Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (7/22/22)

Boston’s about to get Rowdy!

Published

1 year ago

July 22, 2022

Steven Mitchell

The Baddest Woman on the Planet is in Bean Town!

Before battling for the SmackDown Women’s Championship, Liv Morgan and Ronda Rousey will meet face-to-face! Will the champion be intimidated by her challenger this close to SummerSlam?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Shinsuke Nakamura VS Ludwig Kaiser w/ GUNTHER; Ludwig wins.
Jinder Mahal & Shanky VS The Viking Raiders; The Viking Raiders win.
Sonya Deville VS Raquel Rodriguez; Raquel wins.
Aliyah VS Lacey Evans; No Contest.
Six Man Tag: Mad Cap Moss & The Street Profits VS (Austin) Theory & The Usos; Moss & The Profits win, by disqualification.

PLAY BY PLAY

Stephanie McMahon is here!

She stands in the ring and Boston is fired up! “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Friday Night SmackDown! Earlier tonight, my father, Vince McMahon, retired from WWE.” Some fans boo but Stephanie says the WWE is the company he created, and he wanted to make sure that in his retirement, he thanked all of us, the WWE Universe. Fans chant, “Thank You, Vince!” Wait, you’re jumping the gun! The fans here, the fans at home, all the crew and the superstars, the tech team and even Pat McAfee and Michael Cole. “This is the WWE Universe, and we are eternally grateful for all of you!”

But since Vince thanked us, this is the time we take to thank him. Now let’s do it. “Thank You, Vince! Thank You, Vince!” And first out, it’s the Street Profits! And they’re in the crowd! Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins are getting ready to face The Usos at SummerSlam, but clearly they want to get the fans in on the party already! The Profits get to the ring and they are fired up, too! “Bean Town! Boston! It is us, your Street Profits, here live direct in effect on Friday Night SmackDown, here to let you know a little bit of information.” “Next Saturday, Nashville, SummerSlam! Just like the homie KD said in 2008 when he won the NBA Championships, ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!”

Fans fire up and Dawkins says you’re looking at the NEW Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions! Because the Profits are up, and #WeWantTheSmoke! But wait, here comes (Austin) Theory! Theory says, “Hey, hey, hey, no one cares.” Fans boo at Theory but he says they all care about what HE’S doing at SummerSlam! Fans love him! And Theory will take back his United States Championship from Bobby Lashley, then he’ll cash-in and become the NEW Undisputed WWE Universal Champion! And for Theory, it doesn’t matter if it’s The Beast Brock Lesnar, or The Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns! But wait, here come the USOS!

Jimmy asks Jey if they hear him! Some people don’t know how to keep the Tribal Chief’s name out their mouths! The Usos chase Theory into the ring and says if he keeps talking, he won’t make it to SummerSlam! But the Profits laugh and Theory asks what they think is funny. The only thing funny to Theory is that Ford and his wifey are walking out of SummerSlam with NO titles. HAHA! Well, listen here, Uce! You ain’t leaving Boston without getting these hands! Theory moves, Ford DECKS Jey! Dawkins goes after Jimmy, Theory stays out of the way! Theory picks his spot and goes after Dawkins! He and Jimmy stomp Dawkins, but here comes MAD CAP MOSS!

Moss slides in and POUNCES Theory! The Usos go after Moss, then Theory joins in! The Profits go after the Usos, it’s 3v3! Dawkins DECKS Jimmy, Ford SUPERKICKS Jey, and Moss feeds Theory to a KNEE KICK COMBO! Moss gives Dawkins some help, Ford holds the ropes, DAWKINS FLIES! The Profits AND Moss are up, will they get the smoke and burn down Theory and the Usos?

Shinsuke Nakamura VS Ludwig Kaiser w/ GUNTHER!

The King of Strong Style already beat the Impeccable German, and Der Ring General already chopped the crap out of Ludwig as punishment. Is Ludwig going to get a second helping of all that? Or will he win his redemption here in Boston?

SmackDown returns and Imperium makes their entrance. The bell rings and Ludwig goes right after Nakamura with haymakers and stomps! Ludwig umps Nakamura off buckles then digs his boots in! The ref counts, Ludwig lets off, but he throws hands and stomps again! Fans boo, Ludwig lets off as the ref counts again, and he snapmares Nakamura to BASEMENT UPPERCUT! Cover, ONE! Ludwig clamps onto Nakamura, throws down hands, then stomps him down! Gunther says good but keep on him. Ludwig chinlocks to stretch Nakamura back, he elbows Nakamura down, then brings him up and whip.

Nakamura reverses and GAMANGIRIS! Gunther is upset but fans fire up and Nakamura is after Ludwig in the corner with kick after KICK! Nakamura lets off at 4 to snapmare and drop a knee! Cover, ONE! Ludwig snarls but Nakamura bumps him off buckles. Nakamura gives Ludwig GOOD VIBRATIONS! The ref counts, Nakamura lets off and Gunther shouts at Ludwig to fight back. Ludwig blocks a boot and turns things around, “NEIN!” UPPERCUT to BUTTERFLY SUPLEX! Ludwig snarls and then runs to PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! Another cover, TWO! Ludwig drags Nakamura up to snap suplex! Cover, ONE!!

Gunther is frustrated and he tells Ludwig to put this away. Ludwig drags Nakamura up as fans rally, and Ludwig whips Nakamura to a corner. Nakamura dodges, ENZIGURIS, then puts Ludwig up top for the TOP SHELF KNEE! Ludwig tumbles to the floor and Gunther shouts, but Nakamura goes to the apron. Ludwig blocks the kick to trip Nakamura! Nakamura hits apron on the way down and Gunther says to hurry up! Ludwig RAMS Nakamura into steel steps! Der Ring General is satisfied now, but he wants more of this from Ludwig while SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again and Ludwig has Nakamura down with another chinlock. Fans rally, Nakamura fights up and he throws elbows. Ludwig kick slow, reels Nakamura in and suplexes, but Nakamura knees free! Ludwig blocks one kick but not the ENZIGURI! Fans rally, Gunther is frustrated, and Nakamura gets up to block a punch and fire off a strike fest! AX KICK! SLIDING KICK! Ludwig goes to a corner, Nakamura runs in, but he blocks boots and puts Ludwig in the ropes! SLIDING GERMAN! Cover, TWO! Nakamura waistlocks and drags Ludwig up but Ludwig elbows free! Ludwig runs in, into a BOOT! Nakamura goes up, FLYING KNEE!

Ludwig rolls all the way out and Gunther asks what he’s even doing! Get up! Nakamura fetches Ludwig, but then Gunther stands in Nakamura’s way. Fans boo but Nakamura just says, “C’MON!” Gunther lets Nakamura back into the ring, and Ludwig cradles him! TWO, Ludwig ducks a kick but not the WHEEL KICK! Nakamura aims from a corner, but Gunther storms up to the apron! Fans obo as Gunther talks trash, Ludwig rushes in! Nakamura switches, O’Conner Roll, TWO! Into a cheap shot!! Ludwig gets Nakamura up, SIDEWINDER DDT!! Cover, Ludwig wins!

Winner: Ludwig Kaiser, by pinfall

Der Ring General refused to let his lieutenant lose again, and he tipped the scales in Imperium’s favor! But Gunther still tells Ludwig to put his arms aside?! Gunther’s still going to punish Ludwig for not getting the job done on his own!? Ludwig submits to Der Ring General’s will, and Gunther pats him on the shoulder. Gunther was just messing with him. CHOP!! Okay, well, Gunther was joking about it being a joke. Ludwig still didn’t get this done without Gunther, but will Gunther still have to face Nakamura himself?

Backstage interview with Liv Morgan and Ronda Rousey.

The SmackDown Women’s Champion and her challenger, the former champ, are here at the same time after seeing a quick highlight reel of how Liv cashed in her MITB contract to take this title. How will the rematch be different? Um, first, cute dress, Kayla, but Ronda wants to talk with Liv. Ronda says she respects Liv, because Liv seized the moment. She’s a great champion and breath of fresh air, even. But Ronda will win at SummerSlam, because she’s Ronda Rousey while Liv is just Liv. Ronda made her name there, and when Ronda wins, she expects Liv to shake her hand. Liv says she appreciates Ronda’s candor, she really does.

And Liv can’t stand here and tell Ronda she’s going to beat Ronda because she’s better. But Liv will stand here and look into Ronda’s soul and say she will win because she loves this more than Ronda. She wants this more than Ronda, and needs this more than Ronda. So when Liv beats Ronda again, Liv promises she will shake Ronda’s hand. Ronda says this is why everyone loves Liv. She has more passion than anyone here, except Ronda. Who will back up these words with action at SummerSlam?

Baron Corbin BOOTS Pat McAfee out of his chair!!

