the answer is: to win this G1 in a snap! So everyone, Tanahashi wants you to know, “ASHITE MAAASU~! <I LOVE YOOOU~!>” Fans applaud as Tanahashi’s music hits and he gives the mic back. Fans continue to applaud, so Tanahashi gives them more of himself! He goes around ringside to make sure he thanks all parts of the crowd. Will the Once in a Century Talent use this love, energy and momentum to win big and head for WrestleKingdom?
My Thoughts:
Another great round for the G1, and with some really wild results. ELP VS Yujiro was good stuff, though the crowd didn’t quite get into it right away. I think that was how the previous Yujiro match went, actually. But ELP winning out against all the House of Torture screw jobs and (for the moment) snatching Pieter away from Yujiro, that’s pretty wild stuff. I wonder if this will motivate more Bullet Club Prime VS House of Torture stuff. Sanada VS Taichi was great stuff, they’re developing quite the rivalry, and the roll-up finish was a great way to finish so that Taichi isn’t really hurt outside of losing points.
Cobb VS Fale was great stuff, too, with Fale getting to look strong dominating Cobb. Cobb wins out to get some great momentum as he gets back up in the block. And we got awesome stuff in the main event, with strong story beats in both that two big names like Tanahashi and Naito were both facing 0-2, and that as Naito sees it, this is his last NJPW year, between now and WrestleKingdom 17. He’s certainly on the ropes, figuratively speaking, and he’s got Evil next. That has tons of story to emotionally charge it as it is, and the idea that Evil could basically ruin Naito’s final G1 would be a prize in itself for the King of Darkness.
My Score: 8.8/10
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IF YA SMELLALALALALALA~…!
As Cody Rhodes teams with Damian Priest & Braun Strowman against Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline, FINALLY, The Rock has come back to SmackDown!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso; Jimmy wins.
- The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & LA Knight; Miz & Melo win.
- Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae w/ Nia Jax; Tiff wins.
- Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez; No Contest.
- WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly; Pretty Deadly wins, by disqualification, and DIY retain the titles.
- Six Man Tag: Cody Rhodes, Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga; changed to…
- Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga; Priest & Braun win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes talks with Nick Aldis backstage.
They shake hands, but the SmackDown General Manager tells the WWE Champion there’s been a change: Cody’s out of the Six Man Tag match. What? Why would Aldis do that? It is out of Aldis’s hands. Wait, Solo Sikoa shows up to do what he did, but they can’t do the Six Man Tag that they advertised? How is this out of Aldis’s hands? Who do they need to talk to so they can do the match? Aldis says there’s no one either of them can call, if you smell what’s cooking. This is coming from The Final Boss, and The Final Boss wants to see Cody in the ring tonight. What business could The Great One have with The American Nightmare?
Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso!
The Scottish Terminator rubbed it in Big Jim’s face that only one of them is going to Elimination Chamber in Toronto, which Big Jim was able to brush off. But McIntyre harping on how only one Uso is going to WrestleMania was a step too far. These two look to have it out, but is Jimmy just playing into McIntyre’s hands? Or will McIntyre get embarrassed by “the other Uso” this close to that big time match?
Speaking of, Jimmy has a message for Drew as he heads to gorilla. “Everybody know you’re going to Elimination Chamber, right? But Big Jimmy got a question for the Big Easy: Will Drew go onto the Elimination Chamber and win that? Will Drew go onto WrestleMania and win that? Ey, Drew, I think we got an answer for you, Uce. The answer is…” “NO YEET!” Jimmy makes his entrance, the bell rings, and the fans rally behind Jimmy. Jimmy and Drew jaw, and then Drew raises his hands, to say UP YOURS! But Jimmy ROCKS and CHOPS away! Drew puts Jimmy in a corner, Jimmy dodges to CHOP!
Jimmy climbs and he rains down fists! The fans count, Drew dumps Jimmy tot eh apron at 5, but Jimmy GAMANGIRIS! Jimmy goes up, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Jimmy hurries to CHOP, then he whips. Drew reverses to send Jimmy to the corner. Jimmy BOOTS back, goes up, and leaps, but into a clinch! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders to a corner, Drew runs up to SPLASH and OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders again, the ref has Drew hold on, and Jimmy bails out. Drew storms out to get Jimmy and he whips Jimmy HARD into barrier! The fans boo but Drew looms over Jimmy.
The ring count starts, Drew mockingly calls him “Jey,” then puts Jimmy in the ring. Drew says NO MANIA for Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, ROCKS him, then runs up, only for Jimmy to put him on the apron! Drew blocks a superkick, but not the DRAGON WHIP! Drew drops, Jimmy DIVES! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! Jimmy grins, goes back to the apron, and then aims. But Drew stops the Penalty Kick to THROW Jimmy down! Drew then has Jimmy in the Reverse Alabama Lift! REVERSE ALABAMA SLAM onto the steel steps! Drew stands on the desk to say “NO YEET!” while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Drew revels in the heat from New Orleans, then he leaves Jimmy behind. The ref checks Jimmy, he’s able to continue, so a ring count starts. Drew paces while Jimmy stirs. Jimmy drags himself up using the desk, then lunges in at 9! Drew is annoyed but he rains down fists! Drew stomps Jimmy, then eggs him on. Jimmy rises as the fans rally, but Drew is right on him in the corner. Drew winds up, but Jimmy counter punches! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! And whips, only for Drew to reverses. Jimmy goes up, but Drew KICKS him out of the air! Drew then hauls Jimmy up, snap suplex! Cover, TWO!
Drew says okay, Big Jim. He clamps onto Jimmy with a top wristlock and grinds the arm. Jimmy fights up, fireman’s carries, but Drew elbows free. Drew bumps Jimmy off buckles, then hauls him up to the top rope! Drew CLUBS Jimmy on the back, climbs up, then CLUBS Jimmy more. Jimmy fires elbows and Drew drops back. But Drew runs up to CLUB Jimmy again! SmackDown returns to single picture as Drew CLUBS away on Jimmy again! Jimmy keeps taunting “Jey,” then drags him up. Jimmy fights the back suplex! The fans rally, Jimmy fires hands and a HEADBUTT! Jimmy SMACKS Drew off the post!
Jimmy rises to USO IN THE WIND! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! A standing count starts while both men stir on the mat. They both stand at 5, and Drew swings! Jimmy counter punches, then fires more shots! Mule kick, UPPERCUT, but then Jimmy dodges Drew! SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Drew is tougher than that, but Jimmy hurries to a corner. Jimmy aims as Drew goes to the other corner, “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs, but Drew FLYING HEADBUTTS! The Glasgow Kiss stuns Jimmy, and Drew hits a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Jimmy shows his own toughness, and the fans rally behind him.
Drew paces, then he stalks Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, reels him in, but Jimmy fights the underhooks! Jimmy wrenches, UPPERCUTS, but Drew ROCKS Jimmy back! Jimmy UPPERCUTS, Drew HAYMAKERS! Drew whips, Jimmy reverses and Drew ends up on the apron! Drew ROCKS Jimmy first, then climbs the corner! FLYING- SUPERKICK! Jimmy runs to SPEAR! Cover, TWO!! Drew survives, Jimmy’s spear doesn’t hit quite like The Tribal Chief’s. Jimmy goes to the corner, climbs up, and the fans rally up. USO- NO, Jimmy rolls through as Drew moves! Drew dodges a lariat to NECKBREAKER!
Both men are down, the fans rally, and Drew kips up! Drew scowls as he aims at Jimmy. “THREE! TWO! ONE!” CLAY- SUPERKICK!! Jimmy hits first! GLASGOW KISS returns! Drew reels Jimmy in, “This is your WrestleMania! This is as close as you get!” Drew shouts Jimmy is nothing, then ROCKS him with forearm after forearm! GLASGOW KISS! Another Reverse Alabama, but Jimmy victory rolls it! JIMMY WINS!!!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Drew is furious, but his own ego caught him there! But then Drew CLOBBERS Jimmy! The fans boo Drew being a sore loser, but he puts Jimmy back in the ring! Drew rains down fists, then he DRIBBLES Jimmy off the mat! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Drew says that was Jimmy’s Mania Moment! Drew will win the Chamber, he will go to Mania, and he will win there! Jimmy means NOTHING to Drew! Drew puts Jimmy up against the post, then takes aim! The fans boo, but refs and producers rush out here! They swarm Drew to keep him from going after Jimmy again. Drew says fine, fine, then takes his leave.
Producers help Jimmy to his feet, but then Drew BLASTS through the refs! CLAYMORE for Jimmy!! The Scottish Terminator hits his target, then laughs as he actually leaves. Will McIntyre make this his Road to WrestleMania?
A car pulls into the parking lot.
And out steps Solo Sikoa. Solo heads inside, and he finds Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga waiting. Solo tells them that last week with Tama, that was an accident. Jacob says yeah, it’s all good, Uce. But keep it 100: If it wasn’t an accident, Solo wouldn’t be standing here right now. Well, good! Glad to see we’re all on the same page. Solo says he will be in the corner during the match for Jacob & Tama. Uh, no, Solo, no disrespect, but Jacob & Tama have been running things on SmackDown these past couple weeks. So tonight, it’s Jacob & Solo running the play? Yadada mean? Yeah, of course. And that right there, Jacob, is exactly why Solo loves him.
Solo says he’ll be back, he has to talk with Nick Aldis. Solo heads out, but will he really just step right back into place from before he lost the ula fala?
Carmelo Hayes is backstage.
R-Truth calls out to Melo, and says for the first time ever, Truth VS Melo! What’s Truth talking about? Duh, they have a match. No, Truth, Melo knows. But they had a match last week. Truth says he has never met Melo in his life, but they have a tag match tonight. What? No, they don’t. Who even made this match? Him. Truth, they are not going through this H1M who’s on first thing again. Melo is H1M. No, him made the match. The Miz!? Miz says he’s H1M. So now there’s two of you? No no no! Melo is H1M, this is The Miz! Yeah, #MeloDon’tMiz! NO! That’s not a thing! Tonight, they are. Who’s Truth’s partner?
Truth says he’s got a guy. A Louisiana legend! In fact, he just got here, so Truth’s gotta go. Laters. Miz says he has been workshopping this, and the fans love it. Think about it: Melo Don’t Miz! Melo Don’t Miz! And we are…! Melo shakes his head. Truth steps in and says Miz just wants Melo to say, “Awesome.” Miz offers a fist bump, Melo says no. Will Melo wish he had missed tonight’s show? Or will Miz actually help H1M get another win?
Zelina Vega speaks.
“My whole life, people have taken one look at me, and they try to define me. My size has never stopped me before. It never stopped me from becoming tag team champion. Or my personal favorite, the history-making first-time-ever Queen of the Ring. That’s me. Make no mistake about it, I’ve never had it easy. I had to scratch and claw to get anything around here. But this is a fresh start. Because I have something to prove. And my dreams are a lot bigger than your measuring stick. It ain’t over until Zelina Vega says it’s over.”
The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & ???
Miz makes his entrance but Melo kinda steps all over it. So he already missed his cue… But who did Truth find to team with him in the Big Easy? We’ll see, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Truth makes his entrance. “What’s up?” Well, more like who is his partner? He’ll tell us! His tag team partner is a local legend, born and bred right here in New Orleans! Ladies and gentlemen, welcome Louisiana Knight! Wait, he means L A Knight! Yes, Louisiana abbreviated is LA, but that’s not… Oh, Truth… Truth gives Knight a Po’ Boy and some Mardi Gras beads, so Knight embraces it. The teams sort out, and Truth calls out him! Does he mean Miz or Melo? Well, Melo says he is H1M, so that’s who starts. The fans cheer on Knight while Truth and Melo tie up. Melo KNEES low, whips, but Truth reverses.
Melo springboards, FADEAWAY JUMPER! Melo makes his free throw, but Truth drop toeholds! Truth headlocks, Melo powers up and out but Truth whips! Melo turns hip toss into lateral press, TWO! Truth has a ghost pin, TWO! Melo trips to cover, ONE! Truth trips to cover, ONE! Melo runs up, Truth does the splits, and then hits a BIG hip toss! The fans fire up, Truth counts, Melo gets up at TWO, but Truth was just goofing. The ref explains to Truth that he is the ref, not Truth! Melo is annoyed, he runs up on Truth, but Truth wrenches him around! Melo pulls hair but Knight tags in. The fans fire up as Knight fires hands!
Knight ROCKS Melo, whips Melo, but Melo reverses! SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Knight drags Melo up to tag Truth back in, and Truth ROCKS Melo! Melo staggers, but he refuses to tag! Truth arm-drags Melo, then grinds the arm. Melo insists he’s got this, then arm-drags free. Truth staggers up, he and Melo bump heads! Truth staggers around more, and he tags Miz?! Truth forgot The Awesome Truth isn’t a thing anymore! Again! Melo BLASTS Truth off the apron, the fans boo, but Miz tags himself in! Melo is annoyed, but Miz goes to fetch Truth while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again, and Melo has Truth. Truth ROCKS Melo, but Melo holds onto the wristlock! Truth reaches for Knight, Knight reaches for Truth, but Melo holds on. Truth takes a swing, but into an O’Conner Roll! TWO and Melo BLASTS Knight! Truth rolls Melo up, TWO! Melo kicks low, calls his shot, but Truth suplexes for a STUNNER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Truth and Melo crawl, hot tags to Miz and Knight! The fans fire up as Knight rallies on Miz! “YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips, Miz reverses, but Knight lEAPING LARIATS! Knight TOSSES Melo in for good measure!
Knight stomps a mudhole into Melo, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” LARIAT for Miz! KNEE for Melo! Knight scoops and POWERSLAMS Miz! Knight keeps running, JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Knight stays on Miz as he brings Miz up. Knight ROCKS Miz, then ROCKS him again! Knight whips, Miz grabs the ropes. Miz KICKS, then takes a swing, but into a back suplex! Miz lands out, tag to Melo! Miz ELBOWS Knight, but Knight scoops! Miz tilt-o-whirls through, Melo SUPERKICKS Knight down! cover, TWO! Knight stays in this but Melo says he’s got this! Melo waits on Knight, then leaps, but NO 48!
Knight kicks low, but NO B F T! Tag to Truth! Knight ELBOWS Melo, Truth runs in! CENA SHOULDER TACKLES! Then the SPIN OUT BOMB! Truth says it’s time! “YOU CANT SEE ME~!” truth runs for the FIVE KNCUKLE SHUFFLE! Truth then fireman’s carries, but Melo slips free! Melo shoves, Truth dodges, and Truth hits the LIE DETECTOR! Truth then gets Melo in the S T R-TRUTH! But Miz CLOBBERS Truth! Knight ROCKS Miz, then LARIATS him up and out! Knight then goes out to THROW Miz into barriers! The fans fire up again, but NAKAMURA ATTACKS KNIGHT!
The fans boo, but the sinister samurai then POSTS Knight!! Nakamura slithers away while Melo keeps the ref’s attention! Truth sees Knight is down, Melo runs up, but Truth dodges! Miz tags in, full nelson, and a FIRST 48 FINALE COMBO?!? Cover, Miz & Melo win!!
Winners: The Miz & Carmelo Hayes, by pinfall
Well, what do you know? Nakamura aside, Miz and Melo made it work! Okay, they’re both trying to hog the spotlight, but is there a future for Melo Don’t Miz? Will Knight only have more of a reason to take that title off Nakamura now?
Charlotte Flair speaks.