Or rather, boots him over in his chair, as both McAfee and chair go down together! Corbin then drags McAfee up, SMACKS him off the desk, then RAMS him into barriers! Michael Cole shouts at Corbin and Corbin backs off to say there’s more where that came from. But McAfee gets up and pursues “Bum Ass” Corbin! Corbin runs away, we go backstage, and McAfee dodges a chair shot! McAfee tackles Corbin, Corbin hits back, security and officials get in here to stop this! Adam Pearce has Corbin taken away while he keeps McAfee back, will this all explode in Nashville?

McAfee returns to ringside and fans are fired up!

McAfee gets a mic and he says, “Before I go back to commentary and sit next to GOAT Michael Cole, I have one thing to say to that BUM~ ASS~ COR~BIN~!” Fans echo that, and McAfee keeps it going. “At SummerSlam, you can’t come out from behind me! You wont’ be able to hide around the corner! You wont’ be able to utilize diaper rash as an excuse! Eight days from now, Nashville, Tennessee, you and me, one on one, man versus big, dumb, bald baby! And when this foot hits your ugly, Herby looking head, I’ll put your big ass down for good! See you in Nashville, BITCH!”

The New Day joins commentary.

Kofi Kingston pretends that unicorn is not Xavier Woods, but they also say they’re not worried about the Viking Raiders. But speaking of…

Jinder Mahal & Shanky VS The Viking Raiders!

The Modern Day Maharaja changed his theme to prevent the Skyscraping Shanky’s dance fever, but it doesn’t seem to really do anything. Will Erik & Ivar use their new attitudes to end the fun? Or will they be too distracted by The New Day to focus on their opponents?

The teams sort out, Jinder and Erik start and tie up. Erik turns Jinder around, CLUBS him, then shoves him to CLOBBER him! Erik tags Ivar, fans rally for Jinder but he gets mugged by hammer fists! Jinder goes to a corner, Ivar throws back elbow after back elbow! Ivar scoops Jinder but Jinder slips off and SUPERKICKS! Jinder runs in, into a SEATED SENTON! Jinder bails out and Ivar glares at the New Day. Ivar hopes they’re watching and he fetches Jinder. Jinder fires forearms but now it’s a brawl! Erik storms over, that distracts Jinder and Ivar ROCKS him! Ivar RAMS Jinder into the steel steps, then TOSSES him onto the New Day!

The ring count climbs, Ivar is in safe but Jinder is still down! The Viking Raiders win!

Winners: The Viking Raiders, by count-out

The New Day rush the ring but the Vikings get away! The games keep on going, but who will win in the end?

Adam Pearce talks on the phone.

He assures the other side that Baron Corbin was escorted from the building, there won’t be any problems. But Sonya Deville has a sarcastic slow clap going as she enters. “I gotta give it to you. Another successful Adam Pearce Production! What is it with you? Every show that you’re on just turns into a complete disaster.” Announcers walking away from the desk, Lacey Evans walking out of matches, and everyone knows that things would be different with Sonya. But question: does Adam still have that money from that fine where Sonya slapped him across the face? Because he can use that to hire someone to spruce up his resume.

Pearce tells Sonya to knock it off. While he “deeply appreciates” all this, she should worry about herself. Something he did plan is going to happen, and that will be Sonya having a match with Raquel Rodriguez. Best of luck. Sonya steps in it again, but will she have something up her sleeves again?

The Brawling Brutes are here!

Sheamus leads Ridge Holland and “Butch” Pete Dunne to the ring, and he promises to deal with Drew McIntyre and his Claymore sword in “Shillelaghs & Shenanigans.” The Fella has a talk show? We’ll find out, after the break.

SmackDown returns and Sheamus has a table with green set up. Sheamus has a mic to tell Boston that the place is full of green! But Ridge, Dunne, do you smell that? There’s a stench in here. Is it the Charles River? Or these fake Irish folks? Now hold the wagons, guys. Tonight, they will make history! This isn’t Fight Night, but the night that Sheamus was supposed to Brogue McIntyre’s head clean off to then go to Clash at the Castle! But then McIntyre decided to come out with that oversized sword and tried to take Sheamus’ head off! So Sheamus won’t fight until the sword is banned! Just look at these highlights!

Two weeks ago, Sheamus almost got cut by the sword and the ROPES took the hit for him! That bleeding lunatic wants to take Sheamus’ moneymaker away! Sheamus says Drew should be called “McMenace,” and his medieval weapon has no place here! So Sheamus will- Uh oh, here comes McIntyre! And yes, he has his sword! Sheamus tells McIntyre to hold on, and Ridge keeps Dunne back since McIntyre is still armed. Sheamus says that oversized sword has no place here! Ridge can get Butch outta here if McIntyre puts the sword down. Ridge does as told as McIntyre sheaths his sword. Now Sheamus and McIntyre can talk, right?

McIntyre asks, “What happened to you, Sheamus? When did you become such a bitch? Where’s the Sheamus that I’ve known for 20 years?” They signed with WWE together, worked their asses off, and they have a chance to main event the first UK event show in 30 YEARS! 70 THOUSAND people, for the title, and Sheamus keeps punking out? Look at the title situation! The champion has the titles held hostage, doing what he wants when he wants, and the other options aren’t much better. McIntyre says the WWE needs a REAL champion! Someone to restore prestige, someone who is a warrior, someone who is a workhorse! McIntyre knows Sheamus still has that in him!

They’re both dressed to fight, so why not have the #1 contender’s match here in Boston?! Boston likes the sound of that! Sheamus wants to make excuses but McIntyre wants the guts! The passion! Sheamus needs to grow some balls!! Sheamus won’t lie, what McIntyre said gave him goosebumps. They’ve been there, and fact for fact, man to man, superstar to superstar, Sheamus is better than McIntyre! So if McIntyre wants that fight, and if the fans want that fight, Sheamus will give him that fight! The jacket comes off, but then Sheamus says, “Just not tonight.” Fans boo as the Fella laughs, and Sheamus says he spoke to upper management.

Fans chant “You Suck!” at Sheamus but he says that he spoke to management, and they’re making that match for next week, the SmackDown before SummerSlam. And the sword is banned from ringside! It’s a special match: An Irish Donnybrook, aka a Street Fight and anything goes! No swords allowed, but Sheamus shows off his collection of shillelaghs! McIntyre and Sheamus are making history with this! And there will be other Irish shenanigans, too. So does McIntyre have the balls? Well, if that’s what it takes, McIntyre accepts! Well of course he would! Let’s make it official! Pearce show up to make it official!

Pearce walks out and he admits, this sounds incredible, and it sounds like they want it, so what the hell! Sheamus VS McIntyre, in the Donnybrook! It’s official! Sheamus shouts, “It is official!” And McIntyre CUTS the shillelagh in half! McIntyre says he may not have his sword, but Sheamus is still screwed! Will McIntyre beat Sheamus by beating him down with those wood clubs?

The Usos talk backstage.

At SummerSlam, the Profits will get this work. But tonight, they’ll get it, too! Moss will get it! And if Theory says another word about the Tribal Chief, he’ll get some tonight, too! But Paul Heyman has them calm down. This is a Six Man Tag, Usos & Theory VS Profits & Moss. The Profits are a handful, that’s realistically speaking. And The Profits would be the greatest tag team of this generation, if not for the Usos being the greatest of all time. Moss is a handful. And with Theory, that’s 3v3. Without him, that’s 3v2. Heyman doesn’t like those odds. The Usos are the Bloodline, but they can exploit what Theory brings to the table. Use him!

And then after winning, which they will do, then they can go off the air with Theory face down on the mat. And please, make sure that’ snot a prediction but a spoiler. The Usos like the way Heyman thinks, will this all go according to plan?

Sonya Deville VS Raquel Rodriguez!

After another case of sticking her foot in her mouth, Sonya finds herself once again up against Big Mami Cool. Will Raquel teach Sonya a thing about respect? Or will “Cruella” find a way to tip the scales in her favor?

SmackDown returns and Sonya makes her entrance. She is alone this time, so this will truly be 1v1. The bell rings and Sonya circles with Raquel. They tie up, Raquel puts Sonya in the corner and lets off, only for Sonya to turn it around and pull hair! The ref counts, Sonya lets off, and Raquel protests. Sonya SLAPS Raquel, but Raquel laughs that off. Sonya dodges Raquel, waistlocks, but Raquel’s too big and strong to lift! Raquel pries free, Sonya avoids the lariat, but then Raquel swats Sonya’s lariat down! Raquel waistlocks, throws Sonya around, but Sonya throws elbows! Sonya stomps a foot, gets to a corner, and she elbows Raquel back.

Sonya WRINGS Raquel into buckles, then bumps her off buckles again and again! The ref counts, Sonya keeps going but stops at 4. Sonya argues with the ref then throws Raquel by her hair. Sonya lines up a shot, and RUNNING KNEES Raquel down! Cover, TWO! Sonya is frustrated but she clamps onto Raquel with a chinlock. Raquel reaches out an arm, fans rally up and Raquel get sup. Raquel pries free of the hold to then turn Sonya around, and she blocks the punches to HEADBUTT! Sonya staggers up into a haymaker! Raquel whips Sonya into a corner, then scoops her on the rebound to FALL AWAY SLAM!