“The GOAT… doesn’t have to call themselves The GOAT. Now, I have crafted a legacy that no one, I mean no one, can touch. And I’m back.” The Women’s Royal Rumble Winner chose Tiffany Stratton, but will The Queen take back her throne? Or will WWE always be on #TiffyTime? Speaking of…
Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae!
The WWE Women’s Champion may have gotten past Nia Jax, but now she knows Charlotte Flair is waiting for her at WrestleMania, and is going to be teaming with Trish Stratus in Toronto! Will she be in Tiffy Top Shape for that Tiffy Trishy dream match? Or will the Poison Pixie be quite the problem all on her own?
Before the match, Tiff grabs a mic while the fans cheer. Tiffy says, “I know, I know. You know it, you know it, and you know it. Ever since I won this title, everybody’s just been so obsessed with me. And last week, I had Nia Jax beat, until Candice LeRae decided to interfere and help her little meal ticket. And at Elimination Chamber, Trish Stratus and I make sure the Unstoppable Force comes to a definitive end!” The fans cheer that, but Tiff says enough about them. Let’s talk Charlotte Flair. The fans boo that name, but Tiff says Charlotte took her sweet old time, grabbed a chair, grabbed a mic, and she looked down on Tiff.
Charlotte chose Tiff as her WrestleMania opponent. In that moment, Tiff’s dream came true! And as she lied down there and looked up at Charlotte, she realized the rumors are true: No one loves to kick a girl when she’s down quite like Charlotte Flair. So at WrestleMania, Tiff isn’t coming for Charlotte’s legacy; that’s all Charlotte’s. Tiff is coming for the spot Charlotte desires the most: The number one spot as the top girl in the WWE! But here comes Nia & Candice to interrupt. Nia has a mic to tell Tiffy, “I Have to say, this is really cute. Like, it’s really cute that you actually think you were gonna beat me last week.”
Doesn’t Candice think that is cute? Candice says yes, it is so~ cute. And Tiff wouldn’t even be standing there if not for little Trish Stratus~. Exactly! And it’s even cuter that Tiff is out here talking about Charlotte when she wont’ even see WrestleMania! Because after Nia & Candide destroy Tiff at Elimination Chamber, Nia is coming back for her WWE Women’s Championship. Nia & Candice step up to the ring, and Nia says Tiff won’t even see the Grandest Stage of Them All. Tiff tells Nia to just give it up. This title isn’t even hers anymore. And once Tiff beats Candice tonight, Nia won’t have anyone to do her dirty work anymore!
Candice tells Tiffy that while they’re meant have a match right now, she and Nia are feeling impatient. Nia says they should just get rid of Tiff right now! But the ref steps in and says not gonna happen! Tiff VS Candice will, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Candice has Tiffy down with an armlock. Tiff fights up as the fans rally, but Candice wrenches to wristlock. Tiff spins through, goes to ropes, then up the corner to flip and arm-drag! The fans fire up as Tiff rallies on Candice! DROPKICK, and Tiff snarls! Tiff goes to the corner, and Charlotte makes her entrance? The Queen chooses to be fashionably late all so everyone looks at her, including Tiffy. Tiffy handsprings, but Candice dodges! Candice runs up to UPPERCUT, then she snapmares and NECK SNAPPERS! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Candice clamps onto Tiffy with a top wristlock.
The fans “WOO~” as Charlotte now chooses to join commentary. Tiff fights up, has the ROPEBREAK, but Candice CLUBS away on her! Candice backs off, runs up, but Tiff drop toeholds her to ropes! Tiff runs, HIP ATTACKS, and Candice flops back! Cover, TWO! Tiff stays on Candice with a whip, but Candice reverses. Candice CLOBBERS Tiff, covers, TWO! Charlotte corrects Tiffy’s words earlier: Charlotte isn’t the “top girl,” she is THE woman in WWE. Candice HIP DROPS Tiff but the fans rally up. Candice scuffs Tiff, then grinds an arm to drop a knee on the elbow! And another knee drop! Tiff endures and the fans rally up.
Candice keeps on that arm, thrashes it around, but Tiff fights up. Tiff fires body shots, then shoves Candice to Alabama Lift her! Candice sunset flips, Tiff rolls through, TIFFY STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Tiff is frustrated and Candice bails out. Tiff goes to the apron, goes up the corner, and ARIHARA MOONSAULTS! Direct hit on Candice and Nia, and Tiff almost stuck the landing! The fans fire up with Tiff and she goes into the ring. Tiff points to the WrestleMania sign, and then at Charlotte, but SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Tiff waits on Candice, Candice slides in, and Tiff stomps her down! Candice bails out, Nia is there to coach her, but Tiff lets the ring count start. Candice gets on the apron, Tiff kicks her, but Candice RAMS Tiff! Candice CLUBS Tiff, has her in the ropes, and hits a NECKBREAKER HOTSHOT! Candice climbs, aims, and leaps to MISSILE DROPKICK Tiff down! Cover, TWO! Candice is frustrated but this is why Tiff’s a champ. The fans rally, but Candice stomps Tiff! Candice scowls at the fans, stalks Tiff, then brings her up. Tiff fires body shots, then she rolls Candice up! TWO, and Candice CLOBBERS Tiff! Cover, TWO, into a ghost pin! TWO!
Candice escapes to hit a CODE BREAKER! Both women are down, but Candice scowls again as she crawls over to Tiff. Candice rains down fists, Nia tells fans to shut up, and Candice steps on Tiff’s face. Candice huffs ‘n’ puffs, pushes Tiff around, then scuffs her. Tiff rolls Candice up again, TWO! Candice DECKS Tiff! Cover, TWO! Charlotte is stoic on commentary as Candice drags Tiff up and puts her in a corner. Candice fires hands, then backs off. Candice runs up to ROCK Tiff again! Candice then runs, but Tiff dodges! SmackDown returns to single picture, and Tiff rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT! The fans fire up, Tiff handsprings, BACK ELBOW!
Tiff then reels Candice in for a SKY HIGH! High stack, TWO! The fans rally for Tiff, Nia coaches Candice, but Charlotte still seems nonplussed. Tiff and Candice rise, and Candice runs up. Candice puts Tiff on the apron, but Tiff ROCKS her! Tiff bumps Candice off buckles, then goes up, but Candice ROCKS her back! Candice climbs up, and she fires hands on Tiff! Tiff fights the suplex! Tiff DECKS Candice, then adjusts position, to SANTON- FLOP! Candice ghost pins, TWO!! Tiff escapes, but Candice hits the step-up SENTON! And then a LIONSAUL FLOP! Tiff hurries to fireman’s carry, ROLLING SENTON! And then PRETTIEST MOON- NO, Nia drags Candice out of the ring!
The fans boo, Nia tells them to shut up, but Tiff is on the apron! Nia swings, Tiff cartwheels over, and then she DROPKICKS Nia! Tiff Alabama Lifts Candice, to ALABAMA SLAM her into barriers! Tiff stares down Charlotte, tells her just wait for Mania, then she puts Candice in the ring. Tiff goes to the corner, PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, Tiff wins!
Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall
Charlotte gives moderate applause, but Nia CLOBBERS Tiff from behind! The fans boo, but Nia just drags Tiff to a corner. Nia goes up, but wait! Trish is here!! The fans fire up for the legend as she rushes into the ring! Trish avoids a haymaker to CHICK KICK! Then THESZ PRESS for Candice! And then a SPINEBUSTER! Trish helps Tiff to her feet, but Nia grabs them both! Trish fires fast hands on Nia! Candice CHOP BLOCKS Trish! Tiff is still dazed, Nia HEADBUTTS her back down! Nia & Candice mug Trish, and then Nia HEADBUTTS Trish! Trish & Tiff are side by side, and Nia drags them into the drop zone! A-NIA-LATOR!!
The fans boo but there’s nothing can be done! Nia grins as she helps Candice away, will these two trash Trish & Tiff in Toronto? Charlotte steps into the ring, stands over Tiff, and points to the WrestleMania sign. Will The Irresistible Force & Poison Pixie unwittingly do the dirty work of The Queen of Flair?
Cody talks with Damian Priest backstage.
Priest asks why Cody’s boy, The Rock, is here tonight. Cody says given the time of year, his guess is as good as anyone’s. But tonight will surely be eventful. Cody congratulates Priest on entering the Elimination Chamber. Priest says what’s wild is, last year, they both walked out as champions. What sucks is that this year, only one of them can. Now, Priest is man enough and he respects Cody to say that after Chamber, he’s coming for that title. Cody says he wouldn’t have it any other way. Cody heads out, but what business does The Rock have tonight?
Braun Strowman steps in, and he tells Priest that congrats on winning, and good luck in the Chamber. But let’s be honest, Braun had Jacob dead to rights last week. If not for Solo Sikoa, things would look a lot different next week. Priest chuckles and says take it easy, he’s sounding like Drew with the excuses. But it is what it is, Priest just beat Braun to the punch. But that was last week. Tonight, Solo and Jacob, two of the baddest men in the business. Priest & Braun handling business? Oh, they’re handling business. The only business Braun cares about is getting his hands on those two. Priest says Braun definitely will.
Braun heads out, will the Monster of All Monsters and the Archer of Infamy make sure Solo & Jacob #GetTheseHands? Or will the rogues run roughshod all over SmackDown once again?
Backstage interview with Naomi & Bianca Belair.
Byron Saxton is with the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions and brings up last week’s SmackDown, the security footage led us to believe Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez were the ones behind Jade Cargill’s attack. Now, hold on, Saxton. They don’t think, Naomi knows they were. Fair enough. But this Monday, they can get their revenge when they defend the tag titles against Liv & Raquel. How ready are they for this match? Bianca says so ready! They have been waiting for months for an update. Jade has been recovering, she hasn’t been able to call or text, so the GlowEST took matters into their own hands to get revenge.
Bianca & Naomi will handle Liv & Raquel, then move on to Elimination Chamber, where one of them is gonna win to face Rhea at WrestleMania. Not only will you #FeelTheGlowEST on Monday, but Liv feels it tonight! #Let’sGLOW! The champs head out, but will they clear their Road to WrestleMania of any other distractions?
Alexa Bliss speaks.
“When I was away, there was a lot of… change that happened in me. But when I look around, I see this place is still the same. The names and faces may be different, but the desperation and insecurity remains the same. You’ll see Toronto when I turn the Elimination Chamber into something of a playground of my own. I know the Chamber. I love the Chamber. I’ve won the Chamber. And for the other five women, it’s gonna be a Hell like they’ve never experienced before. Need I remind you, this is my division, and I am in charge.” Bliss smiles and says, “See you soon.” The film comes off the reel, but will things get twisted in Toronto?
Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez!
The Big Easy is all about having fun, and they’re fired up for Naomi’s entrance. But wait! Liv & Raquel don’t wait, they attack Bianca & Naomi while the lights are still down! They mug Naomi, but Bianca drags Liv out of the ring! Then Bianca storms in to fire off on Raquel! The fans fire up, but Liv returns to CHOP BLOCK Bianca! Raquel hauls Bianca up for a TEJANA BOMB!! Naomi runs up, fires more hands, but Liv brings Naomi around. Naomi fires hands on her, but Raquel throws her down! Liv runs up, OBLIVION!
Liv & Raquel stand tall, the refs rush out here, but clearly the singles match isn’t happening. Will we be getting something even meaner and nastier between these four on Monday?
The Rock arrives!
His truck pulls into the parking lot, but we’ll see him in the ring, after the break!
SmackDown returns and…
Aldis is chewing out Liv & Raquel for the attack. He doesn’t know what they get away with on Raw, but they can’t pull that crap here. Now get the hell out of his building. Liv & Raquel just laugh that off, but then Chelsea Green & Piper Niven walk in. Chelsea says have no fear, Chelsea & Piper are here to sub in for Bianca and Naomi at Elimination Chamber. Aldis sighs, and says they’re not missing the Chamber. What? But Chelsea had an outfit picked out! This is a travesty to not have the greatest Canadian export since maple syrup on a Canadian PLE! Does he know who she is? The first-ever, longest reigning, tallest, shortest, prettiest, richest, tannest, sparkliest, oldest, youngest Women’s US Champion! Piper asks what this is aboot, eh?
Aldis says this is them testing his patience. They need to pack their gear and whatever else they want, because they’ll be in action next week on SmackDown in Toronto. And oh, it’ll be a good one. Wait, they need more details! At least an e-calendar notification? Aldis is leaving Chelsea in the dark on what’s coming, will she absolutely hate it?
The Rock heads to the ring!
Wait, what is this New Orleans related remix? The Final Boss steps out on stage, he shows those goosebumps, then continues down the ramp, shaking hands with fans. The Rock hits his signature pose on the corner, but then takes the long way around to pick up a fan’s phone for them before going back into the ring. The fans all cheer for “ROCKY! ROCKY!” and he grabs himself a mic. He waits as the fans continue to chant his name, and then he says, “Ahh, you feel it, don’t you? You feel it. The Rock has got chills up and down his body because you know, on a Friday night, for the Final Boss to get inside his bird and fly all the way here, you know that I’m dropping some ish on you tonight!”
The fans fire up and The Rock smiles. Rock says, “Let’s get this show on the road.” The fans anticipate what’s coming but he says hold on, he’ll do it. “FINALLY! The Rock has come back…” “TO NEW ORLEANS~!” Rock smiles, and he adds, FINALLY, WrestleMania is coming back to New Orleans!! The fans are thunderous to hear that! WrestleMania 30, WrestleMania 34, and now WrestleMania 42!? Yes, next year, 2026, LIVE from the Superdome! One of the greatest cities on Earth in New Orleans, Louisiana! The pyro goes off to commemorate the occasion, and the logo is already on the tron! Rock smiles at that, then he smiles at the WrestleMania 41 Vegas logo.
The fans are losing their minds, as we now know April 11th and 12th, 2026, the Big Easy has the Grandest Stage of Them All. Rock says you damn right holy ish! Oh when the saints go marching in…! Oh how I’d love… Wait, no, this ain’t singalong with The Final Boss! Sit there, shut up, and let The Final Boss sing the song! The fans are torn, but Rock says he sings! Oh how I’d love, to be in that number~! Oh when the saints go marching in~! Okay, that’s good enough. You got him, that was a great duet. The Rock is singing with the largest collection of STD’d trailer trash he has ever seen! The fans can’t believe Rock would do that to them!
Rock says now, dropping this news wasn’t the only gift he was going to drop on us. The Final Boss came here to call somebody out. The Rock will call out a man who he respects, who he admires, and who we all admire. That man is our WWE Champion, the one and only, Cody Rhodes. The fans cheer as The American Nightmare makes his entrance! They sing along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” and we get Cody’s pyro before he goes to the ring. Cody gets his second “WHOA~ OH~!” and round of pyro, then he steps inside to join The Rock. The fans cheer Cody on, so he holds up the title and the fans cheer even more.
Cody grabs a mic, but Rock says, “That feels good, doesn’t it? I mean, that’s gotta feel amazing, right? They love you, man.” Cody tells NOLA, “I love you, too.” Rock says this is crazy. Pretty much no one knows this, but since after WrestleMania last year, they’ve actually become good friends. No, it’s true, they have. Last time they were together was the Raw Netflix debut. Rock gave Cody his flowers, told Cody he has carried the company like the incredible champion that he is, so thank you, Cody. Rock meant it, and that night, they went to the back, drank tequila for two hours and had a great ol’ time.