Fans fire up as Raquel runs corner to corner, goes up, TWISTING VADER! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Sonya survives by mere inches! Raquel is frustrated but she’s after the legs. Sonya kicks at her, gets up and GUILLOTINE! But Raquel powers up and THROWS Sonya away! Sonya staggers up, Raquel rushes over, but Sonya says her arm is hurt! Raquel runs in, Sonya dodges! Sonya drags Raquel in for a DDT! Cover, TWO! Sonya KICKS Raquel in the chest, but Raquel sits up. Sonya KICKS, but then Raquel scoops her! TEXANA BOMB!! High stack, Raquel wins!

Winner: Raquel Rodriguez, by pinfall

Ricky Desperado wrecks Sonya, will she use this to roll on towards the title? Will Sonya learn to pick her fights more carefully from now on?

Aliyah VS Lacey Evans!

First, they were supposed to be teammates, but the Model Soldier was dissatisfied with the fan response. Then, they were supposed to be opponents, and Lacey Evans told all the fans off for being jealous of her while hating themselves. Aliyah just thinks Lacey is lazy and cowardly for not putting in the work and facing her! Will #Aliyah316 be the real inspiration around here? Or will Lacey use her Woman’s Right to knock Aliyah out in the blink of an eye?

Lacey makes her entrance, still expecting fans to get up and cheer. They get up and boo while giving thumbs down, and she gets the mic. “Aww, that’s no way to treat an American hero now, c’mon.” She doesn’t expect these idiots here to know this, but Boston was founded by American heroes. By hard working, motivated and legitimately good people like Lacey. It’s no wonder Tom Brady left this pathetic waste of a dump city. But she’s accomplished more just today from waking up to going to work than everyone else has in an entire year. That’s a hard pill to swallow, huh? She sees these kids looking at their parents and asking, “What’d you accomplish?” NOTHING!

Lacey is so accomplished because she wakes up, she works and she wins! The fans should take note because no one could walk a mile in her shoes. “Because I’m better than every single one of you!” But Aliyah gets after Lacey! Lacey says she’ll get to Aliyah in a minute after all the Nasties give her respect. And then a WOMAN’S RIGHT! Another cheap shot lays out Aliyah! Lacey salutes, then leaves again! So much for putting in some work and winning! When will this role model turned entitled bully have to face the consequences?

Backstage interview with Jeff Jarrett.

The Hall of Famer is here, already dressed to be special guest referee! Kayla asks what Jeff thinks about being named the special guest referee at SummerSlam. Jeff says it is an honor to be part of that match. Ever since the announcement, the support has been overwhelming. Everyone wants a piece of Double J these days, but don’t get him started on the Profits and Usos. Those guys have offered everything under the sun, but Jeff turned them all down, and that is why he got the job. “This is the biggest tag team match in SummerSlam history.” The Profits VS Usos, all the titles on the line!

And after all the controversy that’s gone down between these teams, they needed someone who wouldn’t be intimidated or blinded by the bright lights. They needed a man who can get the job done, and call this right down the middle. And that man is none other than J E Double F, J A Double R, E Double T! Ain’t he great?

Maximum Male Models is backstage.

And standing with Maçè and Mansôör is Maxxine Dupri, Max Dupri’s sister. She is the Director of Talent at MMM, and says that while her brother has good taste, she says her tastes are… “delicious.” And you will see what she means next week when MMM debuts the beach wear collection. Summer is hot, but MMM beats the heat by continuing the titillate the juices of your guilty pleasures. Just what happens when SmackDown arrives in Atlanta ahead of SummerSlam?

Six Man Tag: Mad Cap Moss & The Street Profits VS (Austin) Theory & The Usos!

The brawl earlier tonight sparked this match, and now things are set to explode in the main event! Will Moss, Dawkins & Ford have the last laugh on the golden boys of WWE? Or will the Youngest Mr. MITB Ever and the Undisputed Tag Team Champions work together to get momentum towards SummerSlam?

SmackDown returns as Moss and the Profits make their entrance together. Then Theory makes his entrance last, kissing the MITB briefcase. The trios sort out and Dawkins starts against Jimmy. Jimmy says Jey should watch Theory, Theory doesn’t even know what the A in A-Town even means. But then Dawkins rolls Jimmy up! TWO, Dawkins rushes in but Jimmy waistlocks. Dawkins pries at the hold, rolls free, and dodges to then handspring and dropkick! Fans fire up, Dawkins covers, ONE! Dawkins clamps onto an armlock, Jimmy endures, and Jimmy fights up. Jimmy powers Dawkins to a corner and the ref counts the ropebreak.

Jimmy UPPERCUTS Dawkins, whips him corner to corner but Dawkins reverses. Dawkins runs in to CYCLONE SPLASH and ENSIGURI! Tag to Ford, the Profits whip and dropkick Jimmy down! Jey get sin, he gets DOUBLE DROPKICKS! Theory is upset that the Usos aren’t together, but Moss runs in to BLAST Theory down! Ford drums on Theory’s briefcase but Theory snatches it from him. Theory and the Usos are on the defensive was SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again and Moss headlocks Jey. Jey powers him back, Theory tags in, Jey powers out but Moss stops himself to elbow Jey. Theory cheap shots Moss, throws more haymakers, and he backs Moss down to the corner. Theory stomps away on Moss, the ref counts and Theory lets off at 4. Fans boo but Theory RAMS into Moss in the corner! Theory snapmares Moss, stomps him down, then covers, TWO! Theory clamps onto the arm and he also has a forearm in Moss’ face. Theory rains down elbows, fans rally up, and Moss fights up, but Theory wrangles him down. Theory grinds the armlock, throws down more elbows, and he tags Jimmy.

Jimmy and Theory mug Moss, Jimmy throws haymakers in the corner, but the ref counts. Jimmy lets off, Jey gets a shot in, and Theory CHOKES Moss on the ropes! They get away with that, Jey tags in, he and Jimmy SPLIT the wishbone! Moss writhes, Jey drags Moss up to UPPERCUT him! Moss staggers to a corner, but he dodges Jey’s splash! Hot tag to Dawkins! Dawkins ROCKS Jey, runs and hurdles to FLYING ELBOW! Fans fire up with Dawkins, he runs corner to corner to CYCLONE SPLASH! And ENZIGURI! Dawkins drags Jey up but Jey slips out of the Silencer to kick and UPPERCUT!

Ford tags in, he goes up top! Salute and HUGE CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Ford is frustrated but he brings Jey back up. Jey tries to back suplex but Ford lands on his feet to mule kick, front kick and ENZIGURI! Ford runs in, but Jey puts him on the apron! Ford GAMANGIRIS, then he DECKS Jimmy! Ford avoids Theory’s sweep to PENALTY KCIK! But Jey BLASTS Ford and Ford hits announce desk! Jey tags Jimmy, the Usos get Ford up! Jimmy TOSSES Ford into the timekeeper’s area! The Usos hold up the fingers, #WeTheOnes, and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again and Jey has Ford in a facelock. Jey knees Ford down, then SUPERKICKS Dawkins! But Ford kicks and DDTs Jey down! Fans fire up while both men are down and they crawl for their corners. Hot tags to Jimmy and Moss! Moss rallies on Jimmy with big lariats, then he DECKS Theory! Moss dodges to then FLAPJACK Jimmy! Theory runs in, into Moss’ arms! FALL AWAY SLAM! Moss is fired up and Boston is fired up with him! Moss RAMS into Jimmy, but then has to dodge Jey! Moss clotheslines Jey out, blocks a superkick and POP-UP SLAMS him down! Cover, TWO!! Jimmy survives but Moss keeps his focus.

Moss waits on Jimmy to get up, then reels Jimmy in to turn him. Jimmy sips out and shoves to SUPERKICK Moss down! Cover, TWO!! Moss survives but fans are thunderous! Theory is back on the corner, he wants in, but then starts to think. Theory leaves Jimmy hanging! Theory says he has bigger fish to fry, but then Jey is there to SUPERKICK him down!! Jey puts Theory on the apron, Jimmy tags him in!! And then SUPERKICKS Theory down again!! Theory flops out of the ring, and the Usos are the ones who leave him high and dry. Only for Dawkins and Ford to go after them! Ford gets in the ring and FLIES out onto everyone!!

Fans lose their minds while Theory flounders away. Theory finds Moss, gets him in the ring, and Theory throws haymakers. Moss hits back, they brawl, Theory gets the edge! But Moss ducks the haymaker, only for Theory to ELBOW him! Theory hooks a leg, AOI SHOUDO!! Cover, TWO!!! Moss survives and Boston can’t believe it! Theory is seething, and he says A-Town Down! He drags Moss up, fireman’s carries, but Moss slips off and shoves! Moss ducks ‘n’ dodges to build that speed and he OPUNCES Theory! Theory flounders, Moss runs in and RAMS Theory in the corner! Moss runs again, Theory CLOBBERS him with the briefcase!!

Winners: Mad Cap Moss & the Street Profits, by disqualification

Theory CLUBS away on Moss with the briefcase, DECKS him with it, then SMACKS him with it again! And again! Fans chant “You Suck!” but Theory just keeps beating Moss down! BUT HERE COMES THE BEAST!!! Brock Lesnar sees Theory in the ring and has a big smile on his face. He didn’t walk away like we heard, he just wanted to make us think he did! Theory is furious, he doesn’t want Lesnar stealing his moment! But Lesnar is pacing around the ring, toying with his prey. Theory has that briefcase at the ready to swing on Lesnar like he just did to Moss, but Lesnar doesn’t care. Lesnar kicks low and hauls Theory up, F5!! And then he SMACKS Theory with the briefcase!!

Lesnar holds up the briefcase and Boston is thunderous! Lesnar then hauls Theory up, F5 on the briefcase!! Will Lesnar crush Roman Reigns, and whatever’s left of Theory, once and for all at SummerSlam?

My Thoughts:

First off, a wild day of pro-wrestling news. HHH is back behind the scenes as EVP of Talent Relations, Vince McMahon retires, as Stephanie made known, and Brock Lesnar supposedly walked away from SmackDown but we now know that wasn’t necessarily true. We got a great opening promo from the Profits, Theory and Usos, and a great brawl with them and Moss to give us tonight’s main event. That was a great Six Man Tag, and great story stuff with Theory and the Usos turning on each other. The DQ gives the Faces momentum while giving Theory some good Heel heat, and then Lesnar’s surprise appearance really shook things up, and Lesnar got to just demolish Theory for some great momentum of his own.

Jeff Jarrett had a decent promo to try and kayfabe his part in this Undisputed Tag Team Championship story, though I’m not sure it was all that smooth. He claimed there was bribery but it would’ve been more effective if we saw that, such as Heyman talking to him, or even Sami Zayn talking to him on The Bloodline’s behalf. I’m also surprised at who WWE chose for “Maxxine Dupri” in Sophia Cromwell. She was still in the new Robert Stone Brand as one of Von Wagner’s managers in NXT. Maybe they’re trying to have Von be his own man now, even after the run of him attacking people out of jealousy and a sense of Sophia being his girlfriend. But the part has been cast, we’ll just have to see how this plays out.

We got a really good rematch from Nakamura and Ludwig, and Gunther having a part to play was also good escalation in the story. I don’t really know if Gunther still chopping the hell out of Ludwig was warranted, it might make Ludwig want to ditch Gunther, but we’ll have to wait and see. They didn’t announce it tonight, but I would hope on the go-home that Nakamura VS Gunther for the Intercontinental Championship is made for SummerSlam. Then we got a good promo faceoff between Ronda and Liv, both of them delivering their lines without a hiccup. That’s going to be a good match just off Liv’s story of showing she can legitimately compete with Ronda, and as I said before, I hope Liv wins to keep from being a one month champion.

That boot outta nowhere from Corbin was wild, and that brawl he and McAfee had in the back was good stuff. McAfee’s promo calling Corbin out was great, too, their match is going to be a sleeper hit for SummerSlam. Pearce and Sonya continue their story, and Sonya takes a loss to Raquel. I still sense this getting to a point where Sonya can claim Pearce is abusing his authority. And Sonya was making some good points, Lacey keeps leaving matches. As I said before, I’m still gonna disapprove of how they set Lacey up to be a Heel, but I suppose Aliyah can get some good Face momentum taking her on. I just hope next time, Pearce himself forces Lacey to have the match, just to shut Sonya up.

The stuff with the New Day, Jinder, Shanky and Viking Raiders could’ve been better. And I don’t know why they’re stretching this out so that we aren’t getting a straight up New Day VS Viking Raiders match. Maybe that comes to a head on the go-home and we get a really good match to lead into SummerSlam. Seems that’s also the purpose of the shillelaghs only Street Fight known as the “Donnybrook.” Sheamus and McIntyre are finally having it out and in a match that is appropriate, in that there will be nothing holding them back. And though McIntyre stood tall here, I would think he defies the math and wins the match to be the #1 contender and go on to Clash at the Castle.

My Score: 8.4/10

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

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Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (12/1/23)

SmackDown hears voices!

Published

2 hours ago

December 1, 2023

Steven Mitchell

The Viper is here for The Bloodline!

He returned at WarGames, he returned to Monday Night Raw, and now, The Apex Predator, Randy Orton, returns to Friday Night SmackDown! Will he be able to strike at The Bloodline tonight?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Pete Dunne VS Bobby Lashley w/ The Street Profits; Lashley wins.
Kevin Owens VS Grayson Waller; wins.
Bianca Belair w/ Charlotte Flair & Shotzi VS Kairi Sane w/ DMG CTRL; wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Bianca Belair is here!

Brooklyn cheers The EST as she skips to the ring, her team victorious against Damage Control in WarGames! After a recap package, fans chant for Bianca and she gets the mic to say, “Man, it is so cool to be in one of the best boroughs in one of the greatEST cities in the world, Brooklyn!” The fans cheer that! Bianca says DMG CTRL really tried to take them out, but her team did what needed to be done. So shout out to Becky Lynch for coming through, showing up and showing out. Shout out to Shotzi for her guts and passion. And shoutout to Charlotte Flair for being a bigger person and making that call to Becky.

“Now while it feels great to be standing in this ring and celebrating that W from WarGames, my war with DMG CTRL, it ain’t over~! Cuz Iyo Sky, I’m still coming for you, cuz I want my title back!” Fans also cheer that. But speaking of Iyo, here she comes! The Evil Genius leads DMG CTRL out, though where’s Bayley? That aside, Dakota Kai is the one to tell Bianca, “It’s really great how uh, you can get all of these people to cheer for you.” The fans boo her but Dakota tells them to shut up! Dakota says just earlier, Iyo was saying how gross it is here in Brooklyn! It smells! Who would want to live here?!

DMG CTRL slide into the ring, and Dakota says Iyo was also saying that Bianca is in way over her head, dude. Iyo already beat Bianca twice. So… if Bianca wants to get yet another shot, she’ll have to go through all of DMG CTRL. Well that ain’t nothing new. So who wants it first, huh? But wait! Here come Charlotte & Shotzi to back Bianca up! Fans cheer as Charlotte says “Ladies~…! Bianca isn’t the only one coming for you. And I’d love to go through all of DMG CTRL.” Shotzi says it seems to her that there’s enough DMG CTRL to go around. They rush in, and the brawl is on! Fans fire up but Iyo TOSSES Bianca and helps Asuka against Charlotte!

Shotzi and Kairi brawl in a corner, Bianca returns, Charlotte BOOTS Asuka way while Bianca RAMS Iyo into a corner! Bianca stomps Iyo down, Charlotte helps Shotzi with Kairi, and Charlotte sets Kairi up for Shotzi’s BOOT! Iyo ends up isolated, and Bianca hits a SPINEBUSTER! Iyo scrambles out, DMG CTRL regroups, are their days on top numbered?

DMG CTRL regroups backstage.

And Bayley is confused as to what’s going on. Iyo angrily asks where Bayley was but Bayley says no one told her they were going out there! Maybe if she knew, things would’ve been different! The joshi talk in Japanese, Dakota cools it off. What matters is that Kairi is facing Bianca tonight. No one knows Bianca better than Bayley so Kairi would appreciate the help. Kairi says yes, they’re “tomodachi <friends>,” that’d be appreciated. Bayley says okay, but are they really Bayley’s friends?

Pete Dunne VS Bobby Lashley w/ The Street Profits!

With Sheamus recovering from injury and Ridge Holland just ditching him last week, The Bruiserweight is all alone against The All Mighty! Will Dunne stand a chance against the overwhelming strength of Bobby Lashley?

SmackDown returns and Lashley makes his entrance, Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins by his side. But before the bell, Lashley gets a mic to say “Hey, listen, kid. When I told you to make a name for yourself…” The fans chant “BOBBY! BOBBY!” and Lashley says that’s a name. Does Dunne know what Lashley can do to him? Lashley will break Dunne into pieces! Is Dunne ready for that? Dunne SLAPS Lashley! Fans fire up, Lashley grins, and the bell rings. Dunne then BOOTS Lashley! And BOOTS! And fires off furious fists! Lashley carries Dunne to then TOSS him! Dunne flounders but also snarls. Dunne swipes at the Profits, but Lashley run sin to CLOBBER him!

Lashley whips Dunne hard into buckles, then storms around. The Profits high-five Lashley and Brooklyn is behind him as he stands Dunne up for haymakers! Lashley smothers Dunne in the corner, lets off to whip corner to corner, then storms up on Dunne. Lashley digs hands into Dunne’s face, the ref counts and Lashley lets off. Lashley runs in but Dunne BOOTS again! Dunne runs up to DROPKICK Lashley out of the ring! Fans are torn as Dunne goes out to FLYING KNEE! Lashley staggers back, Dunne sets up to MOONSAULT! Down goes Lashley and Dunne hurries back up! Dunne ARIHARA MOONSAULTS! Down goes Lashley and fans fire up as SmackDown goes to break!