They chopped it up, had a blast, but Rock wants to call Cody out here for something important. Here’s the thing… The fans get a bit rowdy as they wait, and Rock says Cody is a great champion. A great WWE Champion. Cody knows that. Again, they’ve become good friends, so over the months, they’ve texted. Even their moms became good friends! Look! Mama Johnson & Mama Rhodes together after WrestleMania 40! It is a pleasure becoming Cody’s friend. But Rock wanted this face to face to tell him a few things. One: Cody has been a great champion, but he needs to understand. Yes, The Rock, The Final Boss, is on the Board of TKO. And TKO owns WWE.
The Rock is the Director of the Board of TKO. Don’t boo that! The Rock’s good friend, Ari Emanuel, who owns everything Endeavor, The Rock joked with Ari, “Can you believe that you own The WWE?” Ari says he doesn’t own the WWE, The Rock does. Rock said no, no, he doesn’t know if he owns the WWE. But The Rock knows he is the most powerful… Cody, you are a great champion. But Rock wants Cody to be something more. Rock wants Cody to be something more than just our champion. Rock wants Cody to be his champion. The fans don’t like where that’s going.
Cody says he did not expect them to become friends, nor their moms to become friends, nor the tequila. Cody didn’t have that on his bingo card. But becoming The Rock’s champion? The Rock of all people should know, Cody is the people’s champion. The fans cheer Cody more, and Rock says yes! Cody is their champion! Of course! The Rock is also The People’s Champion, he loves that about Cody. This is their universe, they were both born into this business. But Rock means something even bigger than just this. Rock knows Cody’s goal is to bring as much joy and happiness to everyone around the world, as many as possible.
The fans cheer, and Rock says that’s Cody. Cody is that guy, and everyone knows it. Cody is on social media, Instagram, millions of followers. Millions, and millions! The Rock has half a BILLION. That’s not a flex. But The Rock is the most followed American man in the world, that’s what he wants for Cody. Rock wants Cody to be even higher. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, he will open doors to possibilities Cody never even imagined. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, every dream he has ever had can come true. Every dream of Brandi’s, of their daughter’s. Think about how Rock brought them to the premiere of Moana 2, in Hawaii.
Thank you, by the way, for making that cross a BILLION dollars, fans, Rock loves you. Rock has met the Rhodes family, they’re amazing. But imagine it: Cody’s daughter’s children, their dreams, long after Rock and Cody are gone, all those dreams can come true. Rock just needs Cody to be his champion. The fans say don’t do it! Rock tells Cody to just think about it, though. Rock is a very lucky man, he has it all. Cody also has it all. They’re very fortunate. They’re Mama’s Boys, they’re Girl Dads, they’re lucky men. Fans say don’t do it, Rock tells them to shut up or he’ll slap the syphilis off their face! Rock is trying to have a moment here, shut your mouths!
The one thing that Rock has never had, that he wants more than anything, is a brother. And that is what Cody can be. Last year, WrestleMania, Rock’s goal was to face his cousin, Roman Reigns, for the title. Cody knows, the fans know. Rock talked with his friend, HHH. He talked with Nick Khan, who is his friend. They are also Cody’s friends. Rock knew it wasn’t in the plans, but they talked about moving Cody aside to make what was best for business: Rock VS Roman, WrestleMania 40! What’d Cody do? Cody pitched a b*tch fit! Cody told The Rock he ain’t doing it, and he stood up to The Rock. And y’know what else? Cody SLAPPED Rock!
No one does that and gets away with it. But that is why Cody is special. That is why Cody should be Rock’s Champion. And that is why Rock will take Cody from where he is to a level so far above. Rock will make sure every dream, every desire, for generations to come, it all comes true. Rock’s dad, Cody’s dad, Soul Man & American Dream, they are looking down right now. They were friends, Cody and Rock are friends, Cody should be Rock’s Champion. He doesn’t need to answer Rock tonight. He can think about it, talk with his wife and daughter, as will The Rock. Then Cody can think about it. Meet Rock in Toronto on March 1st to give him the answer.
Fans still say don’t do it, but Rock says it is okay. Before he leaves, this has been an amazing night, this is a hot crowd, thank you all very much. But before he leaves, Rock wants us to know this: The one thing Rock wants more than anything in this world… is that. Wait, the title? Cody’s title? The fans’ title? This is all this is about? No no no no! Brother… Rock doesn’t want the title. He wants Cody’s soul. The fans duel, “NO! NO! NO!” “SELL YOUR SOUL!” Rock pats Cody on the cheek and says see you in Toronto. The Rock leaves, giving Cody a lot to think about. Rock does give one last glance back at Cody, then smirks.
What will The American Nightmare choose: His integrity? Or his aspirations?
WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly!
Did Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano got these titles thanks to Kit Wilson & Elton Prince? #YESBOY! Did they survive a couple title defenses thanks to Kit & Elton? #YESBOY! But when Pretty Deadly needed DIY, was DIY there for them? #NOBOY! So now, Kit & Elton are looking to give Ciampa & Gargano their comeuppance! Will we finally get another #SidePlateCheck? Or will Ciampa & Gargano remember for themselves, that if you wanna be champions, you gotta do it yourself?
But as DIY make their entrance, they have mics, and Johnny Wrestling tells NOLA, “Give it up one time for your TWO-TIME WWE Tag Team Champions…! The BTTITW (Best Tag Team In The World), D I Y~!” The fans boo instead. Ciampa says there is no denying that tonight has been electrifying. Gargano says this is a hot crowd. But please, if we could be somber for a second. Guys, this is serious. Two weeks ago, Pretty Deadly embarrassed DIY, and now reluctantly, DIY will return that favor by crushing their hopes and dreams of ever becoming WWE Tag Team Champions. So please, let us all rise to our feet… Yes, you in the LSU jersey, stand up.
Ciampa thanks Wade Barrett, and asks for everyone to remove their hands and bow their heads for a moment of silence for Pretty Deadly, beginning… now. The fans boo instead! And then Pretty Deadly make their entrance! The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really needed who in this broken relationship!
But then DIY jumps Pretty Deadly! The ref reprimands, DIY whip but Pretty Deadly reverses! DOUBLE DORPKICKS! Then DOUBLE LARIATS send DIY up and out! The disco ball hasn’t even stopped spinning! The fans cheer while DIY throw a fit! They regroup, cool down, and go back to the ring. Gargano distracts Elton, Ciampa CLOBBERS him, and the bell rings. But Elton fires hands on Ciampa! Elton whips, Ciampa reverses and he pulls hair! The ref reprimands, Ciampa throws Elton to the apron and KNEES him down! Tag to Gargano and he aims, SUPERKICK! Elton goes down in a heap, DIY cheers themselves on, and SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns, Gargano tags in, and DIY hits the BACK SUPLEX BOMBO COMBO! Cover, TWO! Elton stays in this but Gargano tags Ciampa back in. Gargano sends Ciampa in, but Elton ELBOWS him away! Gargano runs in, but Elton puts him on the apron! Gargano goes after Kit, but Kit blocks the kick! Kit BOOTS Gargano down, but then Ciampa BOOTS Kit! Elton dodges Ciampa to come back, DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! Elton and Ciampa are down, sputtering and writhing, and the fans rally up. Elton crawls, Kit rises, hot tags to Kit and Gargano! Kit rallies on DIY with big forearms! Kit whips, Gargano reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS!
Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa in a corner, then LARIATS! Kit runs to LARIAT Gargano! Kit pushes Gargano down, kicks him and hits a TWIST- NO, Gargano slips through to ROCK Kit! Kit yoyos, DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up, Kit tags Elton! They get Gargano up, but Gargano BOOTS Elton! Gargano ELBOWS Kit away, then runs up on Elton! Elton dodges, then gives Kit the boost, DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Gargano survives but Ciampa is in! Elton fireman’s carries Ciampa, but Ciampa slips free! Ciampa whips, Elton reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa! Elton shows off his strength with the GOTCH LIFT PLEX!