SmackDown returns and Lashley clotheslines Dunne in a corner! Lashley then brings Dunne around to snap suplex! Dunne writhes, Lashley paces around him and the fans cheer. Lashley drags Dunne up, suplexes again, and this time he holds Dunne up! Dunne throws knees, gets free, and he runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Lashley hits a MILE HIGH SPINEBUSTER! Fans fire up again and Lashley drags Dunne up. Lashley TOSSES Dunne out, storms out after him, and then drags Dunne up again. Fans cheer as Lashley fireman’s carries Dunne, to then POST Dunne! The Profits say this is an extended Black Friday!

Lashley puts Dunne in, Dunne crawls away but Lashley aims. Lashley runs in, but Dunne sends the Spear into the POST! Lashley staggers back, the Profits coach him up, but Dunne GAMANGIRIS! Dunne runs up to ENZIGURI! Lashley ends up in a corner, Dunne GAMANGIRIS again! And again! Dunne KICKS and KICKS and KICKS, then pushes Lashley out so he can go up. Dunne DOUBLE STOMPS an arm! Dunne bends the fingers, isolates the arm, and STOMPS the arm! Lashley grits his teeth but Dunne reels him in. ASAI DDT! Cover, TWO! Lashley is tougher than that but Dunne keep son him with HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS!

But Lashley fights up! Fireman’s carry, then an adjustment, for the OKLAHOMA STAMPEDE! Cover, TWO!! Dunne survives and Lashley is annoyed. Ford says yeah, Dunne’s got heart, but that’s about it. Lashley hauls Dunne up but Dunne SLAPS him! Lashley LARIATS Dunne inside out! Lashley then drags Dunne up, MILE HIGH- ENZIGURI! Dunne gets up, Lashley SPEARS him back down!! Cover, Lashley wins!

Winner: Bobby Lashley, by pinfall

The Bruiserweight put up a fight, but Lashley is still Lashley. Will The All Mighty soon head for a title as we head for the New Year?

Paul Heyman walks into Nick Aldis’ office.

The Wise Man seems rather indignant looking at the SmackDown General Manager. Heyman then dusts off the New York Jets NFL Legacy belt before speaking. “Did you invite Randy Orton to SmackDown tonight?” Aldis says yes, he did. And Aldis intends to sign Randy to a SmackDown exclusive superstar contract tonight. Heyman looks around and asks if the Tribal Chief knows about this. Aldis says Heyman has forgotten that there are countless memos: All communication to Roman Reigns must go through Paul Heyman. So consider this a communication to Roman: Aldis WILL sign Randy to SmackDown.

And if Aldis has to offer up the entire Bloodline as leverage, so be it. So the question to Heyman is… “What’re you gonna do about it?” Heyman says, “Anything it takes.” Heyman gets on his phone to call Roman Reigns. But is there nothing that can stop The Viper from finally being within striking distance of The Tribal Chief?

Backstage interview with Pete Dunne.

Kayla Braxton says he lost to Lashley, but she wants to talk about last week. Why did Ridge walk out on him? Dunne says he doesn’t know. And he doesn’t care. Because right now isn’t about the Brutes, it’s about Dunne! He is going to focus on himself. He is here to fight, and he will fight anyone! But in walk Pretty Deadly. They say this is so tough. But don’t be sad, use this as a learning opportunity. Sometimes, being abandoned can help you find your own path. Even if that path, like Dunne’s career, hits a dead end. Dunne HITS them! Dunne fires off but that’s 2v1 and Pretty Deadly turns it around! They TOSS Dunne into a road case!

How’s that, Butch?! HUH!? You’re alone! ALONE! And always will be! Elton Prince & Kit Wilson have numbers on their side, but will Dunne still get revenge?

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

Coverage

Mitchell’s NJPW World Tag League Results & Report! (12/1/23)

A Block, round 5!

Published

2 hours ago

December 1, 2023

Steven Mitchell

Will it be Chaos for the Reiwa Musketeers?

Shota Umino & Ren Narita are just outside the top spot in A Block, can they take over and truly lead NJPW’s future in World Tag League?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Six Man Tag: El Phantasmo, Hikuleo & Jado VS Bullet Club; Bullet Club wins.
Six Man Tag: Just5Guys VS Tiger Mask, Atlantis Jr. & Soberano Jr; Just5Guys win.
Six Man Tag: Master Wato, Yuji Nagata & Minoru Suzuki VS Ryusuke Taguchi, Lance Archer & Alex Zayne; Wato, Nagata & Suzuki win.
8 Man Tag: Yoh, Bishamon & Boltin Oleg VS Los Ingobernables de Japon; Yoh, Bishamon & Oleg win.
2023 World Tag League, Block A: The Gates of Agony VS EVIL & Yujiro Takahashi; Evil & Yujiro win.
2023 World Tag League, Block A: TMDK VS Kaito Kiyomiya & Ryohei Oiwa; TMDK wins.
2023 World Tag League, Block A: Great-O-Khan & Henare VS Gabe Kidd & Alex Coughlin; Kidd & Coughlin win.
2023 World Tag League, Block A: Shota Umino & Ren Narita VS Toru Yano & Tomohiro Ishii; Yano & Ishii win.

PLAY BY PLAY

Here are the current A Block standings.

TMDK: 3-1, 6 points
Shota Umino & Ren Narita: 3-1, 6 points
Kaito Kiyomiya & Ryohei Oiwa: 2-2, 4 points
War Dogs: 2-2, 4 points
The United Empire: 2-2, 4 points
Toru Yano & Tomohiro Ishii: 2-2, 4 points
The House of Torture: 1-3, 2 points
The Gates of Agony: 1-3, 2 points

2023 World Tag League, Block A: The Gates of Agony VS EVIL & Yujiro Takahashi w/ The House of Torture!

Bishop Kaun & Toa Liona finally got on the board, beating the War Dogs. Meanwhile, the House of Torture is falling apart as they just keep losing! Will the Gates slam shut on them, too? Or will the King of Darkness & Tokyo Pimp find a way to lie, cheat and steal a win once again?

Wait, the Gates are coming out wearing House of Torture shirts? And then they wait for the House to make their entrance? Is this a sign that they’ve become allies? Dick Togo, Sho, Yoshinobu Kanemaru, and of course Evil & Yujiro all come out together and they seem pretty chummy with the Gates. All seven go to the ring now, and this is a rather interesting development. Did Prince Nana approve this deal? Everyone shakes hands and “put one out” so clearly there’s something to this. They even pose for photos! But then Kaun & Liona quickly and quietly TOSS Sho & Kanemaru, then they TOSS Dick! Yujiro & Evil don’t understand!

Kaun & Liona throw forearms, the bell rings and the Gates whip Evil & Yujiro. Yujiro & Evil hold ropes to then BOOT in return! But they run into double scoop SLAMS! The Gates tear off the House of Torture shirts, and Liona even wipes his butt with it! Evil & Yujiro are in opposite corners, Kaun runs in to ELBOW Yujiro and Liona SPLASHES Evil! Then the Gates trade, ELBOW for Evil and SPLASH for Yujiro! And back the other way! Fans fire up as the Gates tricked the tricksters! They fire each other up, and Kaun sends Liona into SPLASH Evil! The fans rally up, the Gates run in to SPLASH SANDWICH Evil!

Liona stands Evil back up, he and Kaun OPEN- NO, Yujiro saves Evil and they bail out. The House falls back, daring the Gates to come out after them. The Gates storm out after them, but going all the way to the entrance is suspicious. Sho & Kanemaru attack from behind with chairs! Fans boo as Dick distracts the ref so that the House can mug the Gates! Sho CHOKES Liona with his chair, but Liona bench presses it away! Yujiro helps Sho while Evil drags Kaun around, to RAM into the timekeeper’s area! Poor Abe-san! The fans boo but Evil gets on the mic to basically say this is what they get for messing with the House!

Yujiro SMACKS Liona off the timekeeper’s table, but Liona roars! So Yujiro POSTS Liona to knock him down! Evil drags Kaun up, puts him in the ring, and fans rally up. Evil CLUBS Kaun, CLUBS him again, and calls to the ref. Marty Asami returns and Evil stomps Kaun. Evil drags Kaun up, wrenches the arm and tags in Yujiro. Yujiro CLUBS Kaun’s arm, then reels him in to snapmare and ROCK with a haymaker. Yujiro looms over Kaun to rain down more fists but the ref reprimands. No closed fists! So Yujiro fishhooks Kaun’s nose! Yujiro sits Kaun up to run and basement BOOT! Cover, ONE!!

Yujiro is annoyed but he drags Kaun back up. Yujiro wrenches, wristlocks, and he CLUBS the arm. And stomps it! Kaun clutches the arm, it is taped up from that fight with the War Dogs. Yujiro wraps the arm around ropes! The ref counts, Yujiro lets off at 4 but the House all complains. Tag to Evil and he throws his shirt at Liona. Now the ref has to keep Liona out, and Evil throws Kaun out for the boys to stomp away on! Fans boo these vultures, but then Sho puts Kaun back in for Evil. Cover, TWO! Evil argues with the ref but the fans rally up. Evil tags Yujiro then runs to BLAST Liona! Liona stays up and roars, so Evil pokes him in the eyes!

Evil and Yujiro drag Kaun up, whip him to a corner, and Yujiro runs in but into Kaun’s BOOT! Kaun catches Evil for an URENAGE! Then Kaun uses Evil as a step to SHOTGUN Yujiro! Fans fire up while they’re all done, and Kaun crawls over. Hot tag to Liona! Liona rallies on Yujiro, BOOTS him, then catches Evil for a spin and LARIAT! Fans fire up more and Liona has targets in opposite corners. Liona roars, then SPLASHES Evil! SPLASH for Yujiro! SPLASH for Evil! SPLASH for Yujiro! Liona just keeps going, then he whips Evil into Yujiro! Fans fire up with Liona, and he runs back in, but both Yujiro and Evil dodge!

Yujiro & Evil kick low, double whip to ropes, but Liona breaks the line to DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! Fans fire up again and Liona roars for Kaun! Kaun rises and tags in, and the Gates get Yujiro up! But Yujiro moves, the double lariats collide! Kaun hurries to grab a leg but Yujiro BOOTS Kaun into Liona! Evil tags in and he storms up to CLUB Kaun! Evil stomps Kaun, Yujiro joins in, and the ref reprimands. Yujiro drags Kaun to a corner, he and Evil double whip Kaun corner to corner. Yujiro runs in to BOOT! Evil runs in to clothesline! Snapmare and then they set Kaun up while Sho distracts! Dick hops up, DICK CHOP!!

Fans boo as Evil covers, TWO!! Kaun survives and the fans fire up again! Evil slashes his throat, drags Kaun up, and spins him around, but Liona is back! HELL STAB! Then a HEADBUTT for Yujiro! Liona & Kaun BLAST Dick & Sho off the apron! The fans fire up as now Evil is alone! Kaun & Liona high five and LARIAT SANDWICH! They roar again and they get Evil up. HEAVEN’S GATES!! Cover, but Dick YANKS the ref out!! Fans boo, but Yujiro slips back in to CLUB the Gates! Kaun ROCKS Yujiro in return! Kaun & Liona set Evil & Yujiro up, but they block double low blows! Kanemaru and Sho get in, they DOUBLE LOW BLOW!!

Fans boo as the House stomps away on the Gates! Yujiro has his cane, Dick has the Spoiler Choker. Liona shoves Sho aside but gets the CANE SHOT! Dick CHOKES Kaun, Kanemaru gives him WHISKEY MIST! And then Sho CLOBBERS Kaun with his wrench! Dick gets the ref back in as Evil hits EVERYTHING IS EVIL on Kaun!! Cover, The House wins!

Winners: Evil & Yujiro Takahashi, by pinfall (gain 2 points; The Gates of Agony earn 0)

Kaun & Liona lured the House in, but one good trick wasn’t enough to beat the numbers game. The House even mugs the Young Lions trying to help The Gates! Will this be the beginning of the most unwanted comeback in World Tag League history?

2023 World Tag League, Block A: TMDK w/ Kosei Fujita VS Kaito Kiyomiya & Ryohei Oiwa!

The Mighty Don’t Kneel, but Shane Haste & Mikey Nicholls did fall for the trickery of Toru Yano. Will TMDK be able to rebound and stay at the top of the block? Or will the Green Supernova and his protege still #CreateTheFuture?

The teams sort out and Mad Mikey starts against Oiwa. They tie up, fans rally up, and Oiwa pushes Mikey back, only for Mikey to put him on ropes. Mikey lets off but shoves Oiwa. Oiwa shoves back! They go forehead to forehead, then forearm for forearm! Mikey claws eyes, headlocks, and brings Oiwa over. Shane tags in, Oiwa gets away, and then Oiwa arm-drags Mikey! Shane runs in, but into an arm-drag! Oiwa wrenches and whips Shane to ropes, Kaito joins in so they can DOUBLE ARM-DRAG! And then DOUBLE DROPKICK! The fans fire and Oiwa has Shane in a corner. Shane throws a chop, but Oiwa stomps and ROCKS Shane in return.

Oiwa drags Shane up to wrench and wristlock, then he scoops to POWERSLAM! Oiwa runs, but Shane gets up to DROPKICK back! Shane puts Oiwa on ropes, stomps away, and then BLASTS Kaito! Mikey smothers Oiwa on the apron, lets off before he gets caught, and then Shane slides to SHOVE Oiwa to the floor! The ref has to keep Kaito back, so that lets Mikey stomp Oiwa. Mikey puts Oiwa in, Shane covers, TWO! Shane drags Oiwa up, brings him around and bumps him off buckles. Tag to Mikey and he CHOPS! Fans rally, Mikey eggs Oiwa on then CHOPS him again! Mikey ROCKS Oiwa, Oiwa ROCKS Mikey!

Oiwa fires off on Mikey but Mikey ROCKS him right back! And CHOPS him right down! Cover, TWO! Fans rally but Mikey sits Oiwa up and runs. Oiwa avoids the sliding lariat! Mikey hobbles up, throws a forearm but Oiwa throws back a flurry! Mikey fires a flurry of his own! Mikey runs, into an UPPERCUT! Oiwa runs and ROLLING ELBOWS Mikey down! Fans fire up as both men crawl, hot tag to Kaito! Kaito rallies on TMDK, whips Mikey and DROPKICKS him down! Shane kicks and runs, into a DROPKICK! Fans fire up again and Kaito whips corner to corner. Mikey reverses but Kaito comes back to NECKBREAKER DROP! Cover, TWO!

Fans rally up again as Kaito drags Mikey up and reels him in. Mikey fights the suplex, but Kaito fires forearms! Kaito reels Mikey in but Mikey suplexes! Kaito slips free, ducks Mikey’s elbow, but Mikey DDTS! Fans fire up while both men are down, Mikey crawls to hot tag Shane! Shane UPPERCUTS again and again on Kaito, whips him to a corner then BLASTS Oiwa before he UPPERCUTS Kaito! Shane keeps moving, CANNONBALL! Fans fire up with Hysterical Haste and he drags Kaito up, FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO! Kaito survives and fans rally up. Shane calls his shot and he drags Kaito back up to reel him in.

Shane underhooks the arms, lifts, but Kaito fights free to chicken wing! Shane fights that to ROCK Kaito! Shane eggs Kaito on then UPPERCUTS him! Kaito comes back to UPPERCUT Shane! Shane UPPERCUTS Kaito! Kaito grits his teeth and shakes his head. Kaito UPPERCUTS, Shane UPPERCUTS, repeat! Fans rally, Shane gets the edge with UPPERCUT after UPPERCUT, but Kaito rebounds to RUNNING UPPERCUT! Both men are down again, and the fans fire up! Shane crawls to an open corner, Kaito crawls to hot tag Oiwa! Oiwa runs in to forearm smash, then he whips Shane corner to corner. Oiwa runs in to DROPKICK!

Fans rally up again as Oiwa clamps on a gut wrench, for a GUT WRENCH SUPLEX! Oiwa drags Shane up again, GUT WRENCH SUPLEX! Oiwa isn’t done, he drags Shane up for a GUT WRENCH BRIDGE! Cover, TWO! Oiwa BLASTS Mikey and Kaito slides in. They double whip Shane, then Kaito sends Oiwa in to ELBOW! Kaito runs in to forearm! Feed to the SPIN POWERSLAM! Cover, Mikey breaks it! Kaito TOSSES Mikey and Oiwa fires up! Oiwa drags Shane up in a waistlock but Mikey makes the save! Mikey CHOPS and Shane LARIATS! They coordinate, fireman’s carry, HIGHWAY TO HELL! Cover, Kaito breaks it!

The fans fire up again but Mikey tosses Kaito out. Shane kicks Oiwa around, eggs him on, but Oiwa sits up. Kaito gives more kicks, and a boot! Shane aims from a corner, runs in, but Oiwa dodges the Shane-ing Wizard to single leg, ANACONDA SUPLEX! Shane staggers back up, Oiwa gets around to GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, but Mikey sweeps Oiwa’s legs! Mikey whips, Oiwa reverses and DROPKICKS! Oiwa calls to Kaito and he returns. They get Shane up and fans fire up with them. Oiwa Electric Chair Lifts while Kaito climbs. But Shane victory rolls under the crossbody! TWO!! Mikey catches Kaito for a MIKEY BOMB!

Oiwa fires off on Mikey and DOUBLE CHOPS! But Shane SUPERKICKS! Mikey scoops, TANK BUSTER!! Cover, TMDK wins!!

Winner: TMDK, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Kaito & Oiwa earn 0)

A powerful battle from both teams, but only one team was mighty! Will Shane & Mikey still be the A Block finalists

2023 World Tag League, Block A: Great-O-Khan & Henare w/ Callum Newman VS Gabe Kidd & Alex Coughlin!

The Dominator & Face of Fury are holding on at 2-2, but so are #WarReady and the Dreadnought! Will the United Empire conquer these War Dogs and stay strong? Or will Kidd & Coughlin win won for the Rebel?