Tag to Kit, but IN COME THE PROFITS! Ford SHOVES Kit down, Dawkins mugs him!!
Winners: Pretty Deadly, by disqualification; DIY retain the titles
Not again! Just like they did Motor City Machine Guns, The Profits make sure no one else takes these titles off DIY! URENAGE from Ford to Elton! Dawkins keeps hammering away on Kit, and then Ford POSTS Elton! Dawkins fireman’s carries Kit, to POST him, too! Looking like the All Mighty with that one! Gargano fires forearms in return, but ends up int he POUNCE GERMAN SUPLEX! Then Ciampa runs up into a FLAPJACK! Ford goes up top, then flies in FROM THE HEAVENS!! Direct hit on Ciampa! But wait! MCMG rushes out here, wanting their payback! The Profits brawl with MCMG, but Ford TOSSES Shelley to the apron!
Ford runs up, Shelley goes to kick, but Ford blocks it! Ford LARIATS Shelley down, Dawkins hits Sabin with THE BIG ENDING! The fans are torn as Dawkins whips Sabin, Profits get him for the REVELATION!! And if there’s been any revelation, it is that Ford & Dawkins don’t just want the smoke, they want to burn down the tag division to get it! Will nothing stop them once they’re back in action?
Kevin Owens speaks.
“You got what you wanted, huh? You got your match. You couldn’t, uh… You couldn’t just take the punishment that you deserved, that I’d already given you, and let it go. No, you… You wanted me and you to go again. You wanted to fight me, you want to hurt me, you want to end my career, which would hurt my family, by the way. Which is truly despicable. But what about your family, Sami? Huh? Have you thought of them? What about your family, huh?” Kevin reveals he is right outside the Zayn home! Kevin peers inside to watch Sami, his wife, and his son!
Kevin asks Sami via the video if Sami knows what he’s about to put them through, when they have to watch Kevin end Sami’s career. And what happens then, eh? When Sami can’t provide for them, and everything they have, like this nice house, the shelter, the security, the peace they have, when it’s all gone? And why? What for? Because Sami’s too proud? Because Sami’s selfish? Sami IS selfish. Because Sami is making Kevin do this to Sami’s family. Kevin will never forgive Sami for that. He’ll see Sami in Toronto. “But remember… You asked for this. It’s all your fault.” As if Kevin’s delusions aren’t already grand, will he continue to blame everyone else but himself?
Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga!
Elimination Chamber is on the horizon, and the Road to WrestleMania makes for strange bedfellows. Priest, Braun and Jacob were fighting each other just last week, but Solo’s return really threw things for a loop. Can Priest & Braun give Solo and the Samoan Werewolf their punishment? Or will everything (not) be fine in Solo’s Bloodline?
SmackDown returns as #OneBigSOB makes his entrance. As Solo, Jacob & Tama head to gorilla, we hear from Solo. “Tonight, we handle business. And it starts with Braun Strowman & Damian-” Jacob interrupts with, “Man, c’mon, DP! C’mon, Braun! I thought we did this! So tonight, we about to even up the score. If you ain’t know, I’m all gas, no brakes with it! See, since we touched the scene, we been dropping bodies like bread crumbs! Yadada mean!? FA-TUUU~! Hit my music!” The rogues enter to Jacob’s theme, is this alone proof he’s the new alpha? Or will the match be the last nail in that coffin?
The teams sort out, but Jacob stares down both Priest and Braun. NOLA seems to acknowledge Jacob, but Solo convinces him to stand down. Solo starts against Priest, the bell rings, and the two tie up. They go around, Priest powers Solo back, but Solo powers Priest back. They break, stare down, and Solo talks some trash. Solo shoves Priest, Priest shoves back. They circle again, tie up, and Priest puts Solo in a corner. The ref counts, Priest lets off at 4, but Solo stomps Priest’s foot! Solo throws hands, then a HEADBUTT! Priest staggers, but then he ROCKS Solo! And ROCKS him! And HEADBUTTS! That was a mistake!
Solo shakes his head to HEADBUTT Priest! Priest goes to a corner, Solo throws haymakers and body shots on repeat! The ref counts, Solo lets off and says see? Solo and Jacob as one! But Priest THROWS Solo to the corner to fire off haymakers of his own! Priest ROCKS Solo, the fans fire up, and Priest whips., Solo reverses to UPPERCUT! Solo talks smack but Priest ROCKS him again! Tag to Braun and the fans fire up! Braun stares Jacob down, tells him to shove it, then runs up to SPLASH Solo! Braun stares Jacob down again, goes back for Solo, and hits another LARIAT! Braun scoops, Solo slips free, but Braun runs up!
Solo ELBOWS Braun away, tags to Jacob, and Jacob runs in, but Braun dodges! Braun CROSSBODIES! Jacob is right up, but Braun BOOTS him right back down! Solo runs in but Braun TOSSES him! Priest hurries after Solo, Braun CLOBBERS Jacob! LEAPING LARIAT for Solo! Braun then gets on the track, STROWMAN EXPRESS SMACKS a chair out of Tama’s hand! The Good Bad Guy thought he was being sneaky! But then Jacob CROSSBODIES Braun into the timekeeper’s aera! The fans go wild as Jacob rises up, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Jacob hauls Braun up, drags him around the way, HEADBUTTS him, then brings him over to SMACK off the desk! Braun staggers, but he ROCKS Jacob in return! And THROWS Jacob into steel steps! Braun drags Jacob up, puts him in the ring, but Jacob SUPERKICKS Braun! Braun falls into the corner, Jacob HIP ATTACKS! Jacob’s all geeked up, then he tags in Solo. Solo soaks up some heat while Jacob HIP ATTACKS Braun again! Solo puts Braun on ropes to CHOKE him! The ref counts, Solo stops at 4, but Jacob gets a HEADBUTT in! Braun flounders, Solo taunts him and eggs him on, but Braun CHOPS him!
Solo HEADBUTTS Braun right down! Solo rains down fists, then lets off so he can put Braun on the ropes. Solo CHOKES Braun again, stops as the ref counts 4, and Jacob gets another cheap shot in! Solo tags Jacob in, then he HEADBUTTS Braun again and again! Jacob runs to BODY CHECK Braun! Jacob fires up, Braun flounders to ropes, but Jacob rains down fists! Tag to Solo, he soaks up heat from NOLA, then he stomps away on Braun! The ref counts, Solo lets off, then he keeps Braun from Priest by anchoring a leg. Tag to Jacob and Jacob climbs up, FROG SPLASH! Jacob roars while Braun writhes!
Jacob looms over Braun but he glares at Priest. Priest gets heated, but Jacob fires hands on Braun as SmackDown returns to single picture. Braun stands, but Jacob HEADBUTTS him again! Jacob runs for another BODY CHECK! And then a SENTON! Cover, TWO! Braun stays in this and he goes to a corner. Jacob snarls, tags Solo in, and the fans boo. Solo runs corner to corner to HIP ATTACK Braun! Solo grins as he copies Jacob’s geeking out. Tag back to Jacob and fans cheer! Jacob aims, runs, and HIP ATTACKS! Jacob keeps going, but Braun BOOTS from below!! The fans fire up while both men stagger to their feet.
Braun SPINEBUSTERS Jacob! Both monsters are down, the fans rally up, and they crawl, hot tags to Solo and Priest! Priest fires hands on Solo, then whips. Solo reverses but Priest SHOUDLER TACKLES Solo! Priest runs to BACK ELBOW! Jacob is back, but Priest dodges to WHEEL KICK! Priest then waits on Solo, but Solo catches Priest! Priest elbows free, but Solo SUPERKICKS! But Priest JUMPING ROUNDHOUSES! Solo comes back, Priest ROCKS him first! Solo swings, but into the FLATLINER! Cover, TWO! Solo survives but Priest puts him in a corner. Priest whips corner to corner, then runs, only for Solo to put him on th eapron!