But of course the War Dogs attack at the ramp! But the Empire is ready, and Khan JAMS Kidd with his banner’s staff! Henare fires hands on Coughlin, HEADBUTTS him, and Khan CHOKES Kidd with the staff! Khan throws Kidd down, Henare CLUBS away on Coughlin, and the Empire gets the Dogs set up for Callum! Callum FLIES! Direct hit and he even lands on his feet! Fans fire up with the Empire and they throw the crowns up. Khan CLUBS Kidd, Henare LASHES Coughlin with his vest, and then Khan whips Kidd hard into railing! Red Shoes says fine then, and the bell rings to get this on record.

Fans cheer while Henare puts Coughlin in and throws forearms. Henare runs to then run Coughlin over! Fans cheer more, and Henare aims. Henare KICKS Coughlin in the back! And KICKS him again! Henare snapmares Coughlin to KICK him again! Then he SENTONS onto knees! Coughlin deadlifts and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Coughlin stomps Henare while Kidd whips Khan hard into railing, sending him up and out! Kidd then drags Khan to the back area of the stands, and whips him all the way into a wall! Coughlin digs his boots into Henare in a corner, then his knee. Red Shoes reprimands and Coughlin lets off.

Kidd and Khan keep brawling in the back as Coughlin CHOPS Henare! Coughlin whips Henare corner to corner then clotheslines! Coughlin then scoops Henare, and hits a FALL AWAY SLAM! Henare tumbles and writhes while fans applaud the show of strength. Coughlin covers, TWO! Tag to Kidd, and the War Dogs get Henare up. Coughlin holds the arms back so Kidd can CHOP Henare! And CHOP again! Kidd then stands on Henare’s head but Red Shoes reprimands. Kidd steps off to storm around. Kidd mockingly asks where Will Ospreay went. Kidd says he’s beating up Ospreay’s boys like they’re his b*tches!

Kidd DECKS Henare, then digs his knee in again. Tag to Coughlin, he drags Henare up, and says “Knock knock” as he taps Henare on the head. Henare snarls but Coughlin SLAPS him down! Coughlin says Henare’s supposed to respond, “Who’s there.” Coughlin kneels on Henare but Khan knocks him over! The War Dogs mug Khan, Kidd drags him out of the ring, then whips him hard into railing! Kidd even DECKS Callum for the hell of it! Fans boo but Kidd says he’s a madman! Coughlin stomps Henare, drags him up, and RAMS him into the corner. Tag to Kidd and Kidd RAMS into Henare. Kidd then snapmares Henare to drop an elbow! Cover, TWO!

Khan runs back in but Kidd DECKS him! Kidd drags Khan up to throw him out, and Coughlin hauls him up to whip hard into more railing! Kidd storms around, kicks Henare, but Henare grits his teeth. Kidd eggs Henare on, kicks again, but Henare blocks! Henare steps over to WHEEL KICK! Both men are down and fans fire up! Henare crawls, Khan drags himself up! But Coughlin runs in to BLAST Khan off the apron! Coughlin then goes out to stomp on Khan, and Kidd CLUBS Henare. Coughlin sends Khan into railing again! Kidd drags Henare up, ROCKS him, then bumps him off buckles. But Henare just growls!

Kidd bumps Henare off more buckles, but Henare just headbutts the buckles! Kidd eggs Henare on, CHOPS him, then whips him. But Henare reverses to SAMOAN DROP! Fans fire up as Henare crawls for his corner. Hot tag- NO, Coughlin YANKS Khan down! Red Shoes reprimands, Coughlin whips, but Khan reverses to send him into railing! And then Khan BOOTS Coughlin down! The fans fire up, hot tag to Khan! Khan runs Kidd over, whips him to a corner and clotheslines! Then torture rack and swing, NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Kidd is still in this but the fans rally behind Khan. Khan sits Kidd up, into the IRON CLAW SLEEPER!

Kidd BITES the fingers! And SNAPS them! Kidd runs, rebounds, but Khan gets under! Henare runs in, ASSISTED SITOUT POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Kidd survives but Henare and Khan coordinate. Shoutout to Aussie Open, RUNNING KICK SANDWICH! Scoop, HEEL KICK T T D!! Cover, Coughlin breaks it! Coughlin and Henare trade big forearms! Fans fire up as they go back and forth! Coughlin gets the edge, but Henare BODY BLOWS! And ULTIMA- NO, Coughlin fights the full nelson! So Henare shoves him to a corner for a SHINING WIZARD! Then snapmare and RUGBY KICK! And then the Monster Rage boils over!

Henare drags Kidd up, fireman’s carries, and Khan runs. But Kidd slips free to shove Henare into Khan! Kidd BITES Henare, TOSSES him out, talks trash, but turns around into the HELL STAB! IRON CLAW, but Kidd grabs at Red Shoes! RIGHT HAND!! Kidd and Khan fall over after that closed fist shot! Fans rally up as hard as they can but Kidd snarls as he drags Khan up. Kidd runs, springboards, OSCUTTER?!? Kidd sends a message to Ospreay, and Coughlin is back in! Gut wrench, Coughlin goes up, HIJACK TOMBSTONE!! Cover, War Dogs win!!

Winners: Gabe Kidd & Alex Coughlin, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Khan & Henare earn 0)

That madman tells Ospreay that he’s dead when they finally face off 1v1! December 16th is still two weeks away, is Kidd going to overlook the rest of the WTL all because he wants after the Kingpin?

2023 World Tag League, Block A: Shota Umino & Ren Narita VS Toru Yano & Tomohiro Ishii!

The Reiwa Musketeers are coming off a big main event win last round, and are near the top of the block! But the Clown Prince & Stone Pitbull just took down the top of the block last round against TMDK! Will Yano & Ishii pull off another shocker to get to the front of the line? Or will the Roughneck & Son of Strong Style make it through the Chaos?

The teams sort out and Ishii starts against Narita. The fans rally, the two tie up, and they’re in a deadlock. Every step Narita pushes Ishii back, Ishii pushes Narita back. Ishii uses his stockier frame to keep pushing Narita, and they end up on ropes. Red Shoes calls the break, Ishii lets off, but Narita intercepts the forearm with a forearm! Narita fires off more shots, but Ishii eggs him on! Ishii and Narita trade forearms back and forth, fans fire up as they pick up speed! Narita ROCKS Ishii, runs, but Ishii avoids the boot. Narita avoids the lariat to BOOT Ishii down after all! Fans fire up and Narita stomps Ishii. Narita then stands Ishii up to bump off buckles.

But then Ishii hits Shota! Shota hits back, Ishii fights both Musketeers at once! That doesn’t go well and they mug him 2v1. Tag to Shota and he digs his boots in while Narita BLASTS Yano! Red Shoes counts, Shota & Narita double whip Ishii to ropes, then DOUBLE ELBOW! SENTON! SOMERSAULT SENTON! Then they shake hands to DOUBLE ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Shota kicks Ishii around, eggs him on, but Ishii stands. The two stare down, and Shota throws a forearm. Ishii eggs Shota on now, so Shota throws more forearms. Ishii leans into the shots and backs Shota down like that! Shota keeps throwing shots, but Ishii DECKS him!

Fans fire up and Ishii rains down more shots on Shota! Red Shoes counts, Ishii lets off, and then Ishii eggs Narita on. Red Shoes keeps Narita back and Yano tags in. Yano fires up, and he unties a buckle pad! Then he throws it to Shota and tattles on him to Red Shoes! Shota gives the buckle pad over, and Yano SLAPS Shota in the head! Fans cheer but Shota scowls. Yano claws the eyes! Yano runs, Shota ELBOWS him then runs to basement dropkick! Tag to Narita, and Narita whips Yano to ropes, for a NECKBREAKER DROP! Cover, TWO! Yano is still in this and fans rally up. Narita brings Yano up but Yano pulls hair!

Narita kicks and whips but Yano reverses to throw Narita down by his hair! Yano drags Narita up and whips him into the bare buckles! Narita writhes, Yano BLASTS Shota, and Ishii rushes over to go after him! Yano throws Narita out and then goes out after him. Yano whips Narita hard into railing! Ishii whips Shota hard into railing, too! Yano drags Narita back up, puts him in the ring, and he stomps Narita around. Yano drags Narita up, tells haters to shut up, then tags in Ishii. Ishii CHOPS Narita, stalks him, and CHOPS him against the ropes! Ishii eggs Narita on and CHOPS him again. Ishii continues to egg Narita on, so Narita throws a forearm!