Solo takes as swing, Priest dodges and ROUNDHOUSES! Priest then knuckle locks with Solo, goes up top, and he tightrope walks for some OLD SCHOOL! The fans fire up and Priest powers up the arm! Priest runs, but Solo ducks the Comebacker! Priest fights the fireman’s carry to BELL CLAP, ROUNDHOUSE, and then he reels Solo in! But Tama is on the apron! Priest DECKS Tama, but Jacob HOTSHOTS Priest! Solo hits the URENAGE! Cover, TWO!! Priest survives and Solo is stunned! Solo snarls, looks to his taped-up thumb, then he drags Priest up. The fans boo but Solo taunts the fans now. SAMOAN- NO! Priest grabs Solo!
But Jacob runs in! Priest ROCKS Jacob, ELBOWS Solo, then he dodges, so Jacob’s SUPERKICK hits Solo! An accident just like last week’s shot to Tama, but Jacob doesn’t seem as upset by it. Priest TOSSES Jacob, then CLOBBERS Solo! STROWMAN EXPRESS CLOBBERS Jacob & Tama!! Priest brings down the straps, the fans are thunderous, and Priest grabs Solo by the neck! SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Cover, Priest & Braun win!
Winners: Damian Priest & Braun Strowman, by pinfall
Just as Solo thought it’d be like before, he and Jacob were not on the same page! Priest is rolling towards Elimination Chamber, will this be just what he needs to go back to WrestleMania?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown here, but with some interesting moves after the sudden change in plans with The Rock showing up. Naomi and Bianca had a good promo to hype up what was meant to be a full match of Naomi VS Liv, but word had already come out before the show that things were being cut for time. But at the very least, they did the right thing of making it a brawl that adds heat to the tag title match on Monday. Also, hilarious how Chelsea & Piper thought the beatdown on Bianca & Naomi was so bad that they would need to be pulled from the Chamber. I also can’t wait to see what happens on Toronto SmackDown.
As for The Rock, I do appreciate he used his authority to kayfabe change more things, all so he could have his promo with Cody. I also appreciate Rock blending his different roles and even different sides, both Heel and Face, to A) bring the news of WM42 being in NOLA, and B) recreate the Corporate Champion/People’s Champion story from the Attitude Era. That was some wild stuff he was saying to Cody. I’m sure quite a few people will try and talk with Cody next week in the go-home. Heels will say do it because they’d love to have what Rock can give, Faces will say not because Cody’s better than that. But naturally, Cody is not going to become The Rock’s Champion, causing Rock to turn on him and really up things going into WrestleMania 41 and perhaps even beyond.
Good stuff in the Elimination Chamber related stories. Jimmy VS McIntyre was great stuff to open, and how fitting that McIntyre loses to Jimmy after talking all that trash about Jimmy and Jey being the same. Jey got McIntyre with something quick, Jimmy got McIntyre with something quick, McIntyre’s ego is obviously his weakness. And at the same time, McIntyre of course destroys Jimmy after because that’s his other personality trait. Priest had good promos with Cody and Braun, and we got great stuff from Solo’s Bloodline. Naturally, we got a miscommunication spot to help finish, we’re really close to Solo VS Jacob, I can feel it. Priest & Braun get the win, mostly because Priest isn’t winning in the Chamber when you’ve got Punk and Cena in there.
Very good stuff with Tiffy Time, from the promos leading into the match to Charlotte being ringside just to watch. Nia & Candice of course get the better of Tiff & Trish, because Tiff & Trish are definitely winning the tag match in Toronto. Charlotte just seems to enjoy trolling Tiff with her presence, so Charlotte probably shows up in Toronto to then confront Tiff after the match. I expect the seven weeks after Elimination Chamber to really heat up, as will Charlotte’s involvement, where she’ll get more active verbally and physically. Also, hell, Rock should go full Corporation and have Charlotte be his Corporate Women’s Champion because of how established she is.
Hilarious stuff from Truth tonight, as always. Truth and Melo having their “who’s on first” again was good stuff, and of course Miz gets in on this story, too. Truth & Knight VS “Melo Don’t Miz” was really fun, but yeah, should’ve figured Nakamura would get involved, too. Melo & Miz making it work could also be really fun, and while Knight VS Nakamura is a rehash, I really hope they find a way to up things. It feels like we’re getting the same with the tag titles as Profits “ruined” that great tag match from DIY and Pretty Deadly, then brawled with MCMG to still come out on top. Last year had a ladder tag title match, so why not do one for these titles this year?
Speaking of escalating, Kevin filming a promo outside Sami’s house was some really well done stuff, as expected of someone as good as Kevin and in such a story as him and Sami. Their match should main event, it needs time to breathe, as it could be just as, if not more violent, than the Chamber matches. What a powerful closing moment we could have if it’s a bloody Kevin and Sami, and one of them is standing over the other, triumphant yet mournful because it was their best friend in the world that they just brutalized.
My Score: 8.9/10
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA LIVE! iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 2.20.2025
So the first live episode got fairly positive praise from everyone; will this continue the trend?
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Filming at Full Sail seems to have set the stage nicely this week! Going into a Live episode we got Moose and The Hardy Boyz on NXT, as well as Jordynne Grace’s involvement with Steph and Giulia giving a little shine to TNA happenings since she’s newly WWE.
This episode should be interesting, we finally see Lei Ying Lee (fka Xia Li) back in action, Rascalz take on Tyson and Tyriek, Tessa should be seeing some action as well…so generally interesting happenings for the second Live iMPACT! of 2025. Let’s see how this one goes down!
No matter where @ManceWarner and @stephdelander go, @TheSamiCallihan WILL FIND THEM!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/mXz9U7m9PL
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Ratings:
- Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin: Rascalz win via Meteora/Swanton Combo – ***
- Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary: Lei wins via Thunderstruck – **
- NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC: Dango wins via The System help – ** 3/4
- Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore: Masha wins via Requiem – N/A
- Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons: Elijah wins via Tombstone Piledriver – *** 1/4
Results:
Oh yeah, and another Hendry concert is…cut off by a commercial, LOLTNA. First Hendry is cut off by AXSTV’s new Anime Hour bumper, and now Primo and Epico are showing up in TNA. I definitely didn’t have this on my BINGO card. The crowd starts chanting “Where’s Carlito”, which they do acknowledge and play off of well. Oh they’re using their shoot names of Orlando and Eddie now…but before they attack the lights go out and we get another guitar strum! ELIAH/ELIAS/EZEKIEL/EBENERZER/EMERY/EL VAGABUNDO – shows up to back up Hendry. Okay I can apologize away the redundant concert since it played into an Elijah debut. The crowd is immediately popping and chanting “This is Awesome” 10 minutes into the show.
Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin
Treehouse bros take it to the bigger men quickly, a few fast dives, a little MCMG style tandem strikes, Tyson fires and tries to take them out but they Low Bridge him. Tyriek comes in and they try similar things but Tyriek manhandles them both and throws them out of the ring, Trey is the first one back up and Tyriek and Tyson take his damn head off with his Corkscrew Running Euro Upper. Trey finally manages to flip out of the manhandle, tags in Wentz and Wentz goes for the hot and spicy cleaning house spot. Corner to Corner Knee Lifts for both big men, a Rolling Snapmare, into a Superkick for Tyson and Standing Shoot Star on Tyriek but only for two because Wes feints like he’s going to interfere.
Tyson and Tyriek pull off a tandem Assisted Backdrop Driver, but Wentz breaks it up, Tyson gets knocked out, Wentz hits the Tornillo, Wes tries to interfere again after Trey gets perched on the corner buckle but Ace runs around and trips Wes at the last second causing him to faceplant on the apron, Trey hits the Meteora, Wentz hits a Swanton from the other side of the ring and Trey gets the pinfall victory.