Ishii slaps Narita around, Narita throws more shots, but Ishii CHOPS him back down! Fans applaud, and Ishii taunts Shota. Shota coaches Narita but Ishii gives Narita toying kicks. Ishii HEADBUTTS Narita, CHOPS him, then CHOPS and CHOPS again! Narita roars but Ishii CHOPS him back down! Ishii whips Narita corner to corner, runs in, but into a BOOT! Narita runs up, Ishii ROCKS him! Ishii swings, but into a HALF HATCH! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Hot tag to Shota! Shota fires off on Ishii, whips him to ropes, but Ishii reverses. Shota CLOBBERS Ishii, then BLASTS Yano! Fans fire up behind Shota and he sends Ishii to a corner.

Shota runs in to UPPERCUT, then FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Shota keeps going, and he turns Ishii over into an STF! Yano stomps Shota, so Shota kicks Yano and tosses him out. Shota goes back to Ishii, stands him up, and clinches. Ishii fights the lift with elbows! Shota ROCKS Ishii, gives him taunting kicks, but Ishii ROCKS Shota back! Shota and Ishii stare down, and Shota fires off forearm after forearm! Shota has Ishii in the corner for more shots! Red Shoes reprimands but Ishii roars and turns things around to CHOP and ROCK Shota on repeat! The fans rally up as Shota sits down, only for Ishii to stand him back up for more!

Ishii CHOPS and ROCKS Shota into sitting down again, and the fans fire up! Ishii eggs Shota on, kicks him around, slaps him even, and Shota scowls. Shota storms up on Ishii, Ishii throws a forearm. Shota eggs Ishii on, and leans into the shots a la Ishii. Shota then ROCKS Ishii and he staggers away! Ishii comes back, Shota clinches but Ishii slips around. Shota elbows Ishii, whips, but Ishii reverses to SAIDO! Fans fire up while both men are down! Shota and Ishii crawl, hot tag to Yano! Yano fires up and whips Shota, but Shota reverses. Yano avoids the bare buckles, to then bait Shota into them! Roll up, TWO!

Yano runs, but Shota DROPKICKS him down! Fans fire up again, and Shota crawls to hot tag Narita! Narita runs up on Yano, BACK ELBOW! Then HALF HATCH BRIDGE! Cover, TWO! Yano escapes, but Narita BLASTS Ishii to cut off the tag. Narita clinches but Yano fights the lift! So Narita trips Yano, and rolls him, CROSS ANKLE CLOVERLEAF! Yano endures, the fans rally up, but Narita drags Yano from ropes! Yano keeps fighting around, he reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Narita lets off in frustration but the fans rally up again. Narita stands Yano up, reels him in, COBRA TWIST! But Yano powers free with a hip toss!

Narita runs in but Yano trips him! CATAPULT into the bare buckles!! Ishii clotheslines Narita, too! Then he BLASTS Shota! Yano fires up and he hauls Narita up. ONI- NO, Narita fights free! Narita gets around, SLEEPER! Yano is fading fast, but Narita goes to the COBRA TWIST now! Yano endures, fans rally up, and Yano fights his way around. Shota keeps Ishii out, and Narita brings Yano away with the SLEEPER! Then back to COBRA TWIST! Yano is turning red like his favorite chair! But Ishii sends Shota into railing, to then TACKLE Narita! Fans fire up while Narita tosses Ishii back out. Narita roars and goes back for Yano.

Narita drags Yano up but Yano fights the suplex. Narita knees low, runs, but Yano avoids the boot to clinch and BELLY2BELLY! Fans fire up while both men are down! Yano and Narita crawl, hot tag to Ishii, and he BLASTS Shota! Ishii drags Narita up, throws him into Shota, then runs, but Narita BOOTS! GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Ishii escapes and the fans fire up again. Narita crawls, hot tag to Shota! Shota aims at Ishii, BANG and V-TRIGGER! Shota then slingshots to APRON DDT Ishii!! Fans are thunderous and Shota stands tall as Ishii flops over. Red Shoes checks but Ishii is somehow still in this.

Shota drags Ishii up as the ring count begins. Shota puts Ishii in, climbs up a corner, and he MISSILE DROPKICKS Ishii down! Then Shota resets, to slingshot CUTTER! Cover, TWO!! Ishii survives and the fans fire up again! Shota drags Ishii up, dragon sleepers, but Ishii fights free. Ishii runs, into a snap cradle, that then shifts into a BONE LOCK!! Ishii endures the over-the-shoulder crossface, but Narita keeps Yano out! Shota pulls on the hold, but Ishii still fights around! Ishii reaches out, but Shota pulls back more! Ishii flails and kicks around, to have the ROPEBREAK! Shota lets go and the fans fire up again.

Narita slides in, he and Shota coordinate. Shota wrenches Ishii, dragon sleepers, and then gets Ishii up. Narita runs, BOOT into SAVING GRACE! Cover, TWO!! Ishii survives and the fans are thunderous again! The Musketeers stay focused, though, and they haul Ishii up. They double whip him to a corner, Shota runs in to ELBOW! Narita runs in to JUMP KICK! Feed to Shota’s forearm! Narita’s BOOT! Shota’s ROLLING ELBOW! Another BOOT! And then the lift, for the HART ATTACK! Cover, YANO BREAKS IT! Fans fire up but Narita fires off on Yano! Yano gets around, fireman’s carry takeover! Yano kicks and whips Shota, but Shota reverses!

But Yano denies the tornado DDT! Yano atomic drops Shota, then pops him up. Shota fights the Onigoroshi, underhooks Yano, but Yano RAMS Shota into bare buckles! Ishii reels Shota in, hoists him up, POWERBOMB! High stack, TWO!! Shota survives and the fans fire up again! Ishii roars, the fans duel, and Shota flounders up. Ishii runs, Shota BOOTS him, blocks the lariat, and ENZIGURIS! Narita is back to WHEEL KICK! Narita hurries to get Ishii up and NORTHERN LIGHTS! Then a clinch, but Ishii HEADBUTTS free! Narita ENZIGURIS, Shota full nelsons! Narita runs, but Ishii gets free, the BOOT hits Shota!

Ishii shoves Shota into Narita, Yano drags Narita out! LARIAT!! Cover, TWO!?! Shota survives and fans are thunderous again! Ishii grits his teeth and he stands back up. Ishii roars and looks to finish this off. We’re at 20 minutes, Ishii suplexes, but Shota slips free! HALF ‘N’ HALF! But Ishii gets right up to CLOBBER Shota! But Shota’s right up to SHOTGUN Ishii! Ishii’s back, but Shota pop-up KNEES, and LARIATS! Fans fire up again and Shota drags Ishii up. HALF ‘N’ HALF BRIDGE! Cover, TWO!! The fans are thunderous and Shota just fires up again! Shota aims from a corner, vowing to end it here!

Ishii slowly rises, Shota runs in, BLAZE BLADE!! But Shota isn’t done! Underhooks and- NO, Ishii wrenches out to PELE!! Both men are down and the fans are electric! Ishii goes to the corner while the fans duel, and he SLIDING LARIATS!! Cover, NARITA BREAKS IT! Yano runs in to toss Narita out! Ishii roars and he drags Shota back up. Ishii suplexes, but Shota fights free! Shota wrenches, ROCKS and ROLLING- NO, Ishii ROCKS Shota! But Shota catches Ishii, only for Ishii to wrench out! Shota POP-UP UPPERCUTS! And then V- NO, Ishii blocks to HEADBUTT! And then Ishii spins Shota to a BRAINBUSTER!!! Cover, CHAOS WINS!

Winners: Toru Yano & Tomohiro Ishii, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Shota & Narita earn 0)

There weren’t any tricks needed here, Ishii & Yano beat the Musketeers straight up! Is it still too soon for Shota & Narita to say the Paradigm Shift is coming?

And because it’s Ishii who won this, he’s a true strong silent type, so he and Yano just get outta here! No closing address tonight, but will actions speak louder than words for the Stone Pitbull in this tournament’s second half?

Here are the NEW A Block standings!

TMDK: 4-1, 8 points
Toru Yano & Tomohiro Ishii: 3-2, 6 points
Shota Umino & Ren Narita: 3-2, 6 points
War Dogs: 3-2, 6 points
Kaito Kiyomiya & Ryohei Oiwa: 2-3, 4 points
The United Empire: 2-3, 4 points
The House of Torture: 2-3, 4 points
The Gates of Agony: 1-4, 2 points

My Thoughts:

Another great round for World Tag League and this block, with some rather shocking moves. I really thought The Gates were going to get going after their win last round, but I guess the House of Torture couldn’t just drop off that badly so they had to win this here. And as we saw in that main event, Yano & Ishii are making a go of it in this block. They beat Shota & Narita, who are certainly still frontrunners, but that was great stuff to make a point that Shota & Narita aren’t ready to beat the real “old guard” they’re talking about replacing here. War Dogs beating the Empire seems fine, they’re mostly just keeping pace so they could cost somebody later.

And great match from TMDK VS the Noah duo, and a great win for TMDK to again be the clear first place team. 4-1 at the halfway point, this block is on Shane & Mikey to win or lose, and as I’ve been saying, TMDK as both a group and as just these two, the OG members, have been solid a long time. It’d be great if they got to the tournament finals here, maybe even get that title shot at WrestleKingdom.