It was fast paced, all gas no brakes, but it didn’t overstay its welcome, so it was pretty fun all things considered.
After the match Wes grabs a mic, complains a little but challenges them to a 6 man match as Sacrifice. So we’re THAT’S where we’re getting the expected 3v3.
Fir$t Cla$$ comes out with an entourage of hot chicks and probably influencers or something. The “First Class Penthouse” , Gabby AF, Mafiosa Valentina, and Carolina are apparently known in their own way. Gabby I know was the awful one who did something for Impact a last year and sucked, but she’s part of the Busted Open Network I believe so that’s why she’s around. Two of them look like Noelle Foley and Frank the Clown…oh they actually are. Look at that. I do love KC Navarro as the Hype Man, they have this whole set up of AJ being mad that they haven’t gotten more Tag Title shots, so TNA placated him with his own Piper’s Pit and he’s *pregnant pause* totally happy with that. He says he loved Piper and hated Hogan before it was cool.
This is actually quality content and AJ is cutting a nice promo in this segment. They introduce their first guest, the greatest performer in TNA history, many whole say he’s Phenomenal with a whole lot of style….it’s A-J-Francis.
.@AJFrancis410 is GOING OFF!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/kGehtp9iTE
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary
Things were slow until Rosemary took her into a corner quickly, hit the Upside Down, and we get a lot of Lei trying to avoid Rosemary’s offense. Rosemary goes for a Spear in the corner and Lei forward rolls, starts connecting with a bunch of right hands, backs Rosemary into the corner, goes for 10 Count Punches, pulls her out, Airplane Spin TKO for only a two count. Rosemary tries As Above So Below, Lei shrugs it off, Rosemary tries to go after Lei anyway and eats Thunderstruck! Lei Ying Lee wins!
After the match Rosemary catches Lei on the ramp and hits the Green mist in the eyes. Match was far too short and so many of Lei’s set up moves look better than her finish. We’ve seen Kofi Kingston do it for years so it’s not bad, just the current Knockouts Division are awful and don’t take the move well.
Eric Young and the jabronis come out, EY cuts a very basic power crazed psycho kind of promo, gets the “What” chants from the crowds. EY is trying to recruit Maclin even though Maclin made his line in the sand last week. EY tries to spin it as maybe he took out Josh FOR Maclin instead of in spite of his trust. This really doesn’t seem interesting at all, but that’s probably because I hate the two Jabronis EY is with.
NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC
I really don’t have any interest in Slater. He’s got no personality beyond “flippy guy with a British accent”.
Dango immediately powders, grabs a chair and goes to swing on him but misses. So Leon is making JDC look dumb by dodging the post chop, using the chair to shield himself from a punch by JDC, and then clapping Dango’s fingers between the chair. So typical System match, look inept for the first few minutes, then take advantage of something to take over. Oh look, Leon takes too long setting up the table, Dango gets in a few pot shots, tries to whip him into the table but Leon leaps over it, and then leaps back over to clobber Dango. Dango is still trying to recover so Leon hits his over the corner post con hilo, and the crowd appreciates it but I’m not interested. Leon panders to the crowd after the big spot and then eats an X-Plex into the chair from Dango.
JDC throws Leon back in, goes for a pinfall that’s only a two and we cut to a commercial. Coming out of the commercial JDC is in control with a Kendo Stick until he isn’t, Leon counters and takes the keno stick, brutalizes Dango a few times then comes off the ropes with the kendo shot for 2. Leon goes for another table, and again, at least the crowd is receptive to this match. Leon sets it up, looks for something off the apron but Dango stops him first until he eats a dropkick to fall onto the table, Leon hits the Swanton 450 through the table on the outside. Does it look cool? Sure. Do I care about dumbass moves? Nope.
Oh thankfully the rest of The System comes out to stop the pinfall, Shield Bomb Leon through the first table, and roll him back in for Dango to win.
The Hardy Boyz come out to try and make the save, but the numbers are against them, so Oba Femi’s music hits! Oba cleans house but doesn’t get his hands on Moose, so they’re at least building the eventual clash between Moose and Oba.
The crowd starts a “Tessa, we comin for you” chant before she even starts talking. Tessa is actually playing off the crowd well, Santino’s music hits and Tessa thinks he’ll help her out with the crowd and Santino calls bullshit basically. Santino says if Tessa doesn’t wrestle next week, she’s fired and Masha’s music hits. Masha decides to step in for Tessa’s enhancement talent match.
Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore
Jobber tries to attack Masha early but Masha stops her, rocks her and Requiem ends the match.
Masha stares down Tessa, and then Cora Jade attacks from behind and hits Jaded.
Ryan Nemeth comes out to his Abyss music remix. What will Mokuba say today? “MYYYY BIIIGG BBRROOOOTTHHHEEEEER” he repeats at least 4 times and it’s hilariously cringe. He announces that Nic will return at Sacrifice, he literally just came out to give a PSA.
Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons
Hendry starts with Eddie, after a brief tie up it seems like Hendry reads the room and points at Elijah and the crowd wants him in. So Joe tags in Elijah, a little back and forth, Shoulder Tackle from Elijah, Rope Walk with Elijah lays out Eddie and a tag to Joe allows for a quick tandem knockdown, but Eddie powders as the Walking and Talking Duo hold the ring going into the final commercial break.
We come back and Hendry is bouncing Orlando off the ropes as he return a strike, but Orlando is obviously losing, eats a Euro Upper, and then gets walked around in the Stalling Suplex for posterity. Eddie tries a sneak attack but gets caught and Sack of Shit, into Kip Up, turn and then Orlando with the ambush! A few quick short cuts and an Irish Whip/Dropkick combo gives the Colons a near fall. Hendry does get locomotion variation cradles, but eats a Dropkick to stop the attempt at momentum. Orlando stays on Joe, but Joe finally starts to fire up as the crowd starts to get behind him. Euro Uppers make some space, but a Snapmare says no.
Eddie gets tagged in and a quick Leg Sweep into a Front Chancery keeps Eddie in control. As Joe tries to get back up, Eddie turns it into a Guillotine, but finally the Suplex counter connects for Hendry! Simultaneous tags! Elijah bulls over Orlando, catches a Leap Frogging Orlando with the Manhattan Drop as Orlando retreats to a corner, Stinger Splash into Spinebuster for two. Elijah tries to keep up the attacks but Orlando finds a few ways to make space, launches himself from the middle rope and eats the Jumping Knee! Eddie breaks up the pinfall, Hendry takes Eddie out and Elijah hits the Tombstone Piledriver for the win!
Overall Score: 6/10
Well there were more live hiccups than the first episode, and this felt both more epic and less epic at the same time. Elijah and the Colons debuting was a nice way to kick things off, Oba Femi showing up for the save was fantastic. There were a few decent matches, but also a lot of really short and rushed matches. Tessa played off the crowd well, but Masha really is useless on the mic. Lei Ying Lee needs to framed stronger, her matches have done nothing to show off her ability. It just proves that the Knockouts don’t know how to sell a kick to the head because they all take it in the shoulder and fall in corny ways.
Viva La Sam could be something fun if the next 3 weeks are just hand cam footage of him being like “I’m Sami Callihan and I’m gonna kick Mance Warner’s ass”, Elegance Clique getting the rematch with a stipulation is nice to see and while I like Fir$t Cla$$, that segment went a little long for a cornball swerve payoff. It’s one thing to placate the Influencer squad especially when we’ve seen Logan Paul and Ishowspeed do so well in WWE…but these are like Z Tier Influencers that no one cares about. These kind of dorks stream on Kick because they aren’t relevant enough for Twitch, not because they chose Kick over it.
So yeah, the low lights were pretty low, and the highs were a little fleeting, but at least they were pretty fun. Not a bad show, just clunky with noticeable issues and Masha shouldn’t be allowed to speak English anymore. She’s such a charisma vacuum when she’s not rambling in Russian.
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